Category: Employee Highlight

Employee Highlight – Winter 2019

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Keenan Storrar is a hydrologist and project manager in the Division’s Coal Program.  He’s worked in this position for over four years. The majority of his job is reviewing permit amendments and making sure operators are compliant with state regulations and coal mining rules. 

His hydrogeology and surface hydrology skills are applied on a daily basis for permitting new and existing coal mining operations in the state. Hydrology reviews involve in-depth analyses to foresee and understand potential impacts to the hydrologic balance stemming from underground and surface coal mining operations.

As a project manager, he oversaw the reclamation of the Horizon Coal mine in Carbon County last summer.  He enjoyed this project because he was able to apply knowledge gained from his time working for the Division as well as from his Master’s Degree in hydrology. 

Keenan has a Bachelor of Science Degree in geology and a Master of Science Degree in surface hydrology both from the University of Montana.

Employee Highlight – Fall 2018

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Seth Button is an archaeologist and project manager for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AMRP). He has been with the Division for a year and a half. As a project manager, he is responsible for leading projects from the identification of abandoned mines through compliance with state and federal regulations to construction/reclamation. As an archaeologist, he helps ensure that all program projects comply with applicable state and federal laws governing the treatment of cultural resources.  

The program promotes public safety by reclaiming abandoned coal and hard rock mines throughout the state. AMRP works within the framework of the National Historic Preservation Act to take into account the effects on our projects on biological and cultural resources. Seth helps program project managers and their partner agencies accomplish their mission while protecting the physical remains of Utah’s history.   

According to Seth, the best part of his job is helping protect both members of the public and Utah’s natural and cultural resources. As an added benefit, he gets to see a lot of historic mine sites. Seth works with great colleagues in the Division and with other public servants in the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Seth is originally from Western New York. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College and completed his graduate work at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Most recently, he worked as a consultant in the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest. 

Employee Highlight – Summer 2018

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April Abate is an environmental scientist with the Division’s Minerals Program.  She started with the Division in 2008 working in the coal program then transferred to Minerals in 2013. 

Her job involves implementing state rules, regulating, and inspecting all hard rock mining activity in the state including small and large mines and exploration permits. April is responsible for overseeing all mineral mining operations in Utah and Uintah counties.

Some of the best aspects of her job involve working with mining companies to conduct operations that minimize impacts to the environment. For example, when a mine is located in a sage grouse management area, creative and alternative ideas need to be implemented to protect and reduce impacts to habitat. April works with biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to find options that allow mining operations to continue without effecting habitat.

One of April’s greatest job satisfactions is when she can propose ideas that are  more efficient, streamlined, and minimize ground disturbance. She tells operators to begin with the end reclamation in mind before starting mining. Often the main focus is on production, with reclamation being an afterthought. Enforcing the Mined Land Reclamation Act makes mine reclamation planning forethought, rather than an afterthought.

April also enjoys the people with whom she works. From local ranchers, government officials, operators, or organic chemists, she enjoys conversations with all of them and always takes away a gained perspective from these learning experiences. 

April grew up in the Boston, Massachusetts area and is a Boston sports fan and seafood lover at heart.

Employee Highlight – Spring 2018

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Dayne Doucet is a petroleum engineer and was recently selected to oversee the well permitting in the oil and gas program. As the permit manager, he reviews all applications to drill (APDs) verifying requirements of the Division rules are met and that development is done responsibly.

He utilizes his engineering skills by assisting with shut-in temporarily abandoned (TA) wells, and reviews well designs. Dayne also participates in Board hearings by providing technical expertise in Division matters. He often fields questions from both the public and operators and does his best to provide answers and education on what the Division does and why.

According to Dayne, the best part of his job is the people with whom he works. Whether meeting with internal staff or working with operators in the field, he feels lucky to be involved with smart, passionate, and hardworking people. He also values working for an organization that uses responsible development, protecting public health and safety, and preserving the environment as the guiding objectives for doing business.

Dayne has worked for the Division since February 2015. Before working for the state, he worked in the oil and gas industry in Wyoming, Texas, Colorado, and Utah. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering from Montana Tech in Butte, Montana.

When Dayne isn’t working, he enjoys everything Utah Jazz, golfing, reading, fishing, and spending time with his wife and family.

Employee Highlight – Winter 2018

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Priscilla Burton is an environmental scientist in the Coal Program and has worked for the Division for 21 years. She is based out of the Price Field Office.

Priscilla is a soil scientist working with an interdisciplinary team of environmental scientists. Her main responsibility is to ensure that there is suitable quality and quantity of topsoil salvaged, stockpiled, and protected for use in final reclamation of coal operations.

She inspects sites under construction to confirm salvage and replacement plans are followed and also completes routine mine inspections to ensure compliance with all Utah coal mining rules. 

