INNOVATIVE P2 TECHNOLOGIES

State efforts to promote innovative pollution prevention technologies have begun to expand and mature over the past few years. These types of programs focus on:

• identifying research opportunities to address pressing needs for development of new technologies,
• promoting available innovative technologies to companies that may have a need to address new compliance requirements, enforcement, and modernize or upgrade their equipment and supplies
• fully characterizing the benefits of innovative pollution prevention technologies for potential users
• providing matching grant funds for investments in potentially risky new technologies
• sponsoring demonstration sites to showcase the benefits of innovative technologies to potential users

These strategies are described below for a few states in the Northeast that are encouraging adoption of innovative P2 technologies.

Connecticut

NICE³ (National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, Economics) is a US Department of Energy (DOE) program that provides research development and demonstration grants for the first commercial demonstration of new technologies with significant savings in energy, pollution, and cost. The grants are typically awarded to state/industry partnerships. Since 1995 Connecticut DEP and Connecticut industries have been awarded $2 million for 5 NICE³ projects. This program has been of tremendous benefit to Connecticut industries and has resulted in impressive energy, cost, and pollution savings. These savings have then been passed on to industries throughout the US through successful commercialization of the technologies.

In general, the NICE³ program enables companies to commercialize new technologies that may not have otherwise made it to the marketplace. There are major benefits of DOE support through the NICE³ program:

• The grant funding levels (up to $500,000 per project) are high enough to make a significant contribution to the high cost of first-time commercial demonstrations.
• The grant money is leveraged by an industrial cost share of at least 50 percent.

The development of a fundable NICE³ project application involves enlisting active support for the technology from demonstration partners, technology end users, state and federal agencies, and technical assistance providers. This support network is crucial to the demonstration and successful commercialization of any technology. The NICE³ program is structured so that this support network must be incorporated into projects that are selected for funding.

More specifically, NICE³ funding for CT projects has resulted in the following quantifiable benefits to industrial competitiveness and energy and environmental improvements. In 1996 Whyco Technologies of Thomaston, CT was awarded a $390,400 DOE grant to demonstrate and commercialize a "Waste Minimizing Plating Barrel." The DOE funds were matched by over $690,000 from Whyco. After successful finalization of the commercial design of the barrel and demonstration at Whyco's metal plating facility as part of the NICE³ project, the company has manufactured and sold over 600 barrels to other electroplating companies. The result is an estimated 358 billion Btu/year in energy savings and over 22,800 tons/year reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Each new plating barrel yields energy savings of 50 percent over conventional plating barrels, up to 40 percent increase in productivity, and up to a 60 percent decrease in loss of plating solution due to "drag out." Assuming a 50 percent penetration of the 100,000 plating barrel market in the US, projected energy savings could be as much as 25.2 trillion Btu/year and 1.5 million tons of reduced carbon dioxide emissions. This is a clean manufacturing success story that may not have been possible without DOE funding and support.

A NICE³ project that is currently running in CT is "Energy Conserving Tools for Combustion Dependent Industries." The technology, developed by Advanced Fuel Research in East Hartford, CT, is a portable, low cost multi-gas analyzer that performs continuous emissions monitoring and improves the combustion efficiency of industrial boilers and advanced gas turbines. The project was awarded $279,867 from DOE and is matched by $304,867 from industry.

Demonstrations are currently underway at the Pratt & Whitney engine testing facility and other sites. The improvements in dependability and efficiency from the new analyzer can lower energy costs by 70 percent. The savings from the projected 275 units installed by the end of 2003, will be 4.8 million kW hours and $45 million dollars in capital and labor costs. The NICE³ project, which started in May 2000 and is still in progress, has already resulted in sales of two units, 11 potential sales (2 which are under serious consideration), and 7 new contracts brought in through the demonstration partners.

Another Connecticut NICE³ project involves a technology that regenerates hydrochloric acids from steel pickling. The projected benefits are: a 95 percent energy savings, a 52 percent cost savings, and a 91 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The demonstration partner, US Steel, has been pleased with the results to date. NICE³ funding for this project is $450,231, with an industry cost share that will far exceed that amount.

These are just some examples of the benefits and impact of the DOE's NICE³ program. In sum, the program brings energy efficient technologies to the marketplace, builds strong partnerships that support innovative efficient technologies, and facilitates the transfer of such technologies to other industrial sectors. The Connecticut DEP in conjunction with NICE³ is accomplishing the program objective of advancing US competitiveness through energy efficiency and clean manufacturing.

Massachusetts

Established in 1994, the STrategic Envirotechnology Partnership (STEP) is a joint program between the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. STEP assists businesses with the development and promotion of innovative technology-based solutions to environmental problems in MA.

UMASS campuses and research centers and EOEA agencies are working together to address the environmental needs of Massachusetts' citizens through research, education, and public service. Through multiple technology, business, and policy centers, the STEP partners work together to advance promising technologies and ventures through the many different stages of development, from an innovative idea to commercial use. By reducing the risk and uncertainty associated with bringing environmental technologies to market, STEP's activities increase the amount of private investment in technologies that protect the environment, foster a business and regulatory climate in which innovative environmental technologies can thrive, and stimulate the use of specific technologies to improve environmental protection and resource conservation. The chart below describes the roles of various programs who work together to make STEP a success.

Role of Various MA Agencies in STEP

In 2000 125 companies received some form of business, technical, or regulatory assistance from STEP. Case studies of STEP activities are presented in an Annual Report, available on the STEP website: http://stepsite.org. As a result of STEP's work, MA has emerged as a leader in the commercialization of environmental and renewable energy technologies.

Over the past 12 months, the MA Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) has significantly expanded the scope and range of its technology support services. Through a number of avenues, OTA is working to increase awareness and utilization of new P2 technologies.

As a STEP partner OTA reviews incoming research proposals and evaluates ongoing projects in coordination with each of the UMASS research facilities. Strategically positioned to help strengthen the relationship between academic research and the environmental needs of MA industry, OTA also submits new research topics to the STEP program based on prevalent environmental problems encountered in the field. OTA staff submitted 22 topics in the past year, four of which were selected for STEP support in Fiscal Year 2001:

• Alternatives for Lead-Based Heat Stabilizers in Chlorine Containing Polymers - multistage project designed to define role of lead oxide in wire/cable insulation and identify less-toxic alternatives
• Alternatives for Cleaners (and Potentially for Coating Carrier Medium) in Coated and Laminated Substrate Manufacturing - investigation of less-toxic alternatives for clean up of adhesives and similar coatings
• Lithographic Printing Blanket Wash - investigation of less-toxic alternative solvents for press clean up
• Investigation of the Formation of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds in the Combustion of Fossil Fuels - relevant to pending reductions in reporting thresholds for PACs, which are commonly found in No. 2 and No. 6 fuel oil and other fossil fuels.

