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Oglala Sioux Tribe employee earns EPA Frank DeCouteau Award

Release Date: 09/17/2008
Contact Information: Tim Davis, 303-312-6531

(Denver, Colo. -- September 17, 2008) Bobby Sullivan, working in Solid Waste and Brownfields for the Oglala Sioux Tribe's Environmental Protection Program, was awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Frank DeCouteau Award. The award was presented by Lawrence D. Grandison, director of the Office of Communication and Public Involvement in EPA's Region 8 office.

The Frank DeCouteau Award is being presented to Sullivan for her work on behalf of the health and well-being of the people of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for the past 12 years. Through this award, the EPA recognizes Sullivan for her years of dedication to improving the environment and welfare of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Sullivan has worked for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Environmental Protection Program since 1996. Her work has resulted in the cleanup of dozens of illegal dump sites, some of which were in place for decades and covered acres of land. The most recent cleanup removed tons of waste from the water and banks of a creek and was accomplished in partnership and collaboration with a number of tribal departments, including Tribal Police, Tribal Roads and the Tribe’s Solid Waste Department staff.

"Whatever the task at hand, Bobby responds quickly and is skilled at reaching out and involving the people necessary to get the job done," said Grandison. "Throughout her career, she has put her skills and knowledge to work for a better environment for the people of the Oglala Lakota Nation."

Among her accomplishments, Sullivan served on a committee that successfully drafted the Tribe’s most recent solid waste management code revision. Her most recent work has involved waste reduction, plans to initiate a recycling program and recommending operational improvements in solid waste collection.

EPA Region 8 presents awards in four categories to individuals and groups external to the regional office. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to environmental protection or advancement by a Tribal staff employee or Tribal member, given in memory of Frank DeCouteau of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.