Daniel Brooks
Manchester,MD
Summary
Dedicated environmental services, sustainability and safety professional with a proven track record in developing and implementing comprehensive safety programs, fostering a proactive safety culture, and ensuring regulatory compliance to significantly reduce workplace accidents while enhancing overall safety performance and operations.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Sustainability Manager
LaBella Associates
08.2024 - Current
- Recommends and implements goals and objectives, establishes performance standards and methods, develops and implements policies and procedures for assigned environmental program areas.
- Evaluates operations and activities of assigned program area, determines program priorities, implements improvements and modifications, prepares various reports on operations and activities.
- Participates in budget preparation and administration, prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations, submits justifications for staff, equipment, supplies, and services, monitors and controls expenditures.
- In the integrated waste management program area, manage projects for residential and commercial garbage, recycling and organics waste collection/disposal, hazardous waste collection and disposal, private-sector contract for materials transfer and recovery, long-term disposal, and landfill disposal.
- Manages assigned program areas including planning, organizing, and implementing program and projects to create environmental sound and cost-effective methods for the responsible management of garbage, municipal solid waste - MSW, and organics waste collection/disposal, and promotion of environmental sustainability, climate protection initiatives, and resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Participates in the development of solid waste reduction, recycling, pollution prevention, environmental sustainability, and climate protection policies, which comply with regulatory mandates and agreed upon sustainability strategies.
- Conducts cost analysis and feasibility studies for client requests, including facilities such as transfer stations, material recovery facilities (MRFs), compost facilities, sustainability campuses, and landfills.
- Performs environmental facility and waste audits for clientele.
- Reviews permits and waste operations plans, monitoring plans, and monitoring plans for compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Develops and conducts regulatory training classes and certification for clientele (RCRA DOT, 40-Hour HAZWOPER, 8-Hour HAZWOPER, Virginia Waste Management Facility Operator Class I Basic, Class II Landfill, Compost Program Manager, lithium Battery Safety, lithium Battery Shipper, APWA SWWP Basic - North Carolina).
Owner, Consultant
Brooks Consulting, LLC
10.2019 - Current
- Environmental Consulting Services - Environmental compliance audits and program
development, Spill prevention, control, and countermeasure (SPCC) plan development,
Sustainability strategy and reporting (GHG inventories, ESG metrics, waste minimization) - Safety Consulting Services - Occupational health and safety program design and implementation (OSHA compliance), Safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments, Job hazard analysis (JHA) and safe work procedures development, Employee safety training (HAZWOPER, confined space, lockout/tagout, PPE), Incident
investigation and root cause analysis, Safety culture improvement and leadership coaching - Hazardous Waste Management - RCRA compliance audits and hazardous waste/solid waste determinations, Waste minimization and recycling strategies, Hazardous waste manifesting,
labeling, and storage compliance, Universal and e-waste management programs, Facility hazardous materials business plans (HMBP), Emergency response planning and spill cleanup coordination - Additional Support Services - Regulatory liaison and agency communication support, Environmental documentation, permitting, and reporting assistance, Training and staff development workshops, Contractor and vendor compliance management, Sustainability and environmental performance benchmarking
- Excellent, Like-new mattress and furniture sustainability second-chance home recovery services
Field Chemist Supervisor/Trainer (Part-Time)
Environmental Management Services, Inc. (EMSI)
10.2013 - Current
- Oversees all regulatory and disposal aspects of a RCRA Hazardous Waste Large Quantity Generator (LQG) on behalf of EMSI for EPA, DOT, and OSHA compliance and safety.
- Directly supervises two to five employees as job(s) require pertinent to the scope of work.
- Supervise all aspects of RCRA pharmaceutical and non-hazardous pharmaceuticals materials including applicable chemicals and drugs in accordance with MedStar Hospital and EMS policies and procedures.
- Safely evaluate controlled substances (narcotics Schedule 1 through 5) in accordance with Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) disposal regulatory requirements.
- Inspect for Emergency Safety Equipment (eyewash, safety showers, fire extinguishers, exit lights, emergency lights, AEDs, and first aid kits) to ensure their compliance in accordance with ANSI standards.