In addition, UMASS researchers are developing pre-proposals for STEP funding based on several topics developed by OTA technical staff.

OTA is also producing technical profiles of emerging technologies, in order to help companies more easily evaluate their performance and relative appropriateness. The first such report is focused on the VRTX technology, a chemical-free method for removing scale deposits, algae, and slime from cooling tower water, which is produced by Stoneham-based A.W. Chesterton Company. It is near completion and will be published in the next few months.

OTA continues to serve as MA's designated administrator for the US DOE NICE³ grant program. In January, Bedford-based Brittany Dyeing and Printing Corporation received its second NICE³ award. Other MA companies OTA has helped successfully apply for NICE³ funding are Erving Paper and ThermoTrex Corporation. Grants to the three companies have totaled $1,700,000 since 1994.

OTA is working with UMASS-Boston Professor John Warner to increase awareness, understanding and support of "green chemistry" approaches, which seek to mimic the sustainable, low-toxic, self-assembling characteristics of natural processes. This partnership sponsored the Massachusetts Green Chemistry Symposium held on April 6 at UMASS-Boston. The event catalyzed development of a Green Chemistry Consortium to coordinate government, industry and academic work in the field. A follow-up event focused on more specific, technical issues is being considered for the fall.

Finally, OTA is working with EOEA and DEP officials to host events that draw attention to innovative and effective pollution prevention practices implemented at Massachusetts companies. This year OTA and DEP co-hosted an event at Wilmington-based BOC Edwards recognizing their comprehensive set of improvements, including installation of a water reuse and waste recovery system developed by CASTion of Ludlow, MA. Similar events are planned at other facilities around the state. The agencies hope that increased attention on proven success stories will encourage interest in these new technologies.

Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island (URI) recently produced one of two P2 technology templates through a grant from EPA Region 1-New England. The first template covers the use of membrane technology. The second will cover diffusion dialysis for acid recovery. Delivery of these reports is scheduled for the end of the summer.

EPA Region I-New England

The Center for Environmental Industry and Technology (CEIT) is a program within the EPA-New England (NE) Office of Environmental Stewardship. The Center was established in 1995 to provide assistance to environmental technology developers in overcoming the challenges they face in bringing a product to market. EPA has long recognized the fact that technology innovation is indispensable to achieving national and international environmental goals. The mission of the Center is to provide access to resources, people, and programs for the environmental technology industry in New England, and to promote the acceptance of innovative environmental technologies in order to solve the most significant environmental problems facing the region. Non-point source pollution provides a good example of this problem-based focus. Over the past 4 years, CEIT has strategically provided 13 technology trade shows in areas where non-point source pollution is impairing water quality.

In the fall of 2000, CEIT launched a new program, called Technology Connection. Its objective is to connect innovative environmental technology developers to the environmental problems in New England. The goal is to improve environmental compliance and to encourage regulated entities to go beyond compliance through the use of Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs). The mechanism for making the connection is EnvirotechNews, CEIT's monthly electronic newsletter for environmental technology developers. EnvirotechNews offers information in the following areas: Government Funding Opportunities, Technology Opportunities, Future Needs, Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Opportunities, and Upcoming Events.

CEIT, with the assistance of the Enforcement Office, summarizes current enforcement actions and releases them as announcements under "Technology Opportunities." The announcements focus on the nature of the violation for which technology is necessary and suggested areas for a SEP, but they provide no details on the identity of the regulated entity. EnvirotechNews has a mailing list of over 750 environmental technology innovators throughout the U.S., who are at the cutting edge of technology development. The environmental technology developers respond to CEIT within one week via email using a suggested format. CEIT then sends a letter with the appropriate disclaimer and the responses to the corporation or other entity. The decision to follow up on the responses is then up to the potential user; CEIT merely facilitates the technology connection. As an example, EnvirotechNews recently announced a state's interest in seeking technologies for improving operation and maintenance of silver recovery units for photo- processors. As a result of that announcement, a Fortune 500 company is now working with two partners on an equipment/software package that shows high potential as a cost effective solution for photo-processors nationwide.

The connection to environmental technology developers is not limited to entities under enforcement actions. EPA-New England employees also have the opportunity to communicate their technology needs through announcements in the "Future Needs" section. The monthly issue of EnvirotechNews highlights problems for which EPA would like to find a solution. CEIT welcomes submissions for the "Future Needs" section.

EPA Region I-New England established a workgroup of state and federal environmental agency staff to focus on diffusion of innovative P2 technology several years ago. Last year, NEWMOA Innovative P2 Technology Workgroup. The first technology area that the Workgroup chose to focus on was closed-loop vapor degreasers, such as airless vacuum vapor degreasers. NEWMOA has developed a draft Pollution Prevention Technology Profile for closed-loop vapor degreasers that is currently undergoing Workgroup review. The Workgroup will hold a conference call to choose a second innovative P2 technology focus in the next few months.

The Innovative P2 Technology Workgroup will continue to hold at least one meeting a year to discuss the Pollution Prevention Technology Application Analysis Template (P2 Template) and Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) efforts, and share information on innovative P2 technologies of interest to the states.

POLLUTION PREVENTION WEEK 2001

Connecticut

To celebrate the successful completion of Commissioner Rocque's mercury collection campaign, a press event has been scheduled for September 21st. CT DEP expects to exceed the goal of 2001 pounds of mercury collected during 2001. The CT Department of Health will also participate.

On Tuesday, September 18^th a tour of a house that uses geothermal energy is being scheduled. A number of these projects are underway in the Hartford area.

Wednesday, September 19^th will bring a mini-fair to Bushnell Park featuring displays on environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) and P2 topics along with local entertainment. The park is a popular lunchtime area for persons working in downtown Hartford and brings a number of participants without a lot of event promotion.

A P2 Lecture is being scheduled with the University of Connecticut's Environmental Research Institute to present their findings from both air and water monitoring studies with regard to mercury. A date has not yet been set.

The DEP Green Circle award ceremony for pollution prevention winners is also being scheduled during or near P2 Week.

