When Leslie Gryder first heard she had won a prestigious award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, her reaction wasn’t shock or joy or pride.
“I kind of felt like crawling under a rock,” she confessed with a sheepish smile. “I don’t like the spotlight.”
Gryder, 49, is a long-time chemist at Lynchburg’s water treatment plant, a job that is usually all too free of spotlight. But Thursday, she was thrust onto center stage when she received the EPA’s regional Operator of the Year award, an honor given to one person who exemplifies excellence in the field of water treatment.
“We don’t make this award every year,” said William Arguto, chief of the drinking water protection office. “If we didn’t think we had a candidate who was deserving, we wouldn’t give it.”
Gryder was nominated for the top operator award by the Virginia Department of Health. She was chosen out of other candidates from a large region that includes six states and Washington, D.C.
Wes Kleene, director of the state’s office of drinking water, said there were certain phrases that struck him when he read Gryder’s nomination form: dedicated, knowledgeable, helpful, a role model.
“You’re a star,” exclaimed Mayor Joan Foster. “We’re so proud of you and proud of your diligence and dedication to serving the citizens of Lynchburg … You have definitely added to the quality of life that we brag about here.”
Gryder, a native of Long Island, has a degree in chemistry from North Carolina State University and began working for the city’s water plant in 1991. She is credited with introducing new procedures that dramatically reduced the occurrence of potentially harmful disinfection byproducts; improved the taste and odor of the city’s drinking water by deterring the formation of algae; and helped neighboring localities prevent and remove microbial contamination.
“She’s outstanding,” said Utilities Department Director Tim Mitchell. “She’s extremely dedicated and always looking for ways to improve water quality, not only in Lynchburg, but around the region.”
Thursday’s presentation ceremony was held in Lynchburg and attended by more than 30 people, including several City Council members and Del. Scott Garrett.
Officials said they hope the event highlights the often under-appreciated people who work to ensure Lynchburg has safe and clean water every day.
“I’m happy to help bring this recognition to our field and to the other people I work with, who all deserve this award just as much as I do,” Gryder said.
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