BRYN MAWR, PA — Aqua Pennsylvania and Aqua Ohio are partnering with the Energy Innovation Center Institute (EICI) and Infrastructure Academy to bring significant environmental and workforce advancements to communities in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Backed by a $4.9 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program, the initiative is set to deliver far-reaching benefits.
The program’s mission includes conducting emissions and efficiency audits at drinking water and wastewater plants located in underserved and disadvantaged communities. Based on these findings, comprehensive training programs will be developed to cultivate a skilled and diverse workforce. A total of 145 individuals from these communities will be recruited, trained, and placed in water treatment plants across the two states.
“We are excited to work with this team and be a part of a project which will enhance skills through continued education and training for new workers as well as existing employees,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca.
The initiative extends beyond workforce development to address urgent environmental concerns. By focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon and other pollutants at water treatment plants, the program aligns with broader climate change mitigation efforts.
“The training that we will be able to provide through this effort will build and establish skills that will also lead to a healthier environment from reduced emissions,” said Aqua Ohio President Bob Davis.
Key collaborators on the project include Aqua, Pittsburgh Water, the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association, Pittsburgh Works Together, and the National Safety Council. This partnership creates a broad network of expertise, while the EPA grant paves the way for innovation and national influence.
Rich DiClaudio, President and CEO of EICI, underscored the long-term potential of the initiative, stating, “We strongly feel that the partners included in this project create a uniquely qualified team that will be able to deliver a drinking and wastewater treatment plant emission reductions strategy and training program that will become a national model for all water treatment plants.”
This EPA-funded project reflects a coordinated effort to uplift underserved communities while fostering environmental stewardship and economic opportunity. With its groundbreaking combination of emissions reduction and workforce training, the program has the potential to set a new standard for water treatment infrastructure nationwide.
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