DPWES Public Works Environmental Service Specialist & Asst. Complex Manager 1-66 Transfer Station
Fairfax County Government-SWMP
08.2017 - 08.2024
- Selected to serve as Official Acting Complex Manager for 2020-2021 in the absence of Complex Manager.
- Assists the Complex Manager in the daily management of the I-66 Transfer Station Complex including Transfer Station Operations, Personnel Supervision of 120 direct/indirect reports plus contractors, Time & Leave Approval, Recycling and Disposal Center (RDC), Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program, Construction and Demolition (C&D) recycling and processing, Recycling initiatives, Tire Disposal, Yard Waste Disposal, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) diversion, OSHA (HAZWOPER) regulations, Electronic Recycling (E-waste), Scrap Metal Recycling, Refrigerant Extraction/Disposal, Truck Wash Operations, Brush Grinding Operations, Post-Closure Care Closed Landfill Maintenance, Landfill Gas Management, Stormwater Management (MS4 & VPDES), Scale Operations, and Facility Training.
- Oversees annual operating budget of approximately $65.5 million dollars including capital projects for the I-66 Transfer Station.
- Provides support and collaborates closely with site engineering, environmental compliance staff, and county agencies to perform necessary facility maintenance and repair and acceptance, storage and disposal of household hazardous waste while applying all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations for all activities.
- Develops programs and implements long-term and short-term improvements in operations.
- Over 26 years of environmental management and field experience.
- Plans, manages, and coordinates Zero Waste Plan (recycle, reduce, reuse) to include sustainability, outreach program assistance activities, and personnel supporting master education and advisor program across SWMP.
- Oversees training and education opportunities for compliance with county, state, and federal regulations including but not limited to sustainability, engagement, recycling, composting, etc.
- Independently designs, develops, and coordinates ongoing department programs and special projects.
- Performs a wide range of professional-level management work for more than one broad administrative function including complex analysis and diverse project management in a lead capacity.
- Maintains statistics and budget records pertaining to the agency's outreach and sustainability programs. Engages in community, composting, education, literature, and develops solid waste outreach guidelines.
- Schedules and assigns work tasks and monitors progress for a wide variety of assignments. Specific duties are as follows but not limited to:
- Coordinates and supervises human and equipment resources at multiple points of public service and operation support facilities.
- Resolves problems with customers, contractors, and/or engineers.
- Provides day-to-day oversight of hands-on performance of emergency operations programs for removal of food or other disaster recovery operations contingent on agency.
- Assists in development strategies for debris removal and disposal in response to natural disasters, emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
- Directs emergency response practical drills.
- Oversees service provider and materials supply contracts to ensure compliance with County procurement standards and procedures.
- Approves or recommends change orders and as authorized approves contract payments.
- Monitors operations, maintenance, and repair costs to ensure compliance with financial and budget goals.
- Ensures adherence to technical specifications for Department of Procurement and Material Management (DPMM) contract (RFPs, IFBs, & Quick Quotes) and serves as liaison with the agency's financial administration group and DPMM procurement teams.
- Reviews equipment condition and performance and orders to plan for replacement cycles and upgrades.
- Ensures facility compliance and standards for compliance on all environmental standards, safety rules, regulations, laws, codes, and standards, and recommends changes as necessary to ensure continued compliance.
- Coordinates facility tours, gives education presentations, responds to citizen written and verbal requests for information or assistance, and presents technical information at citizen meetings.
- Engages in safe working practices and complies with DPWES Safety Competencies.
Assistant Superintendent of Refuse & Household Hazardous Waste Program Manager
Fairfax County Government-SWMP
08.2013 - 08.2017
- Responsible for the overall management, coordination, facilitation, development, maintenance, storage of waste, waste diversion, disposal, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, strategic planning, metrics, budgeting, and implementation of best practice throughout the Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) permanent everyday-a-week collection site at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Complex program - a division of the Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP).
- Managed the overall Fairfax County Electronic Recycling (E-waste) permanent everyday-a-week collection, outside program, which includes all aspects of the HHW program.
- Provided annual fiscal year, calendar year, and Environmental Quality Advisor Council (EQAC) reports to SWMP Executive management team members for all HHW and E-Waste related programs.
- Serves as a responsible party for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) prepared the annual reports as well as enforces two major components of the MS4 permit which include Illicit Discharges and Improper Disposal (IDID - Part I.B.2.) and Public Education/Participation (Part I.B.2.j.1.d).
