IACI presented Union Pacific Railroad with its 2011 Environmental Excellence Award during IACI’s 37th Annual Conference in Twin Falls in June.
First presented in 1997, the IACI Environmental Excellence Award provides recognition to businesses which, through innovative environmental leadership and accomplishment, have achieved outstanding results in environmental protection and enhancement. All businesses operating in Idaho are eligible for the award, including non-IACI members.
This year, Union Pacific Railroad is recognized for going beyond required compliance in Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plans, permit requirements for wastewater treatment facilities and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans by making capital investments and process changes to decrease pollution and more efficiently use natural resources throughout the state.
Union Pacific Railroad’s recent environmental achievements in Idaho include construction of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. This remediation and redevelopment project spans the Panhandle of Idaho for almost 72 miles, bringing environmental and economic benefits to communities along the Trail. The Trail is a distinctive example of Union Pacific’s innovation, environmental leadership, and accomplishment of outstanding results in Idaho.
Presenting the award in front of over 70 of Idaho’s business leaders and over 40 legislators and elected officials attending the IACI conference, IACI Chairman Mark Benson commended Union Pacific Railroad for being “focused on environmentally responsible business practices.”
Said Bob Grimaila, Union Pacific Vice President - Safety, Security and Environment, about the award, “Union Pacific is honored to accept the Environmental Excellence Award from the Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry. Our ongoing development of innovative technologies and our comprehensive application of environmental strategies and practices protect the environment and the communities and customers we serve."
The Union Pacific team was selected by an independent committee chaired by Jack Lyman, Executive Director of the Idaho Mining Association. Other selection committee members were Representative Brian Cronin (D-Boise), member of the House Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, Robbin Finch, Water Quality Manager for the City of Boise; Orville Green, Administrator of the Waste Remediation Program at the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality; Paul Kjellander, Commissioner for the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, and Senator Patti Anne Lodge (R-Huston), Chair of the Senate Health & Welfare Committee.
Also nominated for the 2011 award were: United Water Idaho, McCain Foods, ConAgra Foods/Lamb Weston in American Falls, and ConAgra Foods/Lamb Weston in Twin Falls. Noted Benson, “This year, our selection committee had the daunting task of selecting the best of the best. We had five excellent companies nominated, and all their accomplishments in the environmental area are commendable.”