2004 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards

Winners

Blue & Gold Fleet, Concessioner

Park Location: Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Blue & Gold Fleet (B&G), a concessioner in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has implemented exemplary environmental stewardship, pollution prevention and waste reduction practices in its ferry operations.

In 2003, B&G demonstrated an exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship through numerous partnerships with local governmental and non-governmental agencies:

• Partnered with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to address vessel emissions, air- and water-quality degradation, energy and water conservation, green procurement, recycling, waste reduction, and public support issues allowing B&G to plan, develop, and implement stabilization and rehabilitation projects and improve the sustainability of vessel and on-island operations;
• Partnered with the City and County of San Francisco (SF) Public Utilities Commission (PUC) as part of an incentive program to reduce local power consumption. The PUC granted funding for an upgrade the Pier 41 facility HVAC systems;
• Partnered with UC Berkeley, the Water Transit Authority (WTA), Bay Area Air Quality Management District, California Air Resources Board for emissions testing of engines, fuels and alternate technologies. This testing significantly advanced the understanding of alternate diesel-fuel technology in ferry applications;
• Positioned itself as a leader in low-emission technology applications to the marine environment through its research and development and through active membership in the SF Bay Water Transit Authority ad-hoc “Clean Marine” work group;
• Partnered with the WTA Zero-Emissions Fuel-Cell Ferry Project and has been designated the future operator of the first zero-emissions ferry on the bay;
• Received funding from the Bay Area Air Quality Control District and the California Air Resources Board for post-combustion engine exhaust traps which may lead to an 80% reduction in soot and particulate matter as well as an 80% reduction in carbon monoxide; and
• Partnered with the City and County of SF Department of Public Health to develop a pollution prevention checklist for marine operations. The checklist is an assessment baseline and P2 pledge that SF marina and vessel operations can use as a guideline for “Green Business” certification.

In 2003, Blue and Gold Fleet also demonstrated a solid commitment to environmental management through a variety of initiatives, including recycling, environmental purchasing, energy conservation and environmental education:

• Recycled more than 100,000 pounds of cardboard, 32,000 pounds of paper, and 5,000 gallons of used oil; also recycled bottles/cans, batteries, light tubes, wood, plastic, glass, rubber, aluminum, steel, and electronic equipment;
• Used environmentally preferred soy-based inks on its tickets, brochures and business cards;
• Purchased paper products that have 20 to 35% post-consumer content;
• Served certified shade-grown organic coffee on its vessels;
• Upgraded its exterior and office lighting to more efficient and environmentally preferable fixtures;
• Utilized three zero-emissions electric vehicles in its operations;
• Replaced the last of its two-stroke main diesel engines with more efficient four-stroke engines that have electronic fuel-control systems;
• Employees of Blue and Gold Fleet received extensive environmental training in subject areas including pollution prevention, source reduction, best management practices, green procurement, environmental partnerships, public education, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Marine Mammal Center policies and procedures, the Oiled Wildlife Care Network policies and procedures, environmental emergency response and prevention, Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP), Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), Hazard Communication (HAZCOM), and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER);
• Assisted the WTA in the design and construction of the first hydrogen fuelcell powered ferry and was designated as the future operator of the vessel;
• Assisted the WTA ad-hoc “Clean Marine” work group in the design of two different SCR technologies which are to be installed on four vessels in 2004;
• Tested bio-diesel to assess its emissions and efficacy in conjunction with water-injection technologies and the use of fuel additives;
• Developed a cost-effective fuel mixture that can reduce airborne particulates up to 60% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) up to 25%;
• Researched, developed and installed (with funding from the Bay Area Air Quality Control District and the California Air Resources Board) postcombustion engine exhaust traps; and
• Reduced bilge-slop generation in 2002 by 45% (from the 1998 baseline) and continued this trend in 2003.

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Grand Canyon National Park/Xanterra Parks & Resorts Team

Park Location: Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park and Xanterra Parks & Resorts (GRCA/Xanterra) Team has developed and implemented a noteworthy recycling program at Grand Canyon National Park. In 2003, the Team devised a system which not only helped divert solid waste but increased recycling tonnage tremendously and achieved significant results in the first year.

• The Park awarded a new recycling contract to an established local firm, who accepted an expanded list of recyclable items for the entire Park. The list included glass, steel and aluminum cans, plastic, office paper, junk mail, magazines, newspapers, chipboard, and cardboard;
• The Team developed an active advertising program to promote the new recycling program. Flyers were sent to all residents, articles were placed in local papers, and recycling program information was provided to all tourists via a guide which was distributed at all entrance stations;
• Xanterra provided flyers to all its employees, and information was placed in guestrooms and strategic locations throughout the concession operations;
• Xanterra created a recycling program at the Recreational Center for the Park community. Phone books, plastic grocery bags , and household batteries were collected and recycled;
• The Team developed programs to recycle or reuse bus tires, car batteries, used oil, used solvents, fluorescent lamps, laundry drums, and toner and inkjet cartridges; and
• The Team used mule manure in a cold composting enterprise which is used to help re-vegetate a landfill closure cap.

The Team’s efforts resulted in 1,454 tons of material recycled in 2003, equating to a waste diversion rate of 40.2 %. Additionally, the Team’s 2003 purchases contained 271,657 pounds of recycled content products.

