u1r1 Gib2.0. H3 I~ From <1/I the Volume 9, Number 1 A Publication of the Georgia Pollution Prevention Assistance Division Spring 2000 Maxell Corporation Applies Full Cost Accounting to Environmental Efforts by Matt Barcaskey, Pollution Prevention Engineer I f you were driving east on Interstate 20 through Conyers, Georgia during the past year, you may have noticed a billboard promoting Maxell Corporation's local environmental efforts. Maxell has been an active participant in the Rockdale community, and 1999 proved to be a landmark year in environmental management at their Conyers facility. The year began with Maxell receiving ISO 14001 certification for their Environmental Management System (EMS) and finished with a full cost accounting study that reduced landfilled solid waste by nearly 50 percent. The facility, which employs 175 people, makes VHS video cassettes and DDS data cartridges. Due to the nature of the products, solid waste was the most significant environmental impact at the facility. Since many previous efforts to reduce waste were limited by economics, full cost accounting was chosen as the vehicle for pursuing further reductions. The project was led by Mike Roper, Internal Systems \k Superintendent at Maxell, and Matt Barcaskey of P2AD. Other Maxell personnel from the production, quality, and accounting departments were also involved. The process began with an assessment of waste generated at the facility. Then, the associated costs of the different types of wastes were systematically identified. The study estimated that the total waste-related cost, which included materials, overhead, and disposal, was over $1 million. An opportunity to make a quick impact was recognized early on in the process. An examination of billing See Maxell, page 2 Reducing Smog through Sustainable Groundskeeping by Colin Kiefer, Pollution Prevention Engineer Atlanta's notorious air quality problems are the topic of much debate and discussion in the metro area, especially as "Smog Season" approaches. Our high ozone levels create acute and chronic respiratory health risks, and our current status as a Severe Ozone Non-Attainment Area (as determined by the U.S. EPA, relating to our compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1990) deters new businesses (and their associated jobs and tax revenues) from moving to our region. Many ozone reduction initiatives in place relate to reducing automobile Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Nitrous Oxides (NOx) emissions, which create ground-level ozone when they react with sunlight. However, one large source of VOCs and NOx that is often overlooked is groundskeeping or landscaping activities. Reducing the use of inefficient gas-powered lawn maintenance equipment is currently a focus of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division's voluntary Partners for a Smog-Free Georgia (PSG) program. This program encourages the development of plans to reduce ozone-generating emissions at the source, and recognizes that significant opportunities for improving local air quality also exist in groundskeeping or landscaping activities. See Groundskeepmg, page 3 Director's Column by G. Robert Kerr As I write this column, it is a warm day, the trees are just greening and the hot, humid summers ofGeorgia seem very far away indeed. However, by the time you read this newsletter, summer will be just around the corner. Those of you who have lived in Georgia (particularly the metro Atlanta area) for awhile are very familiar with the strains placed on our natural resources by summer. Outdoor watering bans are commonplace at the local level. In the southern part of the state, large agricultural areas are irrigated during the growing season. Especially in drought years, availability of water for its many uses is threatened. The heat of summer also affects our air quality, most notably in the Atlanta ozone non-attainment area. Smog alert days are a signal for all of us to alter some of our business and personal habits. This issue focuses on a variety of topics to help our readers prepare for summer. For example, see the feature article on page 1 regarding changes in landscaping maintenance practices that can help to reduce air emissions leading to ozone. Or, consider obtaining more information from the University ofGeorgia's Research and Education Garden on plants and landscaping practices which can help minimize the use of water (see page 5 for more information). A third article on page 6 discusses the work of the Cool Communities program and its efforts to reduce urban heat islands. Additionally, I want to call your attention to a new feature of our newsletter, Chuck's Corner. As part of our continuing efforts to help industry and business deal with waste by-products, our new Resource Recovery Specialist, Chuck Boelkins, will be writing a column in each issue discussing recovery of a specific by-product. This issue's feature is a focus on the rebound of the cellulose fiber recycling market. Maxell, from page 1 1999 Reduction in Solid Waste Disposal 30 25 "~ 