From the source [Vol. 10, no. 2 (Summer 2001)]

From the

Volume 10, Number 2

A Publication of the Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance Division Summer 2001

Industrial and Natural Ecosystems: INSIDE THIS ISSUE

What's P2AD Got to Do with It?

Director's Column .... page 2

by Bob Donaghue, Assistant Division Director Many businesses think of pollution prevention agencies as

converts them into

Chuck's Corner ........ page 4

organizations that help them find a nontoxic alternative to

solid and liquid

Clayton County ......... page 6

chlorinated solvent cleaners or assist them recycle their card- waste.

board. The problem with this perception is that it is only a small

A holistic,

Used Oil P2 ............... page 8

piece of the "big picture." P2AD's fundamental approach to

systems view

Healthy Environ. ...... page 9

waste reduction and environmental problem solving is to take a examines all

systematic, holistic view: a systems approach.

media simulta-

Regional DoD P2 ...... page 10

A systems approach is the reverse of the current regula- neously whether Calendar of Events .. page 12

tory process, which generally takes a single media view. A

or not there are

company can have several environmental permits: an air permit, permits involved. It also examines the interrelationships

a water quality discharge permit, a hazardous waste permit,

between the various components of the process or facility

which in many cases, have no relationship to each other and

operation. In some cases, it may involve multiple facili-

may shift the waste from one environmental medium to another ties, such as the carpet industry, military installations, or

without actually reducing the amount of pollutant generated. For state prisons.

example, an air scrubber takes the pollutants from the air and

See Industrial Ecology, page 2

Systems Approach to Pollution Prevention - Part I

by Colin Kiefer, Pollution Prevention Engineer It is almost common knowledge that implementing
pollution prevention (P2) practices can lead to significant reductions in operating cost and regulatory liability risk; and therefore, companies who set environmental goals beyond regulatory compliance limits truly have an economic advan-
Figure 1.0 Systems Approach Model
Standardize Improvement
Process Mapping 1.0

tage. Looking at P2 pragmatically, it simply makes good business sense to implement measures that increase the percentage of raw materials converted to salable product (lowering the quantity lost as waste) as well as measures that extend the useful life of other resources used.
So why do many pollution prevention recommendations provided by state agencies or consultants go un-implemented? Such a question can be answered by reviewing the obstacles to implementation through a traditional P2 assessment approach.

Measuring Performance 8.0

Full Waste Costing 2.0

Action Plan (Implement)
7.0

Characterization
Problem Solving Decision Making

Rank Order Opportunities
3.0

Selecting P2 Alternatives 6.0

Root Cause Analysis 4.0

Deriving P2 Alternatives 5.0

Traditional P2 Assessment Approach
Traditionally, a P2 technical assistance provider would conduct a one or two-day audit, collect data for the processes being evaluated, and write a report highlighting the best opportunities to simultaneously reduce waste, conserve resources and lower operating costs. There are several reasons why this approach has not yielded a higher rate of P2 implementation. First, the recommenda-
See Systems Approach, page 3

Director's Column

by G. Robert Kerr

Recently I had the opportunity to speak at a regional meeting of the National Academies' Institute of Medicine Roundtable, which focused on a new broader definition of environmental health one that incorporates the social, built, and natural environments and the need to create new partnerships and move beyond regulation in order to address environmental health issues in Georgia. My friend, Dr. Eugene Odum, widely recognized as the "father of modern ecology," and many other esteemed colleagues sparked the conversation with an audience of physicians, business leaders, religious leaders, planners, architects, and government officials. This dialogue confirmed my conviction that P2AD is moving in the right direction. Our increasing emphasis on building consensus; developing partnerships and networks; and looking beyond traditional pollution prevention methods to new systems approaches are all part of our process of continual improvement of our services to the state of Georgia.
This issue of From the Source reflects on the big picture and some of our specific programs that address that picture. Bob Donaghue discusses how our efforts are inspired by natural ecosystems in his article on Industrial Ecosystems on page 1. Colin Kiefer provides the first in a series of articles by our engineers on the Systems Approach to Pollution Prevention also on page 1, explaining how these new tools allow

industrial and commercial operations to develop sustainable pollution prevention programs. On page 4 in his regular "Chuck's Corner" column, Chuck Boelkins unveils our ScrapMatchGA program, a new tool to help Georgia businesses turn their wastes into another's feedstocks. David Gipson details a recent used oil collection project on page 8 - our latest outreach to the residential community as part of our commitment to keeping household hazardous wastes from harming our natural ecosystems. Finally, we highlight the latest efforts of our regional military P2 partnership on page 10, a national model for sharing pollution prevention successes across military service and state lines; and summarize "Hospitals for a Healthy Environment" on page 11, a national partnership P2AD participates in, which focuses on eliminating mercury and reducing overall waste in health care facilities.
I'm proud to show our readers through this issue the staff's continued commitment to the power of partnerships and new approaches to protect Georgia's environmental health.