Maine

To celebrate Pollution Prevention Week, Maine will host the Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence. The Office of Innovation and Assistance rewards facilities who have challenged themselves and shown technical innovation in regards to pollution prevention. This year they have added a new award category: "Smart Production."

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) has done several things thus far for Pollution Prevention Week. Staff have created daily P2 tips on the "Environmentally Preferable Purchasing" to be distributed to DES employees via e-mail each day during P2 Week. In addition, a "check message" has been created to be printed on that week's State of New Hampshire employees paycheck. Staff have also created a web page, (linking to NEWMOA and past and present joint resolutions), written an article for the NHPPP newsletter "Wastelines," and have created a booth display for the DES lobby during P2 Week. NHPPP has also created outreach/education materials on EPP in the areas of household purchases, office purchases, clothing purchases, and food purchases.

New York

New York State is planning to celebrate National P2 Week at their new DEC Headquarters located at 625 Broadway in Albany. During the week the lobby will have several exhibits by their P2 partners. A P2 Tip Board will be set up for employees to write up and post their best P2 tips. At the end of the week these will be consolidated and e-mailed to all employees. The Agency will also display the Governor's Proclamation along with the Northeast State Joint Resolution.

A program will be held in the Public Assembly Room on the 19^th with welcoming remarks by the new DEC Commissioner, Erin M. Crotty, and other executive staff; presentations will be given by last year's Governor's Awards winners; and a ceremony of this year's winners of the Governor's Awards for P2. The winners are invited to a luncheon on their behalf after the ceremony. On the 20^th DEC will have a cake and the awards ceremony for the children's poster contest on the theme of "Be Green". The children will be invited to a one hour Hudson River cruise on the vessel called the Dutch Apple.

Rhode Island

Preparations for the Rhode Island 2001 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention are currently underway. Applications will be accepted through August 30, 2001. The award will be given at a ceremony held during P2 Week 2001.

NE P2 Roundtable

The NE P2 Roundtable is coordinating Regional P2 2001Week activities through its P2 Week Workgroup. The Workgroup selected "Shop for a Better Environment" as a theme for this year's activities in the region. This theme was chosen to capture the interest in the region in promoting environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) as a critical P2 activity. The Workgroup is undertaking several projects including:

• development of a joint resolution on the regional theme to be signed by the state Environmental Commissioners and Directors and the EPA Region I and II Administrators
• preparation of a template for a book mark to be distributed by the states to interested parties; the bookmark will be designed to give users some EPP tips and advice on where to get additional information.

PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP INSTITUTE

State environmental officials around the country are taking a new approach to managing wastes that calls on product manufacturers to work with government officials and other stakeholders to take joint responsibility for reducing the health and environmental impacts from consumer products. "Product Stewardship," as it is called, extends over a product's life cycle, and strives to reduce impacts on air, water, energy, waste, and worker safety. One of the main principles of product stewardship is that government policies should provide incentives to manufacturers to design their products to be reusable, recyclable, made from recycled materials, and include fewer toxic and other materials.

In December 2000, at the invitation of Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs Bob Durand, over 100 government officials from over 19 state environmental agencies, 7 EPA regions, and over half a dozen local governments came to Boston to discuss the need to take a product stewardship approach to waste management issues.

The two-day forum was coordinated by the newly created Product Stewardship Institute (PSI), a national organization formed as a joint initiative between the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the University of Massachusetts. The primary mission of the Institute is to assist state and local government agencies in establishing cooperative agreements with industry and work to reduce the health and environmental impacts from consumer products.

The forum highlighted the top five products of concern to waste management officials - electronics, mercury-containing products, pesticides, paint, and carpet. Since that time, PSI has coordinated over 20 state environmental agencies that are now participating in a dialogue with the electronics industry that aims to produce a voluntary negotiated agreement in lieu of regulatory and statutory action. A separate dialogue with carpet manufacturers spearheaded by the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance has also been underway since the spring of 2000.

CONNECTICUT

CONNECTICUT DEP

Mercury Collection Nears Goal

The goal set by Commissioner Arthur J. Rocque, Jr., of the CT DEP to collect 2001 pounds of mercury in 2001 has nearly been reached. A collection of dental mercury held in partnership with the CT State Dental Association in June has brought in an additional 412 pounds of mercury. Dentists brought their unused bulk mercury to collection sites in seven cities around the state. When combined with household hazardous waste collections and mercury thermometer exchange events - the total amount of mercury collected to date is 1,837 pounds. Over 50,000 digital thermometers have been distributed and the exchanges will continue through the fall. A press event will be held during Pollution Prevention Week on the status of the 2001 goal.

CT Green Buildings Council

An organizing committee is working to create the CT Green Buildings Council. The committee includes architects, engineers, a fuel cell manufacturer, a state university and four state agencies among others. The mission and goals are under discussion. A kick-off event for October is being considered.

MAINE

MAINE DEP

Maine DEP has analyzed the results from the data the Agency collects for Toxics Use Reduction Reporting and other activities. The following data presents the overall achievements of the programs in Maine's Office of Innovation and Assistance.

Toxics and Hazardous Waste Reduction Program (THWRP):

Statewide reductions achieved, as of July 2000, are as follows:

Toxic Use Reduction: 37 percent

Toxic Release Reduction: 57 percent

Hazardous Waste Reduction: 41 percent

Total amount reduced: 123,309,484 pounds

Total reporters: 450 facilities

Small Business Assistance Program:

Total businesses assisted: 525 facilities

VOCs reduced through intensive autobody assistance: Over 2,000 pounds

Pollution Prevention (P2) Program:

Major sectors with new P2 agreements:

Hospital MOU

Universities and colleges

Total contact assistance: 261

MASSACHUSETTS

MASSACHUSETTS DEP

MA Surpasses Goal in Reducing Toxic Waste

The Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) program is proud to announce that it has fulfilled its original goal of reducing the generation of waste by 50 percent. The annual TURA Information Release, which tracks data on the state's largest toxics users, shows that between 1990 and 1999, they decreased their toxic chemical waste generation by 60 million pounds or 57 percent; decreased their total toxic chemical use by 317 million pounds or 41 percent; and reduced their toxic releases to the environment by 18 million pounds or 87 percent. The report reflects data that has been normalized to account for a 52 percent increase in production since 1990 as well as impacts from plant closings and openings.

The "TUR Information Release" summarizes information from about 500 Large Quantity Toxics Users that report to the Toxics Use Reduction Program each year. In addition to the above information regarding reduction in chemical use and byproduct, the report also revealed the following information that has not been normalized to account for increases in production.

