Science Fair

The Justice Manning Award for Environmental Excellence

In 2016, the Mississippi Chapter sponsored a science fair award at the Mississippi Science and Engineering State Fair along with a cash prize. In 2017, the Chapter expanded that award to encompass all of Mississippi's regional fairs along with the state competition. While the Board members struggled with decisions such as how much prize money to allocate, who would be able to make it to judge in the fairs, and what the criteria for the award should be, there was no hesitation as to what it should be called: The Justice Manning Award for Environmental Excellence.

About Justice Manning

Justice Manning has worked with environmental and public health issues throughout his career. While with the Jefferson County, Alabama (Birmingham) Health Department, Mr. Manning assisted with initiating an air pollution monitoring program for the county, as well as conducting a radiation safety program. During his first tenure at the Tennessee Valley Authority, he monitored air quality and emissions data from TVA facilities. During his second tenure, he prepared a major health effects report on emissions from TVA facilities and also evaluated potential public exposure to radiation from TVA’s nuclear power plants.

In his first tenure with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, he was involved with preparing ambient air quality standards for the US in the early 1970s. He prepared the first preferred standards path for controlling hazardous air pollutants. In his second tenure, he used various methods (e.g., manuals, seminars, and workshops) to educate companies on ways to comply with EPA regulations. He also presented information about EPA’s responsibilities for protecting the public at A&WMA Annual Conferences and Exhibitions.

Upon retirement from the Federal Government, Mr. Manning continued in part time roles as a minister in his church, Community of Christ. Also, upon retirement he volunteered for several years with the American Red Cross. He has served for 20 years as a volunteer "Master Environmental Educator," visiting schools to present lessons on preserving the environment, a unique program of the Auburn University Extension Service.

Mr. Manning is a long-time member of the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA), over 50 years, having continuous membership since 1967. He found the A&WMA to be a valuable asset in maintaining his career.