2009 Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan Award Nominees
The following are excerpts from the nominees’ submissions.
AEP River Operations
SEE GREEN recycling started on October 1, 2008 at AEP River Operations in Convent, LA. Technological advances and the onset of “single stream” recycling have led our AEP team to recycling approximately 1,344 cubic yards of waste to date. That’s equivalent to 4 football fields filled 3 feet deep! We have also taken it a step further and have recycled 70,000 pounds of vessel mooring lines. These lines would have packed landfills or even caused danger to boats by getting tangled in their propellers. Currently all 63 of AEP River Operations towboats, from West Virginia to New Orleans, are participating in recycling all or a portion of their onboard wastes. We have many other facilities as well that assist in making our program a success. The idea of “Single Stream” recycling (all waste in one container vs. separating) has made this process possible and also more efficient. Presenting, this process is only available in certain areas of the country. As more areas respond to the need for “single stream” recycling, we hope to see our numbers go from 90% to 100%.
Crowley Maritime Corporation
Crowley has a long history of environmental protection. A Crowley Safety in Towing Handbook published in 1970, twenty years before the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, contains operational procedures to prevent spills that many years later became law. This early interest in keeping our harbors and oceans clean has developed into a strong company culture of environmental stewardship. Recent examples of Crowley’s certification to the international standard ISO 14001 Environmental Management System; certification of the Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) 650-3 by Lloyds Register Group under its Green Passport program; and special recognition by several prestigious governmental organizations of Crowley’s environmental stewardship—including the Chamber of Shipping of America, the U.S. Coast Guard’s William Benkert award for environmental excellence, Washington Department of Ecology Exceptional Compliance Program, and the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force Legacy Award.
Foss Maritime Company
Foss has set a goal of “Zero Trace” to define our vision of the future and commitment to sustainability as expressed in the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. This goal can only be achieved through a process of continuous improvement and innovation. Foss is in the process of implementing an ISO 14001 environmental management system for both our offices and entire fleet. Foss is seeking ABS certification of this program in February 2010. In 2008, Foss was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard William Benkert gold level for marine environmental protection
Harley Marine Services, Inc.
In addition to exceeding compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and requirements, Harley Marine Services continues to lead the way with the following innovative and environmentally responsible programs: company-wide ISO 14001 standardization; ABS SQE certification for all offices and manned vessels; annually updated environmental objectives & targets for tugboats, barges, shops and offices; energy management plan to reduce fuel consumption;hazardous material reduction; company-wide recycling; harbor tug fleet conversion to eco-tugs using ultra low emissions technology; and HMS’ own patented self-contained Vapor Recovery Unit used during petroleum loading operations to reduce hydrocarbon emissions from oil and tank barges.
Marine Group Boat Works
Marine Group Boat Works’ facility is surrounded by a curbed storm drain system where 100% runoff is captured in a 60,000-gallon storage tank. After tested clear for hazardous materials, the water is discharged to the city for proper disposal. By nature, our 665-Travelift allows us to lift vessels onto land and perform work away from the water to avoid water pollution. Projects that require sandblasting/painting are shrink-wrapped to prevent debris from entering the air. We also have a recycling program recycling metals, plastics, cardboard and paper. In addition, we participate in bay clean-ups, copper-free bottom paint services, etc.
Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation
As a leader within the Seattle area waterfront community, Todd understands the criticality of protecting and enhancing the water quality of Elliott Bay, the Duwamish River, and Puget Sound. Sustainable Stewardship for A Better Puget Sound depicts Todd’s dynamic, ongoing process and unwavering commitment to executing responsible industrial operations in harmony with the environment. Todd’s actions and partnering efforts with other environmentally aware organizations set an example for others in preserving and maintaining the ecological value of our waterways so future generations may benefit and prosper from their use.