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Environmental Protection Commission ECOLINK Newsletter | Summer 2022

EPC Hosts Tour for High-Profile Delegation

On May 3, 2022, EPC hosted a delegation of representatives from the federal Executive and Legislative Branches and local county officials for series of briefings and a tour of several environmentally significant sites in Hillsborough County. Additionally, upon the conclusion of the tour, a roundtable discussion was held to discuss the environmental health of Tampa Bay and resiliency issues.  

Delegation participants pictured with EPC staff include Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ); Kathy Castor, U.S. House of Representatives, 14th Congressional District; Gwendolyn Myers, Hillsborough County Commissioner, District 3.

Hillsborough 2022 Solar Co-op
Offers Its Members Affordable Solar Options

EPC is partnering with Solar United Neighbors to help bring rooftop solar to Hillsborough County.

The Hillsborough 2022 Solar Co-op is currently open to Hillsborough County residents and small businesses interested in rooftop solar. By joining the Co-op, members can save on the cost of going solar while enjoying the support of fellow members and will benefit from the consumer education provided by the solar experts at Solar United Neighbors. The best part is that there is no cost to join and no obligation to buy. Demand for local solar is so "HOT" that Solar United Neighbors may extend the membership deadline past July 31st, but don't delay - join today!

Additionally, May Electric Solar was recently announced as the rooftop solar panel installer for the more than 120-member co-op group. The company was selected by the members through a competitive bidding process and was chosen for its discounted pricing, equipment offerings, system warranty, and local experience. Each Co-op member will receive an individualized proposal from the installer based on the group rate. Those who wish to learn more may register to attend a free online or in-person Solar Information Session (see link below).

Encouraging Living Shorelines

EPC made changes to the local Wetlands Basis of Review rule and the associated fees to encourage property owners to plant native vegetation or use environmentally beneficial methods to prevent shoreline erosion over the more traditional, less effective strategies.

Terrace Community Middle School Joins EPC for Arbor Day Celebration and EPC Expo 

Terrace Community Middle School students take part in EPC Expo.

The Agency hosted its first-ever EPC Expo at the Roger P. Stewart Center for approximately one-hundred students and staff from Terrace Community Middle School. The EPC Expo was held following an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at the school campus. 

Understanding EPC's Role as a Member of the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA)

EPC's SQG Program staff conduct annual inspections of 20% of the 16,000+ registered facilities in Hillsborough County.

North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) was created in 1993 to help connect professionals who are working to reduce and manage household and business-generated hazardous waste and to facilitate the sharing of industry best practices nationally. EPC is a proud charter member of the Florida Chapter, the largest in the NAHMMA network. Our staff is actively involved with the training and planning committees for the 37th national conference.

EPC Bids a Fond Farewell to Water Division Senior Environmental Managers

Paula Noblitt and Tom Ash, Water Division

The Water Division recently celebrated the retirement of Compliance and Enforcement Senior Environmental Manager/Assistant Director Paula Noblitt, who worked 20 years with EPC, and General Manager IV/Assistant Director Tom Ash following 35 years of service.  We wish them both all the best!

Community Outreach and Engagement

EPC participated in several annual Earth Day events including the Nature’s Classroom Open House and the 2022 return of EcoFest hosted by Learning Gate School.  

EPC Executive Director Janet Lorton served as a moderator during the 40th Annual AgriTech Tradeshow and Seminars. The event, hosted by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, helps local growers and industry representatives stay up-to-date on the latest industry research and information.

She also spoke to the Florida Taxwatch Citizen Institute on the role of Regional & State Permitting in Expanding a Business’ Footprint. A primary goal of the Citizen Institute is to train the next generation of business and community leaders, by connecting them with influential policy leaders and business executives to learn firsthand how state and local government policies impact their communities and businesses.

Commissioner Harry Cohen joined with us for the Great Port Cleanup at McKay Bay, and Commissioner Mariella Smith for the kickoff of the county’s Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge presented by the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD). Each year the HSWCD publishes the annual Hillsborough 100 Tabloid which includes conservation news and explores the work of conservation-minded partners. The 2022 tabloid includes a featured article written by Betty Jo Tompkins discussing the history and importance of the EPC's Clean Air Fair.

Employee Spotlight

Sheila Luce began her career with the EPC in 1987 as an Environmental Specialist with the Air Division. She reviewed toxic emissions for the Air Permitting section, completed toxic air inventory inspections, served as the Agency's indoor air pollution contact, and reviewed school asbestos abatement plans under an EPA grant for Hillsborough County.

From there, Sheila went on to spend nearly 30 years with the Waste Division. She worked in the Enforcement department, primarily focusing on Petroleum Tanks and Cleanup cases, and during the last ten years was a site manager for the Petroleum Cleanup department. Sheila also took pride in representing the Agency at various annual outreach events and volunteering as a science fair judge. Sheila's service has been characterized by her willingness to be a team player and to help out whenever a need arose. She retires with more than 33 years of service. While she will be greatly missed, we are happy that Sheila now has more time to spend with her grown daughters, Jenny and Michelle, husband Steve, and her two cats, Clarence and Betty.