FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      CONTACT:  Donna Tommelleo, 860-524-7313

April 22, 2010                                                     donna.tommelleo@ct.gov

            Governor M. Jodi Rell said Connecticut’s strong commitment to environmental protection and conservation through innovative initiatives and individual effort earned national recognition today during a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Merit Awards ceremony today in Boston.

            “On this 40^th anniversary of Earth Day we should all take pride in the recognition our state has garnered through our leadership in critical environmental issues,” Governor Rell said. “I am tremendously proud that one of the honors recognizes the efficiencies we have made in our state Department of Environmental Protection through innovative Lean practices. DEP is showing that we can take prompt action on permits while maintaining important environmental standards that have served our state well.”

Connecticut winners of EPA’s 2010 Environmental Merit Awards are:

Connecticut DEP LEAN Implementation Team and all Participating Staff:

Presented to DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella and DEP staff members involved with development and implementation of a program to improve efficiency at the agency.  The ongoing LEAN program has reduced the review time for permit applications and for completing enforcement actions.

Connecticut Disaster Debris Plan Team:

An inter-agency group comprising staff from the state DEP and the Departments of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) and Administrative Services. (DAS)  This team developed statewide plans and contracts for Connecticut to manage debris in the event of a major hurricane or other natural disaster.

Partnerships for Green Jobs for the Water Sector

Among team members for this award were the Connecticut Section of American Water Works Association, Water and People Program – Portland Conn., Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and New England Water Works Association.  This award recognizes a unique training program developed by water system operators to ensure the availability of staff professionals in the future.

Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse

The Clearinghouse was recognized for its work in reducing the toxicity of packaging that enters the solid waste stream, and ultimately, the environment in New England and across the country. DEP Employee David Westcott serves as a member of this Clearinghouse.

Jonathan Rose Companies, New Haven     

The company was recognized for its efforts to develop “green” real estate nationwide and for its leadership in developing the “green” and affordable Metro Green Apartment building in Stamford, which serves as a model for future environmentally friendly property development

Lee E. Dunbar

Winner of a Lifetime Achievement Award, Lee Dunbar is a recently retired DEP employee who played a key role in the development and successful implementation of major water quality programs during his 30 years at the agency.

For more information on the awards and award-winners: www.ct.gov/dep and www.epa.gov