Resources
Who's Water Wise?
The following represents a sampling of organizations, businessess and agencies who are doing good work in water conservation, education and management.
The Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards have been issued for over 30 years. Their site contains last year’s recipients and their accomplishments. The Marshall County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) received an award last year for their five year undertaking to generate baseline data for water quality monitoring for all the major streams in Marshall County. Details for this year’s awards are also contained within the site. Web site: http://www.alabamawildlife.org/stewardship/conservation_awards.asp#accomplishments
Alcoa has teamed up with the Earthwatch Institute and are currently participating with scientists onsite in conservation projects around the world. The company has set goals for achieving cleaner air, better use of land and water and the protection of human health with their 2020 plan. They intend to achieve zero environmental non-compliance incidents and to increase the use of clean and renewable hydroelectric power.
Web site: http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/environment/overview.asp
American Water & Energy Savers has 49 ways to help you save water. They have been involved with successful water-savings programs since 1988 and have helped many large companies save tens of millions of dollars. They want to help you.
Web site: http://www.americanwater.com/
Anheuser-Busch is committed to preserving and protecting the environment; they actively support community conservation projects in the areas where they do business. Web site: http://www.anheuser-busch.com/misc/vision.html
Aquasat is concerned with “Protecting and conserving the world’s water resources”; it’s their company motto. Their consortium of experts utilize satellite technology to monitor water flow, flooding, river level measurement as well as providing global solutions to a range of water management issues. Web site: http://www.aquasat.com/
Aqua-Tech, a privately held company, focuses on water conservation. Since 1995, they have been dedicated to conserving consumption across the nation for its multi-family and commercial clients, as well as lowering operating and expense costs to their clients. Clients may receive free water conservation audits.
Mailing address: 1515 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33432-1994
Tel: (561) 392-4550 Fax: (561) 392-9901
Email: info@aquatechenergy.com Web site: http://www.aquatechenergy.com
Aum Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., started back in 1985, specializes in plant construction for the Food & Vegetable Oil industries. They endeavor to achieve a “Zero Discharge System coupled with a Water Evaporation Arrangement” to eliminate effluent discharge while conserving water. You can read about their Zero Discharge System at: http://www.aumicon.com/zero.html
The Town of Bern, Kansas received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for water and energy conservation. The award was created specifically to recognize the entire town’s conservation efforts. They took part in a study conducted by the DOE and Maytag Appliances, who supplied high efficiency washers to 103 Bern households. The residents had to document their laundry usage for four months. On an average, the estimated water and energy savings was about $150 per household annually. The entire town traveled to Washington D. C. to accept the honors.
Web link: http://www.csrwire.com/article.cgi/1295.html
Since 1999, British Petroleum (BP) has studied their water management
to help them understand their handling of it and the impact of their consumption
and discharges effects society and the environment. In 2002, BP developed
an approach to the global water issue; to sustainable water management. They
have participated in international water conferences and joined industry programs
to improve water security and provision. Recently, they have become involved
in desalination stations, especially in
Web site: http://www.bp.com/environ_social/environment/water.asp
The Boy Scouts of America offer merit badges in conservation, as well as “The Hornaday Award” which is the nation’s oldest conservation award dating back to 1914. Scouts who undertake and complete truly exceptional conservation projects earn this award. Web site: http://www.hornadayaward.com/what.htm
Burger King completed its Wetlands Restoration Project in 1998 at Bill Baggs State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida. The devastation from Hurricane Andrew destroyed quite much of the Mangroves in the park. Mangroves are native to Florida and are unique in that they obtain fresh water from saltwater. The mangrove forests contribute to the coastal zone by trapping and recycling organic materials, chemical elements and nutrients. They also provide a protected nursery area and food for many marine species. BK Cares helped replant thousands of Mangrove seedlings, as well as weeding and cleaning the area. Web site: http://www.burgerking.com/Community/Bkcares/index.html
Business and Industry Resource Venture assists Seattle businesses by providing free information and referrals to improve environmental performance. They’ll help you get started, provide information on financial incentives and link you to other information and resources. Web site: http://www.resourceventure.org/water_conservation.htm
The Center for the Study of the Built Environment, a non-profit, private
study and research institution, has many water conservation projects available
on their website, including a “Graywater Reuse Project”. Casa del Agua
in Tucson, Arizona and Desert House in Phoenix, Arizona are just two
examples of how residential houses can be water and energy efficient by the
utilization of graywater. The scientists and researchers behind the experiment
hope it will be useful to
ChevronTexaco offers conservation awards to individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to natural resource conservation. The company hopes this will inspire others to get involved in saving the world’s natural resources. Along with this award, ChevronTexaco are committed to the Global Sullivan Principles for Corporate Social Responsibility. In 2000, they committed to a 70-year reforestation project in the Lower Mississippi River Valley to reduce soil erosion, agricultural runoffs and bio-diversity enhancement. Web site:
http://www.chevrontexaco.com/social_responsibility/environment/default.asp
The City of Iowa City has put online “Drop by Drop, A How-To Guide: Starting a Water Conservation Program” as part of their water conservation efforts. The sights contains information about gather water intelligence from your water meter, the four basic components of a water conservation program and utilizing your home computer to conserve water. Find out what else they have to offer.
Web site: http://www.jeonet.com/city/water.htm
The City of Raleigh, NC is over 200 years old and one of the fastest growing areas in the country; current population is estimated at over 300,000. With this many people, the City was hard pressed to meet the water needs of residents during the drought of 2002. In fact, Raleigh officials were forced to invoke mandatory water use controls. This was in addition to voluntary restrictions that were already in place. Residents were asked to only water lawns every other day, based on home address; private swimming pools or fountains, pools or ponds could not be filled; cars could only be washed at commercial establishments; and impervious surfaces, including sidewalks, patios and driveways could not be washed down. Violators faced fines of $500 a day. The restrictions even affected their Fourth of July celebrations, as residents were asked to curtail the use of fireworks. In fact, the city asked some businesses on the outskirts to purchase their water from elsewhere. The restrictions were repealed in October of 2002, however city officials are concerned about a reoccurrence, especially with the growth they are experiencing and anticipating. Therefore, Raleigh officials asked residents to follow voluntary conservation measures, to continue to be frugal and to follow a few simple steps to help maintain the high quality of water and to protect the environment.
With the high demand for water and the need to conserve, the City has looked
to reuse for some non-potable water needs. The Neuse River Wastewater Treatment
Plant currently irrigates a nearby golf course and non-food agricultural land
with reused water. The quality of this water and its treatment regularly
receive national attention for it’s standard of excellence. To achieve this
quality and to further improve the Neuse River’s plant and animal life, the
City installed a state-of-the-art ultraviolet radiation disinfecting system,
which eliminates the need for the use of chlorine to disinfect the water.
