Teams Compete in the 20th Annual
Operator’s Challenge

On May 8th, six teams of sewage treatment workers from DEP's Bureau of Wastewater Treatment contended for the honor of representing New York City in the 20th annual Operator’s Challenge at the Jamaica Water Pollution Control Plant. The Operator’s Challenge is a national competition developed by the Water Environment Federation to formally recognize the expertise and skills of wastewater treatment plant operators. Teams competed in five timed events and the two highest scoring teams will advance to the New York State finals in June. The national competition, including two teams from New York State, will be held in October.

Top 2 Teams that will represent New York City in the State Competition:

1. Wards Island Collections Ninja Turtles
2. Bowery Bay Bowl Busters

Results of May 8th Operator's Challenge at Jamaica WPCP for the Five Events:

1. Collections
   1st Place: Jamaica Jesters
   2nd Place: Bowery Bay Bowl Busters
2. Safety
   1st Place: Bowery Bay Bowl Busters
   2nd Place: Tallman Island Turd Surfers
3. Maintenance
   1st Place:Bowery Bay Bowl Busters
   2nd Place:Jamaica Jesters
4. Laboratory
   1st Place:Jamaica Jesters
   2nd Place:Wards Island Collections Ninja Turtles
5. Process
   1st Place:Tallman Island Turd Surfers
   2nd Place:Tallman Island Collections Cobras

The Six Teams

1. Bowery Bay Bowl Busters
   Frank Giovanniello
   Marty Bunce
   George Mossos
2. Bowery Boys
   Anthony Bivona
   Joe Russo
   Carl Schmidt
3. Jamaica Jesters
   Mike DeVito
   Mike DaMato
   Tom Howel
4. Tallman Island Collections Cobras
   Edward McGuire
   Roger Alava
   Jagat Kemraj
5. Tallman Island Turd Surfers
   Melvin Newton
   Fernandez Herz
   Andrew DiMicco
6. Wards Island Collections Ninja Turtles
   Robert Kelley
   Matthew Ilardi
   Paul Luccioni