20 v I\ 15 i\ ~ 10 ) $5,000 $4,500 $4,000 $3,500 $3,000 $2,500 ~ $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 records revealed that there was an average of 25.3 disposal pick-ups per month in 1998, but the $500 $0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec various quantities of r::::::::i 1999 Pick-ups -<>-1999 Disposal Cost c::::::J 1998 Average Monthly Pick-ups each material that went into the dumpsters were unknown, and physical inspection ofthe disposal containers revealed that many ofthe waste materi- als were reusable. Also, dumpster pick-ups were scheduled to occur at regular intervals, resulting in the dumpsters being emptied before they were full. Initially, wastes were identified by type ofmaterial in order to determine ifthey could be reused or recycled. Several materials are now reused in some manner including plastic corner guards for pallets and plastic cores from packaging that are returned to the suppliers. Recycled materials such as reground waste from the molding opera- tions, corrugated cardboard, paper, aluminum, pallets, and other plastics totaled 375 tons and brought in revenues of over $13,000 for 1999. After observing the system ofmaterial collection, several changes were made to increase the reuse ofmaterials and decrease disposal costs. Receptacles were strategically located to make it easier for the employees to segregate materials. Unnecessary dumpster hauls were eliminated by placing disposal on an on-call basis. And, finally, employee awareness was increased through training and display of environmental information. In the second half of 1999, the number of pick-ups was reduced to an average of 13 per month, which will save $25,000 annually. Furthermore, each roundtrip between the facility and the landfill is 12 miles, so the initial reduction in pick-ups correlates to an elimination of 1,700 miles driven by the dump trucks per year. According to the study, the most significant wasterelated cosfwas the lost raw material value of magnetic tape. Several causes of generating magnetic tape waste in the process were identified. Each category ofmagnetic tape waste was then prioritized by the total cost. Now, continuing efforts are focused on source reduction ofmagnetic tape waste. This approach helped to target the 20 percent of the See Maxell, page 4 Page 2 Spring 2000 From the Source Groundskeeping, from page 1 As small gas-powered engines begin to age and performance deteriorates, VOCs and NOx Comparison of Emission Rates from Lawnmowing Equipment and Automobiles emission rates increase. The actual quantity of air pollutants released and the rate at which the emissions Walk-Behind increase over time is dependent upon Mower 2.14 the year in which the engine was manufactured and the type of engine Rear-Engine Riding Mower 3.12 38.47 55.95 1,489.57 at 383 hours 2, 166.55 at 936 hours 24.14 35.11 25.35 at 383 Hours 36.87 at 936 Hours design chosen. The U.S. EPA Office Riding Lawn ofMobile Sources developed the Tractor 4.43 79.62 3,082.76 at 1,484 hours 49.96 52 .46 at 1,484 Hours Phase I Small Spark Ignition Engine Riding Front Rule, affecting the market for Mower 5.45 97.94 3,792.42 (Hours unavailable) 61.46 64.53 (Hours unavailable) groundskeeping equipment since 1996. It was estimated that overall VOC and NOx emissions from Post- 1996 spark-ignited engines have decreased by 32%. The new Phase II ruling, which takes effect in 2002, will require manufacturers to design small gas-powered engines to meet an additional 78% reduction in both voe in emission rates between overhead and side-valve engines designed after 1996 become less significant. and NOx emissions. The above table illustrates estimated hourly emissions Overhead valve engines produce lower VOC and carbon for new and used 4-stroke, overhead valve lawnmowing monoxide (CO) emissions because the combustion process equipment in comparison to an average emission rate for is faster and fuels bum more uniformly. Overhead valve automobiles. As shown, median life is the point where 50% engines are constructed of high-strength materials to with- of the engines of a specific model and designed in a certain stand an increased friction and heat load and therefore, the year are scrapped. The U.S. EPA OMS Nonroad Emissions overall lawnmower cost is slightly higher. Side-valve Model assumes that median life represents a maximum engines characteristically experience incomplete combustion emission factor. A Class I category as shown above repre- (High CO emissions) and much higher levels of VOC sents lawnmowers with displacements less than 225 cc. emissions. However, it should be noted that the differences It is very clear that as pre-1997, gas-powered engines used in lawnmowing equipment approach How To REDUCE vouR CONTRIBUTION To OzoNE FORMATION median life, they become significant mobile- At home: Reduce lawnmowing time to one-hour increments " Use lawnmowing equipment after 6 pm Minimize turf areas by using groundcovers " Plant Bermuda grass seed and utilize PRIMO growth regulator to reduce grass "" growth rate