The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently honored the Oyster Bay Sewer District with an "Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award" for its superior performance level during 1998."There is no better compliment than to be recognized by the agency that governs your operations and evaluates your work," said Oyster Bay Sewer District Commissioner and Chairman Thomas D. Galasso.This was the third year for the O & M Awards, which recognize wastewater treatment plants for the implementation of innovative and outstanding operations and maintenance and for management programs that result in high levels of continued efficiency.Winners were selected in categories based upon size and degree of wastewater treatment provided. The Oyster Bay Sewer District took first place in the medium advanced category for facilities that process 1 million to 10 million gallons of wastewater per day. Any publicly owned wastewater treatment plant in New York State was eligible to be considered for the "O & M Excellence Awards Program," however, a lengthy application process was required of all candidates."We provided the DEC with numerous descriptions and records of our operations in an effort to demonstrate our improved facilities," said Commissioner Galasso. "Year after year, we have consistently reduced nitrogen levels in the water and helped keep the bay safe and healthy."Under the state awards program, winners were selected for their overall wastewater treatment performance and facility operations by a committee of DEC Water Division staff judges."We're very proud of our hardworking staff," said Commissioner Galasso. "It is a great honor for all of us to be acknowledged for our dedication to protecting public health and the environment." Winning entries from the state awards program are forwarded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for consideration in its national awards program."It's nice when good work is rewarded," concluded Galasso. "We will proudly display our award for all to see."