NMCC Holds Ribbon Cutting for Water Treatment Technology Program October 11th
Aroostook County – NMCC is happy to announce that Commissioner Paul Mercer of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection will be on hand on October 11th at 9:30am for the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Water Treatment Technology program lab. NMCC is the only college in Maine to offer an Associate Degree in Water Treatment Technology (WTT) as well as certificates in both water and wastewater treatment technologies.
The water treatment lab is located in Aroostook Hall on NMCC campus at 33 Edgemont Drive in Presque Isle.
According to the industry, these programs are essential due to an aging workforce and the need for qualified personnel to operate the more complex equipment in water treatment facilities.
The programs, which began this fall, were created in response to a request by the MeDEP and in association with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The two-year associate degree covers state-of-the-art technologies in both water and wastewater treatment. The one-year certificate programs offer certification in either water or wastewater technology. The one-year programs prepare students for state-approved operator testing for immediate employment in the industry.
“We are very excited about how responsive the College has been and all the offerings developed,” explains Nick Archer, Northern Maine Regional Director of the MeDEP
The programs are instructed by John Belyea, a licensed professional engineer. Belyea has worked in the engineering consulting industry since 1998. His experience includes interaction with various state and local governments and industry professionals in the eastern U.S., as well as an understanding of the future economic challenges that face the State of Maine and its municipalities.
“I am honored to be a part of the team creating and implementing this program for the region. I know we will have a real impact keeping the lakes and rivers clean for future generations and to ensure the safety and purity of our drinking water,” says Belyea.
Employment opportunities for graduates of the Water Treatment Technology program include town and city treatment plants as well as plants operated by companies or government agencies.
The project was funded through the NMCC Foundation.
For more information on water treatment technology and educational opportunities at Northern Maine Community College, visit www.nmcc.edu.