JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Commercial Lines Inc. ("ACL" or the "Company") announced today that its Manufacturing Division, Jeffboat, received a Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) on September 17 at the 11th annual Pollution Prevention Conference and Trade Show in Plainfield, IN.
Jeffboat, the nation's largest inland shipbuilder, received the award for pollution prevention as a result of its implementation of a new system to blend epoxy coating with paint. This new process enabled Jeffboat to reduce hazardous waste generation by more than 25,000 pounds annually. It also resulted in the reduction of solvent usage by about 4,000 gallons annually while increasing production by 33 percent. Finally, the new process eliminated about 28,000 pounds of volatile organic compounds.
"This award showcases the commitment by ACL and Jeffboat management to provide our employees with the equipment upgrades and environmental guidelines training needed to drive such positive results. These results are consistent with the company's goal of being aggressive in our pursuit of improved environmental standards in all of our operating venues," said Chris Carter, Jeffboat Safety Director.
The Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence are open to all Indiana facilities, government agencies, individuals, and other groups that implement exemplary environmental projects with measurable results. The awards recognize Indiana's leaders who have implemented outstanding environmental strategies into their operations and decision-making processes, reducing waste, saving money and contributing greatly to Indiana's environmental protection efforts and the health and welfare of the state's communities.
"Jeffboat deserves this recognition for utilizing environmental practices to protect Hoosiers and the environment," said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. "Their contribution toward protecting Indiana's environment is a standard that we should all strive to follow."
American Commercial Lines Inc., headquartered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, is an integrated marine transportation and service company operating in the United States Jones Act trades, with approximately $1 billion in revenues and approximately 3,300 employees as of December 31, 2007. For more information about American Commercial Lines Inc. visit http://www.aclines.com/.