Priscilla was the project manager for the successful White Oak mine reclamation project where she was able to leverage the available bond forfeiture funds with contributions from Carbon County and Canyon Fuel. She applied for and received grants from the Division of Water Quality for the transport and application of biosolids to reclaimed slopes; the Utah Watershed Initiative for reconstruction of Eccles Creek and erosion control; and Department of Agriculture for two Invasive Species Mitigation grants for the control of weeds from Whiskey to Clear Creek. 

She helps ensure responsible resource development and preservation of the environment by making sure topsoil needed for final reclamation is protected. Topsoil contains the required organic matter, nutrients and microbes that vegetation needs for growth. Successful vegetation growth is one key measurement of effective reclamation.

Priscilla feels a sense of accomplishment knowing that when a Utah coal mining permit is issued, the mining operation has a plan for successful reclamation. She has been involved with many reclamation projects including Des Bee Dove, Starpoint, Willow Creek, and perhaps the most visible Castle Gate refuse pile on Highway 6 north of Helper.

In addition to her responsibilities with the coal program, Priscilla has represented the Division as a member of the Skyline Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) since 2013. The Skyline CWMA is a collaborative effort of agencies and private landowners who determine the most effective ways to eliminate noxious and invading weeds. She produces the CWMA annual weed control calendar and has developed graphic design and desktop publishing skills.

Priscilla has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Soil Science from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science Degree in Plant Biology from Utah State University. She is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (Soil Science Society of America) and has a long list of Office of Surface Mining technology development and transfer courses.

Employee Highlight – Fall 2017

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Susan White is an environmental scientist, reclamation specialist, biologist and project manager for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AMRP). She has been with the Division since 1990 and has worked in the coal and minerals programs and administration. She also worked two years with the Energy Advisor and Office of Energy Development.

As a project manager, Susan oversees a lengthy checklist of processes that must be done before any actual mine closure work is done. A medium sized project with 30 to 50 openings takes two to three years of surveys and paperwork before construction starts. Once construction begins, work can be completed in a couple of weeks. 

Susan begins a project with a defined area, usually a mining district, and completes an inventory of safety hazards and mine closure options. She then assesses and contacts the resources potentially affected by reclamation including historic, paleontological, bats, raptors, and threatened or endangered species.  Public meetings are held to educate and gather project input. A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document is produced accounting for the potentially affected resources and what steps will be taken to protect them.  Once these steps are complete, the federal funding partner, usually the Office of Surface Mining or the Bureau of Land Management, issues a decision document that then allows moving to construction.

While these processes are time consuming, it ensures Susan and the AMR program protect the environment and resources, while at the same time protect public safety.

According to Susan, the best part about her job is working with co-workers and partners- to her they are like family. She also enjoys getting out in the field and away from her desk (unless there are biting no-see ums).

Susan has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a minor in botany and a Master of Science in Range and Wildlife Management from Brigham Young University.

She has over 40 years of experience in the natural resource field. Some of the highlights include a threaten and endangered plant survey in southeastern Utah in 1977; vegetation surveys along the Alaska oil pipeline for two summers; biotic surveys and revegetation work during the first oil shale boom and bust in the 1980s; and construction management for revegetation of oil and gas operations in western Wyoming, interstate pipelines, and interstate powerlines.

Susan has been riding her bike to work for about 25 years and finds it a great way to unwind. She also enjoys hiking and exploring trails along the Wasatch Front and is an avid gardener.

Employee Highlight – Summer 2017

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Peter Brinton has been a reclamation specialist for the minerals program for seven years. His primary responsibilities include reviewing mine permit documents and providing guidance for mine permitting, inspecting mining operations to evaluate reclamation and compliance, and taking enforcement actions as needed. 

Peter frequently works with smaller mine operators educating them on best mining and reclamation practices and helping facilitate permitting. He reviews large mine and reclamation plans for hazardous and non-hazardous materials, hydrology, and engineering components. He is also currently helping to develop a GIS-based interactive minerals program map identifying all mine locations and their status.

Prior to mining, Peter helps protect public safety and natural resources through the permitting process and by educating mine operators.  At the end of a mine’s life, the program certifies that reclamation meets the state mineral mine reclamation rules for public safety and resource protection/mitigation.  

According to Peter, ensuring responsible resource development is achieved by education and helping operators, particularly small mine operators, navigate the permitting process. Responsible development involves trying to implement the mine permitting requirements in a balanced way and facilitating the timelines of operators when possible.

Peter says the best part of his job is the ongoing learning opportunities and field work, including mine reclamation oversight. 

Peter received a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of Utah and a Master of Science in Hydrology from the Colorado School of Mines.

Employee Highlight – Spring 2017

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Amy Doebele is a petroleum specialist/environmental scientist for the oil and gas program in the Uinta Basin. She has worked for the Division since November 2015.  Her primary responsibility is to ensure responsible development of oil and gas resources in the State of Utah.