Industrial Ecology, continued from page 1
One of the early proponents for using a holistic, systematic approach was Dr. Eugene Odum, Professor Emeritus at UGA and founder of the Institute of Ecology. He is known as the "father of modern ecology." Ecosystem ecology examines interactions among the various organic and inorganic components of a natural ecosystem to evaluate the environmental, economic and social impacts of a disturbance. It uses energy as the common denominator for measuring ecosystem productivity.
Natural ecosystems are made up of essentially four components: inorganics (e.g. carbonates and phosphates), nutrients (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus), and plants and animals, bioproducts (e.g. detritus and organic carbon). "Waste" generated in natural ecosystems is continuously reused as raw materials by the ecosystem. The result is a cyclical process (Figure 2.0).
Industrial operations can be viewed as ecosystems with associated energy flows and metabolism, as described in Industrial Ecology by Graedel and Allenby, AT&T system engineers. The industrial ecosystem is also generally made up of four components: natural ecosystems, raw materials, machines and inventory, and final products. Unlike natural

Figure 2.0
Natural Ecosystems

Inorga nic
(Carbonates & Phosphates)

M obiliz e

N utrie nts
(N itrog en & P h osp h orus)

M obiliz e

Regeneration

B ioproducts
(Detritus & O rganic Carbon)

E xc retion Death

P lants & A nim als
(Living)

ecosystems, industrial ecosystems are linear and waste is typically landfilled, discharged to water bodies, emitted into the atmosphere, or burned rather than reused (Figure 3.0).
The ultimate goal of P2AD is to bridge the "disconnect" between natural ecosystem ecology and industrial ecology to reduce business' "environmental footprint." This not only means reducing environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of a product in a cost-effective manner, but also integrating an environmental ethic into a company's core business
See Industrial Ecology, page 5

Page 2

Summer 2001

From the Source

Systems Approach from page 1

tions tend to come from a set of generalized practices that easier sell because the P2 team members feel a sense of

have worked effectively for other companies making similar ownership for the idea.

products. The problem here is a P2 alternative that is

Using the Systems Approach can improve a company's

appropriate for one company selling widgets may not work ability to find low-risk, low-cost source reduction improve-

at all with another widget manufacturer because of: 1)

ments. By harnessing employee knowledge in a team setting,

differences in process equipment, 2) variations in raw

the company can begin to uncover where process fine-tuning

material chemistry, or 3) distinctions in operating proce-

is needed, what procedures are inadequate or are not being

dures. Another common problem of the traditional P2

followed properly, which raw materials are being used ineffi-

approach is overlooking the value added by including ideas ciently or are causing environmental, health and safety con-

and suggestions from experienced plant employees. While cerns, and where employee training or worker accountability

it is true that a third party consultant or state P2 engineer are lacking. In many cases, the best P2 alternative solutions

can provide a fresh perspective and help identify opportuni- for the opportunities just described require very little capital

ties that seem to go unnoticed during normal day-to-day

expense for implementation.

production, they are not the process experts. Finally, the

The most beneficial aspect of the Systems Approach

last major problem of a

Table 1.0 Advantages to Using the Systems Approach

by far is its ability to foster

traditional P2

assessment approach is companies are



given a



solution but do

Incorporates the Ideas of Experienced Employees within the P2 Assessment Process Favors Identification of Low-Cost, Low-Risk Source Reduction Opportunities Improves Company Acceptance (Buy-In) of Chosen P2 Alternatives Fosters a Continuous Improvement Ethic throughout the Company Employees Gain Skills to Solve Future Environmental Problems on their Own

a continuous improvement ethic within the company. In other words, after P2AD (or

not gain the

a consultant)

skills necessary to solve future environmental issues on their guides a company through one complete cycle of the

own (no transfer of "learned behavior").

Systems Approach, there is a transfer of "learned behavior"

Dr. Robert Pojasek, a world leader in the field of

where employees have gained the skills necessary to

pollution prevention and process improvement, developed a address process improvement efforts on their own! The P2

far more efficient means for achieving P2 implementation team can now apply the Systems Approach without third-

called the "Systems Approach". This approach offers a

party assistance for future environmental projects.

mechanism to resolve the problems related to traditional

As Figure 1.0 on page 1 illustrates, the Systems

pollution prevention assistance, resulting in a better path for Approach is a cyclical process encouraging pollution

achieving environmental improvement.

