100th Year Anniversary, 1902

Governor McGreevey, Reps. Pascrell and Rothman Join Commissioners In Celebrating PVSC Centennial

-- New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8) and Rep. Steven Rothman (D-9) today joined the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners in celebrating PVSC's 100^th Anniversary at a commemorative event held at PVSC's Newark treatment works. More than 100 attendees joined the Governor and Congressmen in applauding PVSC for its work in cleaning the Passaic Valley's waterways.

"From the Great Falls in Paterson to the Newark Bay, PVSC's presence has been felt for the past century," Governor McGreevey said. "The work of the Commissioners, as well as all of the men and women of PVSC, is visible every day as these waterways, once again become an importantpart of the fabric of life in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic, and Essex counties."

"We are proud of PVSC's century of service to the people and the environment of the Passaic Valley," said Chairman Donald K. Tucker. "In 100 years, PVSC has gone from a simple sewage pumping facility to the state's largest treatment works. By utilizing the brightest minds, the best technology, and most innovative thinking, we've been able to make the water of the Passaic River and Newark Bay cleaner and the entire Passaic Valley more vibrant."

"There is still much more work to be done to correct the many years of neglect these waterways suffered in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. PVSC welcomes this challenge and looks forward to another 100 years of environmental protection."

"Our success here would not be possible without the men and women who have served PVSC over this past century," said Executive Director Robert J. Davenport. "From the 7,000 men who labored for nearly 24 years to build the sewer lines and original Newark plant, to the men and women who run our facility today, to the Commissioners past and present, each has exhibited a dedication and commitment to environmental protection that has led to a great many accomplishments."

Over the past five years, PVSC has received numerous awards and distinctions for its work in the field of wastewater treatment. Chief among these is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) prestigious National Operations & Maintenance Excellence Award, which was awarded to PVSC last month. This distinguished award recognized PVSC for two consecutive years of operation without a single permit or reporting violation, its innovative Passaic River/Newark Bay Restoration Program, its successful Liquid Waste Acceptance Program and its Computerized Maintenance Monitoring System.

Gold Awards from the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) for perfect reporting and compliance. PVSC received AMSA Silver Awards for near-perfect compliance in 1996, 1997, and 1998.

This year, PVSC also received the Association of Environmental Authorities' Forward Thinking Award. In 2000, PVSC received the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SUSBA) Vision 2000 Award and USEPA Region 2's Environmental Quality Award for "protecting and enhancing environmental quality." In 1999, PVSC was awarded an AMSA Public Service Award and USSBA's Friend of Small Business Award.