LEWISTON – The Department of Public Works was the recipient of the 2002 Environmental Achievement Award from the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments in commendation of its Gully Brook Sewer Separation Project.

AVCOG’s annual recognition awards program is designed to acknowledge area municipalities’ efforts to try new and different approaches toward serving residents and to promote those projects that have proven successful and effective as an example to others. The ceremony was held April 17.

The criteria for the Environmental Achievement Award focused on activities/efforts that provide substantial protection or improvement to the natural environment, particularly in the areas of water quality or solid waste management. In that regard, Lewiston’s Public Works Department was recognized for its expertise in methods employed to eliminate sewer system overflows and protect the water quality of Gully Brook.

AVCOG Director Bob Thompson noted, “What made this project unique was the fact that over 75 percent of the new pipe was to be laid in two tunnels that ran from the Gully Brook overflow, under Lisbon Street and under the Pepperell Mill Complex. The Department of Public Works worked with the engineer and contractor to develop creative construction techniques.”