George Hopkin, conservation and resource manager for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), is the recipient of the prestigious 2007 Calvin K. Sudweeks Water Quality Award for his work in helping reduce agriculture runoff in Utah.

“During the past 15 years, Hopkin has provided the leadership to maintain the excellent collaborative working relationships between the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food,” said Walt Baker, director of DWQ. “George and his staff have managed the day-to-day operation of the Agriculture component of the state’s Non-point Management Program that has led to improved water quality.”

Every year the Utah Water Quality Board recognizes an individual who has shown outstanding leadership in the water quality field. The award is named for a former state water quality director who was instrumental in leading Utah through dramatic changes in water quality, including the move to treat wastewater.

Under Hopkin’s leadership he has administered and managed nearly $16 million Clean Water Act grants, with a majority of the money supporting projects to address non-point source pollution. He also administers a state loan program that improves agriculture production and water quality, and provides support to the local Conservation Districts in conducting and sponsoring 319 watershed and demonstration projects to address pollution from agriculture.

“I am honored to be recognized for this achievement,” Hopkin said. “Our partnership with Water Quality is essential to helping support agriculture activities while reducing the amount of pollution in watersheds.”

The award will be presented at the Water Environment Association of Utah’s annual meeting in St. George on April 18.

Posted April 18, 2007