* What: The Passenger Vessel Association recognized the Chattanooga Riverboat Co. for operating a vessel that conserves, protects and preserves the natural environment, according to general manager Joy Reinert.
* Companies: The Chattanooga Riverboat Co. operates the Southern Belle, which seats 342 passengers on river cruises up to four hours long.
* Location: The pier is underneath the Olgiati Bridge.
* How’s it green: Chief engineer Tony Bolander has implemented a closed crank case system that recycles oil back into the crank case, while hot gasses and fumes are burned in the intake. He has installed diapers under each engine to catch leaks, and doesn’t discharge the bilge into the river. Instead, all petroleum products are captured and taken to shore to be recycled. The staff has installed LED and compact fluorescent lights where practical, and uses low or no flush toilets that work with river water instead of chlorinated water. Waste is collected in a tank and pumped into the city sewer system. Metal, wood and paper are recycled. At dock, air conditioning is not used unless a room is occupied.