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Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA)
NEWMOA's mission is to develop and sustain an effective partnership of states that helps achieve a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment by exploring, developing, promoting, and implementing environmentally sound solutions for:
The group fulfills this mission by providing a variety of support services that:
NEWMOA's Assistance and P2 Program was established in 1989 to enhance the capabilities of the state and local government environmental officials in the Northeast to implement effective multimedia source reduction and assistance programs to promote sustainability and improvement in public health and the environment. The program is called the Northeast Assistance & Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NE A & P2 Roundtable). This program involves the following components:
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Climate Change Action
Every day there seems to be news coverage of some aspect of climate change - whether it is debates concerning the magnitude of the human contribution to global warming; results of studies on emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs); new technologies to mitigate or address climate change impacts; scientific research on the impacts of a warmer planet; or actions on the part of nations, states, and municipalities. There is a wealth of information available on this topic. Many inside and out of government agencies consider climate change to be the most significant environmental challenge facing the world.
This article highlights the current pollution and waste prevention and related activities of the Northeast states that focus on climate change mitigation. It provides an update to the newsletter on climate change that NEWMOA published in 2005 (www.newmoa.org/prevention/newsletters/15_1/Vol15-1.pdf [PDF]) and covers regional activities underway in the Northeast and West Coast as well as initiatives underway in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The programs described below demonstrate the breadth of innovative climate change actions underway in the Northeast.
Connecticut's Climate Change Innovations
Connecticut state agencies began a formal collaboration to address climate change in 2002. The CT climate change initiative has achieved major milestones since then and continues to rely on innovative programs to bring about GHG reductions. Highlights include:
Interagency collaboration and structure - The Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change (GSC), made up of agency heads from the CT Departments of Environmental Protection, Public Utility Control, Administrative Services, and Transportation; Office of Policy & Management; and the Clean Energy Fund, directs Connecticut's climate change program. A staff-level group from these agencies meets monthly. For more information, visit: www.ctclimatechange.com.
Initiative on climate adaptation - In December 2008, the GSC created a new Subcommittee on Adaptation. The Subcommittee is focusing on the following four areas and will submit a report on climate impacts to the legislature by the end of the year: infrastructure, public health, natural resources and ecosystems, and agriculture. For more information, visit: www.ctclimatechange.com/Adaptation.
Leading by example - CT state agencies are working together to lead by example in reducing GHGs. Initiatives include upgrading energy efficiency in state buildings; reducing vehicle miles traveled; purchasing cleaner vehicles for the state fleet; purchasing environmentally preferable and clean energy products; building green; and implementing education and outreach.
Clean energy communities - Over half of Connecticut's 169 municipalities have committed to buying 20 percent clean energy by 2010 and implementing energy efficiency measures. As residents and businesses in these communities sign on to the CT Clean Energy Option, they earn free solar photovoltaic panels through the CT Clean Energy Fund. For more information, visit: www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities.
Public policy achievements - CT has implemented the following Climate Change Action Plan programs that will result in significant GHG reductions: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; CA Low Emissions Vehicle II standards and corresponding GHG labeling of cars; a Clean Energy Option for CT ratepayers; a Renewable Portfolio Standard that requires electricity providers to include a minimum of 20 percent renewable energy in their loads by 2020; and ratepayer funds that support clean energy installations and electricity, oil, and gas efficiency.
Maine's Climate Initiatives
In 2003, Maine enacted in statute the goals established in the 2001 Agreement among the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers to reduce GHGs, ultimately by 75 percent to 80 percent from 1990 levels. Maine's 2003 Climate Act directed the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) to develop at least 50 agreements with businesses, institutions, municipalities, and non-profit organizations to voluntarily reduce their GHG emissions. The ME DEP has reached out to prospective participants through personal contact, the internet, workshops, and other means. As a result of these efforts, 70 participants, representing 140 businesses, municipalities, and institutions, have joined the Governor's Carbon Challenge and have committed to reduce their GHG emissions. Participants are required to establish an emissions baseline and measure and report their energy usage annually. ME DEP has developed a computer model that converts their annual energy consumption into annual carbon emissions. ME DEP's Office of Innovation and Assistance provides technical assistance to participants, including determining baseline data and conducting level one energy audits. In addition, the Office connects participants with other programs that provide energy efficiency equipment incentives and rebates.
Through an Executive Order, Maine State Government also established a goal for the State to purchase 40 percent of its power from renewable resources. Maine's renewable energy portfolio currently requires that 30 percent of the energy consumed come from renewable sources. To cover the remaining 10 percent from the Executive Order, Maine purchased renewable energy credits (RECs) from a zero emission hydroelectric dam in Rumford, Maine. Since July of 2006 Maine State Government has exceeded the Executive Order requirement and is purchasing enough credits to cover 100 percent of its electrical energy use with renewable sources and through the purchase of Maine-generated renewable energy credits. This equated to 80,000 mega watt hours (MWh) of REC's to offset emissions over an 18 month period (July 2006 through 2007). In 2008, 51,000 MWh were purchased to offset the indirect emissions from the generation of electricity outside of what is covered in the 30 percent portfolio.
For more information, contact: Beth Nagusky, ME DEP (207) 287-5869.
Massachusetts' GHG Initiatives
Part of the $14.8 million generated by the December 2008 auction of Massachusetts GHG emissions allowances will be used to support the development of a new energy efficiency industry. The bulk of these proceeds will be allocated for jobs and energy cost savings similar to the funds generated by the first Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction in September 2008. The $13.3 million from that first auction has been deployed to support expanded energy efficiency programs operated by electric and natural gas utilities, heating system upgrades for low-income households, start-up of the Green Communities Division of the Department of Energy Resources, as well as vendor costs associated with participating in the allowance auction.
In addition to these priorities, the new auction funds will support an Energy Efficiency Skills and Innovation Initiative. This new initiative will facilitate the growth of an energy efficiency industry that is expanding under the mandates and incentives of the Green Communities Act but lacks the capacity in organization, workforce, and scale to take advantage of all available opportunities to save consumers and businesses money. For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/dep/.
Motorists in Massachusetts will soon have an easy way to identify new vehicles that help cut down on smog and GHG emissions. Starting with model year 2010 vehicles, an "Emission Performance Label" will be affixed to the driver's side window so that consumers will have information they can use to choose the most environmentally friendly vehicle that meets their transportation needs. Massachusetts is among the first states proposing to adopt the label developed by California under its Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) program.
The label, which is identical to the one developed by California, scores each vehicle's smog and global warming emissions on a scale from 1-10, with the highest scores being the cleanest vehicles. The smog score is based on the smog-forming emissions from the vehicle's operations. The Global Warming score covers the emissions of GHG - carbon dioxide and other pollutants - from the vehicle's operation and fuel production. The average new car has a score of five on both scales. The labeling requirement will go into effect early next year following a public comment period.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/dep/public/publiche.htm.
New Hampshire's Climate Action
The NH Climate Change Policy Task Force has released the New Hampshire Climate Action Plan and announced the creation of a public/private partnership that will oversee and guide the Plan's implementation. The partnership, the New Hampshire Energy and Climate Collaborative, includes representatives from New Hampshire's businesses, public entities, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
The 29-member Climate Change Policy Task Force, created through an Executive Order, developed the Climate Action Plan over the course of a year through a public process that involved more than 125 stakeholders and input from over 200 citizens. Members of the Task Force, state officials, stakeholders, and other dignitaries joined Governor John Lynch in releasing the Plan, which includes 67 recommended actions to reduce GHG emissions while providing long-term economic benefits to New Hampshire. The Plan sets a long-term goal of achieving an 80 percent reduction in GHG emissions below 1990 levels by the year 2050.
A key recommendation in the Plan is the creation of the New Hampshire Energy and Climate Collaborative, a partnership of leading private and public institutions from across the state. Members include representatives from such organizations as the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, City of Nashua, Business and Industry Association of NH, and University of New Hampshire. The primary purpose of the Collaborative will be to track and facilitate implementation of the Plan's recommendations and to report on progress toward achieving the desired goals.