The Core Group filers (those who have filed TURA reports consistently since 1990) reduced their TRI transfers off-site (byproducts that are transferred off-site for energy recovery, recycling, treatment and disposal) by 5 percent, from 21.7 million pounds in 1991 to 20.5 million pounds in 1999.

In 1999, 188 chemicals were reported out of 1,420 TURA-listed chemicals. Of the 188, 20 chemicals accounted for 79 percent of the total use reported statewide and the top 20 chemicals generated as byproduct in 1999 accounted for 74 percent of the total byproduct generated statewide.

Styrene monomer (a building block for various plastics) was the most reported chemical in 1999, accounting for 36 percent of the total use reported.

The report contains charts and illustrations that demonstrate trends (over ten years) showing the reduction of chemical use, byproduct and releases. There are lists of the top twenty chemicals used and the top twenty chemicals that generate byproducts. The report lists the top five facilities with the largest reductions in byproduct generation and the top twenty facilities with the largest quantity of total use and byproduct generation.

Local Health Officials & TURA

On Tuesday, June 5^th, 120 persons attended a conference in Marlboro, MA entitled "Reducing Toxics, Improving Public Health: Tools and Resources for the Local Public Health Community." This conference was the first in what is hoped to be a series of events and activities to bridge the information and assistance gap between state environmental agencies and local health officials.

The MA Toxics Use Reduction Program, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Health Officers Association, organized the conference. Opening speakers included Secretary Bob Durand, Undersecretary Gina McCarthy, and Commissioner of Public Health, Howard Koh. Conference breakout sessions focused on: Improving Indoor Air Quality, Health Effects of Toxics on Adults and Children, Chemical Management in Public Facilities, Reducing Pesticides in Communities, and Toxics in Small Business and Industry.

On October 29, 1999, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final rule under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to Know Act (EPRCA) which lowers the Toxics Release Inventory reporting thresholds for Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic chemicals (PBTs), and adds certain other PBT chemicals to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). TURA automatically adopts these lower reporting thresholds. The first TURA reports for PBTs at the lower thresholds were due July 1, 2001 (DEP is allowing a 90-day extension.)

DEP estimates that up to 100 facilities may enter the TURA universe as a result of the new lower thresholds, and that up to 200 existing facilities may begin reporting PBT chemicals. EPA and DEP believe that the primary activity that will trigger reporting of PBT chemicals at the lower thresholds is combustion (e.g., combustion of fuel oils 2,4,6; combustion of solid waste, cremation of remains), and the use of raw materials that contain listed chemicals as contaminants (e.g., use of sulfuric acid containing mercury). The PBTs most likely to be triggered by these activities include polycyclic aromatic compounds (threshold of 100 pounds), mercury and mercury compounds (threshold of 10 pounds), and dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (threshold of 0.1 grams).

DEP recognizes that the PBT reporting requirements under TURA are new and that the EPA guidance documents may not address all the questions a facility may have for TURA reporting. Therefore, DEP has allowed a 90-day extension beyond the July 1, 2001 deadline for filing Form Ss for PBT chemicals and non-PBT chemicals that are "tripped" into the 10,000-pound threshold due to reporting a PBT.

This summer, DEP will be working with TUR planners and partner agencies to revise the TUR Plan Update Guidance to reflect the lower PBT thresholds. The TUR planning cycle begins on January 1, 2002 with plan updates, summaries, and certifications due on July 1, 2002. This will be the first TUR planning to involve the lower thresholds required by the PBT changes.

Pilot Assistance Program

On June 6, MA EOEA and DEP officials introduced a new pilot program, entitled "Right From the Start," at a breakfast event at DEP's Central Regional Office (CERO). The program centralizes access to a host of assistance services for companies applying for environmental permits through CERO. Joining Secretary Bob Durand and Commissioner Lauren Liss were DEP Central Regional Director Bob Golledge and Assistant Secretary Gina McCarthy.

The event highlighted joint efforts by government, industry and academia to facilitate progress beyond compliance and toward sustainability and "environmental stewardship." The emphasis on partnership was received positively by industry attendees, several of whom approached OTA and EOEA staff to discuss opportunities for working together to overcome hurdles concerning financial and regulatory support for new technologies and comprehensive water conservation and protection issues.

The "Right From the Start" pilot program introduced at CERO offers environmental officials an opportunity to engage companies in P2 and resource conservation while projects are still in the planning stages, thereby saving businesses time and resources and helping them reduce regulatory burdens and maximize environmental gains. It also represents an effort on the part of EOEA and DEP to augment the permit process with assistance and support services that may help improve environmental performance, efficiency and production.

Chemical Information Resource

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute's (TURI) Technology Transfer Center (TTC) serves as a valuable resource for P2 information, with a collection of over 10,000 publications, including books and databases available at few other libraries. One such publication is the "Chemical Economics Handbook," published by SRI consulting of California. This 38-volume resource offers the work of over 100 industry researchers covering hundreds of chemicals and polymers and several thousand products. Use of the handbook is limited to students, including TUR planners and those enrolled in Institute programs and classes. The CEH offers information on production including a description of synthesis, characteristics and consumption, imports and exports, demand projections, manufacturing processes, derivatives, and a structure of the industry, including a complete producers list - with quantifiable production capabilities.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW HAMPSHIRE DES

Dental Project

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has formed a working partnership with the New Hampshire Dental Society (NHDS) and the NH Small Business Development Center (NHSBDC). The partnership will promote the proper management and recycling of mercury-containing wastes and x-ray wastes in dental offices (including compliance with environmental laws and regulations) and encourage the use of non-mercury amalgams.

Marina Project

Clean P2

Mercury Legislation

Three bills were introduced that address mercury in products. HB 645 requires pre-sorting for mercury-containing products from municipal solid waste and HB 655 establishes an advanced disposal fee for mercury-containing products to fund the pre-sorting program. HB 675 proposes labeling and collection requirements, a disposal ban, phase-out provisions, and disclosure provisions for mercury-containing products used in health care facilities. The bill also includes a state procurement provision and provides for equal reimbursement of non-mercury dental fillings by state insurance providers. All three bills were retained in committee, which means that they will be held over the summer, worked on and prepared for introduction in the next legislative session.

P2 staff have been busy conducting outreach to manufacturers and users of mercury-added products regarding last year's legislation, which prohibits the sale of mercury thermometers; bans mercury use in schools; requires manufacturers to report on mercury-added products that they produce, and restricts the use of elemental mercury.