source contributors to ozone formation. When compared to average hourly automobile emission rates, aged pre-1997 lawnmowers show a greater potential to impair air quality in Metro Atlanta in an equivalent time frame. Even new small- Require/recommend groundskeepers to. follow sustainable guidelines via written contracts, such as: '1 Use a certain percentage of alternative equipment, such as electric-powered equipment '1. Discontinue use and encourage recycling of pre-1997 equipment '1 Use lawnmowers built with 4~stroke and overhead valve engine designs '1 Use high-efficiency, riewequipment '1 Use. wide mowing deck equipmentto reduce total lawnmowing time '1 Winter,proof equipment. to. slow .the deterioration/aging process (drain all oil and fuel, clean the engine, and thoroughly inspect all major components) Change qil as specified by manufacturer Keep mower blades sharp and underside of mower clean Clean or replace air filters, conduct tune ups, and adjl/St carburetor on regular basis '1 Use .non-spill gasoline containers engine models, while showing a slightly lower emission rate than the average automobile on the road, play a significant role in smog development, primarily due to the quantity being used by consumers. Discontinuing the use of gas-powered lawnmowers and trimmers altogether, in favor of electric-powered or manual equipment is the ideal solution. If complete conversion is not feasible, an organization should evaluate the current groundskeeping See Groundskeepmg, page 7 From the Source Spring 2000 Page 3 Chuck's Corner: Focus on Fibers 1n tlieiecyc1et'.s.w6ri<.tthereitref6uimaj(kcategorfos . 1ust~s:Pa!Jeifilill's:Pi6d.u2es!Jegific7iJ!od.uciS,tlieyila\ie of materials: fibei;s, 1lletals, minerals, J;eyin9e.of~papef:.Stock;d~a,'letswhobroketed oeals by produces over2SO.thous31fo1f'ilenit~fiosnnienazatto.Pinoie.~As.inelaatt<.il4.16g4.t)o6t.h5.e1. :f-i5.b1e..2r0m,. arket,. de.mand for the many different types ()frecycled paper that are used by paper mills. Like any other 9ollll!1()d:ity the demano/supply relationship varies as a function of variables A Few Paper Market Websites www.FiberMarket.com such as labor costs, weather:, the price of oil, andwhether or www.FiberMarketNews.com notthe spotted.owl. nests in a forest. The export demand for Americanrecycled.fiberis strongly influenced by the . strength ofthe manufacturing economies in Pacific Rim www.forestweb.com www.PaperExchange.com and Latin American countries.' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Maxell, from page 2 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS causes that resulted in 80 percent of ~ 2000 GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR POLLUTION PREVENTION the waste. Gains as a result of pollution prevention are expected to continue into 2000. "Full cost accounting and Recognizing organizations who demonstrate outstanding environmental management have combined to provide positive results at leadership and commitment to Georgia's environment through innovative pollution prevention efforts. Maxell Corporation of America," explains Mike Roper. "Max.ell's involvement with P2AD and the result- ing full cost accounting project were AWARD CATEGORIES Industry Government Academia Commercial/Service Industry Non-profit Organizations Farmers/Producers APPLICATION DEADLINE August 4, 2000 FOR MORE INFORMATION Tina Williams (404) 651-5120 brought about by pollution prevention initiatives realized through the ISO 14000 based EMS. The result is better management of environmental issues using sound business practices. Combining business issues, social responsibility and EMS requirements in this manner provides a real incentive to An awards ceremony is scheduled for September 2000 to present continue using full cost accounting the winners with the Governors Award results as a means of ensuring con- tinual improvement." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 4 Spring 2000 From the Source Polllltion Prevention Partners (P3) Program Update by:RochelleRoutthan, Program Manager State Research and Education Garden Open for Tours by Susan Varlamoff, Guest Writer Applications for the Pollution PreveD:tion fartneps (P3) Programare 11ow available online. Jo downlo~d your copy, .go to the P2AJ) website (www.ganet.org/dnr/p2ad), click on "Reco~ition Program,"and then go to ''Pollution Prevention Partners." fus1ructforts .and application worksheets for all three levels(Entry,Achievem.ent, and Model) are on th.e web site. Additionally, current Partners are now displayed on the site; All manufacturers thatwishto applY for a Governor's Award must first be P3 certified. Therefore, now is the time to submit your application for the P3 program. P2AD is available to assist you: in completing your application, should you have any questions. On a related note, .allP3.participants will receive a survey, which willgive you the opportuhity to provide input on the program.. Yoursggestions wiU provide P 2AD with valuable infoim:ationregarqfugyourimpressions.ofthe program. Ifyou are interested incom.pletirtg the