Noman M. Cole, Jr. papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

The copyright and related rights status of this collection have not been evaluated (See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/)

Preferred citation:

Noman M. Cole, Jr. papers, C0066, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
19 Linear Feet 39 boxes
Creator:
Cole, Norman M. (Norman Monroe), 1933-1997
Abstract:
This collection covers his environmental work (particularly in the area of water pollution control and reclamation) in Northern Virginia and other areas in the Commonwealth. Materials include reports on the design, operation, and performance of pollution control systems; correspondence; studies; news clippings; and motion picture film. Organizations in the collection include: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia State Water Control Board, Metropolitan Council of Governments, and Fairfax County Government.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Noman M. Cole, Jr. papers, C0066, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection covers his environmental work (particularly in the area of water pollution control and reclamation) in Northern Virginia and other areas in the Commonwealth. Materials include reports on the design, operation, and performance of pollution control systems; correspondence; studies; news clippings; and motion picture film. Organizations in the collection include: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia State Water Control Board, Metropolitan Council of Governments, and Fairfax County Government.

Biographical / historical:

Noman M. Cole, Jr. was a leading figure in the area of environmental quality in the Northern Virginia area and elsewhere. Mr. Cole served in a variety of state and local assignments pertaining to pollution control. He was technical and policy adviser to Governors John Dalton and Linwood Holton on energy and water pollution abatement. The government of Fairfax County and civic groups received guidance from him as well. Mr. Cole also was the principal author of the 1971 Occoquan Watershed Policy, which prompted creation of a sewage authority there as well as of a world-class treatment plant.

Mr. Cole's expertise also extended to global issues. He was a nuclear engineer who was a leader in the inspection and rectification of problems involving the reactor after the Three Mile Island accident in Pennsylvania. He served on the Ukrainian international jury reviewing proposals to stabilize Chernobyl Unit No. 4 after the disaster there. Mr. Cole assisted the Russian government in defueling its nuclear-powered submarines.

Later in his life, and most importantly for the Northern Virginia region, he developed a number of plants and processes to aid in the reclamation of water from the upper Occoquan and consequentially, the lower Potomac watersheds. His engineering expertise and unmitigated success in this area led grateful water treatment officials to name a plant in Lorton, Virginia in his name.

Acquisition information:
Collection donated by Janet Cole in 2004.
Processing information:

Processed by Special Collections Research Center staff. EAD markup completed in March 2009 by Eron Ackerman and Jordan Patty.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by subject.

Physical location:
R26, C2, S4 - C1, S7 R26, C3, S2
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard