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The Upper Peninsula will be represented by at least two voices on the new Environmental Permit Review Commission.
The commission was created to act in an advisory capacity within the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
The commission is comprised of 15 members appointed by the Governor with experience in engineering, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or a field of engineering or science related to air or water.
When appropriate, the department director may call a panel of three commission members, based on their area of expertise, to form an Environmental Permit Panel to review and advise on permit applications.
Michigan Tech’s Theodore Bornhorst was selected to serve a three year term on the commission.
Bornhorst is a professor of geology and the executive director of the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum.
Licensed professional engineer and owner of Bittner Engineering Dennis Bittner of Gladstone was appointed to a two year term.
After these initial appointments, members will serve four-year terms.
Here is the full press release from the State of Michigan:
Gov. Rick Snyder makes initial appointments to Environmental Permit Review Commission
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the initial appointments to the Environmental Permit Review Commission. Established by Public Act 268 of 2018, the Environmental Permit Review Commission was created within the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to act in an advisory capacity.
The commission is comprised of 15 members appointed by the Governor with experience in engineering, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology or a field of engineering or science related to air or water. When appropriate, the department director may call a panel of three commission members, based on their area of expertise, to form an Environmental Permit Panel to review and advise on permit applications.
“This board will work to protect Michigan’s environment by having field experts on the committee carefully review all permits to ensure projects are in the best interest of preserving Michigan’s resources and environment,” Snyder said.
Terms expiring Aug. 28, 2020:
Dennis Bittner of Gladstone is a licensed professional engineer and the owner of Bittner Engineering Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry and civil engineering and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University.
Jamie (JP) Buckingham of Eaton Rapids is the COO and a principal geologist for Triterra, an environmental consulting firm specializing in brownfield development and natural resource management services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from Hope College.
Mark Henne of Williamston is a hydrogeologist and environmental consultant for Henne Environmental. He previously served as an environmental manager for WSP Global and as the founder and president of Fitzgerald Henne and Associates. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Dart Bank. Henne holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, a master’s degree in hydrology and hydrogeology from the University of Nevada and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Mark Prein of Grand Rapids is a licensed professional engineer serving as vice president and senior project manager for Prein&Newhof. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Northwestern University.
Terms expiring August 28, 2021:
Tony Anthony of Novi is principal of AKT Peerless Environmental and Energy Services and is a planning commissioner for the city of Novi. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Wayne State University.
Theodore Bornhorst of Houghton is a professor of geology and the executive director of the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum at Michigan Technological University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from Michigan Technological University and a master’s degree and doctorate in geology from the University of New Mexico.
Dirk Mammen of Traverse City is a licensed attorney, serving as a principal scientist, corporate due diligence services director and Traverse City office manager for Environmental Consulting and Technology, Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from Michigan State University and a law degree from the Michigan State University Detroit College of Law.
Evan Pratt of Ann Arbor is a licensed professional engineer serving as a water resources commissioner and the director of public works for Washtenaw County. He previously served on the Michigan 21st Century Infrastructure Commission. Pratt holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Jeffery King of Pentwater is the founder and president of the ecological consulting firm King and MacGregor Environmental, Inc. He previously served as a district supervisor for the land and water management division of the Department of Natural Resources (presently housed in the Department of Environmental Quality). King holds an associate degree in business from Delta College, a bachelor’s degree in resource development from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University.
Terms expiring August 28, 2022:
Bryan Burroughs of DeWitt is the executive director of Michigan Trout Unlimited, a non-profit conservation organization. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree and doctorate in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University.
Matthew Germane of Hartland is a licensed professional engineer, serving as a senior project engineer for Environmental Resource Group, LLC. He is a member of the Hartland Township Board of Trustees and vice president of Hartland Enrichment and Recreational Organization (HERO). He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Michigan.
Lori Myott of Grand Ledge is the manager of the environmental service department for Lansing Board of Water and Light. She previously served as vice president and project manager for NTH Consultants, Ltd. and as an environmental engineer for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Division. She serves as chair of the board of directors for the Air and Waste Management Association East Michigan Chapter. Myott holds a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Michigan State University.
Bradley Venman of Lansing is a quality officer and senior vice president of NTH Consultants, Ltd., an environmental consulting firm. Previously, he served as chief of the waste characterization and land application unit in the Department of Natural Resources (presently housed in the Department of Environmental Quality). He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Alma College and a master’s degree in environmental and industrial health and toxicology from the University of Michigan.
After initial appointments, members serve four-year terms.
