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Beckley Woman Selected as Inspector of the Year

Release Date: 5/30/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

Contact: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded
Penny L. Harris of Beckley, West Virginia the first ever Hazardous Waste Management Inspector of the Year Award.

“Penny Harris’ work has had a direct effect on the quality of the environment in
West Virginia. Her commitment to environmental protection serves as an example to all of us,”
said Thomas C. Voltaggio, acting regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Inspectors from state environmental agencies in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia were eligible for the award.

Harris who has been a hazardous waste inspector for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for 15 years was nominated by her peers to receive this award for her exemplary work. She is in charge of inspecting facilities throughout the entire southeastern portion of West Virginia.

According to her peers, Harris is skilled at conducting complex, as well as routine, inspections. Several of the cases that Harris has inspected, uncovered serious violations and resulted in federal felony convictions. In addition, she is an environmental educator within the regulated community and for the public.

State hazardous waste inspectors enforce the hazardous waste laws which include potentially leaking underground storage tanks and all aspects of hazardous waste management including treating, storing, and properly disposal. They also teach facilities how to comply with these regulations. With proper management of hazardous waste, harmful exposure to pollutants that might effect human health and the environment, is prevented.