- Administers the expansion of recycling donations, and waste minimization, revenue generating/cost-cutting initiative (mercury thermostat recycling, cooking oil recycling, ink & toner recycling, refrigerator recycling, battery recycling, propane cylinder disposal) in partnership program - Habitat for Humanity.
- Acting member of the SWMP Environmental Compliance Team led by the Director of Environmental Compliance, Recycling, and Engineering.
- Conducts reviews and approvals for current impending HHW or E-Waste contract solicitations/agreements (hazardous waste disposal - waste disposal, not oil/antifreeze recycling, hazardous materials containers, mercury thermostat recycling, cooking oil recycling, ink & toner cartridge recycling, refrigerator recycling, battery recycling, propane cylinder disposal) in accordance with County procurement standards and procedures.
- Develops, cultivates, evaluates, and implements best environmental regulatory training and development/training requirements, best management practices (BMPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), job hazard analysis, facility inspections, and spill control and countermeasures (SPCC) protocol for all HHW and E-Waste personnel applicable to federal, state, and local regulatory compliance statute (including OSHA - 29 CFR (including GHS), RCRA - 40 CFR, CERCLA - 40 CFR, DOT - 49 CFR, NFPA, and 9 VAC 20-60 Virginia DEQ regulations).
- Served as a member of the American Public Works Administration (APWA) accreditation team under the direction of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) Director.
- Reinforces the SWMP safety culture through safe, accountable work practices, training for effective hazard communication, hazard mitigation, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and resolves timely safety-related concerns in accordance with DPWES values.
- Collects, monitors, analyzes, and improves service levels for service to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and value of services and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Develops, cultivates, implements, and sustains crucial interactions across all functional areas of business to recognize key components of business response to each other that establishes and maintains effective working relationships with both the employees and the public, resolves problems with customers, contractors, and engineers.
- Effectively engages all Conditional Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG), business hazardous waste disposal, waste sort, and recycling processes in a significant capacity to ensure compliance with all regulations, creating both short-term and long-term solutions for waste management program profitability and expansion.
- Demonstrates proficiency in hazardous waste operations and emergency response training in 40-hour initial training with 24 hours of refresher training as well as appropriate emergency response elements.
- Fundamentals learned in DOT (49 CFR) regulations, EPA (40 CFR) regulations, OSHA 29 CFR regulations, National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) regulations, EPA waste codes, waste disposal, waste identification/characterization, waste profiling, waste compatibility, waste class recognition, segregating, packing, container marking/labeling, sampling techniques, and document preparation (hazardous/non-hazardous waste manifesting, disposal restrictions (LDRs), bill of lading (BOLs).
- Oversaw all waste management operations, compliance measures, and reporting requirements for customer specific sites including N. R. Grace, Covanta Fairfax Hospital (locations), and the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (locations).
- Maintained all duties and responsibilities as the Assistant Hazardous Waste Program Manager - Montgomery County, MD.
- Promoted from Clear Pack Chemist to Senior Lead Clear Pack Chemist.
- Promoted from Clear Pack Chemist to Lead Clear Pack Chemist.
Senior Lead Clear Pack Chemist
Clear Harbors Environmental Services
09.2006 - 08.2013
- Responsible for performing daily lab pack custom to client facilities by segregating, packing, and shipping hazardous/non-hazardous chemical according to EPA (40 CFR) and DOT (49 CFR) shipping protocol.
- Performed lab moves of hazardous chemicals to new/existing customer locations.
- Managed approximately 30-50 community household hazardous waste collections (HHWs) annually including all personnel/equipment needed to collect and dispose of hazardous waste streams from the community properly.
- Conducted hazardous waste operations and industrial permitted 40-day Treatment, Storage, and Disposal facility (TSDF) transfer facility under the direction of the Technical Services General Manager (TSGM).
- Demonstrated proficiency in hazardous waste operations and emergency response training in 40-hour initial training with 24 hours of refresher training as well as appropriate emergency response elements.
- Fundamentals learned in DOT (49 CFR) regulations, EPA (40 CFR) regulations, OSHA 29 CFR regulations, National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) regulations, EPA waste codes, waste disposal, waste identification/characterization, waste profiling, waste compatibility, waste class recognition, segregating, packing, container marking/labeling, sampling techniques, and document preparation (hazardous/non-hazardous waste manifesting, disposal restrictions (LDRs), bill of lading (BOLs).