In fact, the system is the largest UV application in the
City of Raleigh Utilities Home Page: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/putilities/index.htm
Do the Can Can: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/pubaffairs/cancan/youcando.htm
Conservation: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/putilities/h2oconsv.htm
Education: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/putilities/h2oeduc.htm
Water Reuse: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/putilities/reuse/index.htm
Other: http://www.env.duke.edu/cee/ecofoot/weclinks.html#water%20conservation
http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/princweb.htm
http://www.dwr.ehnr.state.nc.us/home.htm
Neuse River: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/pubaffairs/neusebroc.htm
Each year the City of Raleigh offers tours of the Neuse River Wastewater Treatment Plant and Falls Lake Dam. Other events include water games, exhibits and demonstrations to highlight the major influence and importance of water on our lives. You can find out what conservation methods they suggest, how you can “Adopt-A-Stream”, as well as other information at the following websites:
http://www.raleigh-nc.org/putilities/CCR2002/WiseUse.htm
http://www.raleigh-nc.org/putilities/wastewatereport/customer_responsibilities.htm;
http://www.raleigh-nc.org/cengineering/water_q/adopt_prog.htm
There are more almost 5,900 acres of parks, greenway trails and water facilities in the Raleigh area and the city is intent to protect them. City officials are proud of their leadership in all environmental matters, especially where water is concerned. They led an effort to ban phosphorous in household products, created a program requiring industries to do preliminary wastewater cleanup and promote passage of statewide legislation to protect water supply watersheds. City of Raleigh officials are dedicated to providing citizens with the best water and wastewater service available, while protecting the environment and maintaining public health at a fair and reasonable cost.
Web site: http://www.raleigh-nc.org/
The City of Rohnert Park, CA has taken measures to conserve water in their community. They have a program that includes development of implementation measures to reduce the amount of water used. The following site lists some of the measures they have taken: http://www.ci.rohnert-park.ca.us/services/wcons.cfm
City of Virginia Beach: The first English colonists arrived
at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in 1607. They only spent three days there,
yet in that time, they erected a cross and gave it the name Cape Henry, after
Even though Virginia Beach lies on the Atlantic coast, freshwater has historically been an issue. Norfolk and Portsmouth had the only significant water systems in the region and they provided surplus water to Virginia Beach and other rapidly growing communities in southeast Virginia. However, even that water did not come from the immediate area, it came from reservoirs in Suffolk and river withdrawals even farther west. As the cities and counties in southeast Virginia grew, groundwater withdrawals and existing interbasin transfers started to affect North Carolina. As far back as 1970, water supply alternative studies were underway for the Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and even Suffolk areas. It was at that time Congress directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to conduct a water supply feasibility study in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.
A drought in 1980 severely impacted Virginia Beach and the surrounding communities. Rationing and water restrictions were instituted throughout the region. By 1981, Norfolk was forced to take serious measures to protect its water supply. It reduced Virginia Beach’s supply to 75% of normal and threatened a 50% reduction. Studies were conducted at the federal, state and local level. Over 24 various water supply alternatives were considered. Several reservoirs were evaluated, but it was concluded that they would not make it through the regulatory process due to the environmental consequences of constructing reservoirs. Virginia Beach also looked to desalting as a possible means of providing water for its community. However, the cost of seawater desalting proved to be too expensive. Desalting brackish water was less expensive, however it would require large withdrawals from already depleted aquifers and there was a limited availability of brackish water in the area.
Ultimately, it was decided that a pipeline to Lake Gaston was the preferred alternative. Lake Gaston is the middle of three consecutive hydroelectric and flood control impoundments that straddle the Virginia-North Carolina border. Although three-fourths of the water that flows through Lake Gaston originates in Virginia, all of it ultimately flows into North Carolina. Water diverted by Virginia Beach, no matter how large or how small, is water that would be lost to North Carolina. From 1975 through 1983, North Carolina and Virginia would make several attempts to engage all the stakeholders in multi-party discussions aimed at resolving a number of water-related issues between the two states, including the issue of the Lake Gaston pipeline. Unfortunately, these efforts would not succeed at that time and North Carolina and Virginia Beach would ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of a series of protracted and controversial regulatory proceedings.
Eventually, Virginia Beach would overcome the regulatory and legal hurdles and the Lake Gaston pipeline would be built. Although limited construction was initiated in 1992, most of the project was constructed in 1996 and 1997. On August 5, 1997, Virginia Beach began filling the pipeline with water, and a few weeks later the water started to flow. New Year’s Day 1998 saw the project in full swing. Although Virginia Beach is allowed to transfer a maximum of 60 million gallons of water per day to the southeast, withdrawals are 45 mgd or less, most of the time.
Although the federal regulatory process was the backdrop for the “water-war” between Virginia Beach and North Carolina, it was also a federal regulatory preceding that would allow Virginia Beach and North Carolina to finally resolve their differences over the pipeline project. Lake Gaston and the downstream Roanoke Rapids Reservoir are owned by Dominion Resources, but operated subject to a license issued by the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC). That license was up for renewal in 2001 and the re-licensing process began shortly after Virginia Beach brought the Lake Gaston pipeline online in 1998. Rather than pursue the typical regulatory process that practically guarantees that stakeholders will be forced to take up sides and become adversaries; Dominion Resources chose to pursue a negotiated settlement process with all the stakeholders, including North Carolina and Virginia Beach.
Even though it took five years, in the summer of 2003, all the stakeholders in the re-licensing process, the same stakeholders that had fought regulatory and legal battles over the pipeline for 15 years, reached agreement on the conditions for a new license for Lake Gaston and Roanoke Rapids. For its part, Virginia Beach committed to carry out all the environmental enhancements that it had negotiated with North Carolina in an attempt to settle the pipeline controversy years earlier. This included commitments to maintain its conservation programs, help pay for noxious weed control efforts in Lake Gaston, reduce withdrawals from Lake Gaston and institute water use restrictions during major droughts.
Today, ever mindful of the past water difficulties, Virginia Beach constantly monitors its water supply and continues to improve conservation measures throughout the area. The cooperation of their citizens is very important in maintaining adequate water supplies; they must be educated and committed to using water efficiently. The Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities offers ways for the consumer to learn and conserve, as well as providing rebates for replacing conventional toilets with ultra low-flush toilets. Visit their web site and take the Water Facts Quiz or discover easy ways to detect leaks. There is even a section on Water-Wise Landscaping and Gardens. They also offer cost-share assistance for agricultural producers who install conservation practices on their farms, as well as a wide variety of educational programs that cater to school children and local organizations. Web site: http://www.vbgov.com/dept/putility/water.asp
Last year the city hosted a rodeo, not your normal rodeo mind you, the 14th Annual Distribution Seminar and Utility Rodeo, a presentation by The American Water Works Association. Two full days of water safety and technical seminars and operations and maintenance related competitions. Promoting education and training, the seminar featured events such as “Splish Splash”, a simulation of the repair of a copper water service line under system pressure and “Meter Madness”; it pertains to water meter maintenance practices. In the Hampton Roads area, there is “HRWET” whose
"Water - Use It Wisely," is now in its fourth year and is the nation's most comprehensive public awareness campaign for water conservation education and information. It is an integral part of the Hampton Roads environmental education programs. To encourage their citizens to take an active role in the waterways, Virginia Beach has an “Adopt-A-Waterway” program where citizens keep the waterways free of litter and debris. In July of 2002, they began Virginia’s first industrial water reuse project, a public-private partnership between Hampton Roads Sanitation District and Giant Industries, Inc., to ensure wastewater is not wasted water. Using this reclaimed water for cooling and other industrial purposes protects natural resources and conserves high-quality drinking water.
http://www.hrwet.org/ or http://www.deq.state.va.us/info/conservewater.html
http://www.hrsd.state.va.us/h2oprorgam.htm
The Coca-Cola Company is also actively preserving our natural environment. Joining forces with The Conservation Fund, they have embarked on a massive public campaign on promoting river conservation, as well as other environmental issues.
Web site: http://www2.coca-cola.com/citizenship/water.html
Composters.com is a conservation-based retailer that is a subsidiary of “The Green Culture”. Many of their products pertain to gardening. They also feature methods to recycle rainwater, water ring tree savers and ways to measure soil moisture. They even offer rebates to individuals, non-profit groups and municipalities.
Web site: http://www.composters.com/main.shtml
Corning has an Environmental Technologies area that produces special ceramic membrane filters to clarify, separate and decontaminate liquids in order that petrochemical, food and beverage processors and wastewater treatment industries can meet their liquid purity requirements. Web site: http://www.corning.com/environmentaltechnologies/products__services/ceramic_membrane_filters.asp
Dow Chemical’s Environmental Operations Business (EOB) continually strives to provide cost-effective environmental solutions. The company is on track to meet its 2005 Environment, Health and Safety goals and is committed to sustainable development.
Duke Energy believes that as a corporate citizen, they must work to balance community, environment and business needs. Protection of the environment remains one of Duke Energy’s guiding principles. Their concern is the quality of water in the rivers and lakes in their service areas. They monitor the quality very closely and are extremely dedicated to protecting water resources. They hold the record among utilities for winning the prestigious Edison Award in each of the last three decades of the twentieth century. The award recognizes a company's global leadership in fostering or implementing innovation. It honors a company that has utilized technology to impact not only its own operations, but also the quality of life in its community and around the world. The Financial Times of London, named DE the “World’s Most Respected Utility” in 1998, based on an annual survey of chief executive officers worldwide. In 2001, Fortune magazine named them the “Most Admired Energy Company” for among other things, their social responsibility. In 2003, Duke Energy’s environmental commitment was acknowledged with the “Outstanding Stewardship of America’s Rivers” award by the National Hydropower Association for the company’s work to protect fish trout streams along the Jocassee Gorges area in North and South Carolina. What follows are just a few examples of conservation awards presented to Duke Energy:
(web sites- http://www.dukepower.com/content/default2.asp?wpn=DP03a and http://www.dukeenergy.com/company/ehs/recognition/receive.asp):
Champion - The North Carolina Big Sweep Organization recognized Duke Power for over 15 years support as a major contributor to the organization and for leading clean-up efforts at the waterways near more than 17 of its generating facilities.
Special Friends Award - The Texas Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup Program recognized Duke Energy's participation in their program, as well as the continued support of the Clean Galveston organization. Since 1998, Duke employees and their families in the Greater Houston area spend two days a year cleaning up sections of Galveston Beach, one mile at a time.
Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program - The Environmental Protection Agency praised Duke Powers charter partnership in the program and urged other industries to follow their example.
Working along side the North Carolina Department of Energy and Natural Resources (NCDENR), Duke Energy has monitored the water quality on the Catawba-Wateree for over four decades. Realizing the reservoirs and hydroelectric stations along the river provide more than just electricity to the Piedmont Carolinas, DE insures the quality of the water to sustain the fish, wetlands, wildlife, rare, threatened and endangered species, as well as recreational, cultural and historical aspects along the river. They balance the demands of the reservoirs that supply drinking water to more than two-dozen cities and counties, adjusting them according to the seasonal needs of the area.
During the drought of 2002, Duke Energy anticipated the resulting problems and managed their reservoirs to alleviate potential adverse conditions. They maintained higher than normal water levels in their reservoirs and reduced power generation. According to John Morris of the NCDENR Division of Water Resources, because of Duke Energy’s forethought “the Catawba basin had few problems due to low lake levels than other basins did and water supplies for cities and industries remained reliable. Duke did an excellent job of coordinating reservoir management with both North Carolina and South Carolina.”
Duke also sponsors a number of organizations that promote environmental, health and safety, and foster scientific research, as well as providing assistance to other conservationists in their various efforts to educate the public. For instance, activist Tommy Wyche received their support for his book Mosaic, A Compendium of 21 Specials Places in the Carolinas that captures the beauty of the Carolinas lush forests, the crystal clear waters of the Jocassee Gorges’ and the Mountain Island Experimental Forest near Charlotte. Company Web site: http://www.duke-energy.com/company/ehs/overview/
DuPont realized that current trends point to an unsustainable world, they are dedicated to sustainable growth. In Victoria, Texas, they improved their water recovery and treatment facility to recover and reuse over a quarter of a million pounds of what is considered waste. The water is treated and then released into the Wetlands, which will eventually recharge the Guadalupe River. Web site: http://www.dupont.com/corpB420010615/environment/wetland/vctplnt.htm
The Edison Electric Institute has collaborated with government agencies to minimize their effects on the environment. They are continually working towards new and innovative ways to enhance water quality. See what they have put together for protecting and preserving our water resources. Web sites:
http://www.eei.org/industry_issues/environment/water/index.htm
http://www.eei.org/industry_issues/environment/water/waterpub.pdf
Edison International considers it a privilege to use local water resources
for the production of electricity. They designed their latest facility in
Learn more about their efforts at the following site: http://www.edison.com/community/water_quality.asp
Envirowise-Practical Environmental Advise for Business offers
fact sheets on many water issues. These are free to businesses, especially
construction and building design firms in the
Web site: http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/envirowisev3.nsf/key/MROZ5HZM39#
Equaris Corporation began in the 1990’s to apply technology to the development of advanced wastewater treatments systems for Alaskan residents and fishing lodges. Today, they are an industry leader, proving that their system for sustainable onsite Water Recycling and Wastewater Treatment meets the growing global need for clean water and a clean environment. In 1993, they received a U.S. Patent for its “Apparatus for Composting Organic Waste Materials and Method.
