John Hart

John F. Hart is a member of the 2012-2013 Board of Trustees for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), an international organization of water quality professionals headquartered in Alexandria, Va.

John is currently the Deputy Director of the Saco, Maine Water Resource Recovery Division (WRRD). In that role, he oversees the operations of the 4.2 mgd secondary treatment plant, Stormwater treatment, over 30 pumping stations and the collection system. The WRRD strives to be an energy producer rather than an energy consumer through a broad range of initiatives such as wind power, solar collectors, high-efficiency aeration, biosolids reduction, and geothermal energy from wastewater. During his 40 years in the wastewater industry, he has held positions in various municipal and industrial facilities throughout Maine and also as an instructor for the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission.

A WEF member since 1988, John has held multiple leadership and committee roles within WEF. He most recently served as a Delegate at Large on the House of Delegates (HOD) and was a member of several HOD committees and subcommittees as well as the WEF Nomination Committee. He has also been heavily involved with WEF’s Operations Challenge competition as a judge and event coordinator as well as chair, vice-chair and ongoing member of the event’s committee.

John is also an active member of the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) and the Maine Waste Water Control Association. In the spring of 2013, John will retire with 32 years of service from the United States Coast Guard Reserves. His most recent assignment was his Command Cadre position as the Reserve Command Senior Chief for the USCG encompassing ME, NH, VT and northern NY. Other affiliations include memberships in the local USCG Chief Petty Officer Chapter, American Legion Post 91, National Chief Petty Officers Association, and the Fleet Reserve Association.

John has received numerous awards of merit including the WEF Arthur Sidney Bedell Award in 2006, WEF William D. Hatfield Award in 1999, WEF Quarter Century Club in 2001, NEWEA Operator of the Year for Maine in 1999, NEWEA Alfred E. Peloquin Award in 1996, Maine Waste Water Control Assn. President in 1983, Maine DEP Certificate of Achievement in 1995, Maine DEP-JETCC Service Award in 2001, USCG Commendation Medal in 2008, USCG Achievement Medal in 2001 and 2010, USCG Commandant’s Letter of Commendation in 1996, 2003 and 2005, USCG First District (Northeast) Enlisted Reservist of the Year in 1994, USCGAUX Commodore Harlan B. Bruns Award in 2005 and 2009, USCGAUX Flotilla Gold Award in 2004.

John has held a State of Maine Grade V Operator License since 1979, along with holding a NEWEA Collection System Voluntary Grade IV since 1985.