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EPA REGION 4 HONORS ENVIRONMENTAL MERIT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Release Date: 10/19/2000
Contact Information: Carl Terry, (404) 562-8421, [email protected]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 today honored recipients of its inaugural Environmental Merit Award at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, Georgia. These awards were presented in recognition of the creative and productive activities of those outside of EPA in the Southeast who are working in their communities to sustain our natural systems and promote environmental stewardship. The Environmental Merit Awards program provides the Agency an opportunity to reach out to individuals, states, Federal partners, local governments, stakeholder groups, businesses and others who have made specific contributions in 1999-2000 to improve the environment. "Those honored today have gone above and beyond the call of duty to address public health and natural resource protection issues of concern and, in so doing, have made this region a better place for all of us," said John H. Hankinson, Jr., EPA Regional Administrator in Atlanta. "They have demonstrated that hard work and collaborative problem solving can bring positive environmental results." The Agency sought nominations of individuals and groups throughout the Southeast who have made special efforts to identify environmental problems or needs and have worked to address them by utilizing innovative techniques and/or successful collaborations with others. As a result, 47 winners were selected from more than 250 nominations. The award categories included individuals, businesses, governmental and not-for-profit organizations from EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee). A list of the award winners and a description of their projects is attached. EPA Region 4 2000 Environmental Merit Award Winners Individuals Les Behrends, Muscle Shoals, AL Dr. Behrends invented a new subsurface flow wetland technology that has made decentralized wastewater treatment economical for local communities and industries. This technology is able to treat industrial, domestic and animal waste streams. It enhances microbial action by manipulating the anaerobic/aerobic zones to decrease the retention time for removal of various pollutants. The result is a faster and more efficient breakdown of organic materials as well as the removal of nutrients that could adversely affect water quality. The technology has been used in a North Alabama subdivision that was not located near a sewer system or receiving streams, a swine farm in Central Alabama to treat waste from the hog lagoon and a food company in Tennessee that needed a low cost wastewater treatment system. Dr. Behrends works for the Tennessee Valley Authority at the Muscle Shoals facility, which is the world's largest constructed wetlands and development facility. Joel Cowan, Peachtree City, GA Mr. Cowan serves as the Chairman of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) whose mission is to provide citizens with transportation choices, improved air quality and better land use to enhance their quality of life and promote sustained growth for future generations. The GRTA was created in 1999 by the Georgia Assembly at the urging of Governor Roy Barnes. Mr. Cowan also serves on the Governor's Development Council assuring that local governments meet state requirements for land use planning. He has a far-reaching vision and is committed to well-planned land use. He was instrumental in designing the community of Peachtree City with innovations such as 80 miles of paved pathways, 20% open space and effective sign and land use ordinances. In the 1980s, former Governor Joe Frank Harris appointed Mr. Cowan as Chairman of the Growth Strategies Commission to assist many Georgia communities to begin planning for growth. He also has served as the former Director and Vice-Chair for the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Central Atlanta Progress. Globally, his efforts are focused on efficient home building, trade and technology transfer in Eastern Europe, Russia and China. Mayor John Delaney, Jacksonville, FL Mayor Delaney's Better Jacksonville Plan is a comprehensive approach to obtaining dedicated funding for growth management and environmental/infrastructure improvements and providing a solution for unfunded mandates. This additional funding will continue the Mayor's ongoing Preservation Project to help manage growth through the purchase of land for conservation. To date, nearly 5,000 acres have been purchased for conservation through this project working in concert with the Florida Forever statewide land acquisition program. This plan will help achieve the Mayor's goal of preserving 10 to 20 square miles of the remaining developable land in Duval County. In addition to managing growth, the plan will improve water quality, protect native vegetation and preserve valuable wildlife habitats. It also will bring city, state and Federal agencies together to provide mechanisms for funding mandates. Rick Dove, New Bern, NC Mr. Dove recently retired as the Neuse Riverkeeper where he educated and involved thousands of youths and adults in becoming better stewards of the river. In 1998, he was named by Time Magazine's Time for Kids as one of their Heroes of the Planet. He was also ranked among the top 100 most influential people in North Carolina's history for actions that have significantly improved the quality of life for citizens of the state. Mr. Dove worked tirelessly and extensively to protect the river from illegal storm water discharges after Hurricane Floyd by working with state officials and the media. He has united many people from widely diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds to work together to strengthen water quality protection for present and future generations. This year he joined the Water Keepers Alliance to help establish additional Riverkeepers on rivers throughout the Southeast. He also was instrumental in establishing the Junior Riverkeepers program in a North Carolina middle school to educate young people on the importance of protecting and preserving water resources. Mayor Emma R. Gresham, Keysville, GA Mayor Gresham and the citizens of Keysville were recently recognized by Essence magazine for their role in reclaiming and rebuilding Keysville, a small, rural minority community in northwest Burke County. Prior to September 1993, most residents did not have running water in their homes. The City received a grant to develop and implement a wellhead protection plan to protect their public water supply well. Under Mayor Gresham's leadership, the City of Keysville has been designated as a Ground Water Guardian Foundation community. She has served on several national committees