Two members of the Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) team have earned statewide honors as outstanding utility professionals. PSD Project Manager Pete Schuelke earned the Kelly A. Hunsucker System Protection Award from the South Carolina American Water Works Association. PSD Recycled Water Plant Supervisor Brian Fedorick earned the Wastewater Operator of the Year Award from the Water Environment Association of South Carolina. The awards were announced this month at the South Carolina Environmental Conference.
Schuelke joined the PSD in 2017 after completing his service in the United States Army, which included multiple tours of duty during the War in Afghanistan. His work for the PSD has involved oversight of backflow prevention and water system connections. “Pete really enjoys evaluating different sites, problem solving, and keeping our residents safe in the process,” said PSD Water Quality Laboratory Supervisor Sarah Hickman, who nominated her colleagues for the awards. Schuelke holds multiple water operator licenses, including backflow prevention certification from the state. He recently updated the utility’s cross-connection control standard operating procedures.
Fedorick began work for the PSD in 2019 after holding private-sector positions in water quality laboratory and wastewater treatment operations. He has improved efficiency at the PSD’s Recycled Water Plant by streamlining process-control testing, including introducing new data management programs. Fedorick holds multiple wastewater treatment licenses as well as a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of South Carolina. His work at the PSD has focused on regulatory compliance and cost savings, including implementing aeration in treated effluent retention lagoons and optimizing aeration in the wastewater treatment plant, as well as helping commercial customers understand and manage grease trap program requirements.
“Pete Schuelke and Brian Fedorick really embody the teamwork spirit at the PSD,” said PSD General Manager Pete Nardi. “It is great to see their peers here in South Carolina recognize their efforts with these awards, which reflect the tremendous impact and value that water and wastewater professionals provide each and every day in our community.”
