2. SC Palmetto Chapter of SWANA Johnny Schnabel Regulator Scholarship
In December 2024, the solid waste community lost one of its longstanding “regulators”. From landfills, to tires and even compost, Johnny was instrumental in permitting numerous solid waste management facilities. Also known by many as the “Ragin Cajun” due to his roots to his home state of Louisiana, Johnny loved his job as a solid waste permitting engineer at the SC Department of Health & Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and although he loved all things Cajun, he ultimately made South Carolina his home.
Johnny Schnabel began working for the Solid Waste Facilities Engineering Section at SCDHEC in February 1992 shortly after the passage of the Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991. The Act encouraged regionalization of landfills and required new municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills to meet the requirements of Section 258 of the Federal Subtitle D regulations to include synthetic liners and leachate collection systems. As the Department worked with counties and private waste companies to close unlined landfills and permit new lined MSW landfills, Johnny played an integral part in the permitting of many of our landfills that are still in operation today. Johnny worked in the Solid Waste Section his entire time at SCDHEC until he retired in June 2016 with over 34 years of service to the Department and more importantly the solid waste industry. In that role he mentored dozens of staff members both young and old, passing on his years of experience and knowledge.
Johnny loved coming to work and stayed in his solid waste permitting position because he liked the engineering part of the job best. He especially liked making his famous “punch lists” to streamline the process for applicants to get their permits and understand the regulations. Johnny was a stickler for making sure a landfill was properly designed to meet all the Subtitle D requirements but especially the seismic design criteria to withstand the “big earthquake” that would rival the Charleston earthquake of 1886.
On the social side, he greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of all his colleagues in the solid waste industry. Johnny loved cooking, especially his Cajun hams and pralines. He also liked to share his homemade wines and mead with friends. In addition to his cooking and winemaking, nobody could hold a candle to the stories he would tell about things he did or jobs he held. Word is some were even true!!!
Johnny was a wonderful coworker who was loved by so many. He is and always will be greatly missed. Johnny saw his industry colleagues as family, and the feeling was quite mutual. In memory of Johnny and his contributions to the solid waste industry, the SC Palmetto Chapter of SWANA is offering a scholarship to one regulator for the 2025 Spring Conference.
Benefits:
Qualifying young professionals will each receive one free conference registration (A $295 Value!).
You will also receive reimbursement for your lodging up to $500 from May 14-16, 2025. This is a great opportunity for a regulator to network with other solid waste professionals. To find out more information about the 2025 Spring Conference, please go to the 2025 Spring Conference page here.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be a "regulator" meaning you are a person or organization appointed by a government to regulate an area of activity in the solid waste industry, such as solid waste management, recycling or resource recovery.
- You must plan to attend at least 75% of the conference from May 15-16, 2025.
How to Apply:
For those interested in this great opportunity, please email a brief one page letter to info@scswana.org or submit your form application by April 10, 2025: HERE
If you apply by letter, your letter should include the following information:
- Your current employer, position and years in the solid waste industry
- Your current SWANA Member ID# (if applicable)
- Why you are interested
- Why you feel you are a good candidate for sponsorship
- What you hope to gain from attending the conference
The recipient will be notified by April 12, 2025. You will receive a conference voucher. Lodging will be reimbursed on the last day of the conference if a signed CEU form is submitted indicating attendance at 75% of the conference sessions.
We look forward to your responses and having you join us at the 2025 Spring Conference. If you have
any questions or need any additional information please email us at info@scswana.org