prevention and continuous improvement. Each bubble

shown in Figure 1.0 represents a P2 tool used with the plant

Systems Approach to P2

team. The Systems Approach begins by characterizing the

In the Systems Approach, a sequence of analytical tools are used to accomplish three important tasks: 1) process characterization, 2) problem solving, and 3) decision making. As the name suggests, these three activities allow a company to systematically reduce waste generation and resource loss in a cost-effective manner. Table 1.0 above summarizes the advantages of using the Systems Approach.
Following the age-old adage "many heads are always better than one," the Systems Approach seeks the wisdom of a facility work team rather than counting on the knowledge of a single individual. Ultimately, this leads to a custom fit P2 solution and avoids the "one-size-fits-all" solution characteristic of a traditional P2 assessment approach. P2 alternatives derived through the Systems Approach are also more apt to receive "buy-in" from both management and front line workers since the solution came from an employee team. Implementation becomes a much

process through process mapping. This tool assists the P2 team in visualizing where opportunities for environmental improvement exist. The second characterization tool is full waste costing where the total cost of generating a waste is quantified and allocated back to the responsible processes and products.
Problem solving is the next major phase of the Systems Approach. It includes rank ordering P2 opportunities, performing root cause analysis, and deriving P2 alternatives. Pollution prevention opportunities are ranked ordered using the "Pareto Principle", which states that 80% of the cost lies in 20% of the waste or lost resource. Therefore, only those opportunities offering the greatest potential for operating cost reduction are focused upon. After rank ordering opportunities, the P2 team will use root cause analysis and work towards identifying the main reason(s) why a loss (waste generation or inefficient resource use) is

See Systems Approach, page 6

From the Source

Summer 2001

Page 3

Chucks Corner:
ScrapMatchGA - A New Resource Recovery Tool

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure We once thought that dumpster diving was only for
dirty derelicts. But we now know that the contents of a dumpster, rolloff, or compactor can quickly tell us more about a company than a three hour tour. When we find pallets, cardboard, office paper, lumber scraps, stretch wrap, steel banding, sawdust, or plastic drool destined for the landfill we assume that: 1) there's no environmental manager; 2) no one in accounting is monitoring waste disposal costs; 3) the company has grown too fast; and/or 4) local landfill fees are very low. All the materials listed above are eminently reusable or recyclable--if not by the generator, then by another company.
We have been working closely with Georgia Tech's Economic Development Institute (EDI) to develop a new program called ScrapMatchGA that will identify and foster reuse of waste materials by companies located near each other. There are scores of sites on the Internet called "waste exchange" or "materials exchange" and they perform a valuable service. However, they are primarily useful to companies that either generate or want to buy extremely large quantities of materials and can justify the high costs of shipping thousands of tons across country or to foreign buyers. We know that the cost of transportation is usually the largest barrier to materials recycling/reuse. So, ScrapMatchGA has been specifically designed to assist companies operating within 18 geographic regions of Georgia.
To participate in the ScrapMatchGA program, a company must complete a simple 2-page survey. Among other questions, the survey asks: 1) "What materials do you buy? In what volumes?" 2) "What materials do you
From the Source is printed with soy ink on recycled paper that has 100% post consumer content and is Process Chlorine Free.

Fast Fact:
Did you know that each gallon of gasoline burned in your car engine puts 19.6 pounds of CO2 into the air?
discard/landfill? In what volumes?" And, 3) "Would you consider using another company's discards to replace virgin feedstock materials that you're buying on the open market?" Participation is entirely voluntary and there are no costs or membership fees. All information provided will be confidential and access to the database will be limited (and password protected) to EDI and P2AD engineers. Participants that submit information will not be allowed to search the database.
As the number of participating companies grows so too will the likelihood that we can match one's needs with another's discards. When a potential ScrapMatch is found, each company will be notified so they can begin discussion to see if they have a "fit." Neither EDI nor P2AD will participate in any financial negotiations between potential partners. However, we will expect to be informed of the volumes and types of materials involved in successful matches.
The goals of ScrapMatchGA are very simple: to increase the competitive advantage of Georgia businesses; to protect our environment by reducing waste going to landfills; and to enhance sustainable use of natural resources.
The ScrapMatchGA survey can be found on our website, www.p2ad.org. You can either print it and fax it back to us or complete the survey online and send it electronically. Feel free to contact either of us for further information. And remember, Waste is a resource in the wrong place.
---Chuck_Boelkins@p2ad.org or 404-651-5585 or 800-685-2443, Robert.Hitch@edi.gatech.edu or
770-535-5844

Page 4

Summer 2001

From the Source

Industrial Ecology from page 2

several cement kilns around the Southeast. This effort is only one part of a regional carpet recycling system being

Figure 3.0
Industrial Ecosystems

developed in concert with Georgia Tech, Carpet and Rug Institute, and others that would channel post-consumer carpet to the Honeywell nylon recycling facility in Augusta

for extraction of nylon 6 from carpet waste (see Figure

E xtrac tion

4.0). The nylon 6 is reconstituted into caprolactam, which

N a tu ra l Ecosystem s

Raw M ateria ls

is the basic building block for nylon 6 used in carpet and other nylon products.

