Ohio Environmental Steward Award Deadline Is March 29

• Mar 15, 2010

Ohio EPA is seeking applications by March 29 to recognize companies that have shown commitment to environmental stewardship for the 2010 Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Stewardship Awards.

The awards program is open to any business, industry, trade association, professional organization or local government in Ohio. Nominations are due by March 29.

Award winners will be selected based on a sound track record of environmental compliance and a commitment to go above and beyond regulations to improve environmental performance; aggressive environmental performance goals; and a process for communicating with the local community about program activities and progress on performance goals. More information on how to participate or make a nomination can be found at www.epa.ohio.gov/ocapp/stewardship

In order to encourage small businesses (companies with 100 employees or less) to apply for the awards program and complete environmental stewardship activities, 10 percent will be added to the score for five of the awards criteria. The Ohio EPA Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention will help small businesses complete award nominations if requested and provide an initial review of small business nominations to further encourage small business participation in the awards program. Nominees receiving the highest scores will be asked to host a site visit to provide reviewers with a better understanding of the nominated activities. Photographs of the applicant's operations may be taken at this time to help promote the awards program and the applicant's nominated activities.

Award recipients will receive:

• recognition as a leader in promoting sound environmental practices through environmental stewardship,
• promotion as one of the state of Ohio’s top environmental performers,
• development of a case study to promote the organization's environmental stewardship practices,
• publicity on Ohio EPA's Web site and in the media, and
• an award plaque to display to customers, suppliers, employees and stockholders.

To make a nomination, submit a completed form in either hard copy or electronic formats. Hard copy nominations should be submitted to: Ohio EPA Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216-1049. Electronic nominations should be submitted to: Howard.Dong@epa.state.oh.us. Applicants need to provide the name and address of the entity being nominated and the name, title and telephone number of a contact person who can answer questions regarding the project being nominated. In the case of a second party nomination, also include the name, title, organization, address and telephone number of the person submitting the nomination. A general description of the organization being nominated, including the number of employees, must be submitted.

In 2009, six organizations received the award, including two auto companies, a petroleum company office, a hospital, a manufacturer, and a seed corn and swine farm operation.