EPA's Environmental Merit Awards 2022

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For Outstanding Effort in Preserving New England's Environment

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pnA United States

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2022 ENVIRONMENTAL MERIT AWARDS

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A LETTER FROM EPA'S REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR

It is my greatest pleasure to congratulate the recipients of the EPA
Region 1 s Environmental Merit Awards for 2022. Your work has left
an indelible mark protecting and improving the environment and
public health for the people of New England.

Since beginning my position as Regional Administrator, I have been
inspired by community efforts that dovetail with and advance EPA's
mission. The collective work of this year's award winners represents
contributions in addressing climate change, furthering environmental
justice, and restoring contaminated land, as well as minimizing exposure to harmful substances.
Because of your efforts, New Englanders have healthier air to breathe and cleaner water to drink.

Our pool of nominees and recipients this year celebrate people who are nothing short of impres-
sive. From scientists to community leaders to government officials, your commitment to tackling
some of our regions most serious environmental challenges is worthy of recognition. I am proud
to congratulate you as recipients of EPA's Environmental Merit Award. I want to personally
thank you for your commitment to furthering EPA's mission in protecting human health and the
environment. We respect and honor the work you do, which will no doubt inspire future genera-
tions to follow in your footsteps.

Sincerely,

David W Cash

Regional Administrator, EPA Region 1

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environmental merit awards in service to states

A true friend, a mentor and a
lover of New England.

He is missed.

Ira W. heighten, Jr.
1945-2013

Dedicated EPA public servant
since 1972.

IRA LEIGHTON

"IN SERVICE TO STATES"

ANNUAL AWARD

The Ira Leighton "In Service to States" Environmental
Merit Award is a tribute to our long-time colleague and
friend, Ira Leighton, who passed away in 2013, after
serving 41 years at the U.S. EPA. Iras dedication and
passion for protecting the environment was evident to
all who knew him. He was a constant presence in New
England, a force who took ideas and made them action-
able tasks that resulted in measurable improvements.

Initiated by:

• New England Interstate Water Pollution Control
Commission (NEIWPCC)

• Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use
Management (NESCAUM)

• Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association
(NEWMOA)

• New England state Environmental Commissioners

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1 (EPA)

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environmental merit awards in service to states

MELANIE LOYZIM

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

SALUTING THE IRA LEIGHTON
"IN SERVICE TO STATES"
ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENT

Melanie Loyzim, commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, has
been a leader over the past two decades in promoting environmental protection and maintain-
ing a viable economy.

Melanie spent most of her career at state agencies, beginning in Colorado. In 2006, she started
in the Oil Enforcement Unit of the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management at Maine's
DEP. Since then, Melanie has risen from supervisor in the Air Bureau to director for the Bureau
of Air Quality, then director for the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, and finally
deputy commissioner, before becoming commissioner last year.

Melanie has supported staff efforts that contributed to a broader multi-state understanding of
air pollution, with an emphasis on ground-level ozone and regional haze trends. These insights,
for states from Virginia to Maine, provided a record of the success of regional air pollution con-
trol programs, and inform future efforts for clean air progress.

Melanie also participated in the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, work-
ing with air director colleagues to improve air quality regionally. This included efforts such as
putting in place California low emissions vehicle standards in the states that adopted the pro-
gram, including Maine. She continues to participate in regional air quality issues as an officer of
the Ozone Transport Commission.

As director for the Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, Melanie was a board
director for the Northeast Waste Management Officials Association, where she worked with
colleagues in other nearby states on issues relating to hazardous waste, petroleum and other
cleanup sites, brownfields, materials management, product stewardship, pollution prevention,
emerging contaminants, and toxics in products.

Under Melanies leadership, Maine is embarking on a PFAS soil and water investigation result-
ing from applying biosolids. This massive effort is leading the nation to better understand the
links between PFAS, application of biosolids, and impacts to agriculture.

Melanie deserves this award thanks to her leadership in multiple program areas, and her think-
ing of practical solutions that help people, the economy, and the environment.

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environmental merit awards lifetime achievement

JUDITH SWIFT, URI COASTAL INSTITUTE

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Judith Swift, retiring director of the University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute, is a
leader dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration, science communication, and creative
solutions for helping ecosystems across New England.

Among the initiatives she has led were the North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem
Studies Unit, a consortium of federal partners, universities, and nonprofit organizations;
a network, allowing the use of URI personnel and resources for environmental emergen-
cies; a state coastal and ocean magazine, where she was writer, editor, and co-publisher; a
report analyzing 13 sectors in the Narragansett Bay watershed relying on natural capital;
and a federal program addressing the threat of PFAS to human health.

Judiths contributions to the bi-state Narragansett Bay Estuary Program span many years.
Over a decade ago, she recognized the struggles, as well as the untapped potential, of the
bi-state estuary program. With support from EPA, Judith made changes that improved
the program's reputation at local, state, and federal levels. Guided by historical perspec-
tive and an understanding of the parties involved, Judith steered the program through a
lengthy process that led to a scientific report called, "The State of Narragansett Bay and
Its Watershed." She led a conference to fulfill the plans laid out by consolidating under
one host organization, improving relationships between Rhode Island and Massachusetts,
emphasizing science, enhancing partnerships, aligning the budget, prioritizing staffing,
and strengthening the governance structure.

As chair of the program's steering and executive committees, Judith served with persever-
ance and dedication. She devoted countless hours to discussions with the former host, the
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, to reinvigorate the program.

Judith's belief in partnerships made her service to the states vital. Her role as chair ended
in 2019, but she continues to serve the region with commitment to the interconnected
ecosystem and indirectly through the work of her successors, students, and mentees,
some of whom she never knew she motivated.

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environmental merit awards lifetime achievement

LYNN RUBINSTEIN,

NORTHEAST RECYCLING COUNCIL

Brattleboro, Vermont

After four decades dedicated to resource conservation, Lynn Rubinstein will retire this year,
leaving behind a legacy of work that will have a lasting impact.

For over 20 years, Lynn was executive director of the Northeast Recycling Council, a nonprofit
focused on reducing waste, recycling and composting, as well as on environmentally preferable
purchasing and decreasing the toxicity of solid waste.

The council received many awards as Lynn expanded its reach by getting the participation of
more players and putting in place more than 100 projects. Among the projects were efforts to
recycle electronics; manage unwanted medication; document the relationship of jobs to recy-
cling; and inspire initiatives for recycling newsprint.

Lynn has been a trusted voice for the private recycling industry and government, fostering an en-
vironment where industry and government can discuss common issues and find solutions. She co-
founded many programs including the State Electronics Challenge, Electronics Recycling Coor-
dination Clearinghouse, and Government Recycling Demand Champions. She also has produced
related presentations, whitepapers, and articles, all available on the council's website.

An example of Lynn s commitment to keeping the council dynamic in a changing economy and
waste stream, is the partnership she helped form in 2017 between the council and the Northeast
Waste Management Officials' Association.

While Lynn is known for her leadership of the Northeast Recycling Council, she also served as
solid waste manager for Northampton, conservation director for Iiolyoke, mercury and elec-
tronics recycling program director at the University of Massachusetts, professor of land use
management, resource planner, and attorney with the US Department of Justice.

Throughout her career, Lynn pioneered innovative programs, forged connections, and raised
the level of regional cooperation across the Northeast. Lynn's work has had substantial impact
that will last well into the future.

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environmental merit awards lifetime achievement

BETSEY C. WINGFIELD,

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Hartford, Connecticut

Betsey C. Wingfield has been with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Pro-
tection for 34 years, three years as deputy commissioner overseeing air, water, and waste programs.
Throughout the decades, Betsey found equitable solutions to environmental challenges, relying on
science, innovation, and partnerships.

Early in her career, Betsey helped create the state's first cleanup regulations, shape Connecticut's
Brownfields program, and focus state assistance toward environmental justice communities. Betsey
led many successful water protection initiatives. She spearheaded a nitrogen-trading program among
wastewater treatment plants on Long Island Sound and more than a decade later shaped Connecti-
cut's strategy focusing on upgrades at treatment plants. Betsey also worked on strategies to reduce
phosphorus loads to fresh water.

