2006 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award Winners Recognized

ETAC-PENNTAP PENN STATE MCKEESPORT Partnership Wins the 2006 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award in the Higher Education Category. The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PENNTAP), the Electrotechnology Applications Center at Northampton Community College (ETAC) and Penn State McKeesport formed a partnership to provide one-on-one pollution prevention and environmental compliance outreach and technical assistant to help western Pennsylvania businesses go beyond regulatory compliance.

The aware, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Dominion, addressed the partnership as "an outstanding example of an innovative economic development program with successful practices for promoting economic growth that is focused on environmentally sustainable business practices and energy conservation."

PENNTAP specialist Roger Price, who with Dr. Michael Vasilik, ETAC director, accepted the award at the May 25, 2006 ceremony, said "in the past many economic development stakeholders have often viewed economic development and environmental protection as competing priorities. This partnership illustrates how technical assistance focused on waste reduction and energy conservation can be entirely compatible with economic development."

In addition to the award, the partnership was able to designate the nonprofit environmental organization of its choice to receive a $1,000 contribution. The partnership donated the sum to the Plum

The Partnership was selected as the award winner in the Higher Education category in recognition of its accomplishments over the first five years since the Partnership was established. The Partnership's successes include the following documented and verified environmental and economic benefits reported by our clients and resulting from 179 cases of technical assistance:

Waste & Emission Reductions
• 70,000,000 gallons of water use and wastewater discharged
• 12,000,000 lbs. of emissions
• 50,000 mcf of natural gas

Energy Savings
• 4,000,000kWh of electric power
• 50,000 mcf of natural gas

Economic Benefits
• 436 jobs saved or created
• $20,000,000

From left to right: Roger Price, PENNTAP Senior Technical Specialist, Dr.Mike Vasilik, ETAC Director, Kathleen McGinty, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection