May 6, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today announced that Detroit Edison’s St. Clair Power Plant in East China Township has been designated as Michigan’s 82nd Clean Corporate Citizen in a program recognizing environmental stewardship.

The St. Clair Power Plant is located on 1,700 acres south of the city of St. Clair, and the facility employs approximately 400 workers. The plant is owned and operated by the Detroit Edison Company, an investor-owned electric utility operating in Southeast Michigan. Union workers at the facility are represented by the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 223 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 17.

“I am pleased to recognize the St. Clair Power Plant team for achievement in environmental management and proactive pollution prevention,” Governor Granholm said. “They are committed to maintaining and improving their environmental systems to promote a sustainable economy while seeking new opportunities to reduce waste and share the pollution prevention message.”

“Being recognized by the Department of Environmental Quality as a Clean Corporate Citizen is an honor and real testimony to the dedication of the St. Clair employees,” said Ben Kiehl, Director, St. Clair Power Plant. “Our employees are committed to fostering a strong environmental ethic and to continuous improvement of plant processes, especially those impacting the environment.” He concluded, “I'm pleased our employees are being recognized in this special way and wish to thank the DEQ for this consideration."

“The Utility Workers Union of America, Local 223, is extremely proud of our membership's contribution in obtaining Clean Corporate Citizen designation for the St. Clair Power Plant,” said Jeff Frady, St. Clair Power Plant Committeeman. “This accomplishment substantiates the level of commitment we have for environmental excellence, enhancement of our membership's quality of life, and the well being of the communities that we serve.”

To qualify for a Clean Corporate Citizen designation, candidates must adopt a facility-specific environmental management system, active pollution prevention initiatives, and have a consistent record of compliance with applicable environmental requirements. Designations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

St. Clair Power Plant operates under a combination of three environmental policies, including parent company Detroit Edison’s Waste Reduction Commitment. The facility has implemented a water conservation demonstration project, initiated a three-year program to reduce energy usage by reductions in auxiliary power, and expanded their pollution prevention efforts to include their suppliers. Under Detroit Edison’s corporate environmental goals, the facility also participates in the U.S. Department of Energy Climate Challenge Program to reduce greenhouse gases.

St. Clair Power Plant has also earned International Standards Organization 14001 certification, meeting the voluntary international standard for environmental management systems.

The facility is a voluntary partner in the DEQ’s Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership, according to DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. Detroit Edison was a founding corporate member in the partnership.

“I congratulate everyone at the St. Clair Power Plant for working hard to achieve the environmental goals necessary to earn this special designation,” said Director Chester. “They have demonstrated that voluntary efforts in environmental stewardship can play a key role in fostering responsible energy production, benefiting the local community, and protecting our valued natural resources.”

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised May 6, 2004 by Pat Watson