Company is first utility in state to be accepted into program

Contact:  Aaron Keatley 800-926-8111

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 6, 2006) – Kentucky American Water, which provides water and related services to more than 310,000 residents of central Kentucky, has been accepted as a master member of KY EXCEL, the environmental leadership program established by Governor Ernie Fletcher’s administration. It is the first utility in the state to be accepted into the program.

Master membership is the highest level of the program.  To attain it, Kentucky American Water had to demonstrate comprehensive environmental management planning, submit to an independent third-party assessment of the plant’s compliance and commit to and report on at least four voluntary projects that benefit Kentucky’s environment.

Kentucky American Water, a private utility headquartered in Lexington, has 133 employees. It provides water and related services to customers in 10 central Kentucky counties. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, the largest and most geographically diversified provider of water services in North America.   Headquartered in Voorhees, N.J., American Water employs approximately 7,000 people who serve over 18 million people in 29 states and Canada. 

The company has committed to finding creative ways to integrate corporate responsibility into every aspect of business, including community outreach and involvement, environmental performance and operational practices. The voluntary environmental projects the company is conducting as a KY EXCEL member demonstrate this philosophy.

Kentucky American Water has committed to continuing as the leading corporate sponsor for Fayette County’s annual Reforest the Bluegrass riparian reforestation project. The company also is a voluntary member of the Kentucky Business Conservation Partnership and has committed to planting wildlife-friendly vegetation, practicing wildlife-friendly mowing, maintaining a wetland area and installing additional bird boxes on its property.

Kentucky American Water committed to continuing as a sponsor of its Ripple Effect Scholarship program for high school seniors, which recognizes academic achievement and commitment to environmental stewardship, and as sole corporate sponsor of the Kentucky American Water Science Fair for Fayette County.  Nearly 600 public, private and home-schooled students in grades 4 through 12 participate in the science fair annually.

“The department is pleased to welcome Kentucky American Water into KY EXCEL as an environmental leader,” said Aaron Keatley, director of the Division of Compliance Assistance in the Department for Environmental Protection.  “The priority that Kentucky American Water has placed on protecting Kentucky’s environment and increasing public knowledge about environmental topics is commendable.”

KY EXCEL was launched in 2006 by the Department for Environmental Protection to encourage and recognize voluntary efforts that improve Kentucky’s environment.  Any individual, business or organization can learn more about KY EXCEL online at www.dca.ky.gov or by calling the Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance at 800-926-8111.