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PCF guests tour sustainability efforts
PUTNAMVILLE -- The sustainability efforts of the Putnamville Correctional Facility continue to draw visitors and earn rave reviews.
For example, on July 13 and 14, the PCF hosted visitors from an Ohio prison and later student law clerks from the Indiana Attorney General's Office.
Cited as a leader in prison sustainability initiatives, the Putnamville facility has significantly reduced costs and provided a useful service to the community with sustainable initiatives. Those efforts have earned considerable attention for the PCF.
Representatives from the state of Ohio toured sustainability programs at Putnamville on July 13.
Officials of Southeastern Correctional Facility, Lancaster, Ohio -- administrative assistant Rick Chuvalas, chief engineer Phil Fleming, and assistant chief engineer Keith Wisecup -- observed the prison's sustainability process and gathered information in hopes of incorporating similar programs in Ohio. Joining them on the tour were Mark Taylor, an engineer representing the Limbaugh Co., and Ohio state boiler inspector Joe Baringhaus
"I'm in awe of the latitude given toward the expansion of the facility's green operations," Chuvalus said. "The monetary savings is remarkable."
Throughout the tour, the Ohio guests commented on the impressiveness of the facility's sustainable efforts.
The Putnamville Correctional Facility has saved more than $1 million per year with the installation of a bio-mass boiler, wind turbine, expansion of the compost and recycling program, waste disposal and energy-saving appliances.
"The implementation and expansion of sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives has produced results that exceed our expectations," Putnamville Supt. Stanley Knight said. "In addition, the initiatives have provided a venue for offenders to learn marketable green job skills, and broadened their environmental awareness."
Meanwhile, student law clerks from the Attorney General's Office toured PCF operations on July 14.
Assistant PCF Superintendent Craig Grage and case manager David Mikles conducted the tour for the 15 students, relaying information regarding offender processing, release and programming.
"This is great. It's always a pleasure to have the opportunity to showcase our facility and staff," Grage said.
Students visited offender housing and segregation units, the prisoner's dining hall, education and recreation areas.
"We are all part of the criminal justice system, making interagency cooperation and communication essential," Supt. Knight said. "I hope that the students considered this an invaluable experience that they can reflect upon throughout their career."