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Environmental Progress - Summer 2004

Joan Muraro Retires From Illinois EPA

Joan Muraro, the longtime editor of Environmental Progress, retired on June 30, after more than 18 years with the Illinois EPA as the Agency's chief link with the news media and general public on water issues.

With an encyclopedic knowledge of state and federal programs and regulations dealing with clean water issues, and the ability to explain them in straightforward terms, Joan provided information and insight to thousands of citizens, students, public officials, water operator associations, water consumers, wastewater treatment staff and numerous others. She also edited Digester/Over the Spillway, that provides valuable information to drinking water and wastewater treatment facility staff, as well as numerous other Bureau of Water and IEPA publications and reports. The Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association recognized Joan's contributions over the years by presenting her with a special award at the annual "Operator of the Year" celebration in September.

Joan was also particularly active in environmental education activities for the Agency, including the annual Poster and Prose contest, classroom and teacher materials, the "Envirofun" web sites and the Illinois State Fair exhibits.

Joan came to IEPA after a distinguished career as an award-winning newspaper reporter, putting her editing, writing and overall communications skills to good use.

Her colleagues at IEPA, both at the Springfield headquarters and in regional field offices, miss her quick wit and seasoned wisdom and wish her well in retirement.