As a member of the Water Planning Council, she and other members pushed to develop the first State
Water Plan, which documents mutual goals of water planning entities and sets a path for improve-
ment. Betsey also engaged in the Long Island Study and other initiatives that improved water quality,
protected coastal and aquatic resources, and enhanced public access and uses of the sound and coast.
Her visions led to the designation of the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Betsey championed many other significant causes, including redevelopment of the Brass Center Mall,
the innovative cleanup around the Raymark Superfund site and the development of a PFAS Action Plan.

Serving on the Ozone Transport Commission, Betsey pressed for solutions to address Connecticut's
challenges. The states investment in developing the Geospatial Measurement of Air Pollution that
uses advanced monitoring equipment to address previously unknown sources of air pollution is the
latest example of a solution Betsey helped find.

Betsey may be best known for her commitment to staff - for setting up a professional development
group, establishing a formal mentoring program, personally mentoring future environmental leaders,
and leading staff through the COVID pandemic with compassion, and clear communication.

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environmental merit awards lifetime achievement

ED BASSETT,

PASSAMAQUODDY TRIBE - PLEASANT POINT

Perry, Maine

Ed Bassett of the Passamaquoddy Tribe retired from his job as multimedia specialist for the
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point in December, leaving behind a legacy of environ-
mental protection, restoration, and stewardship.

Over 40 years, Ed has served in leadership roles for his Tribe, including Tribal vice chief,
Tribal Council member, Tribal game warden, Tribal cultural program director, and Tribal
fish and game commi ttee member.

He helped build the capacity of the Tribe's Environmental Program through his manage-
ment of its General Assistance program for 20 years. Ed advanced environmental protection
on Passamaquoddy territory through restoration of tribal lands and waters, with a focus of
improving water quality and removing barriers to restoring tribal cultural aquatic species.
Ed's expertise in communications helped advance the Tribe's restoration efforts. Through
his expertise in digital media technology, he communicated critical environmental issues
facing the tribe.

Ed also has devoted significant time to mentoring younger staff and youth. He was direc-
tor of the Tribe's Camp Waponahki Youth Program, helped with the Wabanaki Wilderness
Program, and was assistant director of the Tribal Vocational Education Program. He is also
a traditional Passamaquoddy birch back canoe builder, knowledge he passed on. Perhaps
Ed's most lasting achievement was co-founding the Schoodic Riverkeepers, with its mis-
sion to improve public perceptions of the Indigenous perspective. With a focus on restoring
the Schoodic River watershed, the Passamaquoddy name for the St. Croix River, Ed played
a crucial role in educating the tribal community and public on the importance of alewife
restoration. This led to the opening of the alewife passage at Grand Falls Dam during the
spawning season.

Despite retirement, Ed continues to serve by developing a safe, public, watering point for the
Tribal community, eliminating the need to travel for drinking water.

Ed's lifetime investment in environmental leadership and cultural preservation will have a
lasting impact on Passamaquoddy tribal members.

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environmental merit awards

lifetime achievement

PAUL SUSCA, NEW HAMPSHIRE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES

Concord, New Hampshire

Paul Susca, who retired in August from the New Hampshire Department of Environ-
mental Services, had a three-decade career in state service that left an indelible mark on
state efforts to protect drinking water resources. As an administrator in the state Drink-
ing Water and Groundwater Bureau, Paul oversaw the Source Water Protection Pro-
gram, the Environmental Lab Accreditation Program, and state private well initiatives,
an education program focused on people's relationships with water and compliance and
enforcement activities.

Paul's approach to working with other partners has helped "move the needle" when it
comes to protecting drinking water. For example, Paul was a founding architect of the
Salmon Falls Collaborative, an interstate partnership nationally recognized in 2012 by the
Clean Water America Alliance. This collaborative includes EPA, DES, the Maine Drinking
Water Program, University of New Hampshire, watershed communities and land trusts, all
of which combined resources to protect the Salmon Falls River watershed.

