Tri-State recognized for environmental leadership

Receives state environmental award for second straight year

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has awarded Tri-State as a Silver Achiever under the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) for sustaining significant achievements in operating its 100-megawatt Nucla Station in compliance with all state environmental regulations, as well for implementing a comprehensive set of energy efficiency initiatives from its Westminster, Colo., headquarters facility.

Located outside the southwestern Colorado town for which it is named, Nucla Station was first recognized under the ELP in 2008 when it achieved Bronze status for its exemplary operating performance and compliance with all air, land and water regulations.  That status was raised to Silver – and expanded to include other Tri-State corporate initiatives – in recognition of maintaining an Environmental Management System for nearly a decade at the power plant, engaging overall operational and environmental system enhancements, and a developing and executing a large portfolio of energy efficiency initiatives.

“Being recognized initially with the Bronze award was a great achievement for our employees at Nucla Station,” said Mike McInnes, Tri-State’s senior vice president of production.  “Improving on that performance and raising the bar to Silver status with some of our ongoing corporate initiatives further illustrates Tri-State’s dedication to environmental stewardship and commitment to energy efficiency.”

CDPHE executive director Jim Martin said, “The CDPHE congratulates Tri-State for its accomplishment and welcomes you as one of the program’s Silver members.  This achievement recognizes Tri-State’s efforts in voluntarily going beyond compliance with state and federal regulations and its commitment to continual environmental improvement.”  The annual ELP awards ceremony was held by the CDPHE on Oct. 20 in Denver.

In addition, Tri-State member co-op White River Electric Association, based in Meeker, Colo., achieved Bronze status in the program for its local efforts and joins Tri-State as the only two electric utilities in the state to be admitted into the program, which has been in place since 1999.

Updated: October 20, 2009