representing rural communities on various drinking water issues. Her next environmental project will be to construct the city's first wastewater treatment facility to help protect the groundwater resources and stimulate future growth. Joe E. Hill, Leesburg, FL Mr. Hill has been an advocate for water quality improvement in Florida for more than 30 years. He has actively participated on numerous committees and boards including serving as a member of the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board and Chairman of the St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board. Mr. Hill is currently the Chairman of the Lake County Water Authority where he has committed to clean up the lakes and promote water conservation. He also organized and chaired the Lake County Stormwater Summit that was well attended by local and state officials and interested citizens. Dr. Larry W. Houk, Memphis, TN Nine years ago, Dr. Houk began a summer enrichment program directed toward Memphis inner-city high school students who are least likely to have knowledge of various environmental issues. The purpose of the program is to enhance their understanding of math, science and engineering principles as it applies to multimedia and ecological settings. It also exposes students to a variety of professional careers in the environmental field. Each year, twenty-five tenth-grade students are chosen to start their first of three summers of rotating into the three multimedia environmental/ecological programs. Many organizations have joined this effort to provide financial, material and volunteer support to the program. Dr. Houk was awarded the 2000 Civic Volunteer Award by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for his efforts. Harvey Huffstatler, Jackson, MS During his 34-year career as a wildlife biologist, Mr. Huffstatler has been instrumental in the development and implementation of wetland conservation programs designed to reverse wetland losses and restore important hydrological aspects of converted wetlands in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. He currently works for Ducks Unlimited and is responsible for implementing the Private Lands Conservation Program in four southeastern states. Recognizing that approximately 70% of the remaining wetlands are privately held, this innovative program assists landowners who enhance or restore and then guarantee long-term management of wetlands on agricultural lands, moist soil areas and bottomland hardwood forests. These seasonal wetlands provide wildlife habitats, help improve water quality and reduce soil erosion at an estimated rate of one ton per acre per year. Last year, Mr. Huffstatler's efforts resulted in the conservation of 15,197 acres of wetland habitat. Milton Jackson, Chattanooga, TN Mr. Jackson is the president of the grassroots organization, Stop Toxic Pollution (STOP). He has spearheaded efforts to clean up Chattanooga Creek, which was heavily impacted by many years of unregulated dumping. The area's water, soil and air pollution have significantly affected the health of the community residents. Mr. Jackson petitioned the government to evaluate the site's health impacts. These assessments resulted in the posting of the creek and issuance of public health advisories. His persistent efforts led to the creek's designation as a National Superfund site and cleanup methods were proposed. He has played an active role in educating residents in the community about the health hazards inherent to the creek. Mr. Jackson also testified before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment supporting the reauthorization of Superfund. Jim Jacoby & Hilburn Hillestad, Atlanta, GA These two individuals created a unique partnership to redevelop the 138-acre Atlantic Steel Mill site into a mix of residential and business uses. For nearly 100 years, the Atlantic Steel Mill produced a variety of products from nails to bed springs. This project proposes to clean up the land through remediation and encapsulation, protect water quality through sewer separation, storm water control and groundwater monitoring and reduce air emissions through a transportation control measure. Plans include a multi-modal (cars, pedestrians, bicycles, transit) bridge that would cross I-75/85 and provide limited access to the interstate as well as connect the site to a nearby MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) mass transit station. Mr. Jacoby and Mr. Hillestad have worked extensively with Federal, state and local government officials as well as public stakeholders to develop an agreement allowing implementation of the redevelopment. Cam Metcalf, Louisville, KY Mr. Metcalf is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center. He has pioneered efforts within the region in the area of Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS). He organized a Pollution Prevention SEP workshop attended by representatives from all Region 4 states. This workshop demonstrated to enforcement staff the potential of utilizing innovative techniques to improve our environment. In Kentucky, he established local EMS alliances by bringing smaller firms together to learn from larger firms that have already developed EMS. He also has assisted other states in developing similar industry mentoring programs. Harold Mitchell, Spartanburg, SC Mr. Mitchell is Chairman of ReGenesis, Inc., a community-based, community-driven grassroots environmental justice organization with more than 1,400 members. His concern for the environment has galvanized a movement to address environmental issues and revitalization efforts in his community. Through his endeavors, a former fertilizer plant has been removed, and officials are determining further actions necessary to clean up the site. Additionally, the Arkwright Landfill site recently received funding to foster a redevelopment plan for the area. These sites were recently showcased to a delegation of South African officials to demonstrate how a community is turning toxic waste sites into 'livable" communities. As part of the Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice, Mr. Mitchell established the "Cleanup and Revitalization through Collaborative Partnerships, Arkwright and Forest Park Community" demonstration project to bring together resources from various agencies to assist in redevelopment efforts. This project is unique because it is totally driven by the community and includes more than 60 individuals from various organizations. In addition, ReGenesis, Inc. recently received the Trailblazer Award for State Impact from the African American Environmental Justice Action Network. Craig T. Northridge, Redstone Arsenal, AL Mr. Northridge worked as the team leader for the Pentaborane Destruction Project, the first large scale, non-detonation treatment/disposal performed for pentaborane. For