survey, and did not receive one or need another, please contact the P3 Program Managerat(404) 651'-5120. With spring on the way, research assistants, Master Gardeners, and staff are busy digging in the dirt preparing the University of Georgia's Research & Education Garden for this year's activities. Officials from the U.S. EPA, Board of the Department of Natural Resources, and P2AD will tour the Garden in May. With garden clubs and school groups also arranging visits, the schedule is filling up. Workshop speakers are being secured and a fall open house is being planned. This summer 3,000 4-H students from Camp Fulton will spend halfdays at the Garden learning environmental horticulture. To assist with dissemination ofinformation, a Garden web site is under development. Soon online visitors can tour the Garden, see the schedule of events, and obtain gardening information. The Research & Education Garden, located in Griffin, Georgia, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Susan Varlamoff at (770) 229-3367. DoD Conducts Recycled Carpet Demonstration Project It looks the same andperforms as well as other carpets; however, a closer look reveals more underfoot. by Stephanie Busch, Pollution Prevention Specialist The Department of Defense (DoD) P2 Partnership's Solid Waste and Recycling Workteam has chosen Construction Lt. Dale Seeley, NSCS points out carpet preferences to Mark Collier, C&A and Demolition (C&D) waste as a 2 focus for identifying P opportunities within DoD. The Team has been working to identify impediments to reducing and recycling C&D waste and to promote green building practices and the use of environmentally preferable materials. It was discovered during the Team's research that several bases had reported problems with using recycled-content carpet; however, it was determined that most of the carpet installed was not desi~ed for high traffic areas and that most of the unpleasant experiences could have been avoided if the person purchasing the carpet had been informed about the carpets' specifications. To dispel fears that recycled-content carpet is inferior, the Workteam asked a base to conduct a demonstration project. The Naval Supply Corps School in Athens, Georgia agreed to install recycled-content carpet in a new recreation building for this pilot. Habitat TM was selected to be the product for the trial, a new carpet line containing not only 100% recycled-content carpet but recycled-content face fiber recently introduced by Collins & Aikman, a commercial carpet manufacturer located in Georgia. Additional environmental benefits ofthis product are its "peel and stick" feature that reduces voes during installation, and its 100% recyclability by Collins & Aikman at the end of its useful life. Collins & Aikman generously agreed to donate a percentage of the carpet to the project. Look for results of the pilot in the next edition of From the Source. To learn more about Collins & Aikman's floorcoverings, visit their web page at www.powerbond.com. For more information about the Workteam's solid waste activities contact Stephanie Busch at (404) 651-5120. From the Source Spring 2000 Page 5 "Cool Communities": A New and Emerging Strategy for Pollution Prevention by Lucie Griggs, Guest Writer Heat islands are created when the built environment in an area increases dramatically as vegetation is eliminated, causing temperatures in the area to become several degrees (generally 6 to 10 degrees F) warmer than nearby natural environments. This phenomenon has been measured in the Metro Atlanta area in recent decades, as depicted in the aerial infared photographs shown here. The black areas in these photos reflect the built environment, and the dark gray reflect vegetation and tree cover. Clearly in the 21 year period between these photos, the tree cover has diminished greatly as the heat-concentrating built areas have increased. The impact of this phenomenon on air and water quality are often overlooked, but have recently become the focus of major research projects at NASA, EPA, and DOE as well as respected universities. Heat accelerates ozone formation and increases demand for air conditioning (indirectly creating more emissions from power generation); and high surface temperatures of impermeable surfaces increase the temperature and volume of storm-water runoff. Certain structures, especially asphalt parking lots and dark roofs, are much hotter, retain heat longer, and can affect the air temperature of entire neighborhoods. Studies show that by increasing the reflectivity (albedo) ofthese surfaces, planting more trees, and reducing the capacity of these structures to store heat, the high ambient temperature can be reduced and the potential for ozone formation will also be reduced. The above photos reflect the increase in temperature in the metro Atlanta area.from 1972 to 1993. The lighter color shows base temperatures, and rings ofdarker color show increase in temperature. On the left, in 1972 only a small area ofelevated temperature existed, centered around downtown and Hartsfield International