Carpet waste containing nylon 6,6, which is not easily

Consum ption W astes

R ec yc lin g

P rod u c tion P roc es s

broken down, is diverted to businesses that make auto products. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from plastic

Final P ro d uc ts

D istrib u tion

P ro d uc tive C apita l
(M achines & Inventory)

bottles is also a major feedstock for the carpet industry. P2AD will be working closely with the carpet industry and others to develop a regional PET recycling system to efficiently move PET from sources of generation to end

users.

philosophy. The product of this convergence benefits the environment, the economy, and society.

The reverse logistics model developed for the regional carpet recycling system is also being employed to assist P2AD to evaluate a regional electronics recycling system.

Eco-Industrial Networks
Industrial networks that use one another's waste byproducts as raw material (waste cascades) are one form of industrial ecology. Eco-industrial parks attract industries that

This system would identify the most efficient and cost effective means to move obsolete computer equipment and other electronic products from businesses and homes to electronics recyclers and end users.

complement each other in terms of waste by-product genera-
tion and raw material needs. For example, excess steam from Regional Environmental Networks one industry may be used to power a tortilla factory, whose and ScrapMatchGA

wastes are used to supply feed to a shrimp aquaculture

P2AD, in partnership with Georgia Tech's Economic

operation.

Development Institute (EDI), has established 18 regional

P2AD is identifying industries in various regions of the environmental networks throughout the state. These quarterly

state that can use a variety of waste by-products as raw materials or as fuel. Our biggest success

See Industrial Ecology, page 7

has been Blue Circle Cement in East Atlanta. They approached P2AD seeking

Figure 4.0

waste by-products from our numerous industrial clients. These are used as raw material or as fuel in making cement rather than ending up in a landfill. Some byproduct matches include: fly ash from electric utilities and marble waste from mining operations. Blue Circle also currently has the capacity to burn a million used tires a year as fuel with an added benefit of improved air emissions.

Regional Carpet Recycling Network

Carpet Manufacturing (Dalton Ga)

Nylon 6 Process
Honeywell, Augusta Ga .

Kiln

Whitfield County MonoFill $25.50 baled $45.50 unbaled
Fuel + Raw Material Substitution

Regional Carpet Recycling System
The Dalton/Whitfield County Solid Waste Authority is currently examining the feasibility to use up to 20,000 tons per year of post-industrial carpet scraps as fuel and raw material feedstock at

Commercial & Residential Replacement (major metro regions)

Nylon 6,6 Recovery

Local Landfill $ Variable

From the Source

Summer 2001

Page 5

Water Efficiency in Water Reclamation Operations: Clayton County Water Authority Practices What It Preaches
by Neal Wellons, Clayton County Water Authority, and Judy Adler P.E., P2AD

It is essential for water and wastewater utilities

Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) by converting

to serve as examples of responsible water users as

chlorinators to reuse water.

they encourage their communities to conserve water. Saved 650,000 gallons/month at the Northeast

Clayton County Water Authority recognized the

WRF by using reuse water for polymer mix and

importance of practicing what it preached, and decided

sludge press belt wash.

to look at its own operations for water efficiency

Saved 90,000 gallons/month at the Casey WRF by

opportunities. Many years ago, Clayton County

changing water seal pumps to mechanical seal

started metering water use at water reclamation

pumps.

(wastewater treatment) facilities. The county was

Saved 17,000,000 gallons/month at biosolids

amazed that a small wastewater treatment plant was

pelletizing plant by using reclaimed water for

using more water than the local paint factory!

scrubber/dust removal system and sludge press

Clayton County Water Authority performed a

belt wash.

water audit at all of its water reclamation facilities and

identified opportunities for water efficiency. Water

The Clayton County Water Authority has long

audits revealed that a large volume of potable water been recognized as a leader in the water industry for

was used for nonpotable applications. Following are its environmentally-sound approach to water and

a few examples of water efficiency measures imple- wastewater services. In addition to water conserva-

mented at the facilities, most of which involve substi- tion, Clayton Countys pollution prevention pro-

tuting reclaimed water for potable water.

grams include beneficial reuse of treated wastewater

for forest irrigation, and the conversion of wastewa-

Saved 1,200,000 gallons/month at the W.B. Casey ter biosolids to marketable compost and fertilizer

products.

Systems Approach from page 3
occurring. To reduce or eliminate the root cause(s), pollution prevention alternatives are derived through a team brainstorming or brainwriting exercise where the quantity of ideas is as important as the quality of ideas.
Selecting the best P2 alternatives and developing an action plan for achieving implementation represent the decision-making phase of the Systems Approach. Using cost, implementability and effectiveness as decision making criteria, two common prioritization strategies are: 1) an open discussion, comparing the pros and cons of two alternatives at a time until there is consensus on the best solution and 2) a multi-voting format, where each team member receives a limited number of votes for prioritizing P2 alternatives. Once a pollution prevention alternative is chosen, the team will develop an action plan for implementation. At a minimum, the action plan should describe the tasks necessary for achieving implementation, assign employee responsibility, set target completion dates and estimate the resources needed to complete each task.
Measuring performance of the implemented P2 alternative completes the Systems Approach cycle. By characterizing

reductions in waste generation, extensions in raw material life, conservation of energy/water or a decrease in operating cost the P2 team can quickly justify the project. As illustrated in Figure 1.0, it is very important to document and standardize all process improvements realized by the company after implementation. This establishes a new baseline for environmental performance and provides incentive to utilize the P2 practice for a similar process on another product line or to scale up the current system from pilot to full size. Documenting "lessons learned" is also important so problems that arose during or after implementation of the P2 alternative do not reoccur the second time around.
Concluding Thoughts
The Systems Approach is a proven method for pollution prevention and process improvement. It allows a company to see P2 as a long-term plan for adding value to the company's bottom line through waste reduction and resource conservation. Once the Systems Approach is
See Systems Approach, page 11

