Woodard & Curran’s Zach Henderson received the Committee Service Award, Eddie Davies received the William D. Hatfield Award, and the University of New England Wastewater Treatment Facility received the George W. Burke, Jr. Award for outstanding safety program from the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) at the organization’s Annual Conference.
The Burke Award recognizes a municipal or industrial wastewater facility for establishing and maintaining an effective safety program. Woodard & Curran has operated the University of New England Wastewater Treatment Facility for over 30 years. Plant Manager Tim Baker has done an exceptional job implanting the firm’s safety program and the facility has had an exemplary safety record throughout Woodard & Curran’s time in charge.
The William D. Hatfield Award is given to an operator of a wastewater treatment plant who, through their outstanding performance and professionalism, deserves commendation. The award was established in honor of Dr. William D. Hatfield’s years of service as a treatment plant operator. Hatfield also served as Superintendent of the Decatur, Illinois Sanitary District, was President of the Central States Sewage Works Association in 1944-45 and served as President of the Water Environment Federation in 1958-59.
Davies, an Area Manager at Woodard & Curran responsible for oversight of multiple treatment facilities, was recognized for his work to implement effective communication and reporting and in communicating advancements in the field of water reclamation. In his role, he works closely with leaders in several communities, providing timely information on the performance of their facilities, collaborating with operators to address challenges and prevent issues before they arise.
“Eddie is exactly the kind of person this award was created for,” said Ryan Sullivan, Woodard & Curran’s Northeast Operations Leader for the firm’s Operations & Management business. “He is always looking for ways to improve communications within the facilities he is responsible for and working with the clients he serves to make sure their needs are met. He’s a deserving winner and we are thrilled he has been recognized for his dedication and hard work.”
The NEWEA Committee Service Award honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to active NEWEA Committees, supporting ongoing activities, events, programs, publications or the overall mission of NEWEA. This award is intended to acknowledge an individual or group who has played a significant long-standing support role in one or more NEWEA Committees.
Henderson received the award for his work with the organization’s Stormwater Committee, where he helped spearhead efforts to educate members about pressing issues in stormwater management. He was instrumental in the development of an ongoing series of educational sessions featuring leading experts from across the United States discussing emerging issues in the field.
“Zach has been a strong advocate and influential voice in advancing the practice of stormwater management for many years,” said Paul Jacques, Woodard & Curran Regional Leader for Watersheds. “He has consistently sought out innovative ideas and helped refine and spread them across the region and country. His work, in collaboration with the rest of the committee members, stands as an outstanding example of effective committee engagement and leadership.”
