Down East Seafood Inc. and The Bronx River Alliance won the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Quality Award, an honor granted annually to groups and individuals.

Down East is the first small business in the city to operate an all-electric delivery truck. The company bought the non-polluting, squat green medium-duty truck as a way of cutting down on emissions in the peninsula, blazing a trail it hopes bigger businesses with large trucking fleets will follow.

The Bronx River Alliance has had a prominent role in cleaning the river in and around Hunts Point, and making it accessible to residents through the use of Hunts Point Riverside Park. As part of its mission, the Alliance also helps educate the public about the importance of maintaining a clean river.

Kellie Terry-Sepulveda, executive director of Hunts Point’s The Point Community Development Corporation, was recently named volunteer chair of the Alliance’s board of directors.

Congressman Jose E. Serrano, who represents Hunts Point and Longwood in the House of Representatives, nominated both organizations for the awards earlier this year.

“This district possesses some of the leading minds in the country when it comes to environmental justice and restoration, and in the case of Down East Seafood, we also have one of the most forward-thinking small businesses in the entire city,” he said.  “Both awards are fully deserved and will add to the reputation the South Bronx has earned of being at the forefront of environmental activism and innovation.

“We are ecstatic to receive this type of recognition from both the Congressman and the EPA,” said Ed Taylor, owner of Down East Seafood Inc.

“With our partners, we strive to improve the environment of the Bronx and of New York City,” said Linda Cox, Executive Director of The Bronx River Alliance, adding, “we are very appreciative that our efforts are recognized here by Congressman Serrano, who has been such a leader in the environmental movement of the Bronx.”

Published 12. Apr, 2011