Page 6

Summer 2001

From the Source

Industrial Ecology from page 5
network meetings serve as forums for businesses to learn about the latest environmental compliance issues, pollution prevention opportunities and available technical resources. It also provides opportunities for industry-to-industry mentoring and technology transfer. The new ScrapMatchGA Program will be linked with the networks (see article on page 4). ScrapMatchGA will survey manufacturers to identify major business-related waste streams in these regions and seek industries that could use the by-product as a raw material feedstock.
Institutional Recycling Networks
Over the next few years, P2AD will provide waste reduction and resource conservation assistance to over 40 Georgia Department of Corrections facilities, 13 military installations within Georgia, major DNR state parks, and numerous universities and community colleges across Georgia. A number of these facilities are in remote locations and do not have access to recycling markets. By taking a regional perspective, there may be various waste reduction synergies that can be identified. For example, military installations typically have an extensive recycling infrastructure, and may serve as regional collection or transfer points for various municipal, state, and industrial waste by-products. Additionally, recycling market voids identified through this process could provide economic opportunities for recycling business startups or expansions.
The ultimate objective of this effort is to divert valuable business "waste" from landfills and return it to industry or agriculture as less expensive raw materials to produce finished products or crops. In other words, mimic natural ecosystems cyclical processes, to the extent feasible, by reusing waste by-products. Some recoverable industrial and municipal waste streams within the state currently being targeted include: carpet, wood waste, construction and demolition debris, food processing wastes, and municipal biosolids. Most of these valuable resources are still being landfilled.
Process Optimization and Efficient Use of Natural Resources
Understanding the interactions among the various components of an industrial operation or industrial facilities is another important aspect of industrial ecology. Using energy as one common denominator, as Odum did in ecosystem ecology, P2AD can evaluate the "metabolism" of an industrial operation and identify points for process optimization or more efficient use of limited natural resources such as water and energy. In some cases, this

may involve product redesign or substitution of more environmentally friendly process chemicals.
Carpet Industry BOD/COD Reduction
Several years ago, P2AD was asked by Dalton Utilities to work with major manufacturers in the Dalton area to reduce organic loadings in industrial effluents discharged to the city's wastewater system. P2AD, working closely with a number of carpet and fiber manufacturers, evaluated BOD/COD generation at various points in the carpet manufacturing process. The team identified where excess lubricants (spin finish) were being added to minimize tearing of the fiber during the manufacturing process. Using statistical process measures, optimum levels for spin finish were determined resulting in reduced wastewater loadings and lower raw material costs. The most interesting discovery, however, was that about half of the organic loadings were brought into the plant on the carpet fibers. Carpet fiber manufacturers added spin finish to the fiber as a processing aid, before selling it to the carpet manufacturers, who then proceeded to add more. The end result was excessive loading in the industrial wastewater effluents due to chemical losses. One outcome was that fiber manufacturers changed their process to reduce the application of spin finish, and another was that they developed a substitute spin finish with a lower organic content. They are now marketing it to the carpet industry as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional spin finishes.
Waste Reduction Teams and System Tools
P2AD has found that waste reduction teams are very effective in reducing pollution and lowering operating costs, particularly when using a systems approach to identify raw material inputs and non-product outputs throughout the manufacturing process (see related article on page 1). The teams typically use system tools such as process maps, root cause analysis, and full cost accounting to identify inefficient product lines. This approach in concert with the implementation of an environmental management system is an extremely effective means to continually seek more efficient operations, optimize resource use, improve profit margins, and permanently reduce a company's "environmental footprint."
By understanding natural and industrial ecosystem dynamics, P2AD is in a better position to work with businesses to reduce their impacts on the environment, minimize public health risks, and find cost-effective pollution prevention solutions to current waste generating practices. As Eugene Odum said, "An ecosystem is more than the sum of its parts." This is true whether it is a natural or industrial ecosystem.

