Region 1: EPA New England
2002 Environmental Merit Award Recipients
- Individuals
- Environmental, Community, Academia & Non-Profit Organizations
- Local, State & Federal Government
- Business, Industry & Professional Organizations
- Special Recognition
- Environmental Leaders of the Future
Individuals
Representative Jeb E. Bradley of Wolfeboro, NH
Jeb E. Bradley of New Hampshire has a long list of accomplishments
when it comes to environmental protection and stewardship. A member
of the NH House of Representatives, he has served his constituents
by addressing far-reaching and long-term environmental problems,
such as those associated with mercury, dioxin, global warming, acid
rain, smog and ozone. When Representative Bradley had a full understanding
of the detrimental effects of mercury emissions coming from waste-to-energy
plants in New Hampshire, he led the effort to drastically reduce
those emissions through legislation and industry cooperation. Once
the controls are in place, mercury emissions from this industry
will be reduced by 96 percent - from 553 to 21 pounds a year. In
addition, he drafted legislation to reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
oxide and carbon dioxide emissions from these plants. Representative
Bradley's legislative efforts will ensure improved air quality in
New Hampshire.
James Broderick of Newton, MA
A long time resident of Newton, James Broderick has been an advocate
for open-space preservation for many years, and in 2001, he chaired
the Newton Community Preservation Alliance, a group which dedicated
itself to the passage of Newton's Community Preservation Act. The
legislation allows communities to levy a surtax of up to 3 percent
on property taxes for open-space acquisition. He organized the alliance,
lobbied local legislators, campaigned for donations, and mobilized
poll workers on election day. The legislation passed in Newton in
great part because of Broderick's efforts. As a result, the character
of the city will be preserved because Newton can look forward to
ongoing funding for conservation and land acquisitions that have
been put off for decades.
Dr. Steven Hamburg of Providence, RI
A professor, scholar and advocate, Dr. Steven Hamburg has recognized
the potential of linking research institutions and science centers
to educate the public about environmental issues. In achieving this
goal, he has worked with the New England Science Center Collaborative,
since its founding in 1999, to examine the highly politicized issue
of global warming. NESCC has provided opportunities for research
institutions to communicate their findings with the public, and
Dr. Hamburg has helped provide the science centers in the collaborative
with technical expertise to educate visitors about climate change.
NESCC has grown from a single set of exhibits in one state to seven
programs in five states. From the original 14 members in the collaborative,
there are now 24 members who educate more than two million visitors
a year. Through his work with NESCC, Dr. Hamburg is "making
it safe" to talk about global warming.
Honorable Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. of New Bedford, MA
Even before his inauguration as mayor of New Bedford in 1998, Frederick
Kalisz realized the potential of his city's Brownfield sites. He
recognized that environmental assessments and cleanups would not
only safeguard the health and safety of city residents, but would
also create redevelopment opportunities that could reduce urban
sprawl. Since 1998, the city, led by Mayor Kalisz, has cleaned up
and redeveloped 10 Brownfield sites. More than $50 million has been
invested and over 700 jobs have been created or preserved. Two of
the biggest successes involve the former Talleyrand Chemical site
and the former Standard-Times field. With many environmental and
economic challenges before the city, Mayor Kalisz has used innovative
efforts to bring stakeholders together to benefit the city. His
work is a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
Robert Lawton of Pocassett, MA
For more than 25 years, Robert Lawton, of the Massachusetts Division
of Fish and Wildlife, has been involved in the regulation of the
state's coastal power generating facilities. The impact of coastal
power plants on local fish populations is often a scientific challenge
and a contentious issue. He has applied the scientific method to
arrive at fair decisions regarding how companies applying for permits
should be evaluated. Every proposed power plant presents a unique
set of circumstances in terms of potential impacts on the coastal
environment and fish species inhabiting those environments. Robert
Lawton is now retiring, but has been a dedicated Massachusetts Fish
and Wildlife employee for 30 years, and has worked on a wide variety
of other issues with the goal of protecting the state's natural
resources.
Herbert R. Lippold of Atkinson, NH
For nearly 17 years, Herbert Lippold has been president of the non-profit
organization, Big Island Pond Corporation in New Hampshire, which
has 400 members. The group was established to protect water rights
and water quality-and the lake's environment as a whole. He has
regular contact with state officials over wetlands regulations and
violations to ensure that environmental laws on the lake are being
followed. The results of his efforts are a remarkably clean lake
with good water quality and an attractive shoreline. The communities
surrounding the lake are lucky to have such a dedicated environmental
steward.
