Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Central: Ralph Hunter Memorial Award

2008 Recipient: Patti Henshaw, Orange County

This award is given to recognize an individual who has made a major impact to the solid waste local enforcement agency (LEA) field by development of a special or new program, involvement with educational activities, committees, workgroups, permitting and enforcement activities, and other special achievement that enhances the protection of public and environmental health principles through the LEA/EA program.

Patti Henshaw continues to be a leader and contribute her extensive expertise to ameliorating a wide range of solid waste programs both locally and statewide. Her thoughtful, comprehensive approach to solving problems and addressing complex regulatory issues has made her a valuable contributor to LEA/EA programs throughout California.

Patti realized early on that for LEAs to accomplish the goals of environmental health, to protect public health and safety and the environment, it was critical to have an active dialogue and presence with state's decision makers, bringing forth the LEA experiences and perspective and work in partnership.

Some of her accomplishments include:

• Attained better solid waste management and enforcement for the citizens of California by participation on numerous CIWMB regulatory workgroups:
  • Development of Title 27.
  • Streamlining Permit Processing.
  • Detailed Analysis of Regulations Pertaining Landfill Gas.
  • Implementation of AB1497.
  • Closure and Postclosure Land Use.
• Championed the continued need for promoting education as the primary strategy for successful operator compliance while developing the CIWMB Enforcement Policy Compliance Strategies.
• Initiated the LEA/CIWMB Partnership Conference by being a founding member of its steering committee. Her promotion and continual support of the conference contributes to its success today.
• Served 7 years on the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health Solid Waste Policy Committee, 5 years on the Enforcement Advisory Council and more than 10 years on LEA Round Tables.
• Permitted numerous solid waste facilities while working closely with local planners and CIWMB permitting staff to ensure that environmentally sound projects are developed.
• Recently, Patti was promoted to Program Manager for the Hazardous Material Mitigation Section which includes the solid waste program, underground storage tank cleanup program and the industrial cleanup program. Her duties include program evaluations, workload development, investigation/enforcement oversight, budget preparation/monitoring, fee establishment and accountability, grant management, policy development, staff development, performance evaluations, oversight of supervisory staff, legislative development and recruitment activities. In addition, she coordinates with local, State and Federal agencies and manages the Local Oversight Program for underground storage tank cleanup.

Patti is a worthy recipient of the Ralph Hunter Memorial Award. Please join us in congratulating her on the achievement.

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