Web site: http://www.alascanofmn.com/
Falcon Waterfree Technologies offers waterfree urinals that can save
almost nine tanker trucks of water in a year. You can download their cost
savings calculator (look in the Economic Benefits section) and discover how
much water you are flushing down the drain. Some of their clients include:
The University of North Carolina, Penn State, IBM, Airborne Express, Heathrow
Airport, the British Royal Navy and even a McDonald’s in
Ford Motor Company has a long history of environmental conservation
efforts. They have developed better measures and ways to manage water use
and require regular water use reports along with other key environmental data.
They conducted projects at several plants to study the ways to reduce water
use. In
GE has focused on making the world a better place since its inception,
continually striving to develop comprehensive environmental policies for their
worldwide operations. They are a world leader in chemical treatment of water
and process systems in industrial, commercial and institutional facilities.
Their Harmony Clothes Care System uses 40% less water, as well as 47% less
energy. They offer more than 230 Energy Star products, the largest line of
energy-efficient products in
http://www.ge.com/files/usa/commitment/ehs/gegreen.pdf
http://www.ge.com/stories/en/10932.html
General Motors Corporation recently collaborated with Middle School students in Lake Orion, Michigan to monitor pollution and the Clinton River’s overall health. Students joined with GM engineers to collect and catalog information to see how much progress was made in reducing pollution in the Clinton River Watershed. This intention of this program is to provide an educational experience for the students, as well as provide water quality information for GM. They have other environmental programs set up worldwide. Web site:
http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/environment/gm_and_the_env/releases/index.html
Golder Associates, Ltd. provide ground engineering and expanded their expertise in the 1980s to include aspects of environmental science such as hydrogeology and contaminated soil and groundwater. Additionally, their packages are geared to clients who need to address regulation and resource conflicts. They offer everything from Surface Water Hydrology to Forest Watershed Management, in addition to Water Quality and Assessments/Modeling. Web site: http://www.golder.com/default.asp?PID=66&LID=1&VID=75
Georgia-Pacific, in 2003, was awarded the National Groundwater Association’s Outstanding Ground Water Protection Award in recognition of its Wellfield Management Plan. They have succeeded in cutting their groundwater use at their facility in Palatka, Florida by 50%, and plan to build a 90 million gallon rainwater basin. Their goal is to go from 17.8 million gallons a day to 1.5 million gallons a day by 2007. Web site: http://www.gp.com/search/searchresults.asp?q1=water&pk=11&mk=0&mo=1&searcharea=%2F&spath=%2Fincludes
Greenbuilder.com features resources, real estate, a professional’s directory and other information on environmentally conscious building techniques conducted on a local, regional and global level. There are many links to organizations, groups and programs. Find out more at their web site: http://directory.greenbuilder.com
Greenville Utilities Commission: Even though talks had been going on since 1884, it all began in 1903, when kerosene lamps were the illuminating instrument of the day and Greenville’s lamplighter had a secure job. The population of Greenville was growing, along with the resident’s needs, so the city began the process of establishing a community water, sewer and electric system. The threat of malaria and typhoid fever concerned the leaders and residents, as the existing “sewer system” was a stone’s throw from the town’s water supply. Plans for the new systems were drawn up and building began. Two years later, Greenville’s new generator cranked up and many of the residents gathered to witness downtown’s illumination. Unfortunately, this meant the poor lamplighter was now out of a job. As fate would have it, the Water Department was soon called upon to put their new system to test when an unexpected fire broke out. It took minutes for firefighters to hook the hose up to the nearest hydrant and to control the fire. Whereas before it would have meant waiting for the horses to be harnessed, firing up the engine and running long hose lines to the cistern. A few years later, the city’s sewer system became functional. The Water & Light Commission had 102 customers at that time. Today, the Commission, now known as the Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC), serves almost 90,000 customers in the Greenville-Pitt County area with reliable electric, water, sewer and natural gas service.
The Greenville Utilities Commission looks to the Tar River, which supplies 97% of their drinking water, to meet the water needs of their growing population. Approximately 500 miles of pipeline, ranging from two inches in diameter to 36 inches, deliver the treated water to customers. GUC’s Water Treatment Plant went into service in 1983 with the capacity to treat 12 million gallons a day. A recent expansion to the plant allows it to process 22.5 million gallons a day, with the ability to increase that to 35 million as the need arises.
During the severe drought of 2002, the Greenville Utilities Commission experimented with a system to artificially recharge ground water; receiving the first permitted system in the state. “The principle is to take water from the surface or the ground in times that water is plentiful,” states Jean Crews-Klein, VP of Business Development and Natural Resources for the North Carolina Economic Development Center, Inc. “Treat it to a drinkable standard and then inject it back into the ground into the aquifer system. So that you’re storing the water in the aquifer for future use for when surface water is lean or we’re in a drought. So it’s a very…very technically complicated process. It is a fairly expensive process. The chemical balance between the water that is in the ground and the water that is injected is as much art as it is science.” This process allows GUC to store large volumes of treated drinking water for a fraction of the cost of storing water in above ground tanks. GUC’s ASR project is expected to be completed in 2004.
According to John Morris, Director of Water Resources for the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources: “…we are very fortunate that the City of Greenville, North Carolina is experimenting with a project to do this. Since in eastern North Carolina the terrain doesn’t really lend itself to building reservoirs to store water, we think this is a promising technology and we hope it works out.”
Greenville’s Water Resources Department has not only earned the respect of the community, but also the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recently, they received the EPA’s Operation and Maintenance Excellence Award for their Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The first place award was for a large facility in Region 4 (ten Southeast states) and not only recognized the plant, but the wastewater collection system and the pump stations as well. GUC’s Wastewater Treatment Plant was expanded in 1995. The expansion and process upgrade included a state-of-the-art treatment technology known as biological nutrient removal. The complex nutrient removal system produces some of the highest quality reclaimed water in the industry. Part of GUC’s mission is to protect the environment and the public’s health; they do so by constantly monitoring and analyzing wastewater samples from both the commercial and residential sectors. In fact, the effluent they return to the Tar River is superior to standards set by regulatory guidelines.
Conservation is of great concern and to help their customers become “Water Wise”, Greenville Utilities offers many valuable suggestions on their websites:
Greenville Utilities: http://www.guc.com/water/waterwise.html
Outdoor tips: http://www.guc.com/water/outdoor.html
Indoor tips: http://www.guc.com/water/indoor.html
The Home Depot, Inc. was instrumental in a wood certification initiative. The Forest Stewardship Council monitors the needs of the forests and the communities that rely on them, as well as satisfying both home improvement retailers and home builders. Home Depot now requires documentation from their vendors that the wood products they buy are FSC certified. They believe that certification is one step toward forest sustainability.