From the Source

Summer 2001

Page 7

What do Mario Andretti, Steven Seagal, Luke Perry,

Household Hazardous Waste Program

and P2AD have in common?

by David Gipson, Pollution Prevention Specialist

Give up? The answer is used motor oil

Beyond

recycling! During the months of May and June the obvious

2001, P2AD kicked off an outreach campaign to environmental

encourage "do it yourself" mechanics to recycle health ben-

used motor oil. The television and radio cam- efits, recycling

paign, produced for P2AD (free) from Earth's used motor oil

911, was run on Fox 5 Television, WGST radio, can save huge

and the Georgia News Radio Network. The amounts of

television commercials featuring Mario Andretti energy. Two

and Steven Seagal were run during NASCAR gallons of used On April 21st, the day before Earth Day, Castrol

ite

races, M*A*S*H, Third Rock from the Sun,

motor oil can teamed up with state agencies to host a used

Home Improvement, and the morning and evening news throughout the month of June. The radio ads featuring Luke Perry were run on

generate 36 kilowatt hours of electricity.

motor oil collection drive at Auto Zone on Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Norcross. Autographed John Force T-Shirts were given to the first 50 people.

WGST and the Georgia News Network from That is enough to run the average household for a day. In

April 30th through June 11th. Additionally,

1997, 345 million gallons of motor oil was sold to do-it-

David Gipson of P2AD appeared on two WGST yourselfers3. If only about half was recycled or fuels blended,

talk radio shows to discuss used motor oil: "The shouldn't we work harder to recapture the other 172 million

Car Show" and the "Georgia Focus Hour."

gallons out there, for its energy potential alone?

Why all the attention? Used motor oil is

Once collected, 75% of used motor oil is reprocessed and

the largest single source of pollution in our

used as an alternative fuel at asphalt plants, industrial boilers,

nation's waterways1. According to a survey of and cement kilns. The remainder is re-refined and returned to

Georgians, only half of the motor oil used by

its original virgin oil state. Used oil can be re-refined over and

"do-it-yourself" mechanics is being recycled. over again, and is subject to the same stringent refining,

Since recycling is the only proper means of

compounding, and performance standards as virgin oil3.

disposal, we know that the other half is being

The states, feds, and public aren't the only ones interested

poured on the ground, down storm drains, in

in used motor oil management. Castrol (a subsidiary of BP), a

streams, and in the trash. In fact, 14% of

leading brand of motor oil, has recently kicked off a national

Georgians surveyed admitted to pouring used product stewardship campaign. For Georgia, that means 9

motor oil on the ground2. According to national million gallons worth of motor oil bottles (the full amount sold in

figures, if even 14% of the used motor oil in

the State) will include Georgia's Earth's 911 hotline and website

Georgia is being poured on the ground, that

number on the label. The hotline, 1-800-CLEANUP, and

would equal approximately 92 fully loaded

website, www.1800cleanup.org, locates the nearest recycling

tractor trailer loads of used motor oil. Again, site according to ZIP code. Additionally, Castrol has hosted a

that's the estimated amount that do-it-

used motor oil recycling drive at AutoZone in Norcross, and

yourselfers admitted to pouring on the ground will provide free oil recycling containers during a three-month

each year. Chances are, a large portion of the period this summer with purchase of Castrol GTX. Hopefully,

remaining 36% not being recycled is making its more companies will follow Castrol's lead to provide recycling

way to our groundwater as well.

information where it matters most, on the product label and at

Used motor oil can contain chromium,

the point of purchase.

lead, petroleum hydrocarbons, aromatic hydro-

Changing human behavior is always a difficult task, but

carbons, or zinc. When it's dumped on the

with Steven Seagal on our side, our chances can only get

ground, the contaminants can make their way to better. Contact 1-800-CLEANUP or www.1800cleanup.org

our water, where it's toxic to fish, wildlife, and to find the nearest site to recycle your used motor oil!

humans. Considering it only takes 4 quarts, or about 1 oil change, of used motor oil to foul a million gallons of drinking water, the significance of the problem is alarming1.

Sources:
1
EPA 2 University of Georgia survey for P2AD, 1995
3
American Petroleum Institute

Page 8

Summer 2001

From the Source

American Hospital Association and U.S. EPA Enter New Phase of Healthy Environment Program
by Alicia Mitchell and Christina Pearson, Guest Writers
The American Hospital Association (AHA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week reaffirmed their commitment to, and kicked off the next phase of their Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E) program. The program has two primary goals: to eliminate the use of mercury in health care settings and to reduce overall waste that comes from caring for patients.
The next phase will include:

n Spreading the word to hospitals and health care

leaders about the goals of the partnership

n Disseminating tools and resources to help accomplish these goals
n Creating an awards program that will

hospitals to voluntarily eliminate mercury and reduce overall waste. That MOU resulted in the creation of the
tools and resources that comprised phase one of the

recognize successful local efforts to eliminate mercury and reduce

As a

H2E program. Moreover, it institutionalized the H2E

hospital waste n Promoting a pledge program

promoter of

program that has had an immediate and positive impact on the nation's hospitals.

