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Department of Ecology News Release - December 10, 2001
01-195
YAKIMA - Literally tons of hazardous wastes no longer pose a threat to the environment, thanks to the leadership of Mark Nedrow, coordinator for Yakima County's moderate-risk waste facility.
Nedrow has been a key force behind the county's program to collect common hazardous wastes, such as paint, solvents, corrosive cleaners and petroleum products. At no cost, homeowners and small business owners may bring their unwanted and sometimes dangerous wastes to the county's moderate-risk waste facility at the Terrace Heights landfill for proper disposal and recycling.
"Education and community service are always Mark's top priorities," said Holly Cushman, with the state Department of Ecology's hazardous waste and toxic reduction program. "He does a good job of helping folks understand why used oil and old paint and other chemicals shouldn't be thrown in the landfill or dumped down the drain."
Nedrow will be recognized for his extraordinary service to the community at 10 a.m. on Dec. 11, when he is presented with an Environmental Excellence Award by the Department of Ecology before the Yakima County board of commissioners.
In addition to helping open the moderate-risk waste facility in 1997, Nedrow established drop sites throughout the county for the convenience of rural homeowners. In recent years, he has taken on the challenge of handling hazardous materials associated with illegal drug labs.
"Mark has helped us develop a program for handling drug-lab wastes that reduces human exposure while also cutting disposal costs by bulking the waste material," explained Jeff Lewis, spill responder with Ecology.
Nedrow also is lauded for his cross-agency communication and coordination. "He's not afraid to tell it like it is when an issue needs to be addressed," said Brian Dick, a supervisor in Ecology's hazardous-waste program. "In addition, he's been more than willing to share his experience and knowledge well beyond the boundaries of Yakima County."
The Yakima County Moderate-Risk Waste Facility is operated at the Terrace Heights landfill. More information is available by calling 509-574-2472 or on the Web at www.co.yakima.wa.us/pubworks/solidwaste/programs.htm. (Link removed 01/05/06)
Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, public information manager, (509) 575-2610, or pager, (509) 574-0490
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
