Sanitation Districts Honor Industries for Being `Good Corporate Citizens'

Business Wire, June 25, 2003

Business Editors

WHITTIER, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 25, 2003

Over 400 companies were presented with Year 2002 Certificates of Recognition by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for being "good corporate citizens."

These companies were in consistent compliance with all their industrial wastewater discharge requirements for 2002. They met their limits for wastewater discharge; they were free from any notices of violation; they maintained their environmental equipment; and they fulfilled their permit requirements. Over 120 of the companies received this recognition for each of the last three years.

"As far as we're concerned, these are our model citizens," notes James Stahl, Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Sanitation Districts. "We appreciate their effort because it makes our job of running a huge wastewater collection and treatment system so much easier."

Paul Martyn, head of the Sanitation Districts' Industrial Waste Section, added that the records of these facilities were carefully checked, and they are recognized for their conscientious effort.

"It's appropriate to recognize companies which have devoted time and money to achieve full compliance," notes Martyn. "You always hear about the bad guys, and we thought it was time that you hear about the good guys."

The idea for the Certificate of Recognition originated with the Sanitation Districts' Industry Advisory Council, an advisory group of 18 representatives from different industrial sectors. The Council and the Districts have felt it was important that industries with good compliance records be recognized. The Recognition Program is now in its seventh year.

"We hope this will become an award that is sought after by industry and recognized by the public," says Sam Bell, Vice President of Metal Surfaces, Inc. of Bell Gardens and chair of the Council. "It provides further incentive for companies to meet Districts' limits and regulations. The Sanitation Districts have always worked closely with industry, and recognizing industry for conscientious compliance is a further step to encourage companies to comply with regulations and protect the environment."

"The Districts hope this Recognition Program will further strengthen the relationship of government and industry working together for a better environment and a sustaining economy," added Paul Martyn.

The Sanitation Districts provide environmentally sound and cost effective wastewater and solid waste management for over half the population of Los Angeles County. The Sanitation Districts take what others think of as waste, and maximize recovery of resources such as energy, reclaimed water, and recyclable materials.