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EPA Recognizes 10 Arkansas Organizations for Environmental Excellence

Release Date: 2/25/2000
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     The Region 6 office of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented its annual Environmental Excellence Awards Jan. 28 to 10 companies and individuals in Arkansas.  Environmental Excellence Awards recognize and encourage outstanding environmental protection efforts by individuals, non-profit organizations, companies and governments.

     "We are glad to see the outstanding results from these worthy programs. Arkansas should be proud of the lasting impact its industry, governments and volunteers have generated to benefit the environment.  The EPA is glad to have them as its partners in protecting human health and the environment,"  EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

     Mr. Randall Mathis, Executive Director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, said, "Partnerships are indeed the theme of the Environmental Excellence Awards.  In each of the recognized achievements, individuals, corporations and governments have worked together with the common aim of enhancing environmental quality.  The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is pleased to join with the EPA in this annual highlighting of program excellence."

     The Carpet Cushion Company, Inc. of Hope was recognized for using more than 20 million pounds of flexible foam wastes to make polyurethane foam carpet cushion.  

     Lennox Industries, Inc. of Stuttgart was recognized for its many corporate practices that reduce waste, prevent pollution and reuse materials.  

     Pratt Auto Salvage & Sales, Inc. of Hoxie was recognized for its exceptional care in handling and properly disposing of transmission, brake and power steering fluids, oil, coolants, antifreeze, batteries, tires and other potential sources of pollution.  

     Mr. Bobby Fanning, Director of the Benton County Office of Environmental Health and Safety, was recognized for his career-long achievements in environmental education and environmental management.

     The Arkansas Project Learning Tree was recognized for bringing environmental educational programs to more than 2,000 educators and many thousands of schoolchildren.

     The city of Magnolia was recognized for its innovation in reusing biosolids derived from its wastewater treatment process. The city uses this sludge as fertilizer.

     City Water and Light of Jonesboro was recognized for protecting the wellheads in vulnerable shallow aquifers supplying drinking water to Jonesboro residents.

     The Grand Prairie Water Users Association was recognized for its work to help the area plan its transition from rural agricultural water use to urban water use. The Association implemented new regulations to protect wellhead areas from inappropriate use and informed users about ground water protection.

     Mountain Home Water Works was recognized for superior public water service. Its long-term planning enabled the system to keep up with demands by upgrading, expanding when needed, preventive maintenance and vigilant inspection.

     The Little Rock Municipal Water Works was recognized for consistently providing safe drinking water through technical advances, extensive sampling and vigorous quality control. In addition, Little Rock has an enviable record: no revenue deficit in 62 years and no rate adjustment in 14 years.