Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) Central:
Ralph Hunter Memorial Award

2004 Recipient: Mike Schmaeling, Santa Barbara County

This award is given in recognition of an individual who has made a major impact to the LEA/solid waste field by development of a special or new program, involvement with educational activities, committees and/or workgroups, or permitting and/or enforcement, or special achievement that enhances the protection of public and environmental health principles through the LEA/EA program.

Michael Schmaeling was the first recipient of the Ralph Hunter Memorial Award. Michael has been working as the LEA in Santa Barbara County since 1989. In addition to fulfilling his responsibilities as the LEA, he has served as an effective leader in a number of committees and organizations. These include:

• Chair of the Enforcement Advisory Committee
• Chair of the California Integrated Waste Management Board Southern California Round Table
• President, Mission Chapter, California Environmental Health Association
• California Directors of Environmental Health Solid Waste Policy Committee

As a consequence of his experience, knowledge and amicable nature, Michael is regularly asked to speak at the annual CIWMB/LEA Partnership Conferences. He has often been asked to sit on a discussion panel, a role he will be filling again during this years conference in Sacramento.

Michael was instrumental in the development of a model Enforcement Program Plan that will be used as a reference and guideline for other LEAs.

He initiated and oversaw the cleanup of four separate illegal dumpsites. This accomplishment required many hours of sometimes frustrating negotiation and coordination with not only the property owner, but also a variety of local, state and federal agencies.

Michael has spent innumerable hours reviewing and analyzing new and proposed regulations to provide CIWMB staff with critical comments from the LEA perspective.

During his 15-year career in the solid waste program, Michael has been an exemplary LEA. He is very deserving of this recognition.

Ralph Hunter Home

Last updated: April 18, 2008