Their website also features tips on saving energy and water, as well as other helpful tips: http://www.homedepot.com/HDUS/EN_US/compinfo/community/social_responsibility/2000/environment1.html
Hydrozone's motto is "Conserving Water for today and the future". Their crystal product, when added to the soil, absorbs 30 to 40 times their weight in water. Incorporated in a plant's root zone, these crystals work like a "mini-reservoir", helping to produce green, healthy plants in dry, arid areas.
Web site: http://www.hydrozone.net/about.html
IBM is not only reducing their consumption of water, but also producing
environmentally friendly products. In April, 2000, IBM set a goal to reduce
its water consumption by 2% each year over the next five years at it’s manufacturing
facilities worldwide. Other IBM divisions also took part in the water conservation
efforts. In
Web site: http://www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/annual2002/water.shtml
Intel Corporation, as well as its subsidiaries, strives to conserve
natural resources by reducing their waste generation and emissions to air,
water and land. They have joined with government, academic experts and local
industries to implement and create highly effective water conservation solutions.
A High Recovery Reverse Osmosis process is near completion in New Mexico,
they replaced water-cooled transducers with air-cooled transducers in Jerusalem,
Web site: http://www.intel.com/intel/other/ehs/leadership/environment.htm
ITT Industries is a founding member of the International Water Academy and is dedicated to raising global awareness of vital water management issues. They are a founding member in the Stockholm Water Prize; a $150,000 award presented to an institution, organization, individual or company that has made a substantial contribution to the preservation, enhancement or availability of the world’s water resources. Additionally, they sponsor the Stockholm Junior Water Prize awarded to people under the age of 20 who complete a water environment project.
Web sites: http://www.itt.com/waterbook/
http://www.itt.com/news/comm.asp
Laundrywise.com is a free service of the Multi-housing Laundry Association (MLA) that provides information on saving water and energy to multi-family properties and how to implement these methods. Web site: http://www.laundrywise.com/
A small community in LaBarge, Wyoming has voluntarily agreed to water restrictions. In the article, “LaBarge on voluntary water restrictions” that appeared on June 26, 200 3 in the Kemmerer Gazette, you will find that it was not an easy decision, however it was necessary. Web site: http://www.zwire.com/news/newsstory.cfm?newsid=8713934&title=LaBarge%20on%20voluntary%20water%20restrictions&BRD=1186&PAG=461&CATNAME=Top%20Stories&CATEGORYID=410
Lowe’s Home Improvement believes it’s a good idea to conserve water all the time, not just during a drought. They publish a free “Water Solutions Guide” that contains many helpful hints on how to conserve water in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room of your home, as well as water saving tips for the garden. In addition, their website contains many tips and ideas to save water inside and outside your home. There is even a section on reusing gray water.
In 2002, Lowe’s Energy Star program received national recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The national award praises Lowe’s Energy Solutions Guide with tips for consumers, educated sales staff and specialized educational clinics. Lowe’s has provided over $6 million for disaster support, responding to hurricanes, floods and other catastrophes throughout the country. Their employees are also there to assist with clean up and recovery efforts. Web site: http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/DealingWithDrought http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=pg&p=water/H2O_home.html&rn=none
http://images.lowes.com/animate/water_guide.pdf http://images.lowes.com/animate/FinalSocial.pdf
In 2000, MACTEC, Inc. received the Carl V. Anderson Conservation Project Award of Honor for its work on the Cape Hatteras Lightstation Relocation. In 2001, they received a contract from the Air Force Institute on Environment, Safety and Occupational Health Risk Analysis at Brooks Air Force Base where MACTEC’s contracted services not only involved their architectural and engineering services, but also included many environmental conservation efforts such as: drinking water, wastewater and hazardous waste. Web site: http://www.mactec.com/News/Releases/PressRelease.htm#PESAirForce
McDonald’s has established a Global Water Team to develop and coordinate
water safety and water conservation programs. Right now they are focused
on areas where water is scarce. In
Web site: http://www.mcdonalds.com/corporate/social/environment/resources/index.html
McKim & Creed started out as a small two-man firm;
today they rank among the top 200 environmental firms in the
Controlling groundwater and surface water withdrawals is one solution McKim & Creed is pursuing of reclamation, along with water reclamation. McKim & Creed conducted a survey of counties and municipalities in the state of North Carolina to determine the degree of acceptance for reclaimed water usage. Most officials are familiar with the process and favor the use of reclaimed water for non-potable purposes only; irrigation, industrial and commercial uses. Reuse of water is one way municipal water systems can serve more customers without the need to expand existing systems or build new ones. The process saves utilities and residents money. At the same time, less wastewater is dumped into the environment, which allows plants and animals the chance to flourish.
Web site: http://www.mckimcreed.com/About%20Us/Projects/default.htm#Environmental%20Engineering
In Craven County, NC, McKim & Creed designed a reclaimed water treatment plant to work in conjunction with the county’s two other treatment facilities. Non-potable water from the facility irrigates a 109-acre park by utilizing the county’s existing lagoons and land application system. This eliminated the need to purchase additional disposal land, irrigation wells and fertilizer. The project served as a role model for similar projects across the state and received the Engineering Excellence Honor Award from the American Council of engineering companies. A similar project in Daytona Beach, FL brought about an expanded wastewater treatment system intended to accommodate growth in that area for the next 20 years. Selected as a semi-finalist in The American Society of Civil Engineers’ Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards Competition, the plant is the city’s primary source of reused water. In 2003, McKim & Creed completed a reuse treatment and distribution facility in Reelsboro, NC. Water tables are declining at an astonishing rate in North Carolina, so reuse is becoming a high priority, especially along the eastern coastal plain. The expansion of Reelsboro’s system helped reduce pollutants leeching from failing septic systems and eliminated some health concerns. In addition, the new system curbed environmental issues with the area’s shellfish estuaries.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) or membrane water treatment has been part of the services provided by McKim & Creed since 1997 when they completed a system at Bald Head Island, NC. In 2003, they will complete a RO system to enable the City of Clearwater, FL reduce its reliance on regional suppliers. Clearwater wanted to produce their own water to alleviate the high costs of purchasing water from elsewhere. While the lack of water in many places is of vital concern to McKim & Creed, there are times when an over abundance of water results in a need for their expertise. Extensive flooding of the Northeast Cape Fear River during previous hurricanes brought Pender County officials to McKim & Creed’s experts. The county needed solutions, so the company held public meetings around the county to determine the extent of the problems faced by residents and property owners. After compiling and reviewing the gathered information, the company designed a countywide storm water management plan that is currently in place.
