FREEPORT, TX "“ August 12, 2008 - For the second consecutive time, Dow Texas Operations Plant A Marine facility in Freeport, TX, received the United States' Coast Guard's highest award for excellence in marine environmental protection. The award was presented by four-star Admiral Thad W. Allen, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard at the API Tanker Conference in June.

The Osprey Award, reserved for the most significant achievements, is rarely awarded. It is the highest level of recognition within the William M. Benkert Award, the premier national award for excellence in marine environmental protection, which is given every other year.

"It's unprecedented for the Osprey Award to be given to the same organization back to back, and it's an honor of which we're very proud," said Dawn Brubaker, Marine Operations Leader at the time of the award application. "The team at Texas Operations' Marine Department is top notch, and our partnership with the Coast Guard is indicative of our outstanding overall Marine performance."

The Benkert Award recognizes maritime businesses and corporations involved in marine facility or vessel operations that have demonstrated sustained excellence and outstanding achievement in protecting the marine environment. In addition, it encourages innovations in operations, maintenance, cargo handling, refueling, training and the sharing of best practices throughout the industry.

Remembered as the father of the Coast Guard's Marine Environmental Protection Program, Rear Admiral William M. Benkert (1923 - 1989) was chief of the Office of Marine Environment and Systems from 1972 until 1974 and chief of the Office of Merchant Marine Safety from 1974 until 1978.

Application for the award required an immense amount of information and a significant effort by many people. Texas Operations core team members included Monique Bass, Dawn Brubaker, Tracie Copeland, Fran Falcon, Jim Overman, James Prazak and Vallarie Wolf.

Lucy McGregor, who recently took the leadership role of Texas Operations Marine Terminal, said "The Marine Department employees work hard to make this site the best of the best. I'm inspired by their commitment to the environment and am confident our performance will continue to be the benchmark others try to achieve."

About Dow

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

OLD - Dow Chemical Company

With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.