N.Y. Accepting Applications for Environmental Awards
Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Environmental Excellence Awards program, N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced on April 9.
The program recognizes businesses, governments, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals in New York state that are achieving environmental excellence through innovative and environmentally sustainable practices or partnerships.
DEC is especially interested in acknowledging projects that achieve significant environmental benefits through: innovative and cutting-edge pollution prevention technologies; initiatives to make schools and businesses more "green;" energy conservation and green energy production efforts; waste reduction and recycling efforts; stormwater management and watershed planning; environmental protection and restoration efforts; and land conservation.
Niagara County was honored in 2007 for eliminating the hexavalent chromium coating for air conditioning evaporator units by using an alternative metal alloy. This innovative step allowed the facility to eliminate a hazardous waste stream, close a wastewater treatment plant, and save 3.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity.
Applications for the awards must be postmarked no later than June 12. For information about the award program, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/945.html.