Eugenia Marks of Smithfield, RI
For more than 20 years, Eugenia Marks has dedicated both her personal
and professional life, with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island,
to the preservation and restoration of Rhode Island's environment.
She is committed to involving and educating the public because of
her belief that awareness and dialogue, at all levels, between individuals,
government and other organizations will result in better environmental
decisions. Eugenia has played a key role in the Partners for Resource
Protection and its parent organization, the Rhode Island Watershed
Approach Coordinating Council, two groups which are addressing the
problem of polluted stormwater in both urban and rural areas. She
is particularly dedicated to the preservation of South County's
watersheds and played a key role in the Water User Stakeholder Group.
Her perseverance, energy and leadership in service to the environment
are qualities to be emulated. It may be said that Eugenia Marks
is Rhode Island's environmental conscience.
Mimi McConnell of Cotuit, MA
In 2001, four years of work by the Community Working Group (CWG)
came to fruition with the creation of a master plan for future uses
of the Massachusetts Military Reservation, a 22,000 - acre base
located in the towns of Falmouth, Bourne, Mashpee and Sandwich.
As chairwoman of the state - appointed CWG, Mimi McConnell is responsible
for the group's success and the plan was developed in large part
because of McConnell's work. She guided the group - listening to
all points of view, giving competing agendas fair hearings and bringing
people to consensus, if possible, in numerous meetings and a series
of public hearings. These years of intensive effort on the part
of Mimi, the CWG and others have resulted in the creation of one
of the largest new wildlife/watershed protection reserves on the
East Coast. Due in large part to her leadership and devotion, the
CWG is regarded as a national model for bringing citizens and the
military together to resolve complicated and contentious issues
cooperatively and respectfully. The group would not have accomplished
its goals without the effort and dedication of Mimi McConnell.
Evan Richert of Augusta, ME
Evan Richert's greatest skill is that he makes people believe the
good things they are working on are their ideas, not his. With this
skill and the help of government agencies, developers and the public,
Evan Richert, the director of the Maine State Planning Office, has
battled urban sprawl in Maine with great success. His approach is
methodical - he commissioned studies that showed the high cost of
sprawl in Maine and demonstrated that there is a significant market
for alternative development. Using these studies, he launched the
Great American Neighborhood initiative to encourage the creation
and restoration of traditional neighborhoods. But he is not standing
by waiting for the Great American Neighborhood to be built. Quietly
and persuasively, Evan has been relentlessly pursuing initiatives
to encourage developers and municipalities to built smart growth
projects. Evan Richert's quiet persuasiveness is irresistible.
William E. Stanton of Norwell, MA
In 2001, William Stanton focused on several major environmental
issues confronting the South Shore of Massachusetts: preservation
of open space, preservation of historic sites and affordable housing.
He championed the adoption of the Community Preservation Act in
Marshfield and led the effort to build an environmentally friendly
layover site for the Greenbush Commuter Rail project. His efforts
should ensure there are minimal impacts on the surrounding watershed.
For many years, he has been a strong advocate for the environment
in Marshfield and the South Shore. During the past four years, he
has been executive director of the North and South River Watershed
Association, as well as an advisor to the Massachusetts Audubon
Society. In 2001, for his overall dedication to the community, in
part as a long-time member of the Marshfield Conservation Commission,
William Stanton was named the Marshfield Citizen of the Year.
Donna Williams of Worcester, MA
In her professional life, Donna Williams is the Advocacy Coordinator
for the Massachusetts Audubon Society at its Broad Meadow Brook
Sanctuary. She is one of two people who turned the sanctuary into
a thriving regional education and conservation center. She is chairwoman
of the Grafton Conservation Commission, a group that helped secure
8,700 acres for conservation in Grafton, Upton and Hopkinton. She
has also led stormwater improvement efforts in her community and
secured a $25,000 grant for a Quinsigamond River restoration project.
Donna developed an extensive volunteer water quality monitoring
network now in its tenth year, and her efforts have led Worcester
and surrounding communities to take action because of monitoring
results. Since 1994, she has served as an official of the commission
which oversees the National Park Services' operations in the Blackstone
River Valley. Donna Williams embodies the highest standard of local
and regional environmental activism, and her stewardship and vision
have been instrumental in the incredible recovery and improvement
of the Blackstone River Watershed.
Michael D. Yacino of Northboro, MA
It is difficult to imagine the success of the Massachusetts Lead
Shot Initiative without Michael Yacino. The Massachusetts Department
of Environmental Protection's (DEP) educational outreach campaign
assists rod and gun clubs in developing environmental stewardship
plans at shooting ranges. As the Executive Director of the Gun Owners'
Action League, he became a crucial player in the initiative's success.
He has been instrumental in bringing the program to other states.
As a result of his work, 80 clubs have invited the DEP to visit
their ranges and are rapidly adopting similar management practice
plans. Michael's participation in the Lead Shot initiative provided
regulators with the understanding that to ensure the program's success,
they needed to work with the gun and rod clubs. His encouragement
of proper lead management practices by sportsmen's clubs has resulted
in the protection of these clubs' futures and the preservation of
vast open spaces that they own.
Environmental, Community, Academia & Non-Profit Organizations
Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, MA
One of Cape Cod Community College's primary missions is service
to the community, as such, the college plays an indispensable role
in addressing the Cape's environmental problems. The school leads
a consortium of colleges committed to preparing environmental technicians
for the field. Cape Cod Community College practices what it teaches
through a comprehensive environmental management system for its
West Barnstable campus. The college generates its own electricity
with a catalytic fuel cell, recycles flourescent tubes, batteries,
glass, metal, plastic, cardboard and laboratory waste, and conserves
1.8 million gallons of water a year - almost 50 percent of its former
annual usage. Once considered one of the ten worst polluters in
the state because of its waste water volume, the school and its
environmental achievements are now highly regarded.
Connecticut River Watershed Council
CT, MA, NH and VT
Nearly 50 years ago, the Connecticut River was described as the
best landscaped sewer in the nation. Today, the river is largely
cleaned up and restored - an environmental jewel to be appreciated
and protected. At the center of this turnaround is the Connecticut
River Watershed Council (CRWC). Founded in 1952, the group has worked
to promote restoration, conservation and protection of the river
and surrounding watershed. The council's record of achievement is
founded on partnerships - when important concerns arise, the council
brings communities, business and other groups together to address
these challenges. The council has taken the initiative on research,
conservation and restoration of the river's natural resources. In
the mid-1980s, CRWC created the Connecticut River Watch Program,
which uses trained volunteers to monitor water quality. More recently,
the council has established a migratory fisheries restoration initiative
to build fishways and remove dams in order to restore access to
spawning habitats. For five decades the council has worked to resolve
environmental challenges and protect New England's largest river
ecosystem - the Connecticut River watershed.
The Gulf of Maine Council
MA, NH, ME, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
In 1989, the Gulf of Maine states' governors in the United States
and Canadian maritime provinces premiers created the Gulf of Maine
Council on the Marine Environment, a unique alliance of government
agencies working to foster ecosystem conservation and cross-border
cooperation. The council's mission is "to maintain and enhance
the environmental quality of the Gulf of Maine and to allow for
sustainable resource use by existing and future generations."
The council recently completed "A Year of the Gulf" celebration
and developed a five-year action plan that charts a course for improved
stewardship of this priceless natural resource. The EPA is recognizing
the Gulf of Maine Council and, in particular, seven dedicated individuals
with 2002 Environmental Merit Awards for their innovative and sustained
commitment to improving management of the gulf. The following individuals
are cited for this award: William Ayer of New Brunswick (with the
Department of Environment and Local Government); Richard Delaney
of Massachusetts (former director of Massachusetts Coastal Zone
Management); David Hartman of New Hampshire (director of the New
Hampshire Coastal Program); Barry Jones of New Brunswick (formerly
with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture); David Keeley
of Maine (with the Maine State Planning Office); Art Longard of
Nova Scotia (deceased, was with the Department of Fisheries); and
Peter Underwood of Nova Scotia (formerly with the Department of
Environment, now Deputy Minister of Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture).
Hartford Environmental Justice Network in Hartford, CT
A chapter of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice,
the Hartford Environmental Justice Network (HEJN) is one of New
England's premier community-based organizations dedicated to promoting
environmental justice and safeguarding public health. The coalition
includes 24 grassroots organizations and local people concerned
about environmental degradation within Hartford. The coalition has
worked tirelessly to ensure that the residents of the city are informed,
able to participate in local decision-making and that polluters
are held accountable for their activities that put the public at
risk. Many residents and the HEJN fear that their community's health
is being compromised by the continued siting of waste facilities
in their city. After learning that 40 percent of the 7,000 Hartford
area children participating in an asthma study had the condition,
the network took action to discuss the findings and ramifications
with the community and lawmakers. As a result of this leadership,
the Hartford City Council declared an asthma emergency in Hartford,
a move which formally recognized asthma as an epidemic. HEJN demonstrates
the power of the community to be protectors and stewards of the
environment once residents are informed, trained and empowered.
The network's leadership in bringing issues of environmental justice
to the consciousness of the area residents and policy makers at
the local and state level is an inspiring model for other communities.
Organized Parents Against Lead in Providence, RI
Formed at the grassroots level by a group of parents of lead poisoned
children, Organized Parents Against Lead (OPAL) is making a difference
for children and families throughout Rhode Island by advocating
on behalf of children, providing outreach in communities at the
greatest risk for lead poisoning and empowering parents to work
for change. Staffed and coordinated by the Childhood Lead Action
Project, the group has campaigned to keep the issue of lead poisoning
in the forefront of community consciousness. Organized Parents Against
Lead has become a powerful voice for parents and children. In addition
to safeguarding children and families, it is helping to revitalize
neighborhoods by promoting lead prevention, advocating for improved
housing and pushing for elimination of lead hazards. OPAL's determination
has taken the anguish of lead poisoning and turned it into a positive
force to help others escape the preventable fate of lead poisoning.
Park City Brownfields Redevelopment Partnership in Bridgeport,
CT
When residents of Bridgeport's West End had an opportunity to expand
Went Field Park, adjacent empty lots seemed the most logical place
to go. But creating a consensus for the lots' reuse posed a problem
- athletic groups wanted playing fields, residents wanted open space
and two public schools viewed the space as a good area for them.
The Park City Brownfields Redevelopment Partnership was formed to
bridge the gaps and create a private/public partnership to facilitate
the redevelopment process. The partnership used EPA funds to implement
the Sustainable Brownfields Redevelopment process and build a consensus
around the 6-acre park expansion. Community efforts cleaned up the
existing park and neighborhood watch groups have improved park safety.
Currently, the park is under construction and will be completed
early this summer.
Piscataqua River Co-op - ME and NH
Preparing for and responding to oil spills on land and on water
is always a tough business, especially in the populated areas of
New England. The Piscataqua River Co-op is a blend of private, local,
state and federal organizations doing just this along the Piscataqua
River, which divides the border of Maine and New Hampshire in the
southern part of the two states. The Co-op created a local spill
management team to respond to oil spills in the crucial 24 to 26
hours after they occur. For the past several years, the Co-op has
been playing a leadership role in the development of geographic
response plans to enhance their response capability. In case of
a spill, the Co-op has an inventory of state-of-the-art boats, booms
and skimming equipment and spends a considerable amount of energy
training to address a wide variety of spill scenarios.
The Habitat Restoration Team of Save The Bay in Providence,
RI
Eelgrass is a primary source of food for many plants and animals
in Narragansett Bay and a critical nursery and shelter for shellfish
and fin fish. It also improves water quality by filtering pollutants
and reducing impacts from shoreline erosion. However, disease and
pollution from septic systems, fertilizer runoff and wastewater
treatment facilities have taken their toll on this important underwater
marine plant. Once widespread throughout the bay, eelgrass can now
be found in less than 100 acres of Narragansett Bay. In addition
to ongoing efforts to improve the bay, Save The Bay has been transplanting
eelgrass for three years. Save The Bay has conducted 25 eelgrass
transplants throughout the bay, using various transplant techniques
from greenhouse grown seedlings to planting seedlings in coir fiber
mats. Save The Bay is now in the final stages of developing an Eelgrass
Restoration Plan for Narragansett Bay using a GIS site selection
model approach developed by the University of New Hampshire. Because
seagrass beds occur worldwide and provide similar ecological benefits,
Save The Bay's work will have global applications.
TRAINRIDERS/Northeast in Portland, ME
Last December 14, a service northern New England had last seen 40
years ago was revived - train service between Boston and Portland,
ME. The project was 10 years in the making. The group that made
it possible, TRAINRIDERS/Northeast, faced numerous obstacles - replacing
dilapidated tracks, financing train service, and overcoming the
perception that even if restored, ridership would not rebound. With
tremendous skill and perseverance, TRAINRIDERS/Northeast brought
together all the players needed for success. The return of train
service to this area has significant environmental benefits by providing
commuters and vacationers with an alternative to driving. This reduces
traffic congestion and air pollution, especially on hot summer days
when ozone levels are high. The revitalized train service also provides
an incentive for communities along the rail line to pursue smart
growth initiatives. Within one month, Amtrak provided two additional
trains for the line and ridership continues to exceed all expectations.
With the success of this project, TRAINRIDERS/Northeast is looking
to continue their mission - to establish new, and expand existing,
passenger rail service in other parts of New England.
The Trust for Public Land in Boston, MA
Founded in 1972, the Trust for Public Land has protected more than
1.4 million acres of land across the country, including 100,000
acres in New England. The trust is a non-profit group dedicated
to preserving land for people to enjoy as parks and open space.
For the trust, 2001 was an extraordinary year in New England with
the protection of 26,000 acres and a new
171,000-acre project in northern New Hampshire. Recently, the Trust
for Public Land celebrated its 200th project in the region. As a
result of their dedication, thousands of acres of precious wildlife
habitat across New England has been conserved. These beautiful lands
will be enjoyed by many throughout the region.
Local, State & Federal Government
Town of Barnstable Growth Management Initiative in Barnstable,
MA
In the past year, the town of Barnstable has implemented a unique
and effective growth management initiative to protect the town's
fragile environment and address the growing need for decent and
affordable housing. The town, with the help of the Cape Cod Commission,
developed a program that utilizes its existing housing stock without
taxing the environment. It includes: two-acre zoning in environmentally
sensitive areas - or about one half - of the town; a nitrogen management
ordinance to promote innovative and alternative wastewater disposal
systems; a smart growth ordinance that allows for higher-density
zoning in Hyannis business districts; a comprehensive building cap;
cluster zoning for subdivisions; and an affordable housing plan.
Barnstable's growth management initiative is based on a belief that
a community can protect its environment and provide safe, decent
and affordable housing.
Non-Community Drinking Water Team at the CT Department of Public
Health
Hartford, CT
The Non-Community Drinking Water Team at the Connecticut Department
of Public Health was founded to help the more than 2,500 small,
non-community drinking water systems in the state provide better
drinking water for the public, find creative ways to come into compliance
with regulations and understand the responsibilities of being a
water supplier. Convincing this group of water providers, which
includes restaurants, daycare centers and gas stations, of their
public health responsibility, requires interpersonal skills, solid
reasoning and patience. In 2001, the Non-Community Drinking Water
Team turned its focus to 4,000 transient, non-community systems
in the state. The team's outreach efforts helped reinforce the spirit
of cooperation and provided tools necessary to ensure clean drinking
water. Water system operators in Connecticut know that the state's
Department of Public Health will not allow them to avoid their responsibilities,
but will always work with them to solve problems and keep their
water safe.
Town of Hull Municipal Light Board in Hull, MA
Over the past four years, the Hull Light Plant, in consultation
with alternative energy experts from the University of Massachusetts
at Amherst, have planned and built a wind turbine to help meet the
town's energy needs. By last year, the turbine was powering the
town's 1,000 street lights and 14 traffic lights, saving taxpayers
approximately $60,000 dollars annually. With a 150-foot tall tower
and 90-foot blades, it is the largest wind turbine on the East Coast
and generates approximately 1.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity
per year. With the installation of the turbine, the town has been
able to produce energy for itself and the New England power grid,
thereby reducing smog-forming emissions and the town's electric
costs.
NH Department of Environmental Services Dioxin Reduction Initiative
Concord, NH
Dioxin poses a significant public health threat that requires urgent
action. In order to quantify and address the impacts of dioxin in
New Hampshire, the state's Department of Environmental Services
(DES) last year completed a dioxin reduction strategy ranking dioxin
releases from 22 stationary, mobile and area source categories.
DES then made a total of 58 recommendations to eliminate or substantially
reduce dioxin in New Hampshire, ranging from regulatory actions
to public education. Implementation of these recommendations has
already taken place with significant public input. With the recommendations
in place, the DES believes that dioxin emissions statewide have
already been reduced by almost 30 percent and will be reduced by
a total of 50 percent in two years.
