FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2004
Contacts:
Dane Finerfrock and Loren Morton, Utah Division of Radiation Control, 801.536.4250
(Salt Lake City, Utah) - Loren Morton has been promoted to manager of the Radioactive Waste and Environmental Monitoring Section in DEQ's Division of Radiation Control. Dane Finerfrock vacated the position in November when he was appointed division director.
Morton has been the division's senior hydrogeologist for nine years, specializing in radioactive waste and uranium mill tailings. He's been instrumental in licensing and monitoring low-level radioactive waste landfills as well as plans for cleanup of the Moab Mill Tailings.
He also worked for DEQ's Division of Water Quality for 10 years as a hydrogeologist in the ground water protection and underground injection control programs.
"Loren knows radioactive waste issues well because he has dealt with them firsthand for many years," Finerfrock said. "His experience and technical ability are tremendous assets."
As section manager, Morton will oversee a staff of 11 scientists and engineers and a number of programs, including regulation of low-level radioactive waste facilities, radioactive materials and uranium mills; ground water discharge permits; and radon outreach and prevention.
"I look forward to carrying on the good work done in the past and continuing my association with an excellent staff as we work together to protect the environment," Morton said.
Morton is a member of the Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers and the Utah Geological Association. He is a licensed professional geologist.
Morton earned his geology degrees from Brigham Young University. His past experience includes working for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as an engineering geologist.