Paul also has been a leader in New Hampshire's effort to conserve water supply lands. In
2017 he began an effort with NH's Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund Com-
mission to create the Source Water Protection Land Grant Program. His involvement was
instrumental to commission decisions to allocate over $5.5 million to conserve more than
11,500 acres of critical water supply lands.

Over his career, Paul has led a series of public health-related initiatives, including adop-
tion of a lower arsenic standard. In 2018, the legislature asked DES to determine the
economic costs and health benefits of a more stringent standard. Leading the effort, Paul
solicited expert opinions from EPA and DES health-risk assessors and contracted health
economists to monetize the costs. The findings were pivotal to policymakers' cutting the
arsenic standard in half. An effort to reduce state standards below federal standards had
never been done before in New Hampshire and Paul's work was central to his receiving
DES Employee of the Year award in 2019.

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environmental merit awards lifetime achievement

GEORGE W. LOOMIS

Kingston, Rhode Island

George Loomis will retire this fall after 36 years with the University of Rhode Island Coop-
erative Extension. A soil scientist by training, George dedicated his career to leveraging the
latest scientific knowledge to advance the onsite wastewater treatment system field. George
literally wrote the book on Onsite Wastewater Treatment: In 2018, he and Jose A. Amador
published the book "Soil-Based Wastewater Treatment," with essential information for on-
site industry professionals.

Throughout his career George brought together politicians, developers, engineers, land sur-
veyors, septic installers, septage haulers, septic and home inspectors, advanced technology
vendors, realtors, and, most importantly, homeowners to change the onsite wastewater treat-
ment industry in Rhode Island.

George was the driving force that moved onsite wastewater in Rhode Island and the region
forward by changing the entrenched way of doing business. He was instrumental in building
trust among public officials, builders, contractors, realtors, engineers and land surveyors.

As director and creator of the New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program at URI,
George trained thousands of professionals. He directed the design and installation of nearly
70 innovative and alternative onsite systems under the auspices of state and federally funded
demonstration projects in Rhode Island. He has worked with several communities to develop
wastewater management programs as well as ordinances to establish inventories and inspec-
tion programs. George was instrumental in developing the RI Septic System Check Up Hand-
book to standardize the way systems are inspected, which helps protect consumers. George
also co-authored the state's sand filter guide, the bottomless sand filter guide, and the pressur-
ized drainfield guide, which have since been integrated into state regulations.

George served on committees at local to national levels, helping establish new regulations and
training curricula across the northeastern U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in line with his
commitment to protecting public and environmental health.

George's contributions and impact as an industry leader, teacher, mentor, collaborator, re-
searcher, and advocate for environmental protection are immeasurable.

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environmental merit awards lifetime achievement

MARTIN SUUBERG

Boston, Massachusetts

Martin Suuberg, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protec-
tion, has more than 30 years of experience in environmental and natural resource agencies at the
state and federal level. During that time, he has been effective and innovative in administering
environmental laws.

Martin was appointed commissioner in 2015 after serving as undersecretary for environmental affairs
in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. As commissioner, he launched a critical
investigation into PFAS, which led to setting stringent maximum contaminant levels for PFAS com-
pounds in drinking water and rules for soil and groundwater cleanup. As a leader in climate change
efforts, Martin served as president and on the board of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and
promoted the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program to increase charging stations statewide.

Martin championed environmental justice within DEP by diversifying the workforce and by expand-
ing its mission statement to commit to advancing environmental justice. For example, he expanded
the network of air monitoring stations in EJ communities to better protect these populations.

Before becoming deputy commissioner for policy and planning, Martin was regional director for
the Central Regional Office in Worcester. In 2013, he partnered with Worcester Polytechnic Insti-
tute and a regional stormwater coalition, with students helping communities meet EPA stormwater
permit requirements. The program has since expanded and coalitions have formed.

While he has a quick grasp of every scientific issue he encounters, Martin is also a lawyer who
was general counsel to DEP and to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, as well as to the
former Department of Environmental Management where he was deputy commissioner. Before
moving to Massachusetts, Martin was a lawyer at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washing-
ton, DC, where his work included natural resource damages and endangered species issues.

