WHITTIER, CA, July 9, 2008 -- Certificates of Recognition were sent to 459 companies by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County for being "good corporate citizens" for the year 2007. These companies were consistent in their compliance with all their industrial wastewater discharge requirements in 2007. 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. Seventy-four of the companies have received this recognition consecutively for the last five or more years.
"As far as we're concerned, the 459 industries receiving certificates are our model citizens," notes Steve Maguin, 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." Mr. Maguin announced the certificate awardees at the meetings of the Boards of Directors of the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County.
"We hope this will continue to be an award that is sought after by industry and recognized by the public," notes Sam Bell, Vice President of Metal Surfaces, Inc., of Bell Gardens and chair of the Industry Advisory 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."
Paul Martyn, head of the Sanitation Districts' Industrial Waste Section, adds that the monitoring, inspection and compliance records of these facilities were carefully checked to verify that every requirement was met during the year.
The idea for the Certificates of Recognition originated with the Sanitation Districts' Industry Advisory Council, an advisory group of 18 representatives from different industrial sectors. The Council and the Sanitation Districts felt it was important that industries with good compliance records be recognized. The Recognition Program is now in its twelfth year.
"This is a great example of private industry working with regulators for economic and environmental benefits," said Ron Wood, President and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. "Their determination and innovation show that we can have a diverse and growing economy while maintaining our quality of life."
"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 are a partnership of independent special districts serving over 5 million people in 78 cities and the unincorporated territory within Los Angeles County. The Sanitation Districts provide environmentally sound, cost effective wastewater and solid waste management, and in the process convert waste into resources such as reclaimed water, energy, and recycled materials.
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