City Government

City Recognizes Green Champions

June 02, 2010

Carmen Linman brought her lifelong interest in preserving the environment to work when she explored the option of offering “green burials” in City of Edmonton cemeteries. Since the practice was made available in 2009, many Edmontonians now choose the green burial option to maintain the natural beauty of cemeteries and minimize impact on the environment.

For her research-based innovation, the City is recognizing Linman and three other employees who have made significant contributions to make City operations greener. The second annual Charles Labatiuk Environmental Excellence Awards were presented in three categories to employees who go beyond normal responsibilities to benefit our natural environment.

“The City of Edmonton is recognized around the world for our environmental initiatives,” says City Manager Simon Farbrother. “It’s the work our employees do on a day-to-day basis, and their real dedication as individuals, that add up to significant achievements.”

Linman received the Innovation Award, while Greg Sorenson and Don Tymchak from Fleet Services were presented the Continual Improvement Award for introducing new measures to prevent or control leaks from the City’s fuel storage facilities. Wendy Laskosky was honoured with the Leadership award for developing and implementing the internationally recognized ISO 14001 environmental management program in Drainage Services.

The recognition to individuals reflects the City’s commitment to The Way We Green – a project to develop a long-term strategy to preserve and sustain Edmonton’s environment.

Background

The winners in each of the three categories were chosen from a field of 25 nominees and nine finalists. The annual award, named after the late Charles Labatiuk, an engineer with the City’s Waste Management Branch and a dedicated environmentalist, is open to City of Edmonton employees who show initiative and leadership in minimizing the impact of their work on the environment.

Innovation Award

Linman, Supervisor of Cemetery Sales and Administration for the City’s community facility services branch, introduced the concept of a natural burial, involving wrapping the deceased in a completely biodegradable shroud and container. The soil layer from the grave is preserved when the grave is being dug and a tree or rocky outcrop marks the site rather than a granite memorial. Cremated remains can either be scattered in a Rose Garden or poured into a small grave without the use of a container. City of Edmonton Cemeteries is now planning on incorporating green burials or scattering gardens into all seven cemeteries.

Continual Improvement Award

The City operates 13 fuelling sites where preventing and dealing with releases from fuel storage tanks is one of the most significant environmental concerns for the City. Greg Sorenson and Don Tymchak of Fleet Services environmental management system (Enviso) division helped develop control procedures on fuel site inspections as well as preventative maintenance measures. They helped implement new leak detection systems for storage tanks. Both are also first responders who ensure appropriate clean-up measures address any spills, no matter how small. Sorenson helps lead Fuel Site Renewal projects, while Tymchak trains other staff and advises on leading-edge storage tank management techniques to City branches including Recreation, Parks, and Fire Services.

Leadership Award

Wendy Laskosky is the driving force behind the very first registered ISO 14001 Environmental Management System in the Drainage Services Branch. She was instrumental in working with a diverse group across the Drainage Services Branch to build the successful program for Wastewater Treatment, Planning and Design & Construction sections. Laskosky ensured ISO 14001 was understood and implemented by all of the staff, including labourers, technicians, engineers and managers.

ISO 14001 for Drainage Services was first achieved in 2005. After the 2009 transfer of the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant, Laskosky redesigned the system to reflect the new scope of the branch and again achieved registration for the new system in early 2010.

For more information:

Mary-Ann Thurber

City of Edmonton
Environment Office

Title	Communications Officer
Telephone	780-442-1698
Email	maryann.thurber@edmonton.ca