For more information, visit: www.des.nh.gov and click on "What's New".
New York's Climate Smart Communities
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) is encouraging local governments to sign onto a new Climate Smart Communities Pledge. The Pledge outlines a voluntary 10-point plan for reducing a community's GHG emissions. Because many communities lack the technical resources to identify cost-effective emission-reduction measures, New York State is offering a "Climate Smart Communities Guide," which provides a variety of planning steps and actions for local governments. NYS DEC has developed the Guide along with the Department of State (DOS), the New York Public Service Commission (PSC), and the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
A host of New York's local governments have begun to measure and reduce GHG emissions from their facilities, fleets, and operations. Additional opportunities include using their land use plans, zoning, building codes, and public education to promote community-wide GHG reductions. Local land use planning can reduce GHG emissions by encouraging buildings that are energy efficient, limiting sprawl, and enabling renewable energy projects that are compatible with existing land uses. Local land use planning is also a vital tool for helping communities adapt to climate change impacts.
An example of efforts underway in one community is the town of New Castle in Westchester County. The town began working with NYS DEC a year ago. Since then, they have purchased hybrid vehicles, installed high-efficiency lighting and variable-speed pumps at their wastewater treatment plant, posted information online to reduce paper use, purchased wind power to meet some of their energy needs, and operated household chemicals clean-up days. In addition, the town recently assessed their carbon footprint and set a goal of reducing it by 20 percent by 2015.
For more information, visit: www.dec.ny.gov/energy/50845.html.
Energy for Rhode Island Wastewater
In the fall months of 2008, the Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC), the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), the University of Rhode Island (URI), and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Extension Service (RIMES) (the Project Partners) initiated a Sustainable Energy Management Program for Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTF). Using grant funds awarded through EPA's States Innovation Program, the Project Partners have begun training Rhode Island WWTFs on how to develop facility specific "Sustainable Energy Focused Environmental Management Systems" (EF-EMS). A Sustainable EF-EMS consists of practices, procedures, policies, and technologies that continuously support and sustain WWTF operations indefinitely into the future. A successfully implemented Sustainable EF-EMS Program reduces the consumption of non-renewable energy resources, while preventing or at least minimizing overall environmental impacts. The EF-EMSs developed as part of this project are based on the well established ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) "Plan-Do-Check-Act" approach.
On April 1, 2009 the Project Partners organized and held a half day workshop on how to utilize EPA's "Energy Management Guidebook for Wastewater and Water Utilities". The workshop held at the University of Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay Campus was attended by more than 20 representatives from 15 of Rhode Island's 19 municipal WWTFs and covered key aspects of the EPA Guidebook and the Plan-Do-Act-Check Process including:
At the conclusion of the workshop, attendees were given a demonstration of the EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager software. A follow-up training session on how to use the Portfolio Manager was held in late April 2009. The Project Partners are coordinating efforts to have all 19 Rhode Island WWTFs participate in the Portfolio Manager training and have planned a series of regularly scheduled Project Roundtable meetings, which will focus on the development of the EF-EMSs.
As part of this Project, each participating WWTF will be receiving an Energy Management Audit to be conducted by an Energy Audit Team made up of the Project Partners in cooperation with National Grid and RISE, a Rhode Island-based energy management consulting firm. The first Energy Management Audit was conducted in March, with additional audits planned for the summer months. During the audits, the Energy Audit Team examines energy efficiency and conservation opportunities, use and application of National Grid rebate incentives, and potential application and use of available renewable energy resources.
For more information, contact: Jim McCaughey, NBC (401) 461-884 x352.
Vermont's Climate-Waste Initiatives
In December 2005, the Governor's Commission on Climate Change (GCCC) was established by an Executive Order to develop an accurate picture of Vermont's past, present, and future GHG emissions and a comprehensive set of policy recommendations for reducing Vermont's GHG emissions from all sectors, consistent with the state's need for continued economic growth and energy security. The Governor's Commission on Climate Change Report identified 38 areas for action intended to advance the state toward the goals of reducing Vermont's GHG emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2012; 50 percent by 2028; and, if practical, 75 percent by 2050. The report identified 260 action steps to be taken under the 38 categories, and one of these categories focuses on waste diversion and another on waste prevention. To view the Report, visit www.anr.state.vt.us/air/Planning/docs/GCCC%20Final%20Report_pages%201-10.pdf [PDF].
The Commission identified six strategies to increase waste diversion statewide and six to prevent waste generation, including the following:
A key to implementation of these recommendations is development of comprehensive and convenient systems for reducing priority waste streams in Vermont (including traditional recyclables, C&D waste, and organics). The Agency tracks diversion data to determine how it is meeting its diversion goal and uses the Northeast Recycling Council's (NERC) Environmental Benefits Calculator to measure GHG reductions. For more information, visit: www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/R3/DECwpPLAN.htm and www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/solid/SW_Work_Group.htm.
The Agency of Natural Resources has convened three planning efforts to support the waste program strategies: Waste Prevention Planning, the Sustainable Materials Vision, and the Solid Waste Working Groups. The Agency is offering climate change grants of up to $12,000 to non-profits and communities for projects to reduce GHGs. Waste prevention and reduction projects are eligible.
Finally, if the 2012 (35 percent diversion) and 2028 (50 percent diversion) waste diversion goals are not met, the strategies call for appropriate mandates. Implementing such approaches would be complemented by the State's solid waste management plan, which includes a 50 percent diversion goal by 2011.
For more information, contact: Carolyn Grodinsky, VT DEC, .
U.S. EPA Region 1
U.S. EPA Region 1's Assistance and Pollution Prevention Office is working on two programs to improve energy efficiency for wastewater and water treatment facilities. As part of a State Innovation Grant, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) hosted a kick-off meeting on February 25 that featured an energy focused environmental management system (EMS) for wastewater facilities. Fifteen of Rhode Island's nineteen wastewater facilities attended, and all attendees signed-up for further participation in the project (see program description above). In cooperation with the State, the third in a series of Energy Management Roundtable meetings was offered to wastewater plants and water utilities to promoted energy audits and an energy management system. For more information, contact: Gina Snyder, EPA Region 1 (617) 918-1837.
U.S. EPA Region 1 is planning a May 13 workshop on the benefits of combined heat and power opportunities. Presentations will focus on how Energy Services Companies use bonding mechanisms to address the financial challenges of working with the health care sector. For more information, contact: Roy Crystal, EPA Region 1 (617) 918-1745.
U.S. EPA Region 1 continues to promote the Community Energy Challenge program, an opportunity for municipalities across New England to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use. The four-step program invites communities to 1) take the pledge, 2) assess energy use and set a target for reduction, 3) work with EPA and organizations across the region to identify opportunities for energy efficiency and renewable energy, and 4) participate in EPA's recognition program. EPA will provide technical assistance to every community that chooses to "Take the Challenge". For more information, contact: Cynthia Greene, U.S. EPA Region 1 (617) 918-1813.
NEWMOA's Draft Climate - Waste Action Plan
The Environmental Commissioners and Directors from the New England States challenged the Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) and the air and water interstates to identify regional activities to address climate change as a priority in 2007. As a result of this challenge, the NEWMOA Board of Directors, which includes the state environmental agency directors of pollution prevention, hazardous and solid waste management, and waste site cleanup programs, developed a NEWMOA Climate-Waste Action Plan. The Plan presents a strategy for mitigating and adapting to climate change through improving waste prevention and recycling initiatives, increasing renewable energy on contaminated sites, implementing "greener" site remediation, and improving management and recycling of disaster debris. It is the culmination of a year and half long discussion among the NEWMOA member state Program Directors about their climate actions and waste management efforts, and how these efforts could be made more effective/leveraged through regional collaboration.
All of the NEWMOA-member state environmental agencies implement programs to prevent and properly manage pollution and waste. Redoubling the efforts of these programs are key elements of the NEWMOA Draft Climate-Waste Action Plan. The experiences of the NEWMOA-member programs have shown that there are significant opportunities for increasing waste prevention and recycling for municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris, non-hazardous and hazardous industrial waste, commercial waste, and other wastes.
