Happy Holidays!

Vol. 23, No. 9 December 2015 Less Excavation Under Way at Energy Former Freedom Industries Site Display by Jake Glance Excavation work at the former DEP’s LED Tree Freedom Industries site in Charleston is under way, with the goal of remov- Uses 90 Percent ing thousands of tons of soil possibly contaminated with Less Energy Than spilled chemicals. The environ- Traditional Lights mental contractor for the Freedom by Jake Glance restructuring team, Core Environmen- Normally, LED stands for “Light less energy than it would if traditional ment. tal Services, plans to remove approxi- Emitting Diode.” lights were used. In fact, the entire tree The event was organized and mately 10,000 tons of soil from the But for the next few weeks at the can be illuminated by a small child hosted by the DEP’s Division of Air site along the Elk River. DEP’s headquarters in Kanawha City, turning a hand crank. Quality (DAQ) and featured many The soil will be taken from the it means “Less Energy Display.” The tree was lit during a holiday interactive displays that showed the Freedom site to the Charleston Land- The enormous Energy Tree looks celebration on Dec. 3 where people different ways a home can be made fill for proper disposal. like it would be an energy hog only the could learn more about not only energy more energy efficient, including in- At the site, the excavated area Grinch himself could love - but since efficiency, but also about DEP’s mis- stalling solar panels and using LED will be backfilled with clean soil. The the lights are LEDs, it uses 90 percent sion of promoting a healthy environ- light bulbs. See DISPLAY, Page 7 work is expected to last about three months, barring any weather delays. Counties Giving U.S. Navy Recycling Gear New Life See FREEDOM, Page 7 by Jake Glance In This Issue ... Pendleton County, for months. One million per year to maintain it. - REAP awards $2.2 million West Virginia, isn’t a place plan was to turn So, for months, the facility and all most people would guess Sugar Grove into of its equipment were in limbo. in recycling grants, Page 2 the U.S. Navy would have a corrections Just days before the facility was to - Employees don a base. In fact, Sugar facility to ease shut down for good, the Division of garb for good causes, Page 3 Grove is only about 19 overcrowding Natural Resources contacted the DEP Sugar Grove, WV miles from the state’s concerns. But in regarding recycling equipment that was - DEP’s artistic talents are highest point but is more September, Gov. used at Sugar Grove. Though more shining through, Page 4 than 200 miles away from Earl Ray Tom- than 20 years old, the equipment was - ReFashion show highlights the Atlantic Ocean. blin said the state in exceptionally good condition, due to creativity, Page 5 But the Navy did have would not take regular maintenance and indoor stor- a base in Sugar Grove for years, and over the facility, despite federal gov- age. - DMR Logan Office is in just recently moved to cease operations ernment offers to transfer ownership at “Initially, we thought it was going the holiday spirit, Page 6 there. no cost. Gov. Tomblin said it would to be a couple recycling trailers,” said - Recent hires and upcoming The fate of the facility, and all of cost at least $19 million to turn the Dennis Stottlemyer of the DEP’s Of- the equipment on site, was up in the air facility into a prison and another $16 fice of the Environmental Advocate. retirements, Page 7 See RECYCLING, Page 7 1 DEP Presents More Than $2.2 Million in Recycling Grants 35 organizations will split funding generated by solid waste disposal fees by Jake Glance

