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

2006 Recipient: Robert (Bob) Swift, Sonoma 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.

Bob Swift has contributed his extensive expertise to a wide range of solid waste programs both locally and statewide. His hands-on, practical approach to solving problems and addressing complex issues has made him a valuable contributor and leader to LEA/EA programs throughout California. Some of his accomplishments include:

• Participating on SB 675 Compostable Organics Facilities Odor Legislative Workgroup.
• Developing effective Waste Tire Enforcement, Medical Waste and Biosolids land application programs.
• Securing solid waste clean up grants for Farm and Ranch, legacy waste tire piles, illegal dumping and other solid waste clean ups.
• Serving on environmental health and solid waste related projects in Panama, Ecuador, Paraguay and India.
• Receiving California Environmental Health Association’s (CEHA) Registered Environmental Health Specialist of the Year in 2002.
• Training fellow environmental health practitioners at CEHA and LEA/CIWMB Annual Conferences. And conducting training regarding clandestine methamphetamine labs.
• Permitting numerous solid waste facilities while working closely with local planners and CIWMB planning staff to ensure that environmentally sound projects are developed.
• Participating in the development of an ordinance for handling flood damage debris and local solid waste codes.
• Serving on Sonoma County’s AB 939 Task Force, Bay Area Round Table and CEHA Redwood Chapter.

Bob is a worthy recipient of the Ralph Hunter Memorial Award. Please join us in congratulating him on the achievement.

Ralph Hunter Home

Last updated: April 18, 2008