for hospitals committed to

health, hospitals take

Several practical tools and

the goals of the partnership n Sponsoring education

our stewardship of the

resources are already easily available to hospitals, state government

efforts through AHA professional societies

environment very seriously,

and healthcare associations on the H2E website: www.h2e-online.org. Tools include sample plans for mercury

"As a promoter of health, hospitals take our stewardship of the environment very seriously," said Mac Robinson, AHA's

Mac Robinson elimination and environmentally preferVice President AHA able purchasing, as well as suggestions
for improving tracking of environmental

vice president. "We're proud of the work

costs in hospitals.

we've accomplished so far and we're committed to helping

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health

our members reach these goals."

care provider organizations and individuals that are

"Our partnership with the AHA has produced the

committed to the health improvement of their communi-

tools and programs hospitals need to help them reach the

ties. The AHA is the national advocate for its members,

important pollution prevention goals," said Dr. William H.

which includes 5,000 hospitals, health care systems,

Sanders, director of the EPA Office of Pollution Prevention networks, other providers of care and 37,000 individual

and Toxics. "Our goal now is to get hospitals to participate members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education

in the program and use the tools we have developed. We

for health care leaders and is a source of information on

look forward to continuing our partnership with AHA and

health care issues and trends. For more information, visit

others to achieve that goal."

the AHA Web site at www.aha.org, or contact P2AD's

While the initial phase of the program focused on

Stephanie Busch at (404) 651-5120 or via email at

developing tools and resources to help hospitals accomplish Stephanie_Busch@p2ad.org.

the program's goals, the next stage will focus on educating

hospitals about the resources available to help them change

waste management practices and on educating hospital

personnel on ways to accomplish the reduction goals.

In 1998, AHA and EPA signed a memorandum of

understanding (MOU) to jointly find ways to encourage

From the Source

Summer 2001

Page 9

Military Pollution Prevention Partnership

Page 10

DoD Region 4 P2 Partnership Builds on Success

of State Partnerships

by Suzanne Burnes, Pollution Prevention Specialist

In the late 1990s, the success of the Georgia Department of Defense (DoD)

Figure 5.0

Pollution Prevention (P2) Partnership served as a catalyst for the creation of

Region 4 Major Military Installations

similar state DoD P2 Partnerships through-

out the southeast. In 1999, P2AD responded

to a request by EPA Region 4 to spearhead

efforts with North and South Carolina to

create a Region 4 DoD P2 Partnership (the

KY

Partnership), the first of its kind in the

country. This Partnership was created so

NC

that P2 experiences and expertise could

TN

be shared across the 76 military installations, four (4) branches of service,

SC

and eight (8) state borders in Region

v

4. It was designed to:

n strengthen and support the individual efforts of the

MS

State Partnerships within Region 4;

AL

GA

n minimize duplication of

effort;

FL

n explore application of new

L E G E N D
Navy 1 Army Marine Corps Air Force

technologies; transfer lessons learned; and

Regional P2

10 11

n elevate the visibility and importance

Partnership. In 1999, the Regional

12 13 14

of P2 activities at the base level.

Partnership received a grant

The Partnership is comprised of repre- from the U.S. EPA to support

15

sentatives from the following organizations: initial development of the group and

16 17

n Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps installations in Region 4

research for a Best Management 12
Practices (BMP) Guide. This BMP

18 19 20

n Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine

Guide was intended to provide overburdened installation

Corps, and DoD Regional Environ- pollution prevention staff with a primer on several large P2

mental Coordinators (RECs)

issues - give them the basics and lead them to key re-

n Army National Guard

sources for additional information. In 2000, the EPA grant

n Air National Guard

was extended to continue development of this guide;

n Army Corps of Engineers

prepare an expertise and needs survey; provide a vehicle

n Army Reserves

for transfer of military P2 information nationally; and

n Defense Logistical Agency n State Pollution Prevention agencies/
technical assistance providers n Various state research universities n U.S. EPA Waste Reduction Resource
Center (WRRC) n U.S. EPA Region 4's Office of
Pollution Prevention and Toxics Combined, there are over 90 members of the

continue to provide operational support for the growth of the Regional Partnership.
Based on discussions at preliminary Partnership meetings, a Steering Committee was formed to represent the State Partnerships at the regional level and guide the activities of the Regional Partnership. The Steering Committee is comprised of representatives of GA P2AD and it's subcontractor, the South Carolina Center for Environmental Policy (CEP); the REC for each service branch; the Region 4 DoD REC;
See Regional DoD Partnership, page 11

Summer 2001

From the Source

New Georgia Waste Data Available

The Georgia Solid Waste Management Report, 1999-2000, is now available on the Georgia Department of Community Affairs' Web site as a pdf file. The address is: http://www.dca.state.ga.us/solidwaste/swar2000.pdf. The report includes waste disposal data from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division for Fiscal Years 1999-2000 (July 1, 1998 - June 30, 2000), including data on remaining capacity in our state's landfills. The report also includes analysis of the FY 1999 Annual Solid Waste Management Survey and Full Cost Report, administered by DCA and sent to Georgia's 691 local governments. The report identifies trends in Georgia's solid waste management efforts that illustrate improving efforts to grapple with the amount of waste Georgians generate. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Dunlop at (404) 6791598.

