CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITIES
2016-2017 PRESIDENTIAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT
MIKE BISI, GLASTONBURY WPCA
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Mike Bisi went to elementary school next to the Glastonbury Water Pollution Control Facility. His interest working around garages led him to think he wanted to be an auto mechanic. However, with the new treatment plant starting up in Glastonbury, he was hired for his mechanical aptitude at 19 years old and just out of high school. Mike worked in the collection system and the laboratory as an entry-level laborer. He took whatever classes he could and was fortunate to receive a lot of good mentoring.
Mike has been active in the Connecticut Water Pollution Abatement Association since 1975 and has served in many official positions chairing committees and on the Board of Directors including President of the Association. He has been active in NEWEA as the State Director from Connecticut (twice), Professional Wastewater Operator's Division Director, co-chair of the Safety Committee and participated in many other NEWEA committees and assignments. Currently, Mike is responsible for leadership of both the Town’s wastewater and solid waste programs. The Glastonbury plant handles about 2.2 MGD discharging to the Connecticut River and since only about 60% of the town is sewered, the plant takes in a substantial volume of septic tank waste. After nearly 40 years on the job, Mike admits that he held his nose when he toured the place and today he’s in charge of the plant and proud of its outstanding compliance record and award-winning performance. NEWEA honored Mike in 1983 with its William D. Hatfield Award for outstanding performance and professionalism, and with its Clair N. Sawyer award in 2009 for outstanding service to the organization. Mike’s facility has won numerous awards over the years, including the 2013 NEWEA Award for Operational and Performance Excellence. For the past 5 years, Mike has served as the President of the Connecticut Water Pollution Abatement Association (CWPAA) and CWPAA has seen many exciting and progressive changes. Mike has been very active participating in wastewater advocacy with legislative trips to Washington DC and the Capitol in Hartford. Mike’s leadership to the wastewater community and support of CAWPCA has been profound. Congratulations, Vinny! We appreciate all that you have done for our organization. |
CONGRATS MIKE!
LEFT TO RIGHT: Denis Cuevas, Mike Bisi, Tom Sgroi |