AEP River Operations achieves Zero Harm through environmental excellence

(Story by Jennifer Mason)

On Nov. 8, 2012, AEP River Operations committed to eliminating all environmental spills. It was simply a commitment to Zero Harm to the environment.  It focused on teamwork, communication, raising awareness and following policies and procedures.

Each vessel and facility at AEP River Operations received their own “Zero Spills” flag to fly with pride.

On Jan. 1, AEP River Operations successfully completed two calendar years without an environmental spill.  Another milestone was reached Jan. 16 when the organization reached 800 days of environmental excellence.

Each vessel and facility received their own “Zero Spills” flag to fly with pride.

In addition, Keith Darling, president of AEP River Operations, was presented with a congratulatory letter from Kevin Cook, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard. Cook referenced the hundreds of other spills from other towing vessels and barges and commended Darling for leading an organization that has achieved zero spills for more than two years.

As stated in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 110: Discharge of Oil. Section 3: “For purposes of section 311(b)(4) of the Act, discharges of oil in such quantities that the Administrator has determined may be harmful to the public health or welfare or the environment of the United States include discharges of oil that…(b) Cause a film or sheen upon or discoloration of the surface of the water or adjoining shorelines or cause a sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the surface of the water or upon adjoining shorelines.”

This means just ONE drop creating a sheen on the water must be reported as an environmental incident. At AEP River Operations, the target is ZERO Harm.