Municipal Water/Wastewater Operator Recognized with Prestigious Award

PORT HOOD, N.S. – Providing clean, safe drinking water is a critical aspect for protecting public health, and it takes a team of dedicated operations staff to meet water quality standards and regulatory requirements. As a hard-working member of the Municipal team that provides this service, Water/Wastewater Operator Mark Copley has been presented with the Operational Excellence Award for Drinking Water Operations. The accolade, awarded annually by the Maritime Provinces Water & Wastewater Association (MPWWA), was presented to Mr. Copley ‘In Recognition of Dedication to Operational Decision-Making, Assistance to Co-Workers and Community Involvement’.

Municipal Council presented the plaque from the Maritime Provinces Water & Wastewater Association to Mr. Copley during the September 2^nd Regular Council Meeting as well as congratulated him on his achievements.

As a Municipal team member since July 2012 and a Senior Water/Wastewater Operator since October 2020, Mr. Copley has been involved with operating water treatment facilities throughout the County in Chéticamp, Inverness, Mabou, Port Hood, Judique, Port Hastings and Whycocomagh. He monitors the operation of all treatment facilities, both on-site and remotely as required to ensure proper operations, performs water quality tests, submits samples to accredited labs as required and works with management to address facility maintenance and treatment needs. His experience and ability to effectively transfer knowledge to other co-workers is invaluable and helps ensure the safety and cleanliness of drinking water across the Municipality. Along with his commitment to his work in service of Inverness County residents, Mr. Copley is also an active volunteer in the community of Inverness.

“[Mr. Copley] regularly provides valuable input with management regarding major decisions related to drinking water facility operations, and he’s a well-liked and valuable citizen throughout the County,” said Alan Benninger, regional representative for the MPWWA. “Operators like Mark work hard behind the scenes in their communities and he is very worthy of this award.”

“Council is proud of the hard work and dedication Mark has shown in his role. This recognition is well-deserved,” said Warden Laurie Cranton.

The MPWWA is an operator-based organization with over 850 members who are dedicated in their efforts to provide the communities they serve with drinking water and wastewater services that are protective of public health and the environment.