Georgia Solid Waste Management Report
1999-2000

June 2001

SWMR 1999-2000

Regional DoD Partnership from page 10
Region 4 EPA's Office of P2 and Toxics; the Army Reserves Environmental Officer; and a state P2 agency representative and a DoD representative from each state.
On May 10-11, the Steering Committee held its first formal meeting in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The meeting focused on identifying issues of regional priority that need elevation to increase their visibility in Washington; and on establishing a structure for the Partnership to administer its new P2 Grants Program. The grants will be funded by DoD's recent allocation of $2 million for addressing regional P2 issues.
The main action item that came out of the Steering Committee meeting was the distribution of an expertise and needs survey (developed by the SC CEP) to all of the state partnerships, who were asked to complete the survey among their members. At the meeting of the full Regional Partnership in Atlanta on June 28, 2001, in conjunction with the Annual DoD/EPA Environmental Conference, members representing the Alabama and South Carolina State P2 Partnerships presented their survey results. The remaining six State P2 Partnerships will be completing their surveys this summer, and the priorities of the eight states will be compiled by the Steering Committee. Applications for funding through the new P2 Grants Program will be evaluated based upon their ability to address one of the identified priorities.
As George Carellas, DoD Regional Environmental Coordinator has pointed out, the Regional P2 Partnership is taking advantage of the successes of the individual state partnerships in Region 4 and will thereby offer even more P2 opportunities to all. The DoD Region 4 P2 Partnership has the potential to accomplish great things, and it is well on its way to doing so.

Systems Approach from page 6
incorporated into a company's P2 program, it can be called on again and again for continuous improvement. Overall, the Systems Approach can provide a very effective pathway for achieving sustainable development.
When applying the Systems Approach, the use of a facilitator is recommended to help keep the P2 team focused and moving towards an endpoint. P2AD engineers and specialists are trained facilitators and have experience in using the Systems Approach with manufacturing, commercial and institutional clients. If you are interested in applying the Systems Approach or simply want to learn more about it, please contact Colin Kiefer at (404) 651-5128.
Selected Systems Approach References
Environmental Quality Management, Winter 2000, Using a Systems Approach to Improve Process and Environmental Performance.
US EPA, An Organizational Guide to Pollution Prevention, Chapter 2 P2 Tools, EPA/625/R-01/003 Final Version Available in August 2001. (A draft version is currently available at www.pojasek-associates.com/ Activities/draft1.htm)
Practical Pollution Prevention, Autumn 1998, P2 Assessments: What Are They Good For?
This article was Part I of a series on the Systems Approach. Look for a detailed discussion on each Systems Approach tool along with Systems Approach case studies in upcoming newsletters.

From the Source

Summer 2001

Page 11

Calendar of Events

See www.p2ad.org for more details on all listed events...
August 14-15, 2001 2001 Georgia Water Resources Leadership Summit presented by the Georgia Water Management Campaign in conjunction with the Southeast Watershed Forum Roundtable. Location: Atlanta Airport Hilton, Atlanta, GA. Contact: Ross King at (404) 522-5022.
August 27-29, 2001 BioCycle Southeast Conference 2001: Composting and Organics Recycling The Soil and Water Connections presented by Biocycle Magazine in conjunction with the Georgia Composting Association and P2AD. Location: JW Marriott Hotel Lenox in Atlanta, GA. Contact: 610-967-4135 or email biocycle@jgpress.com to register and get more information.
August 26-29, 2001 Georgia Recycling Coalition Annual Meeting: "Living in a Material World." Location: St. Simons/Sea Palms, GA. Contact: Gloria Hardegree at (404) 634-3095.
September 13, 2001 Georgia Chapter of the Air and Waste Management Association Annual Conference. Location: Gwinnett Civic & Cultural Center, Duluth, GA. Contact: www.gaawma.org.
October 13-17, 2001 WEFTEC 2001 hosted by The Water Environment Federation. Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA. Contact: www.wef.org for more information.
October 29-31, 2001 "Greening Government Buildings" Sustainable Design, Construction and Deconstruction Training presented by EPA Region 4, GSA Region 4 and P2AD in cooperation with Southface Energy Institute. Location: Atlanta, GA. Contact: Stephanie Busch at (404) 651-5120.

www.p2ad.org

POLLUTION PREVENTION ASSISTANCE DIVISION Suite 450 7 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. SW Atlanta, Georgia 30334-9004 (404) 651-5120 1-800-685-2443 (outside metro Atlanta)
FROM THE SOURCE is a publication of the Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance Division. Design by: Suzanne Burnes Contact us at p2ad@ix.netcom.com or visit our World Wide Web page at http://www.p2ad.org

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Page 12

Summer 2001

From the Source