Department of Environmental collection bins for offices and Thirty-five organizations in 26 counties received grant funding for recycling efforts Dec. Protection Cabinet Secretary Randy dorms for the recycling pro- 9. The funding is provided by the Recycling Assistance Grant Program and is generated Huffman presented more than $2.2 gram. through the $1 assessment fee per ton of solid waste disposed of at in-state landfills. million in recycling grants Dec. 9. Grant County: The funding is provided by the Region VIII Solid Waste Authori- Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha containers with covers, recycling costs, Recycling Assistance Grant Program a ty: $141,100 to purchase a baler, stor- and Putnam: $59,708.98 to assist with labor, transportation, conference attend- (REAP) and is generated through the $1 age building, forklift, materials, sup- construction costs and building survey ance and educational pamphlets for the assessment fee per ton of solid waste plies and to assist with labor and the for the ongoing operation. county-wide program. disposed of at in-state landfills. electrical contractor for the county- City of South Charleston: $91,000 Preston County: wide program. to purchase a recycle collection truck City of Kingwood: $75,000 to This year’s grant recipients are: Greenbrier County: for the ongoing city-wide program. assist with the installation of three Boone County: Almost Heaven Habitat for Hu- Logan County: phase electric, a recycling truck, a skid Boone County Solid Waste Au- manity: $16,110.02 to assist with per- Vance Trading: $75,000 to pur- steer loader, floor scales and printer, a thority: $18,200 to assist with fuel for sonnel, employee benefits, door mail- chase a trailer and shear for the ongoing loading ramp, tires for skid steer and recycling trucks, utilities for the recy- ings, a pallet jack and a convertible operation. recycling truck and recycling bins for cling center, baling wire and annual hand truck for the ongoing operation. Marion County: the ongoing city-wide program. conference attendance for the county- Greenbrier County Solid Waste Marion County Solid Waste Au- Putnam County: wide program. Authority: $150,000 to assist with thority: $149,657 to assist with the Putnam County Solid Waste Au- Braxton County: building expansion for the recycling purchase of a horizontal baler with thority: $145,900 to assist with the Braxton County Solid Waste Au- drop off and storage for the county conveyor, sort line conveyor and recy- recycling roll- off box pulls, mobile thority: $25,800 to assist with utilities wide program. cling containers for the county-wide home recycling, a pre-recyclable chop- for the recycling center, recycling bins, Hampshire County: program. per and conveyor, a sorting conveyor, a vertical baler, educational material, Hampshire County Commission: Mercer County: picking station, a magnetic separator, advertising and part-time driver/labor $120,500 to assist with site preparation, Empire Salvage and Recycling: recycling roll- off boxes, recycling for the county-wide program. fencing, containers and signage for the $75,000 to purchase a material handler advertising and education, floor scales Brooke County: new county-wide recycling initiative. for the ongoing operation. and self- dumping hoppers for the Brooke County Solid Waste Au- Hancock County: Monroe County: county wide program. thority: $50,600 to assist with wages, Hancock County Solid Waste HAM Sanitary Landfill: $50,000 to West Virginia Cashin Recyclables: transportation costs, truck maintenance, Authority: $50,200 to assist with site purchase a compact track loader for the $75,000 to purchase a wire granulator utilities for the recycling center, fuel for attendants, site improvements and to ongoing operation. plant for the ongoing operation. recycling truck, kerosene, advertising, install a sprinkler system for the recy- Monroe County Solid Waste Au- conference attendance, supplies and See GRANTS, Page 3 cling facility. thority: $134,897 to assist with wages, recycling totes for the county-wide Harrison County: building construction and vehicle ex- Recycle your program. Harrison County Recycling Center: penses for the county-wide program. Cabell County: (real) Christmas Tree! $75,000 to purchase a horizontal baler Ohio County: Marshall University Sustainability for the ongoing operation. Wheeling Area Training Center for Department: $2,652 to purchase recy- Remove all ornaments and lights Kanawha County: the Handicapped: $13,163 to assist with cling containers with lids for the ongo- City of Charleston: $12,000 to personnel for the ongoing operation. and bring it to ing program. assist with quarterly educational mail- Pleasants County: Capitol Market on Jan. 2 Calhoun County: ings for the ongoing city-wide program. Pleasants County Solid Waste from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Calhoun County Solid Waste Au- Charleston Main Streets: Authority: $85,800 to assist with wag- thority: $98,631 to assist with net wag- $47,177.50 to purchase solar recyclers, es, recycling truck, equipment mainte- It will be recycled as fish habitat es, utilities for the recycling center, a solar recycling bags and wraps for nance, fuel/vehicle expense, office baler, box dumper, equipment mainte- in our lakes and rivers. compactors for the ongoing program. equipment/supplies, utilities, legal ads nance, lettering for box truck and print- Goodwill Industries of Kanawha and security light for the ongoing pro- ing for the county-wide program. Valley: $39,795 to purchase a floor gram. Gilmer County: The fish would scale, stretch wrap machine with ramp, Pocahontas County: Glenville State College: $31,133 to say thanks, but shrink wrap, gaylord boxes, pallets, Pocahontas County Solid Waste purchase recycling bins with compart- fish can’t talk. forklift and pallet jack for the ongoing Authority: $150,000 to purchase a skid ments, a concrete pad for bins and operation. steer, a portable loading dock, roll-off

