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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
RETIRED DEM CHIEF OF COMPLIANCE AND INSPECTION RECEIVES COVETED ENVIRONMENTAL MERIT AWARD FROM EPA PROVIDENCE - Dean Albro, the former chief of the Department of Environmental Management's Office of Compliance and Inspection, has received the US Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Merit Award from EPA Regional Administrator Robert W. Varney. Albro recently retired from DEM after 30 years of state service.Given out by EPA since 1970, the Environmental Merit Award honors individuals and groups who have shown particular ingenuity and commitment in their efforts to preserve the region's environment. The merit award recognizes significant contributions to environmental awareness and problem solving, and is a unique way that EPA can recognize individuals and groups that are making significant impacts on environmental quality in distinct ways. "This award recognizes more than 30 years of service in protecting public health and the environment as a key leader at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management," said EPA Regional Administrator Robert Varney. "My own staff here at EPA has worked closely with you as chief of the Office of Compliance and Inspection in a variety of forums, ranging from Performance Partnership Agreement negotiations to targeting inspections to developing enforcement strategies. You have brought sincere commitment and great integrity to all your work, and been one of EPA New England's most able and well-respected state partners." DEM's Office of Compliance and Inspection investigates complaints and suspected violations of environmental laws and regulations; conducts compliance monitoring of hazardous waste generators, underground storage tanks and exterior lead paint removal activities; and inspects and monitors safety conditions at dams throughout the state. Formal enforcement actions are issued by the Office when significant noncompliance is discovered by complaint investigation or compliance monitoring. Albro began his career at DEM in 1977 and held positions as a biologist, supervising environmental planner, deputy chief, and chief of the freshwater wetlands program until being named chief of the Office of Compliance and Inspection when it was established in 1996. Data from a consolidated tracking system that was initiated in 1999 shows that under Albro's leadership, the Office received 30,421 complaints from the public alleging environmental violations; conducted 27,361 investigations and inspections; issued 1,038 Notices of Violation and assessed $22,727,402 in penalties; and entered 659 Consent Agreements and collected $7,484,009 in penalties. A resident of Coventry, Albro was also an active member of the New England State/EPA Environmental Enforcement and Compliance Committee, and was twice elected chairman of the Northeast Environmental Enforcement Project. -30- |
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