What is pollution prevention? P2 starts in the home P2 at work P2 in healthcare P2 in county government

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First, what isn't pollution prevention?

Recycling, energy recovery, treatment and disposal are not included in the definition of pollution prevention. Examples of activities that do not constitute pollution prevention are:

-Sending waste or toxic chemicals off-site for management other than environmentally sound recycling
-Incineration or other thermal treatment
-Treatment to reduce volume
-Treatment to reduce toxicity
-Bankruptcy or reduction in production volume
-Use of equipment to reduce water content and volume
-Installation of end-of-pipe equipment to comply with pollution control regulations
-Delisting of a hazardous waste or toxic chemical
-Energy recovery.

How does P2 promote a sustainable environment?

• Conserves raw materials and energy
• Eliminates or reduces the creation of solid and hazardous wastes
• Eliminates or reduces chemical releases into the air, water, and wastewater treatment plants
• Eliminates sources of ground water and storm water contamination
• Prevents or reduces activities that degrade ecosystems.

Pollution prevention hierarchy

From the 1990 federal Pollution Prevention Act

1. Pollution should be prevented or reduced at the source whenever feasible.

 

2. Pollution that cannot be prevented should be recycled in an environmentally sound manner.

 

3. Pollution that cannot be prevented or recycled should be treated in an environmentally safe manner.

 

4. Disposal or other release into the environment should be employed only as a last resort and should be conducted in an environmentally safe manner.

By using this hierarchy as a guideline, a company can reduce waste and costs, resulting in greater profit.

How is WEP promoting P2?

Since the early 1980s, WEP has implemented an Industrial Pretreatment Program. With wastewater discharge limitations, permits, and unannounced inspections and sampling, WEP has successfully reduced the amount of pollutants discharged to the wastewater treatment system, biosolids, and the environment. The success of the Pretreatment Program has contributed greatly to the success of the biosolids recycling program, one of the largest in the state.

To reduce further the amount of pollutants discharged to the sewer system, WEP began the Pollution Prevention Program. While the Pretreatment Program addresses industrial users, the P2 Program extends to commercial and residential users.

What pollutants are of most concern?

We aim to reduce controllable pollutants—those that can be reduced or eliminated through currently available methods at a low cost. Of those, the primary concern is pollutants that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT).

PBT pollutants remain in the environment without being degraded, accumulate in fish and animal flesh, and are toxic to life forms. Examples are mercury, PCBs, DDT, and dioxins. Other pollutants of concern include metals such as silver.

How can P2 benefit your business?

• Reduces material, operating, and waste disposal costs
• Improves efficiency and product quality reduce or eliminate costs associated with regulatory compliance and potential violations
• Reduces liability by improving occupational health and safety
• Improves marketability by gaining an environmentally positive reputation as a "green business."

For additional P2 information, please contact Dave Colbert, 315-435-2260.