Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
American Synthetic Rubber Co. joins Kentucky's environmental leadership program

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 8, 2006) - American Synthetic Rubber Co. (ASRC), of Louisville, has been accepted as a Master member of KY EXCEL, the environmental leadership program established by Governor Ernie Fletcher’s administration.

The company voluntarily pledged to reduce emissions beyond what was required under Kentucky law and to increase recycling.

Master membership is the highest of four membership levels offered by the program. To become a KY EXCEL Master, ASRC had to demonstrate comprehensive environmental management planning, undergo an independent third-party assessment of the facility’s compliance and commit to and report on at least four voluntary projects that benefit Kentucky’s environment.

ASRC’s voluntary commitments include reducing 1,3-butadiene emissions by more than 50 percent by 2008, using an air pollution control device - a flare thermal oxidizer - installed in December 2005. ASRC also committed to reduce toluene emissions by 11 tons over three years.

Other voluntary commitments targeted solid waste disposal. The facility will utilize reusable aluminum packaging for domestic shipments and will evaluate the feasibility of converting international export packaging to reusable containers. In addition, ASRC has committed to increase its overall recycling efforts.

"We are excited to have American Synthetic Rubber Company join KY EXCEL as an inaugural year member," said Aaron Keatley, director of the Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance, which administers KY EXCEL.

"The company has chosen to make important contributions toward improving Kentucky’s environment and is to be commended for its leadership," Keatley said. "The commitment to reduce toxic air emissions, eliminate waste and increase recycling is significant and illustrates ASRC’s desire to improve the Louisville area."

In February, ASRC was accepted into the National Environmental Performance Track, a leadership program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ASRC became one of 407 program members nationwide and the first from Jefferson County.

The national program rewards facilities that work with their communities, set three-year goals for continuous improvements in environmental performance and have internal systems to manage environmental impacts. Only facilities with a record of sustained compliance with environmental requirements are eligible to participate.

"ASRC is pleased to become a master member of KY EXCEL," ASRC President Jim Dunbaugh said. "Our company and our employees work very hard to maintain the highest environmental standards and the KY EXCEL and EPA Performance Track memberships are testament to our environmental commitment."

KY EXCEL was launched in 2006 by the Department for Environmental Protection and is designed to encourage and recognize voluntary efforts that improve Kentucky’s environment. Individuals, businesses and organizations that are interested in learning more about KY EXCEL can obtain additional information online at www.dca.ky.gov <http://www.dca.ky.gov/> or by calling the Kentucky Division of Compliance Assistance at (800) 926-8111.