EPA Director to Retire

After many years of service with the Environmental Protection Agency, Robert Wayland, director of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds in the Office of Water, will be retiring on Jan. 3, 2003. Assistant Administrator G. Tracy Mehan, III, has appointed former Deputy Assistant Administrator Diane Regas as Wayland's successor.

Throughout his career Mr. Wayland has made major contributions in several areas. Most notably, he has significantly influenced the current approach to management of water quality by promoting and supporting the watershed approach. He has played a major role in shaping the regulatory aspects of watershed management, including the roles of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), the protection and restoration of wetlands and addressing nonpoint sources of pollution. He also played a major role in developing a working framework for the National Coral Reef Task Force; resolving dredged material management issues threatening to shut down the Port of New York and New Jersey; developing a program to address discharges of pollution from vessels; supporting local communities in addressing water quality issues related to growth; promoting concern inside and outside the Agency regarding water quality impacts resulting from air deposition; and working with the Pew Ocean Commission and U.S. Commission on Oceans Policy.

Mr. Wayland has had an exceptionally distinguished career in federal service. Under his leadership the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watershed has set the standard for fostering stewardship and conservation efforts by businesses, civic groups, local governments, states and other federal agencies.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency