News Release No. 355

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
NAMES AUGUST EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Volume 32-355

Contact: Larry Archer

(For immediate release)

573-751-3807

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 3, 2004 - As an environmental specialist, John Johnson recognizes that the problem of nonpoint source pollution is bigger than any one person, unit or program - even within the Department of Natural Resources. His efforts to form and facilitate the department's Nonpoint Source Coordination Team has earned Johnson recognition as the Department of Natural Resources' August Employee of the Month.

Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) - a type of water pollution generally attributed to storm water runoff picking up contaminants and carrying them to local rivers and streams - is considered to be a major contributor to overall water quality problems. Johnson recognized that because of nonpoint source pollution's pervasiveness, it must be battled on several levels. In order to ensure a more effective fight against this type of pollution, Johnson formed group a representing several of the department's divisions, programs and units to share ideas and information.

Working with the team, Johnson has showcased local projects and demonstrations showing both effective and ineffective techniques in managing NPS pollution. Recipients of department grants frequently attend team meetings to present the accomplishments of their project and demonstrate how it has improved water quality in their watersheds. Many of these projects demonstrate behavior changes through education efforts or innovative technologies.

In addition to setting the agenda and arranging for speakers, Johnson also coordinates tours of project sites for team members and news media to see the projects' full impact. Because of these efforts, the team continues to grow in membership, which improves communication and cooperation on NPS pollution prevention throughout the department. Team members credit him with the ability to foresee areas of the state with "hot topic" water quality issues or priority areas of concern.

Johnson, a Fulton resident who works in the Water Protection and Soil Conservation Division's Water Protection Program, has been with the department for 15 years.

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