Groveton Paper Board Innovative Methanol Reduction Strategy
Groveton, NH
In response to EPA's effluent limitation guidelines and national
emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants under the Clean
Air Act, the Groveton Paper Board (GPB) expects it will have to
significantly reduce emissions of baseline hazardous air pollutants
in order to comply with the law. After initial testings, the GPB
identified a method to treat and collect the condensates of hazardous
air pollutants rather than the gaseous emissions. In addition to
being more cost-effective, this innovative process reduces more
methanol than is currently required. For the past two years, the
company has been working closely with the NH Department of Environmental
Services and EPA New England to determine a legally enforceable
way to implement this alternative control option. The option developed,
which should be completed shortly, has the potential to remove from
Groveton's emissions 42 tons of methanol a year (four times what
is required) and an additional 20 tons of other hazardous air pollutants.
Groveton's innovative strategy to reduce its hazardous air pollutant
emissions is now being considered by other paper companies in New
Hampshire.
Whitney Screw Site Brownfields Redevelopment Team in Nashua,
NH
The Whitney Screw Site Brownfields Redevelopment team successfully
redeveloped an abandoned Brownfields site in Nashua, NH. This project
represents how a local community, working in collaboration with
private, state and federal partners, can leverage enough resources
to assess, clean up and redevelop a community blight. The team collectively
and cooperatively addressed the significant environmental threat
posed by the contamination at the abandoned Whitney Screw Brownfields
site. The city of Nashua took an aggressive leadership role in tackling
these environmental problems by using federal funds to start an
environmental investigation. With more federal funds, the city was
able to hire a contractor who found funding for cleanup of the site.
A developer was able to successfully market the site to businesses
and once developed, the former Whitney Screw site will have two
new retail facilities. In addition, it is the first site to receive
a loan under New Hampshire's Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan
Fund. The Redevelopment Team's innovative approaches are likely
to serve as a national model for future Brownfields redevelopment
sites.
Business, Industry & Professional Organizations
The New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association
in Storrs, CT
Early last year, Natick, MA received notice of a substantial EPA
penalty for environmental violations at its department of public
works garage. That, as well as other penalties for regional Departments
of Public Works (DPW), prompted the New England Chapter of the American
Public Works Association (NEAPWA) to take action. The group approached
EPA New England to develop a self-audit program for DPWs in New
England. DPW garages that performed self-audits, reported environmental
violations and corrected the violations would be given a low priority
for inspections. EPA and the association have developed outreach
materials, tip sheets and fact sheets for DPW directors. Workshops
were held in four New England states for DPW directors and more
than 250 people attended the NEAPWA spring meeting last April to
learn about the initiative. To date, more than 300 New England DPW
garages have signed up for this voluntary program, and EPA is working
with the NEAPWA to measure the increased environmental benefits
resulting from compliance with this program.
CMGI Stadium - New England Patriots/New England Revolution -
The Kraft Group, Beacon Skanska and Town of Foxborough, MA
When the Kraft family committed over $325 million to privately finance
the construction of CMGI Field, they not only stressed the importance
of designing the most fan-friendly facility of its kind, but also
remained environmentally conscious throughout the process. Beacon
Skanska, the contractor who built CMGI Field, deserves credit for
accomplishing both initiatives, turning the Kraft family's vision
for a new stadium into a reality. The most visible environmental
improvement was the daylighting of the Neponset River, which had
been buried in underground culverts for the past half century. During
construction of CMGI Field, the Kraft Group committed over $2 million
to divert the river to a more natural, free-flowing 3,000-foot river
corridor with over 6,000 plantings. In addition to creating an aesthetically
pleasing property bordering the stadium, it restored a river habitat
that had been missing for the past 50 years. The Kraft Group also
built an on-site water treatment facility that will reuse over 60
percent of non-potable water, saving over 11 million gallons of
water per year. Recycling resources has been paramount to the project
as over 300,000 cubic yards of dirt, 200,000 tons of rock and 50
acres of asphalt have been recycled and reused. The reuse of resources
included the crushing of concrete from Foxboro Stadium to be used
as on-property fill. CMGI Field should be used as a model for the
next generation of new stadiums designed to be environmentally friendly.
Pfizer Global Research and Development in New London, CT
When Pfizer chose to build a new global research and development
facility in New London, CT, the company was confronted with an adjacent
waterway - Bentley Creek - heavily polluted from more than a century
of industrial waste. The company agreed to restore and enhance the
salt marsh habitat of Bentley Creek as part of its agreement for
construction. Working with local, state and federal officials, Pfizer
removed 1,800 tons of contaminated sediment, removed contaminated
soil and derelict boats, constructed a new deep channel for better
fish habitats and shaped the final marsh surface to maximize the
growth of smooth cordgrass. In all, 2.5 million cordgrass seeds
were planted. The restoration took two years of planning and six
months of work. Although the restored creek area is only about two
acres, the impact on the local community has been enormously positive.
