WHAT IS OPERATORS EXCHANGE ?

​Operator Exchange is a NEWEA Program that matches up New England states each year to swap operations professionals for a two-day tour and knowledge transfer (expenses paid). This exciting program is aimed at the exchange of information and best practices for wastewater treatment to support excellence in operations. CTWEA is working with DEEP to seek TCHs for participation in this event. 

HOW DO I APPLY ?

CTWEA is currently planning for the 2026 Operator Exchange.  The Operator Exchange is a NEWEA program that matches up New England states each year to swap operators for multiple days of tours and knowledge exchange (all expenses paid).  This exciting program is aimed at the transfer of knowledge and best practices for wastewater treatment and operations.  This year, Connecticut will be paired up with Maine and visits to the Pine Tree State will occur September 16-18.  All licensed operators are welcome to apply for consideration.  The deadline to apply is July 24th with selected applicant notified by August 14th.

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

PictureBert Galpin attending the GMWEA Spring Meeting.
Bert Galpin of the Thomaston WPCF participated in the Operator Exchange last year in Vermont.  We are grateful for the hospitality and wealth of information provided during the tours.  Bert was able to spend a day at the Green Mountain Water Environment Association’s Fall Tradeshow which was preceded by four plant tours in two days.  The facilities Bert visited in the Green Mountain State were:
 
  • Montpelier MWRRF: 3.97 MGD, Regional solids handling facility, receives 30% of VT septic
  • South Burlington/Airport Parkway WWTF: 3.25 MGD, Anaerobic Digestion, Microturbines
  • Essex Junction WRRF: 3.3 MGD, Anaerobic Digestion, Thermal Energy Recovery
  • Burlington Main WWTF: 5.3 MGD, major upgrade just started, VT’s only CSO facility

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

John McLaughlin of Bridgeport WPCA participated in the Operator Exchange last year and was hosted in New Hampshire. We are grateful for the hospitality and wealth of information provided during the tours. John was able to tour the following facilities in the Ocean State: 
  • Concord, NH:  10.1 MGD, 5 MG Landfill Leachate
  • Manchester, NH:  43 MGD, 50% combined sewer, Fluidized Bed Incinerator
  • Dover, NH:  4.7 MGD, Modified Ludzack-Ettinger process
  • Pierce Island (Portsmouth, NH):  4.8 MGD, Complete upgrade with Secondary Treatment in 2021
  • Newington, NH:  0.3 MGD, 2 Sequential Batch Reactors