F 32 *Iz3 P a

a r P O L L U T I O N P R E V E N T I O N

S Technical assistance programs further industry‘s efforts BY LK~RY MELODY AND REGINA M C “ m

1986 U.S. OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ASSESS~W (OTA) report, Serim Redz,xtim of Haz” Waste, states that “industry has not taken advantage of all

effective waste reduction opportunities.’’ That situation ap- parently has not changed.

All conipanies, regardless of size, need professional assistance with pollution prevention, says Joel S. Huschhom, president of Hirschhorn 8i Associates (Lanham, Md.) and former senior associate a t OTA. Envi- ronmental managers who try to solve pollu- tion problems without outside assistance may overlook opportunities and fd short of pos- sible gods, he adds.

Companies must use all avenues to gen- erate new ideas, says Joe Lindsly, issue man- ager for waste reduction at The Dow Chem- ical Co. (1Midland Mich.). Companies must challenge people to seek out pollution pre- vention opportunities, he adds.

NLany companies lack pollution preven- tion knowledge or resources in several areas, according to Ilirschhom. These include:

Education and training; Objective, experienced and well-in-

formed h d - p a r t y input; Using pollution prevention as a com-

prehensive approach; Reorienting research and development

personnel to integrate pollution prevention into the essence of their work without creat- ing problems; and

Developing effective measurement techniques to fulfill reporting requirements and management purposes.

Company needs vary. Larger companies have people to review processes and make them more efficient, but they must be trained, says Rick Bossingharn, coordinator of pollution prevention in the Envirotmen- tal Management and Education P r o g m at Purdue University’s (West Lafayette, Ind.) School of Civil Engineering. In small com- panies, one person does it all, he adds. They are tied too closely with operations and can- not see opportunities for improvements, he

says. Employees who know the processes, however, can suggest ways to improve effi- ciency, he notes.

Once companies have exhausted their own resources, assistance programs open new opportunities, says ICevin McDonald, senior environmental planner in Minnesota’s Office of Waste Management (St. Paul, 1Minn.). Companies, organizations and agen- cies develop tunnel vision because each has i ts own priorities, says Scott Butner, senior development engineer in the chemical process development section of Battelle-Pa- cific Northwest Laboratories (Richland, Wash.), a DOE facility. To break the focus, environmental managers must maintain con- tacts with professionals to keep abreast of technological and regulatory developments, he adds. EPA’s pollution prevention guid- ance suggests seeking outside assistance.

There is no single reason why companies reduce their wastes, notes Bossingham. He says companies seek the Purdue program’s assistance to:

Gather gened information; Verify mformation; Solicit onsite help; Avoid making situations worse;

* Obtain help stating a program; Add credibility that can be demonsat-

ed to upper management; and Document proof of waste-minimiza-

tion efforts for Toxic Release Inventory 0 annual reports.

Assistance and information, however, are not cure-alls. Users must absorb, translate and apply good information, Hinchhom as- serts.

Legislation. Sec. 1003fi) of the E-Iazxrdour and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) to R C M set a national policy to reduce or eliminate generation of hazardous waste as expeditiously as possible. This message is re- stated in more precise terms in the 19YO Pol- lution Prevention Act (PPA) and on Form R of the TJLI, required under SARA Tide ID, Sec. 313.

PPA provides an umbrella structure under which EPA offers general assistance and guidance, while states develop specific programs. The act establishes nunierous re- source.~ to help companies implement formal pollution prevention program to realize the law’s goals, wlvllicli include:

Improving methods for providing pub- lic access to federal data;

Facilitating adoption of source reduc- tion techniques;

Establishing a source reduction clear- inghouse;

Establishing an $8 million state grants program with a SO percent matching fimds requirement;

Identifying measurable goals and means to evaluate progress;

Fontling an advisory panel of technical expem,

Establishing a training program on source reduction opportunities, including workshops and guidance documents, for state and federal agenaes;

Identifying opportunities to use federal procurement to encourage source reduction;

Developing, testing and disseminating model source reduction auditing procedures; and

Establishing an annual awards propram to recognize outstanding or innovative pri- vate-sector source reduction programs.

Fadt ies required to submit TRT Form R reports also must provide information on pollution prevention and recycling activities, and federal manifests require companies to have pollution prevention programs in place.