Raytheon Strategic Goals Program Team in Lexington, MA
Over the past year, the Raytheon Strategic Goals Program Team, made
up of Frank Marino and Bob Singler, has worked tirelessly to implement
the company's first strategic goals corporate sponsorship program
and move Raytheon toward the goal of product stewardship and responsibility
for the environment. The strategic goals program was developed by
EPA and the metal finishing industry, as well as other governmental
and non-governmental organizations, in order to move the industry
beyond simply environmental compliance. Raytheon's involvement has
attracted more companies to the program, further illustrating the
program's benefits to the entire industry. With 20 subcontractors
audited by Raytheon each year, the company hopes to promote the
goals of the program, as well as transfer information about compliance
and pollution prevention to other companies.
Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. - CT and NH
Wheelabrator has taken on the challenge of mercury reduction in
New England. Recognizing the threat to the environment posed by
uncontrolled releases of mercury, Wheelabrator sought to decrease
the amount of mercury that is unintentionally released into the
environment, and as a result, designed the Voluntary Mercury Pollution
Prevention Program. In two Wheelabrator-run mercury collection and
exchange events in New Hampshire and Connecticut, approximately
165 pounds of mercury from thermometers, thermostats and other equipment
were collected and safely recycled.
Zipcar in Cambridge, MA
It's a pioneer business in the past year - Zipcar, a car-sharing
company which provides a fleet of 66 cars to 1,800 members living
in the Boston area who occasionally need a car but may not want
to own one. When members need a car, they can reserve one for as
little as an hour. Zipcar's owners estimate that 45 percent of members
avoid having to buy a car or end up selling a car when they join.
In Boston, the service has taken an estimated 525 to 600 cars off
the road, thereby reducing the amount of smog-forming chemicals
released into the air from cars. Zipcar is collaborating with local
government, businesses and other organizations for future expansion
within Boston, as well as in Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Martha's Vineyard Airport - William Weibrecht, Manager
Tisbury, MA
When William Weibrecht took over as Martha's Vineyard Airport Manager,
he not only was running the state's fourth largest airport - located,
incidentally, on a rare and endangered sandplain grassland and atop
a sole source aquifer - but also was in charge of a trichloroethylene
cleanup from a defunct dry-cleaning operation at the airport. Weibrecht,
who is also president of the Massachusetts Airport Management Association,
worked to finalize a cleanup plan and an expansion of the airport
while preserving the fragile and endangered environment. He has
conducted habitat management workshops at the airport and enlisted
the assistance of island conservation groups and the Martha's Vineyard
Commission. William Weibrecht's leadership at the Massachusetts
Airport Management Association has influenced airport managers in
the state and contributed to closing the gap between environmental
interests and aviation.
Special Recognition
Sydney Ann Millberry Izzo of Quechee, VT (posthumous)
A high-energy and multi-talented person, Sami Izzo dedicated her
life to environmental concerns. She was a committed member of her
community and served with distinction on many volunteer boards and
commissions throughout the Greater Upper Valley in Vermont. Her
best known contributions are in the areas of waste reduction and
education. Sami organized many of the Greater Upper Valley's first
solid waste reduction projects, including glossy paper and tire
recycling drives, as well as a mercury reduction program for the
community hospital. She ensured that local towns comply with the
existing laws regarding waste reduction, recycling and hazardous
waste collection and initiated the creation of a statewide professional
development organization designed to promote integrated waste management.
In addition to her efforts to inform older residents, she educated
and entertained hundreds of Vermont children with her famous "Recycling
Clown" routine. A devoted mother and community member, Sami
Izzo is remembered for her tireless dedication to environmental
issues. She is an inspiration to us all.
Leo J. Kelly of Quincy, MA
A former Quincy City Councillor, Leo Kelly has always been a leader
on environmental issues. During his tenure, he protected more open
space than any of his predecessors on the council. He established
the popular Evergreen Program in Quincy: a public private-partnership
that allows residents to recycle their Christmas trees in exchange
for a sapling to be planted on their own property. Today, thousands
of new trees grace the yards and streets of Quincy and thousands
of Christmas trees have been turned into mulch thanks to Kelly's
leadership. In his retirement, Kelly has adeptly served as Chairman
of the Quincy Beaches and Coastal Commission. Here he has once again
worked his magic to bring about improvements and recreational opportunities
along the city's 27 mile coastline. In 1992, EPA New England recognized
Kelly's efforts by awarding him an EPA Environmental Merit Award.
