Happy Wastewater Professionals,
This month the Western Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Association held the May 2026 plant tour in Hermitage Pennsylvania. Our gracious host, the Hermitage Water Pollution Control Food Waste to Energy & Wastewater Reclamation Facility provided a unique and interesting event/tour. Attendees braved the chilly but sunny start to the May 15th event and enjoyed the coffee and donut truck provided. The facility developed and operates a food waste to energy program at its wastewater treatment plant in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The process was developed in 2014 and was the first facility of this kind in the United States to take in food waste and convert to energy.
The facility processes packaged and liquid food waste, along with biosolids, to produce biogas for energy generation and Class A EQ biosolids for agricultural reuse. Class A EQ (Exceptional Quality) biosolids are treated sewage sludge that meets the strictest standards for pollutants, pathogens, and vector attraction reduction, so no additional land application requirements apply. This innovative program promotes landfill diversion, renewable energy generation, and sustainable resource recovery. Hermitage now processes 3.8 million pounds of food waste each month, and the Food Waste to Energy Program generates 9% of the Municipal Authority’s revenue. Attendees were divided into three groups to tour the plant and learn about its design and operation. After the tours, lunch was served at a local venue, followed by the WPWPCA business meeting, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. Special thanks to the Hermitage Water Pollution Control Food Waste to Energy & Wastewater Reclamation Facility for hosting this WPWPCA event.
On April 24th, the WPWPCA Sporting Clays Shoot took place at the Hunting Hills Shooting Preserve located in Dillner PA. This event was a WPWPCA's Scholarship Fundraiser Event and appeared to have record attendance. Special thanks to the WPWPCA Clay Shoot Committee organizing this fine event. Get ready for another 100 Round Sporting Clays Shoot event that is scheduled for the fall on October 5th 2026. Resister early to reserve your four-man team or individual(s) registration. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please visit https://wpwpca.org to register for these upcoming events.
June will be a special month as the PWEA Celebrates its 100th Anniversary and will host PennTec. PWEA's 97th Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, PennTec 2026. This distinguished event will take place from June 15-18 at the Hershey Lodge • 325 University Drive - Hershey, PA 17033. PennTec 2026 offers an engaging and comprehensive program featuring a diverse array of presentations centered on water quality. In addition to the technical sessions, PA DEP–approved workshops will provide additional contact hours for wastewater and drinking water operator licenses. The WPWPCA is seeking new wastewater professionals and suppliers to join our association. Here is a link for more information.
2026 New WPWPCA member registration and membership renewal is now open and available online. To Join Now go to https://wpwpca.org and click MENU and then Join Now- Online Application. Complete the registration form. To renew your WPWPCA Membership for 2026, please go to https://wpwpca.org and click MENU then Members Only then Renew My Dues.
To our Exhibitors and Sponsors, thank you for your past support and involvement with the Western Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Association. Your company advertisements are now available to be posted on the WPWPCA Website. Company logo ads can be purchased for $200 and will link to your webpage. Company partial page advertisements are available for $250.00 Company Line Card website posting is available for $250.00 These Logo’s, advertisements and line cards will be posted on the WPWPCA Website April 1, 2026, and run for 1 year until March 31st, 2027. Space is limited, go to https://wpwpca.org to order yours today.
Together, let us continue to lead with purpose, reach out to others to expand our membership, and continue making a lasting impact on the future of water quality in Western Pennsylvania.
With gratitude,
Scott Hinsch
President, Western Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Association (2025–2026)
VP Engineering and Sales, DRV Inc.
