Springfield environmental services director to retire

After more than 30 years with the city, Springfield Environmental Services Director Steve Meyer has announced his retirement, effective May 12.

During his time with the city, Meyer worked as associate engineer, sanitary engineer, superintendent of solid waste, superintendent of street maintenance and assistant director of Public Works, before moving into his current position, according to a news release.

As director, Meyer oversees 193 employees and the Clean Water Services, Storm/Water Quality, Sustainability, Solid Waste Management and Recycling, and Environmental Quality departments.

Springfield City Manager Greg Burris said in the release the city “will soon announce the next steps in the process to select Meyer’s successor.”

“I have had the honor of helping my hometown become known for its environmental stewardship,” Meyer said in the release. “I can safely say that every member of the Department of Environmental Services loves their job – protecting the environment for current and future generations.”
 
Meyer, a 2016 recipient of the Missouri Waste Control Coalition’s Jan Dillow Coalition Contribution Award, is president of the Association of Missouri Clean Water Agencies and a past president of the Missouri Waste Control Coalition. He’s a member of several other environmental organizations.

In 2011, Meyer was involved with negotiating the amended consent degree to meet the requirements of the 1972 federal Clean Water Act. He also contained the Overflow Control Plan outlining $200 million in investments throughout 10 years to make improvements to the city’s sewer system.

He also led the Integrated Sold Waste Management System in the early 1990s, which required trash haulers to provide curbside recycling, according to the release. In 2012, Meyer created the Department of Environmental Services, accredited by the American Public Works Association.