Keller Receives Career Achievement Award
PIERRE, S.D. – Val Keller, Superintendent of Pierre’s Solid Waste Department, recently received the Career Achievement Award from the South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association. The award recognizes someone who promotes environmentally sound solid waste management practices.
“Val has been actively engaged in solid waste management for nearly three decades,” said Carolyn L. Trautman, Executive Director of the South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association (SDSWMA). “In that time she has worked as both a regulator and a facility manager. Val knows the ins and outs of the industry and has proven to be an excellent advocate and resource for environmentally healthy practices.”
Keller has served as the Superintendent of Pierre’s Solid Waste Department since 1997. During her time with the City, Keller has managed the closure of the Pierre’s former landfill and rubble site, established the new Pierre Regional Landfill, and managed the tremendous waste stream generated by the 2011 flooding of the Missouri River.
“We are very lucky to have someone of Val’s capability leading our solid waste program,” said Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill. “Not only does she run a solid operation, but she fully understands the state and federal regulations of the industry. That pairing of skill sets makes Val an incredible community asset.”
Prior to working for the City of Pierre, Keller worked as an environmental scientist for the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In that role, she inspected and permitted solid waste facilities and operations.
Keller currently serves as the President Elect for the SDSWMA; this is her second time serving as the Association’s President Elect.
Each year, Pierre’s solid waste facility bales and disposes of more than 20,000 tons of garbage. It serves as the central processor of solid waste for the Pierre area and provides a drop off point for rubble, yard waste, and recyclable materials.
-30-