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

2005 Recipient: Tammy Derby, Sacramento 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.

Ms. Derby’s major contribution to the field of solid waste regulatory oversight is related to her involvement in the Florin-Perkins Landfill Inc. case. She identified weaknesses in the Public Resources Code's enforcement process, specifically the automatic stay provision, and shared this information with CIWMB staff and legal counsel. Ms. Derby’s case became the poster child for a statutory change. That statutory change came to fruition with AB 2159.

Ms. Derby has been instrumental in attacking local issues of illegal dumping and complaint response. A number of large County departments, including representatives from the Board of Supervisors, joined to establish procedures and coordinate Countywide complaint response. Sacramento County’s Illegal Dumping Task Force has developed a comprehensive enforcement program to combat illegal dumping in the County.

Ms. Derby has a key role in mentoring the new staff entering employment with Sacramento County Environmental Management Department. She takes every opportunity to train staff that need hours in solid waste education.

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Last updated: April 18, 2008