The presentation ceremony for the Awards of Environmental Excellence was held this past February in Reno, Nevada, at EC09. For the past 18 years, IECA has recognized the industry’s best by awarding persons and projects epitomizing the principles of environmental excellence. Annually, IECA members submit nominations of worthy individuals and projects. After careful review and consideration, the IECA Awards Committee selects each year’s winners. IECA is proud of the following individuals for their contribution to the profession.
Julie Etra, CPESC, was recognized with the Sustained Contributor Award. This award recognizes those who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the erosion and sediment control industry. Etra, principal of Western Botanical Services Inc., a consulting firm located in Reno, Nevada, has been an active member of IECA since 1988, and has been involved with IECA’s governance since 1996.
Etra had this to say about the honor: “I was surprised and flattered given the other recipients, and I will continue to work hard to deserve such an honor.” In addition to her role as international development vice president of IECA’s Board of Directors, Julie also serves on multiple committees such as the International Development Committee, for which she serves as chair. Etra is fluent in Spanish and teaches bilingual erosion control classes. She has authored over 12 publications and currently is leading pioneering work on noxious weed control and restoration of riparian plant communities along the Truckee River in northern Nevada.
Sam Lamont, CPESC, CESSWI, CISEC, and Alex Zimmerman, CPESC, were recognized with the Educational Achievement Award. This award is given to an outstanding individual or program that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in natural resource conservation and environmental protection through delivery of effective erosion and sediment control education.
Lamont, an environmental liaison for the Alaska DOT & PF in Fairbanks, Alaska, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Sam has spent 25 years working in the arctic construction industry. Along with Alex Zimmerman, he was instrumental in establishing the Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) training in Alaska beginning in 2006, providing a “qualified person” for NPDES compliance on projects statewide.
Zimmerman has been involved with the erosion and sediment control industry for 15 years, working with stakeholders throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and British Columbia to improve contractors’ understanding and awareness of erosion control and the impacts of sedimentation. He is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of IECA, serving as the immediate past president.
