Tenant Clean Water Challenge

As part of our ongoing efforts to help keep the Columbia River clean and preserve it as a vital resource for many years to come, the Port of Vancouver has created the Clean Water Challenge. The challenge incorporates pollution reduction activities into a reward-based acknowledgement system -- and we’d like to challenge our tenants to take part in the Clean Water Challenge by taking steps to help reduce contaminant contributions in 2011.

Tenants will learn more about the Clean Water Challenge through tenant newsletters, emails and the port’s website. Details will be shared throughout the year on the challenge and various methods and ideas on how to reduce contaminants to the river.

And best of all, we’ll make sure your efforts are acknowledged and rewarded. The tenant who takes the steps with the biggest benefit to water quality will be awarded the Environmental Tenant of the Year Award at next year’s Port RePort breakfast in February 2012. We hope you’ll join us in the Clean Water Challenge.

2011 Tenant Clean Water Challenge

The State of the River
The Columbia River is an important resource to the Port of Vancouver (POV) and the communities it serves. Pollutants that end up in the river pose risks to all who depend on it including fish and wildlife. Efforts are underway to reduce these pollutants, from entering our river that could adversely impact its health and vitality. The Port of Vancouver is proud to be part of this effort and needs your help.

A Challenge to Act
The POV has created the Clean Water Challenge to take part in cleaning up the river and preserving it as a vital resource for many years to come.  The challenge incorporates toxic reduction activities into a reward-based acknowledgement system for achievements. The Port of Vancouver would like to challenge its tenants to take part in the 2011 Clean Water Challenge to help reduce their contaminant contributions.

Tenants will learn about the Clean Water Challenge at the POV Port RePort where it is launched. Throughout the year we will be including information about the challenge and methods and ideas on how to reduce toxic contributions to the river in our tenant newsletters, emails, and on the port's website.

How to Measure
The port will be challenging our tenants to look at their operations to find ways to reduce pollution to the water around them.  In order to measure their voluntary actions, the below criteria will be used:

• Initiating an eco-certification program for consumer products that do not contain priority toxics
• Engage and educate employees on connection between toxics reduction and salmon recovery
• Purchasing renewable energy
• Misc sustainability/pollution prevention outreach programs and implementation
• Benefits of using well-adapted vegetation
• Elimination of pesticides and fertilizer use or alternatives
• Volunteer for riverside or beach cleanups
• Proper garbage management and disposal
• Movement of industrial processes indoors or undercover 
• Training employees on how stormwater runoff affects local waterbodies
• Using alternative equipment and vehicle washing practices that minimize pollutants in stormwater
• Training employees on the benefits of proper vehicle maintenance and alternative transportation choices; proper handling and disposal of vehicle wastes, including the location of hazardous waste collection facilities in the area
• Training employees on hazards associated with illicit connections to the storm sewer system and inspecting property for any such connections
• Promote collection and take back programs for mercury, pesticides, household hazardous waste, pharmaceuticals, and electronics

The Reward
The tenant who takes the steps with the biggest benefit to water quality will be awarded the Environmental Tenant of the Year Award at the April 2012 Port RePort event. The tenant and their efforts will also be highlighted on the port's website and in port publications.

• Clean Water Challenge downloadable PDF
• Clean Water Challenge submittal form