Block Island Sewer Plant Chief Wins Big EPA Award

NEW SHOREHAM, RI — When most people flush the toilet, drain the bathtub, or use the dishwasher, they don’t give much thought to the resulting wastewater and its journey from the home. However, if you happen to be a sewer plant operator, it’s a daily concern — or, if you’re Dylan Chase, it’s an obsession.

Chase, 38, manages the New Shoreham Wastewater Treatment Plant on Block Island. He was just named 2020 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year by the New England office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award honors employees of wastewater plants who show a top commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance.

“Dylan is a humble person, and he won’t brag, but he is a real rock star,” remarked Bill Patenaude, principal engineer at the Office of Water Resources at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. “He is a young guy running a small plant, but he holds his own. He really knows his stuff. And he takes initiative on behalf of his community. He does things that he doesn’t have to do.”

“It’s not just a job to me,” Chase told Patch. ”I’m intrigued with advancements in wastewater technology and how it can benefit a community. Wastewater treatment is pretty much taken for granted by most people. But there are men and women working hard every day to keep our water clean.”

Chase was the first plant operator in Rhode Island to start testing the wastewater stream for COVID-19. Levels of the virus in wastewater are predictive of infection levels among people who rely upon the plant. Chase spearheaded the sampling program after reading about Biobot Analytics, a Cambridge-based research firm that specializes in wastewater-based epidemiology.

Working with Biobot, Chase ran the sampling program from late March through November. At first, the wastewater showed no trace of the virus. Then, after the 4th of July, the numbers went up, estimating the presence of around 20 cases on the island. The numbers also went up after Halloween, predicting a local uptick.

Ultimately, the sampling data proved to be interesting but not actionable, said Chase. For one thing, town officials were reluctant to use the technology to isolate specific locations in the community. “It’s a very challenging hurdle to overcome,” said Chase. “How do we use this information?”

Patenaude said he first met Chase at an annual “boot camp” RIDEM holds for plant operators. He said he was struck by Chase’s intellectual curiosity. Admission to the year-long program is selective, and monthly sessions focus not only on technical aspects, but on leadership skills. “Dylan showed up for every session, even when it was snowing,” said the state engineer. “And he arrived on a ferry. It was obvious that he is dedicated to the profession.”

Chase’s professional pathway was non-standard. He was hired at the plant about nine years ago, and learned on the job from former longtime plant operator Chris Blane. “They took a chance on me,” Chase said of the local sewer commission. “They let me earn my degree over time. And soon I’ll be getting my Grade 3 license, the first operator at this facility with that credential.” Two years ago, Blane retired, and Chase stepped up to fill his shoes.

Chase, who lives on Block Island with his fiancee and their two children, is now finishing up a bachelor’s degree in environmental science at Southern New Hampshire University. “I decided to go all in, and make science my career,” he said. “And here on the island, it makes sense to take online courses.”

The plant operator’s scientific mindset came in handy when Ørsted and National Grid were forced to rebury a transmission cable associated with the offshore Vineyard Wind project. The cable on the beach had become exposed due to erosion, and both companies were issued enforcement orders by the Coastal Resources Management Council. The project required horizontal drilling, and the process produced around 60,000 gallons of water infused with the bentonite, a type of clay. And that water needed to be treated.

“Ørsted approached us about the job,” said Chase. “I worked with RIDEM to develop a process to treat the drilling water.” He said the sewer district got paid for processing the drilling wastewater. According to Patenaude, Chase was vigilant and "held everybody’s feet to the fire" throughout the process. Patch reached out to Ørsted for comment, but the offshore wind developers did not respond in time for publication on Monday.

The New Shoreham plant serves only 300-700 customers during the winter, but that number goes up to about 4,000 during the summer months due to the presence of tourists and seasonal residents. The plant has to be able to meet peak load, Chase said. Ultimately, the treated water is discharged into Block Island Sound.

A second Rhode Island plant operator also won an EPA award. Kathy Perez is superintendent of the South Kingstown wastewater facility. That treatment plant was only one of three across New England to win a 2020 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plan Excellence Award.

“People who are fishing, wading, and swimming don’t want contaminated water,” said Dave Deegan, a spokesman for the New England EPA. “The men and women who operate wastewater plants are our true unsung heroes. Through this annual award, we hope they get some of the recognition they deserve.”

Live in New Shoreham? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Download our free Patch mobile app.