McKim & Creed is a major supporter of many community service projects. They recently became foster parents for a section of McAlpine Stream in Mecklenburg County as part of their “Adopt-A- Stream” Project”. Twice a year, volunteers from McKim & Creed will monitor a section of the stream for pollutants, remove trash and debris, and maintain accurate records for the Mecklenburg County Water Quality Department. Their volunteers are active throughout the state all year long in many capacities. For “Drinking Water Week”, they run in water bucket relays and enjoy painting the faces of children. They also take part in fund raising events for the March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society, as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society just to name a few, and are regular participants in “Habitat for Humanity”.
Web site: http://www.mckimcreed.com
Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co. has introduced a Greenhouse-Gas Trading Scheme according to a company announcement on July 2, 2003. The company has incorporated self-imposed emissions control in both its parts and assembly division on a trial basis in an attempt to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.
Mayday Industries Inc.: Disasters and homeland preparedness is as simple as A-B-C with Mayday Industries. Ironically, the company has provided products for over ten years they hope no one will ever need. From fire, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and even droughts, they offer information and assistance to be prepared for any emergency. Their “Emergency Drinking Water”, for instance, has been placed on the U.S. Coast Guard’s official equipment list. Mayday Industries also provides workshops on Disaster Preparedness, as well an Emergency Response Team Program; it’s part of their Earthquake Management division. They not only work with schools, but also corporations and government offices, including they YMCA and HeadStart. Mayday Industries Inc. 15158 Goldenwest Circle, Westminster, CA 92683 Phone: (714) 893-5410 Fax: (714) 893-5420
Toll Free: 888 4-MAYDAY email: mayday@maydayindustries.com
Maytag Corporation works closely with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help create stronger energy and water standards for the appliance industry. They have conducted studies in urban areas on water efficient appliances (see Town of Bern listing) and they are the first appliance manufacturer to team with the DOE. Their products contain the Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Logo and in fact, Maytag has been named “Energy Star Appliance Partner” twice. Web site: http://www.maytag.com/mths/our_company/default.jsp?cs=0&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
Mirant Corporation has implemented new recycling technology whereby waste byproducts are turned into masonry materials at it’s coal-fired Birchwood Power Facility in Virginia. The company’s goal is to meet today’s need without compromising tomorrow’s quality of life. Web site: http://www.mirant.com/commitment/environment.html
Niagara Conservation William Cutler’s garage was home to this company in 1977, as one of the early manufacturers of low-flow showerheads and other conservation minded products. Today they have expanded their line of conservation products to include: ultra-low-low toilets, faucet aerators, various weatherization materials and a complete line of showerheads. They are the leading manufacturer of conservation products for the home, including custom designed products and educational materials.
Web site: http://www.niagaraconservation.com/intro.htm
N.C. Partners in Flight and the Stevens Nature Center, The Town of Cary, NC has modified a guide from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office entitled “Conservation Landscaping to Conserve Water”. Learn about Water-wise landscaping.
Web site: http://faculty.ncwc.edu/mbrooks/pif/CarolinaScapes/Conserve%20Water.doc
Office Depot wanted to bring water testing to public schools across
Office Depot hopes this will provide individuals with the tools to address water issues locally and globally.
The Rainwater Connection of British Columbia has an interesting section entitled “ Domestic Use of Rainwater-The Next Home-Based Environmental Movement?”. This section is geared towards giving a brief overview of the potential for using rainwater in your community and how you can encourage this use. The Rainwater Connection has been working on designs and installation of rainwater harvesting systems for over three years. The company’s owners also practice what they believe; their home and office runs entirely on treated rainwater. Web site: http://pacificcoast.net/~bburgess/CIP2000.html
PCS Phosphates, PotashCorp is very proactive in their search for ways to reduce their “environmental footprint” and actively restore habitats affected by their operations. PCS is very proactive and is well aware of the need to conserve. They not only focus on air emission control, waste management, water reuse and solid waste disposal, they actively restore habitats affected by their operations. Over 12,500 acres in Hamilton County, Florida, was reclaimed and restored, more than PCS actually mined, and they planted 7 million indigenous trees. In 1996, the White Springs, FL plant received the Environmental Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the Outstanding Ecosystem Project Award in 1999 for a 1,100-acre reclamation project, which included high quality wetlands.
In Craven and Beaufort Counties in North Carolina, PCS set about restoring wetlands previously destroyed by a company they bought in 1994. 2,800 acres, originally swampland converted to farmland, was purchased for wetland restoration. PCS’ biologists and staff plugged drainage ditches and planted trees and grasses, almost 500 trees per acre; the site now resembles a waterfowl impoundment area. According to the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DENR), this Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) project site along the Tar-Pamlico basins has restored water quality and wetland functions. Environmental experts regularly monitor these sites and all plant locations providing effective tools for monitoring and setting higher standards of achievement. This information has been beneficial to other state and federal programs such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. In 2001, PCS spent over $100 million on environmental initiatives, at the same time dropping their emissions rate by more than a third since 1998. They spent $100.6 million on environmental initiatives in 2001 and their emissions rate has dropped by over a third since 1998.
Web site: http://www.potashcorp.com/stewardship/environment/
PepsiCo "is defined by its relationships-including our relationship with the environment". PepsiCo's Chairperson, Steven R. Reinemund, believes that each of its divisions and facilities under PepsiCo Worldwide should live by a code of conduct that encourages conservation, recycling and energy use programs. Each PepsiCo employee is considered an environmental steward and Management is held accountable for upholding PepsiCo's strong environmental standards. Web site: http://www.pepsico.com/citizenship/enviroco.pdf
Rain Bird's company motto is "The Intelligent Use of Water". They are the world's largest manufacturer of irrigation products. For over 70 years, they have pioneered efforts to design products that will use water wisely. They are also committed to education, training and services for industry and communities. Their website contains valuable tips for conserving water: http://www.rainbird.com/iuow/index.htm
Real Goods renewable energy catalog features many items for collecting, or harvesting as it is sometimes known, rainwater. They have other products geared toward water purification and water storage. They also have a section water conservation that includes “A Summary of Water Conservation Efforts” and “10 Easy Ways to Conserve Water”. Web site: http://www.realgoods.com/renew/index.cfm
The San Diego County Water Authority has been studied seawater desalination facilities for the past twelve years. They concluded that reverse osmosis would be the most cost-effective technology for their region. They are currently developing the Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Project, which would be the largest seawater desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere, producing 50 million gallons per day of fresh water.
Web site: http://www.sdcwa.org/manage/sources-desalination.phtml
Seattle Public Utilities offers a “Water Smart Technology Program”. They offer financial incentives to replace various types of machinery from commercial ice machines to coin-op laundromats with more water and energy efficient equipment. They also offer Bill analysis, free brochures, speakers and efficient irrigation information.
