In January of 2008, the Chester County Water Resources Authority recognized Dr. Robert Traver for his many contributions to the advancement and research of stormwater management engineering, the promotion of interdisciplinary partnerships, and watershed stewardship. The U.S. Geological Survey's Pennsylvania Water Science Center and the U.S. Geological Survey's Exton office were also recognized for their contributions to innovative study, understanding and stewardship of the watersheds and water resources of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Robert Traver {Dr. Robert Traver} Associate Professor of Engineering, Villanova University, PA Dr. Traver strives to advance stormwater engineering through research, educa-tion and technology transfer. Having been involved in the initial period of active stormwater management in Pennsylvania, Dr. Traver has vast experience in as-sessing and understanding the performance of stormwater best management practices. To study and help develop the most effective stormwater management techniques, innovative stormwater projects have been constructed on Villanova's campus to demonstrate their potential to improve watersheds. Founder/Director of the Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership, Dr. Traver has also been instrumental in linking the interests of government, academia and in-dustry to create sound stormwater management practices and policies. Dr. Traver serves as the organizer and chair of the bi-annual Pennsylvania Storm-water Symposium and continues to help educate engineers, scientists, planners, and municipalities to better protect our rapidly developing watersheds. Return to Top United States Geological Survey Pennsylvania Water Science Center & U.S. Geological Survey's Exton Office {USGS} This Award was given jointly to recognize the contributions of the USGS PA Water Science Center, headquarted in New Cumberland, and its Exton Office. The Award was accepted on their behalf by Ms. Patricia Lietman, Director of the PA Water Science Center and Mr. Kirk White, Hydrologist with the Exton Office. The scientific contributions of USGS staff and their collective efforts since 1969 have led to significant advances in the understanding and stewardship of the wa-ter resources in Chester County. The USGS scientific studies, data and instrumentation have improved drought monitoring, created an effective flood-warning network, supported sustainable water and land use planning, and aided in water quality improvements in Chester County's watersheds. The USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center through its collaboration with Chester County has provided invaluable data and knowledge that will allow us to better protect our water resources for the benefit of all.   Return to Top

Previous Award Winners 2000 Mr. John Johnson - for volunteer efforts to protect the resources of Chester County's watersheds Bethlehem Lukens Plate Company - for efforts to re-use and protect water resources in industrial practices Mr. Wayne G. "Ted" Reed - for leadership of the Chester County Water Resources Task Force 2001 Green Valleys Association - for the protection and stewardship of watershed resources of northern Chester County for over 36 years Ms. Judy Shuler - for volunteer efforts in preservation of White Clay Creek watershed and achieving its designation as a Federal Wild and Scenic River Ms. Dorothy Miller - for volunteer efforts in preservation of White Clay Creek watershed and achieving its designation as a Federal Wild and Scenic River Mr. George Cominsky - for his 12 years of service to and 6 years of chairmanship of the Authority's Board of Directors. 2002 Mrs. Samuel Morris - for volunteer efforts and commitment to preservation of watershed resources, particularily those of French and Pickering Creeks watershed. 2003 Chester County Board of Commissioners (Mr. Colin A. Hanna, Ms. Karen L. Martynick, and Mr. Andrew E. Dinniman) - for leadership in the preservation of Chester County's watershed resources. Ms. Janet Bowers -for leading the development of the Watersheds Plan. 2004 Octoraro Watershed Association - for 37 years of stewardship of the Octoraro Creek and its watershed. Members of the Chester County Water Resources Task Force - for their volunteer efforts in the development of the Watersheds Plan. Mr. David A. Jackson - for 40 years of achievements in watershed stewardship and environmental health in Chester County.  2005 Charles "Chuck" Marshall - for the preservation, restoration and grass roots advocacy of Valley Creek and its watershed. Dr. G. Winfield Fairchild - for work and accomplishments toward Ecologically Based Pond Management within the watersheds of Chester County Mr. W. Thomas Waters - for contributions toward completion of Hibernia Dam and Chambers Lake, and stewardship of the natural resources of the Brandywine Creek watershed.  2006 Ronald Sloto, P.G. - for advancing the understanding of our water resources and our interconnection with those resources. 2007 Ms. Kathy Bergmann and Ms. Jane Fava - for their many accomplishments and contributions to environmental education and watershed stewardship in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Cahill Associates - for their many accomplishments and engineering leadership in stormwater management and watershed stewardship in Chester County, Pennsylvania.