Amy is responsible for performing well and facility inspections for all aspects of oil and gas activities within her area of review.  These activities vary from the initial development and pre-site of a well to the decommissioning and reclamation of a well or facility. Her area of review includes oversight of the Greater Monument Buttes enhanced oil recovery project in Duchesne and Uintah counties. This is the largest enhance recovery waterflood project in the state, comprising of approximately 1350 water injection wells. 

Through the ongoing oversight Amy provides during these operations, she is able to work cooperatively with operators to ensure proper land management use while promoting resource extraction.  She is able to be involved in the process from start to finish, which allows her to react quickly when changes arise to ensure there is no threat to the environment or public safety.

She is also involved in developing standard operating procedures to be used by Division staff conducting various field operations, as well as guidance documents to provide operators and stakeholders with further guidance of state regulations and processes.

According to Amy, the best part of her job is the ability to be involved in nearly every aspect of oil and gas development in the basin. Her job allows the flexibility to be engaged in many different projects in the Uinta Basin and throughout the state, which many other state regulatory agencies do not have.  She grew up in a family that was involved in oil and gas, and it is very rewarding being part of an industry that is so involved in the community.

Amy graduated in 2010 with an Associate’s Degree in Animals Science from Casper College. She then transferred to the University of Wyoming and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Energy Resource Management and Development in 2013.  Before working for the Division, she worked in Denver, Colorado for an oil and gas operator as a regulatory agent. 

Amy grew up in Vernal and was very excited for the opportunity to return home and work for the Division.  She enjoys hunting and fishing and spends most of her time outside of work at Flaming Gorge or on the Green River. She and her husband often travel to Wyoming to visit family with their two dogs Moose and Cooper.

Employee Highlight – Fall 2016

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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) COORDINATOR, JAN MORSE

Jan Morse is the NEPA coordinator for the Abandoned Mines Reclamation (AMR) program. She is responsible for writing environmental assessments required before most federal reclamation projects can begin.
 
Most abandoned mine reclamation work completed by the Division is funded by the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) and subject to NEPA. NEPA assures that proper consideration is given to the environment prior to undertaking any major federal action that significantly affects the environment.
 

Jan researches information about cultural resources, sensitive and listed species, recreation, public interest and other resources found in or near the project area. When a resource needs special consideration, she enjoys the challenge of figuring out how to do it without negatively impacting that resource.

In addition to her AMR work, Jan is active in public education where she represents the Division at local events including the Safe Kids Fair, Tintic Silver Jubilee and Park City Miners Day.

“I enjoy watching people’s expressions when they realize that our modern way of life is dependent on minerals,” commented Jan. “I’m proud to be part of the Division that ensures mineral extraction in Utah is conducted in a responsible manner that protects the environment and supports our modern society.”

Jan started as a seasonal inventory crew member in 1995. After several seasons, she was hired on full time and has now been a with the Division for 17 years.

She graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science from the University of California Santa Cruz.

Employee Highlight – Summer 2016

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Environmental Scientist/Reclamation Specialist Leslie Heppler

Leslie Heppler is an Environmental Scientist III/Reclamation Specialist in the Minerals Program and has been with the Division since March 2008. Her diverse knowledge allows her to contribute to mining engineering, geology and geotechnical engineering concerns confronting the Division on a daily basis.

Mining builds wealth to our society and is the backbone that provides metals and materials allowing the standard of living we all enjoy. Leslie works to find solutions that keep the public and environment protected, while allowing responsible resource development. Responsible miners plan from “cradle to grave” with the goal to move materials only once and end with successful reclamation- it is a win-win for the environment and society.

Her formal training consists of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from Western State College. Leslie’s school of hard “rocks” consisted of three summers with Homestake Mining in uranium exploration; three years with Amoco Minerals exploring Wyoming for Precambrian volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, Arizona porphyry copper deposits and a mid-Miocene aged extensional tectonic gold prospect that became the Copperstone Gold Mine.

She spent 10 years with Kennecott in the exploration department and at the Barneys Canyon Mine. Her experience at Barneys Canyon included a year as mine foreman where she had the number one production and safety record. She also worked as the drill and blast foreman detonating 300 holes a day, five days a week. She is very proud of the work she did and attributes her successes to her crews with whom she worked.

Seeking a more quiet life, Leslie took a job with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) monitoring and fixing landslides, responding to geotechnical emergencies and new slope design for the next 13 years.

Leslie has been a state employee for 21 years. She enjoys all the challenges of working in the Minerals program. She credits the best part of her job to the team of co-workers she works with and the support of management who allows her the freedom to do what needs to be done.

When Leslie is not working, she spends time with her latest rescue puppy “Maggie von Waggles” who is always up for a hike, walk or chasing the ball.  She also enjoys puttering in the garden, updating her home and frequent trips to Colorado to help her parents.