Martin's leadership has been characterized by diligence, integrity, transparency, and unfailing com-
mitment to public service and environmental protection.

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environmental merit awards lifetime achievement

DR. JEFFREY UNDERHILL

Concord, New Hampshire

Dr. Jeffrey Underhill, chief air quality scientist for 25 years at the NH Department of Envi-
ronmental Services, retired in July having gained an understanding of regional air quality and
transported air pollution that allowed him to develop strategic approaches to reducing emis-
sions and making major improvements in air quality in New Hampshire and beyond. Jeff's
doctorate in atmospheric chemistry masters in atmospheric physics and analytical chemistry
and bachelor's in computer science, helped him gain this understanding of air quality.

Jeff provided major scientific support to early efforts of the Ozone Transport Assessment
Group, formed by states in the Northeast in 1995 to reduce the transport of ozone from ma-
jor source emissions into and across the eastern United States.

As chair for the last 15 years of the Ozone Transport Commission Modeling Committee, Jeff
has been lead scientist on modeling studies of ozone pollution across the region. These studies
influenced EPA to adopt innovative cross-state approaches to reducing transported pollution.

Jeff provided direction for efforts to modernize the state's air monitoring program and helped
interpret air quality data and the potential for poor air quality events resulting in public
alerts. He is routinely sought by media to explain these alerts.

Jeff has led numerous local air pollution investigations including: studies of particulate mat-
ter associated with scrap metal storage and railroad idling; studies of wintertime wood smoke
in NIi valleys, and studies related to the impacts of sulfur dioxide on communities associated
with power plant emissions. Reports on the state's air quality have improved understanding
of pollution impacts and health costs. His efforts contributed to New Hampshire's approach
to controlling in-state source emissions required to achieve the federal ozone standard, as
well as working with the Mid-Atlantic Northeast Visibility Union in addressing the federal
Regional Haze standard for reducing suspended particulate matter to restore visibility in the
White Mountain National Forest.

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environmental merit awards lifetime achievement

MEG KERR

North Kingston, Rhode Island

Meg Kerr has been staunch advocate for the environmental movement, retiring in 2021 after
a successful career of climate leadership and service to the State of Rhode Island.

Raised in Westchester County by parents who were environmentalists even before Earth
Day existed, Meg earned her bachelors degree in marine biology at Brown University After
graduating from Brown University and University of North Carolina, Meg began the early
part of her career as a scientist. She worked for the Environmental Protection Agency across
North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., where she partnered with states to standard-
ize water quality reporting aligned with the Clean Water Act.

She then moved back to Rhode Island and quickly established herself as a prominent advocate
for the environment, taking on roles at the Rhode Island Rivers Council, the Narragansett Bay
Estuary Program, and Clean Water Action, Meg ended her career as senior director of policy
for five years at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. To add to the list of her accomplish-
ments, Meg was a founder of the Rhode Island Green Infrastructure Coalition and helped
launch the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center, a partnership between Audubon and
six other organizations.

She also helped found the annual Land and Water Conservation Summit that for over a
decade brought together hundreds of environmentalists from the state and region. Meg is
passionate about pollinators and organized the Bee Rally at the State House to bring attention
to threats faced by bees.

A fierce and respected leader for the environment, and a familiar face at the State House,
Meg is also a mother, grandmother and an avid runner, who calls her daily run her "mental
thinking time,"

Meg's expertise, mentorship, and ability to get things done for Rhode Island's environmental
community has made a real mark on the state.

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environmental merit awards individual

INDIVIDUAL

BRIAN BYRNES,

PROVIDENCE PARKS AND
RECREATION

Providence, Rhode Island

Brian Byrnes, deputy superintendent of Providence
Parks and Recreation, is being recognized for his
leadership at the Providence Stormwater Innova-
tion Center in Roger Williams Park and his efforts to
demonstrate the use of green infrastructure, reduce
stormwater impacts and monitor the results of im-
provements in water quality of the watershed.

