A former Nesquehoning resident has been cited by President Richard M. Nixon for his work with the federal government in water quality control.

Richard P. Nalesnik, director of the National Water Quality Standards Program for the Federal Water Quality Administration of the U.S. Department of the Interior received the Presidential Award, citing his excellence in improvement in government operations.” The citation reads: “The noteworthy efforts and intense dedication required for this achievement exemplify the high performance needed to keep our country strong.”

Nalesnik works with administrators of the 50 states to protect public water uses from pollution and environmental deterioration.