NY Water Environment Association appoints Fiegl president

NYWEA protects, enhances water resources; EC DEP Deputy Commissioner Fiegl to serve as president through February 2017

The New York Water Environment Association, or NYWEA, a nonprofit, educational organization founded in 1929 by professionals in the field of water quality, has announced the appointment of Joseph Fiegl as president.

Fiegl, a deputy commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, will oversee and assist in coordinating NYWEA's operations through its statewide board and across its 2,500-person membership. NYWEA also includes seven local chapters in New York that are organized through the state association, with the western chapter encompassing Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Niagara, Allegany, Wyoming and Genesee counties.

"It is an honor to be appointed NYWEA president, and also a responsibility that I take very seriously," Fiegl said. "I look forward to continuing work with my counterparts from across the state and keeping the issue of water quality at the forefront in municipal discussions. We are doing a lot to improve water quality in Erie County, and I look forward to sharing our experiences and learning from others as we work to protect and improve water resources statewide."

Fiegl has been a member of the NYWEA board of directors since 2011. He serves as deputy commissioner of the ECDEP's division of sewerage management with oversight of the operations and maintenance of seven wastewater treatment facilities, approximately 100 pumping stations, and more than 1,000 miles of gravity sewer pipe and force mains, along with a full-time staff of over 230 employees.

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz added, "Joe will be a tremendous asset to NYWEA as president, and I congratulate him on the appointment. He is at the leading edge of numerous water quality improvement projects underway here in Erie County and will represent our county well, bringing his expertise, experience and insight to bear for the betterment of all."

Erie County Commissioner of the Department of Environment and Planning Thomas Dearing said, "Joe Fiegl has exhibited strong leadership in managing the eight sewer districts within Erie County. His commitment to cost-effective practices and adherence to environmentally sound design principles are important traits that can benefit practitioners across New York state."

For more information:

• On the NY Water Environment Association, visit http://www.wnywea.org/default.aspx.
• On the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, visit http://www2.erie.gov/environment/.