Brian was instrumental establishing the stormwa-
ter center, partnering with the Audubon Society of
Rhode Island and other environmental organiza-
tions and professionals. He oversaw the installation
of many stormwater treatment practices in the park
and hosted trainings and webinars that reached many
municipal public works staff. The Providence Storm-
water Innovation Center monitors the effect of the
stormwater practices on water quality downstream
and data collected on dissolved oxygen, water tem-
perature, chlorophyll-a, pH, alkalinity, nutrients and
bacteria help them better understand the eutrophica-
tion process. Cynobacteria blooms are being moni-
tored in Roger Williams Park ponds with volunteer
cyanobacteria monitoring days throughout summer.
Smartphone images of algae blooms and of micro-
scopic samples help experts identify the species. Brian
has shared his passion and knowledge with other state
municipal officials and the Stormwater Design Com-
munity. The center showcases nature-based stormwa-
ter practices, provides training on green infrastruc-
ture, and tests innovative treatment technologies, all
to improve urban water quality while beautifying the
landscape and creating natural habitat for wildlife.

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environmental merit awards individual

INDIVIDUAL

SHARON LEWIS,

CONNECTICUT COALITION FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC
JUSTICE

Hartford, Connecticut

Sharon Lewis, executive director of the Connecticut Coali-
tion for Environmental and Economic Justice, embodies the
best of the environmental movement. Founded in 1998, the
statewide coalition includes organizations and constituencies
with a shared vision of justice. Their base consists of residents
in communities that face systemic problems requiring bold
solutions. Under her leadership, the coalition has worked
with communities across the state, built up the leadership
of leaders of color, and advocated for environmental justice.
Over the course of the year, Sharon led dozens of environ-
mental campaigns, including a fight against expanding a
landfill and lobbying the Legislature to improve air quality in
public schools, electrify transportation, advance clean energy,
and act on the climate crisis. As a result of Sharon's work, the
state legislature expanded climate and clean energy poli-
cies. During the pandemic, she transformed her teaching to
allow remote learning. Through over 60 webinars and online
discussions attended by over 1,000 people, Sharon helped
advocates understand the history of racism exposing commu-
nities of color to environmental injustice. In addition, Sharon
launched a course in the Boots on the Ground Environmental
Advocacy School that brings together environmental justice
leaders to develop environmental campaigns and expand orga-
nizing capacity. Sharon's leadership expanded access to envi-
ronmental education and trained a new generation of leaders.

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environmental merit awards government

GOVERNMENT

RHODE ISLAND
INFRASTRUCTURE BANK

Providence, Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank has been an
essential partner in addressing the state's public health
and natural environment. Last year, the bank created
and supported more than 2,300 jobs and closed $105.9
million in grants and loans, including over $54 mil-
lion in clean water and drinking water loans. The bank
also led the development of Resilient Rhody, a state-
wide climate resilience strategy that brought together
54 members from state agencies, organizations, and
research institutions to come up with 61 recommended
actions. In November, the bank released a three-year
impact report that showed 100% of municipalities now
have active hazard mitigation plans or are updating
plans, 20 municipalities have partnered in the Munici-
pal Resilience Program, and $19.5 million in new fund-
ing has gone to climate resilience projects. The town
of Warren, for instance, received $20 million through
the Clean Water State Revolving fund to upgrade its
wastewater treatment facility. Also with the banks
help, Newport was able to get more than $49 million
through both the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
and the Efficient Buildings Fund to make improve-
ments at the Newport Water Pollution Control Plant.
The Efficient Buildings Fund allowed for solar panels
to be installed that will reduce the amount of energy
required to operate the facility.

