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~ <br /> March 18, 2 04 <br /> CONTACT: Peter Ruffner, Wastewater Division Director, 682-8606 <br /> From Public Information Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 <br /> FOR IMME IATE RELEASE <br /> EPA elects Eugene Wastewater Division for National Performance Program <br /> The ugene Public Works Wastewater Division was one of 39 organizations recently <br /> named by t e U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for membership to the National <br /> i <br /> ~ Environmen al Performance Track Program. The national program rewards facilities that <br /> j voluntarily a ceed regulatory requirements, implement environmental management systems, <br /> work close) with their communities, and set three-year goals to continuously improve <br /> environmen al performance. <br /> "Th National Environmental Performance Track rewards exceptional progress," said <br /> i <br /> EPA Admini trator Mike Leavitt, "We recognize these facilities as environmental leaders <br /> because th it business models are delivering environmental results beyond what is expected or <br /> required," s id Leavitt. <br /> Perf rmance Track members represent a diverse cross-section of the economy - <br /> I electronics, medical and chemical products, machinery, pharmaceutical, transportation <br /> w <br /> equipment, nd wood products. Participating facilities receive a low priority status for <br /> j inspections• reduced regulatory, administrative and reporting burdens; and public recognition. <br /> j These ben its translate to greater efficiency and reduced costs. <br /> ' Acc rding to Wastewater Division Director Peter Ruffier, the division was selected <br /> ~ because of is established environmental management system, proven track record of <br /> compliance and its leadership in working with other municipal agencies to adopt effective <br /> environme al management practices for wastewater services. <br /> "Ac eptance in the Performance Track program is a tremendous tribute to the staff of the <br /> j Wastewate Division who have worked very hard to improve their environmental benefits," <br /> ~ Ruffier said "Involvement in the program will put us in contact with other environmental leaders <br /> and help u to continue learning and improving <br /> Pe rmance Track currently has 344 members from 43 states and Puerto Rico. Each <br /> <br /> j membershi lasts for three years, and participants must submit annual performance reports <br /> outlining th it progress during this time. The City's Wastewater Division is the first municipal <br /> wastewate agency in the United States accepted info the Performance Track program. <br /> Pubti Works • Administration • Ciry of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541)682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />