Dr. Teng-Chung Wu Award
This annual award recognizes Dr. Teng-chung Wu's dedication to improving water quality throughout his career and, in particular, his leadership in pollution prevention. After Bay Area utilities spent billions of dollars during the 1980's to implement traditional treatment technologies, Dr. Wu believed pollution prevention was the most cost-effective next step in improving water quality.To advance pollution prevention in the Bay Area, Dr. Wu introduced a collaborative regional approach involving many public agencies and utilities in pollution prevention. His efforts lead to the formation of the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group. Because the public is ultimately the source of pollutants in wastewater, Dr. Wu believed strongly in the public outreach and awareness elements of pollution prevention programs. Application Process The award application process reflects Dr. Wu's pollution prevention philosophy by encouraging submissions from agencies that have worked together on pollution prevention projects or have shared their ideas and experiences with others to foster new and expanded pollution prevention programs. Applications are specifically evaluated based on leadership, innovation, commitment, measurable results, and benefit to the environment and community. The 2008 application submission deadline and other relevant information will be posted here when available.  Past Winners - 2007The Regional Water Board recognized the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group and the East Bay Municipal Utility District for their innovative pollution prevention efforts by awarding them the first annual Dr. Teng-chung Wu Pollution Prevention Award on September 12, 2007. The Regional Water Board acknowledged the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group for its successful regional program to stop dental mercury amalgam from reaching treatment plants and San Francisco Bay. It also recognized the East Bay Municipal Utility District for its successful collaborations with local environmental advocacy groups to implement various pollution prevention projects. The Board gave honorable mention to San Mateo County for reducing pharmaceutical discharges by refurbishing mail and courier boxes into pharmaceutical disposal containers and placing them at local law enforcement offices and the County courthouse. Links |