Marien cut

Michele Marien has been recognized by the chief of naval operations for her work in curbing air pollution. Courtesy photo

NAVAIR Depot North Island engineer garners CNO environmental award

By Bill Bartkus
NAVAIR Depot North Island

CORONADO, Calif. – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark has taken note of the environmental program at NAVAIR Depot North Island here. The Navy’s top admiral has awarded Michele Marien the Individual Environmental Quality Award for calendar year 2003.

Clark cited Marien, a senior environmental engineer, for her model air quality and unmatched air compliance program for the San Diego area. Her accomplishments in air quality pollution control and compliance have made a difference for the Depot, the community, NAVAIR, and other Department of Defense organizations.

She is responsible for air planning and quality compliance for highly industrial operations involving overhaul and repair of aircraft and components. This is a daunting challenge because Southern California is a highly environmentally regulated area.

“Our exemplary performance as good stewards of the environment while conducting heavy industrial operations year-round is living testimony to Michele’s professional program management skills, leadership talent and personal commitment to excellence,” said Capt. James Woolway, NAVAIR Depot North Island commanding officer. “It’s great to see her receive national level recognition for the significant role she plays in our mission accomplishment. I am so proud to have Michele on the NADEP North Island team.”

Marien also provides guidance and expertise in the areas of environmental budgeting, operating permits and permit variances, regulatory review, source testing, health risk assessment, training, notice of violation resolution, data calls, and articulating the Navy’s position on air compliance issues before regulatory hearing boards.

“Michele deserves to win this recognition four times over. She excels in making a difference for NAVAIR, the Depot and other Defense Department activities and the community,” said Byron Doung, who heads the Depot’s Industrial Operations Compliance Department. “She goes beyond compliance.”

Doung said that Marien is credited with playing a vital role in explaining to the EPA the issues, challenges and costs to military industrial operations associated with national emission standards relating to hazardous air pollutants for surface coating miscellaneous metal parts and products.

Her professionalism and integrity have led to a relationship of mutual respect with the San Diego Air Pollution Control District. She is recognized as the subject matter expert in air quality compliance. “She is responsible for leading the command’s model air compliance program for our very highly industrial operation,” said Doung. “The San Diego Air Pollution Control District views the Depot’s air quality compliance program as one of the best in the region.”

Due to her forbearance, Marien convinced the EPA that it would be burdensome and costly to comply with the agency’s regulations on coating requirements because the military has a diverse array of weapons systems and each requires different coating. So, the EPA has decided that it will issue a separate rule for military commands.

Marien will receive the award on May 4 in the nation’s capital.