A number of northeastern states have adopted climate action goals. For many of the states, these generally reference the regional goals established by the New England Governors' Conference (NEGC), and provide a basis for states to develop plans for achieving their own and the regional goals. These long-term goals mirror those of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to which both the United States and Canada are signatories. NEWMOA's overall Draft Climate-Waste Action Plan goals are to:
The Action Plan identifies the following guiding principles for regional climate-waste action:
Through the Draft Action Plan, the NEWMOA-member state programs commit to sharing information, conducting research, discussing and developing joint policy actions, coordinating implementation of programs, and conducting needed training and capacity building. The following are eight waste-related strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change that NEWMOA should undertake in conjunction with member states and appropriate partners:
For more information, visit: www.newmoa.org/.
11 States Agree to Reduce Greenhouse Gases from Fuels
11 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states have committed to developing a regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont will work together to create a common fuel standard that will reduce GHG emissions on a technology-neutral basis.
The initiative will focus on developing a LCFS that would apply to the entire region, creating a larger market for cleaner fuels, reducing emissions associated with global climate change, and supporting the development of clean energy technologies. In January 2009, the heads of environmental protection agencies from the participating states and, in some cases, energy agencies signed a Letter of Intent to work together to tackle the challenge of reducing GHGs from fuels.
A Low Carbon Fuel Standard is a market-based, technologically neutral policy to address the carbon content of fuels by requiring reductions in the average lifecycle GHG emissions per unit of useful energy. Such a standard is potentially applicable to transportation, buildings, industrial processes, and electricity generation. California was the first state to commit to a LCFS for motor vehicles, which it is now in the process of developing. Fuels that may have potential to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation include electricity and advanced biofuels that have lower life cycle carbon emissions and are less likely to cause indirect effects from crop diversion and land use changes than those on the market today.
The Letter of Intent noted that the interconnected nature of fuel distribution in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions makes a regional approach to a LCFS easier to implement and more effective. The joint LCFS effort is also an outgrowth of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which covers GHG emissions from electric power plants. Most of the states in the region have set aggressive goals for reducing GHG emissions across the economy, and several have set those requirements in statute.
In the Letter of Intent, the states committed to participating in an effort to analyze low carbon fuel supply options and develop a framework for a regional LCFS in the Northeast-Mid-Atlantic region, in order to ensure sustainable use of renewable fuels. The states are collaborating with the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), which is conducting a study of a LCFS. The states agreed to work cooperatively with other states and the federal government, and to seek to influence the design of any federal LCFS or other fuels policy that is proposed.
The Letter of Intent committed the 11 signatory states to drafting a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the development of a regional LCFS program, to be forwarded for consideration by the governors by December 31, 2009, or as soon thereafter as possible.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/dep/; www.nescaum.org/activities/projects-in-progress/low-carbon-fuel-analysis.
Promoting Sustainable Climate Action: An Interview with Viccy Salazar, U.S. EPA Region 9 on the West Coast Forum on Climate Change, Waste Prevention, Recovery, & Disposal
The West Coast Forum on Climate Change, Waste Prevention, Recovery, and Disposal is an innovative program that EPA Regions 1 and 2 and states in the Northeast are interested in learning from and possibly modeling. The following provides an interview with Viccy Salazar, one of the EPA coordinators of the Forum.
NEWMOA: Why did EPA Regions 9 and 10 take the initiative to start the Forum on Climate Change and Waste?
Salazar: We realized we were missing a huge opportunity to reduce our climate impacts by not addressing our waste and materials-related activities. New work at EPA estimates that over 40 percent of the climate impacts can be directly tied to the products we consume - how they are produced, how they are transported and sold, and how they are managed when we are done with them - either through recycling or disposal. We knew we needed to act, in partnership with the state and local governments, to really take advantage of these opportunities.
So in September 2008, EPA Regions 9 and 10 hosted the West Coast Forum on Climate Change, Waste Prevention, Recovery, and Disposal. The purpose of the Forum was to bring together government stakeholders from western states to identify strategic actions to reduce climate change impacts through improvements in waste prevention, recovery, and disposal. The Forum involved a series of educational webinars and meetings that are available online at our website.
At the meeting in Seattle, 56 representatives from 5 western states and 19 local/regional governments, and EPA identified areas of collaborative effort and strategic actions to reduce GHG emissions. The participants issued a joint statement that included an outline of five areas that needed immediate action.
NEWMOA: Can you give some examples of the actions that the group identified for follow-up?
Salazar: The participants identified the following as priorities:
The group decided to prepare a report outlining a strategy and workplan for these topics. We have since formed small workgroups to focus discussion and activity on the priority areas.
NEWMOA: What are the workgroups currently doing?
Salazar: Each workgroup meets by conference call regularly and has developed goals and expected outcomes. The group plans to hold another face-to-face meeting late in 2009 or early 2010. A couple of key things that are being worked on right now include:
Another important outcome of the work is our ability to act and respond together to the vast array of climate change activities underway. By having a coordinated message, a method for sharing information, and an increased level of knowledge, we are able to act quickly and powerfully to incorporate the materials management options into the solutions.
NEWMOA: How can people find out more about the ongoing work of the Forum?
Salazar: Your first step should be to go to our website at www.epa.gov/r10/westcoastclimate for more information about the Forum and the subgroups. We are interested in connecting with similar efforts underway in EPA Regions 1 and 2 and potentially coordinating our efforts with yours if the opportunity arises. I believe that we need to work together to achieve the GHG reductions necessary to slow or reverse the harm. You can also contact us at .
For more information, contact: Andy Bray, NEWMOA (617) 367-8558 x306,
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), established by the United Nation's Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Its role is to assess the latest scientific, technical, and socio-economic literature produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate change, its observed and projected impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation.
www.ipcc.ch/index.htm
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)'s Climate Change Website has information about climate change issues around the world. The program focuses on four strategic priority areas for climate change action: mitigation, adaptation, science, and communication.
www.unep.org/themes/climatechange
U.S. EPA's Climate Change Website offers information for communities, individuals, business, states and localities, and governments. The information on the website is categorized into four main sections: science, U.S. climate policy, GHG emissions, and health and environmental effects. There is also a "What You Can Do" section that identifies specific actions that individuals can take to decrease GHG emissions, increase the nation's energy independence, and save money.
www.epa.gov/climatechange
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative effort by 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States to limit GHG emissions. It is the first mandatory, market-based CO2 emissions reduction program in the U.S. The RGGI website provides information about the program, links to state applications and materials for participants in RGGI, as well as current information about the status of RGGI auctions and state rules.
www.rggi.org/home
Northeast Recycling Council's (NERC) Environmental Benefits Calculator (in Microsoft Excel 2003) generates estimates of the environmental benefits, including GHGs, of waste prevention and recycling, based on the tonnages of materials that are source reduced, reused, recycled, landfilled, or incinerated (includes waste-to-energy).
www.nerc.org/documents/environmental_benefits_calculator.html
Northeast States' Climate-Related Websites:
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP)
Green Lodging
A program designed to help CT hotels improve their environmental performance is almost ready to begin. Based on a program designed for Maine, the CT program offers hotels a self-audit workbook that is easy to understand. Any hotelier can do a facility walk-through and learn about the many ways that the operations of a hotel can become greener. The workbook offers about 400 possible points - many designed to offer suggestions for future work. It takes only 100 points for the initial certification. Participation is voluntary.
The program will be launched in partnership with the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. This group will provide a green designation symbol in the 2010 Connecticut Vacation Guide and on their website for any certified hotel.
For more information, contact: Kim Trella, CT DEP (860) 424-3234.
Compost for Turf Grass
As part of an organic land care project, CT DEP recently sponsored a half-day workshop for towns about utilizing compost on athletic fields. Topics included: how to improve municipal compost, how to develop specifications for purchasing compost, and when and how to apply it. There was also a panel discussion with town officials that have utilized this valuable resource on their fields.
