The “Pierce County Responds” program has been selected as the GOLD 2003 Public Education Excellence Award winner by the Solid Waste Association of North America. This is a competitive award which recognizes excellence in public education program design and development. The award will be presented Oct. 16 at SWANA’s annual conference, WASTECON 2003, in St. Louis.

“I commend Steve Wamback, our solid waste administrator, and each member of the Pierce County Responds team. They are making a significant contribution to our ongoing efforts toward improving the livability of Pierce County,” said County Executive John W. Ladenburg.

Pierce County Responds is the county’s comprehensive response to the problem of illegal dumping of waste and nuisance vehicles. The program brings together staff and resources from the departments of Community Services, Planning and Land Services, Public Works and Utilities, and Sheriff’s, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department.