West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Cabinet Secretary Randy Huffman presented 15 Environmental Awards of Excellence on Friday during a ceremony at DEP headquarters in Charleston.

Marshall County Schools' Hilltop Elementary received the Clean Energy award.

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According to a news release, the DEP's annual Environmental Awards recognize the accomplishments of state industries, municipalities, educators and community leaders who strive to protect the environment, work to be good corporate neighbors and educate the state's citizens. The awards are presented to those who share in the DEP's mission of promoting a healthy environment and practice environmental stewardship.

"These award winners have gone above and beyond environmental compliance to truly make a difference in our state's environment and we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize their outstanding efforts," Huffman said in the release. "We also are pleased to recognize the volunteers and community leaders, who donate so much of their time cleaning up our waterways and roadways and encouraging others to do the same. Through the efforts of all these award winners, our state is a better place to live and work."

The release said eligibility for industrial awards includes exemplary environmental performance and a record of compliance with regulatory authorities during 2011. Facilities were nominated by the DEP inspectors who work to ensure their compliance with the law. Other Environmental Award winners were nominated by DEP personnel who work with volunteer and other community-based efforts.

Following is a list of this year’s honorees: (Click here for award summaries)

Clean Energy – Marshall County Schools, Hilltop Elementary (Wheeling).

Voluntary Program – FMC Corp., and the City of Nitro (co-winners).

Municipal Stormwater – City of Morgantown, Morgantown Utility Board.

Municipal Landfill – Waste Management, LCS Services (Hedgesville).

Industry Greater Than 100 Employees – Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials, Corhart Refractories (Buckhannon).

Industry Greater Than 100 Employees – Goodrich Corp., SIS-West Virginia (Union).

Industry Less Than 100 Employees – Goodwill Industries, Goodwill of KYOWVA (Huntington).

Outstanding Litter Control Officer – Donna Seiler, Berkeley County (Martinsburg).

Education and Community Involvement – Bonnie Durig, Hillbillies 4-H Club (New Martinsville).

Education and Community Involvement – Alderson Green Team (Alderson).

Environmental Stewardship – Don Lane, Ducks Unlimited (Belle).

Environmental Stewardship – New River Clean Water Alliance (Oak Hill).

Volunteers of the Year – Tygart Valley Youth Group (Elkins).

Cabinet Secretary Award – North Bend State Park (Cairo).

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