Scott Cummings Receives 2021 Public Works Leader of the Year Awards
Pictured, Scott Cummings, Director of the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District, received the 2021 Public Works Leader of the Year Award from the Western New York American Public Works Association during an awards banquet in Buffalo, N.Y. on April 7, 2022.
MAYVILLE, N.Y.: -- Scott Cummings, the Director of the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District, recently received two awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA). He received the 2021 Public Works Leader of the Year Award from the New York State Chapter and from the Western New York (WNY) APWA.
The award is presented annually to an individual who works in the public sector and recognizes their commitment to helping the public and improving communities in New York State.
Cummings first began his career with the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District in 1992 as a Wastewater Maintenance Mechanic II. He was then appointed as the District’s Director in 2017. He also serves as Director of the Portland Pomfret Dunkirk Sewer District.
“Scott Cummings is a paragon of public service,” said Pierre Chagnon, Chautauqua County Legislature Chairman. “His extensive list of awards, commendations, letters of appreciation, and certifications span 33 years as a fire fighter, fire chief, fire investigator, and County employee. It has been my honor and privilege to assist Scott in his exemplary and dedicated service of those served by the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District, The Portland Pomfret Dunkirk Sewer District, the North County Industrial Sewer District, and the North County Industrial Water District. He is a true hero and most deserving of this recognition as he approaches retirement.”
During his tenure as Director, Cummings helped implement the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project to remove 90 percent of phosphorus from the North end of Chautauqua Lake and the Village of Mayville’s wastewater effluent, which earned the Western New York American Public Works Association’s Project of the year award for 2018. He also helped put an agreement together between the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District and the Town of Chautauqua for sewage treatment services for the Chautauqua Height Sewer District to help the Town meet the Phosphorus removal requirements for Chautauqua Lake. Over the last several years, Cummings has been working to help improve the sewage collection system around the North end of Chautauqua Lake and on Lake Erie in the Van Buren areas to reduce inflow and infiltration into the systems to try to reduce treatment costs.
“I thank Legislative Chairman Pierre Chagnon for submitting my name for this award,” said Cummings. “It has been a true honor working with and for the people of Chautauqua County, one of the greatest places in our great country to live and raise a family. I have always been proud to live and work in Chautauqua County. Thank you for giving me the honor to represent the hard working people of our area.”
“I applaud Scott on this well-deserved achievement,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “Over the years, he has gone above and beyond to serve the over 1,300 customers that encompass the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District and to improve the water quality of Chautauqua Lake.”
The WNY APWA is one of five branches in the New York Chapter. It actively supports the Public Works community by promoting the advancement of improved practices to serve the best interests of the public. It also provides opportunities for member interaction, participation and training.
For more information about the New York Chapter of the American Public Works Association, please visit: http://newyork.apwa.net/ .
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