almost 40 years, approximately 1,800 pounds of pentaborane, a hypergolic rocket fuel, was stored at Redstone Arsenal undergoing evaluations for military applications. This material was considered excess, but there were no known, acceptable storage or treatment alternatives available and the material could not be moved due to its instability and explosive potential. Mr. Northridge worked with a contractor to refine a technology using remote vapor phase hydrolysis. This treatment successfully eliminated the environmental and human health risks associated with handling and storing the pentaborane. He also coordinated with federal and state officials as well as range personnel during the process of destroying the pentaborane. During this project, no safety issues occurred, the environment was not impacted and the pentaborane was completely destroyed. Bruce Reid, Jackson, MS Mr. Reid, an environmental writer for the Clarion-Ledger of Mississippi, reports on a wide range of environmental issues including floodplain management, pesticide regulation and environmental enforcement. He has been recognized by the Association of State Floodplain Managers for a series of articles on costs of recurring flood damage. Mr. Reid also wrote extensively about the first joint meeting of the Upper and Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee. He recently covered a criminal case where several companies and their executives were indicted for violating the Clean Water Act at a rendering plant for chicken processors. His articles are consistently focused on issues with major effects on the local and regional environments. Roger P. Stewart, Plant City, FL Mr. Stewart recently retired as the Environmental Director of the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) after 30 years of service. He was responsible for creating and developing the EPC into a premier local environmental program respected within the state and across the country. Mr. Stewart recognized that coordinating and partnering with state and federal environmental programs is crucial for local governments to obtain the latest scientific data about cross-jurisdictional concerns. He spearheaded countless efforts to develop partnerships and obtain delegation of federal and state environmental programs to local governments to maximize resource sharing and minimize duplication and regulatory inconsistency. The EPC adopted standards and developed regulations under Mr. Stewart's leadership to address air and water concerns of local citizens. Many of these have served as models for other local environmental programs across the country. Jennifer Thompson, Lexington, KY Ms. Thompson is the Program Manager at the Kentucky Natural Resources Leadership Institute (NRLI). Through her teachings, she promotes collaboration between environmental stakeholders with differing opinions by teaching her students facilitation skills, conflict resolution, team building and effective communication with policymakers. In addition to her responsibilities at the NRLI, Ms. Thompson actively participates in moving forward many environmental issues in Kentucky by facilitating meetings for various groups, including the U.S. Forestry Service, the Kentucky Recycling Authority and the Department of Environmental and Emergency Management of Lexington. She also encourages her students to become involved in ongoing issues, such as industrial chicken and hog operations and managing mined land reclamation for tree production. Business BP Amoco Chemicals/Decatur City School System, Decatur, AL BP Amoco's Decatur chemical plant and the Decatur City School System have joined forces to create an environmental learning center that will educate students within a wildlife habitat. The center will be located on 500 acres at the plant site where a 2.1 mile nature trail has been built for the public to observe bottomland and wetland flora and fauna. BP Amoco will build the 4,000 square foot center with two classrooms, two aquariums, rooms for computers and video equipment and a small kitchen. The school system is providing science teachers and equipment for the center. Many interdisciplinary environmental activities will be available for K-12 students and the public. The project is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Five-Star Restoration Program and involves the Wildlife Habitat Council. This partnership between industry and the school system is an excellent example of their commitment to environmental education. Checker Cab Company, Atlanta, GA The Checker Cab Company has made a commitment to improving air quality in the community by maintaining a fleet of 71 natural gas vehicles and one electric vehicle. The company has worked toward this goal through collaborative partnerships to produce one of the largest dedicated natural gas taxi cab fleets in the country. These partnerships have been critical to the success of alternative fuel vehicles in Atlanta. Checker Cab has worked with Ford Motor Company for vehicle placement and service, Atlanta Gas Light Company to develop fueling infrastructure and FuelMaker for on-site fueling mechanisms. They also have supported Clean Cities - Atlanta, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting alternative fuels. Checker Cab transports 3,000 passengers daily and with 35% of their fleet operating on natural gas, the benefits to air quality in Atlanta is immediate. The natural gas cabs travel a total of four million miles per year, resulting in a reduction of nearly one ton of Nitrogen Oxides (Nox) and one ton of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Checker Cab strives to lead by example in developing a clean vehicle standard that will provide long-term benefits to the air quality in Atlanta. Lafarge Gypsum, Silver Grove, KY Lafarge Gypsum recently opened a new plant in Silver Grove, Kentucky featuring the largest drywall production lines in North America. This state-of-the art facility will use recycled materials, including recycled paper and synthetic gypsum for all of its primary raw material requirements and is capable of producing 900 million square feet of drywall per year. At full capacity, the plant will use 1.8 billion square feet of 100% recycled paper per year. In addition, the facility has a zero waste target and intends to recycle all waste wallboard and process water. Using synthetic gypsum to manufacture wallboard emphasizes recycling and decreases the need for expensive landfill space, conserves natural resources and provides a cleaner and safer environment. The facility also plans to install a 5.2 megawatt power and heat cogeneration system that will achieve over 96% efficiency. This innovative design is expected to reduce the amount of fuel consumed to produce heat and power onsite. The Silver Grove plant demonstrates Lafarge Gypsum's commitment to sustain natural resources and promote environmental stewardship. Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Lakeland, FL Publix has developed an environmental stewardship program to do its part in minimizing adverse impacts to natural resources and educate its associates and customers about the importance of protecting and preserving the environment. Their solid waste has been reduced by at least 52% through the implementation of a responsible waste management and recycling program. They have received several awards from various organizations for their recycling efforts, including being inducted into the Solid Waste Association of North America's Hall of Fame for Business Recycling. Publix is also a partner in EPA's ENERGY STAR Buildings and Green Lights programs achieving an annual energy reduction of 21.6 million kWh/year. Publix is committed to be involved as responsible citizens in the community. They support the Great American Clean-up each year by providing funding, promotion, food and other in-kind services. Publix also encourages its employees to actively participate in these community events. Outreach and education projects are sponsored through the Community Services Division and the non-profit foundation, Publix Charities. Organizations receiving grants through Publix include the Florida Aquarium, Center for Marine Conservation, Coastal Conservation Association and the Nature Conservancy. Weyerhaeuser Company/North Carolina Timberlands, New Bern, NC The Weyerhaeuser Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in conjunction with the Nature Conservancy, North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the conservation of natural areas within the company's ownership in eastern North Carolina. This MOU is a major conservation commitment by Weyerhaeuser and is the culmination of a five-year process with the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. It seeks to protect unique natural areas totaling more than 7,000 acres and includes swamps, bays, longleaf pine ridges and hardwood uplands. Conservation acquisition, conservation easement and natural heritage registry are protection options provided in the five-year, potentially renewable MOU. Weyerhaeuser is the first North Carolina corporation to give a comprehensive right-of-first-refusal covering known natural areas within their ownership. Woodlake Golf and Lake Community, Nashville, TN The Muncy family are the owners and developers of a golf course located on the shores of Norris Lake in East Tennessee. They requested assistance in designing an appropriate storage facility and proper management for nutrients and pesticides used on the golf course. As a result, the Muncy family worked with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association, University of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and other Federal, state and local agencies to develop a model pollution prevention program. The objective is to introduce technologies and practices that promote surface water and groundwater protection. Major components of the program include cost-effective, environmentally acceptable methods of handling and storing fertilizers and pest control chemicals and the washing/rinsing of application equipment. Woodlake Golf and Lake Community is a good example of proper pesticide and nutrient management practices. The partnership serves as an excellent model for working together to accomplish specific environmental goals. Local, State, Tribal & Federal Government Alabama Cooperative Extension System's Radon Education Program The State of Alabama currently has no laws or regulations pertaining to radon and the elimination of radon gases from buildings, homes and other structures. An effective outreach program is the only method applicable to create awareness about this serious, life-threatening indoor air pollutant. Since the Alabama program's inception in October 1997, the goal in the 15 counties with high radon levels has been to create awareness about radon and its health risks and to take action to reduce its risks. This has been accomplished through a web site with links to other partnering radon-related agencies and organizations, exhibits, publications and various forms of media coverage. In addition, a non-traditional partnership was formed with the National Speleological Society to add scientific knowledge and enhance the overall understanding of an environment conducive to uranium decay products and their movement. The Southern Regional Radon Training Center is offering a class that teaches homeowners about radon, mitigation and radon-resistant new construction. New partnerships are being formed with homebuilders associations, building code and county officials and the Governor of Alabama. There has been an increasing response from individuals to test their dwellings and seek help and further advice when confirmed elevated radon levels are found in their homes. The success of this program is due to fostering partnerships and uniting homebuilders and homeowners with the common goal of reducing radon levels in Alabama. Battery Island, North Carolina Bird Habitat Preservation Battery Island supports the largest colony of wading birds in North Carolina, including 90% of nesting white ibises. This habitat restoration project's goal was to stabilize the shoreline and prevent further loss of the trees that birds need for nesting. The project used many innovative techniques, including lining the shore with large, sand-filled geotubes and filling the area behind the tubes with dredged sand. Not only was the habitat preserved, but the channel was clear for boating. The project was sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Other partnering agencies included the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Audubon Society. This was also the first completed Section 204 project (Beneficial Use of Dredged Material for Ecosystem Restoration) in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division. The cooperation of federal and state agencies, non-profit organizations and the public was instrumental in the success of this project. City of Chattanooga, TN In less than two decades, the City of Chattanooga has become a nationally recognized leader in sustainable development and citizen partnership. In 1969, the City adopted an Air Pollution Control Ordinance after being cited for having the worst air pollution in the country. By 1989, the City was recognized for being the first metropolitan area to achieve the Ozone Air Quality Standard from non-attainment status. During this time, citizens led several initiatives to improve their own neighborhoods. A community-wide planning process called Vision 2000 lead to innovative plans for revitalizing the once industrialized downtown area. The Tennessee Aquarium, restaurants, shops and a public park now reside on a former brownfield site. The cumulative success of these efforts has led to a "can do" attitude that has united residents, community leaders and state and Federal officials. It has also enabled the City and its residents to meet diverse redevelopment goals, accomplish community improvement projects, improve environmental conditions and create strategies for sustainable development. