The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board has announced the recipients of the first-ever Water Quality Awards. The winners were honored at a dinner Thursday, April 19, 2001, at the Doubletree Hotel in Pasadena.
"This newly established annual award program recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations who are helping the Regional Board in a substantial way to accomplish its mission, which is the preservation and enhancement of water quality," said H. David Nahai, the Regional Board Chair. "There are very positive stories to tell. This event provides a wonderful showcase for the work underway to improve our environment."
Recipients were selected from among nearly 50 nominees. The Awards and their recipients are as follows:
• Water Quality Excellence -- Dorothy Green, a local environmental legend who founded the environmental group Heal the Bay in her living room and has gone on to launch the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council.
• Innovation in Water Quality Technology -- The City of Santa Monica, honored for its groundbreaking work in the area of stormwater pollution prevention.
• Water Body Restoration -- The Topanga Creek Watershed Committee’s Car Wrecks Removal Project, responsible for removing 20 old cars and 17 debris piles from Topanga Creek, clearing the way for steelhead trout.
• Most Improved Permittee -- The City of Los Angeles’ Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant, cited for its transformation into one of the nation’s premier wastewater treatment facilities.
• Water Quality Conservation -- The Ventura County Flood Control District, recognized for the implementation of several programs to enhance, protect and preserve water quality in Ventura County water bodies.
• Public Education in Water Quality -- Think Earth Environmental Education Foundation School Program, noted for its success and effectiveness in reaching out to elementary school students concerning conservation, waste reduction and pollution control.
• Water Quality Stewardship -- Heal the Bay, long recognized as a leader in environmental advocacy, this group began with a focus on Santa Monica Bay but now inspires stewardship of coastal and inland waters from Santa Barbara to the Mexican Border.
• Water Quality Leadership -- State Senator Byron Sher, lauded for his long and distinguished career and for his unparalleled commitment to the advancement of water quality and protection of the environment.
"As we start our new century, it is amazing to see the progress that has been made in the last 51 years since the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board was established," said Nahai. "We are very excited about having the chance to formally recognize some of those who have made a difference and encourage everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements."
Source: Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