Proposed Form R requiremena - such as additional reporting on waste streams, source reduction practices for toxic chemi- cals, changes in releases from the previous year arid techniques used to identify sowce reduction oppomulities - as weU as die SU-

42 HAZMAT WORLD MAY 199%

perfund program, have fueled pollution pre- vention, Bossingham says. However, new re- quirements for Form R recently were reject- ed by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

Federal assistance. EPA has worked in various ways to satisfy its pollution preven- tion responsibilities under PPA For exam- ple’ the Agency has developed a national pol- lution prevention clearinghouse and data- base. [Most documents and videos cited below are available through EPA’s Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC) at (703) 821-4800.] PPIC contains technical, policy, programmatic, legislative and financial information to promote pollu- tion prevention through information trans- fer. It is operated by the Office of Research and Development ( O W ) and the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxlcs. The clear- inghouse is a repository of video programs and publications, the Pollution Information Exchange System (PIES) ‘database, several hotlines, and networking and outreach pro- grams.

EPA is revising its Wme Minimization hesment Manual (Pub. No. 62517-88/003). NIore recent Agency publications include Pollutian Preventiun 1991: h g r m un Redzlcing Industrial Pollutants (Pub. No’. 2 1P-3003); and Pollutimi Prevention Reswrces and Tr-ain- ing Opportzinities in 1992 (Pub. No. 560/8- 92-002). T h e latter document, is published annually. This year’s edition is a 11s-page directory listing contacts, resources, program descriptions and other information available from federal, state, academic and non-gov- ernmend programs. The pollution preven- tion 1991 report also lists pollution preven- tion resources in its appendices. Many other sources can be found through associations, research centers and indusay.

Various EPA offices handle specific pol- lution prevention issues. T h e Special Pro- jects Office of the Office of Pollution Pre- vention and Toxics coordinates the Indusm-

, al Toxics Program, commonly known as the “33/50” program. ORD is responsible for Agency pollution prevention research. ORD’s Pollution Prevention Research Branch (Cincinnati) studies, researches and demonstrates such projects as the Innovative Clean Technologies Project, the Clean Products Propram and the Assessments Pro- gram. EPA’s Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory (AEERL; Triangle Re- search Park, N.C.) researches, develops and demonstrates methods of controlling air pol- lution from stationary sources.

Although most EPA grants are made di- rectly to states, the Agency’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utiliza-

tion, for example, offers an annual Pollu- tion Prevention By and For Small Business Grant Program.

The Administrator’s Awards Program is a national contest recognizing excellence in pollution prevention efforts, among others. EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics publishes a newsletter, Pollzrtian Pre- vention News, which highlights recent hap- penings. For more information, contact Priscilla Flattery at (202) 260-1023.

Voluntary programs also can help com- panies develop and implement pollution pre- vention programs. For example, the 33/50 program calls for voluntary commitments to reduce releases of 17 chemicals 33 percent by the end of this year and SO percent by the end of 1995, using 1988 T R I data as the baseline. The Green Lights program is an- other voluntary EPA project designed to up- grade facility lighting to reduce emissions and conserve energy.

DOE also offers pollution prevention as- sistance. For example, the depamnent issues fact sheets on its waste-related activities. It also sponsors cooperative cost-sharing agree- ments for research and development of new technologies to prevent pollution. In addi- tion, D O E laboratories throughout the country work with local governments, acade- mia and indusay to share pollution preven- tion information.

T h e National Technical Information Service (NTIS; Springfield, Va.), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, provides in- formation on U.S. and foreign research and development projects. NTIS offers publica- tions, software, databases and other re- sources. For ordering and other information, call (703) 487-4650.

Regional efforts. EPA’s regional offices also offer pollution prevention assistance. Some area offices, such as those in regions W and Vm, work on committees with state and local governments, indusay and acade- mia to stay apprised of legislation, as well as new technologies and practices in various in- dusmes.

In addition, DOE laboratories support regional pollution prevention efforts. In the Southwest for example, two laboratories are part of the Waste-reduction Education and Research Consortium (Albuquerque, NM.).

The Waste Reduction Resource Center for the Southeast (Raleigh, N.C.), funded by EPA Region Iv (Atlanta) and the Tennessee Valley Auttiority (TVA, J S n o d e , Tenn.), provides waste reduction information to in- terested parties in Alabama, Florida, Geor- gia, Kentucky, Mississippi, NO& Caroha, South Carolina and Tennessee. T h e center’s clearinghouse contains a multimedia waste

EPA prevention offices

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HAZMAT WORLD - M A Y 1992 43

Resources reduction library with more than 3,000 articles, case stud- ies, technical reports and books. Information is catego- rized by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC), manufac- turing process, hazardous waste stream, and water and air discharges. Specific informa- tion covers economic and tech- nical data, process descriptions, waste reduction techques and implementa- tion strategies.

