Sidney wastewater manager recognized by worldwide association

SIDNEY — Todd Sukup, wastewater superintendent for the City of Sidney, recently received the 2024 Water Environment Federation William D. Hatfield Award.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a global organization dedicated to inspiring the water community to promote human and environmental well-being, according to its website.

"I’m not sure how I was selected. I’m not sure if the nominating committee nominated me themselves or if someone outside the committee submitted my name," Sukup said Wednesday, November 27.

He learned the organization had contacted his wife and Sidney City Manager David Scott about the award.

The Hatfield Award recognizes wastewater treatment plant operators for outstanding performance and professionalism. It was established in honor of Dr. William D. Hatfield, superintendent of the Decatur, Illinois, Sanitary District. Dr. Hatfield served as president of the Central States Sewage Works Association from 1944 to 1945 and as president of the Federation from 1958 to 1959. The award includes a plaque inscribed with the recipient's name and is presented by a Federation representative at the Member Association annual meeting.

Award recipients are recognized at the WEF awards banquet.

"It's called our annual awards banquet, where the new board members take their seats. Then we have safety awards. Anybody is welcome to attend our conferences," he said.

The conferences feature workshops and training sessions on various topics related to maintaining wastewater certification. The identities of award recipients are kept secret until the presentation, Sukup said. He began his career in wastewater management when he sought a job that would allow him more time with his family. He has worked in the field for more than 20 years.

About WEF: The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a nonprofit technical and educational organization with more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations (MAs) worldwide, representing water quality professionals. Since 1928, WEF and its members have worked to protect public health and the environment. WEF and its global network provide water quality professionals with the latest education, training, and business opportunities in the field.