During 2018, EKPC implemented several projects to benefit the environment as part of the co-op’s membership in the KY EXCEL program.
“Five EKPC facilities are KY EXCEL partners,” said Josh Young, EKPC’s Natural Resources and Environmental Communication Supervisor. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate EKPC’s environmental stewardship and be good neighbors.”
This fall, Young and Chris Carpenter, Environmental Scientist, installed a pollinator habitat on HQ’s campus to accommodate insects that help pollinate flowers and plants.
In October, Spurlock Station employees picked up 1,327 lbs. of trash along the plant’s Ohio River shoreline. That included 46 bags of trash, 127 lbs. of scrap metal, two tires, a fiberglass boat and a lawn chair. EKPC employees were assisted by Living Lands & Water, a nonprofit organization that coordinates cleanups, particularly along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.
Also in October, EKPC partnered with Fleming-Mason Energy and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to help install nine nesting boxes for American kestrels, a small falcon that is native to Kentucky. This project was performed on behalf of Smith Station.
At Bluegrass Station, employees constructed and installed a nesting platform for Canada geese. The platform floats on the plant’s pond. Geese already have established a nest on the platform.
At Cooper Station, a bluebird trail was installed, featuring nestboxes for the native birds whose populations are in decline, due in part to diminishing habitats.
KY EXCEL is a program of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet to recognize the environmental stewardship efforts of individuals, businesses and organizations in the Commonwealth.