2 Star Wars is More Than a Movie For Loyal Fans Huntington by Colleen O’Neill Hosts “Making a They’re environmental inspectors by day, and Star Wars characters by free time and weekends. DEP employ- Visible ees Michel Boyer and Amy Higgs are part of a Star Wars character troupe. Difference” The group brings to life both the good guys of Star Wars, that include the Forum members of the , and “dark side” characters such as Darth by Jake Glance Vader. The city of Huntington is one of They’re able to share their passion just 53 municipalities nationwide that for the ultra-popular movie franchise is taking part of the U.S. Environmen- while having fun, raising money for Amy Higgs as Bo Katan Michel Boyer as TK 9720 tal Protection Agency (EPA) “Making charity, and lifting the spirits of hospi- a Visible Difference in Communities” talized children. Boyer’s interest in Star Wars pilots, one original trilogy Stormtroop- initiative. Higgs and Boyer took very differ- costumes is shared by his wife Jeniver er and one ‘The Force Awakens’ The city hosted a forum on Dec. ent paths to get to where they are. and their four children. Stormtrooper. 8 to help coordinate technical assis- “I began with cosplay (costume “My wife and I initially made Star Boyer isn’t alone in getting family tance across EPA programs and other play) by being a video game charac- Wars Halloween costumes for our- involved. Higgs got her husband to join agencies to support communities as ter,” said Higgs, a hazardous waste selves and our two daughters in 2004,” in as well. they pursue environmental improve- inspector with the Division of Water said Boyer, a tank inspector with “My husband’s character is Darth ments that enhance economic oppor- and Waste Management’s Environ- DWWM-EE. “When I went to Dragon Vader,” she said. “He was a little tunities. Several DEP officials partici- mental Enforcement unit (DWWM- Con in 2007, I realized two things. unsure at first, but now he loves it. We pated. EE). “In June 2013, when I attended a First, my costume wasn’t anywhere have a lot of fun.” “Our expectation in Huntington is Special Olympics event in Charleston, near accurate, and second, that there They’re not only having fun, they to discuss the projects that we are I met other members of the 501st. By was a group of Star Wars costumers are also helping the community. pursuing and then as we are pursuing March 2014, I was an official approved called the Rebel Legion who had “We dress up as the villains in Star those, to be able to talk to federal, member of the 501st.” amazing costumes for all the good Wars and make appearances for chari- state, and other local officials to help The 501st is the name of the le- guys of Star Wars. “ ties and non-profit organizations to them become familiar with what gion she and Boyer are in and Garrison “When I went back to Dragon Con raise money,” Higgs said. we’re doing and then get some direc- Corellia is the garrison for West Vir- in 2008, I had just received approval Her character, Bo Katan, is from tion and create a dialogue,” said Hun- ginia, Higgs explained. for my first costume, a Rebel Fleet the Clone Wars cartoon series. She is a tington Mayor Steve Williams. Trooper,” he said. “Over the next two Mandalorian, like Boba Fett, Higgs Mayor Williams said he attended years, I added a costume and an X explained. a recent meeting at the White House -wing pilot costume to the mix. In “We have done individual fund- where President Obama said that 2010, I joined the with a raisers to help specific children and communities cannot work with pro- Snowtrooper costume. Then in March their families when needed, and also do jects in silos - meaning agencies and of 2011, I added a Stormtrooper cos- conventions where we can recruit new municipalities must communicate. tume to my list of approved costumes.” members and raise money for charity For more on Huntington’s Earl Ray Tomblin Boyer’s wife has a Jedi, an X- with our Blast-a-Trooper activity,” “Making a Visible Difference” initia- Governor wing pilot and a Rebel Fleet trooper Higgs said. tive, check out the next edition of Randy C. Huffman costume and their kids have a total of Environment Matters on the DEP See STAR WARS, Page 4 Cabinet Secretary eight costumes: four , two X-wing YouTube channel. Kelley Gillenwater City of Buckhannon: $75,000 to building, fuel, advertising for recycling Communications Director GRANTS assist with a skid steer loader, self- and special events, storages sheds, Jake Glance dumping recycling bins, a self- stone for parking area and a new roof con’t from Page 2 Editor dumping front loader, a grapple tine for the WCSWA building for the coun- Randolph County: attachment, a truck and lift gate for the ty-wide program. DEP Public Information Office Randolph County Recycling Cen- ongoing city-wide program. Wood County: 601 57th Street SE ter: $48,300 to assist with the purchase Upshur County Solid Waste Au- Latrobe Street Mission: $26,700 to Charleston, WV 25304 of a recycling truck, advertising, fuel thority: $9,025 to assist with recycling assist with personnel, fuel for vehicle, and insurance for the ongoing opera- bins, the school “Bounty” program, to bins for collection of clothes, baling [email protected] tion. attend the annual conference, telephone wire, and the public information and Tucker County: costs and paper shred event for the educational campaign for the ongoing inDEPth is published by the Sunrise Sanitation Services: county-wide program. program. $13,768.40 to purchase single stream Wetzel County: Wood County Solid Waste Au- West Virginia Department of recycler containers and baling wire for Wetzel County Solid Waste Au- thority: $19,925 to purchase a recy- Environmental Protection, an the ongoing operation. thority: $36,400 to assist with person- cling trailer for the county-wide pro- affirmative action, equal Upshur County: nel, insurance for vehicles, signage for gram. opportunity employer.

