Pollution Prevention / Waste Minimization Plans

Pollution prevention is the reduction or elimination of discharges or emissions to the environment. This includes all pollution: hazardous and non-hazardous, regulated and unregulated, across all media, and from all sources. Pollution prevention can be accomplished by reducing the generation of wastes at their source (source reduction) or by using, reusing or reclaiming wastes once they are generated (environmentally sound recycling). EMT can assist you in implementing a pollution prevention/waste minimization program across part or all of your facility utilizing professionals with broad manufacturing and environmental expertise.

By reducing or eliminating wastes a firm can reduce waste disposal costs, minimize disposal problems created by land bans, reduce costs for energy, water and raw materials, reduce operating costs, limit vulnerability to lawsuits and improve its public image.

EMT uses a systematic approach in implementing a pollution prevention/waste minimization program. An essential first step is a comprehensive waste audit. The waste audit will systematically evaluate opportunities for improved operating procedures, process modifications, process redesign and recycling.

   To conduct a waste audit, the following steps are used:
  • List all generated waste and associated processes
  • Identify the composition of the waste and the source of each substance
  • Identify options to reduce the generation of these substances in the production or manufacturing process
  • Focus on wastes that are most hazardous and techniques that are most easily implemented
  • Compare the technical and economic feasibility of the options identified.

The audits are carried out by engineers and scientists with extensive engineering and industrial

backgrounds. Following the audit, a preliminary list of opportunities will be developed. An evaluation of these options will be performed by EMT and facility staff. Each option will be evaluated in light of facility-specific factors including economics, ease of implementation, site and personnel constraints, energy sources, product performance requirements, and other environmental protection activities. Prioritization of available options is a critical step in this process.

The options will focus on source reduction, separation, recycling and raw material substitution. After selection of the most viable opportunities, implementation will be conducted by a team of EMT and facility staff. Management and employee participation and awareness can be fostered through training and outreach programs specifically tailored to your needs. Finally, EMT can assist in evaluating the results and schedule periodic reviews of the program so it can be adapted to reflect changes in regulations, technology, and economic feasibility.

EMT can assist you during all stages of implementation including the waste audit, opportunity identification, prioritization, implementation and development of outreach programs. These programs can result in significant savings and improved environmental awareness on the part of employees and management.

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