Paradise Bay Water Refill Process Recognized for Environmental Stewardship

Disneyland Resort was honored for the environmentally conscientious way it drained and is refilling Paradise Bay in preparation for “World of Color,” coming next spring.

To perform the detailed work needed to prepare for “World of Color,” a new nighttime spectacular that will debut in spring 2010 at Disney's California Adventure Park, the water was drained last year from Paradise Bay. Rather than releasing the water to the ocean through storm drains, the Resort partnered with the Orange County Water District (OCWD) to find a more environmentally conscientious process.

The water was sent through OCWD's new state-of-the-art Ground Water Replenishment System, where it went through an extensive purification process before it was stored in Orange County's underground water basin, adding to the county's overall water reserves. When the lagoon is refilled later this month, it will be filled with clean water from the aquifer.

“Disneyland Resort proactively reached out to us to determine the best way to drain and refill their lagoon and together, we came up with a solution that minimized impact on the local water supply,”  said Stephen Sheldon, president of OCWD. “We commend its effort to recycle water and its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship.”

“Although this process took additional time and resources, it allows us to refill the lagoon in a manner that is respectful of the environment and mindful of the community’s future needs,” said Dela Vara.

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Disneyland Resort Wins California’s Top Environmental Leadership Award

Disneyland Resort  has been honored with the 2009 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA), California's highest and most prestigious environmental honor. The award program recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership for voluntary achievements in conserving California’s resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships. Fifteen statewide GEELA recipients were named this year.

“I applaud the Disneyland Resort for their wonderful commitment to our state’s commerce and environment.  They are an inspiration to many and I thank them for their outstanding leadership,” said Governor Schwarzenegger.

“This honor recognizes Disneyland Resort’s ongoing commitment to developing socially responsible and environmentally friendly practices that promote environmental protection and economic growth,” said Frank Dela Vara, director of environmental affairs and conservation at Disneyland Resort. “We are proud of our commitment to exploring and implementing new technologies and practices that further the environmental legacy left by Walt Disney.”

Disneyland received the award for several sustainable practices implemented at the Resort. These include the way the environmentally conscientious way the Paradise Bay at Disney’s California Adventure is being refilled, the use of the Resort’s recycled cooking oil to fuel its steam train locomotives, and the water and energy conservation features incorporated in the Resort’s new central bakery.

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