2002 Closing The Circle Award goes to BARC

Left to right: USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Joseph Jen; Deputy Secretary for Agriculture Jim Moseley; Federal Environmental Executive John Howard; ARS Beltsville Associate Area Director Ron Korcak; ARS Beltsville Area Director Phyllis Johnson; Deputy Area Director John Van de Vaarst; Area Safety and Health Manager David Prevar.

The award is for an innovative Environmental Management System that holistically combines customary pollution prevention measures with application of research program benefits that are protective of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is not just a traditional research facility concerned with addressing the consequences and by-products of research, but is also conducting broader research to solve environmental agricultural problems and incorporating the results into facility operations, such as nutrient management and sustainable agriculture.

The Center has increased its use of biobased products such as a hand cleaner and citrus-based degreasers, carpet made with a soy-based backing, and biodiesel fuel for fleet vehicles, backup generators and heating oil.

The reuse of recycled water from the wastewater treatment plant has saved $20,000 per year with a return on investment for the cost of the recycling system in two years.

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