Protecting the Planet - One Screen at a Time
At Atlas-SSI, we prioritize and recognize sustainable initiatives that have positive impacts on our environment. We provide solutions that champion the efficient use of resources and we are committed to helping our customers achieve sustainability goals that protect our planet.
Building a better world is a priority for Atlas-SSI, and our solutions help to protect aquatic habitats with fish-friendly screens, remove debris from rivers after storm events, and reduce CO2 emissions.
Protecting Aquatic Life
316(b) Fish-Friendly Solutions
ATLAS-SSI recognizes that all intakes are unique. Understanding water conditions, fish species and screening technology allows us to design new or rebuilt screens that meet State and Federal regulations concerning entrainment and impingement of aquatic life.
| 21M | 24M |
|---|---|
| Fish Saved Annually1 | lbs. of Plastic Removed Annually2 |
Our traveling water screens protect an estimated 21 million fish and more than 3 million shrimp, crabs, and mollusks each year—safely returning them to their habitats. These systems help facilities meet EPA Clean Water Act §316(b) requirements while preserving biodiversity and supporting healthier aquatic ecosystems. 1
1 Source: ATLAS-SSI Impingement Survival Technical Analysis Report, ASA Analysis and Communication, Inc., January 2024.
At the same time, our equipment removes over 24 million pounds of plastic and debris from waterways annually—preventing pollution, protecting communities, and improving water quality. 2
2 Estimated annual plastic removal is based on modeled assumptions regarding the average amount of plastic captured per screen per day, the estimated average weight of the captured material, the number of screens in operation, and 365 operating days per year.
Avoiding Emissions Through Sustainable Practices
A typical water intake screen contains approximately 10 tons of steel—the equivalent weight of five average U.S. cars.
By refurbishing and reusing the steel components of water intake screens rather than manufacturing new ones, Atlas-SSI helps avoid the carbon emissions associated with new steel production—avoiding an average of 17.4 tonnes of CO₂ per screen. 3
A typical heavy-duty material handling or dredging bucket contains approximately 15 tons of steel—the equivalent weight of about five pickup trucks.
By refurbishing and reusing the steel components of handling and dredging buckets rather than manufacturing new ones, Atlas-SSI helps avoid the carbon emissions associated with new steel production—avoiding up to 26.1 tonnes of CO₂ per bucket. 3
3 Based on total CO2 emissions per tonne of crude steel carbon avoided from avoided production of new steel as referenced by worldsteel.org. Calculations estimate the gross CO2 emissions avoided from 2019 – 2020 by refurbishing steel screens and buckets rather than using newly produced steel. (Life Cycle Inventory Data 2022, emission factor: 1.92 tCO₂ per tonne of primary steel).
Partnering with One Tree Planted to Reduce Emissions
Through our partnership with One Tree Planted, we recognize the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions achieved by rebuilding water intake screens and large material handling buckets. For each rebuilt screen and bucket, Atlas-SSI will sponsor the planting of 100 trees in critical habitats throughout North America. In addition to the initial CO2 reduction attributed to reusing resources, each tree will continue to sequester nearly 48lbs of CO2 per year once it matures. 4
According to Arbor Day, a single mature tree alone can absorb over 48 pounds of CO2 annually, offsetting nearly 20 pounds of CO2 generated by burning one gallon of non-ethanol gasoline.
About One Tree Planted
One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) non-profit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provide jobs for social impact, and restore biodiversity. Click here to learn more.
Reducing Pollution through Sustainable Operations
| ~60% |
|---|
| Landfill-Free Manufacturing 5 |
5 We advance landfill-free manufacturing by reducing waste, extending material life through reuse and refurbishment, and diverting remaining materials through recycling programs. This includes initiatives such as rebuilding and reusing steel screen and bucket components, segregating scrap materials for recycling, and working with recycling and waste-service partners to keep usable materials out of landfill disposal.
Recognized as an Industry ESG Leader
We’re grateful to be recognized by Avetta with the 2023 ESG Leader Certificate, acknowledging our commitment to building a more sustainable and responsible future. The Avetta Sustainability & ESG Impact Award celebrates organizations making intentional, measurable progress in environmental, social, and governance initiatives — especially workforce safety and human capital — with clear evidence of impact enabled by Avetta’s Sustainability tools.
