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To: Members
From: National Office
Date: October 7, 1998
Subject: 1999 National Environmental Achievement Awards
Reference: MU 98-19

Action Please By: December 18, 1998

AMSA is now accepting nominations for its 1999 National Environmental Achievement Awards. These awards recognize the contributions of individuals and member agencies to the field of environmental protection and wastewater treatment. Since its inception in 1983, the AMSA awards program has honored 92 individuals and 62 member agencies. The following AMSA National Environmental Achievement Awards will be presented in 1999:

Individual Achievement

Member Agency Achievement

The following pages provide both information on the eligibility criteria for each award and instructions and forms for submitting nominations. Applications will be accepted through December 18, 1998. AMSA’s Awards Committee will review each application and select honorees during AMSA’s Winter Conference, February 2-5, 1999.

The 1999 National Environmental Achievement Awards will be presented during AMSA’s National Environmental Policy Forum and 29th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, May 15-19, 1999.

Nominators should note, there are changes to the nomination application. All applications require the endorsement of the nominating agency’s representative to AMSA, via signature. Also new to the nominating application is a space for you to indicate your agency’s chief elected official(s) who will be notified if you agency is selected for an award.

If you have any questions concerning the 1999 National Environmental Achievement Awards Program please contact Sharon Powell at 202/833-1499 or spowell@amsa-cleanwater.org.

 

1999 INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Public Service Awards (Three Categories)

Eligibility:

Former or current elected or appointed public officials at the local, state, and federal level of government. Award may be given at each level of government.

Criteria:

Outstanding public service exhibiting a particular and continuing awareness of the challenges faced by municipal wastewater treatment agencies.

Distinguished Performance Award

Eligibility:

Individual formerly representing AMSA member agencies who maintained an active role in the Association during their tenure.

Criteria:

Efforts and dedication in the field of water pollution control while representing their agency.

President’s Award

Eligibility:

Individual currently employed by an AMSA member agency.

Criteria:

Individual must be active in AMSA activities and have made a major contribution toward achieving the goals and objectives of AMSA.

Environment Award

Eligibility:

Unrestricted.

Criteria:

Outstanding environmental service.

1999 MEMBER AGENCY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Research & Technology Award

Eligibility:

Development of a technological innovation related to wastewater treatment or biosolids/sludge use and disposal.

Criteria:

Research project or technological innovation must directly relate to the processes of collection, treatment or reuse of wastewater or use or disposal of biosolids/sludge. Project must have been conducted in-house, or by consultant under direction of the agency. Project results must have practical application.

Operations Award

Eligibility:

Outstanding project, system or method relating to wastewater treatment operations.

Criteria:

Innovative and effective project, system or method relating to wastewater treatment plant or collection system operations developed and successfully implemented by an AMSA member in a cost-effective manner while achieving environmental compliance objectives.

Public Service Award

Eligibility:

Significant contribution during the past year in local, state, or national public service related to wastewater treatment, public utility operation, or environmental protection.

Criteria:

Involvement must be by agency staff or commissioners (directors, chairs) with no added payment for public services rendered. Public Service must be voluntary (not required by regulation or law).

Public Information and Education Awards (Three Categories)

Eligibility:

Outstanding and innovative video, printed publication, and/or educational program related to wastewater treatment or pollution prevention and control.

Criteria:

Program, publication or video must have been produced by the agency staff or by an outside vendor at the express direction of the agency. Program, publication or video must cover some aspect of the agency’s operations, and must have been produced for general use or distribution.

NOMINATION GUIDELINES AND CHECKLIST

All applicants must follow the guidelines described below.
  • Supporting information, such as documents, reports and videotapes, will be accepted: however, due to the limited time available for the Awards Committee to review such materials, the Association strongly recommends that the attributes of all nominees be highlighted as concisely as possible in the summary overview.
  • Please note that all applications and summary overviews are photocopied for each member of the Awards Committee. Nominators are encouraged to submit unbound, clear originals.
  • It is expected that applicants for the Public Information & Education Awards in video, printed publications, and educational programs will submit the appropriate supplemental material in addition to the summary overview.

For each nomination, please provide the following:

Individual Achievement Awards
  • Nomination Application (with endorsing signature)
  • Summary overview detailing how the work and activities of the nominee specifically meet the criteria for the selected award category. Please identify the name of the nominee and award category at the top of the summary overview, which should not exceed 2 pages of double-spaced, 12-point type.

Agency Achievement Awards
  • Nomination Application (with endorsing signature)
  • Summary overview that lists and answers the following 10 points:

  1. What is the activity?
  2. Time frame of the activity.
  3. Goals and objectives of the activity.
  4. Results of the activity.
  5. Level of participation in the activity - who, how many employees, organizational structure.
  6. Did the activity have environmental education benefits? If so, to whom (if applicable).
  7. Was there a demonstrated need for the activity?
  8. In what way was the activity innovative?
  9. Is the activity replicable by others?
  10. Additional information? Please identify the agency name, award category, and project/program name at the top of the summary overview, which should not exceed 4 pages of double-spaced, 12-point type.

  • Supporting Material (if necessary)

 

Submit one completed application per nominee by December 18, 1998 to:

Sharon Powell, AMSA, 1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20036

ATTACHMENT - 1999 National Environmental Achievement Awards Nomination Application