Awards recognise achievements of US terminals

The Awards recognise groups, agencies, individuals and businesses making contributions to improving the environment in the mid-Atlantic region. The winning entries were selected from among more than 100 nominations. “Environmental protection is a team effort and these awards highlight some of the remarkable work being done by our partners throughout the region,” said EPA regional administrator Donald S. Welsh.

The centre point of the VPA’s efforts is its comprehensive environmental management system (EMS), a plan that was developed and implemented at all three of the state-owned marine terminals in 2004. Since then, the EMS has achieved ISO 14001 certification.

Under the EMS, the VPA has developed management plans to reduce environmental impacts, written standard operating procedures, instituted a training programme and created an internal audit programme. It has also instituted several voluntary programmes aimed at reducing air pollution, storm water run-off and fuel consumption, together with others for wetlands protection and habitat restoration.