Awards and Recognition Fiscal Year 2010

Our Operations Challenge Team, Liquid Force, had an outstanding showing at the state competition held in Myrtle Beach, SC. They took the following awards in a clean sweep: 1st Place Safety, 1st Place Process Control, 1st Place Collection, 1st Place Laboratory, 1st Place Maintenance, and 1st Place Invitational. Liquid Force then went on to represent South Carolina at the National Championship where they placed third. The highest place ever accomplished by a South Carolina Team.

Team photo, caption: Allan Clum, Tom Kohler, Coach David Niesse, Commission Chair William L. Golightly, Troy Newton, and Greg Hill.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Commission for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

This was the fourteenth consecutive year that the Commission has achieved this prestigious award. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a government must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive annual financial report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.

The GFOA also presented the Commission with its first Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its annual budget for Fiscal Year 2010 (July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010).

In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan and as a communications device.

The Certificate of Achievement and the Distinguished Budget Awards are valid for a period of one year only. We believe that our current annual financial report and our budget continue to conform to program requirements, and we are submitting them to GFOA to determine their eligibility for another award.

Christi Fowler, Human Resources Manager, was nominated for the 2010 Award for Professional Excellence in Human Resources. This award, sponsored by South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the South Carolina State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, recognizes individuals for outstanding service and dedication to the human resources field. There were 35 HR professionals nominated from across the state and Ms. Fowler was selected as one of the top 17.

Awards and Recognition Fiscal Year 2009

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Commission for it comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2008.

This was the thirteenth consecutive year that the Commission has achieved this prestigious award. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a government must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive financial report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.

Ken Burlison, Water Operator, was presented the Operator’s Meritorious Award at the South Carolina Environmental Conference. In addition, the Commission won several events at the Conference’s Operations Challenge, sponsored by the Water Environmental Association of South Carolina, including the overall championship plus first place awards for the collection, pump maintenance, and process control events; and second place for the laboratory and safety events.

Fiscal Year 2008

Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) and its employees received distinguished awards of recognition in Fiscal Year 2008.

The Water Environmental Association presented MPW’s Wastewater Operations Supervisor, Greg Hill with the William D. Hatfield Award. The William D. Hatfield award is presented to operators of wastewater treatment plants for outstanding performance and professionalism.

Tom Kohler, Wastewater Operator, was presented with the 2008 Operator of the Year Award. It recognizes Mr. Kohler’s commitment and dedication to the operation of the wastewater plants as well as the protection of the environment.

Commissioner Susan Mellichamp was selected by the South Carolina Rural Water Association (SCRWA) as the 2007 Board/Commissioner Member of the Year. The award recognizes Mrs. Mellichamp for her exceptional abilities and service to her community.

For the 12^th consecutive year, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to Mount Pleasant Waterworks by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Fiscal Year 2007

MPW’s General Manager, Clay Duffie, was presented the Herman F. Wiedeman Memorial Award. This award may be presented annually to someone who has been actively engaged in the water supply profession and has contributed substantially toward achievement and science of the water supply industry. Mr. Duffie served as leader of the S. C. Water Pollution Control Association and the S.C. Section of the American Water Works Association. Mr. Duffie chaired the Legacy of Learning Scholarship endowment, which raised over $500,000 for environmental students in South Carolina.

Tom Milazzo, Senior Engineer, was awarded the 2007 Water Environment Association of South Carolina’s Engineer of the Year award. He holds an M.S. in Environmental Systems Engineering, and is responsible for implementing MPW’s 10-year, $180 million Capital Improvements Plan, and providing guidance and training to MPW’s junior engineers. Mr. Milazzo has worked at MPW for 10 years and has been active in Water for People, a non-profit organization that provides water to those in need on a worldwide basis. 

For the eleventh consecutive year, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to Mount Pleasant Waterworks by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The CAFR is prepared by MPW’s Financial Services Division and judged by an impartial panel of experts throughout the country. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment.

Awards Received in Fiscal Year 2006

Several awards for public communication have recently honored Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) and its Marketing Team.

Bronze Addy Award for MPW's Annual Report for 2003 from the Advertising Federation of Charleston. The annual report showcased MPW's focus on environmental stewardship programs, community relations and MPW financial operations.

Silver Wing Award for Audio Programs for MPW's monthly telephone customer messaging system from SCPRSA. In the event a customer is put on-hold when calling MPW, this system provides timely, useful information on water conservation, environmental programs, money-saving tips and more.

MPW's Marketing Team worked to produce the annual report and audio programs. Team members include Alix Alexander, Sherri Anderson, Robin Burner, Dean Foster, Nicole Frampton, David McNair, Ed Pierce, Norman Lambeth, and Leo Russo.

Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) General Manager Clay Duffie and Utilities Division Manager Tom Wright have been honored for their service to the state's leading water utility associations.

George Warren Fuller Award: Clay Duffie recently received the Fuller Award from the American Water Works Association's (AWWA) South Carolina Section. The Fuller Award is among the state's highest honors for water professionalism. The award, presented by association peers, recognized Duffie for his vision, creativity and excellence in the water works industry.

Arthur Sidney Bedell Award: Tom Wright was named recipient of this year's Arthur Sidney Bedell Award by the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC). Wright was honored with the Bedell Award for his leadership, service and membership activity in the WEASC. Wright has more than 30 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry and has worked at MPW since 1989.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the Commission for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada, This was the ninth consecutive year that the Commission has achieved this prestigious award. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a government must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive annual financial report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.

