News Releases - 1996

E. Moline Water Plant Operator Wins Top Professional Award

Springfield, Ill. -- Stephen Scully, director of the water treatment plant for E. Moline, Ill., has been named Operator of the Year in the surface water category by the Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association (IPWSOA).

The award is the highest professional honor operators can receive in recognition of service and performance in the waterworks industry. Awards are presented annually in surface, groundwater, and distribution categories, with two runners-up usually named in each division.

Scully received the recognition and a trophy during awards banquet ceremonies at the 65th annual IPWSOA conference in Springfield Thursday (Sept. 12). The conference is co-sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates operations of public water supplies in the state.

Runners-up in the 1996 surface water category were Larry D. Goldsmith, production manager for the Northern Illinois Water Corporation/Streator, and Joe A. Marucco, operator of the public water supply at Taylorville, Ill.

Scully, who has 24 years experience as an operator, oversees the work of a chemist and

13 other employees at a plant producing drinking water from the Mississippi River. During 1995-96, he headed implementation of an upgrade that raised water production from four million gallons to six million gallons daily. The E. Moline system serves 6,620 user connections, utilizing 90 miles of mains. In the last year, the E. Moline plant made major improvements to its chemical feed system and preventative maintenance program.

In addition to operating the water treatment plant, Scully supervises the plant’s laboratory, that has been certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health. For the last 12 years, he has been a part time instructor of water and wastewater courses at Black Hawk College.

William L. Merritt, superintendent of the village of Beecher’s water supply, was honored as Operator of the Year in the groundwater category, with Rickey L. Broaddus, Raymond, and Doug Chambers, E. Alton, as runners-up.

Steven Pittman, Hoffman Estates, was honored as Operator of the Year in the distribution category. Runners-up in that class were Gregory A. Bates, Jerseyville, and David J. Speagle, Langleyville.