Airport. On the right, in 1993, temperatures have increased by 9-12 degrees F, and the heat islands have extended to much ofthe northern and eastern suburbs (Source: American Forests Global Releaf2000). "Cool Communities" strategies combine reflective roofing, lighter-colored and permeable paving materials (such as porous concrete), and strategic tree planting to provide simple, cost-effective, and innovative approaches to pollution prevention. These measures, used as a "system," increase the effectiveness of heat island mitigation and can be implemented for new development, retro-fitting, and during normal maintenance cycles. For information on "Cool Communities" in Georgia, please contact: Lucie Griggs, Cool Communities Regional Director, 204 Broad St., Suite A, Rome, GA 30161. Phone/Fax: (706) 295-7540, email: lwgriggs@hotrnail.com. Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution From Your Home by David Gipson, Pollution Prevention Specialist P2AD, along with Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, has developed a colorful and informative educator-focused poster entitled "You're the Solution to Water Pollution", which addresses how to reduce nonpoint source pollution resulting from activities around the home. P2AD is also designing a new brochure similar to the poster but easier to carry in your back pocket. To order posters or brochures, call P2AD at (404) 651-5120 or (800) 685-2443. The goals of Georgia Adopt-A-Stream are to (1) increase public awareness of the state's nonpoint source pollution and water quality issues, (2) provide citizens with the tools and training to evaluate and protect their local waterways, (3) encourage partnerships between citizens and their local government, and (4) to collect quality baseline water-quality data. To accomplish these goals, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream encourages individuals and communities to adopt sections of streams, wetlands, lakes, or rivers. The EPD Adopt-A-Stream Program offers training and support in watershed assessments and mapping, visual surveys of stream and wetlands, biological and chemical water quality monitoring, habitat assessments, and river cleanups. To get involved, call (404) 675-1639. Page 6 Spring 2000 From the Source GreenPrints 2000 by Stephanie Busch, Pollution Prevention Specialist This February, P2AD was ... G~ ~j.qts /I >~ ~ pleased to be a sponsor of GreenPrints, one of the premier conferences in the country on sustainable construction and design. The conference is hosted by Southface Energy Institute, an Atlanta-based non-profit that is one of the foremost leaders in the country on sustainable design and construction. Over 950 people "Successful attended the conference in Atlanta on February 7-8, 2000. companies, or Conference sessions focused natural capitalist businesses, will be those that take their values from on construction ecology, smart growth, urban ecology, sustainable transportation, and green building systems. Amory Lovins, co-founder their customers, of the Rocky Mountain their designs from nature, and their discipline from the marketplace." Institute, delivered the keynote address at the visionary dinner. Mr. Lovins, recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the 28 -Amory Lovins, people world-wide to "most speaking at Greenprints likely change the course of 2000 business in the '90s", shared his vision for a "new business model" that would change business as we know it as we enter into the 21st century, as detailed in his most recent book Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Indus- trial Revolution (co-authored with Paul Hawken and Hunter Lovins). Mr. Lovins enthralled the audience as he spoke of a new industrial revolution where natural capital is scarce and those businesses which incorporate the principles of natural capitalism will succeed. Ray Anderson, Chairman and President of Interface, received the first Argon Award for his many contributions and his commitment to sustainability. For additional conference highlights, visit Southface's home page at www.southface.org. America Recycles Day in GA by Stephanie Busch, Pollution Prevention Specialist The third annual America Recycles Day in Georgiawas held on November 15, 1999. This event is held nationally to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and "closing the loop" by purchasing products made from recycledcontent materials. Over 14,000pledges to recycle and buy recycled-content products were submitted from Georgia residents, and over $7,000 worth of prizes were awarded in Georgia alone. Prizes included a video camera, recycled plastic lawn furniture, a $1,000 gift certificate for carpeting, a year's newspaper subscription, bicycles, computers, savings bonds, a year's supply of beverages bottled .in glass, and environmental craft kits. Afterthe. sta~e prize drawing, pledges were sent to the. national America Recycles Day event for a drawing for a trip for four to Disney World and to be eligible for the "American Green Dream House" to be awarded in 2000. Over 175 