GALVESTON,
Texas (Feb. 1, 2014) – A career that allows Dwayne
Johnson to get close to nature and keeps him on his toes was exactly what he
got when he accepted a position as a biologist with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Galveston District 22 years ago.
“During a field
visit to the Port Arthur area, I was hiking down a steep berm in my rubber
boots on a rainy day and I slipped and fell on my back landing right next to a
curled up water moccasin just two feet
away,” said Johnson, a Regulatory Branch manager. “I shot up so fast. I now avoid that area and wear boots
with good traction.”
Assigned to the Policy Analysis Section of the Regulatory
Branch for the last five years, Johnson works to implement national regulatory
guidance, manages the district’s Water Resources Development Act 214 agreements,
oversees complex permit actions, scientific testing and reports. Currently, the
most pressing project involves the proposed Freeport liquified natural gas facilities
on Quintana Island near Freeport, Texas.
According to Johnson, Freeport LNG is proposing to expand the terminal to create an import/export terminal,
providing nominal natural gas pretreatment, liquefaction and export capacity of
LNG. The project is designed to liquefy approximately two billion cubic feet
per day of natural gas delivered to the terminal through intrastate pipelines
interconnected with Freeport LNG’s pipeline and meter station at Stratton
Ridge, Texas. The district is responsible for ensuring National Environmental
Policy Act compliance, interagency coordination and meeting with the general
public to answer questions. With the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as
the lead federal agency, the district will work to ensure the Environmental
Impact Statement addresses program policies and regulations.
“My involvement during outreach and educational opportunities
has provided a “face” to the district,” said Johnson. “It has made a positive difference in how
public perceives our organization and I’m happy to be a part of this
process.”
Throughout the year, Johnson participates as a judge in local
science fairs and engages students who wish to pursue Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math courses of study as part of the district’s Corps in the
Classroom outreach program.
“My love for anything outdoors lead me to become a biologist,”
said Johnson. “I enjoy giving time to civic and social organizations and am a land
management committee member of Scenic Galveston.”
A Professional Wetland Scientist, Johnson earned a Bachelor
of Science in Biology/Chemistry and a Master of Science in Aquatic
Biology/Statistics from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has received
numerous civilian
service awards throughout his career and was
selected as the 2011 USACE Galveston District Regulator of the Year and the 2011
Southwestern Division Regulator of the Year.
A native of Houston, when not at work he spends his time
gardening and traveling with his family to the Caribbean.
The
district’s Regulatory Program is committed to protecting the nation's aquatic
resources, while allowing reasonable development through fair, flexible and
balanced permit decisions. Staff evaluates permit applications for essentially
all construction activities that occur in the nation's waters, including
wetlands. For news and information, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil. Find us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict or follow us on
Twitter, www.twitter.com/USACEgalveston.