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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 1997
97-149
CONTACT: Ron Langley, Ecology Public Information, (360) 407-7004
Merle Hayes, Vice Chairman, Suquamish Tribal Council, (360) 598-3311
Olympia, WA - Suquamish Tribe staff member Richard Brooks will receive a Department of Ecology Environmental Excellence Award next week for the significant contributions he has made to hazardous waste site cleanups throughout Kitsap County. News media are invited to attend a luncheon in his honor at Noon, Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Suquamish Tribal Center, 15838 Sandy Hook Rd. in Suquamish.
"Rich has helped with the hard, technical work that must be done at cleanup sites, but he's gone a step further and provided invaluable assistance as a liaison to the Native American tribes in the area," said Ecology Regional Director Mike Rundlett. "For one individual, he has had a remarkable influence on cleanups around Puget Sound."
Brooks has represented the Suquamish Tribe on decisions at cleanups involving six U.S. Navy sites, including the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Port Hadlock, Manchester Annex, Jackson Park, Keyport and Bangor. He has also played a part in cleanup decisions at non-defense sites including Eagle Harbor.
Brooks has helped Ecology develop marine sampling and monitoring plans, devise risk assessments that consider Native American cultural patterns, and identify habitat issues related to cleanup construction plans. In addition, he identified which tribes need to be involved at different sites and helped Ecology effectively communicate with them.
"Rich is a valuable employee, and we're very proud of the work he has done," said Suquamish Tribal Council Vice Chairman Merle Hayes.
Each year, the Department of Ecology gives Environmental Excellence Awards to individuals, organizations and companies who are models of outstanding environmental behavior and commitment.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