3 No Formal Training Required STAR WARS DEP art classes con’t from Page 3 focus on fun, “We also visit the children’s hospital,” Higgs said. “Visiting the encourage artistic children is really the most important mission we have, to bring hope and expression encourage their imaginations.” “The 501st Legion has always by Jake Glance; Photo by Jeremy been involved in visiting children’s Davis hospitals and wings to try to lift the The most important thing to take spirits of the children,” Boyer said. away from an art class might be that Doing so much good for the you don’t have to be Pablo Picasso or community has resulted in a lot of Bob Ross to get pure joy out of putting wonderful experiences and lasting a brush to canvas. memories. That’s what Jeremy Davis and “Our best memory was last year DEP employees are taking part in an art class set up by Jeremy Davis and Lynn Dunlap, who both work in the when a little boy, about seven years Lynn Dunlap of the Office of Legal Services. DEP’s Office of Legal Services, want old, while being held by his mother, people to know. The pair have hosted In the Cooper’s Rock conference have fun. Everyone’s picture is going lunged to give Darth Vader, my hus- several painting classes at DEP head- room, Davis sets up the picture that the to look a little bit different but we will band, a hug,” Higgs said. “He had just quarters this fall where students pay a students are going to be painting, and go through how to make the picture had surgery on his brain to remove a small fee of $20, which covers the cost shows them the steps to paint their step by step from beginning to end.” tumor.” of brushes, paint, and the canvas for own. Davis borrows from Bob Ross, “Six months later, we were doing that evening’s work. “I am not a trained artist, I am a creator and host of a well-known PBS an event at the Clay Center and the “There is a place in Charleston musician,” Davis said. “I had carpal instructional painting show, in saying same little boy came running in to see called ‘Uncork and Create,’ and myself tunnel surgery a few months ago and there are no mistakes - only “happy us. His mother heard we were going and some friends from DEP have been can’t play music for a little while so accidents.” to be there and wanted to bring her going there for years. I started picking this really kept me from going crazy.” At the very least, the pictures can son to see us again. His hair was it up a lot and bringing the paintings in Davis said if you’re thinking about be hung in an office as a conversation coming back and it was as though he to work. People saw them and asked signing up for a class but are concerned piece. More importantly, they can was never sick.” questions, and it snowballed into about a lack of formal training, don’t foster a sense of pride. “It was wonderful and was the enough people asking about it that I worry about it. More classes are planned for Janu- first time we had seen a child outside decided to start a class here,” said “No one has any training. We are ary and Davis says employees will be of the hospital doing so well. Needless Davis. all beginners. We are all there just to notified of the dates via email. to say, we were pretty choked up.” One of Boyer’s most memorable O, Christmas Tree experiences involves his own daugh- ter, Charis. Charis was a patient at WVU Children’s Hospital last June while battling pneumonia and was visited by members of the 501st and Rebel Legion. “Although it was an impromptu visit, it was great to brighten the day of my own daughter along with multi- ple other children who we had the opportunity to see,” said Boyer. The visitors also brought along a few presents for the kids in order to cheer them up. To learn more or find out how to book a visit by the Star Wars charac- ters, or to join the 501st Legion, go to www.garrisoncorellia.com. You can also donate toys to be delivered to kids during the group’s hospital visits. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off in Higgs’ office at DEP’s Charleston headquarters (room 1029) The DEP’s Christmas tree is shining brightly in the lobby of the Charleston headquarters thanks to some festive volun- or in Boyer’s office in Fairmont. teers. Despite burned-out lights, the decorating team pushed forward to complete their duty. On the left, Helen Ford of the Business and Technology Office places the angel atop the tree. On the right Lori Saylor, Brianna Hickman and Annette Hoskins trim the tree.