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, NC The Cherokee Tribal Utilities implemented a successful sanitation program by constructing a waste transfer station and closing an open dump in partnership with several other Tribal and Federal agencies. The station receives and sorts solid waste on the reservation and transports it off site for appropriate disposal and sale. They also receive, sort and transport solid waste from two neighboring counties. The Tribal Utilities conducts a recycling education program in the schools and the community. They recycle many items, including cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum, used oil, tires and paper and have supported a reservation-wide cleanup effort by launching roadside cleanups and posting signs prohibiting littering. Forsyth/Hall Counties and the City of Gainesville, GA The counties of Forsyth and Hall and the City of Gainesville forged a unique partnership to develop plans for protecting the watersheds in their jurisdiction, including Lake Lanier, the primary water supply source for metropolitan Atlanta. The purpose of the Community Watershed Assessment Project was to identify causes of water resource degradation in their watersheds and to work with government and private entities to reduce non-point source pollution. These three governments recognized that a collaborative approach to the assessment of existing conditions, water quality modeling and long-term watershed management strategies would be critical to the protection of this important resource. In 1999, these entities developed an intergovernmental agreement to complete the required studies and develop compatible watershed management plans. They formed a Technical Advisory Committee and held a series of community watershed meetings to educate stakeholders and solicit input on the proposed management plans. This approach increased public awareness of watershed management issues and potential solutions and led to stakeholder endorsement of the recommendations. Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida In 1994, Former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles created this Commission and charged it with the task of developing bipartisan consensus recommendations and public support for regaining a healthy Everglades ecosystem with a sustainable economy and quality communities. He chose more than 40 individuals who represented a majority of the divergent groups with special interests in South Florida and the Everglades ecosystem. The Commission included representatives from local governments, business interests, environmental education and public interest groups, state and Federal agencies, regional planning councils, Indian Tribes, citizens and the Florida Legislature. Former Florida House Speaker and State Senator Richard Pettigrew was appointed to chair the Commission. The Commission faced the challenge of how to bring about change that will affect Floridians now and in the future while ensuring quality community development both economically and ecologically. In response to this challenge, the Commission produced an initial report outlining 110 recommendations. Issues addressed in this report included improved coordination between all levels of government, development of alternative water supplies and enhanced pollution prevention programs. In addition, numerous other reports and outreach materials were produced. The Commission has been instrumental in creating an awareness of the need to work cooperatively to regain a healthy Everglades ecosystem. Hancock County Board of Supervisors, Hancock County Water and Sewer District and Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Bay St. Louis, MS Each of these groups brought together people in the community to develop a strategic plan for the management of wastewater in Hancock County. The community initiated the effort to find solutions to the impairment of local water bodies from malfunctioning septic tanks and improve public health from the threat of drinking water contamination in private wells. Through community planning and consensus building, support from the public, business and political sectors has generated more than $15 million in grants and loans for wastewater collection lines. It is projected that by the end of fiscal year 2001, wastewater collection and treatment will be available to all homes and businesses in Southern Hancock County. This was accomplished through an implementation plan developed at the grassroots level. Partnerships were formed bringing local expertise, contacts and resources to the group. Twenty-six organizations, agencies and businesses participated in this effort, including small businesses, industries and individuals. Through this process, a unified solution was developed to address the problem. Kentucky Natural Resources & Environmental Protection Cabinet, Frankfort, KY The "Clean Up Kentucky" program is a far-reaching, innovative effort to improve and preserve Kentucky's land, air and water resources. One main target of the program is illegal dumping. There are an estimated 1,100 illegal dumps throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Hidden video cameras have been placed by the Cabinet at illegal dump sites across the state and have recorded people in the act of illegal dumping. Investigators have issued more than 1,000 notices of violations to illegal dumpers. These individuals have collected over 1,800 tons of garbage as part of their restitution and eliminated 297 illegal dump sites. If investigators cannot identify the illegal dumpers, their picture is posted on the Cabinet's web site. A toll-free hotline number has been established so citizens can report illegal dumpers and dump sites. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC The Depot is largely a non-industrial facility that is committed to reducing its impact on the environment in all operations. The Depot houses the largest volume dry cleaning facility in South Carolina. Perchloroethylene was used as a cleaning solvent and produced 9,000 pounds of hazardous waste annually. The new dry cleaning operation recovers and reuses its cleaning solvent completely eliminating any hazardous waste material. This initiative also has decreased air emissions. Changing equipment at the wastewater treatment plant reduced the need for storage of excess chlorine and sulfur dioxide. As a result, stored hazardous materials were reduced from 8,000 to 2,400 pounds. Other accomplishments include the recovery of more than 3,300 tons of recyclable materials, a 38% reduction in hazardous waste stream and procurement of Freon Leak detection kits. Environmental compliance is a fundamental requirement of the Depot's mission. South Carolina Forestry Commission, Columbia, SC The Commission adopted a set of silvicultural best management practices (BMPs) to help reduce non-point source runoff associated with timber harvesting. These pro-active logging practices are improving the state's water quality. One component of the program provides voluntary courtesy BMP exams to forest landowners, foresters and forestry operators followed by site-specific recommendations regarding BMP implementation. Recommendations may include stream side management zones, forest road construction and harvesting systems. The main idea is to leave buffers around work areas to keep exposed soil from washing into the waterways. Education is another major component of the program. Forestry BMP Specialists conduct training throughout the state, which are tailored to the unique operating conditions in each physiographic region. This innovative program has proven to be very effective in increasing the BMP compliance rate statewide and is being used as a model by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the section 6217 Coastal Non-point Pollution Control Program. Tampa Bay National Estuary Program, St. Petersburg, FL The Tampa Bay Estuary Program is a model for successful watershed management on a grassroots level. It is a partnership of three counties, three major cities, nine smaller cities and regional, state and Federal agencies. A detailed interlocal agreement has been adopted, in which the partners have formally committed to achieving the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Tampa Bay. This agreement is the first of its kind for a National Estuary Program and has reorganized the program as an independent regional alliance demonstrating the commitment of community leaders and the public. The Tampa Bay Nitrogen Management Consortium is a unique public-private partnership created to address nitrogen pollution, the primary threat facing the bay. Membership includes local and state agencies as well as key industries. The program has also coordinated multi-jurisdictional monitoring that tracks key parameters for assessing the bay's ecological health. The program has been the catalyst for bringing diverse and previously contentious groups together in a strong alliance dedicated to the achievement of specific, measurable goals for bay improvement. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Folkston, GA The majority of the Okefenokee Swamp, a world renown blackwater peat wetland in southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida, is managed by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. A wide variety of habitats, including cypress-blackgum forest and scrubland, support at least 1,000 different species of plants and animals. Over the years, the refuge has shifted to an ecosystem management approach by developing effective and lasting partnerships with environmental groups, landowners, local governments and other private citizens that maintain a stake in the future of southeast Georgia. The refuge staff has worked diligently with its partners to educate the public about the biological and hydrological threats to the swamp from a proposed titanium mine. They have also co-founded the Suwannee River Basin Interagency Alliance in conjunction with the Suwannee River Water Management District. This alliance has significantly improved agency coordination in the basin and will ultimately lead to a basin-wide interstate river management plan. In addition, the State of Georgia, the National Wildlife Federation, Safari Club International, local businesses and government agencies have partnered with the refuge in a $1.4 million renovation of the Visitor Center. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge staff has consistently worked to ensure long-term protection of the swamp and promote the needs and future of the human communities in southeast Georgia. Waste Management Team, Auburn University, AL The Waste Management Team was formed to develop educational materials and programs to support Alabama's agricultural sector in their efforts to comply with new Animal Feed Operator/Certified Animal Feed Operator regulations. It is a multi-disciplinary team comprised of faculty from the College of Agriculture, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and representatives from the state Natural Resources Conservation Service offices, Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Agriculture and Industries. Educational materials have been developed on Nutrient Management Planning and the Certified Animal Waste Vendor Program, both of which are targeted towards livestock and poultry producers. Numerous educational meetings and training sessions have been held to assist these groups. The efforts of this team have greatly contributed to maintaining water quality within the state of Alabama. They have been recognized throughout the state and nationally as a leader in providing the necessary guidance and training at the producer, company and state levels. Environmental, Community and Non-profit Organizations Cahaba River Society, Birmingham, AL The Cahaba River Society has had a major impact on the conservation of central Alabama's water resources. The Society took a leadership role in protecting more than 7,500 acres of threatened public lands that were transferred from the Birmingham Water Board to the City of Birmingham by establishing a diverse coalition of 22 environmental and citizen groups. Members of the coalition include the Birmingham Canoe Club, Vulcan Trails Association and the Birmingham Audubon Society. A community-wide, long-range planning process was created to address environmental issues, smart growth and control of urban sprawl. As a result of these efforts, the Birmingham City Council has agreed to return key acreage to the Water Board and is currently formulating a master plan to protect the property. The Society also has worked closely with the City of Hoover to assist this growing metropolitan area in creating an innovative "smart growth" plan. It involves environmentally sound development of neighborhoods and businesses within the watershed and can be used as a model for watershed communities throughout the country. As a key player in the Black Warrior Cahaba Land Trust, the Society is working with dozens of different communities to establish greenways in the five-county area around the Cahaba. It also has launched the "Save the Cahaba" car license tag program. The Cahaba River Society has reached across non-traditional lines to build collaborative success in facing complicated environmental and growth issues. Dogwood