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April 24, 2013

Washington State Ferry terminals earn highest EnviroStars rating
Ten state ferry terminals meet high environmental standards

The Washington State Department of Transportation Washington State Ferries (WSF) system is celebrating a milestone achievement this Earth Day by earning the highest 5-Star certification from the EnviroStars Program at 10 ferry terminal facilities.

Their stewardship practices include purchasing least hazardous products, avoiding the use of pesticides, using Green Seal certified cleaning products, monitoring contract work to prevent pollution, protective storage, posting spill procedures and cleanup materials, and carefully managing wastes.

“I congratulate the ferry employees and terminal workers for their diligence to keep activities there safe and clean,” said EnviroStars Program Manager Laurel Tomchick.

“It’s not just activities on the water that can create a pollution problem – it’s shoreline and dock facilities, our roadways – everything that flows downhill and downriver. If your vehicle is leaking oil when you pull into a ferry line, it’s a problem for all of us.”

“The certification process was rigorous and thorough, and we learned some new things for our facilities, and for the vessels, too,” said Sheila Helgath, WSF Environmental Program Manager.

Certified EnviroStars Terminal facilities are: Anacortes, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Fauntleroy, Kingston, Point Defiance/Tahlequah, Port Townsend, Seattle, Southworth and Vashon.

Each terminal facility provided documentation of its practices, procedures and policies, and on-site visits were conducted for verification.

“We are proud to be among the EnviroStars certified organizations and businesses,” said WSDOT Assistant Secretary David Moseley. “WSF is deeply committed to being a good steward of the environment.”

Washington State Ferries terminals join a growing list of businesses that have earned the EnviroStars certification. There are more than 850 EnviroStars certified facilities offering a variety of services from car repair, dentistry, dry cleaning, landscaping, and printing, to veterinary care - a great way to take care of your business while supporting environmentally sound businesses in your community.

EnviroStars are given a 2- to 5-Star rating, based on their demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability in their business practices, and reducing hazardous materials and wastes.

Residents who want to support environmentally responsible businesses can look for the EnviroStars window decal and certification logo, find a business at www.envirostars.org, or call 1-877-220-7827 (STAR) for a directory.
The nationally recognized EnviroStars Program was created by the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County in 1995, and has expanded to include seven counties in the Puget Sound region and across Washington. It is implemented by Skagit County Environmental Public Health Division in Skagit County. Information is available at www.envirostars.org .