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October 20, 2004
Mt. Holly recognized for environment excellence
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GOOSE CREEK, S.C. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Oct. 20, 2004 - Alcoa (NYSE:AA) and the University of South Carolina jointly announced today that Alcoa - Mt. Holly has been recognized as a leader in environmental excellence by being named to the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program (SCEEP).
A committee of industry, environmental, governmental, academic and public interest representatives recommended the Alcoa plant for inclusion in the program after reviewing the facility's environmental standards, certifications and initiatives. This is the first time that the Mt. Holly smelter has been named to the program.
Alcoa invested $6.5 million in the Mt. Holly smelter last year to improve its environmental performance and increase its production capacity. In keeping with Alcoa's commitment to meet or exceed existing environmental standards, more than $3 million of that investment was tied directly to environmental projects. The projects included process control improvements that allow the plant to further minimize fluoride emissions and modifications that lower particulate emissions.
Alcoa's Mt. Holly smelter has held ISO 14001 certification for environmental management standards since 1996 from the International Standardization Organization. In addition, the smelter is an Alcoa pilot test site to identify and evaluate passive "green technology" environmental solutions that can enhance the quality and reduce the quantity of storm water discharged into the environment. Other environmental programs at Mt. Holly include: an Employee Home Waste Recycling Area for employees to divert waste from their homes to recycling opportunities instead of county landfills; monetary rewards for employees who make feasible suggestions to improve EHS (environment, health and safety) programs; and merit pay raises that are dependent on annual key EHS performance indicators.
Alcoa's Mt. Holly has been a part of Goose Creek since it was built in 1977. The facility is the most advanced plant of its kind in the United States, a pacesetter in production efficiency, energy utilization and environmental protection. The facility currently employs about 600 people, and contributes more than $150 million to the local economy through payroll, taxes and the purchase of goods and services. The plant produces aluminum ingot that is processed by customers into products such as foil, cans and automotive parts shipped throughout the United States and Mexico.
SCEEP was established in the late 1990s to recognize and encourage industry and business leaders committed to environmental improvements beyond regulation requirements. Administered by the Institute for Public Service and Policy Research at the University of South Carolina, the sponsors of the program include the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the South Carolina Energy Office, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
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