American Water Receives Two Environmental Awards
VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
American
Water (NYSE: AWK), the nation's largest publicly traded water
utility, announced today it has earned two Business Achievement Awards
from the Environmental Business Journal® (EBJ) and the Climate
Change Business Journal® (CCBJ). The awards will be presented in a
ceremony at the 10th annual Environmental
Industry Summit X on March 14, 2012.
American Water was recognized by the EBJ in the Technology Merit
category for receipt of its "Optimized Nutrient Removal from Wastewater"
patent, also known as NPXpress, in September 2011. The NPXpress
technology helps wastewater utilities, which are facing both increasing
operating costs and more stringent environmental regulations, to reduce
costs while improving the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus. Because
the technology operates at lower oxygen levels, electricity consumption
for aeration is reduced by 50 percent. In addition, the process can
eliminate the need for costly chemical addition (methanol) by up to 80
to 100 percent. This new process, created by American Water experts,
provides a more affordable and sustainable way of treating sewage.
"We are honored to receive this important recognition from the
Environmental Business Journal for our wastewater treatment patent,"
said Mark LeChevallier, Director of Innovation and Environmental
Stewardship for American Water. "The innovation demonstrated by this
patent will help to cost effectively address pressing needs for improved
technology for wastewater treatment."
New
Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, was
recognized by the CCBJ in the Project Merit: Solar Power category for installing
solar modules on a reservoir at the company's Canoe Brook Water
Treatment Plant in Millburn, N.J. This pilot project was the first solar
array on the East Coast on a body of water designed to withstand a
freeze/thaw environment. The 400 solar modules, measure 110 ft by 110 ft
and rest on a docking station designed to float on the water's surface.
The array will generate 112 kilowatts of DC (direct current) power,
which will then be converted to AC (alternating current) power.
Annually, the solar field will produce 135,000 kilowatt hours per year,
or approximately two percent of the plant's power.
"We are thrilled to receive recognition from the Climate Change Business
Journal for one of the new ways we are using green energy," said Suzanne
Chiavari, Vice President of Engineering at New Jersey American Water.
"Sustainability and solar power will continue to be an emphasis for us
as we continue to look for ways to control costs and be a good
environmental steward."
This is the fourth time in as many years that American Water has been
recognized by the EBJ awards. The company was honored with 2008, 2009
and 2010 project merit awards for developing water recycling systems at
the Solaire and Visionaire high-rise residences in New York City, and
designing, building and operating the Fillmore Water Recycling Plant in
California, respectively.
The Business Achievement Awards annually recognize companies and
executives for environmental achievements seen as outperforming the
market.
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S.
water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees,
N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who
provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to
approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states and parts of
Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water,
is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing
high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to
approximately 2.5 million people.
American Water
Denise Venuti Free
External
Communications Manager
856-309-4690
denise.free@amwater.com
Source: American Water
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