PRESS RELEASE- "Green Business Awards" Program Underway in Barnes Aquifer Recharge Area

Businesses that have become friendlier to the environment now have a way to get more recognition for their efforts. The "Green Business Awards for Barnes Aquifer Protection" Program is now underway in the communities of Westhampton, Holyoke, Southampton, and Westfield.

The "Green Business Awards for Barnes Aquifer Protection" Program recognizes and rewards businesses that have taken responsible steps to protect or improve the environment, specifically, the Barnes Aquifer that provides drinking water to the communities of Easthampton, Holyoke, Southampton, and Westfield.

Awards- and technical assistance to businesses who wish to be considered for an award-will be provided by the Barnes Aquifer Protection Advisory Committee (BAPAC). The Barnes Aquifer Protection Advisory Committee was established through an intergovernmental compact between Easthampton, Holyoke, Southampton, Westfield, and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to promote cooperation in protecting this vital regional water supply. Each business selected by the BAPAC to receive a "Green Business Award" will get a certificate of merit and will be incited to an informal awards ceremony with the press and local public officials. "Green Businesses" may also be mentioned on local radio stations.

For a business to be considered for a "Green Business Award":
1. 1) Businesses must be located or conduct businesses in the Barnes Aquifer Recharge Area;
   (parts of Easthampton, Holyoke, Southampton, Westfield-please refer to map)
2. 2) Businesses must have the intent to be a more environmentally responsible business;
3. 3) Businesses must have taken on one or more of the following activities and be able to document how the activities have been implemented:

Examples of improved practices are:
• Establish an Emergency Preparedness Plan to deal with chemical spills;
• Reduce and/or recycle hazardous waste;
• Substantially reduce pesticide use or implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM);
• Remove or replace old Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) with above- ground tanks;
• Establish a water conservation program;
• Promote protection and preservation of open space;
• Inform others about the Barnes Aquifer and water supply protection through company literature or advertising.

Anyone interested in this new program, or who would like a nomination form, can call Chris Curtis at Pioneer Valley Planning Commission at (413) 781-6045.