The award is given to companies that demonstrate outstanding stewardship of Kentucky’s environment through energy conservation and air quality.
Office of Environmental Management
December 22, 2020
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PADUCAH, Ky. – EM’s infrastructure support contractor for the Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office’s Paducah Site recently received the Kentucky Excellence in Environmental Leadership Champion Award from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.
The award is given to companies that demonstrate outstanding stewardship of Kentucky’s environment through energy conservation, improving air quality, minimizing waste, or helping Kentuckians participate in environmental stewardship behaviors.
The recipient of the award, Swift & Staley Inc., is charged with responsibility for the Paducah Site recycling program, including promoting recycling in the local community and surrounding areas.
During 2019, Swift & Staley participated in community outreach projects that taught environmental awareness and the benefits of pollution prevention through hands-on projects and employee-participation events. These included plastic cap recycling projects with youth from the 4Rivers 4-H Homeschool Club, Morgan Elementary School Tornado Force youth group, and the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club.
The plastic cap recycling program was initiated in response to the temporary loss of recycling services during the period when plastics were not being accepted by China, which resulted in the loss of the site’s recycling vendor. After services were restored, Swift & Staley expanded the program to involve area youth groups.
The contractor also promotes recycling and cleanup efforts with the city of Paducah. Last year, Swift & Staley assisted in the removal of 1,100 pounds of trash from shorelines and scenic drives at the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area in association with Friends of LBL.
“Swift & Staley is proud to accept this award, and we continue to look for innovative ways to promote green practices such as recycling both at the Paducah Site and in the local community,” said Project Manager Tammy Courtney.