Gustavo Lopez in the field. Photo by Ella Phillips.
Before his recent promotion, Gustavo Lopez had already begun to bridge the gap between his role as an Environmental Compliance Inspector and the position of Environmental Programs Coordinator. For Lopez, it was simply about getting the job done because his department was shorthanded, while for those who worked with him, it is reflected in his willingness to take on new projects and help others without a second thought.
“He has taken on additional projects from the coordinator position to help reduce the workload on our manager and continued to help two new inspectors,” Ella Phillips, Environmental Compliance Inspector for the City of San Mateo, said in Fall of 2023. “I think he is turning into an emerging leader who will eventually run his own environmental program with ease.”
In December, the City of San Mateo recognized Lopez’s skills and dedication and promoted him to the role of Environmental Programs Coordinator. This role is crucial for the city’s environmental compliance division and involves working with source-drain and storm-drain systems and overseeing various other environmental programs, including stormwater compliance, air management, and hazardous materials. The city of San Mateo, along with the Estero Municipal Improvement District, manages the POTW, which services the City of San Mateo, the City of Foster City, and parts of the Town of Hillsborough.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences, a Grade 1 Environmental Compliance Inspector Certificate (ECI), a Qualified Industrial Storm Water Practitioner (QISP) designation from the State Water Board, and a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping from Cal Poly Humboldt, Lopez was more than ready to be moving up in his field and take on the position. Still, his coworkers believe that his ability to work with the public and help teach newcomers in his profession is what makes him the best choice for the position.
“Gustavo is making an impact with his positive and kind attitude. He is friendly and helpful to all,” Phillips said. “He is making an impact by teaching a new group of inspectors the ins and outs of the role and also making documents with tips for any inspectors down the line.”
Lopez says the best part of the job is working with the people in his community. He appreciates having his department available to answer questions and help people comply with environmental regulations, thus keeping the community and environment safe.
“I remember one instance where a man’s property bordered a city stormwater channel, and he had equipment all along the edge of the channel,” Lopez said, explaining the environmental issues that could arise in this situation. “I was able to communicate the problem to him in Spanish, which made the man very happy because he told me that no one had ever explained the problem in his native language.”
Lopez stated that contrary to popular belief, the environmental compliance field isn’t solely focused on imposing fines and citations. It also involves collaborating with residents, providing supportive materials, and offering guidance on how to resolve issues.
“The department is there to bridge the gap and make sure everyone is safe,” he said.
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