The center also is part of the national waste reduction network, with access to EPA’s national electronic bulletin board on waste minimization. It maintains lists of con- tact persons in waste reduction programs in all SO states, EPA headquarter; and regions, industry and tnde associations, and universi- ties. Also, lists of academic and industrial ex- perts are a d a b l e for referral and consulta- tion.

Responses to requests for technical assis-

tance a t the center for fiscal year 0 1991 totaled 544; however, by mid-March, the center already had processed 500 requesrs. Technical assistance requests come from government agencies (57.9 percent), indusq (21.7 percent), universities (10 percent), con- suitants (5.6 percent), private citizens (4.6 percent) and trade associations (0.3 percent), according to 1991 figures.

State programs. Almost every state has a pollution prevention program. States are using non-regulatory, assistance-oriented ap-

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proaches, Minnesota’s McDonald says. Technical information; technology transfer opportunities; grants; conferences and workshops; training, infor- mation clearinghouses (newsletters, fact sheets, case studies, publications); expert referrals; and site assessments are some of

the resources available to companies. Such programs are valuable assets to companies developing pollution prevention programs, gathering ideas, researching speafic projem or updating information.

Taking a passive approach, Hirschhom notes, involves depending on company per- sonnel to disseminare and implement appro- priate information. Such an approach does not maximize pollution prevention, he says, because people in the “real world” are busy. Another caution is that “you get what you pay for,” Hirschhom asserts. One danger, he

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update indusuy, academia and government representatives on pollution prevention events. A highlight often is presentation of a governor’s award recognizing significant achievement in pollution prevention.

State programs provide practical infor- mation on local environmental concerns. Addressing pollution prevention issues on this level has proven effective because of in- dustrial and territorial similarities within stares. Larger and more heavily populated states, such as Pennsylvania and California, also have localized program. Many county and city governments have pollution preven- tion offices to assist industry and address im- mediate pollution prevention concerns, such as air quality non-attainment.

California’s Hazardous Waste Source Reduction and Management Review Act of 1989 (SB 14) mandates the state Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC; Sacra- mento, Calif.) to expand technical assistance and research, and establish a database and in- formation system to track generator cate- gories, and viable source reduction measures identified in plans and reports.

Another state law requires DTSC to pro- vide o m t s to local governments to develop technical assistance programs for hazardous waste minimizaaon. The department also of- fers grants for innovative technologies to companies that conduct business in the state, as well as to cities, counties and private orga- nizations for technology research and devel- opment.

The depanment operates several regional offices to address area concems more effi- ciently, says Kim Whelm, supervising waste management engineer with the department.

Many companies want to pass on their success stones to others, says Eric Nichol, DTSC engineer. Companies are wary of try- ing new processes and products, because changing them requires time, money and ef- fort, he adds. Companies are not adverse to change, but they do not want to shut down operations or negatively affect product quali- ty, Nichol notes. Documented proof of suc- cess is a strong motivator, he adds.

T h e North Carolina Pollution Preven- tion Pays Program (Raleigh, N.C.), provides free, non-regulatory technical assistance to industries in the state. Assistance comes in various forms, including a clearinghouse, computer Links to EPA’s database and hot- lines, information packages, onsite technical assistance, outreach programs, and grants to develop waste reduction programs. The pro- gram works to ensure waste is not merely moved from one medium to another.

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Resources with implementing the state’s Toxic Pollu- tion Prevention Act. The Office helps com- panies develop pollution prevention pro- grams, fulfill facility planning requirements and complete necessary compliance reports. The state’s Pollution Control Agency is the regulatory body.

University-based programs. Federal and state agencies often forge alliances with uni- versities and research centers to provide as- sistance, such as site assessments, without generating enforcement concerns. Programs often are funded by EPA grants through state contracts. For example, Minnesota’s Office of Waste Management often works with the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAF’), based at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis).

University-based programs often empha- size research-oriented information. Many centers educate government and industry personnel in how to approach everyday ac- tivities through pollution prevention. More than 40 university program operate through- out the United States.