The P2 Program, in cooperation with Wheelabrator Corporation, sponsored a one-day thermometer exchange for DES and Health and Human Services employees housed in the office building in Concord. The exchange was a success - the Agency collected 115 fever thermometers, 3 outdoor weather thermometers and 2 mercury switches. Wheelabrator provided digital thermometers for the swap.

P2 staff have been working with the Thermostat Recycling Corporation to develop a mercury-added thermostat take-back program in New Hampshire.

The P2 in Healthcare workgroup (established under the NH Mercury Task Force and led by the P2 Program Manager) has been busy identifying ways to go beyond acute care hospitals and encourage mercury use reduction by other types of healthcare providers.

2001 Governor's Award

Three NH businesses won the 2001 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention. Loctite Corporation of Seabrook (formally Dexter Polymer Systems), manufactures adhesives and mold release compounds. Millipore Corporation of Jaffrey, manufactures high-technology membrane filters used in such industries as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, microelectronics, and general research. Pitco Frialator of Bow manufactures commercial frying and cooking equipment.

In addition, Boyce Highlands, a manufacturer of wood products in Concord, and Moore North America, a printer in Manchester, both won Honorable Mentions.

NEW YORK

NEW YORK STATE DEC

Staff continues to actively participate in the SGP program. An application for participating metal finishers to request placement on the performance ladder has been finalized. To date two companies have requested placement. The Technical Review Board (TRB) is reviewing their request and have asked each applicant to submit additional supporting information. Four workshops were held in March 2001 to provide compliance and pollution prevention assistance. The benefits of developing and implementing an EMS were also presented.

Dairy Farm Mercury Manometer Project

Staff in cooperation with the NYS Department of Ag & Markets has been surveying farms in order to identify the use of Hg manometers. The survey which originally used certified milk inspectors to survey the farms is now being completed by a direct mailing. Approximately 5600 farms were sent surveys directly, and to date DEC has received approximately 1600 responses. The project will also include evaluating replacement alternatives and the costs of each alternative.

TRI Reporting

The 1999 New York State's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Report was finalized. This year DEC downloaded EPA's compiled data to prepare the report. The report shows that toxic releases into the environment dropped from 74.61 million pounds in 1998 to 71.81 million pounds in 1999 with manufacturing industries continuing to show a general decline in releases since 1988.

The New York State Governor's Awards for Pollution Prevention applications for 2001 are currently being reviewed. 15 applications have been distributed to the technical review team. This year DEC has added a new category: Continuous Improvement. This category is for organizations that demonstrate a longer term commitment to P2 and continue to develop and implement programs and achieve results. The awards will be presented during P2 Week in September 2001.

P2 Conference

In lieu of the annual P2 conference, the Unit will be holding a special P2 Open House at DEC's new location at 625 Broadway, Albany NY. It will be held during P2 Week, September 17-23, 2001. Planned activities include exhibits and presentations, facility tours and the annual children's poster contest awards.

Comparative Risk Project

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) Bureau of Environmental Compliance Environmental Economic Development Assistance Unit (EEDAU) and Right to Know (RtK) Unit of the Division of Emergency Response and Technical Assessment conducted four outreach meetings on NYC's Community Right-to-Know Law for the auto body industry. A kick-off meeting was held in January 2001 and was sponsored by the Auto Body Craftman's Guild, a major trade association representing NYC's auto body shops. Other meetings were held in February in various parts of the New York City area. Attendance at the meetings was excellent, surpassing the expectations of the sponsors. Presentations at the meetings focused on how shops can comply with the Right to Know law.

Energy Audits for Metal Finishers

EEDAU is working with the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to target free energy conservation services and programs to metal finishers in the City. EDC and NYSERDA have energy audit and assistance programs that help companies increase productivity, conserve energy and reduce energy costs. Metal finishers are large consumers of energy and are interested in using the state's auditing services.

Strategic Goals Program for Metal Finishers

EEDAU and the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) sponsored workshops for New York City metal finishers on "Free and Low Cost Energy and Pollution Prevention Equipment Programs" in April and May. The workshops were targeted toward voluntary participants in the "National Metal Finishing Strategic Goals Program" (SGP), an effort that rewards metal finishers that improve their environmental performance. Representatives of EDC and NYSERDA made presentations on their energy conservation program resources, along with NYS DEC representatives and others on environmental programs in the state.

Printers Workshops

NYC DEP and the Association of Graphic Communications (AGC) and the national screen and flexography printing associations held a series of successful workshops for the industry in June. The sessions included presentations on the latest printing technology, the environment, and opportunities for doing business with the City of New York. There was a strong turn out at the workshops with lots of opportunities for exchanging information and interaction.

RHODE ISLAND

RHODE ISLAND DEM

VERMONT

VERMONT DEC

Biosolds Toxics Use Reduction

Vermont DEC is continuing its pilot biosolids toxics use reduction project with the municipalities of Brattleboro and Winooski. Both communities have now developed project work plans that include efforts to provide outreach and technical assistance in the communities. Brattleboro is currently working with a professional videographer to develop an educational video on water sources, water pollution, and wastewater treatment in the town. The City of Winooski is developing indicators of community health as a part of their efforts. Both communities are committed to becoming environmental leaders in the management of their own municipal operations. The Environmental Assistance Division has provided on-site compliance reviews and P2 opportunity assessments of municipal facilities and operations in both communities and also hopes to work with the business community. Public outreach will be a major component of both projects. Each community is developing a biosolids monitoring protocol as a means to monitor progress in toxics reduction.

Metal Fabrication Initiative

Vermont DEC has mailed its metal fabrication compliance guide to over one hundred metal fabricators. A letter accompanying the guide informed these businesses that the sector would be targeted for hazardous waste inspections after April 1, 2002 and informed them of the availability of on-site technical assistance and workshops prior to this date. The Environmental Assistance and Waste Management Divisions are jointly working on this effort.

EMS Training for Businesses

Using National Environmental Performance Track funding, DEC has initiated an EMS design and implementation training program for six
Vermont manufacturers. The first of six half-day training sessions has been held. A training consultant has been hired to provide training and on-site consultation as the participating companies develop their EMS. Workshops will be completed in November and participants are expected to have completed their EMS design by June 2002.

Mercury-Related Activities

Surveys of both dentists and hospitals related to mercury use and reduction have been completed and compiled. This information will be used to develop outreach and assistance efforts in the coming year. Hospital surveys indicated a need for assistance in establishing an inventory of mercury-containing devices and in identifying mercury-free alternatives.

