Pennsylvania American Water Wins Award of Merit
The Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) has selected Pennsylvania American Water to receive the 2009 Northeast Regional Award of Merit. The association presents the award annually to organizations or individuals that have made outstanding contributions to dam safety.
The award will be presented to Pennsylvania American Water on Sept. 29, at the ASDSO Annual Conference Banquet in Hollywood, Fla. ASDSO is a national non-profit organization serving state dam safety programs and the dam safety community, including federal dam safety professionals, dam owners and operators, engineering firms and others interested in improving dam safety.
Pennsylvania American Water owns, operates and maintains 65 regulated dams across the state. According to Senior Engineer Anthony Nokovich of Pennsylvania American Water, this award stems from the company's internal dam inspection program and for its proactive approach to dam improvements, which has earned commendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
In addition, Nokovich said the company developed and received DEP approval on emergency action plans for all of its high-hazard dams, and it continues to prepare remediation plans for dams across the state.
"This award reflects the great deal of time, expertise and financial resources that we devote to ensure the long-term safety of our dams and reservoirs. It's a real honor to be recognized for this commitment by our industry peers," said David Kaufman, vice president of engineering, Pennsylvania American Water.
Pennsylvania American Water, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing water and/or wastewater services to more than 2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.