Six-member team coached by graduates, trainers of DEM's Wastewater Management Bootcamp
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today a local team of wastewater treatment plant operators won the 2017 Operations Challenge, hosted by the New England Water Environment Association, and will now move on to represent the region in a national challenge this October.
The Challenge, known in the industry as the "Wastewater Olympics," tests operators' proficiency in five key disciplines: maintenance, safety, collection, operations, and laboratory. Rhode Island's six-member team, the Ocean State Alliance, received coaching and support from graduates and trainers of DEM's popular Wastewater Management Bootcamp.
"I'm delighted but not surprised that our operators took home this win and will now move on to represent New England on a national stage," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Every day, Rhode Island operators treat some 120 million gallons of raw sewage, protecting our waterways, way of life, and the health of our families and economy. We have the best in the business in Rhode Island, which was on display during this Challenge. Kudos to team Ocean State Alliance. You make us all proud. Fantastic!"
Team Ocean State Alliance was sponsored by the Narragansett Water Pollution Control Association, with generous support from local private and public wastewater-treatment organizations.
For more information on DEM's Wastewater Management Bootcamp, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.