4 2015 ReFashion Show Highlights Creativity and Recycling Annual event shows what can be fashioned from everyday items by Jake Glance

The 2015 ReFashion Show, held Nov. 21 at the Charleston Town Cen- ter Mall, highlighted more than just environmentally friendly fashion. It showcased the creativity of dozens of young people from 13 coun- ties across the state, each competing for hundreds of dollars in prize mon- First Place -13 and Under: Designed Coca-Cola Challenge Winner and Third Place - 13 and Under: De- ey. by Kami Lucas and Sailor Lucas Second Place - 13 and Under: De- signed and modeled by Emily “The show went really well. I am and modeled by Sailor Lucas from signed by Carly Chapin and modeled Carothers from Fayette County. always amazed at the quality of some Kanawha County. Her dress was by Madison Griffith of Kanawha This dress recycled a Girl Scout of the entries,” said Paul Hayes, the made from black and white trash County. The skirt is made from uniform and added pet food bags, president of the Recycling Coalition bags accessorized with an old hat Coke Zero aluminum cans and an Girl Scout cookie boxes, pop tabs, of West Virginia, who also works with and shoes. old dress. bottle tops, a recycled tote bag, and the Solid Waste Management Board. plastic grocery bags. “Even after 13 years, I am pleas- antly surprised to see new ideas and new materials being used.” This year’s winners are: Ages 14 and over: First place, Irelan Duffer’s design modeled by Brianna Moss; Second place, Alexa Gerrard’s design modeled by Katie Castellucci; Third place, Sally Shep- herd’s design modeled by Amy Gillenwater. Ages 13 and under: First place, Sailor Lucas and Kami Lucas; Second place, Carly Chapin’s design modeled by Madison Griffith; Third place, Emily Carothers. The Newspaper category winner was Jenny Stump’s design modeled by First Place - 14 and Over: Designed Second Place - 14 and over: Alexa Shopping Challenge Winner and Lori Stump. by Irelan Duffer and modeled by Gerrard designed the dress worn by Third Place -14 and Over: Designed The Coca-Cola category winner Brianna Moss both representing Katie Castellucci. It’s made from by Sally Shepherd and modeled by was Carly Chapin’s design modeled Ritchie County High School. This West Virginia magazines accented Amy Gillenwater from Kanawha by Madison Griffith. design used bingo cards and tulle by wings made from recycled card- County. The dress is made from The Shopping Mall category over a repurposed dress and shoes board and magazines. coffee bags, coffee filters, and ac- winner was Sally Shepherd’s design accented with leftover dance decora- cented with coffee beans. modeled by Amy Gillenwater. tions. The general theme winner was Lauren Fritz.

LEFT: Newspaper Challenge win- RIGHT: The Greg Sayre Memorial ner, designed by Gennie Stump and Category winner, designed and modeled by her daughter Lori modeled by Lauren Fritz from Stump from Wyoming County. The Brooke High School. This dress top to this dress was made from uses 1,247 water bottles collected weaving strips of newspapers. from football games. It also uses Men’s neckties embellish the trim. 253 water bottle labels used in the The newspaper skirt resembles a top and reused crinoline. tropical grass skirt.

