KDHE Home - News 2000 - News Release
Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2000
Contact: Sharon Watson, 785-296-5795
Outstanding Pollution Prevention Achievements to be Recognized
at State Environmental Conference Sept. 12 in Topeka
Companies, municipalities, community groups and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to prevent pollution will be recognized during the Pollution Prevention (P2) Awards presentation at this year's state environmental conference, "Kansas Environment: Future Challenges," on September 12 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka.
The conference precedes National Pollution Prevention Week, September 17-23.
"The prevention of pollution before it occurs is a vital part of the Kansas plan to help ensure the environment is clean, safe and healthy," stated Secretary of Health and Environment Clyde D. Graeber. "We are proud to offer the P2 Awards so that these accomplishments which protect our environment receive the recognition they deserve."
DTE Biomass Energy was selected a winner in the Cooperative Efforts category for their "Wichita Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project." DTE owns and operates a landfill gas collection and delivery system that captures nearly 3 million cubic feet of gas per day from a landfill owned by the City of Wichita. This project provides environmental improvements equivalent to removing 75,000 old cars from the road or planting 18 million trees.
The Catalytic Industrial Group, Independence, developed a unique new infrared drying system for wood-based products and was selected for an award in the New Technologies category. The system provides significant cost savings and higher productivity. This project was originally funded through the National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment and Economics grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The A.O. Smith Engineered Storage Products Company, Parsons, has been selected for an award in the New Initiatives category for their "Paint Line Improvement Project." The project resulted in a reduction of about $448,000 per year through savings in paint and solvent waste and improved efficiency. Other improvements included replacing wash booths and adding two solvent distilling units which significantly reduced volatile organic compounds emissions.
The Hazardous Material Management Program at Fort Riley was also selected for an award in the New Initiatives category. This project centralizes the management of hazardous materials within a single distribution center and tracking system. This new system has already diverted over 36,000 pounds of hazardous materials from Fort Riley's solid waste stream and saved the installation over $57,500 in acquisition and disposal costs.
The Sand Springs Aquifer Protection Project, Dickinson County Water Improvement Program, was selected for an award in the Education and Communication category. The project resulted in community-wide support for a new county sanitary code, a full-time sanitarian and the extension of city service to 110 homes in the county.
The "Earth Awareness Researchers for Tomorrow's Habitat" (EARTH) project is a collaborative effort among City of Wichita Natural Resources, KSU Research and Extension Sedgwick County, Derby Schools, Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Wichita School District/Great Plains Nature Center, Wichita/Sedgwick County Dept. of Community Health, Wichita State University, Bothwell Environmental Services, Great Plains Earth Institute and the Wichita Water and Sewer Department. Students studied various aspects of environmental issues and stewardship. More than 150 volunteers participated in this project, along with over 600 students last year.
Sherry Davis, a Pollution Prevention Specialist with the Pollution Prevention Institute at Kansas State University, was selected for an award in the Education and Communication category. Sherry has been a leader in pollution prevention for the last five years through her work with Kansas businesses and industries in providing technical assistance in environmental compliance and pollution prevention.
Pollution Prevention Awards are presented annually. For more information about the awards program, or for information about the upcoming environmental conference, contact the KDHE Office of Planning and Prevention at 785-296-0669.
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