Consulting engineers in New York were awarded for outstanding projects worldwide at a Waldorf=Astoria gala April 6. Patrick Foye, the executive director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, served as master of ceremonies for the event, which drew over 600 industry leaders. The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York) awarded 25 New York State consulting engineering firms with 26 Diamond Awards at its 46th annual Engineering Excellence Awards gala. The judging was based on complexity, future value to the engineering profession, original or innovative application of new or existing technologies, and meeting or exceeding client needs. The Empire Award - given to the highest rated project in New York State based on contributions to the economic health of an area, sustainability, innovation and creativity- went to Hazen and Sawyer, P.C. and CH2M Hill New York, a joint venture, for research and development of nitrogen removal at Jamaica Bay for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP). The only national park reachable by subway, Jamaica Bay comprises 28,000 acres of wetlands, woodlands, saltwater marshes and open waters. Jamaica Bay's proximity to New York City has increasingly compromised the bay's water quality over the last several decades, as treated discharges from the city's wastewater treatment plants have infused the water with excess nitrogen, causing algae blooms and low oxygen levels that challenge the health of native plants and animals. The process - adding glycerol to enhance the treatment of the wastewater stream - was an overwhelming success and represents an important step towards more effective and sustainable treatment. Glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel, can be produced locally and sustainably, and isn't subject to price volatility. Hazen and Sawyer is an engineering firm specializing in planning, design, and construction management of water and wastewater-related projects - from clean water treatment, storage, and distribution to wastewater and stormwater collection, treatment, and reuse. CH2M Hill is a global program management, construction management and design firm, and a leader in sustainable engineering and environmental services. Also, at the gala, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the NYC DEP were co-honored for their responses to superstorm Sandy and received the Council's Award of Merit. A $5,000 scholarship in their honor was presented to Christopher Budrow, a third-year mechanical and civil engineering student at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., for his outstanding academic achievements and student leadership. "The EEA gala provides an opportunity for our industry to honor outstanding design and planning projects. We are pleased to recognize so many of our peers and the firms they represent. This year, we also salute the MTA and the DEP for their extraordinary feats in getting New York City back up and running following Sandy," said Mitch Simpler, chairman of ACEC New York.