T h e Kentucky Partners - State Waste Reduction Center is the state’s formal pro- gram, which operates through the University of Louisville ( L o u i d e , Ky.). The center of- fers free assistance to state businesses, hold- ing seminars, workshops and technical con- ferences; compiling a directory of waste management and waste reduction consulting services; and performing site assessments. The center estimates its site assessments save Kentucky businesses more than $540,000 annually.

T h e Indiana Source Reduction and Re- cycling Program, part of F’urdue’s Environ- mental Management and Education Pro- gram, offers &ee onsite waste-minimization assessmentS to Indiana businesses. Graduate students in environmental engineering re- view plant operations, waste streams, raw- materials uses, and disposal methods and costs. Reports offer pollution prevention op- tions to help develop formal programs, citing input, output and potential options.

Conferences, such as “Facility Planning for Pollution Prevention,” scheduled for lMay 14 at Purdue, present information, case studies and expert views on general and par- ticular issues. Industry-specific conferences are organized with trade associations. Half- day workshops offer basic overviews, updates on government requirements and practical advice on pollution prevention. Purdue’s program joins with chambers of commerce, regional conferences and state agencies to supplement existing conferences.

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Resources Minimization and NIanagement a t North Carolina State University (Raleigh, N.C.), conducts research, and provides workshops and training for industry, academia and gov- ernment personnel.

M n T M helps Minnesota businesses im- prove their processes and cut wastes to meet the state's increasing pollution prevention requirements. Telephone assistance is avail- able to provide answers to inquiries. Onsite assistance services review operations and aid in implementing programs and options, in- cluding forming pollution prevention teams. MnTAP's information clearinghouse offers inforniation on new technologies, methods and techniques. Training and workshops address various pollution pre- vention topics. A student intern program provides free assistance for in-depth pollu- tion prevention projects.

T h e Iowa Waste Reduction Center a t the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, Iowa) offers several forms of assis- tance, including site assessments for small businesses, expert referrals, general and in- dustry-specific conferences and workshops, and a grants program.

The Center for Environmental 1Manage- ment at Tufts University (Medford, Mass.) receives support from EPA to provide re- search grants, and education and training programs. T h e center, which focuses on problems in the Northeast, st~esses the con- nection between industrial design ,and envi- ronmental protection.

Assistance centers. Non-government or- ganizations often offer alternatives for reduc- ing waste. They provide a range of assis- tance, usually foocusing on research and tech- nology transfer. Many are supported by trade associations, universities or parmer- ships between the public and private sectors.

T h e American Institute for Pollution Prevention (AIPP; Cincinnati), founded jointly by EPA and the University of Cincin- nati, was formed to help the Agency promote pollution prevention practices. APP primar- ily is a communications bridge between EPA and industry, devoted to developing and dis- tributing information and educational mate- rials. AIPP also assisrs government, academia and industry in identifjmg and resolving pol- lution prevention issues.

The Institute of Advanced Manufactur- ing Technologies (Cincinnati), a non-profit organization, addresses pollution prevention through manufacturing improvements. The center offers technical assistance, site assess- ments and a multistate symposium. Its goal is to provide access to technologies in under- standable form for indusq applications, says Harry Stone, the center's manager.

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Resources The Cleveland Advanced iManufacturing

Program (Ckl\iLp; Cleveland), a non-profit organization serving manufacturers in the Great Lakes area, recently added an environ- mental initiative to its agenda. “CAiiLP’s first goal is to encourage manufacturers to dunk in terms of pollution prevention,” a program newsletter states. Besides integrating pollu- tion prevention into current activities, CAMP’S Environmental Services Prograin holds industry-specific training, workshops and seminars.

The Center for Waste Reduction Tech- nologies (CWRT; New York), a directorate of the American Institute of Chemical Engi- neers (MChE; New York), provides re- search, education and infonnation exchange on innovative waste reduction technologies, according to Lawrence L. Ross, CWRT’s director. CWRT’s research and develop- ment committee targets research to create less polluting technologies, such as substitu- tion and process design innovations, he says. Another CWRT committee solicits universi- ty proposals covering e.xperimenta1 research and process-design methodology.

CWXT is developing undergraduate and graduate engineering curricula, and student intem programs, as well as continuing edu- cation courses for practicing engineers, Ross notes. CWRT is supported by industry, gov- ernment and university partnerships.

The Pacific Northwest Pollution Preven- tion Research Center (Seattle), a non-profit parmership benveen public and private inter- ests, recognizes research efforts, disseminates research information and educates the public on pollution prevention through a library, referral service, in-house publications and database.

