CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITIES

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2014-2015 PRESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT 
DAVID IGNATOWICZ

David Ignatowicz started his career in 1975 as a temporary laborer at the Town of Vernon wastewater treatment plant under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

At around the same time, plans were underway to upgrade the Vernon treatment plant from an outdated secondary trickling filter plant to a 6.4 MGD AWT facility utilizing powdered activated carbon treatment with on-site regeneration. The upgrade created openings for several operator positions and his temporary job eventually became a permanent position.

Taking advantage of training opportunities, and with encouragement of Town staff, he worked to become certified, eventually obtaining DEP Class IV wastewater certification as well as NEWEA Grade IV collection system certification.

In 1981 David was appointed as Assistant Director of the Water Pollution Control Department with the responsibility for overseeing the operation of the treatment facility, pumping stations and over 100 miles of sanitary sewers and force mains.

In 1986 he became the Director of the Water Pollution Control Department, responsible for a department staff of 24 employees in plant operations, collection system, WPCA administration and billing. His duties included short and long range planning and the formulation and implementation of the department’s operating and capital budgets. He also helped forge and administer several intermunicipal sewer agreements with surrounding communities who utilize the Vernon treatment plant. 

In the early 1990’s, the treatment plant once again underwent a $32 million upgrade to achieve nitrification and reduce the amount of ammonia discharged to the plant’s receiving stream, the Hockanum River. The plant’s average daily flow capacity was also increased to 7.1 MGD.

At this point in time (2014), planning studies will be soon underway to review plant operations, future needs, and recommend strategies and upgrades required to reduce nutrients such as total nitrogen and phosphorus.

David has been a member of the Board of Directors of the CT Association of WPCAs since its inception in 2003 serving as past Secretary, Vice President and President.

He was a member of the Connecticut Water Pollution Abatement Association receiving the Raymond V. Lavery Award in 1977 for motivation, self-improvement and education.

He was a long-time member of the New England Water Environment Association and recipient of the Alfred E. Peloquin Award in 1992 for excellence in plant operations.

He was a member of the Water Environment Federation and in 2000 became a member of the Quarter Century Operator’s Club.

David was also a member of the Connecticut Certification Advisory Committee for Wastewater Operators for several years. 

David also served as technical advisor for many years and liaison from Vernon to the Bolton Lakes Regional Water Pollution Control Authority.

David Ignatowicz retired from the Town of Vernon as Director of Water Pollution Control in August 2014 after 39 years in the wastewater field. He lives with his wife Tish in Willington, CT and has three sons and two grandsons and looks forward to a nice long retirement. He adds, “I will always be grateful for being part of such a rewarding career and for all of the dedicated people I have come to know throughout the years”.

 

CONGRATS DAVE!