AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Environmental experts at B&W Pantex were honored this month for their work to reduce pollution.

The award, given by the Pollution Prevention Program of the National Nuclear Security Administration, stems from an effort to clean our drinking water by eliminating the use of chlorine gas during water treatment.

The new technique, according to Pantex, uses electrolysis of salt water and physical separation of the resulting products. It's known as mixed oxide system and is cleaner than the prior approach.

“Given the risks, potential liabilities and availability of safer alternatives, it made good business sense to convert Pantex’s bulk use of chlorine gas to a safer technology,” said Jeff Flowers, Environmental Stewardship Department manager.

Pantex is one of just three sites to receive the award which is the Environmental Stewardships Award in the Health and Environment Category.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said B&W Pantex General Manager John Woolery. “I am proud of the efforts Pantexans put into reducing our environmental impact at the plant, and it is good to see others are noticing, as well. Environmental stewardship is a key priority at Pantex, and we continue to strive to find ways to protect the environment while still completing our critical mission.”

The envrionmental team honored includes Flowers, Johnnie F. Guelker, Tommy Hammer, Kelly Davis, Chris Puroff, Steve Ford, Jessica Dawes and Bob Roulston Jr.