BOISE, Nov. 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Stephen Romano, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Ecology Corporation (Nasdaq:ECOL), today announced that subsidiary US Ecology Idaho Inc. was recognized today for its safe work practices and effective safety program. At a ceremony today at the Company's Grand View, Idaho hazardous waste facility, the Regional Administrator of the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) announced that the Company has been accepted into OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) based on its exceptional safety record and training programs. US Ecology Idaho is only the second employer in the State of Idaho to qualify for this recognition.
"Safety is a core value at American Ecology," Romano stated, adding, "I congratulate all 51 employees of our Idaho operation for their commitment to working safely. They've collectively earned this honor."
"OSHA is pleased to recognize US Ecology Idaho for implementing an effective safety and health program, as demonstrated by the very low injury rate among its employees," commented OSHA Region X Administrator Richard Terrill.
Boise State University's (BSU) Idaho Safety & Health Consultation Program reviewed US Ecology's safety programs and work practices, verifying the Company's eligibility for the program. BSU Industrial Hygienist Kent Muhlestein said, "The Idaho Safety and Health Consultation Program is delighted to recognize US Ecology Idaho for its outstanding safety program. US Ecology has a proactive approach to safety that involves each employee doing his or her part to make sure that no one gets hurt on the job. US Ecology management and employees share an attitude of safety in everything they do."
US Ecology Idaho is a hazardous waste treatment and disposal company located 10 miles northwest of Grand View, Idaho. The Company is one of Owyhee County's largest employers.
Parent company American Ecology Corporation, based in Boise, Idaho, provides radioactive, PCB, hazardous and non-hazardous waste services to commercial and government customers throughout the United States, such as nuclear power plants, steel mills, medical and academic institutions, oil refineries and chemical manufacturing facilities. American Ecology is the oldest radioactive and hazardous waste services Company in the United States.