Protecting the environment for future generations is a foundational element of our mission. In support of that key component and our overall mission, we established a dedicated Environmental Compliance and Ethics Program in 2021.

This program is the cornerstone of our commitment to operating in accordance with the strict requirements of the law, and in a manner consistent with high ethical and professional standards in providing water services to our customers. These standards of ethics clearly demonstrate our dedication to acting independently, impartially, and responsibly in the best interest of our ratepayers and the local environment. Our Environmental Compliance and Ethics Program includes the following five key elements:

Dedicated Environmental Compliance Department. To promote the kind of culture that encourages ethical conduct and environmental compliance, we established a group dedicated to these efforts. Included in this restructuring was the creation of a Chief Environmental Compliance & Ethics Officer, a role held to this day by Frank Sidari. Frank reports to both the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors and is responsible for the strategic and operational accountability and oversight of environmental rules, regulations, permitting, and laws.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values. In 2021, we began an effort to refresh its organizational Mission, Vision, and Core Values for the first time in recent history. Our Core Value of Ethics & Integrity highlights our responsibility to model honesty, transparency, and professionalism in everything we do, including environmental and regulatory compliance. The value of Stewardship also touches on this commitment: As a public utility, each day we serve as mindful stewards of our water system, providing essential and dependable water services now and for generations to come.

Training. From our Board of Directors to our employees to our embedded consultants or agents, all of us are required to complete specific annual trainings focused on topics like organizational policies and environmental compliance and ethics. To support this effort, we implemented a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS). In 2024, we again had 100% staff participation in our environmental compliance and ethics training program, demonstrating how our ethics focus has permeated all levels of the organization.

Codes and Policies. In conjunction with Human Resources, we developed or updated a variety of related policies, including our Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Non-Retaliation Policy. These policies are annually reviewed and have been made available to all staff through a variety of means. We also established a Whistleblower Policy and a third-party whistleblower system, whereby all employees can anonymously report known or possible compliance, ethics, or safety violations.

Environmental Compliance Manual. This Manual was initially issued in April 2021 and was first specifically for PWSA’s water production facilities, including our Water Treatment Plant. In 2023, it was revised to include all PWSA facilities.

Our focus on environmental compliance and ethics will be ongoing in the years ahead. We are tremendously proud to say that we've has built a highly qualified, talented team focused on fulfilling our mission: to support our region by protecting public health and the environment through the delivery of safe and reliable water services with a commitment to future generations.

For more information on our Environmental Compliance Program, please visit www.pgh2o.com/environmental-compliance.