businesses, governments, schools, and organizations participated in America Recycles Day in Georgia. A sampling of the events held ih Georgia included: Keep Sandy Springs/North Fulton Beautiful hdd its annual "Race to Recycle' with 160 runners participating. Students in the area also collected 1,250 athletic shoes.for NIKE to recycle into pavement for school parking lots. The U.S. Postal Service's Atfanta District collected over 4,000 pledge cards from their employees; employees submitting pledges were eligible to win VCRs and televisions. Keep Troup County Beautiful held a recycled art contest in tlie elementary schools. A statewide school essay contest - Jessica Wolf, Emily Cassandra, and Henry Holder won first place in the elementary, middle, and high school divisions, respectively. Each winner received a $500 savings bond from the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation. For more information about America Recycles Day in Georgia or how you or your business can participate in this year's event, visit otlline at www.georgiarecycles.org. Groundskeeping, from page 3 equipment fleet and specific practices being used to determine where air quality impacts can be reduced. Opportunities to reduce ozone-forming emissions during groundskeeping activities are provided in the box on page 3. Improving the quality of living for all Metro Atlanta residents through reducing ozone-forming emission sources is the ultimate goal of the PSG Program. All of the measures described within this report will help prevent significant deterioration oflocal air quality. By implementing these pollution prevention recommendations an organization will be actively assisting the state of Georgia in improving overall sustainability. The PSG Program welcomes participation from any organization. For additional information relating to ozone-reducing groundskeeping, contact Colin Kiefer of P2AD at (404) 651-5120. For further information about the PSG Program, contact Tom Shillock of PSG at (404) 363-7034. From the Source Spring 2000 Page 7 Improving Drinking Water for the Georgia Cherokee A joint project between the Georgia Tribe ofEastern Cherokee, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lumpkin County Extension Service, and Georgia Farm*A *Syst Program by Tina Williams, Pollution Prevention Specialist The Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee shares a proud and rich history in North Georgia. There are over 700 tribal members in the area surrounding Well curbing demonstration, Watershed Dahlonega, Health Outreach Field Day, August 1999. Georgia. These persons are direct descendants of survivors going back to the Cherokee removal in the "Trail of Tears". Many of the Cherokee, who live in Dahlonega, have their drinking water supplied by groundwater wells. Increasing development in the North Georgia area, agricultural practices, and the age of groundwater wells located on their land led the Cherokee Project to assess watershed issues and the condition of their drinking water wells. A comprehensive study using the Georgia Farm*A*Syst program (Farm*A*Syst) helped to improve the water quality through well testing, curbing demonstrations, news articles, and water quality workshops. These activities have informed the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee about their current drinking water conditions and future needs. Farm*A*Syst is an interagency partnership that provides Georgia's farmers a voluntary means to become environmentally pro-active in managing their farms and ultimately protecting ground water and preventing pollution. This program, like the national program that it is modeled after, focuses on identifying potential sources of contamination, supplying information on corrective actions, and ultimately encouraging the farmer to form an action plan to address concerns. The program provides a tool that will assist farmers and rural residents in identifying potential sources of risk by asking questions about their facilities and management practices. Georgia Farm*A*Syst is supported by Georgia P2AD, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, University of Georgia College ofAgricultural and Environmental Sciences, and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In addition, funding has been provided by the EPA 319(h) grant. The program consists of twenty indi- vidual assessments that focus on specific areas of water quality, storage and handling practices, animal production, and land management. Each of these assessments provides the framework for evaluating relative pollution risks at a specific site, while the fact sheets provide information on specific action plans and sources of technical, financial, and educational assistance. During the 1998 Annual Georgia Tribe of the Eastern Cherokee meeting, Georgia Farm*A*Syst materials on water quality and well curbing were distributed to 54 tribal members. The following spring, a letter was sent describing the Farm*A*Syst program to 470 tribal members. Through funding provided by P2AD, on-site assessments were