Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) has once again been recognized as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. Audubon International recognized the PSD for its environmental quality, community outreach, enhancement of wildlife habitat, and minimization of its environmental footprint, including its Oak Park Drive site. “It is clear that the staff of Hilton Head PSD makes environmental initiatives a priority, both at the facility and within the community,” said Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program Manager Scott Turner. The PSD has been a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 2018, one of the only public utilities in North America to earn such recognition.
Audubon International recognized the PSD for its efforts to assist customers in converting from septic systems to the PSD’s public sewer system, its internship and outreach efforts in local schools, and its energy efficiency practices. The PSD’s recycled water program, which annually recycles more than 1 billion gallons of highly treated wastewater into beneficial recycled water for wetlands habitat nourishment and golf course irrigation, also was recognized by the Cooperative Sanctuary Program. Habitat for more than 25 species at the PSD’s Oak Park Drive site was noted by Audubon International in its review, including osprey, Canada geese, a variety of waterfowl that frequent the recycled water lagoons on the property, and a pollinator garden. Executive Assistant Connie Whitehead and Facilities Supervisor Johnny Malphrus lead the PSD’s Cooperative Sanctuary recertification effort.
“We are very proud to be a part of the Cooperative Sanctuary Program,” said PSD General Manager Pete Nardi. “We are currently looking for local partners to help us create educational demonstration areas here at Oak Park Drive, to encourage water efficiency and develop pollinator habitat. Please visit us and share your passion and ideas!”
