Making the Green Power Choice
In September of 2006, we launched our Green Power Choice program. Green power refers to electricity generated from renewable energy sources. In our case, our power supplier uses innovative technology to convert methane gases emitted from landfills and converts them into a usable energy source. Not only does this keep these harmful emissions out of the air, it gives us an alternative to depleting our fossil fuels. Our members have the option of purchasing as much of this Green Power as they would like, to be mixed in with their overall power supply. Baldwin EMC liked this idea so much, we’ve purchased enough Green Power to supply all three of our offices.
Osprey Nests
Our members may have noticed something unusual on top of what looks like an ordinary Baldwin EMC power pole. Those are our Osprey nests, part of an ongoing program to give these local birds a safe place to call home. Osprey are a rather large species of bird that nest right here on the Gulf Coast. They prefer to build their nests high above land, and unfortunately, they sometimes choose power poles with active lines. Because of their very large wingspan, the birds are in danger of electrocution. Hoping to give the birds a better option, Baldwin EMC erects poles with specially built platforms and no active lines in places where Osprey have been known to dwell. In the spring, web visitors can watch our live Osprey nest web cam, located behind the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. Lately, a family of great horned owls has been making use of this nest, leaving the Osprey to wait until the young owlets hatch and move on.
Sea Turtles
Each year, Baldwin EMC plays an important role in protecting sea turtles that nest along area beaches. Working with local volunteer organizations, Baldwin EMC service and line crews turn off or shade streetlights in areas along West Beach and Fort Morgan Road where sea turtle nests have been located. Biologists believe that the moonlight on the water or the light over the horizon attracts the hatchlings to the ocean. Bright streetlights facing the beach confuse both nesting females and hatchlings and lead them away from the ocean - often times to their death. We turn off or shade these lights and eliminate the confusion, hoping to keep our four-legged friends moving in the right direction. See Share the Beach for more information.
Oil Recovery Program
Baldwin EMC has an intricately designed oil recovery program in place. In Baldwin EMC’s truck wash bays at our Summerdale and North Baldwin facilities, rinse waters are drained into a pumping system rather than the sewer lines. The system separates the oil and metals from the water and sends them to a facility where they are disposed of safely. With this regularly tested system, we can be sure the only thing going into our local sewer system is water.
Coastal Cleanup
Baldwin EMC is a proud sponsor of Coastal Cleanup Day. Coastal Cleanup Day takes place along Alabama’s coastline and is conducted in conjunction with International Coastal Cleanup Day. This event gives people of all ages the opportunity to learn about and actively participate in conserving coastal resources. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit Alabama Coastal Cleanup.
Right of Way Chemical Management
Our Right of Way crew utilizes a variety of chemicals in their work on a daily basis. Whenever possible, we purchase and use environmentally friendly, safe chemicals. When hazardous chemicals must be used, we take all necessary precautions to keep the surrounding area and its residents safe.