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Awards Presented for Environmental Excellence in Oklahoma

Release Date: 10/28/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     During an October 27 ceremony in the Oklahoma Capitol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented eight Regional Administrator's Environmental Excellence Awards to twelve recipients.

     "I'm gratified to be able to present these awards. As Superfund Director, my job usually involves cleaning up the often dangerous pollution a few people and a few industries create. It's refreshing to be reminded of the many people and organizations who are working to protect our environment and the public health. It's nice to be able to recognize a few of them today," EPA Regional Superfund Director Myron Knudson said.

     Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment Brian Griffin also participated in the ceremony. He said, "The diversity of this year's award winners proves the concern that Oklahomans from all walks of life have for protecting our state's treasured resources. Many that are recognized today sacrificed a great deal, either personally or financially, to reduce their impact or the impact of others on our environment. For this Gov. Keating and I express our sincere gratitude for your service to Oklahoma and your exemplary environmental stewardship."

     During the ceremony winners were given plaques, Environmental Excellence flags and Environmental Excellence pins.

A listing of awards, categories and winners follows:

Wastewater Treatment Operation and Maintenance
      City of Midwest City

Wetlands Protection
      Russell Dutnell, Oklahoma Conservation Commission

Pollution Prevention and Recycling
  Pollution Prevention                                                
      WEBCO Industries, Sand Springs                                  
  Recycling
      City of Guymon  Environmental Education
      Mike Harris II, Environmental CPR
      Mary Beth Gilliand, Guthrie High School

Partnership for Environmental Excellence
      Oklahoma Dept of Environmental Quality for Environmental Education Roundtable
      Federated Metals/Cimarron Center Brownfields Redevelopment
          Kucharski Development Co.
          Federated Metals
          City of Sand Springs
          Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
      Special Recognition
          Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.