KESHA RAM-HINSDALE

Montpelier, Vermont

For over a decade, State Senator Kesha has promoted
environmental justice. Kesha wrote a bill in 2007 that
tied economic and racial justice to environmental jus-
tice, which she worked to introduce as a college senior.
In 2009 Kesha became the youngest state legislator
in the country and the first person of color elected
to represent Burlington. After serving as a legislator,
Kesha led community engagement efforts that brought
together academics, activists, non-profit leaders, and
community partners who sought to answer the ques-
tion, "What does Environmental Justice look like in
Vermont?" and to craft policy based on the testimony
of those who have been systematically excluded from
the mainstream environmental movement. Beginning
in 2019, Kesha and her partners in a rural EJ project
held conversations in overburdened and underserved
communities. As facilitator, Kesha asked about partici-
pants' quality of life, and how they wanted the state to
respond to environmental and health crises. During
the pandemic, the project held 17 virtual conversations
with 77 participants, drawing on established relation-
ships with members of the Bhutanese Nepali, Somali
Bantu, migrant farmworker, senior, rural, deaf/hard of
hearing, disabled, and mobile home communities. This
led to Vermont's first ever EJ Policy, which passed this
year, and a network of community-liaisons that is a
model for community engagement.

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environmental merit awards enviro, community, academia, nonprofit

ENVIRO, COMMUNITY, ACADEMIA & NONPROFIT

MARK KING, MAINE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

MARK HUTCHINSON,

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
MAINE COMPOST SCHOOL

Augusta, Maine

The Maine Compost School, the longest continuously running compost
program in the country, began in 1997 to tackle the need to divert food
waste from landfills. Based at Highmoor Farm, a University of Maine
Forest and Experimental Station in Monmouth, it hosts a commercial
compost site where students get hands-on learning and field experiences
along with traditional classroom activities. Students at the five-day school
are from businesses as well as non-profits such as schools and government
agencies, or are homeowners. Over 700 participants have come from the
US, Canada and 42 other countries. Generally, by diverting wasted food
and other organic waste from landfill to composting, methane emissions
are significantly reduced and carbon is sequestered. Many composting
operations have been established thanks to the Maine Compost School.
A few recent Maine small businesses that were formed by compost school
graduates and continue to grow include Scrapdogs Compost and Chicka-
dee Compost. In addition, graduates have gone on to manage municipal
organics recycling operations such Lamoille Soil in Vermont. The Maine
Compost School's mission aligns with the need to promote more compost-
ing and promotes innovation to make composting more efficient.

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environmental merit awards enviro, community, academia, nonprofit

BARNABY EVANS AND PETER MELLO,
WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

Providence, Rhode Island

WaterFire Providence has organized recurring river
sculptural art events that have brought over 10 mil-
lion visitors to Rhode Island's capital. Barnaby Evans,
founder and executive artistic director of WaterFire
and an artist with a degree in environmental science,
combines ecological expertise and design philosophy
in solutions to public art and urban issues. In 2012, the
growing organization bought a vacant industrial build-
ing requiring extensive cleanup during renovations.
Thanks to Peter Mello, managing director, WaterFire
got over $700,000 in state and federal brownfields
funding for redevelopment. When unexpected PCB
contamination threatened to derail the project, Pe-
ter made sure tax credit and bond funding were not
jeopardized. The resulting 37,000-square-foot arts
center opened in 2017 with its historic beauty intact
and sustainable building techniques incorporated,
earning an award from the Providence Preservation
Society. WaterFire led the city's 2017 Brownfields
Areawide Planning project for Woonasquatucket River
Valley neighborhoods. Neighboring property own-
ers have since done their own cleanup and renovation
projects. WaterFire regularly includes paddling events
in its lightings that celebrate the cleaner water and
return of fish resulting a sewer improvement project.
WaterFire continues to partner with the underrepre-
sented Olneyville/Valley neighborhood. Barnaby and
Peter showed that artistic vision, innovative economic
strategies, and meaningful community engagement can
result in inspiring environmental outcomes.

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL
HOSPITAL

Boston, Massachusetts

For eight years, Massachusetts General Hospital had a
food waste diversion program that has greatly reduced
the amount of food sent to a landfill. Six days a week,
Agri-Cycle collects organics from the flagship facil-
ity that has more than 22,000 employees and houses
multiple kitchens and food vendors. MGH was at
the forefront of organics programs in Massachusetts,
starting its program in 2014, at the start of the state's
food waste landfill ban for all generators producing
more than a ton of food waste a week Each year the
program has grown and been refined. In 2021, MGH
diverted 570 tons of food scraps and other compostable
items, the most so far. Instead of putting this food in
a landfill, MGH sends it to Agri-Cycle's anaerobic
digestion process where it is converted to renewable
energy. In 2008, MGH set an ambitious goal of reduc-
ing energy consumption 25 percent by 2020. Mass
General reached that goal in just five years and has
now achieved a 36 percent reduction. Other efforts
have ranged from major investments in cogeneration,
installation of a 40-kW solar array on the roof of the
Charlestown Navy Yard parking garage and purchasing
energy produced by a wind farm in New Hampshire.
MGH is a clear leader in sustainability.

