SWANA announces 2018 Technical Division Awards winners

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, has announced the winners of the 2018 Technical Division Awards presented to SWANA members for outstanding professional achievements in solid waste industry sectors. Awards were presented on March 6 at the opening ceremony at SWANApalooza in Denver.

“SWANA’s Technical Division Awards showcase the innovative and important contributions these individuals have made to their field and the solid waste industry as a whole,” David Biderman, SWANA’s executive director and CEO, says. “From adopting new technologies, to developing unique planning strategies, to creating advanced program awareness, these professionals have demonstrated truly admirable work.”

Marc Rogoff received the first Distinguished Individual Achievement Award (DIAA) from SWANA’s Collection and Transfer Technical Division. Rogoff was recognized for his support of integrated solid waste management planning, specifically his rate study work helping communities understand the financial requirements of maintaining their solid waste systems.

Tom Bilgri received the Landfill Gas and Biogas (LGB) Technical Division DIAA for overseeing the technical approaches and methodologies associated with the evaluation and design of landfill gas collection and control systems and beneficial-use facilities across North America.

The Landfill Gas and Biogas Technical Division recognized two Hall of Fame inductees this year, adding Jim Bier and David Penoyer to the list of honorees. Bier worked to increase the knowledge base of the landfill gas and biogas industry, expand the opportunities for renewable fuels and electrical production and educate the public on the benefits of landfill gas use. Penoyer has used his knowledge to standardize, develop and revolutionize system metrics, design, quality and implementation on a wide-scale during his time at both SCS Engineers, Long Beach, California, and Republic Services, Phoenix.

The Landfill Gas and Biogas Technical Division offered an in memoriam recognition called the Eternal Flame Award to an industry member who has passed away. The 2018 Eternal Flame Award honors the career of Tudor Williams for his work developing landfill gas engine technology in the 1970s and engaging in landfill gas-to-energy development from the 1980s through his death on Dec. 7, 2016.