ATC wins environmental stewardship award
Innovative use of engineered construction mats cited
DE PERE, Wis. – American Transmission Co. has captured a Business Friend of the Environment Award from the Wisconsin Environmental Working Group, an affiliate of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.
The company was recognized for its “willingness to go beyond the regulatory requirements by seeking out and implementing a cost-effective, environmentally conscientious method for protecting the Bear Creek Marsh” near Stevens Point during a recent power line construction project. ATC worked closely with several vendors to develop an engineered “air bridge” system of construction mats to protect a massive wetland complex from heavy construction equipment. The air bridge had engineered, certified load ratings and essentially floated on the vegetative layer, rising and falling with water levels. Impacts to the wetland were minimal.
“We are pleased to be recognized for our stewardship,” said Franc Fennessy, director of land management and stakeholder affairs. “We are committed to environmental leadership in all aspects of our business, as evidenced by our participation in the Department of Natural Resource’s Green Tier program, as well as policies and actions that guide our construction projects, such as the one that crossed the Bear Creek Marsh.”
2010 marks the 21st year that the Wisconsin Environmental Working Group has recognized programs that “demonstrate an innovative approach to environmental protection, or a level of effort beyond that which is required by regulatory compliance.