Michelin SR unit gets Ky. enviro award

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 22, 2014) — Michelin North America Inc.'s American Synthetic Rubber Co. subsidiary has been honored by the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Energy and Environmental Cabinet for its development of a native habitat area near its plant in southwest Louisville.

ASRC received the “Resource Caretaker Award” at the 38th annual Kentucky Governor's Conference on Energy and the Environment, held recently in Lexington.

The development, the Campground Native Area habitat, originally was a landfill for the ASRC plant facility but now is a 75-acre habitat that is home to four natural environments, including forest, wetland, wildflower and prairie.

“We are very proud to be recognized by the Kentucky Environmental Cabinet for our work at the habitat,” said Guillaume Coiraton, plant manager and chief operating officer at ASRC, who accepted the award on behalf of ASRC and Michelin North America. “The award highlights our employees' commitment to the environment and to preserving resources in our community.”

The rejuvenated environment was developed by ASRC's staff and employees, who volunteered their time to create the habitat. ASRC's efforts were made in partnership with Waste Management Inc. The two groups' results have been recognized nationally by the Wildlife Habitat Council and the Stewardship Action Council.

Each year, Kentucky's Energy and Environmental Cabinet recognizes individuals and companies that are making positive contributions to state environmental goals.  The “Resources Caretaker Award,” under the Environmental Excellence designation by the Cabinet, recognizes environmental stewards in Kentucky that demonstrate outstanding environmental planning and leadership.

ASRC's Campground Native Area is certified as a “Wildlife at Work” program, comprising the four natural environments listed above, a functioning apiary with established honey production and a walking path for employee use.

The volunteers are considering adding a pavilion and partnering with local schools and community groups for educational tours and meetings.

The ASRC facility is one of the nation's largest producers of synthetic rubber and was first established just prior to World War II by the U.S. Office of War Production to help assure the supply of rubber. Upgraded significantly over the years, the plant was purchased by Michelin outright in 1992 and became a division of Michelin North America in 2008.