Aqua Ohio Receives OEPA’s Silver Level Encouraging Environmental Excellence Award for Lawrence County Improvements
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) has recognized Aqua Ohio for improvements the company has made to the sewage treatment plant since acquiring the 90-year-old former Union Rome Sewer plant in July of 2023. The award was based on a commitment to continuous system improvements, innovation, pollution prevention and sustainability practices. In part, the award recognizes Aqua’s “achievements improving Ohio’s environment, exceeding regulatory compliance obligations and commitment to environmental stewardship.”
“I’m proud of what Aqua has been able to do in the last year and a half,” said Aqua Ohio’s Area Manager Dave Dunn. “Aqua brought the financial resources and professional expertise needed to update the collection and treatment system. Under the local leadership of our Area Supervisor, Lisa Pine, we’ve made a real difference for our customers and the environment. I’m thankful the OEPA has recognized the improvements.”
So far, Aqua Ohio has invested more than $4 million to improve the wastewater collection and treatment system that serves approximately 4,800 customers in Lawrence County’s Union and Rome Townships.
When asked to elaborate on the improvements made in the system, Dunn highlighted two types of changes that have been made. The first required replacing and repairing critical equipment such as lift stations, equalization basin improvements and pumps. The second, equally important change, involved shifting to a more proactive approach, rather than a reactive response to breakdowns and overflows. Employees have spent time identifying the root causes of problems and correcting them before a crisis arises. For example, by proactively inspecting grinder pumps, and preventing stormwater from entering the system, crews have significantly reduced the occurrences of sanitary sewer overflows and plant bypasses that previously would have discharged untreated sewage into the environment.