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.
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.