Unfortunately, he was hospitalized on the day of the ceremony. Today,
we are pleased to welcome Leo Kelly and finally thank him in person
for his past and continued efforts on behalf of Quincy's environment.
Hospitals for a Healthy Environment 2002 Awards - New England
Recipients
Six New England based hospitals and health care organizations are
being recognized with 2002 Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E)
awards for their participation in the program. H2E is a partnership
of the American Hospital Association, the American Nurses Association,
Health Care Without Harm and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
working with the health care industry to reduce its environmental
impacts, enhance work place safety, reduce waste and waste disposal
costs and become better environmental stewards and neighbors. The
following organizations won the Partner for Change Award for making
significant progress in reducing waste, preventing pollution and
eliminating mercury: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston;
Baystate Medical Health System of Springfield, MA; Mid-Coast Hospital
in Brunswick, ME; and Hartford Hospital in CT. Hartford Hospital
also received a Making Medicine Mercury Free Award for virtually
eliminating the use of mercury in the health care environment. In
addition, the Maine Hospital Association and the NH Hospital Association
were honored by H2E for their valuable participation and promotion
of pollution prevention with a Champions for Change Award.
Energy
Star Awards
The US EPA recently presented 36 companies and organizations nationwide
with Energy Star Awards for their efforts to enhance energy efficiency
and reduce global warming gases through participation in the Energy
Star Program. Energy Star is a voluntary partnership started in
1992 between business, government and others united to protect our
environment for future generations by changing to energy-efficient
practices today. Four of the Energy Star Award recipients are based
in New England.
- BJ's Wholesale Club, a Natick, MA-based warehouse-store chain, was presented with an Energy Star Excellence in Energy Management Award for its commitment to sound energy management through investments in energy efficient lighting, energy management systems, high-efficiency air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and energy benchmarking in its stores across the country. Through these efforts, the company saved over $1 million in energy costs and 12 million kilowatt hours of electricity in 2001.
- Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships Inc. (NEEP) - a Lexington, MA non-profit organization founded in 1996 to steadily increase energy efficiency in homes, buildings and industry throughout the Northeast - and its sponsors received an Energy Star Excellence in Consumer Education Award for the "There's a Better Way to Save Energy" program that promoted consumer awareness and understanding of the Energy Star program and increased sales of Energy Star products. The program used an integrated marketing strategy including multi-media outreach, public relations and promotions throughout New England.
- OSRAM Sylvania, one of the world's largest manufacturers of lighting products headquartered in Danvers, MA, was presented with an Energy Star Excellence in Efficient Products Award for its commitment to integrating environmental stewardship into its business practices through its participation in the Energy Star program. In 2001, OSRAM Sylvania promoted Energy Star by engaging hundreds of retail stores across the country in the program's "Change a Light" campaign. OSRAM Sylvania asked retailers to display information and in-store advertisements encouraging consumers to buy Energy Star lighting and offered coupons for Energy Star lighting.
- The Vermont Energy Investment Corp. (VEIC) - a non-profit energy service organization with a mission to reduce the economic, social and environmental costs of home energy consumption through cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy technology, was presented with an Energy Star Award for Excellence in New Homes. The VEIC is a regional leader in efforts to promote more efficient housing with Energy Star. It has implemented Energy Star throughout its programs, services and consulting efforts.
Environmental Leaders of the Future
No Butts About It Litter Campaign
Amy, Allie, and David Steinmetz of Woodbridge, CT
In 1996, these three young people took part in a beach cleanup and
noticed the large number of cigarette butts littering the area.
They began a campaign making posters to address the problem and
inform the public using the slogan, "The Earth is Not Your
Ashtray: No Butts About It, Keep Our Earth Clean." In 1999,
the Steinmetzes were awarded the Presidential Environmental Youth
Award for New England as a result of their dedication to improving
the nation's environment with their innovative campaign to end cigarette
butt litter. Since then, they have expanded and intensified their
efforts. The Steinmetzes give presentations at schools, organize
cleanups, involve their family, friends and neighbors, and have
created a website. They have written to every U.S. Senator and Governor
urging them to support legislation designed to mandate the provision,
by tobacco companies, of disposable ashtrays in every pack of cigarettes.
Amy, Allie and David Steinmetz are working hard to clean up the
nation's environment and deserve enormous credit for educating people
all across the United States on this important environmental issue.