Web site: http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/util/RESCONS/wst/wst_det.htm
The Schundler Company is the largest and oldest producer of perlite
and vermiculite on the east coast of the
Sundine Enterprises, Inc. is actively preserving and improving the
soil and green environment locally, nationally and internationally. They
are active in restoring lakes and improving the water quality of streambeds
and ponds. One of their projects involves on-site subsurface construction
of Wetland Water Reclamation Systems, as well as other aquaculture projects
in many states across the
Tampa Bay Water's Seawater Desalination Project, designed to meet the region's water needs, pumps 53 million gallons a day of water and increase to 111 million gallons by 2008. It will provide 10 percent of the region's overall water supply by that time. It is considered the largest desalinated seawater facility in North America.
Web site: http://www.tampabaywater.org/MWP/MWP_Projects/Desal/Project_Overview.htm
The Tennessee Valley Authority works with a variety of state and federal agencies to monitor and improve water quality. Their “Clean Water Initiative” began in 1992 to ensure clean water for communities and aquatic life. “Watershed Teams” monitor water and shoreline conditions. In 1991, the TVA began a tailwater improvement program in the Tennessee river system. Recent studies have shown the program has resulted in 300 miles of the river show improved conditions, this has resulted increased tailwater fishing adding to local economies. Web site: http://www.tva.gov/environment/water/index.htm
The Texas State Water Camp is just one part of the Texas Water Resources Institute’s program to instill a respect for water resources and inspire junior and senior high school youth to become water resource managers in the future. The camp, located in Monahans, is a one-week hands-on educational experience. There are also field trips showing how municipalities, industry and agriculture use their water resources. Students perform a home water audit and an irrigation audit, as well as learning conservation habits they can teach their families and friends. The students are guided by professionals from the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, the Texas Water Development Board and the Natural Resource Conservation Service just to name a few. For more information on Texas State Water Camp, call (915) 943-2682. The camp, usually held in July, is open to students eighth grade through high school senior on a first-come, first-served basis.
Web site: http://twri.tamu.edu/
Thames Water has put together a water wise site packed with useful information and ideas for saving water. They have sections for everyone, including the kids.
Web site: http://www.thameswateruk.co.uk/waterwise/
Town of Cary: In the heart of the Triangle area of North Carolina, between Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, lies the Town of Cary with a population of over 105,000. Truly progressive thought is Cary’s approach to the challenges they face. One of their major concerns is the conservation of water. They were the first town in the state to conserve drinking water by reclaiming and reusing treated wastewater for irrigation and industrial processes. In fact, the Town intends to reduce their water consumption 20% by the year 2015. Offering incentives along with education, they also instituted rate changes to insure that whoever takes more than their fair share pays extra. Established in1996, this long-term water conservation program is designed to decrease the town’s reliance on outside water sources and to assist in managing water more efficiently. Town leaders realized that if every Cary resident saved one gallon of water a day for a year, it would result in an overall savings of 29 million gallons of water, enough to fill 150 Olympic size swimming pools or 232 million 8-ounce glasses of water. For this reason, they put together an annual “Beat the Peak” campaign aimed at lowering the demand on the water treatment plant and conserving water. Their colorful brochure contains tips on reclaiming water, rebates on water conservation products and helpful hints for the garden and house. Web site: http://www.townofcary.org/depts/pwdept/water/waterconservation/beat1.pdf
The town also published a “Water Conservation and Peak Demand Management Plan” that you can download and print at the following web site: http://www.townofcary.org/depts/pwdept/water/waterconservation/wcplanexecsumm.pdf
Children are a big part of their program and Cary’s officials have gone to great lengths to make learning about water conservation fun for all ages. Town staff members teach elementary and middle school lessons on water conservation, in addition to other related topics and will arrange tours of the water and wastewater treatment plants. Cary’s website offers fun and games for all ages, like the game “Mr. Leaky’s House” and “SLOW” (Save Lots of Water), a game that teaches Wise Water habits aimed at second and third grade students, there is even an Internet Scavenger Hunt for fifth graders.
Even though Cary’s water supply is expected to meet their growing demands until 2015, the town’s not taking any chances. They are preparing today for tomorrow’s needs by conservation and education. They rank among the top regions in the country to live, work, find a home, start a business, raise a family or to retire. They plan to be the best local government for their size in the Eastern United States and to provide their citizens with exemplary service. They are managing their growth in a way that will not only protect the natural beauty of the region, but also conserve their water for years to come.
You can get an overview of their program at the following web site:
http://www.townofcary.org/depts/pwdept/water/waterconservation/overview.htm
The
The Wilmington District has responsibility for managing water resources in an area that covers about 53,000 square miles, which includes six river basins and 1,500 miles of navigable waterways. The Corps multipurpose reservoir projects include W. Kerr Scott located near North Wilkesboro, NC, Falls Lake located near Raleigh, NC, and B. Everett Jordan located near Moncure, NC. In addition, multipurpose projects with hydropower include Philpott located near Martinsville, Va. and John H. Kerr located near Clarksville, Va. There are also three Corps lock and dams located on the Cape Fear River.
The Wilmington District Corps of Engineers maintains information on stream and lake levels from data collection platforms (DCP's), daily reports of stream flows, lake elevations, and precipitation, and monthly and annual summary reports. Water Control Managers monitor river and lake elevations as floodwaters peak and recede during times of heavy rains or drought. They make adjustments in release schedules as conditions change.
US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, maintains a public web site, which gives descriptive information and real time data on all five of their dams and reservoirs. The site includes information about each facility, and information is updated daily and hourly, graphing inflows and outflows from each. Historical data is also included so that users can understand today's water situation in the context of the entire range of events since the dams began operating. The site covers the following facilities:
* John H. Kerr Dam on the Roanoke River (North Carolina and Virginia)
* Philpott Dam on the Smith River (upper Roanoke Basin in Virginia)
* Falls Dam on the Neuse River
* B. Everett Jordan Dam on the Cape Fear River
* W. Kerr Scott Dam on the Yadkin-Peedee River near Wilkesboro, NC
http://epec.saw.usace.army.mil/
For important project operation information during drought or flood conditions,
click on their "Hot Topics” link. Their site also provides access to
current and historic water resource information and climate and streamflow
forecast information in the Wilmington District and surrounding areas. Web
site: http://epec1.saw.usace.army.mil/index.htm
Just about everyone knows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers builds water resources projects. But did you know the Corps also helps States, Indian Tribes and local governments prepare their own plans and initiate their own actions to manage their water and related land resources? Three of the Corps’ most effective and efficient small project programs deal with Continuing Authorities, Flood Plain Management Services and Planning Assistance to States. http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/custguide/CustGuide/intro.htm
The United States Steel Corporation: The Izaak Walton League and the U.S. Department of Energy awarded USSC’s Minntac operation in Minnesota an award for its conservation efforts. More than 400 million gallons of water a day is recirculated through its water system; 95 per cent is reclaim and recycled. Minntac’s tailings basin is a refuge for waterfowl and migratory birds.
