Northam announces Environmental Excellence Awards winners

Governor Ralph Northam announced the winners of the 2019 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, which were presented at the annual Environment Virginia Symposium held at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington.

Earlier in the week, Governor Northam addressed the environmental conference, highlighting the progress made over the last year in protecting Virginia’s environment and natural resources.

The Environmental Excellence Awards recognize innovative projects with significant environmental contributions in four categories: sustainability program, environmental project, land conservation, and implementation of the Virginia Outdoors Plan. The awards are sponsored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

“These award winners come from all regions of the Commonwealth, represent a variety of organizations including local government, healthcare, and industry, and share a strong dedication to improving our environment for the benefit of all Virginians,” said Governor Northam. “I applaud this year’s winners for their leadership and innovation, and look forward to their partnership as we work together to address our most urgent environmental challenges, protect Virginia’s valuable natural resources, and enhance the quality of life in our Commonwealth.”

Ten winners were recognized and an additional two honorable mention certificates were awarded. Award winners were chosen based on criteria including environmental benefit, stakeholder involvement, public outreach, transferability, and innovativeness.

Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Gold Medal Winners are:

• Capital Region Land Conservancy, Conservation of the 871-acre Malvern Hill Farm – Ensuring this Henrico County farm land will be preserved and available for cultural tourism and outdoor recreation for years to come;
• Carilion Clinic, Efficiency and Sustainability Program – Improving the health and the environment of the communities it serves through programs at the Clinic’s facilities in Roanoke and beyond;

• Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation, Implementation of the Virginia Outdoors Plan – Demonstrated by the Dutch Gap Relic River Trail and Water Access, a floating boardwalk and boat launch that enhances the wetland experience for park visitors; and,
• Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Sustainability Water Initiative for Tomorrow Research Center – Fundamentally changing and enhancing the way water is managed in Eastern Virginia.

Additional information on the winning projects is available on the DEQ website here.