The evaluation following the workshop indicated that over half the respondents were planning to begin testing soil before applying such amendments as fertilizers or compost; and over half would begin keeping records of their soil test results over time to avoid over-applying nutrients.
The workshop incorporated "green" meeting ideas, including providing only written articles and no copies of entire presentations, use of bulk serving items, encouraging people to bring their own mugs and water bottles, and encouraging carpooling and mass transit. Many respondents to the evaluation said they would begin incorporating these ideas at home and at work.
For more information, contact: Judy Prill, CT DEP (860) 424-3694.
Greening Electronics
CT DEP marked America Recycles Day by joining the Northeast States Electronics Challenge (SEC) to reduce the environmental impact of electronic products that it purchases, uses, and needs to replace. For every 1,000 "green" computers that CT DEP purchases and recycles, the Agency will:
For more information, contact: Mary Sherwin, CT DEP (860) 424-3246.
Hospitals "Go Green"
The CT DEP Office of Pollution Prevention presented at the CT Hospital Association's (CHA) "Go Green Forum" in March 2009 at the CHA offices in Wallingford, CT. The forum was held to help hospitals get started with environmental initiatives, such as forming a green team, purchasing environmentally preferable cleaning products, building green, improving pharmaceutical disposal, serving local food, and implementing energy efficiency. Speakers included Kim Trella, CT DEP; Janet Brown, Practice Greenhealth; Scotia Ryder, Wiggin and Dana; Peter Lucey, North Bronx Healthcare Network; and Daniel Fadgen, Stericycle. There was also a panel discussion on successful green initiatives at New Milford, Bridgeport, Hartford, St. Francis, CT Children's Medical Center, and John Dempsey hospitals.
For more information, visit: www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2708&q=323980&depNav_GID=1763.
MAINE
Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP)
Current activities of the Pollution Prevention Program in Maine DEP's Office of Innovation and Assistance (OIA) include:
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP)
Reducing Disposable Bags
Each year, Massachusetts grocery stores distribute more than 1.5 billion paper and plastic bags. In many cases, these bags are used only once. A small percentage is recycled. Too often, bags become unsightly litter in communities and add to waste disposal costs. In March 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) launched a joint initiative with the supermarket industry to reduce the distribution of disposable paper and plastic grocery bags by 2013. MassDEP officials signed a memorandum of understanding with the Massachusetts Food Association (MFA), an industry group representing more than 500 grocery stores, to kick off the statewide waste-reduction effort.
Under the agreement, MFA members will use a variety of methods to reduce the demand for disposable bags, such as offering reusable bags, providing customer incentives for reusing bags, improving customer access to in-store plastic bag recycling, and training staff to reduce wasteful distribution of bags. Nearly all Massachusetts supermarkets now offer recycling programs that collect plastic shopping bags, shrink wrap, and other plastic wrapping materials. Most of the plastic is recycled into consumer products, such as plastic decking and lawn furniture.
Through its agreement with the state, MFA will provide technical assistance materials and services to expand recycling efforts and help supermarkets get started. Previous voluntary initiatives between MassDEP and the trade group have resulted in innovative and nationally-recognized methods for helping supermarkets recycle cardboard and shrink wrap and compost food wastes.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/supermkt.htm.
PERC Designated as Higher Hazard
The Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) Program designated perchloroethylene (perc) - a chemical commonly used in dry cleaning - as a Higher Hazard Substance. Massachusetts companies that use at least 1,000 pounds (about 75 gallons) of perc annually and have 10 or more employees must report their use in 2009 to MassDEP by July 1, 2010. Companies newly covered by TURA must identify and evaluate safer alternatives beginning in 2012. The Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA) and the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell will work with companies to help them examine safer options and reduce toxic chemical use.
The TURA program estimates that up to 50 Massachusetts facilities are likely to be affected by the new Higher Hazard Substance designation. Perc users include dry cleaners and companies involved in chemical packaging, printing, metal working, electronics, and plastics and coating industries.
In the case of perchloroethylene used in garment cleaning, vapor degreasing, and brake cleaning, safer options include both chemical substitutes and process changes. A promising alternative for dry cleaners is "wet cleaning" - a machine-based process that uses water and specially formulated detergents, softeners, and conditioners. This method can save energy and costs while protecting human and environmental health. (For more information on wet cleaning, visit: www.newmoa.org/prevention/newsletters/18_2/vol18_2.pdf [PDF])
Under the 2006 amendments to MA TURA, the TURA Administrative Council, with input from a Science Advisory Board and MA TURI, may recommend up to 10 chemicals per year for designation as Higher Hazard Substances. The amendments are meant to focus the State's toxics use reduction efforts on chemicals that pose the most serious threats to human health and the environment. In addition to designating perc as a Higher Hazard Chemical, the TURA Program designated three chemicals - isobutyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and n-butyl alcohol - as Lower Hazard Substances. Companies that use these chemicals - primarily in paints, coatings, and thinners - will no longer be required to pay a chemical use fee to the State.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=090203_pr_tur&csid=Eoeea.
New VOC Regulations
In March 2009, MassDEP promulgated new air rules concerning emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from consumer products, solvent metal degreasing, and paint spray booths.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/dep/air/laws/regulati.htm#vocamend.
Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance (MA OTA)
Water Conservation
Under a grant from the U.S. EPA and in cooperation with MassDEP, MA OTA has been visiting companies in Marlborough to investigate water conservation opportunities. Marlborough has been under capacity restraints that have imposed costs on proposed developments, inhibiting economic growth. MA OTA's task is to evaluate whether further progress in saving water is feasible at the visited sites, and replicable at other facilities, in order to free up capacity for development in the city. To enhance its ability to spot water saving options, MA OTA is hiring consultants with expertise in water conservation. These include: Ambient Engineering; Fuss & O'Neill; and Filters, Water and Instrumentation. The contractors are working under the same assurance of confidentiality provided by MA OTA's statutory mandate. MA OTA will prepare a final report that will contain a summary of water conservation recommendations, results of the visits, and lessons learned from the project.
For more information, visit: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeasubtopic&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Grants+%26+Technical+Assistance&L2=Guidance+%26+Technical+Assistance&L3=Business+Assistance&L4=OTA+Water+Conservation+Services&sid=Eoeea.
Recycling at Sika Sarnafil
In May 2009, The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) will recognize the work of Sika Sarnafil for their recycling and resource recovery efforts. Sika Sarnafil, a division of Sika Corporation, is a leading manufacturer of high-tech thermoplastic membranes used in roofing and waterproofing systems. The company, which has a manufacturing plant in Canton, converts more than 98 percent of the raw material it receives into product. Since the early 1990s, Sika Sarnafil has recycled about four million pounds of trimmings annually from its manufacturing process — material previously destined for local landfills or third-party grinding companies are shipped back to Canton. Recently, Sika Sarnafil began taking resource recovery to new heights; it became the first company in its industry to recycle old vinyl roofs. Buoyed by its success in Massachusetts, Sika Sarnafil intends to expand its resource recovery program nationally. Sika also worked with MA OTA to ensure regulatory compliance for the recycled roofing materials.
For more information, visit: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeahomepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea.
Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute (MA TURI)
Community Grants
The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) is seeking proposals from non-profit community or environmental organizations in Massachusetts interested in reducing the use of toxic chemicals in neighborhoods. The deadline for proposals is June 30, 2009. To better understand grant requirements, organizations are encouraged to attend a TURI pre-grant workshop at UMass Lowell on May 28.
For more information, contact: (978) 934-3275; visit www.turi.org/community.
EMS Workgroup
The TURI Environmental Management System (EMS) Workgroup hosted by Skyworks Solutions in Woburn, is led by Sherri Gaudette of Skyworks, skillful trainer with experience and performance data. Company peers discuss challenges and solutions to advancing an EMS. The most recent session in April 2009 focused on creating or improving EMS energy programs.
For more information, contact: Sherri Gaudette, Skyworks (781) 376-3548.
