Steve Miller, head of wastewater management at The Alchemist brewery in Stowe, has been recognized for his environmental accomplishments by the Green Mountain Water Environment Association with the 2023 Outstanding Industrial Operator Award. Miller was presented with the award at the association's spring meeting at the Killington Grand Hotel on May 25.
Stowe Director of Public Works Harry Shepard nominated Miller for the award, which is presented for significant accomplishments in operations, problem solving, management and understanding of industrial wastewater issues.
Miller, who was a brewer before he shifted to managing the mission-critical wastewater management, has been operating The Alchemist's state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility since the brewery and visitor center opened in 2016. In this role, he is responsible for reducing waste throughout the brewing process and operating the moving-bed biofilm reactor that has allowed The Alchemist to dramatically reduce its high-strength effluent load into Stowe’s water and sewage system.
Miller holds an industrial wastewater operator license through the state of Vermont and has led The Alchemist's efforts on wastewater management.
“We are so proud of Steve’s accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition,” said Jen Kimmich, co-founder and CEO of The Alchemist. “His commitment to meeting the highest standards and continual process improvement has had a powerful impact, not just on our brewery and our environment but also on the brewing industry as a whole.”