JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Steve Boone, an environmental program manager with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Environmental Quality, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for August 2024. He was selected for his service to the department and his assistance with two air pollution concerns raised to the Northeast Regional Office.
As part of his usual duties, Boone supervises the air and land section of the department’s Northeastern Regional Office. He also routinely and consistently performs inspections and investigations to assist the section with achieving workplan goals.
“Steve’s leadership and commitment contributes to the success of the air and land section, and he is key to the success of NERO,” said Jacob Cross, NERO director, who nominated Boone for the award. “His communication of important issues with our local and county partners ensures the speedy resolution of environmental issues, which protects human health and the environment.”
In 2023, two reports of concern were received by NERO, one involving the demolition of an apartment building where there was the potential for asbestos exposure from the demolition dust, and the other related to a local business that was openly burning materials that resulted in opacity exceedances.
In both instances, Boone collaborated with his team while working with the involved parties and the city of Mexico until the issues were resolved, communicating guidance and direction along the way in support of the health and wellbeing of the city’s residents and the environment. These actions are representative of the department’s values of stewardship, integrity, collaboration and respect.
“Mr. Boone displayed the utmost professionalism and customer service to our community,” said Drew Williford, P.E., director of public works with the city of Mexico. “Without the timely and professional responses provided by the Department of Natural Resources, the city of Mexico would have experienced a far greater difficulty in safeguarding its community.”
Boone joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in September 1989 and resides in New Cambria.