TURA's 20th Anniversary
The Toxics Use Reduction Act program will celebrate its 20th anniversary at a Symposium and Conference on November 4-5, 2009. The TURA legislation has had a positive impact on environmental and occupational health, not only in Massachusetts but also nationally and internationally. A call for papers has been circulated and proposals are due April 31. The Symposium will result in a special issue of the Journal of Cleaner Production. The Conference will include a larger celebration with panels and posters presenting all aspects of the program.
For more information, contact: Janet Clark, TURI, ; visit www.turi.org.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Demonstrations
Bristol-Myers Squibb will host two demonstration events to illustrate innovative solutions to the significant water use constraints they facing as they construct their new facility in Devens, MA. On May 21 and June 2, participants will learn about their water conservation challenges and lessons they learned. Over 3 miles of pipe were laid and cleaned, along with a 120,000 gallon storage tank, as part of the start-up of this facility. The company had to overcome significant restrictions on wastewater discharge quality and volume, along with the lack of an on-site wastewater treatment facility.
For more information, contact: Pam Eliason, TURI (978) 934-3142.
Dry Cleaner Trainings
TURI, the MA Office of Technical Assistance, and MassDEP hosted three training sessions this spring for dry cleaners that will potentially be brought under the TURA program due to the recent listing of perchloroethylene as a Higher Hazard Substance (HHS) (see description above). The trainings were designed to teach the cleaners about the TURA program and what their reporting and planning requirements could be if they trigger the TURA thresholds. Additional trainings will be held as the July 2010 reporting and 2012 planning deadlines approach.
For more information, contact: Joy Onasch, TURI (978) 934-4343, .
Professional Wet Cleaner
Silver Hanger Cleaners in Bellingham removed its perchlorethylene (perc) machine to make way for professional wet cleaning equipment in November of 2008, becoming the first dedicated professional wet cleaner in Massachusetts. The conversion was supplemented with a $17,000 grant from TURI. The cleaner removed their perc machine and installed a wet cleaning system (i.e., washer, dryer, and tensioning equipment). As part of the grant requirement, Silver Hanger Cleaners is currently collecting data on utility use, cost, and customer satisfaction to compare their old perc shop to the new wet cleaning system. The cleaner is also conducting demonstrations for other Massachusetts dry cleaners this spring to encourage them to consider wet cleaning options.
For more information, contact: Joy Onasch, TURI (978) 934-4343, .
TUR Continuing Education
A TUR Continuing Education Conference took place on May 7, 2009, in Devens, MA and included a tour of the Bristol Myers Squibb facility. Workshop topics included toxics use reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, reducing toxics in products/articles, and reducing materials in solid waste.
For more information, contact: Anne Basanese, TURI (978) 934-3144, .
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES)
2008 Governor's Award
The 2008 New Hampshire Governor's Award for pollution prevention was announced in September. Two NH companies, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Merrimack Facility and Southeastern Container, Inc. of Hudson, were presented with the Granite Governor's Award. Four companies received honorable mention awards: FCI USA Inc. of Lincoln; Goss International Americas, Inc. of Durham; Symmetry Medical PolyVac of Manchester; and Wire Belt Company of America in Londonderry.
For more information, contact: Tara Mae Goodrich, NH DES, ; visit des.nh.gov/index.htm and click on Governor's Award.
Thermostat Recycling
A new NH law requires thermostat manufacturers to develop new or enhance existing programs for the collection and recycling of mercury-added thermostats. The bill also requires wholesalers to act as collection points, mandates the state to develop recycling goals, bans the installation of mercury thermostats, and requires contractors to recycle thermostats removed during construction or demolition work. Finally, the legislation requires thermostat manufacturers to develop and implement an outreach plan to promote thermostat recycling.
In January 2009, the NH DES accepted a Mercury-Switch Thermostat Collection and Recycling Plan submitted by the Thermostat Recycling Corporation on behalf of its members. Because the NH legislation pertains to all manufacturers, there are about 20 small, non-TRC-member manufacturers that must either join TRC or provide their own collection and outreach plan. The Department is presently working with some of these smaller manufacturers to develop a generic small manufacturer thermostat plan.
For more information, contact: Paul Lockwood, NH DES, .
Green Slopes
The New Hampshire Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) is gathering speakers and sending out invitations for the third annual Green Slopes Workshop. The workshop will focus on storage tanks and implementing an effective green team. NH DES, as well as EPA invitees and industry specialists, will talk about storage tank compliance issues, new regulations, and the importance of having a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan in place. This year the Agency will be reaching out to compliance assistance officials from other New England states with ski areas that have become involved in this program.
NHPPP also created a chart showing the environmental initiatives at each ski area to promote a healthy competition and to generate conversations among the facilities on how to implement each initiative.
For more information, contact: Tara Mae Goodrich, NH DES (603) 271-0878, .
New NHPPP Program Manager
On April 3, 2009 Barbara Bernstein assumed the position of Pollution Prevention Program Manager for the NH DES. Barbara brings over 15 years of experience working with the New Hampshire business community through her management of the Business & Industry Association's WasteCap program. WasteCap, a sister program to the NHPPP, assisted businesses with strategies for solid waste management, reductions in water use, and energy efficiency. Most recently, Barbara has served as the coordinator of the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition working with organizations throughout the state interested in the use of alternative transportation fuels and related technologies.
For more information, contact: Barbara Bernstein, NH DES (603) 271-6460, .
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP)
Wet Garment Cleaning
The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Pollution Prevention, Small Business Assistance and Air Toxics programs received a grant from the U.S. EPA Region 2, under the Fiscal Year 2008 Pollution Prevention Grant Program to foster increased use of professional wet cleaning as an alternate to solvent dry cleaning.
Professional wet cleaning has been demonstrated to be a technically viable and commercially feasible substitute for perc dry cleaning. In a study of eight cleaners that switched to professional wet cleaning, the cleaners were able to successfully wet clean the full range of garments that they previously dry cleaned with operating costs that were lower.
The team of programs is currently developing outreach materials and recruiting existing wet cleaning facilities in New Jersey to help demonstrate the wet cleaning process to dry cleaners. A minimum of four demonstration projects are planned to cover different areas of the State.
Wet cleaning equipment manufacturers/suppliers have agreed to provide equipment discounts to cleaners that switch to wet cleaning. Additionally, technical support is being provided by the Pollution Prevention Center at Occidental College and the University of Massachusetts Lowell Toxics Use Reduction Institute. The first demonstration project is envisioned for the summer of 2009 with others following in 2009 and 2010.
For more information, visit: Michael DiGiore, NJDEP (609) 777-0518.
Green Auto Repair
The NJDEP's Pollution Prevention and Small Business Assistance programs were approached a few years ago by the Automobile Association of America's New Jersey Chapter (AAA-NJ) regarding the development and implementation of a "Green Auto Repair" program. Since this initial contact, the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJCAR) and the New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association (NJGCA) have joined this effort.
Applicants to the program will be required to complete a checklist covering the "green" activities they have implemented. The checklist covers such areas as pollution prevention, parts cleaning, brake service, recycling, waste management, housekeeping, and energy and water conservation. Each "green" activity has a point value, and a repair shop needs to achieve a certain number of points to be considered a green auto repair shop. This voluntary program will be open to all auto repair shops in New Jersey, including dealerships. Staff from AAA-NJ, NJCAR, and NJGCA will conduct audits of each applicant to determine whether they are implementing all the activities indicated on their application/checklist. Once a shop is found to be "green", recognition will be provided by these organizations in the form of a decal, plaque or sign, and listing on a Green Auto Repair Shop website.
For more information, contact: Michael DiGiore or Ky Asral, NJDEP (609) 777-0518.
NEW YORK
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC)
Chemical Management
Approximately 200 people attended 6 chemical management in schools workshops conducted in Yorktown Heights, Binghamton, Davenport, Harriman, Saratoga, and Holbrook. These workshops were conducted by NYS DEC Pollution Prevention Unit (PPU) staff from January thru March 2009. Attendees included science teachers, school health and safety officers, and buildings and grounds facilities personnel. The last chemical management in schools workshop is scheduled for May 15, 2009 in Albany. The workshop includes various sessions: a NYS School Chemical Cleanout Pilot Project, NYS hazardous waste regulations, best management practices, and the basic principles of green chemistry. Based on positive feedback to these workshops, NYS DEC PPU staff is exploring additional topics, such as the role of the chemical hygiene officer and green chemistry curriculum, to be presented in partnership with other State agencies or entities at future workshops.