- Oversaw all waste management operations, compliance measures, and reporting requirements for customer specific sites including N. R. Grace, Covanta Fairfax Hospital (locations), and the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (locations).
- Maintained all duties and responsibilities as the Assistant Hazardous Waste Program Manager - Montgomery County, MD.
- Promoted from Clear Pack Chemist to Senior Lead Clear Pack Chemist.
- Promoted from Clear Pack Chemist to Lead Clear Pack Chemist.
Assistant Hazardous Waste Program Manager Montgomery County, Maryland
Clear Harbors Environmental Services
09.2006 - 08.2013
- Managed the site field chemist staff, hazardous waste management operations, and regulatory compliance policies and procedures under the direction of the Hazardous Waste Program Manager at the Montgomery County MD waste transfer station in Derwood, MD.
- Ensured Health and Safety is the highest priority by following policies and standard operating procedures.
- Acted as resource for site field chemist staff, communicated regulatory and training policy changes to project and provided operational guidance and interpretation.
- Communicated best practices with technical services and supported resulting data capture, site review, and training content.
- Completed site/facility inspections.
- Assessed and investigated applicable environmental compliance related issues including accidental spills, waste container leakage, chemical releases, and ensured that all secondary containment countermeasures are in good standing.
- Successfully managed all hazardous waste operations site projects and engaged with site management under the direction of the hazardous waste program manager.
- Utilized waste management systems for efficient and accurate management of the waste program.
- Provided waste program task specific needs and recommendations for improvement.
- Reviewed and approved all waste management operations and compliance related issues including hazardous waste disposal, waste shipments, and ordinances, biological, and radiological materials.
- Managed the Fairfax County HHW information including all chemical classes, technical content specifications, and hours of operation.
- Supervises six direct reports and three indirect reports and third-party contractor vendors, schedules, assigns, and monitors daily work tasks including emergency operations support for snow removal, food disaster recovery.
Field Services Coordinator
Clear Harbors Environmental Services
06.2005 - 09.2006
- Ensured the cost-effective coordination/direct of all field personnel/equipment in order to complete assigned field services projects/emergency response calls.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the facility/equipment/personnel under the direction of the Clear Harbors general manager.
- Performed 24/7 customer service assistance to clients pertaining to hazardous situations for emergency/non-emergency issues.
- Maintained all data entry/training/payroll records for the entire field services personnel division, consisting of 18 total people - (Field Service Supervisors/Foreman/Techs/Drivers).
- Oversaw the preventative maintenance of all vehicles/equipment in the field services division to help ensure a safe and productive working environment.
- Handled routine office functions such as phones/copying/faxing/filing.
- Directed all emergency response and spill response drills.
- Supervised 35 direct reports under the direction of the Field Services General Manager at an industrial permitted 40-day Treatment, Storage, and Disposal facility (TSDF) transfer facility.
Compliance Administrator/Plan Coordinator
Clear Harbors Environmental Services
02.2003 - 06.2005
- Controlled access to and from the hazardous waste facility including truck-to-truck problems for all Clear Harbors hubs throughout the company.
- Ensured compliance with the facility's security plan and standard operating procedure (SOP).
- Checked inbound/outbound vehicle for appropriate permits.
- Entered data into the waste tracking network for all inbound/outbound hazardous waste loads.
- Resolved all problems that occurred with the waste tracking system concerning hazardous/non-hazardous manifests, profiles, pricing, waste codes, and waste class descriptions and functionality.
- Performed quality control (QC) on incoming/outgoing paperwork.
- Inspected all safety equipment and emergency devices for safe operation and reliability (fire extinguishers, emergency lighting system, plan inspections, and personnel protective equipment).
- Promoted from Compliance Administrator to Plan Coordinator in just six months.
Environmental Field Technician
Stern International, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Acted as the Treatment Storage Disposal Facility (TSDF) manager for the Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management (DEPRM) at the Baltimore County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
- Segregated, stored, maintained, and assisted in shipping all hazardous waste from the 90-day TSDF.
- Reviewed and maintained all paperwork/manifests/statistics data for the facility.
- Was responsible for all persons working at the facility (employees/community service workers).