Web site: http://www.ussteel.com/corp/facilities/minntac/environment.htm
In 1990, Vulcan Materials Company’s Sanders Quarry near Warrenton, Virginia received certification by the Wildlife Habitat Council as a sanctioned and enhanced habitat on corporate land; it was the first site in the nation of its kind. The Brooksville Quarry in Florida has employee volunteers who manage 40 acres that provide food and cover for wildlife. A pond enhanced with native vegetation feeds Ospreys. Their Gold Hill, North Carolina site has nesting structures built by local Boy Scouts, as well as being home to beavers, river otters, wild turkeys, American kestrels, deer and bobcats. They also have an Emergency Management Response Team that is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to chemical spills anywhere in the country. They successfully reduced emissions in many of their plants by 99%, which resulted in an award from RENEW America, a coalition of national environmental groups. Web site: http://www.vulcanmaterials.com/sr/section2a.html
Wal-Mart, in order to keep their 1989 commitment to preserve the environment went so far as to make sure that one of their Assistant Managers in each store is responsible for Community Involvement. Some stores even have a Green Manager; a volunteer who gets involved in community environmental issues. In addition, Wal-Mart hosts an Earth Day Fair at its stores across the nation. The fairs feature local environmental organizations and events celebrating Earth Day. Wal-Mart and SAM’S CLUBS believe in protecting and preserving our natural resources, they provide grants to support environmental education and efforts in local communities, contributing more than $1.5 million last year alone. Web site: http://www.walmartfoundation.org/wmstore/goodworks/scripts/Environment.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1414935135.1057858196@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccgadcigjhggifcfkfcfkjdgoodglg.0&oid=-10264&coid=-10307
The WasteCap Resource Conservation Network (ReCoN) was started by the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire to help businesses save money and conserve natural resources. Their assistance is both confidential and free.
Web site: http://www.wastecapnh.org/
“Businesses conserving water” an article by Mary Alice Piasecki in the Austin Business Journal the week of July 31, 2000, talks about three of Ausin’s major corporations and their efforts to conserve water. Mary Alice Piasecki can be reached by email at (mapiasecki@bizjournals.com).
Web site: http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2000/07/31/story7.html
Water Desalination International, a Los Angeles based company, wants to be the leader in research and development for the advancement of desalination. For the past twelve years, WDI has involved in research and developing a multi-stage vapor compression process with intent to market it to both the commercial and industrial sectors, as well as municipal and governmental agencies.
Web site: http://www.waterdesalination.com/aboutus.htm
The WaterWise Garden in
Weyerhaeuser has adhered to their environmental policies, which outline
their commitments and guide their behavior, since 1971. In Lumberton, North
Carolina alone, they manage over 600,000 acres of timberland with the idea
of sustainable production of wood and with protection of the environmental
quality and wildlife habitat. On average Weyerhaeuser plants almost 80 percent of its harvested
lands within one year and 100 percent within two years. They hand plant seedlings
that have been carefully developed to enhance growth, wood quality and hardiness.
They also thin forests to give remaining trees more room to grow. In addition,
they fertilize selected stands to supplement natural nutrient levels, and
protect forests against fire, insects and disease. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency accepted Weyerhaeuser’s Flint River,
How exactly does a forest affect the quality of water? Bob Emory, Environmental Manager for Weyerhaeuser’s Southern Timberlands Operation explains:
"In any given river basin or water bed, the best water quality comes from the forest. And that's true whether it's a national park where basically nothing is going on or whether it's a very heavily managed forest, such as Weyerhaeuser might own. It still holds true that the best water in the watershed comes from the forest. There are a number of reasons for that. If you'll think about a forest, it rains and some of the rain is intercepted by the tops of the trees, and held there. The velocity of the rain is reduced as it falls down through the through the forest canopy so that when the rain actually strikes the forest floor, it's striking it with much less force. Plus, the forest floor is covered with leaves and bushes and other vegetation that also help to absorb the velocity of the water as it falls. So you don't get the rapid runoff, the rapid surface water runoff from the rainfall that you might get in some other land use; worse case being pavement. In addition to that, the trees have deep root systems and so those root systems under the ground create opportunities for lots of water storage, underground storage, so that the water will eventually seep its way through the soil into the streams rather than running across the surface and perhaps, picking up sediment and other pollutants that can get into the water. So that in a nut shell, that's what the forest does for water quality."
Along the Neuse River, Weyerhaeuser has started many programs, as well as projects, to restore the river to it’s natural state. They believe in minimal impact and intend to reduce and prevent pollution by capturing chemical discharges and by-products of their production. They are also active in recycling and reusing. In fact, they have reduced their amount of water consumption by 40%. In addition, they practice smart paving, building roads that help prevent erosion or landslides. They put in a line of trees between the mills and the streams to reduce runoff, and the trees provide shady spots for the fish.
A six-mile stretch of the Neuse River serves as an outdoor classroom for demonstrations on forest industry practices, in addition to maintenance and enhancement of the wildlife habitat, air and water quality, as well as aesthetic, recreational and historical values. Discussions of various wood products, how to determine the age of a tree, along with programs about the diverse wildlife that calls a forest home are just a few of the educational programs Weyerhaeuser has to offer to the public. There’s even training sessions for teacher re-certification at Project Tree. These are all part of Weyerhaeuser’s Cool Springs Environmental Education Center in New Bern. To learn more about these programs and others, visit the web site: http://coolsprings.org/
Additional Weyerhaeuser Websites: http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/environment/_private/aepr2000/highlights/reducingpollution00.htm
http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/popups/_frameset.asp?bodyFrame=/popups/pressReleases.asp?id=122320021
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accepted Weyerhaeuser’s Flint River,
Web site: http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/environment/_private/aepr2000/highlights/reducingpollution00.htm
http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/popups/_frameset.asp?bodyFrame=/popups/pressReleases.asp?id=122320021
Xeriscape Colorado!, Inc. is a non-profit group that promotes water conserving landscapes. Volunteers are committed to providing people with information on how to improve their landscape and reduce demands on water, maintenance and other resources.
Web site: http://www.xeriscape.org/
Yadkin-APGI (Alcoa) has been a steward of the Yadkin River watershed’s renewable resources for nearly a century. They are a licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and are responsible for the generation of hydroelectric power, while protecting natural, environmental, cultural and scenic resources. They strive to maintain an appropriate balance between their use and the public use of the reservoirs. They accomplish this through their Yadkin Shoreline Management Plan. You can read all about the plan at the following web site: http://www.alcoa.com/yadkin/en/info_page/environment_overview.asp