At the prestigious EnviroCom 2008 Environmental Awards, held in Dublin on 25th September, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) was awarded for innovative waste management. It is told that the awards were hosted by the Dún- Laoghaire Healthy County Forum and sponsored by the County Enterprise Board, Energia, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Fáilte Ireland and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
According to a local news source BIM received the award for ‘Best Example of Waste Management in the Public Sector’ for the Waste Management and Reduction component of the ISO65/EN45011 Irish Quality Eco-standards for Aquaculture. In order to receive certification to the standard, aquaculture operators must implement an Environmental Management System. As part of this, the use of pergolari, a major waste stream in mussel growing operations, is prohibited and must be replaced with reusable rope and biodegradable cotton mesh.
Among other requirement is that traditional blue and green floats must be replaced with grey floats to reduce visual impact. Old floats must be recycled and, in a new initiative, are being used in the manufacture of grey floats. The EnviroCom 2008 Environmental Awards was organised by the Healthy County Forum. The awards recognise private and public organisations in the Dún-Laoghaire Rathdown area for their outstanding and innovative environmental management. The main aim is to stimulate the adoption of good environmental practice in both public and private sectors.