conducted at various groundwater wells owned by interested tribal members. An on-site nitrate test and well water test were sent to the University Lab for analysis as a result of each visit. In August 1999, the "Watershed Health Outreach Field Day" was conducted to inform the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee of methods to improve water quality through well testing and curbing demonstrations. Over 50 individuals attended the "Watershed Health Outreach Field Day." As a result of the project, many of Georgia's Cherokee The USDA-NRCS has have improved the condition of their drinking water through the construction of well curbings, maintenance of their private wells, and management of been working with the Cherokee in a partnership role to assess conservation needs as required by current USDA Outreach to the land surrounding the well locations. It is estimated that the program reached a total of 2,700 individuals throughout surrounding communities and increased their aware- under-served minority goals. This program shows the commitment that USDA Agencies have to serve the needs ofall clients. ness of drinking water protection. Larry Coburn USDA-NRCS Some helpful hints for improving drinking water include: Testing drinking well water, Inspecting the well for leaks and damage regularly, Constructing a concrete curbing around the well casing, Sealing any unused wells, and Preventing the storage and/or mixing of pesticides and fertilizers around or upslope from a well. Page 8 Spring 2000 From the Source Plenary Session Advances Military P2 Partnership by Suzanne Burnes, Pollution Prevention Specialist P2AD's partnership efforts with state and regional Department ofDefense (DoD) representatives developed further at a recent plenary session held at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB), Albany. Environmental staff from all branches of the military met to discuss P2 initiatives as they relate to DoD installations in the state of Georgia, and in the southeast region. Kicking off the session with words of support for P2 initiatives were Colonel Larry P. Cole, Commander, MCLB, Major General Paul M. Lee, Jr., Commander, Marine Corps Materiel Command, and Bob Kerr, Director, P2AD. The Commanders emphasized the military's responsibility for leading the surrounding community in P2 efforts, and Mr. Kerr followed by recognizing installations such as Robins Air Force Base and Fort Stewart for their model P2 programs. Workteam Updates The Solid Waste and Recycling Workteam, represented by Stephanie Busch, P2AD, reported that current priority areas for this team include household hazardous waste (HHW), construction and demolitiort (C&D) waste, and recycling market development. The Workteam has com- pleted the first chapter of the Solid Waste Recycling Re- source Guide, and has been involved in researching carpet purchasing practices and carpet recycling opportunities at military bases. P2 Policy and Planning Workteam Chair Rochelle Routman, P2AD, queried the session participants regarding ideas for future direction. As the team has reached its primary objectives, she proposed that the team re-focus their efforts. Source MCLB sLawson Viinn explainspallet rebuild program, operated by Andrew Prater (right) Reduction Workteam Chair Bill Vondersmith, P2AD, discussed his team's assessment ofvehicle maintenance operations at Fort Gordon. P2 improvements at Fort Gordon were re- viewed, and reorganization ofthe Workteam to diversify team activities and increase the flow ofinformation to the partner- ship was discussed. The Workteam is currently looking for opportunities to conduct additional assessments at installations. Jancie Hatcher, P2AD, and Ed Engbert, Army Southern Regional Environmental Office (SREO), Co-Chairs for the Technology Transfer Workteam, presented an update on the team's latest efforts to increase communication within and outside the Georgia DoD P2 Partnership. Ac- complishments Steve Allen, MCLB, shows visitors the include publication of MCLB HazMat Pharmacy fact sheets, a bro- chure, establishment of a regional listserve, and addition of the Georgia DoD P2 Partnership Page to the DoD Environ- mental Network for Information Exchange (DENIX) (www.denix.osd.mil). The Workteam intends in the coming months to explore the possibility ofnet-meeting capabilities, develop a transportable booth to disseminate partnership successes, and use the Governor's P2 Award process for increasing technology transfer. Command Survey Results P2AD 's Bob Donaghue provided session participants with information about the Military Leadership Forum, held on September 29, 1999. Following this meeting ofmilitary commanders regarding the DoD P2 partnership, P2AD surveyed command level participants to determine their environmental priorities. The results ofthe survey indicated that improving state/DoD relations, resource limitations, and issues relating to outsourcing/privatization ofinstallation functions were of concern to commanders. The top environ- mental priority for commanders was reducing hazardous and