Page 14: of Marine News Magazine (December 2013)

INSIGHTSScott Metzger has been with Clean Harbors Environ- mental Services for more than 22 years. He is the Senior Vice President, Emergency Services and holds an over- sight role for the Clean Harbors National Strike Team that manages environmental incidents. When not deployed on an event, Scott is focused on ER preparedness, readiness, training and the strategic development of response teams. And now, as the President of the Spill Control Associa- tion of America (SCAA), he?s got even more on his plate. Couple this with the advent of the U.S. Coast Guard?s re- cently published Non-Tank Vessel Response rules and it is clear that 2014 looms large as an exceptionally busy year for him. He?s more than up to the task. Based in Massachusetts, Metzger brings almost a quarter century of response experience to the table in his new role as SCAA?s chief executive. Beyond this, his response CV includes dozens of major events and his industry-speci c professional training covers the full gamut of response dis- ciplines, spanning from diving and vessel operations, all the way to HAZMAT and con ned space entry safety pro- tocols. Notably, he participated in the response to Hur- ricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as the M/V Cosco Busan allision response in San Francisco Bay, CA, just to name a few. Listen in this month as SCAA?s President responds to our queries on all things ?Response.? You are the new President of the Spill Control Asso- ciation of America (SCAA). Tell us about your mem- bership and their priorities?The Spill Control Association of America was organized in 1973 to actively promote the interests of all groups within the spill response community. Our organization represents spill response contractors, manufacturers, dis- tributors, consultants, instructors, government & train- ing institutions and corporations working in the industry. There are currently 85 Member Organizations that make up SCAA. Our Guiding Principals include making health, safety and environmental considerations a priority in the planning and implementation of our operations and to provide our customers with quality products and reputable service, while responding safely, effectively, and ef ciently, in their time of need. We, as an industry, have a direct im- pact on the quality of the global environment and we will work to improve that quality. To do this, we collaborate with Government entities, customers and other stakehold- ers in creating responsible laws, regulations and standards to safeguard the community, workplace and environment. What?s Job 1 for you as you take the helm at SCAA? Why? And, how do you hope to accomplish that goal?My number one priority as the president of the SCAA is Scott MetzgerPresident, Spill Control Association of America14 MNDecember 2013MN Dec2013 Layout 1-17.indd 14MN Dec2013 Layout 1-17.indd 1411/25/2013 12:40:03 PM11/25/2013 12:40:03 PM