ATSAC Administration

The process of identifying the first ATSAC members had three phases: (1) solicitation, (2) screening, and (3) selection. DEQ completed the screening phase on December 19, 2003, at which time a total of 13 nominations for positions on the committee had been received. During the "screening" phase, DEQ staff evaluated each of these 13 nominations on the basis of five criteria: (1) Level of expertise, knowledge, and experience in one or more of the six required disciplines, relative to the specific charge outlined above; (2) Availability and willingness to serve; (3) Scientific credibility and impartiality; (4) No actual or potential conflicts of interest (per ORS 240.020); and (5) Skills working in committees and advisory panels.

DEQ's evaluation of each candidate based on these criteria resulted in a short list of candidates for membership on the committee. DEQ solicited comments from the public and other interested parties as to the qualifications of these persons with respect to the five criteria listed above and the planned work of the committee. This comment period ended February 27, 2004.

The selection phase began March 1, 2004. During this phase DEQ staff reviewed all information provided by each candidate, along with any comments received from the public regarding their qualifications for service. The DEQ Air Quality Division Administrator used this information, in consultation with DEQ staff, to nominate candidates in each field of expertise to the DEQ Director. The Director, with concurrence by the Environmental Quality Commission at their May 20, 2004 meeting, made the final decision about who will serve on the ATSAC.

As some members have left the Committee the same general process of solicitation is used for screening and selecting new members. Although all of the current members have agreed to continue their service, DEQ maintains an open solicitation for technically qualified nominees in order to create a pool of potential new members. Persons wishing to nominate themselves or others for ATSAC membership should contact Sarah Armitage.

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