Environment DEC
From the June 2003 issue
EPA Honors Staff from Division of Water
A pair of Division of Water staff were honored recently by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with awards for outstanding efforts to improve the environment and protect public health in New York.
Phil DeGaetano and Bob Cronin each received a 2003 Environmental Quality Award. EPA Region 2 Administrator Jane M. Kenny presented the awards at a ceremony at EPA's offices in Manhattan.
Bob Cronin addresses his colleagues
upon receiving a 2003 Environmental
Quality Award
"The champions we honor today reflect a growing awareness that we have to do all we can to protect our precious environment," Administrator Kenny said in making the awards. "We have some mighty challenges ahead of us. It is tremendously gratifying to know that people like our award winners are working so hard to protect the environment and public health."
Accomplishments
Phil DeGaetano, a 35-year veteran of state service and a second-time winner of the award, was recognized this year for his efforts in supporting the regional estuary, freshwater, water quality standards, and total maximum daily loads (TMDL) programs. Phil's other recent achievements include overseeing development of a complex and comprehensive TMDL to control nitrogen to Long Island Sound. Last year under Phil's leadership, DEC signed a consent agreement with the City of New York to undertake major upgrades of four upper East River sewage treatment plants for nitrogen removal - a key part of implementing the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Long Island Sound.
Bob Cronin entered state government in New York in 1964 and joined DEC in 1972. Bob's contributions to wastewater compliance have benefitted not only the residents of New York State, but people around the nation. He created systems for coordinating compliance within DEC as well as with EPA. Bob relentlessly championed operations assistance and training for permittees; a cause that has been extraordinarily successful in reducing violations and thereby ensuring clean water. He was also instrumental in obtaining the historic agreement that protects the New York City watershed.