- Performed well sampling throughout the year to ensure water quality control standards were met.
- Continued all responsibilities from SciTech.
Environmental Field Technician
SciTech Services, Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Operated Mini Continuous Air Monitoring System (MINICAMS) for the detection of chemical/biological nerve agents (HD, GB, GD, VX, CG) at Aberdeen Proving Ground - Edgewood Arsenal area.
- Conducted soil/water sampling.
- Trained in the use of a U.S. Army M40 issued gas mask/atropine kit (in the event of exposure emergency).
Leading Fireman (E-3)/Engineer
United States Coast Guard
03.1998 - 05.2000
- Served as the engineering department leading Fireman/E-3.
- Qualified small boat engineer, aviation fuel handler, auxiliary watchstander, security watchstander, damage control petty officer, helicopter (helo) firefighting team member, firefighting investigator/hoseman/nozzleman, boarding team (BTM) member, law enforcement officer (drug interdiction/illegal alien interdiction).
- Successfully completed the U.S. Coast Guard's initial indoctrination for Marine Inspector Courses (IIMI) and the initial indoctrination for Port Operations courses (ILPO).
- Played a direct role in the boarding of vessels for the purposes of drug interdiction, illegal fisheries, and illegal alien interdiction.
- Checked inbound/outbound vessels for appropriate permits and reviewed incoming/outgoing paperwork.
- Served as the unit's hazmat officer for hazardous/non-hazardous materials.
- Was authorized to implement the M-16 9mm and shotgun for law enforcement training purposes and national defense.
- Aided the auxiliary department in receiving a score of 98% for Preventative Maintenance Systems and enabled the unit to receive Battle E excellence awards for upkeep, knowledge, and readiness.
- Acquired basic seamanship navigation leadership, firefighting, CPR/First Aid, and recruit training skills.
- Procured an Honorable Discharge from the United States Coast Guard upon completion of my active-duty enlistment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science, Chemistry
American Military University
Manassas, VirginiaHigh School Diploma - undefined
Edgewood High School
Edgewood, Maryland01-1997
Skills
- Regulatory Compliance
- Facility Operations
- Environmental Stewardship/Zero Waste
- Business Development
- Analysis/Metrics/Data Tracking
- Leadership/Vision
- Personnel Management/Accountability
- Program Development
- Work Ethic
- Communication
Timeline
Sustainability Manager
LaBella Associates
08.2024 - Current
Owner, Consultant
Brooks Consulting, LLC
10.2019 - Current
DPWES Public Works Environmental Service Specialist & Asst. Complex Manager 1-66 Transfer Station
Fairfax County Government-SWMP
08.2017 - 08.2024
Field Chemist Supervisor/Trainer (Part-Time)
Environmental Management Services, Inc. (EMSI)
10.2013 - Current
Assistant Superintendent of Refuse & Household Hazardous Waste Program Manager
Fairfax County Government-SWMP
08.2013 - 08.2017
Senior Lead Clear Pack Chemist
Clear Harbors Environmental Services
09.2006 - 08.2013
Assistant Hazardous Waste Program Manager Montgomery County, Maryland
Clear Harbors Environmental Services
09.2006 - 08.2013
Field Services Coordinator
Clear Harbors Environmental Services
06.2005 - 09.2006
Compliance Administrator/Plan Coordinator
Clear Harbors Environmental Services
02.2003 - 06.2005
Environmental Field Technician
Stern International, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2003
Environmental Field Technician
SciTech Services, Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2002
Leading Fireman (E-3)/Engineer
United States Coast Guard
03.1998 - 05.2000
High School Diploma - undefined
Edgewood High School
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science, Chemistry
American Military University
Awards/Recognition
- A. Heath Onthank Award (Highest Honor - Fairfax County)
- Outstanding Performance Award 2 (OPA - Fairfax County)
- DPWES Champion Award - Rising Star (Fairfax County)
- Various DPWES Champion Awards 5 (Fairfax County)
- DOD Ribbon, Battle E Ribbon - U.S. Coast Guard
- Coast Guard Team Award Ribbon
- Sea Service Ribbon
- M-16 Marksman Ribbon
- 9mm Marksman Ribbon
- Cutterman Pin
- Received 4 x Citations for Outstanding Performance of duty (U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane)