One scene from the county wastewater video was filmed on the banks of Gunston Cove where the clean water is successfully put back into the ecosystem. Photo contributed
The Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control wastewater treatment plant was recently recognized for their “Tertiary Filters Rehabilitation Project,” and “Rehabilitation of Three Equalization Basin and Ancillary Facilities,” by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in its annual Mid-Atlantic Region awards.
The Noman M. Cole Jr. plant was among eight Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) facilities awarded by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the APWA in its annual Mid-Atlantic Region awards. Five of the awards were for Project of the Year and three honorable mentions.
“Having Mid-Atlantic APWA recognize the work of DPWES and our partners with these awards acknowledges the excellence in the building and enhancement of the county’s infrastructure,” said DPWES Assistant Director Juan Reyes.
Reyes was featured in the county video documentary that focuses on the water cycle, and the activities at the Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control wastewater treatment plant. They discuss the process and focus on the clean water going back into the waters of Gunston Cove “clean enough to sustain life,” one of the officials said. Maureen Gable, the science department chair at Lake Braddock Secondary School, uses examples from the plant to teach students in her AP Environmental Science class.
Noman M. Cole Jr. might be best known for his efforts to improve the water quality in the Potomac River. He was principal author of the 1971 Occoquan Watershed Policy, which prompted establishment of the Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority and the creation of one of the world's most advanced sewage treatment plants. Cole died in 1997 at age 63.
The following projects were selected for 2021 awards. Each winning project was completed by either the Wastewater Design and Construction Division, the Building Design and Construction Division or the Utilities Design and Construction Division. All three divisions are in the DPWES Capital Facilities business area.
- Winner - Backlick Run Gravity Sewer Emergency Abandonment Project - Project of the Year Award for the category of Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair Less than $5 million
- Winner - Tertiary Filters Rehabilitation Project at the Noman M Cole Pollution Control Plant - Project of the Year Award for the category of Environment $5 - $25 million
- Winner - Reston Community Center Aquatics Facility Renovations - Project of the Year Award for the category of Structures $5 - $25 million
- Winner - Scotts Run Trail Project - Project of the Year Award for the category of Transportation Less than $5 million
- Winner - Innovation Center Station Parking Garage Project - Project of the Year Award for the category of Structures $25 - $75 million
- Honorable Mention for the Rehabilitation of Three Equalization Basin and Ancillary Facilities - Project of the Year Award for the category of Environment $5 - $25 million
- Honorable Mention for the Department of Vehicle Services West Ox Facility Renovation - Project of the Year Award for the category of Structures $5 - $25 million
- Honorable Mention for the Mclean Metro Gravity Sewer Capacity Improvements Project - Project of the Year Award for the category of Environment Less than $5 million
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards will be announced during a virtual ceremony. The date is pending.