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Wyoming environmental leaders recognized by EPA

Release Date: 6/6/2000
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6331,

Release Date: 6/6/2000
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6401,

Release Date: 6/6/2000
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6780

Denver -- Exemplary environmental reporting, refinery cleanups that exceeded regulatory requirements, and statewide awareness-raising of drinking water protection issues were some of the achievements recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a Tuesday ceremony in Denver.

In all, EPA recognized 10 Wyoming residents for outstanding contributions to environmental protection. Achievement awards went to:

Gary L. Honeyman and Rick Eades, managers of environmental site remediation, at the Union Pacific Railroad Laramie Tie Plant Site, for outstanding stewardship throughout the nearly two decades of site characterization and remediation. Honeyman and Eades have consistently worked to resolve issues that have exceeded regulatory requirements, advanced remediation technology and improved the site's overall environment and safety.

Vickie Meredith, Project Manager, Solid and Hazardous Waste Division of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), for superior performance as leader of the DEQ-Amoco remediation project team. The team spurred Amoco to install groundwater protection and cleanup systems in one of the largest such sites in the country, protecting the North Platte River from migrating contaminants. The team also implemented a public participation process that encouraged high visibility and involvement through all phases of remediation of the Amoco site. Team members included Carl Anderson, Richard Jack and Marge Spruit.

Ali Ramirez-Tavelli, Senior Analyst, Solid and Hazardous Waste Division of the Wyoming DEQ, for leadership in overseeing cleanup of the closed Texaco refinery in Evansville. Ramirez-Tavelli established an unparalleled working relationship between DEQ and Texaco resulting in Texaco's installation of a superior groundwater protection system to protect the North Platte River. Furthermore, her efforts have achieved a Wyoming first: remediation of an old refinery with extensive historic contamination to the degree that the land will be free for unrestricted future uses.

Jeff Tollefson, of the Casper Star Tribune, for strong environmental reporting at Wyoming's largest circulation newspaper. In a state where resource extraction and development are economic mainstays, and conflicts over public lands flare up regularly, Tollefson has distinguished himself among EPA Region 8's program staff and attorneys with consistently accurate, balanced and solid reporting. Highlights include his coverage of the Amoco refinery cleanup in Casper, North Casper drinking water concerns, the controversy over Wyoming's "Brownfields" law, a self-audit conflict, water quality issues, impacts from mining and oil, coal and gas development, and the conflict over snowmobile use in Yellowstone National Park.

Randall Jewett, Project Manager, Texaco Refining and Marketing, Inc., received a special Regional Administrator’s award for his accomplishments in surpassing regulatory requirements. Jewett established cooperative, productive working relationships with regulatory agencies and involved all stakeholders throughout all project phases in two important projects: decommissioning an inactive refinery, and stabilizing and removing groundwater contaminants underlying the refinery site. Under Jewett's direction, Texaco superseded regulatory requirements and achieved exemplary environmental protection.

A "Friend of EPA Award" went to Floyd Field, Groundwater Technician, Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems, for outstanding work in wellhead protection. Field advanced Wyoming's Wellhead Protection Program through an extensive outreach campaign with communities, schools, city councils, county commissions and water system operators. His goal: enlisting every Wyoming community to participate in protecting its drinking water supplies. Field has succeeded in opening doors and elevating awareness statewide of the benefits of wellhead protection.

The Wyoming residents were among 54 groups or individuals EPA recognized in its six-state region (WY, CO, UT, MT, SD, ND).

"These awards recognize exceptional work by exceptional people whose commitment makes real and tangible differences in the environment," Rebecca Hanmer, EPA's Acting Regional Administrator in Denver said.

Editors: for details on any awardee, please contact his/her nominator:

Gary L. Honeyman and Felix Flechas 303 312 6014
Rick Eades WY Dept. of Env. Quality 307 777 7758
Vickie Meredith David A. Finley 307 777 7752
Ali Ramirez-Tavelli David A. Finley 307 777 7752
Jeff Tollefson Rich Lathrop 303 312 6780
Randall Jewett Randall Breedan 303 312 6522
WY Dept. of Env. Quality 307 777 7758
Floyd Field Kevin Frederick 307 777 5985