RUMFORD – The operators of a natural-gas-fired power plant were recognized by county, local and state officials Tuesday for their “outstanding efforts” in planning, reporting and training over the past year.

Rumford Power Inc. Facility Manager Patrick Welch accepted the Facility of the Year 2008 award in the plant from Teresa M. Inman, chairwoman of the Oxford County Local Emergency Planning Committee of South Paris.

“We’re appreciative of it,” Welch said. “Assuring the safety of our surrounding community and our employees is our highest priority.”

The facility was built in 2000 in Rumford’s Industrial Park off Route 108 and employs 18 people.

Inman read a statement before presenting Welch with the large, framed award.

“Your facility exceeded federal and state requirements for an Extreme Hazardous Facility by not only completing your annual plan review and reporting requirements, but by also hosting and participating in a drill at your facility,” Inman said.

The drill, which included employees, emergency responders and Rumford Hospital, “provided a valuable opportunity for first responders and hospital personnel to prepare and respond to a simulated chemical spill at your facility,” she said.

The training exercise enabled all who participated to familiarize themselves with Rumford Power’s emergency response plan and the plant’s challenges.

“From the lessons learned at this event, we can work toward improving our response and planning efforts, as well as pass on your strengths to other facilities with similar hazards,” Inman said.

She credited Rumford Power with creating new partnerships and strengthening relationships with the local first-responder community.

“Obviously, any time we can get an award for our environmental and safety efforts, it’s gratifying and appreciated,” Welch said.