The Duluth Seaway Port Authority welcomes aboard a new Director of Government and Environmental Affairs as Jeff Stollenwerk joins the leadership team effective January 16, 2019.
Stollenwerk, an experienced water quality professional, brings over 28 years of environmental and legislative expertise to the position, including development and implementation of regulatory policy on navigational dredge material reuse and mitigating environmental risks from maritime vessel discharges. Having managed water quality programs for industrial sectors throughout Minnesota for the state’s Pollution Control Agency, he developed strong, collaborative relationships with representatives at all levels of government—federal, tribal, state and local units—providing expert advice on a wide range of legislative initiatives.
In making the announcement, Port Authority Executive Director Deb DeLuca highlighted Stollenwerk’s public policy expertise, particularly regarding water quality regulation at federal and state levels. “The maritime industry and this Port Authority must continue to navigate complex environmental and political landscapes,” said DeLuca. “Jeff brings a specialized skill set to our team at a time when our industrial redevelopment efforts are ramping up and maritime trade is addressing challenges on several fronts. His ability to negotiate and reach practical, effective solutions to complex issues has been a hallmark of his professional career.”
During his career at the MPCA, Stollenwerk directed regulatory permitting, compliance and enforcement for pollution control programs for a diverse mix of Minnesota industries. He also provided direction for negotiations on complex permitting projects and regulatory controls across multiple environmental sectors including water quality, solid waste, hazardous waste and petroleum storage. A leader in the Great Lakes Ballast Water Collaborative, he was the Governor’s appointee to the Great Ships Initiative Advisory Committee (now the Great Waters Research Collaborative Advisory Committee). He has testified and provided written input to legislative committees for ballast water regulations, regulatory certainty, permit timeliness and water transfers. He also has served as primary communications contact for vessel discharges and other environmental issues.
Stollenwerk, who has worked with the Port Authority on multiple water quality projects during his time at the MPCA, is excited about this new chapter. “My experiences with the Port Authority and others in the maritime industry have been most rewarding,” said Stollenwerk. “It is a privilege to work with ethical, professional leaders dedicated to environmental protection—to be part of a team promoting sustainable industrial growth that supports the economies of Duluth and Northeastern Minnesota.”
In accepting the government and environmental affairs post at the Port Authority, Stollenwerk succeeds Deb DeLuca, who was appointed executive director of the organization in August 2018. A graduate of Bemidji State University, Stollenwerk has degrees in chemistry and aquatic biology. He is a longstanding officer and board member of the Brule River Sportsmen’s Club. He and his wife Stefanie live in Duluth.
Stollenwerk can be reached at (218) 740-5425 or jstollenwerk@duluthport.com.
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The Duluth Seaway Port Authority (DSPA) is an independent, public agency created by the state legislature in 1955 to expand and improve facilities at the Port of Duluth-Superior in anticipation of the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959. Two years later, with $10 million in public funding, the Port Authority created the 120-acre Clure Public Marine Terminal, the port’s only general cargo facility. The Port Authority’s mission is to foster domestic and international trade, facilitate regional industrial development and advocate for maritime interests. DSPA also owns and manages multiple properties, including the Clure Terminal, a 26-acre Clure Expansion, Erie Pier and Duluth Airpark. The Port of Duluth-Superior is the largest tonnage port on the Great Lakes and continues to rank among the top 25 ports in the U.S., handling an average of 35 million short tons of cargo and hosting nearly 900 vessel visits each year. www.duluthport.com