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environmental merit awards business

BUS NESS

MONADNOCK PAPER MILLS, INC.

Bennington, New Hampshire

Monadnock Paper Mills, a longtime user of EPA's self-
reporting environmental impact tools, believes these
tools allowed them to track activities and set reduction
goals. The company shares its progress and educates
other organizations about the value of these programs
as it did in its recently published 2020 Corporate Social
Responsibility Report. The company is most proud
of its increased use of recycled materials, replacing
plastic with renewable, fiber-based alternatives. In the
past two years the company has commercialized many
new products made with 100% post-consumer waste
recycled and alternative reclaimed fibers. Over the past
three years, it has sold more than 16 million pounds of
paper that replace PVC, styrene and vinyl in a broad
range of products and markets. All of the company's
products are manufactured carbon neutral and it uses
100% Green-e certified renewable wind-powered
electricity . The company is a member of the NH Busi-
nesses for Social Responsibility and the Sustainable
Green Printing Partnership. Most recently, this year it
received the Environment Award from the Association
of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators
for its latest product innovation: a high-performance,
100% post-consumer waste recycled fiber paper used
for retail gift, loyalty, and membership cards.

RUST-OLEUM

Attleboro, Massachusetts

A new industrial participant in composting suggests
more unconventional sources are out there. Since 1956,
Rust-Oleum in Attleboro has been one of the world's
largest refiners of seediac, used to make shellac. Shel-
lac, which comes from the secretions of an insect, is
edible and does not release toxins or microplastics.
Over 15 months, Rust-Oleum contributed almost a
million pounds of this non-toxic waste to compost-
ing facilities. Over the last dozen years, the facility had
projects aimed at the goals of the Massachusetts Toxics
Use Reduction Act, under the direction of Tony Ferri,
environmental health and safety manager. Once the
company had made its chemical use more efficient,
Tony turned to overall resource conservation. Among
unavoidable wastes is "Red Mud" a residual consisting
of portions of seediac. Composters were skeptical of
this unfamiliar material, so a two-year testing program
was put in place. The success of this project suggests
that atypical generators of organic wastes should be
sought out and that guidance is needed for establish-
ing acceptability. Rust-Oleum's hope is that its example
with Red Mud paves the way for other companies to
reduce waste to landfills as well as costs, while promot-
ing environmental stewardship in their communities.

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environmental merit awards business

GLOBALFOUNDRIES

Essex, Vermont

The GlobalFoundries Vermont Facility, known as
FAB9, manufactures semiconductor chips for global
telecommunications and consumer electronics mar-
kets. To manufacture semiconductors, energy, water,
chemicals, and gases are needed. The company's Global
Environmental Health and Safety Policy focuses on
reducing energy, water use, chemical use, and waste
generation. When evaluating resource conservation
projects, FAB9 uses the principles of the waste manage-
ment hierarchy, with source reduction the preferred
approach. Projects that use fewer chemicals and non-
hazardous alternatives, or find reuse opportunities, also
save money and improve operations. The FAB9 photo-
lithography team, which is in charge of a key process
in producing semiconductors, has put in place four
projects that reduced solvent usage by 70,468 liters,
saving $652,354 a year in costs while reducing chemi-
cal handling and waste shipments. The team has set
the standard to be "best in class" for photochemical use
and the Vermont site has been recognized by several
tooling suppliers, highlighting the process developed
at FAB9 as "a one of a kind", driving down solvent
use without impacting process requirements. Global-
Foundries coordinates an annual workshop that shares
information and projects with photolithography teams
worldwide. Last year, after details of its projects were
shared, three factories committed to putting in place
solvent reductions.

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