Region 1: EPA New England
Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont & 10 Tribal Nations
Greenbytes: May 20, 2005 Edition
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
In this Issue
Greetings from EPA New England. We hope you find this edition of Greenbytes useful and we encourage you to give us feedback. For information on subscribing or unsubscribing see the section at the end of this message.
Feature:
New England's Finest: Environmental Merit Award Winners
This past week we had the pleasure of extending recognition to many individuals and groups from our six New England states who have dedicated themselves to finding solutions to environmental issues.
Our 2005 Environmental Merit Award ceremony, held once again in Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall - one of our nation’s finest public spaces - affords a welcome opportunity to take stock of the multi-faceted work being done in communities throughout our states, by individual citizens and professional environmentalists alike. The merit awards are EPA’s way of thanking our neighbors and fellow citizens for their good work grappling with environmental issues, be it cleaner air or water or figuring out ways we can generate less pollution in our lives.
We have a wealth of information on our web site dedicated to this year’s winners (see: http://www.epa.gov/region1/ra/ema/index.html ), so we won’t recap all of that information right here. But we did want to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of this year’s seven Lifetime Environmental Merit Award winners, who’s accomplishments are an inspiration to us all.
Fran Coffin (Posthumous) - Fran was concerned about northern New Hampshire’s economy with paper mills closing during past years. Tapping into local sentiment, Fran helped to ensure that sustainable forestry practices would continue and recreational access to lands would be preserved. Fran became a strong voice for the Lake Umbagog Refuge, organizing local citizens and business interests to help New Hampshire retain many of its unspoiled natural treasures.
James Farrell (Posthumous) - Jim was an exceptional environmental attorney among other things, working at different points of his career for the U.S. Department of Justice, Senator Warren Rudman, and Massachusetts attorney general's office. He worked on complex Superfund negotiations, including on the General Electric Pittsfield case. Jim also worked on brownfields issues and was viewed by colleagues as being instrumental in making the brownfields redevelopment process work in Massachusetts.
Terrence Frost - Terry has dedicated his life to environmental conservation, likely stemming from his enjoyment of New Hampshire’s lovely outdoor natural beauty. As president of the Chatham Trails Association, Terry led hikes for the Appalachian Mountain Club and organized and led trail maintenance events in the White Mountain National Forest for over a decade with much success. He retired in 1982 from a career in natural resources but continued lecturing on water resources at New England College.
Elizabeth McLain (Wibs) - Vermont’s Elizabeth McLain (Wibs) retired this year from a distinguished public service career protecting Vermont’s citizens and environment. Most recently, Wibs led Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources. Under her tenure the Agency became more responsive to the citizens it serves. Wibs initiated Governor Douglas’ Clean and Clear Action Plan, focused on phosphorous reduction in Lake Champlain and enhanced pollution reduction for all state waters.
Arthur J. Rocque, Jr . - A former Commissioner of Connecticut’s Dept. of Environmental Protection, Art was hired as a staff member when the department was created in 1972. Initially hired to work on air pollution regulations, Art worked on many issues before becoming commissioner in 1997. His accomplishments include focusing state efforts on Long Island Sound issues, a comprehensive mercury reduction program, one of the first clean school bus programs, open space protection and a Clean Marina Program.
Elsie R. Souza - Elsie speaks with a soft voice, but when she speaks her quiet intensity commands respect and her insight speaks volumes. Born and raised in New Bedford, Souza was a special education teacher in the public schools for 25 years. For the past 12 years, she has worked for Congressman Barney Frank, helping citizens on issues including the PCB cleanup of New Bedford Harbor.
Frederick J. Vincent - With more than 30 years of experience in municipal and state government, Fred has numerous accomplishments to his credit. Working at both the Rhode Island Dept. of Environmental Management and R.I. Department of Transportation, Vincent was a tireless advocate for protecting the environment and was instrumental in Waterplace Park, the Blackstone River Bikeway and Roger Wheeler State Beach.
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Brief Bytes
Water and Wastewater Plants Join Energy Star to Cut Electricity Costs
U.S. drinking water and wastewater plants are joining a new EPA initiative to increase energy efficiency and reduce municipalities' electric bills. Drinking water and wastewater systems spend about $4 billion a year on energy to pump, treat, deliver, collect, and clean water - costs mostly borne by ratepayers and municipalities. Energy costs to run drinking water and wastewater systems can represent as much as one-third of a municipality's energy bill. Over the next year, the new Energy Star Industrial Water and Wastewater Focus will develop an energy performance rating system, a guide to assessing energy efficiency opportunities, strategies for superior energy management, and innovative approaches to financing energy efficiency projects. To read more: http://energystar.gov/ia/business/government/wastewater_fs.pdf
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Press Releases
Grants for Long Island Sound research and conservation projects
Plainfield, CT - Cleanup work continues at site of fire
Strong protections for management of dredged sediments in Long Island Sound
No. Providence, RI - Settlements will generate millions for cleanup, secure housing for seniors
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Meetings & Conferences
Mass. Military Range (MMR) Impact Area Review Team
Tues. May 23, 6 p.m.
Free TRI Workshop - Concord, NH
Tues. May 24, 9 a.m.
Status of Former Electrosonics Site
Wed. May 25, 6 p.m.
New Bedford Harbor - Monthly Public Meeting
Thurs. May 26, 10 a.m.
Free TRI Workshop - Portland, ME
Thurs. May 26, 9 a.m.
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Regional
Quality Systems Documents - updated info
State Implementation Plans, Maine - updated info
Beede Superfund site - updated info
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"In The News" is a free daily service that provides links to today's top newspaper stories about the New England environment and links to related EPA New England information.
In The News Email Service: As soon as today's edition of "In The News" has been posted we will inform you via email.