For more information, contact: Deb Knight, NYS DEC (518) 402 9485, .
Green Chemistry
In a partnership with State University of New York (SUNY)-Potsdam, NYS DEC developed three green chemistry experiments during the summer of 2008. As a follow-up to this initial effort, New York State's Pollution Prevention Institute (P2I) and NYS DEC PPU staffs are discussing a project for the development of a green chemistry curriculum for K-12, including five additional green chemistry experiments. The proposed project will include a series of integrated curriculum modules that will meet the Regent's chemistry standards with a focus on green chemistry principles and safe laboratory practices.
For more information, contact: Aida Potter, NYS DEC (518) 402-9163, .
Environmental Excellence Awards
The 6th Annual 2009 NY Environmental Excellence Awards program is underway. The program recognizes businesses, governments, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions and individuals in New York State that are achieving environmental excellence through uniquely innovative and environmentally sustainable practices or partnerships. Previous award winners have helped improve New York's environment by developing initiatives that have eliminated 2.01 million pounds of hazardous waste, recycled 324 million pounds of solid waste, and preserved 149,000 acres of open space. The 2008 award winners were:
The 2009 application brochure was posted on NYS DEC's website in mid-March. In the spirit of P2, a post card was mailed to approximately 5,500 eligible applicants rather than mailing the application brochure itself. Completed 2009 applications must be postmarked no later than June 12, 2009.
For more information, contact: Marna Posluszny, NYS DEC (518) 402-9160, .
Pollution Prevention Institute (P2I)
In fall 2008, NYS DEC announced the formation of the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (P2I). The P2I is actively engaged in client assistance projects with 19 organizations and is reviewing proposals for an additional 38. The Institute is planning sector projects for dry cleaning, carpet manufacturing, agriculture, green chemistry, and green hospitality. NYS P2I has selected 10 organizations to conduct P2 outreach and education programs under the community grants program. The total budget for the community grants program is approximately $140,000. The P2I has hosted professional training workshops in the following areas: lean energy and environment, surface cleaning technologies, and P2 assessment techniques for the P2 Unit at NYS DEC, toxic chemicals in toys, P2 training for NYS DEC technical staff/engineers, and green housekeeping. Upcoming workshops include green building materials and green products.
For more information, contact: Tim Kirchgraber, NYS DEC (518) 402-0213, ; visit www.nysp2i.rit.edu.
Pharmaceuticals
The PPU has received an EPA grant to evaluate drug disposal alternatives and prevent drug flushing in order to reduce exposures to unwanted pharmaceuticals. The NYS DEC PPU has been participating in an Agency-wide pharmaceuticals workgroup. Accomplishments to date include:
For more information, contact: Erica Cruden, NYS DEC (518) 402-9152, .
Greening State Government
NYSDEC chairs the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) Greening State Government Task Force, which is creating guidance on reducing the environmental impacts associated with common state agency activities. The Task Force has completed an initial information gathering phase and is conducting interviews with staff from leading programs around the country to form the basis for its final products (i.e., case studies, best practice guides, and listings of resources or assistance) that will be made available through ASTSWMO.
For more information, contact: Ashley Wilson, NYS DEC (518) 402-9175, .
New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP)
Auto Body Shop Assistance
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Economic Development Assistance Unit (EEDAU) was awarded a $20,000 grant under the Keyspan Ravenswood Community Impact Fund to assist auto body shops. The Fund, managed by the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), provides funding for community and environmental programs in the Community Board 1 District of Queens, NY.
EEDAU's program, administered in conjunction with the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC), has been primarily assisting Community Board 1 auto body shops with the financing of dust-free sanding (DFS) systems, as well as high volume low pressure (HVLP) paint spray guns. The DFS systems can capture up to 90 percent of the harmful sanded-materials that would otherwise be released into the workplace and surrounding communities. HVLP spray guns use approximately 25 percent less paint, and emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates than conventional spray guns. The project included two mandatory training sessions pertaining to reducing emissions conducted by leading suppliers of DFS and HVLP equipment.
Thus far, EEDAU in conjunction with QEDC has issued $19,250 in payments for the program, or 96 percent of the funds allocated by Keyspan (now merged with National Grid) and NYCEDC. A total of ten Queens Community Board 1 auto collision shops have participated in the program. Most of the participating shops received funding for portable dust free sanding (DFS) models, although one shop opted for a DFS "wall unit" (central vacuum with "drop down" sanding tools in different areas of the facility).
Overall, the program participants have been satisfied with their DFS equipment. The only challenge mentioned (by a minority of participants) was having the technicians acclimate to the new devices, as DFS systems contain a vacuum hose (to collect dust when sanding), which is attached to the sanding tool. Preliminary figures from the participants have indicated that the DFS equipment captures an average of 0.3 pounds of dust for each vehicle sanded. This "capture rate" however is quite variable among the shops, and these variances are primarily due to the type of work performed (and sanding required) by the respective shops.
For more information, contact: NYCDEP's EEDAU (718)-595-4454.
RHODE ISLAND
Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC)
Commercial Recycling
Rhode Island requires all businesses that have 50 or more employees to institute a formalized commercial recycling program. The Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) initiated its current in-house recycling program in September 2001 when it moved into its newly constructed Corporate Office Building adjacent to its Field's Point WWTF in Providence, RI. With an average annual workforce of 240, NBC employees have recycled an impressive 206,087 pounds (103 tons) of solid waste since this program's inception and are now recycling an average of 33,000 pounds of mixed material each year. In addition to office product recycling, NBC recycles scrap metal and Universal Waste (i.e., lamps and batteries) and is exploring opportunities to utilize on-site generated waste for energy recovery.
Solid waste recycling helps to ease the burden on the state's only landfill and helps to conserve natural resources and energy. For example, at NBC employees recycle an average of 15,000 pounds of office paper each year - this is equivalent to saving about 18 barrels of oil or 37,000 kilowatts of energy. NBC uses an "at-the-source" separation recycling process that is specifically designed so that various types of recyclable materials are collected in separate containers - office paper (green bin), newspaper (grey bin), and plastic and glass (blue bin) at the point of generation. The benefits of at-the-source separation, as opposed to post disposal separation, include: a higher value recycle stream, direct employee participation, a more organized framework for janitorial staff, and accurate tracking of monthly recycling efforts as provided by NBC's recycling contractor.
NBC's Pollution Prevention Program has been using lessons learned through development and implementation of its successful in-house recycling program to help educate Rhode Island's Hospitality Industry with their recycling efforts through participation in Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's (RIDEM) Green Hospitality and Tourism Certification Program.
For more information, contact: Dave Aucoin, NBC (401) 461-8848, x418,
VERMONT
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC)
Business Environmental Partnership
The Vermont Business Environmental Partnership (VBEP) continues to offer assistance and recognition to small businesses committed to offering green products and services. The partnership designated 13 new businesses as Environmental Partners in 2008. In total, VBEP now has 63 Environmental Partners and 2 Environmental Leaders. The sector-specific program - Green Hotels - has been particularly successful, adding 25 new partners in 2008, and has a total of 98 lodging facilities.
The Partnership is currently being expanded to reach out to two specific business sectors: marinas and golf courses. These sector-specific programs will focus on such initiatives as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and environmentally preferable purchasing.
For more information, contact: Peter Crawford, VT SBDC,
Marinas Workshop
The VT DEC Environmental Assistance Office held an environmental workshop for marinas on April 10, with 13 marinas in attendance. Topics covered included: stormwater multi-sector general permit with a sample Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and template, overview of hazardous materials and waste management issues, and overview of Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan requirements. Marinas were also given information on Vermont's newly developed Clean Marinas initiative that is part of the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership. The Environmental Assistance Office will be providing direct compliance assistance to marinas during this boating season and hopes to work with several facilities interested in designation as a Clean Marina.