Honorable Mention

Delaware North Parks Companies & Resorts, Concessioner

Park Location: Yellowstone National Park

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts (DNC P&R) operates the Yellowstone General Stores (YGS) at Yellowstone National Park. In 2003, DNC P&R at Yellowstone demonstrated an excellent commitment to waste reduction through numerous internal initiatives:

• Implemented a five cent deposit/refund program on beverage containers sold individually (e.g., aluminum, glass, and plastic #1 & #2);
• Developed a comprehensive recycling program which incorporated materials not required under the concession contract, including ‘slick’ paper, steel/tin/scrap iron, plastic #1 & #2, disposable cameras, 35mm metal magazines, cooking grease, household and car batteries, fluorescent lights, light ballasts, used oil, off spec fuel, used antifreeze, used tires, printer/toner cartridges, and wood pallets;
• Donated used electronic equipment to local business and families in West Yellowstone;
• Donated a dump truck to the West Yellowstone Compost Facility;
• Distributed a vendor compliance agreement with a section explaining the DNC P&R EMS (“GreenPath”) and vendor expectations;
• Incorporated environmentally friendly practices and products into store remodeling projects;
• Purchased three picnic tables made of 100% plastic lumber;
• Sold a line of t-shirts made of 100% recycled content cotton fabrics;
• Purchased a chemical-free Smart Parts Washer to replace the solvent-based parts washer for vehicle maintenance. Bioremediation converts the grease and oil into nonharmful substances (i.e., water and carbon dioxide); and
• Leased three Honda hybrid vehicles for use at the park.

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Verkamp’s, Concessioner

Park Location: Grand Canyon National Park

Verkamp’s is a small family-run concession that has served the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for nearly a century. Throughout their history, Verkamp’s has strived to be good stewards of the park’s resources; the result is that Verkamp’s has had little impact on the environment. Recently, Verkamp’s decided to formalize what they have been doing for many years by developing and implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS). This coincided with the park’s goal of implanting a park-wide EMS.

The following lists some of the noteworthy environmental accomplishments of Verkamp’s:

• Partnered with local and regional NPS staff, and the EPA Region;
• Eliminated all identified significant aspects;
• Actively promoted environmental practices to employees (recycling tips, energy savings tips, “Queen of Clean” books in library, etc.);
• Accepted as member of EPA’s performance track;
• Installed motion-sensors on lights;
• Significantly reduced the amount of hazardous materials in use and storage;
• Purchased environmentally preferable products including:
  • rechargeable batteries for digital cameras;
  • vinegar-based window cleaner;
  • copy-paper fax machine (previous machine used thermo-paper);
  • washable micro fiber dust cloths to replace disposable dust cloths;
  • reusable plastic gloves to replace disposable plastic gloves used when cleaning the restrooms;
  • recycled content copy paper; and
  • rubber pencil cap erasers (to extend life of pencil);
• Re-used office paper for backup invoices, daily credit card reports, sales reports, and emails;
• Re-used buckets as employee recycling bins;
• Returned shipping materials to vendors;
• Returned 100 plastic belt hangers to the belt vendor for reuse;
• Sent 20 printer cartridges to Hewlett Packard for recycling;
• Placed recycling bins for aluminum, glass, and plastic by the front doors for visitor use;
• Recycled florescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, alkaline, NiCad and lithium batteries;
• Offered to recycle spent camera batteries and receipts for customers;
• Canceled catalogue mailings from 25 vendors;
• Asked customers if they would like them to cut tags from hats and rings so they do not end up as litter;
• Offered visitors the option of not getting a paper bag for their purchases (save a bag/save a tree).

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Zion Lodge (Xanterra Parks & Resorts), Concessioner

Park Location: Zion National Park

Zion Lodge - Xanterra Parks & Resorts has developed a state-of-the-art Environmental Management System (EMS) called Ecologix. In 2003, the Ecologix EMS was the driving force behind environmental performance at Zion Lodge.

• Selected as member of the EPA’s Performance Track Program (2004);
• Reduced water consumption by 17%;
• Saved nine million gallons of water by converting two acres of non-native seeded grass around hotel units to native rock, shrubs, and grasses;
• Installed low flow fixtures and appliances as part of guest room renovations;
• Implemented a linen reuse program;
• Reduced solid waste generation by 48%;
• Initiated recycling of aluminum, tin, plastic, glass, mixed paper, cardboard, batteries, and universal wastes, splitting transportation responsibilities with NPS;
• Received approval and have prepared drawings for the installation of two Green Mountain Earth Tubs that will compost all food wastes produced by the Lodge;
• Switched to serving beer on tap in the Lodge dining room in 2003, preventing over 10,000 lbs of waste glass annually;
• Served environmentally friendly food and beverages (i.e., salmon, beef and coffee);
• Initiated a program with vendors where they are rewarded for reducing the packaging that comes with items they provide for retail;
• Used bulk containers wherever possible for food service, housekeeping, and in guest rooms (all soaps are bulk dispensed);
• Restricted vendors from shipping products in Styrofoam containers, except under special circumstances;
• Retrofitted 90% of the Lodge’s incandescent light bulbs to energy saving compact fluorescents;
• Procured 10% of electricity from renewable and inexhaustible wind power through Utah Power’s Blue Sky Program;
• Received approval and prepared schematics for the installation of two solar photovoltaic arrays to supply power to administrative offices and a dormitory at the Lodge; and
• Received approval to add an additional electric vehicle to fleet and exchange a SUV for a super-efficient hybrid-electric vehicle.