The center is “based on the belief in syn- ergy between opposing groups working to- gether for (a) common objective,” says Madeline M. Grulich, executive director. It serves Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, she explains. T h e challenge is to “keep on top to avoid unnec- essary redundancy,” she says. T h e center plans to hold a conference for pollution pre- vention funders to share information and de- crease repetition.

Because it is regional, the center attracts small and medium-sized industries, generat- ing a substantial list of regional contacts. Bat- telle-Pacific Northwest Laboratories and D O E support the center through technical assistance and amts.

The National Roundtable of State Pollu- tion Prevention Programs (Mmneapolis) is a national forum of public-sector programs a t state, county and local levels. Roundtable members meet biannually to exchange ideas

and infomation on pollution prevention and waste reduction. T h e program operates under the direction of the Waste Reduction Institute for Training and Appliations Re- search Inc. (WRITAR; Minneapolis) through a grant from EPA’s Office of Pollu- tion Prevention and Toxics.

The Roundtable maintains an updated di- rectory describing member acdvities, allow- ing information to be exchanged among members. In addition, it monitors national legislation and EPA policies related to its membership, and distributes this information intemally.

WRITAR is a non-profit organization that identifies waste reduction problems, helps find solutions and dissemhiates infor- mation to public and private organizations. T o that end, ’CWTAR has an extensive net- w o r h g system covering public and private industry, as well as agencies and non-profit orpnizations.

T h e Northeast iMultimedia Pollution Prevention Program (”I?; Boston) was established by the Northeast Waste i\/Ian- agement Officials Association (Boston) to help state environmental officials in New England, New Jersey and New York imple- ment source reduction programs. F E W P is partially funded by EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. Lnformation is pro- vided to die public, and industry and state of- ficials through a clearinghouse.

The Solid Waste Information Clearing- house (S‘CVICH; Silver Spring, Md.), operat- ed by the Solid JVaste Association of North America (Silver Spring, $Id.), provides infor- mation on source reduction, special wastes, planning, legislation, regulations and related topics. SWCH also offers an electronic bul- letin board and a hotline.

The Hazardous Waste Research and In- formation Center (HWRIC; Champaign, JX), a division of the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasizes research and technology. HWRIC works with indusq, academia and government to develop pollution prevention technologies. It also offers conferences and training seminars jointly with Illinois EPA. KwRIC’s clear- inghouse contains hazardous waste reports, newsletters, fact sheets, books and research reports. A quarterly waste reduction bibliog- raphy is available on request. In addition, print and online indexes of the collection are available.

Partnerships. Cooperative e & m between trade associations, government agencies, uni- versities, professional societies and industry further information development and dis- semination, C‘CVRT‘s Ross asserts. Several

r

groups have formed such partnerships. T h e Colorado Pollution Prevention

Partnership, for example, is a state-specific, non-profit organization headed by Paul Fer- raro, a vice president in the Denver offces of Geraghty & LMiLler Inc. (Plainview, N.Y.). The partnership includes EPA Region Vm; Colorado Department of Health; lMartin Marietta (Piketon, Ohio) Astronautics Group (Denver); Hewlett Packard Inc. (Palo Alto, Calif.); Adolph Coon Co. (Gold- en, Colo.); Public Service Co. of Colorado (Denver); Colorado Public Interest Re- search Group; League of Women Voters of Colorado; and Geraghty & Nliller.

The primary goals of the partnership are: Strengthening relationships between

public and private sectors; Improving capabilities for anticipating

and avoiding environmental problems; Pooling resources and focusing atten-

tion on mutual goals of pollution preven- tion; and

Exchanging information and expertise, and transferring it to small and medium- sized businesses and the public.

The partnership unites regulatory agen- cies, public interest groups and industry in a friendly atmosphere to create a common agenda, says Robert E. Brady Jr., Coors’ en- vironmental affairs manager. The partner- ship’s first project, SolvNet, focuses on re- ducing chlorinated, ozone-depleting sol- vents, he continues. The first phase involved reducing use of l , l , l - t r ich loroe thane (methyl chloroform) 70 percent by the end of 1991, using 1988 as a baseline, he ex- plains. The companies surpassed their mark, achieving an average reduction of 95 per- cent, he notes. T h e goal of the second phase is to reduce toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, 1,2-dichloroethane and freon-I13 70 per- cent from 1988 levels or SO percent from 1990 emissions by the end of 1993, he says. The project fosters infonnation transfer on solvent reduction technology.

