CONSTANT CHAOS

"If you've ever wondered who gets the call in the middle of the night when bad things happen in the environmental world, Ron Holcomb can tell you. And take you along for the ride. Terrestrial and marine oil spills, tanker truck and train wrecks, meth labs and derelict vessels, Holcomb and his Department of Ecology co-workers have seen, and cleaned them all. Constant Chaos puts you right there and gives readers an inside look at what happens on callout after callout."

— DOUG ZIMMER

Former Media, Congressional & Tribal Liaison and Emergency Response Coordinator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Washington, and former Information and Education Specialist for the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife

"Constant Chaos is such a perfect description of the life of a spill responder in Washington. These dedicated public servants are working on an oil spill in Puget Sound one day, a meth lab the next day and an overturned oil train the next. Their job is dangerous and essential to the health of our citizens and ecosystems. Ron Holcomb lived this life for over two decades and provides here a lively and compelling description of a little understood or appreciated first responder. A great read!"

— JAY MANNING

Environmental lawyer, Chair Puget Sound Partnership, former Chief of Staff to Governor Christine Gregoire, former Department of Ecology Director, and past President of the Washington Environmental Council

"Constant Chaos is a detailed and fascinating account of the daily battle waged by professionals like Ron Holcomb to protect the environment from oil and hazardous materials spills. Readers will get an up-close view as Holcomb and other Washington State Department of Ecology spill team members step up to do whatever it takes in the face of difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances to safeguard our state during environmental disasters."

— CHRISTINE GREGOIRE

Former Washington Governor, Attorney General and Department of Ecology Director

"Those of us who enjoy living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest owe a debt of gratitude to professionals like Ron Holcomb who protect our water, soil and air. This book shows why he and his co-workers epitomize a ‘tip of the spear’ attitude when it comes to guarding the environmental future of our state. I, my family and my grandchildren owe them a deep appreciation for the long hours and personal sacrifices they’ve made on our behalf."

— DAVE KUMMERLOWE

Owner and President of CADRE, Inc., Technical & Training Consultant for Emergency Response, and former NOAA HazMat Responder

"This book offers an insider’s view of the efforts required to manage environmental disasters that endanger humans and wildlife and threaten to pollute our land, water and air. Author Ron Holcomb has spent a lifetime doing this work and educating the public about these threats. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as Holcomb and his co-workers deal with large oil spills, clandestine meth labs, derelict vessels filled with oil, train wrecks, chemical dump sites and natural disasters. As long as we have oil and dangerous chemicals in our world there is a need for professionals like Holcomb who are willing to be available 24/7 in the midst of chaotic situations to protect the environment."

— MARJORIE TURNER HOLLMAN

Author of the Easy Walks book series, encouraging those with disabilities and other life challenges to get outdoors

"Constant Chaos is a powerful, important book. It reveals the big and lasting impacts of environmental catastrophes—to our lands and waters, to wildlife and sea life, to people and communities and families. Author Ron Holcomb, a veteran oil spill responder, reveals the costs to all of us resulting from careless and negligent—and sometimes willful—actions. The stories behind the headlines bring home how indebted we are to the protectors who drop everything to clean up our messes and to keep the damage from spreading."

— DAVID WORKMAN

Author of We Are Puget Sound, Letter from Alabama: The Inspiring True Story of Strangers Who Saved a Child and Changed a Family Forever, and An Author Tells All: Surprises and Revelations from Publishing My Story

“You thoroughly investigate the challenges and existential dangers facing our environment over the last several decades: your well-written book deserves to reach a wide audience, especially for folks who need convincing of the importance of this issue. You do a great job of blending narrative nonfiction and memoir with all of your in-depth research. The color photographs you include bring these catastrophes into sharp focus, augmenting the descriptions you provide.”

— REVIEWER'S COMMENTS:

2023 Writer’s Digest Competition Awards

“Given such a serious topic, one might believe that CONSTANT CHAOS will assume the dry and overly detailed progression of an analytical piece. Ron Holcomb cultivates a lively sense of discovery and revelation in each of these stories, making them accessible and interesting to readers who may come from far outside the regulatory industry. The result is a powerful account of the human aspects and involvements of agencies charged with protecting the environment and fostering public safety.”

— THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW