Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Overview
What is P2? What is NOT P2? P2 and regulations Benefits of P2 Elements of a P2 program P2 in action (perspective, methods) Barriers to P2 Resources
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Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Pollution prevention (P2)

Describes activities that reduce the amount of pollution generated by a process, whether it is consumer consumption, driving, or industrial production. In contrast to most pollution control strategies, which seek to manage a pollutant after it is formed and reduce its impact upon the environment, the pollution prevention approach seeks to increase the efficiency of a process, thereby reducing the amount of pollution generated at its source.
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Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Why do we care?
Polluters can easily contaminate our drinking water...
POLLUTER
WATER TREATMENT PLANT

HOMES

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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Why do we care?
We all breathe the same air ...

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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What is Pollution Prevention (P2)?

POLLUTION PREVENTION is the use of materials processes or practices that reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants or wastes at the source.

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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What are WASTE$?

W A S T E $ astewater ir emissions olid waste ime nergy

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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P2 vs. Pollution Control

POLLUTION CONTROL
Reuse Treatment
Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Source Reduction

POLLUTION PREVENTION
Disposal

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Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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P2 and Regulations
Pollution Prevention Act of 1990

SOURCE REDUCTION
Introduction to Pollution Prevention

REUSE RECYCLE
TREATMENT
DISPOSAL

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Summary of the Pollution Prevention Act (1990)

The Pollution Prevention Act focused industry, government, and public attention on reducing the amount of pollution through cost-effective changes in production, operation, and raw materials use. Opportunities for source reduction are often not realized because of existing regulations, and the industrial resources required for compliance, focus on treatment and disposal.

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Source reduction is fundamentally different and more desirable than waste management or pollution control. Source reduction refers to practices that reduce hazardous substances from being released into the environment prior to recycling, treatment or disposal. The term includes equipment or technology modifications, process or procedure modifications, reformulation or redesign of products, substitution of raw materials, and improvements in housekeeping, maintenance,

training, or inventory control.

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Benefits of P2

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Reduced costs Regulatory compliance Public health & the environment Improved image

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Benefits of P2
Reduced materials costs Reduced disposal costs Reduced compliance costs Reduced worker exposure Reduced risk & liability Reduced insurance costs

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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P2 in Action: Perspective
A new perspective ...

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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P2 in Action: Perspective

Older woman

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Younger woman

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P2 in Action: Perspective
Connect the dots 4 straight lines Continuous (don't lift pen from paper)
Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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P2 in Action: Perspective
Think outside the box!

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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P2 in Action: Methods

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Process elimination Housekeeping Inventory management Waste segregation

T
R A

I
N I N G

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P2 in Action: Methods

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Reuse / recycle Raw material substitution Equipment modifications Process changes

T
R A

I
N I N G

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Elements of a P2 Program
Top management commitment P2 champion Waste tracking & cost allocation Employee involvement and training Recurring waste minimization assessments Technology transfer and crossfeed
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Introduction to Pollution Prevention

Barriers to P2
Inertia Finance Regulations Technology Learning curve

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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Resources
Florida Pollution Prevention Roundtable (FLPPR) online at:
http://www.flppr.org
Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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Conclusion
What is P2? What is NOT P2? P2 and regulations Benefits of P2 Elements of a P2 program P2 in action (perspective, methods) Barriers to P2 Resources
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Introduction to Pollution Prevention

What Can Be Done Starting Today

Introduction to Pollution Prevention

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