DAQ Names Employee, Team of the Year for 2006

The Division of Air Quality recently held its eighth Employee Recognition Awards ceremony, with Thom Allen of the Raleigh Central Office named as the 2006 DAQ Employee of the Year. The Air Toxics Analytical Support Team was named the 2006 DAQ Team of the Year. DENR Secretary Bill Ross presented the awards.

DENR Sec. Bill Ross, DAQ Employee of the Year Thom Allen, DAQ Director Keith Overcash (L-R)

Allen was nominated by the Planning Section for his years of efforts in heading the Rules Development Branch. Affectionately known as the "Godfather of Rules," Thom is the DAQ's longest-serving employee. He plans to retire on his 39th anniversary of service with the State on June 1, 2007. Thom is known for his ability to work well with all of the various groups involved in the rule-making process. Most recently, he headed the effort to develop a mercury rule for North Carolina, and the rule adopted by the Environmental Management Commission in November 2006 has been widely regarded as a model for other states.

DAQ Team of the Year, Air Toxics Analytical Support Team (ATAST)

The Air Toxics Analytical Support Team was recognized for its outstanding service in responding to the fire and explosion that engulfed the EQ hazardous waste treatment facility in Apex on October 5, 2006. ATAST self-activated following initial reports of the fire during the middle of the night, and provided invaluable input to state and local emergency response efforts. The group began sampling the air as soon as emergency response officials would let them set up their equipment, and continued their monitoring efforts for several weeks afterwards. In addition, ATAST conducted wipe samples to detect potential deposition of toxic materials, which required the team to learn and carry out new testing procedures. The team also prepared a detailed report summarizing their response and air monitoring efforts under a demanding timetable, which greatly assisted the State's efforts in informing citizens about potential risks associated with the fire and explosion. Team members who responded to the event included Robin Barrows, Chris Bender, Jim Bowyer, Lori Cherry, Karen Clevenger, Teresa Colon, Todd Crawford, John Holland, Claressa Jolly, Reg Jordan, George Kangkolo, Jim Lowder, Todd Pasley and Mike Reid.

Other nominees for DAQ Employee of the Year included Angela Bell, Joe Crabb, Wade Daniel, Robert Fisher, Holly Groce, Heather Hawkins, Eugene Mesley, James Olcott, Mike Parkin, Gary Perlmutter, Melanie Taylor, Ann Tyndall and Mark Yirka. Other nominees for the DAQ Team of the Year included the Mercury Rule Development Team, the Particle Laboratory Analytical Team, the Planning Branch Staff, the PM 2.5 Federal Reference Method Computer Automation Team, the Road to Clean Air Team, the Washington Regional Office Ambient Monitoring Team, and the Washington Regional Office Compliance Staff.

Also at the awards ceremony, DAQ recognized three employees for reaching 35 years of service with the State. They are Mike Aldridge, Sammy Amerson and Bernie Pittman.

DAQ 35-year employees Mike Aldridge, Sammy Amerson and Bernie Pittman (L-R)

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