Vermont DEC will be developing regulatory procedures for dental offices covering mercury handling in the coming year.

Following on the successes of the mercury fever thermometer pledge program with Vermont pharmacies, in which nearly every pharmacy pledged to discontinue the sale of mercury fever thermometers, a similar pledge program with Vermont grocers has been started. To date, over 130 grocers have pledged to discontinue the sale of mercury fever thermometers out of about 1100 grocers in the state.

Vermont's Advisory Committee on Mercury Pollution (ACMP) continues to meet regularly and has established a work plan for the coming year, including activities related to outreach to sensitive populations, updating in-state mercury emissions inventories, reviewing the status of environmental monitoring data related to mercury, review of dental use of mercury and handling practices, and the status of manufacturer take-back and other collection programs for discarded mercury-added products. Information on the ACMP, including meeting minutes is available at www.mercvt.org

EPA REGION 1-NEW ENGLAND

Municipal DPW Garages

EPA-NE has developed a self-audit and outreach initiative for DPWs in response to a request for enforcement amnesty/leniency. This program was featured at recent meetings in CT and NH. EPA-NE has also developed a new DPW compliance/P2 checklist (modeled on NEWMOA's for vehicle repair facilities) and posted it and other materials on an EPA-NE website for municipalities.

Storm Water Phase II

On July 31, construction veteran and storm water protection champion Jack Deering will give a seminar at EPA-NE on how regulators, towns, developers and construction companies should work together to protect storm water before, during, and after construction projects.

Colleges & Universities

With permission from OMB, EPA-NE conducted a telephone survey of colleges/universities who have attended one or more of EPA-NE events, to assess customer satisfaction and behavior change. EPA-NE reached 48 colleges and universities (100 percent participation) and most expressed positive comments on EPA's initiative. There is a request for more workshops tailored to smaller colleges and universities, related to specific departments (e.g., arts departments and business schools).

On March 29, Peggy Bagnoli participated in the National Wildlife Federation's Stakeholder Meeting to discuss barriers and opportunities for continued progress in elevating environmental sustainability as a central higher education concern. The meeting involved roundtable discussions among a variety of participants (i.e., college and university faculty, administration, students, EHS staff, NGOs, regulators and trade organizations).

On April 5-6, Peggy Bagnoli presented and provided a booth at the 21st Century Campus Conference in Bar Harbor, Maine. Over 200 students, faculty, facility operations, administration and EHS personnel from Maine colleges and universities attended. The conference highlighted energy efficiency and greening the campus efforts.

On May 16, EPA-NE staff met with Tufts University to discuss next steps in the Energy/BMP initiative for colleges and universities. Tufts will provide a contact list so the Agency will be able to send a general message out to colleges and universities to determine if institutions are focusing on energy and climate change or intend to in the future, and their need for assistance.

On May 17, Peggy Bagnoli presented at the Best Management Practices in Environmental Management event at Yale University. There were over 90 participants from Regions 1, 2,and 6 at this EPA co-sponsored event. Presentations focused on chemical inventories, how information technology can ease compliance requirements, and greening the campus efforts.

EPA-NE is working with TetraTech to develop an EMS guide for colleges and universities. July 15 is the target date to have the document ready for input from the colleges and universities community.

EPA-NE is also developing an effort to get more colleges and universities to take advantage of EPA's Self-Audit Policy.

K-12 & Vocational Schools

The Regional Toxics-Free Schools Team held a successful conference in Warwick, RI on May 15th. This was a joint effort by US EPA, RI State Fire Marshall's Office, RI Department of Education, RI Department of Environmental Management, RI Department of Health, and RI Department of Labor and Training. A total of 77 people attended the workshop, including science teachers, school superintendents, and fire department representatives.

The Team also participated in the 3rd multi-agency meeting/conference call to address EHS in schools in Maine on May 16th. ME DEP, ME DOA, ME DOL, ME DOL, ME Lung Association, and ME School Management Association participated in this meeting.

EPA is working with contractor ERG to compile all available EPA-funded environmental tools for schools (with the exception of curricula). All documents collected will be made available in electronic (CD) format.

Metal Finishers

EPA-NE held three Best Practices for Metal Finishing Line Operators Workshops during the week of June 11, at Duralectra, Natick, MA, Delta Electronics, Beverly MA, and CIL, Lawrence, MA. Approximately 75 electroplaters attended the three workshops.

Raytheon has agreed to be a corporate sponsor of the Strategic Goals Program for Metal Finishers. They will sponsor meetings of the New England Program at their Lexington facility; future involvement may include sponsoring workshops, and the internship program. Raytheon also expressed interest in making this a nationwide program for their company. The Strategic Goals Program will allow Raytheon to mentor their subcontractors in a voluntary and non-threatening manner, and will encourage the subcontractors to move beyond compliance. Raytheon has about thirty metal finishing subcontractors in New England, ten of whom already belong to the Goals Program.

EPA-NE conducted two workshops on Storm Water for Metal Finishers this Spring. About 60 Massachusetts metal finishers attended. These workshops were held at the suggestion of EPA's water enforcement staff, who have found that metal finishers are not aware of their responsibilities under Phase I of Storm Water regulations. Additional outreach has included articles in metal finishing trade newsletters and speaking engagements at trade association meetings.

Marina Initiative

EPA-NE has been meeting with state agency partners, marine trade association officials, and other relevant organizations in all states to discuss plans for an outreach and compliance assessment effort for marinas. The Marinas guide and checklist that will be used in this effort is in draft form.

April 3, Rick Reibstein helped a group of state and local officials and marine trade professionals formulate a strategy for dealing with gray water discharges into the waters of Nantucket. The presentation was well received and the island is now considering setting up a tank of aquatic organisms for public view, to increase awareness of the impacted resource.

P2 Template

On June 12, EPA-NE and NEWMOA led an eventful all-day meeting in Boxborough of the Innovative P2 Technology Workgroup. Topics included the status and future of P2 technology verifications under ETV, the status of analyses using the Template, three technology updates, and discussion of a new "technology profile" type of document to supplement the Template. The new head of P2/ETV at ORD-Cincinnati, the lead for ETV coatings verifications at ORD-RTP, and the lead for metal finishing verifications at CTC/Florida, attended the meeting to hear about NE's technology profiling work using the Template, and to gather ideas for ETV. Four state agencies attended.