Alliance, Asheville, NC The Alliance is a cooperative network of more than 30 grassroots organizations with the shared mission to stop the deforestation of southeastern native forests containing an abundance of plant and animal diversity and pristine wetlands. Current programs include promoting ecologically responsible forest stewardship through landholders education, legislative incentives and demonstration projects; providing training, coordination and information to communities impacted by existing and proposed chip mills; and educating the public about the economic and environmental impacts of wood chipping. The Alliance has been effective in raising the significance of forest management and health issues at the state and Federal level resulting in a region-wide forest assessment. It has contributed extensive technical input to this assessment and continues to play an active role in the process. Overall, the Alliance seeks to ensure long-term protection of valuable forest resources and to establish a connection between sustainable human communities and economies and sustainable, diverse, healthy ecosystems. The Everglades Coalition The Everglades Coalition is a federation of Florida-based and national environmental organizations brought together to focus attention on issues and concerns relating to the Florida Everglades. Established in 1984, the organization has grown to be a very significant influence on Everglades policy development. Membership has expanded over the years to include a wide variety of constituency groups including those concerned with Everglades-related areas such as Lake Okeechobee, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Florida Bay as well as sugar and agricultural interests and hunting and fishing interests. Friends of McConnell Springs, Lexington, KY McConnell Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the site where early settlers decided to name their new town Lexington. The springs are part of a large and complex groundwater drainage system underneath the site formed by karst topography. Previously, the site was used primarily as an illegal dump for industrial, construction and household debris and as a dangerous playground for neighborhood children. The Friends of McConnell Springs was formed in 1993 as a non-profit organization to clean up the 26-acre site and raise money to acquire the land for a city park. Because of its close proximity to local schools, the springs had potential to become a living laboratory for students to study the interaction between people and their environment. The Friends believed that it was important for students of all ages to understand the connection between cultural and natural landscapes and the importance of being good stewards of the land. As a result, they brought together representatives from government, public and private schools, business and industry, community clubs and local citizens to fund, design and build a 4,500 square foot educational resource center at McConnell Springs. Since the center opened in October 1999, local educators have worked with park personnel to develop educational programs utilizing the springs in all aspects of the school curricula. McConnell Springs is an excellent example of how a community came together to reclaim and restore a piece of land that was an important part of the town's cultural and environmental heritage. Land of Sky Regional Council Environmental Program, Asheville, NC The Land-of-Sky Regional Council, area solid waste officials, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service agents and many others partnered to create the Mobile Environmental Learning Center (MELC). This interactive North Carolina certified classroom on wheels is an environmentally focused "field-trip" that travels to schools, festivals and special events. Constructed with recycled materials, the self-contained center promotes a wide variety of innovative ideas and techniques in environmental education, including interactive quiz boards on waste reduction and a mannequin modeling recycled clothing. It also serves as an innovative distribution outlet for solid waste education materials targeted to teachers, students and citizens. A web site offers a virtual tour of the center and provides a teacher training tool. The MELC is shared across the region of western North Carolina and other counties have expressed interest in designing similar models. Land-of-Sky Regional Council has accomplished its goal of creating a long-term sustainability project that educates thousands of children and adults throughout the region. Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee, Vicksburg, MS The Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) was formed in 1994 by natural resource conservation and environmental quality agencies in the states of Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee to ensure the existence of a regional forum for facilitating conservation activities associated with the river. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Lower Mississippi Valley Division of the Corps of Engineers were important to the organization's formation. Historically, the 954 mile-long Lower Mississippi River was the most dynamic force in the largest floodplain ecosystem in North America. Its 22 million acre floodplain contained an array of diverse aquatic habitats before civil works projects to enhance flood control and navigation reduced the surface area to 0.6 million acres and restricted it to 10% of its historical floodplain. To address these issues, the LMRCC developed a strategic plan for restoring aquatic habitat, improving water quality, increasing public awareness of the Lower Mississippi River and promoting sustainable economic benefits. They also conducted the first joint meeting between the Upper and Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committees in March 2000. This historic meeting provided the impetus for an ongoing partnership between the 11 states bordering the Mississippi River and ensured that future decisions affecting the river's natural resources would be considered from an ecosystem rather than regional perspective. Mississippi Association of Supervisors, Jackson, MS The Mississippi Association of Supervisors is a non-profit association of elected county supervisors in Mississippi. They have partnered with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Mississippi Municipal League and other organizations to develop and implement several programs that have resulted in environmental improvements in the state. This partnership prompted legislation to begin a Solid Waste Assistance Grant Program for local governments to clean up unauthorized dumps, establish a collection center for white goods and provide education on proper solid waste management. A safe drinking water Peer Review Team was established to help