The New England Water Environment Association has awarded its 2015 NEWEA Operator of the year award to Kevin McLaughlin of the South Burlington Department of Public Works. The NEWEA Operator Award is given annually to an individual who has shown a high interest and performance in wastewater operations and has made a significant contribution to the wastewater field. “We are very proud of Kevin for this recognition and all his accomplishments and contributions to South Burlington,” said Justin Rabidoux, Director of Public Works. McLaughlin has worked in public wastewater treatment for over 15 years the last seven of those years for the South Burlington Vermont WQD. Kevin holds VT Grade 5 Domestic Wastewater Operators License and has very diverse skills including a very strong mechanical aptitude and a unique ability for fabricating parts at a moment’s notice in order to keep plant systems operating. Kevin can transition from operations to dewatering or truck driving with ease. He has been very instrumental in the startup of the state-of-the-art Airport Parkway WWTP Upgrade and Expansion and has been eager to learn and understand the new advanced technology. Kevin has participated on several Vermont Operations Challenge Teams and has attended numerous educational training sessions. Kevin recently received his award at the NEWEA Annual Conference and Exhibit in Boston MA.