AWO and ACC Sign MOA for Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Cooperation

ACC’s Responsible Care and AWO’s Responsible Carrier Programs Extend Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Cooperation

ARLINGTON, VA (May 20, 2010) – The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and American Waterways Operators (AWO) today signed a three-year extension of their 2006 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to promote environmental, health, safety and security performance through ACC’s Responsible CareÒ and AWO’s Responsible Carrier Programs.

The MOA extends cooperation and collaboration and provides Responsible Care Partner companies in the marine (barge) sector the option of using the Responsible Carrier audit system to meet their Responsible Care certification requirements. With a volume of approximately 70 million tons, chemicals account for roughly nine percent of total barge traffic.

Since the original MOA was signed, all eligible Responsible Care Partner companies within the Marine Sector have used the agreement to meet their obligations for both the Responsible Carrier Program and Responsible Care, saving them time and money while promoting best practices that protect waterways and the surrounding communities.

“Today’s agreement affirms the commitment of both ACC and AWO to protect the environment, public health and the safety of the men and women who transport our products on America’s waterways,” said ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley. “Effective product stewardship must extend throughout the value chain, and this MOA exemplifies how ACC works with our partners to achieve this goal and protect the nation’s rivers and harbors.”

AWO President & CEO Thomas Allegretti noted, “By recognizing areas of consistency and overlap between these two programs, we reduce resource requirements, create the best value for AWO and ACC members and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of both programs, contributing to an increased level of safety and environmental protection for the nation.”

Responsible Care is ACC’s health, safety, environmental, and security performance improvement initiative that extends continuous improvement efforts beyond the facility fence line to include the entire value chain.. For more information, visit us online at www.responsiblecare-us.com.

The Responsible Carrier Program incorporates best industry practices in company management policies, vessel equipment and human factors, and has been recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and shipper organizations.