Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
WKU researcher named to Environmental Quality Commission

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 27, 2005) - Dr. Andrew N.S. Ernest, a Western Kentucky University (WKU) scientist, associate dean and environmental engineering professor, has been appointed to the Environmental Quality Commission, Governor Ernie Fletcher announced today.

Ernest has been director of WKU'S Center for Water Resource Studies since 2003 and serves as the associate dean of the university's Ogden College of Science and Engineering. He holds a doctorate in civil engineering from Texas A&M and two engineering degrees from the University of Southwest Louisiana.

"I am grateful for the opportunity that Governor Fletcher has given me to serve the state on this important panel," Ernest said. "The Environmental Quality Commission has a rich tradition of shining light on important environmental issues in Kentucky and I look forward to participating in this exciting process."

Ernest's technical experience includes work on storm water management, water quality modeling, brown fields redevelopment, on-site wastewater treatment systems and "total maximum daily loads" - a calculation of the amount of pollutant a body of water can absorb while still meeting water quality standards.

Ernest's work at WKU involves such issues as management of the infrastructure of waste water treatment plants, assistance to small communities that are out of compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and elimination of straight sewer pipes. LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC), said Ernest's experience would be an asset to the commission.

"Many of the environmental challenges facing Kentucky will require strong engineering expertise to address combined sewer overflows, black water spills and straight sewer pipes," said Wilcher.  "I am extremely impressed with Dr. Ernest's commitment to finding the answers to Kentucky's environmental challenges. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Ernest on Barren River Area Development District issues and look forward to working with him on statewide issues."

The EQC is a seven-member citizen board created under state law. Its mission is to facilitate public discussion and resolution of environmental issues, monitor environmental trends and conditions, promote partnerships to protect the environment for future generations and serve as an advisory board to the governor on environmental matters.

The EQC is an agency attached to the EPPC.