Marcus Kohl has been named the new regional director for the state Department of Environmental Protection's northcentral regional office and the new director of the department's office program integration.
In his position, which officially will begin on July 2, Kohl will oversee waste management, air quality, environmental cleanup and water issues for several counties, including Lycoming, Montour, Sullivan and Tioga.
"Before I took the job, the secretary asked me if I was willing to take on a region with a lot of growth potential and a lot of exciting things going on," Kohl said. "I think the northcentral region has an amazing amount of opportunities due to the boom from Marcellus Shale."
Although Kohl will not directly oversee natural gas and oil issues, he explained that air, waste and water are all directly impacted by the natural gas industry. He said he looks forward to working with members of the natural gas industry.
"I intend to make the gas industry as sustainable as possible, to allow residents to benefit from that tremendous economic boost while ensuring that the environment remains protected," Kohl said.
During his 10-year career with the department, Kohl has been "tested under fire on some of the most critical and complex projects we have had," according to DEP Secretary Mike Krancer.
Kohl began his education at Millersville University, where he concentrated his studies in communication and broadcasting.
In 2002, he began his career as an environmental advocate for the southcentral regional office. In 2006, he joined the office of water management, where he was the lead on the state's sustainable water infrastructure task force report in 2008.
"Water gave me the opportunity to learn about many ecological and economic water management issues," Kohl said.
In 2011, he joined the office of programs, where he worked directly under the executive director. There, Kohl worked to improve consistency during oil and gas inspections across the state.
"I look forward to living in the community and working with the excellent staff at the Williamsport office," Kohl said.
