John Shea again moderated the annual EBC Program Series with MassDEP Leadership: Commissioner Marty Suuberg and the Southeast Region Leadership Team. At the October 2, 2018 program, John introduced and questioned pinch-hitting Deputy Commissioner Gary Moran, Regional Director Millie Garcia-Serrano, and Deputy Regional Directors David Johnston, Gerard Martin, Maria Pinaud and Jennifer Viverios. Gary announced that MassDEP is working with the UMasss Donahue Institute on short- and long-term succession planning since the average age of the 660 agency personnel is 55, with 54% eligible for retirement; the challenges being how to preserve institutional knowledge and hire bright, young environmental professionals.
Dave Johnston highlighted the critical need to repair and replace failing water distribution and wastewater infrastructure. He punctuated his warning by displaying a section of a corroded and narrowing water line that is causing dirty drinking water and pipe failures in many municipalities.
Tom Mackie and Gretchen Carey of Republic Services co-chaired the EBC Solid Waste Committee’s July 20 Innovative Alternative Technologies to Manage Municipal Solid Waste program. The international panel from Denmark, Great Britain, Australia and the Netherlands presented technologies from around the world, ranging from enzymatic separation to advanced gasification.
On September 18th, Tom chaired the third annual EBC Solid Waste Committee meeting with the MassDEP Regional Solid Waste Section Chiefs. Greg Cooper, the MassDEP Solid Waste Division Director, provided an overview. Mark Dakers (SERO), Mark Fairbrother (NERO), Dan Hall (WRO) and Jim McQuade (CERO) provided updates on their regional priorities, permits issued and changes in their departments to a packed room of solid waste industry officials and consultants.
Peter Durning attended several industry events this fall, including the Boston Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in September, the LSPA’s 25th Anniversary event at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, as well as the Massachusetts Water Works Association’s Annual Meeting in Devens, MA.
Peter also had the opportunity to attend the VIP-Preview Night for the Grand Opening of the MGM Springfield casino. Peter and Tom represented MGM in a zoning litigation matter in the Land Court.
Peter Durning and John Shea participated in the EBC Program Series with MassDEP Leadership: Commissioner Suuberg and the Central Region Leadership team on September 25th. The most exciting news was the Brownfield redevelopment in Kelley Square and the Canal District for the proposed Polar Park, the future home of the WOOSOX. In addition to the ballpark, there will be hotels, shops, restaurants, and market rate housing.