toxic chemical use at their installations, a priority shared by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Commanders also saw additional opportunities for increas- ing recycling programs for C&D waste, cardboard and paper, and for coordinating recycling programs with neigh- boring communities. Regional DoD P2 Partnership Claire Prince ofthe Center for Environmental Policy at the University of South Carolina's Institute of Public Affairs (CEP) presented an introduction to the regional DoD P2 partnership. The mission of this first regional DoD P2 partnership in the country is to explore new technologies, transfer lessons learned, minimize duplicative efforts, network, and create new P2 opportunities. The regional partnership is intended to compliement, not replace or duplicate work being done through the state partnerships. See DoD, page 10 From the Source Spring 2000 Page 9 Fifth Annual Southeast Recycling Investment, Environmental Business Forum to be Held The 5th Annual Southeast Recycling Investment and Environ- mental Business Forum will be held !-.. l f ', < I ! ~ (. l\ll,\. RI< ET 1 (' ' ' September 20, 2000 in Charlotte. The Forum offers expanding recycling companies the opportunity to present their business plans to private investors, venture capitalists, bankers, economic developers, and recycling officials. This year, the Forum has been broadened to include expanding environmental businesses and programs specifically for the investment community. The South Carolina Recycling Market Development Advisory Council again will host the Forum, along with partnering states throughout the Southeast. "I have been involved with the Investment Forum since its inception," David Kirkpatrick of the Sustainable Jobs Fund in Durham, NC, said. "The Forum is an efficient way for investors to meet entrepreneurs with exciting technolo- gies and market opportunities." Investment forums help entrepreneurs sharpen their business skills and expand their network in several ways. "The forum not only introduced us to investors and lenders, it provided us with valuable training and experience we've continued to use in the process of raising capital," said Carlos Gutierrez, president of United Resource Recovery, a PET recycler in Spartanburg, and presenter at the 1999 Forum. Southeastern recycling and environmental compa- nies seeking capital should submit their business plans to the South Carolina "The Forum is an efficient way Recycling Market Develop- for investors to ment Advisory Council by June 30, 2000. For presenter applications or sponsorship or registration information, contact Ted meet entrepreneurs with exciting technologies and market oppor- Campbell at 803-737-0477 tunities." or at tcampbel@ -David Kirkpatrick, commerce.state.sc.us. Sustainable Jobs Fund DoQ,from.pa,ge 9. f P...r..:iTonrei0tey()~re~~t;tfi15h0gB)~2.....a.r.tI1..e.f.8..IU. p..f. 1.e..1. larySe~~ion .. bveansfeoifossfua6tvthoeilM,~wtlelli1cahntcsepcuemn~teedr~.()Tmlloiustr-~~cf.~osveerrveidceweVoil, tchoenpc~luedi;esdlwlilt:ph.~ibi~}sitlol~i~Jot~igilnlgiS?ne~!;~s,io.nrpto.espet~pcfiiopfi~tiets{fot . .p\oYshail.c; hisw{at~ltfeoi;remdfeoril;frselll,lisppi~idfCo>tfliis~ri.t;evefhoircrfoesc,y.adnidn.gwOhredriesi-ti.s toncUlTed .that~{)IilUian<:tsupp?:rtfs absofut~fr qriti<;aj_ t(} not reus~ble;.it j~.bume(l iflt]le !Jase steam boilersfor Is.u.ecac.deesrssiIif~P~F~offnoiupsiifns.t~hg.oeJoPpi:lvitt;Ia_qi;ley,faopr.9~tolntJi.ne\iMiill1igtt~o. . . . . . enerQgyn.eremSa(j)oVr'eYr~Jt./e.w..ct'~':9.:!:i()I1..~ i.p)it.ia!ti.~e:peing...und..~. rt~.en nllrti;e this.~upport; irt~gratipn ofP:Cillto ft!nctiomtl~~as' at.MCI,B ~baiiY.!s ~~ ?Pe~atio!J.&f}h7ll~zard~~s Maie.: s!lc;h.as.purcha~lg1_e11gllie~iilig;faciliti~,and()J?er~\ion~is ri(llce1fW:!tfi;the.~~z~dc)~*~~t~i;:iWMaii~gerne11f.System. leesvseeln;tiila1Ltefogrrtnhtf~o~nuocfc~~~sisnotfdPIi2liJiJl,tlairtylcatolnv~etsrauhthteiiolnii~tsa.l~lkaetyi:on .. (IIMMS). of its kind iTnhtih~~!Miy~.~s~t.e11(1}~qci>ss;)eCsY~~~lti1,stbh.{e)driizifel,9p9u7rcahsatshee, first rTeogtiaolnMajaixsisnulen,mwPitah'.giliyetepiaibCiiiislc(lTi~il1gIb>eLjsn)~tehleiklaerlgye/rtiossbueet;he nSiianncaeg1e9, 9tr4a,cwk,haenndthje~~p~r~o.g3f;aI,J)5;ifri'a.i>nY::i~a~tf!rsnetdphatatslieedbjnasaeit/b..e . next]jig regulatocyissu~fapingilJ.a{ly1nilitar>'In~iaIIatio~~/ . Maintel1anceCenter:lise ofthis system has allowedthe Georgia andRe~ionalD()D P2 PartnershiJ?ictivitie~ shotlld Centert~. r~du~~ .Ifaz,at"~o,li#s p~48o/p, s~y:rng the;b~se fall in line with the p2 priofities.set.by Uo1J~d:the;indi.: over $1;.380,QOO iipnuallY:. All.added b~nefit to~e reducgofi vidual.service sec;retatj~s; and fil1ally, Pi Partnership~ .. in the numqer and amougtofchennpals. used at1hefacty s~ol)ld"'orkonleveragil1~'uon-"environmental fundingto has been .thectngnatic reduc;tiqn iifEmergencyPlannmg and condl1ctP2projects. MCLB Albany P(2lrj.i.tii> ;l.t..iy~s. . . . Commrmity.Rjght~tooDP2 p~rtnersllip aGtivitieswill continue through the recycling coirug~tedcatdb1 Jet.nn1 LI!lJBl/\I L 0917 ei!ns NOISIAIQ 3:>N'V.lSISS'V NOllN3A3~d NOllnllOd From the Source