For more information, contact: Gary Gulka, VT DEC, .
Governor's Awards
The 16th Annual Governor's Awards Ceremony for Environmental Excellence and Pollution Prevention was held on April 20, 2008 at the Vermont State House. Fourteen businesses, non-profits, and individuals were recognized in the categories of pollution prevention, stewardship and resource protection, education and outreach, resource conservation, and contribution to a more sustainable future. In addition, 25 new Green Hotels were recognized by the Governor. Three schools and one school team were recognized as the winners of the Vermont School Carbon Challenge for the greatest reduction in CO2 emissions in their grade category. Hazen Union High School in Hardwick, Richmond Middle School in Hanover, NH and Salisbury Community School were recognized and awarded $5,000 for energy efficiency projects. The Essex High Tech Green Hornets was the winning team and was awarded $1,000 for energy efficiency projects.
For more information, contact: Gary Gulka, VT DEC, .
Mercury Thermostats
Vermont's mercury thermostat collection program with $5 financial incentive began on April 1 with over 50 mercury thermostat wholesalers and over 75 retailers participating as collection points. Vermont is the second state, after Maine, to pass legislation requiring thermostat manufacturers to both provide for collection and a financial incentive for thermostats.
For more information, visit: www.mercvt.org.
Greening Up Conference
The fourth annual Greening Up Your Bottom Line conference and networking event for Vermont businesses is scheduled for October 21, 2009 in Stowe. Topics include a plenary session on the Coming Carbon Market and other sessions on carbon foot printing, lighting technologies of the future, workforce development and job creation in the Green Sector, and Sustainable/Renewable Energy Incentives.
For more information, contact: Peter Crawford, VT SBDC, .
NEW PUBLICATIONS & EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
This following provides a list of new publications and other educational resources available from the Northeast states.
MA TURI E-News
Stay up-to-date on trainings, grants, and news by signing up for email updates from the University of Massachusetts Lowell Toxics Use Reduction Institute (MA TURI). To receive the e-news, visit www.turi.org and select specific topics of interest. To follow TURI's Laboratory updates, visit "Clean Break" Blog, www.turicleanbreak.blogspot.com/.
Wastelines Newsletter
The New Hampshire Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) has published two Wastelines newsletters since fall of 2008. The January 2009 newsletter focused on waste reduction from the 2008 P2 Governor's Awards and a reproduction of the "10 Signs of Greenwashing" as originally printed by the Futerra Sustainability Group. The third article in Wastelines was a one-year follow up to a NHPPP visit completed at Vigilant, a small company with approximately 40 employees that manufactures high-end wine racks, humidors, and cigar cabinets. The company has integrated many pollution prevention techniques into their standard operating procedures, which are outlined in the article.
The March 2009 newsletter announced the search for NH companies to apply for the 2009 Governor's Award and/or to match up with a University of New Hampshire summer intern. This issue also included an article on the benefits of carpooling even with the decrease in gas prices. www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/newsletters/wastelines/index.htm.
Greening Business Workbook
The NHPPP along with the Aspiring Leaders Program have put together a green business workbook. This guide is a comprehensive checklist of how to make a business more sustainable. Many businesses are "going green" in order to save costs, protect the environment, and maintain a competitive position. But many businesses, especially small businesses, may not have the necessary knowledge, the time for training, or the resources to hire experts to help them become a "green" company. NH DES's new "Making Your Business Greener Workbook" is designed for those businesses. It includes a set of checklists with brief explanatory texts that a manager can use to help guide his or her business into the new paradigms of waste minimization, energy reduction, and sustainability.
The checklists range from simple but comprehensive surveys, to examinations of different aspects of a business, to "graduate level" surveys of Environmental Management Systems and sustainability. A company can pick and choose what they want to address now and move on to others later.
www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/publications/general/green_business_wkbook.pdf
EPA REGION 1-NEW ENGLAND
Chemical Management for Schools
The U.S. EPA School Chemical Cleanout Campaign's new promotional video features the Rhode Island Chemical Safe Schools Committee and students and staff from schools in Woonsocket and Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Developed for school decision-makers to promote improved chemical management in K-12 schools, EPA Region 1 has been closely involved with the development of this video.
For more information, visit: www.epa.gov/sc3.
Green Lodging
New England states are moving ahead promoting green lodging with a combination of established Green Hotel certification programs (in Vermont, Maine, and Rhode Island, see above), a green hotel network (in Boston, MA) and new and expanded Green Lodging programs planned for Connecticut and New Hampshire. U.S. EPA Region 1's Assistance and Pollution Prevention Office is helping to increase the coordination and planning between these programs by supporting a Hospitality Workgroup hosted by NEWMOA. EPA Headquarters is also participating in a national standard setting process for green meetings. The voluntary consensus process is being conducted by ASTM International, a national standard setting organization, in cooperation with the Convention Industry Council's (CIC) Green Meeting and Events Practices Panel.
For more information, contact: Rob Guillemin, U.S. EPA Region 1 (617) 918-1814.
National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR), the largest membership organization in the United States devoted solely to pollution prevention (P2), is accepting Board nominations for Regions 1 and 2 and at-large candidates. Regional Board candidates must be a representative of a local, state, or tribal governmental organization. The at-large board positions are open to all voting members in good standing.
The mission of the NPPR is to provide a national forum for promoting the development, implementation, and evaluation of efforts to avoid, eliminate, or reduce pollution at the source. Board member benefits include networking, leadership opportunities, travel scholarships to the annual Environmental Partnership Summit, setting policy and direction for NPPR, the opportunity to contribute on position papers, and being "in the know" on Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), U.S. EPA, and other national programs and projects. The Board representatives participate in monthly conference calls, attend Board meetings, participate in a NPPR workgroup or committee, provide views of NPPR members, and promote NPPR. The Board term is October 1, 2009 - September 30, 2012.
For more information, contact: Sara Johnson, NH DES, (603) 271-1379, ; Michael DiGiore, NJDEP, (609) 777-0518 ; Andy Bray, NEWMOA (617) 367-8558 x306, ; visit www.p2.org.
NORTHEAST ASSISTANCE & P2 ROUNDTABLE
P2 Internship Topic Hub
The newly released Topic Hub for P2 Internships is intended as a quick guide to essential information about programs that involve undergraduate and graduate students in internships to promote pollution prevention. This Topic Hub aims to educate assistance programs, policy makers, and educators that might be considering starting such a program, as well as raise awareness of these programs among potential interns and host companies. The P2 Internship Topic Hub covers: starting a program, recruiting interns, recruiting program clients, providing technical assistance and support for the students, identifying tasks that interns conduct, training students, summarizing the costs of the programs, and measuring the results.
For more information, visit: www.newmoa.org/prevention/topichub/index.cfm?page=toc&hub_id=114&subsec_id=7.
Call for P2 Results
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) and NEWMOA's P2Rx Center are currently collecting 2007 P2 results data for input into the P2 Results Data System. Starting in June 2009, the groups will be collecting 2008 P2 results data. NPPR will utilize this data to help prepare a two-year national report on P2 results that covers 2007 - 2008. Any data submitted after September 1, 2009 will be included in the System but may not be included in the next national report. NEWMOA plans to summarize regional results in future issues of this newsletter. A summary of the current results for the Northeast are available on the NEWMOA website.
For more information, contact: Andy Bray, NEWMOA (617) 367-8558 x306, ; visit www.newmoa.org/prevention/measurement/.
Mercury Science & Policy Conference
NEWMOA is co-sponsoring a 2009 Mercury Science and Policy Conference with a Special Focus on the Great Lakes & Northeast to take place November 17-18, 2009 in Chicago, IL. The purpose of conference will be to connect current scientific research findings with policy. Conference objectives include:
This Conference is funded by a grant from the EPA Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO).
For more information, visit: www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/conferences/sciandpolicy/.