Since the meeting, EPA has made further progress on a plan for incorporating the P2 Template into the next phase of ETV's P2 work. EPA-NE also provided ETV with information on NE priority P2 technology interests, to help ETV shape their RFP to create a new ETV P2 Center.

Sustainable Performance & Practices

On May 17, Jean Holbrook, Marge Miranda and Anne Fenn presented an EMS Awareness Training for Federal Facilities workshop, which provided information on the basic concepts and elements of an EMS to the representatives from 48 Federal Facilities who attended.

On May 23, Jean Holbrook and Jack Healey attended a meeting on EMS for municipalities presented by the UMASS Lowell EMS Service Center. Representatives of four municipalities and one community college interested in implementing an EMS attende. On June 13, Jean Holbrook participated in an EMS workshop for municipalities sponsored by MA DEP under a grant from Headquarters' Performance Track program. This was part of a series of EMS workshops, three for state employees and four for municipalities, undertaken by MA DEP. The workshop featured an introductory level explanation of EMS, a recent enforcement case study highlighting the liability reasons for implementing an EMS, a discussion of the new MA DEP policy on EMS in enforcement, and a tour of the chemical storage facility at Worcester State College. There were approximately 20 attendees.

Chris Beling leveraged $20,000 of climate change action plan funds to partially fund a research project "to determine the market demand and economic viability for reused, refurbished or repaired electronics, including quantifying baseline information regarding the reuse market for electronic products." The Maine State Planning office, the RI Resource Recovery Association, EPA R2, and Consolidated Edison of NYC will also be funding a portion of this research.

On May 30, Jean Holbrook attended a Community Advisory Council meeting at Guilford of Maine, a Performance Track charter member. Guilford is an ISO 14001 registered facility with a major commitment to environmentally preferable and sustainable manufacturing practices. Environmental objectives for this textile mill include major reductions in water and energy usage, development and marketing of an interior office upholstery fabric (i.e., cubicles, partitions, and furniture) made entirely of 100 percent renewable raw materials, vendor programs to increase the use of recyclable packaging, reduced use of toxics and increased information availability regarding toxic content in purchased materials, reductions in solid waste, and an increase in the content of recycled material in products produced by the facility to 80 percent. Guilford provides updates and solicits input from the community periodically through its Community Advisory Council.

EPA-NE is participating in the PrintSTEP, a pilot program that grew out of the CSI Printing project. PrintSTEP (Printers Specialized Total Environmental Partnership) pilot programs are being run in MN, MO, and NH. The program includes self-certification, public involvement, and P2. The program's workbooks tell printers, the state agencies and community groups what each needs to know about the project. All are based on the national pilot, but are adapted to the specific rules of the host state. NH draft books will be available for final review next month.

EPA REGION 2

Grants Programs

EPA Region 2 was provided with $478,477 for the FY 2001 Pollution Prevention Incentives for States (PPIS) grants. The Region received 11 PPIS applications of which 5 will be funded: NYS DEC has been recommended for two awards, one for "Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance Outreach to Marinas and Ski Areas," and one for "Mercury Manometer Replacement and Outreach Project for Plumbers." NJ DEP has been recommended for an award for a project entitled "PBT-free Purchasing Assistance in New Jersey." The State University of New Jersey - Rutgers has been recommended for two awards. Rutgers NJ Eco-Complex will be working on a project entitled "Innovative Landfill Gas-to-Energy Microturbine Cogeneration/Desalinization System Integrated with Aquaponics," while Rutgers Occupational Training and Education Consortium will be working on a project entitled "Advancing Environmental and Occupational Health through Pollution Prevention."

Urban Heat Island Analysis

The P2 team has awarded a $30,000 grant to Columbia University Earth Institute in cooperation with NASA-Goddard Institute of Space Sciences for a project on the mitigation of urban heat island impacts on specific neighborhoods. The project will apply the American Forestry Association Green Cities Model, which uses remote sensing to determine ground level heat impacts, and then specifies tree cover to mitigate the temperature impacts. The project will link the outputs of the neighborhood analysis into Smart Growth principles, which can serve as the basis for developing an outreach campaign on energy efficiency, public health, and urban quality of life beyond existing programs.

Promoting Safe Treatment for Lice & Scabies

The P2 team has awarded a $19,800 grant to Inform, Inc., for a project to develop a low cost outreach program effective at reducing the purchase and use of lindane. Lindane is a pesticide related to DDT, which is classified by EPA as a PBT chemical; it is readily absorbed through the skin and affects the nervous system. Lindane is used primarily in medicine to treat head lice and scabies; lindane shampoos are rinsed off after use and it has acute toxicity to fish. Less toxic alternatives are available for both diseases. This project will build on a successful project piloted in Los Angeles, CA.

NY/NJ Harbor Consortium

The P2 team has been invited to participate in the NY/NJ Harbor Consortium's project entitled "Industrial Ecology, Pollution Prevention and the NY/NJ Harbor." The Consortium held their third general session on June 12 at the New York Academy of Sciences. The session featured a discussion of the first phase of this project, a report currently in draft form entitled "An Industrial Ecology Analysis of Mercury in the NY/NJ Harbor." The science task force presented P2 recommendations for mercury and then discussed the next phase of the project, an industrial ecology assessment of cadmium.

Health Care Initiative

A Region 2 PPIS grant to the NYS Department of Health has funded a series of six seminars throughout New York State entitled "Our Environment: A Healthcare Commitment." The last and best attended seminar was at Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC on June 25, 2001. Over 75 people toured the facility. Speakers included the waste manager for Beth Israel, who spoke about developing and implementing a P2 strategy at a large urban hospital, as well as representatives from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Healthcare without Harm, and EPA compliance assistance staff.

United Nations Conference

Environmental Performance Track

The open session for applications to the performance track program closed April 30, 2001. Region 2 received applications from five facilities: Mott's, NY; Investment Recovery & Recycling Services, NY; Naval Air Engineering Station, NJ; BASF Corporation, NJ; and Ideal Jacobs Corporation, NJ. Recommendations for acceptance into the NEPT Program will be made by July 30.

Strategic Agricultural Initiative

EPA Region 2 will fund an agricultural pollution prevention project for farmers in Puerto Rico under the FY 2001 Strategic Agricultural Initiative. This budget initiative was announced by EPA Headquarters Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic Substances in December 2000 as part of implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act. Region 2 plans to award $57,000 to the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez this summer.

Healthcare Facility Challenge

The P2 team has developed a recognition program entitled "EPA Region 2's Green Facility Program: Healthcare Facility Challenge" as a way to encourage healthcare facilities to implement P2 and waste minimization practices. In order to become recognized under this program, a healthcare facility must perform a baseline survey to determine its current total volume of waste generated, as well as all sources of mercury. They must then establish waste reduction goals and report to EPA Region 2 on the measurable progress made towards achieving these goals. The activities reported must have resulted in a substantial and permanent environmentally beneficial change in the way they did business. Successful facilities will receive certificates of recognition and window decals; no regulatory or enforcement flexibility is offered. EPA Region 2 hopes to launch the program during P2 Week in September.

In a related manner, the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance is funding a virtual healthcare facility on the Internet where a compliance assistance provider or healthcare facility can walk through and identify the various waste streams, applicable regulations, and pollution prevention opportunities associated with hospital operations. Several P2/ regulatory workshops for the healthcare sector will be held this year.

Environmental Management Systems

On May 31, 2001, Pamela Bridgen of Environmental International provided a general awareness training on EMSs to approximately 35 EPA Region 2 staff and 30-35 environmental health and safety officials from NYC and NYS colleges, state environmental agencies, and healthcare institutions. The Region's federal facility coordinators gave a brief presentation on their work related to promoting EMSs at hospitals, colleges and federal facilities in Region 2. This training was funded by EPA-Headquarters.

Kathleen Malone, Federal Facilities Coordinator for Region 2, has been promoting the use of Environmental Management Systems. She made presentation at the last two of the NYS DEC series of Healthcare Pollution Prevention Workshops with onsite visits at Brookhaven Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center. At Beth Israel there were 11 visitors from India, who also were able to hear her presentation.

In March and again in June, Kathleen Malone and Diane Buxbaum made presentations at the Region 1 and 2 Connecticut Hospital Association Hospital Workshop and a Region 2 and 3 University of Pennsylvania Hospital Workshop. These were predominantly compliance focused workshops, but there was a strong P2 and Voluntary Program component in each one.

Two inspector training programs were set up by DECA staff, 1)Hospital P2 and Compliance Training provided by Marvin Stillman of University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital and 2) P2 in the metal finishing industry.

A brochure explaining the basis for Environmentally Beneficial Landscaping (EBL) for federal facilities as mandates in Executive Order 13148, "Greening the Government" through leadership in environmental management has been developed. It gives information about cost savings, simple tips to achieve EBL, and available information resources.

Website Development & Information Tools

Virtual Hospital Website:

A contractor is developing a virtual hospital website that will contain both compliance and P2 information. It will be accessed via the federal facility website when completed. The planned completion date is fall 2001.

Puerto Rico/Virgin Island P1 & Compliance Conference

Preliminary planning for a fall 2001 two-day workshop for federal facilities, hospital, and healthcare facilities is planned for Puerto Rico. The event will address compliance with federal regulations, P2, voluntary programs, EMS, greening the government, and much more.

Greening the Government

A proposed two-day conference will include information on complying with the multiple executive orders on greening the government, P2, environmental management systems, environmentally preferable purchasing, and much more.

The Natural Step

Region 2 had its first presentation on The Natural Step. RCRA Compliance Branch and RCRA Programs Branch arranged for a full day presentation on April 11, 2001.

NORTHEAST P2 ROUNDTABLE

NEWMOA has launched an Environmental Accounting Listserve to enable anyone interested in environmental management accounting to share information, resources, and ideas. A listserve is a subscription list of individuals with a common interest. To use the listserve, participants send an e-mail to the listserve and it goes out to the entire list of subscribers. Anyone on the list can respond to the e-mail either directly to the sender or to the entire list. This process enables a large group of people to join in on a discussion and to share resources. The Environmental Accounting Listserve currently has about 50 participants from all over the U.S. Participants come from governmental agencies, universities, industry, consulting, and other groups. Contact NEWMOA to get involved in the EA listserve.

Marina Workgroup

Most of the states in the Northeast are focusing on outreach and assistance to marinas this year and next. Several states, including Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts, have initiated Clean Marina programs that involve developing guidance manuals and other assistance materials. Many of these manuals focus on best management practices for reducing non-point sources of pollution from marinas. New York and New Hampshire are also developing guidance materials and checklists as well as a video tape to support their assistance efforts. All of the states are planning to hold workshops for marinas over the next year or so.

NEWMOA has been providing support for the state and EPA efforts by forming an interstate workgroup to share information and ideas on outreach and assistance activities for marinas. The workgroup holds periodic conference calls and occasional face-to-face meetings.

Mercury Policy Listserve

Federal, state, local, and tribal program staff can now share information on mercury policies, regulations, and legislation through NEWMOA's Mercury Policy Listserve. This listserve is only open to employees of governmental agencies and programs. The purpose of the listserve is to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on mercury reduction, collection, recycling, disposal, and retirement. The listserve currently has over 200 subscribers. Contact NEWMOA to get involved in the Mercury Policy Listserve.

Solid Waste Action Plan

NEWMOA's Board of Directors are currently developing a Solid Waste Action Plan that includes a number of projects to coordinate source reduction and recycling efforts in the region for targeted solid waste. The Action Plan should be available for public release in late August. It includes a focus on waste tires, construction and demolition debris, products that contain persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic constituents, and electronics.

P2 & Assistance Programs Software

For the past few years, NEWMOA has been coordinating an effort to implement a system for tracking pollution prevention and environmental assistance program metrics. This summer the Association will release a beta version of the software for state and federal review and revisions prior to finalizing the system in the fall. The software is currently under development in Microsoft Access.

Starting late this summer, NEWMOA will be coordinating with the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable to share this system and others that are under development with state and local programs outside of the Northeast. NEWMOA staff have done a preliminary demonstration of the system during a web-based conference call with many states.

Schools Assistance

EPA Region 1-New England has funded to NEWMOA to assist the states in their efforts to improve chemical management in public schools. NEWMOA plans to conduct one or two workshops in the late summer or fall for state agencies on the results of work to remove mercury from Massachusetts schools. The mercury reduction efforts can then be used as a starting point for addressing other P2 issues in the schools. In addition, six New England schools will be chosen to receive limited funds to supplement chemical clean out costs. In order to receive this assistance, the schools must agree to implement a purchasing policy to ensure that additional unnecessary chemicals are not acquired by the school, and they must agree to commit the funds necessary to complete the chemical clean out. Schools throughout the New England region will be eligible for participation.

National Mercury Reduction Database

P2 PUBLICATIONS

TRI 1999 Data Release