small water systems with training and proper system operation so they can provide safe and reliable drinking water to their customers. The association also sponsored the first Local Governments Environmental Conference bringing together county and municipal officials as well as representatives from state and federal agencies. The conference addressed air, water and solid wastes issues and, more importantly, fostered a better working relationship among the groups represented. These activities directly support the association's goal of promoting and developing responsible stewardship of Mississippi's valuable natural resources. Partners in Amphibians and Reptile Conservation (PARC), Aiken, SC PARC was formed in 1999 when more than 170 organizations and agencies came together to develop a comprehensive strategy for long-term conservation of amphibians, reptiles and their habitats. Participants included representatives from universities, nature centers, state wildlife departments, federal agencies, forest product companies and pet trade organizations. PARC began primarily as an effort of those in the Southeastern United States, but quickly expanded to include 33 other states, as well as Canada and Mexico. The diversity of participants makes PARC the most comprehensive, pro-active conservation effort ever undertaken for amphibians and reptiles. By taking action now through public/private partnerships, PARC aims to prevent dozens of species from ever being listed as endangered. Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), Key Largo, FL REEF is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of marine life through education, service and research. With a membership base of more than 17,000 volunteers, REEF does an incredible amount of real projects where volunteers have the opportunity to make tangible contributions to marine conservation while learning and having fun. One of REEF's largest programs is the Fish Survey Project. Volunteer divers and snorkelers use scientifically validated methods to gather data at locations especially important to marine life management and conservation officials. Participants in this project learn fish survey techniques, attend interactive fish identification seminars and discuss fish behaviors and sightings. Data from these surveys are entered into REEF's database, which currently has more than 22,000 surveys. This database was recently modified with assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and provides the scientific, resource management and conservation communities with a reliable and continuing source of marine bio-diversity data for application in habitat conservation and resource management. REEF has formed strong partnerships with many organizations, including the Biscayne Bay Foundation, Field Station at Northwest Florida and the National Wildlife Federation. Southface Energy Institute, Atlanta, GA Southface Energy Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that has a national reputation for education and research in energy, building science and environmental technologies. They formed a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and others in the energy and environmental fields to construct the Southface Energy and Environmental Resource Center, a state-of-the-art demonstration home. The 6,200 square-foot model home demonstrates technology, such as geothermal and gas heat pumps and energy efficient construction. The building contains an energy and environmental technology library with educational exhibits and provides meeting space for environmental and community organizations. Each year, Southface and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority sponsor the Greenprints: Sustainable Communities by Design conference, which promotes green building design, smart growth and clean energy solutions. The Earthcraft House, a joint project between Southface and the Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association, provides a blueprint for healthy, comfortable and affordable homes that reduce energy and water bills. The goal of this program is to lessen the environmental impact of home construction. Southface continues to achieve its mission of promoting the development of sustainable energy and environmental technology and policies through education, research and technical assistance. Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Atlanta, GA The Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization was established in 1994 as an independent environmental advocacy group dedicated solely to protecting the Chattahoochee River. The primary geographic focus begins at the river's headwaters in the north Georgia mountains and continues downstream to West Point Lake, encompassing more than 200 miles. The Riverkeeper mission is to advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries and watershed, in order to improve and maintain its environmental integrity and to preserve the natural, scenic and recreational character of the river corridor. Through public/private partnerships, this organization has had many accomplishments, including bringing together citizens and local governments to discuss and address sewage treatment issues, conducting Soil Watch workshops, protecting stream buffers through legislative initiatives and providing environmental education programs to students. The Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization uses advocacy, research, communication, cooperation, monitoring and legal actions to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee and its watershed. United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), Inc. Peer Review Team, Nashville, TN The United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), Inc. is an intertribal organization representing 24 federally recognized Tribes. The USET Peer Review Team is designed to improve drinking water quality for tribal lands and reservations. This partnership between the USET and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is modeled after the successful Georgia Small System Peer Review Program. Many of the USET's water systems experience difficulty complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act due to inadequate training budgets and high turnover rates. As a result, Tribal members are at risk from improperly treated drinking water. Upon request, the USET Peer Review Team conducts a comprehensive review of the Tribe's drinking water system to assist in identifying weaknesses and providing technical assistance and training to overcome these weaknesses. This is an innovative approach in addressing environmental performance and management of drinking water facilities. The Peer Review Team strives to protect public health, increase compliance with federal drinking water regulations and improve the quality of drinking water for Tribal communities.