The partnership holds t e h c a l confer- ences and workshops, which share technolo- gy and expertise to cut costs, Brady says. Non-members are welcome to join in con- ferences, he notes. The Waste LMinhization Center at Colorado State University (Fort Collins, Colo.) works with the partnership to assess waste generation, he adds.

Databases. Databases allow convenient access to a wide variety of information on pollution prevention and waste minimiza- tion resources. Information is accessed uskg a personal computer and modem. lMost on- line databases are free except for telephone charges. Because databases typically contain

several layers of directions, menus and infor- mation, users must understand how to “get around” in a database, and how to find and “download” information into one’s personal computer once it is located.

International, national and regional data- base systems exist, and most regional data- bases can be accessed through EPA’s nation- al system.

T h e International Cleaner Production Lnformation Computer System, part of the Intemational Cleaner Production Informa- tion Clearinghouse (ICPIC), is sponsored by the United Nations Environment Pro- gramme’s (CrNEP) Industry and Environ- ment Office and EPA, It consists of a com- puterized information exchange of W P / EPA’s Cleaner Production Programme, based on EPA’s PIES.

T h e ICPIC database is categorized by industry and waste stream, economic in- centives and cost-recovery time. T h e sys- tem can be accessed with no user fees by anyone with a computer and a modem. For more information, call 33-1-45-38- 52-11 (France).

P E S is a national computerized connec- tion to databases and document ordering. It is operated through EPA’s PPIC.

PIES contains: A message center; A directory of Agency contacts; Current news and announcemem of

pollution prevention events nationwide; Program summaries of activities in fed-

eral, state and local government, public in- terest groups, academia, trade associations and indusuy;

A case study database; A calendar; A legislation database; and Mini-exchanges on specific topics and

regional issues. The case study database includes mfor-

mation on economic incentives, cost recov- ery, industry, waste streams, and reduction or prevention technology. T h e legislative database includes enacted and proposed fed- eral and state laws dealing with pollution prevention. Summaries or full text can be viewed, along with bill number, author, summary and current status. Eleven mini- exchanges encompass regional, state and local government activities; ICPIC activities; research programs and projects; waste ex- change issues; grant progress; and vendors and suppliers of raw materials. Additional mini-exchanges are installed based on user need.

A unique feature of PIES is its ability to be updated by users. For the sake of accura- cy, all updates are verified by EPA p nor ’ to

Circle No. 326 on Reader Service Card HAZMAT WORLD - MAY 1992 55

Resources incorporation. EPA, by monitoring the fre- quency and success of database searches, identifies data gaps.

For information on PIES, call PPIC at (703) 82 1-4800. To access the database, dial (703) 506-1025.

HWRIC’s Waste Reduction Advisory System (WRAS) is an interactive, comput- erized waste management system, provid- ing users with options for reducing and re- cycling industrial waste. The system con- tains a variety of ways to reduce waste, in- cluding absuacts and summaries of waste reduction approaches and technologies from literature and unpublished case stud- ies. For more information, call (217) 244- 8905.

Other resources. “The best pollution prevention resource is competitors,” says Ralph E, Cooper, president of the Ameri- can hstitute of Hazardous Materials Man- agement (San Antonio). Discussing pollu- tion prevention opportunities with com- petitors is moral and ethical, he says.

Consultants are another avenue to con- sider. On the average, a new set of eyes, a diRerent perspective or chemical expertise will identify possibilities company person- nel have overlooked, Cooper says.

However, consultants oriented in envi- ronmental issues but l a c h g manufactur- ing or engineering experience may not be effective, Hirschhom adds.

Companies also can benefit from large corporations that may offer assistance to smaller companies. Dow and Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. (3M; St. Paul, Minn.) have well-known programs, which emphasize pollution prevention as a standard manufacturing practice. Many companies have emulated Dow’s “Waste Reduction Always Pays” (WRAP) and 3M’s “Pollution Prevention Pays” (3P) programs.

Wherever knowledge of pollution pre- vention can be exchanged, the environ- ment wdl benefit, DOW’S Lindsly says.

American industry is a t great risk if managers responsible for pollution preven- tion programs do not make the right deci- sions about environmental impact, Hirsch- horn says. Companies need to retool the American work force and re-educate work- ers to approach pollution prevention as they approach safety, he asserts. Finding and applying worthwhile information is the key to realizing pollution prevention op- portunities and implementing efficient technologies, he concludes. v

5 6 MAZMAT WORLD MAY 1992