Wood County receives 2010 REAP Initiative Award

 

The Wood County Commission is the winner of the fourth annual REAP Initiative Award, presented by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) program.

 

REAP combines elements of the WVDEP and the state Division of Natural Resources into a more effective and streamlined system for the direction of environmental remediation programs. REAP provides oversight of litter removal, recycling and open dump cleanups around the state.

 

The REAP Initiative Award is presented annually to the county that displays the most drive in working toward the REAP program’s goal of making West Virginia the cleanest state in the nation.

 

Wood County was recognized for establishing an active day report center; expanding its recycling program to include electronics; and creating a collection system at county schools for old tennis shoes so the shoes could be recycled into a product called Nike Grind, which is used to surface playgrounds and sports fields.

 

“I would like to commend Wood County for its efforts in expanding its recycling programs,” REAP Chief Danny Haught said. “Wood County’s dedication to protecting the environment and its initiative to take ownership of its community through cleanup and recycling programs are core principles of the REAP program.”

 

For more information about the REAP Initiative Award, contact the WVDEP’s Travis Cooper at 304-926-0499, ext. 1117 or Travis.L.Cooper@wv.gov.

Contact:

Tom Aluise
304-926-0499, ext. 1338
Thomas.J.Aluise@wv.gov