Energy & Materials Flow & Cost Tracker Version 1.0 Released
NEWMOA and the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) for Toxics Use Reduction recently released the materials use and profitability software tool, called Energy & Materials Flow & Cost Tracker (EMFACT™) Version 1.0. EMFACT™ is designed to be used within companies for systematically tracking materials and energy use; releases, discharges, and wastes; and associated costs in ways that can create value for their business. The tool can provide a comprehensive picture of resource use and its relation to production and planning that can help improve both business and environmental performance.
EMFACT™ addresses the need and opportunity for manufacturers to more effectively implement environmental management accounting as a key tool to aid in setting P2 priorities, identifying value-added opportunities for sustainable production, and implementing materials and energy efficiency improvements. EMFACT™ can be a useful adjunct for compliance assurance, quality management, lean manufacturing, environmental management systems, productivity and resource efficiency improvements, and preventing accidents and losses.
EMFACT™'s benefits to its users are:
The primary beneficiaries of EMFACT™ are those companies and organizations that use it to aid them in setting P2 priorities, identifying value-added opportunities for sustainable production, and implementing other materials and energy efficiency improvements. State and local environmental and technical assistance programs and private sector consultants also benefit by having the tool to help their client companies identify P2 opportunities and quantify the benefits and costs.
NEWMOA received funding from the EPA Office of Research and Development Collaborative Science and Technology Network for Sustainability to support phase 1 of EMFACT™ development. NEWMOA contracted with Sullivan International Group to develop the EMFACT™ tool and to provide training support. To download EMFACT™ and the supporting materials, visit: www.newmoa.org/prevention/emfact/register.cfm.
Northeast Assistance & P2 News Seeks to Reduce Paper Waste
As a way to save paper and printing costs, NEWMOA would like to transition readers of this newsletter to electronic distribution, where appropriate and desirable. To receive the newsletter via email, please use the form on the back of this newsletter, or send an email to lmakina@newmoa.org requesting a change in the delivery method and indicating the email address to use. Thanks for helping to reduce paper waste!
Pollution Prevention News!
NEWMOA's Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx) Center collects and publishes online assistance and P2-related news items. P2News is frequently updated - so check in regularly.
http://www.newmoa.org/prevention/p2news/.
P2Rx Rapid Response
The Rapid Response Service is provided as an aid to locating P2 information and answering technical P2 questions. NEWMOA's engineering staff field questions and, in consultation with other P2Rx Centers, performs research of P2Rx resources and the internet. They then forward any relevant information they find to the person making the request.
For more information, visit: www.newmoa.org/about/library.cfm or call (617) 367-8558 x306.
| NORTHEAST ASSISTANCE & P2 CALENDAR For more up-to-date listings of upcoming events, visit www.newmoa.org/calendar/calendar.cfm |
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| TITLE | SPONSOR | DATE / LOCATION | CONTACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing Water Resources & Development in a Changing Climate | AWRA | May 4-6; Anchorage, AK | www.awra.org |
| National Environmental Partnership Summit | NPPR | May 4-8; San Francisco, CA | www.p2.org |
| EBC BioMass Conference | Environmental Business Council | May 5; Westborough, MA | www.ebcne.org |
| TURA/TRI Workshops | MassDEP & EPA | May 6; Worcester, MA May 20; Fall River, MA June 3; Holyoke, MA June 17; Newburyport, MA | Leonardi.Nicholas@.epa.gov |
| Practical Sustainability | AWMA | May 7-8; St. Louis, MO | www.awma.org |
| National Energy Policy Conference | Infocast | May 12-13; Washington, DC | www.infocastinc.com |
| Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference | NEIWPCC | May 18-20; Portland, ME | www.neiwpcc.org/npsconference |
| Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare | CleanMed | May 18-20; Chicago, IL | www.cleanmed.org |
| Surviving the Recession: Assistance for the Recycling Business Community | MassDEP | May 20; Worcester, MA | www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/wastewise.htm |
| National Water Quality Conference 2009 | NW Environment Training Center | May 20-22; San Antonio, TX | www.nwetc.org |
| 5th Annual National Product Stewardship Forum & 2009 Northwest Hazardous Materials Conference | Product Stewardship Institute | June 1-4; Seattle, WA | www.productstewardship.us |
| 28th Annual Recycling Conference & Expo | NRRA | June 8-9; Manchester, NH | www.nrra.net/conference.html |
| Green Hotels Conference | MA OTA | June 9; Marlborough, MA | Rick.reibstein@state.ma.us |
| Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology | UMASS | June 9-11; Amherst, MA | www.umass.edu/tei/conferences/nanoconference |
| A&WMA Annual Conference and Exhibition | AWMA | June 16-19; Detroit, MI | www.awma.org/ACE2009 |
| MassRecycle’s 3rd Annual Green Office Conference | MassRecycle | June 23; Boston, MA | www.massrecycle.org/greenoffice |
| Energy Efficiency in Industry | ACEEE | July 28-31; Niagara Falls, NY | www.aceee.org/conf/09ss/09ssindex.htm |
| WasteCon 2009 | SWANA | September 22-24; Long Beach, CA | wastecon.swana.org |
| Greening Up Your Bottom Line | VT SBDC | October 21; Stowe, VT | www.vtsbdc.org |
| massPLASTICS Trade Show | massPLASTICS | October 21-22; Fitchburg, MA | www.massplastics.com/?wrk=1 |
| NERC’s 2009 Fall Conference | NERC | October 27-28; Northampton, MA | www.nerc.org |
| Improving the Health of Workers & the Environment | TURI | November 4-5; Lowell, MA | www.turi.org |
| Hazardous Materials Management Conference | NAHMMA | November 9-13; Houston, TX | www.nahmma.org/cde.cfm?event=189006 |
| 2009 Mercury Science & Policy Conference | NEWMOA | November 17-18; Chicago, IL | www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/conferences/sciandpolicy |
| The New Green Economy: Aligning Science, Education, & Markets for Sustainability | National Council for Science & the Environment | January 20-22, 2010; Washington, DC | ncseonline.org/conference/greeneconomy |
Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA)
NEWMOA is a non-profit, non-partisan interstate governmental association. The membership is composed of state environmental agency directors of the pollution prevention, hazardous and solid waste, and waste site cleanup programs in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
NEWMOA's mission is to develop and sustain an effective partnership of states that helps achieve a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment by exploring, developing, promoting, and implementing environmentally sound solutions for:
The group fulfills this mission by providing a variety of support services that:
NEWMOA's Assistance and P2 Program was established in 1989 to enhance the capabilities of the state and local government environmental officials in the Northeast to implement effective multimedia source reduction and assistance programs to promote sustainability and improvement in public health and the environment. The program is called the Northeast Assistance & Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NE A & P2 Roundtable). This program involves the following components:
For more information, contact: Terri Goldberg, NEWMOA (617) 367-8558 x302, , or visit www.newmoa.org/prevention.
NE Assistance & Pollution Prevention News
Northeast Assistance & Pollution Prevention News is published a few times per year by NEWMOA's Northeast Assistance & Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NE A & P2 Roundtable). The publication is provided free to the Northeast states, EPA, and other interested individuals and is supported by funds from EPA Region 1-New England and the Northeast States.
The NE A & P2 Roundtable would like to thank the following people for writing and producing this newsletter: Karen Angelo, MA TURI; David Aucoin, NBC; Peter Cooke, ME DEP; Michael DiGiore, NJ DEP; Allan Geisendorfer, NYS DEC; Rob Guillemin, EPA Region 1; Gary Gulka, VT DEC; Sara Johnson, NH DES; Jim McCaughey, NBC; Christopher McIsaac, MA OTA; Rachel Smith, NEWMOA; Kim Trella, CT DEP; Paul Walsh, MassDEP. Terri Goldberg managed production of the newsletter.
Please use the form at the back of this issue to request an address change, to add your name to the mailing list, or to request an email version of the newsletter.
P2Rx
The Northeast A & P2 Roundtable is a member of the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange, P2Rx, a national network of regional P2 information centers linked together to facilitate information retrieval from experts around the country.
For more information, visit: http://www.newmoa.org/prevention/ or www.p2rx.org/.
Northeast Assistance & Pollution Prevention News
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