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The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) announced the winners of the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards during the 2024 IECA Annual Conference and Expo in Spokane, Wash. this February. The IECA awards program serves as a hallmark event at the conference, acknowledging remarkable accomplishments within the erosion and sediment control and stormwater industries.
The Emerging Leaders Award celebrates the achievements of young professionals under the age of 40 who have made notable contributions to IECA, industry programs and exhibit a commitment to environmental stewardship. This year’s recipients are Nathan Collier, CPESC, CESSWI; Lauren Deem, MS, CPESC, CESSWI; and Rachel Reynolds, CPESC, CESSWI. Each of these individuals has demonstrated proactive engagement within IECA chapters and committees, delivered insightful presentations at numerous IECA-hosted events, and has played a vital role in fostering the growth of young professionals in the industry.
The Sustained Partner Award recognizes support to IECA and significant contributions toward enhancing the erosion and sediment control industry over several years. This year’s recipient is Charles R. Riling Jr., TRETCO, ABI, CESSWI. Riling’s unwavering advocacy for IECA’s mission, coupled with his extensive involvement in IECA initiatives including the Mid-Atlantic Chapter and the establishment of the IECA University Partners Program, made him a standout recipient.
The IECA Outstanding Professional Award recognizes a member who demonstrates excellence in their work in the industry and is viewed by peers as an industry leader through significant engagement with IECA. Julie Morelli, PG, REM, CPESC, CESSWI, ENV SP, was honored for her dedication to advancing industry standards and best practices. Morelli’s proactive engagement in IECA committees, conferences and workshops has solidified her reputation as an industry leader, inspiring peers and nurturing the next generation of professionals.
The Sustained Contributor Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership and made significant contributions to the erosion and sediment control industry over a significant period. This year’s winner is Dr. James Spotts, Ph.D., CPSS, CPESC. Dr. Spotts’, aka “Dr. Dirt,” extensive involvement with IECA over the past 37 years, coupled with his impactful technical training sessions and regulatory program development, earned him this distinguished honor. He consistently presents technical training at numerous IECA-hosted events and other industry events. He has developed regulatory programs at federal, regional, state and local levels and serves on the IECA standards and practice committee. He also is a frequent contributor to IECA’s Environmental Connection Magazine.
The Environmental Excellence Award is IECA’s most prestigious award. It recognizes an outstanding stormwater and erosion and/or sediment control project that demonstrates excellence in natural resource conservation and environmental protection. This year’s award recognizes the Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3) – Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G) in Australia. As the largest infrastructure endeavor in Far North Queensland, the E2G project focused on the duplication of a 10.5-kilometer segment of the Bruce Highway and the realignment and enhancement of 4.7 kilometers of the Queensland Rail North Coastline, alongside the construction of new local roads and pedestrian bridges. Employing drone-assisted site mapping and erosion/sediment control assessments, the project pioneered trials for innovative erosion and sediment control products. Moreover, it championed strategic approaches that integrated sustainability objectives with erosion and sediment control planning. The project’s meticulous attention to environmental conservation and protection earned it the highest recognition from IECA.
“Celebrating the exceptional achievements of this year’s award recipients highlights the breadth of talent and dedication within IECA,” stated IECA chief executive officer, Samantha Roe, IOM. “Each honoree embodies the spirit of excellence and environmental stewardship that defines our organization. We are immensely proud to showcase their remarkable work on a global scale.”
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) is the world’s oldest and largest member organization devoted to helping professionals who specialize in natural resource protection. IECA is the global resource for specialized education and training, resources and business opportunities for members to utilize to develop their skills and further their careers. Learn more about IECA here.