5 Two Beloved Christmas Classics Were Box Office Bombs Now fantastic family favorites, they were first forgettable flops by Jake Glance

It might be difficult for modern holiday audiences to comprehend, but two of the most beloved Christmas (Uncle Billy Bailey), Lionel Barrymore in 1984. "The film has a life of its own 100 theaters nationwide. movies were box office bombs. (Henry Potter), Henry Travers now, and I can look at it like I had When Ted Turner bought the rights One of them even had critics say- (Clarence Odbody), Beulah Bondi (Ma nothing to do with it. I'm like a parent to MGM’s pre-1986 library, “A Christ- ing the director was “no longer capable Bailey), and Gloria Grahame (Violet whose kid grows up to be president.” mas Story” was one of the movies of turning out the populist features that Bick) were all either nominated for In 1990, the movie was preserved included. Time Warner now owns the made his films the must-see, money- Oscars or had won Oscars by the end of in the National Film Registry at the film’s rights. making events they once were." their careers. Library of Congress. It also appears on And boy, do they get their money’s But now, no Christmas is complete This movie was nominated for Best many lists of “The Best Movies Ever worth! It’s shown for 24 hours straight without watching “It’s a Wonderful Picture, but lost. In the dollars and cents Made.” and millions of people watch every Life” and “A Christmas Story.” world of Hollywood, it was deemed a Another holiday favorite was origi- year. “It’s A Wonderful Life,” released failure - especially because Capra’s nally a book entitled “In God We Trust; The holiday wouldn’t be the same in 1946, only made about $3.3 million previous films had made so much more All Others Pay Cash.” without hearing about the Bumpass at the box office after costing about money and were wildly popular. In fact, “A Christmas Story,” released the hounds as you sip eggnog and open $3.2 million to make. It was the 26th “You Can’t Take It With You” cost Friday before Thanksgiving in 1983, gifts. highest grossing movie of 1946. about half as much to make and made earned about $2 million in its first In 2012, a Marist poll found that It was a shock to RKO studio exec- more at the box office. weekend. It went on to make about $19 “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “A Christ- utives, given the star power of the pro- But the movie has enjoyed an million at the box office, after costing mas Story” were the two favorite holi- duction. The director, Frank Capra, had incredible rebirth. Its TV run as a holi- about $3 million to make. day movies, placing ahead of “Miracle already won three Oscars for Best Di- day staple began in the 1970’s, and now By comparison, 1983’s biggest on 34th Street” and “White Christmas.” rector for “It Happened One Night” in Christmas isn’t complete without hear- movie, “,” cost about Surprisingly, “National Lampoon’s 1934, “Mr. Deeds Goes To Town” in ing “Isn’t it wonderful - I’m going to $40 million to make but took in $572 Christmas Vacation” did not appear on 1936, and “You Can’t Take It With jail!” or “Every time a bell rings an million. the list. That’s odd, especially since that You” in 1938. Its actors and actresses angel gets its wings!” By the time Christmas rolled movie mentions something about the were some of Hollywood’s best. James "It's the damnedest thing I've ever around, “A Christmas Story” had been tap dancing Bing Crosby and Danny Stewart (George Bailey), Donna Reed seen," Capra said of the movie in an pulled from most theaters. By January Kaye, who star in “White Christmas.” (Mary Hatch Bailey), Thomas Mitchell interview with The Wall Street Journal of 1984, it was only showing in about DMR Logan Field Office Names Christmas Door Decoration Winners

The Logan field office of the Division of Mining and Reclama- tion (DMR) has named the win- ners of the first annual office door decorating contest. “A little friendly employee competition is a good thing in my mind, and promotes a positive workplace environment - espe- cially when everyone enjoys the fruits of their labors,” said Benny Campbell, who heads up the Lo- gan field office. The door decorations were judged by a DMR employee from the Kanawha City headquarters. First place: Sissy Mounts and Second place: Robin Wolfe and Third place: Janet Napier and Kelli Adkins Kathie Thacker Melissa Johnson

