County Presents Environmental Excellence Awards To Montgomery General Hospital, Businesses For Protecting Water Quality

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Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Boyd Church, 240-777-7700

For Immediate Release: March 24, 2000

COUNTY PRESENTS ENVIRONMENTAL
EXCELLENCE AWARDS TO MONTGOMERY
GENERAL HOSPITAL, BUSINESSES
FOR PROTECTING WATER QUALITY

Montgomery General Hospital was recognized today by County Chief Administrative Officer Bruce Romer as the County's Outstanding Clean Water Partner during the Fifth Annual Environmental Excellence Awards program conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Also honored with Outstanding Program Leadership Awards were The National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda and the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg. Receiving Five-Year Charter Member Awards were Betco Block and Products, Inc. of Bethesda, Pepsi-Cola in Burtonsville, and Shemin Nurseries, Inc. of Burtonsville.

Located in Olney, Montgomery General Hospital received the award for instituting a water conservation program that has saved millions of gallons of water through equipment upgrades, comprehensive water audits, and the installation of water recycling technologies. Montgomery General has proactively implemented extensive stream protection measures during on-site construction to prevent sediment runoff and other contaminants from entering surrounding surface waters. The hospital organized stream clean-ups with employees and in cooperation with area Boy Scout Troops. In addition, Montgomery General has recycled 460 tons of paper, plastics, cardboard, aluminum, and glass since 1993.

"Montgomery General Hospital has proven their dedication to environmental quality by onsite water conservation and recycling and by supporting those activities in the community," said County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "Our voluntary Clean Water Partners Program proves that businesses and agencies want to do the right thing. This effective public-private partnership fosters information sharing that gives members the tools to make environmental protection cost effective and good business."

The Clean Water Partners Program is a cooperative venture between DEP and businesses working together to prevent stormwater pollution. "I'm proud that over 50 businesses and agencies are currently Clean Water Partners who have taken the pledge to implement on-site pollution prevention practices and promote clean water programs with their employees and the surrounding community," said DEP Director James Caldwell. "The County and our partners are working together to protect our shared environment, and this program is a way to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions."

The National Naval Medical Center and the National Institute of Standards and Technology received the Outstanding Program Leadership Awards for their exemplary commitment to restoring and protecting environmental resources, both onsite and in the County.

In addition to its comprehensive pollution prevention programs, the National Naval Medical Center regularly provides public education for employees, patients, and visitors. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a leader in wetland restoration and wildlife management, and has conducted a cooperative project with the Izaak Walton League.

Betco Block and Products, Inc. has adopted Little Falls and routinely conducts clean ups to improve water quality. Pepsi-Cola promotes a variety of environmental protection programs within their operations and has enlisted the help of a neighboring business to clean up a tributary of the Little Paint Branch. Shemin Nurseries, Inc. of Burtonsville supports an active environmental and safety program.

For more information on the Clean Water Partners Program or the awards program, call Boyd Church at 240-777-7700.

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