Charleston County Grants Administration honored Mount Pleasant Waterworks and its Director of Community Development Leo Russo during the 30th anniversary celebration of Fair Housing Month. From left, Mrs. Gerardo Lynch, MPW Commissioner Diane Lauritsen, Leo Russo, Mrs. Julie Gathers, MPW Commissioner Herbie Wilcox and Gerardo Lynch.

Mount Pleasant Waterworks, Director of Community Development Leo Russo Honored At Fair Housing Month Celebration

Russo's Service to Charleston County Communities Recognized With Charleston County CDBG Award
Leo Russo, Director of Community Development at Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW), has received special honors by Charleston County for his work to bring clean drinking water and wastewater service to East Cooper neighborhoods.

The Charleston County Grants Administration Community Development Division presented the award as part of the Fair Housing Month Celebration. The event celebrated three decades of the federal Community Development Block Grant program and its mission to improve living conditions for low-income families across America. MPW was also honored at the event for its years of work as an organization to help improve living conditions in the East Cooper section of the county.

Dubbed "Mr. Waterworks" by the county's community development staff, Russo was honored for his tireless efforts working through complicated grant proposals and paperwork to unlock federal funds to help local families. Since 1999, Charleston County has awarded MPW $979,810 in CDBG grant funds to bring water and wastewater service and needed fire flow protection to low income communities. This improved quality of life benefits residents in the Green Hill, Remley's Pointe, South Venning Road, Hamlin Road and White Hall Terrace communities.

Several residents of those communities attended the awards presentation. "Charleston County is lucky to have such organizations as Mount Pleasant Waterworks with a Community Development Director willing to work with the enormous amount of paperwork and red tape required when managing federal grant funds," said Charleston County Community Development Manager Philip LaRoche. "From our perspective, through it all, Leo Russo hardly breaks a sweat."

Clay Duffie, General Manager of Mount Pleasant Waterworks, said Russo is a valuable asset not only to MPW but the entire East Cooper community. "Leo's work is about finding ways to bring clean, safe drinking water into the homes of families who have pulled substandard water from shallow wells for generations," said Duffie. "His work also helps eliminate poorly performing septic tank systems and that helps improve the environment for the larger community. This is a well-deserved honor for a job well done."

Mount Pleasant Waterworks Honored as "System of the Year"

Dec. 4, 2002
Clean, good tasting drinking water, environmental stewardship and superior service has earned Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) "2002 System of the Year" honors by the South Carolina Rural Water Association (SCRWA) in the category of large water systems.

The SCRWA presented the award during its recent annual meeting. The award commends MPW for its high standards of providing quality drinking water to the community, protecting resources for future generations, implementing innovative technology and providing excellent service.

Dennis Pittman Collections System Award - Mr. Tom Wright, Utilities Division Manager, was presented this award at the South Carolina Environmental Conference (SCEC) in March 2000. The award is presented to an individual for excellence in wastewater collection management.

Commissioner of the Year Award - Dr. William L. Golightly, Jr., Commission Chairman, was awarded the Commissioner of the Year Award by the South Carolina Rural Water Association (SCRWA)at the 2000 Annual Conference, held in Charleston, SC in June 2000.

Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies Gold Awards
Both the Center Street and Rifle Range Road Wastewater Treatment facilities received Gold Awards during FY2000. These awards recognize the Commission's complete and consistent compliance with the national pollution discharge elimination system permit.

Platinum Peak Performance Award FY99
The platinum award was presented by the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies to the Rifle Range Road Wastewater Treatment Plant for maintaining 100 percent compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems Permit for five consecutive years.

Silver Peak Performance Award FY99
The silver award was presented by the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies to the Center Street Wastewater Treatment Plant. This award is presented to facilities that have received five or less violations of its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit for five consecutive years.
 

1998 Environmental Protection Agency Operations and Maintenance Award for the Medium Size Secondary Treatment Plant Category
This national award recognizes outstanding operations and maintenance activities at publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities.

South Carolina Water Pollution Control Association Lowcountry District 7 Engineer of the Year (FY99)
This award, which recognizes excellency in water and wastewater engineering, was presented to the Commission's Director of Engineering, Angelo Hassig, P.E.

South Carolina Environment Conference Award.
At the environmental conference held in March 1999, the Commission's Operation Challenge Team, "The Liquidators", won the state competition. The purpose of the Operation Challenge is to recognize excellence in wastewater treatment operations. The teams compete in five events – process control, maintenance, collection systems, safety and laboratory.

Awards received at South Carolina Environment Conference FY 1998.
 

• Dennis Pittman Collection System Award presented to Calvin Grant, Maintenance Foreman.
• SC AWWA Distribution System Award presented to Barry Brown, Water Maintenance Foreman.
• SC Water Environment Association Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award presented to Cindy Tyner, Laboratory.
• George W. Burke, Jr., Facility Safety Award presented to the Commission on behalf of all employees for our good safety record.
• SC State Championship for Operations Challenge Team presented to "Centrifugal Force" team members for best overall performance in all categories of competition. Team members were Curtis Conyers, Troy Newton, Jackie Alston, Mark Lamb and Greg Hill.
• AWWA Award of Honor presented to the Management and Employees of Mount Pleasant Waterworks

1998 EPA Region IV Award for Operations and Maintenance in the Medium Secondary Treatment Plant category.
Nominated SC DHEC, the Commission won first place in Region IV Division.

1998 EPA National Award for Operations and Maintenance in Medium Secondary Treatment Plant Category.
Nominated by USEPA region IV, the Commission won first place in the National Division.