6 Making His List, FREEDOM Checking it Twice con’t from Page 1 The details of the excava- tion plan had to be approved by the DEP’s Office of Envi- ronmental Remediation. Residents of the area have been notified that they may smell the signature licorice Truckloads of soil from the former Freedom odor associated with MCHM, Industries site are being taken to the Charleston which is a chemical used in Landfill for proper disposal. the coal mining process to wash coal order went into effect for approximate- before it goes to market. ly 300,000 water customers in nine During the excavation, precautions counties for several days. Truckloads will be taken to reduce the odor, in- of fresh water had to be brought in for cluding covering any stockpiled dirt residents to drink and cook with. and dosing the excavated dirt with lime Once the excavation is complete, once it is loaded onto trucks for re- Core will do additional soil sampling moval. to test for remaining contamination. Core will also be performing air These tests will determine the extent of quality monitoring. any additional remediation measures at Approximately 10,000 gallons of the site. MCHM and another chemical called The entire remediation project is PPH leaked from a storage tank along expected to be completed in the second Jaxon Chakrabarty, the son of DEP’s Neil and Renu Chakrabarty, sits on Santa the Elk River in January 2014, less half of 2016. Claus’ lap during the Energy Tree lighting event on Dec. 3. The jolly one him- than two miles from the Charleston For more on the Freedom cleanup, self appeared so the little ones could learn about energy efficiency and learn if intake for West Virginia American watch the December edition of Envi- they are on the naughty or nice list all at the same time. Water. As a result, a “Do Not Use” ronment Matters on YouTube.

muster, while it took much less work to children to learn about energy efficien- now, it is rare that you see anyone DISPLAY turn the crank to light the 1,030 LED cy is hands-on displays like the ones without a seatbelt. All these children bulbs that made up the huge Energy built by Mike Rowe, DEP’s inventor-in that we are talking to are going to be con’t from Page 1 Tree. -residence. buying lightbulbs and energy efficient The Energy Tree allowed members “This is one of the events that we “It is so important to start talking devices one day. So educating them of the public - youngsters in particular - look forward to every year,” said the about energy efficiency when the chil- now and developing lasting habits is to see and feel the difference in the DAQ’s Stephanie Hammonds, who dren are young,” Hammonds said. what it is all about.” amount of electricity it takes to light helped plan the Energy Tree event. “It is a lot like seatbelts. There “The children are so receptive. And LED bulbs and traditional bulbs. The “All outreach is fun, but this one in were problems with adults not wearing some of the questions they ask really small tree of 100 traditional bulbs took particular is always a good time.” seatbelts so we started telling children challenge you to do the best you can to as much effort as some children could Hammonds said the best way for that you have to wear a seatbelt. And help them learn.”

Sandy Rogers with the DEP’s The equipment wouldn’t stay idle erns. RECYCLING REAP program estimates the equip- for long. Solid waste authorities across “Some of the solid waste authori- ment is worth at least $50,000. the state, as well as at least one state ties that received these items would con’t from Page 1 “Some of the bailers that were park, received some of the equipment have had to submit grant applications in Stottlemyer said Mike Park, who re- recovered are tens of thousands of just weeks later. order to buy them,” Stottlemyer said. cently retired from the DEP’s Rehabili- dollars new,” Stottlemyer said. Pipestem Resort now has some of “Had DEP received grant applica- tation Environmental Action Plan REAP contractors and DEP work- the equipment as do solid waste author- tions to buy all of this equipment new, (REAP), went to investigate what gear ers went to Sugar Grove on extremely ities in Greenbrier, Kanawha, Marion, we wouldn’t have been able to approve was left and reported that the gear was short notice and unbolted the equipment Pocahontas, Region 8 (Eastern Panhan- them all. This allows us to really stretch heavy-duty and very valuable. and loaded it onto trucks, taking it for dle), the West Virginia Cash In recy- our dollars.” “There were bailers and crushers, a temporary storage at a Division of cling facility in Putnam County, and a bunch of stuff,” Stottlemyer said. Highways facility near Franklin. veterans camp near Smoke Hole Cav- New Hires Glennda Parsons, Division of Water and Waste Management Michael Ray, Division of Mining and Reclamation Heather Balladares, Division of Mining and Reclamation Stephanie Burdette, Business and Technology Office Recent/Upcoming Retirements Daniel Flack, Office of Oil and Gas Charles Armstead, Division of Land Restoration Tyler Harman, Business and Technology Office Earl Holt, Division of Mining and Reclamation Cody Howdyshell, Division of Water and Waste Management Rhod Mills, Division of Water and Waste Management Jeremiah Johnson, Business and Technology Office Mark Rudolph, Office of Legal Services Alemayehu Mengste, Business and Technology Office Louis Tangeman, Division of Mining and Reclamation Justin Painter, Division of Water and Waste Management

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