Lonnie Manning
Environmental Technician
Working in ESM’s Backyard
Who’s the guy with the best office at Empire State Mine? Some would say it’s Lonnie Manning, our environmental technician.
Most of the time, Lonnie works outside near the tailing ponds, just out of sight of ESM’s head frame, in a pretty patch of trees, water and wildlife. He enjoys spotting animals while he is out taking water samples. “You won’t see something every day, but if you’re out there for a week, you’re going to see something,” Lonnie said.
While ensuring that the mine remains in compliance with local, state and federal law, Lonnie has seen deer, fish, coy dogs and migratory birds.
Lonnie is native to Gouverneur and has lived in the area most of his life, giving him plenty of time to develop an appreciation for the local fauna. He went to college at SUNY Potsdam, and is excited to continue working here at ESM, now that the mine is back in operation. He resides in Gouverneur with his wife and has a stepdaughter and grandchild.
To keep the mine in compliance, Lonnie maintains all of ESM’s permitting, takes water samples and reports to several government-run environmental agencies. He also has a Grade C Water System Operator license, and makes sure that the water used onsite is clean and safe.
In short, Lonnie ensures that ESM minimizes its impact on the local environment that our employees and neighbouring community love so much.
