Environmental Training Institute (ETI) Pollution Prevention Air, Water and Waste Pollution prevention is an essential element of any environmental program. We often think about pollution prevention in terms of the waste we produce. During this lesson we will discuss how the pollution prevention act is used to prevent air contaminants at the source as well as prevent discharges to water before they occur.

Lesson Objectives Identify the principles of pollution prevention Describe the Pollution Prevention waste management hierarchy Discuss methods to identify releases Review an example of waste loss streams Identify the Pollution Prevention requirements

Pollution Prevention In a pollution prevention program, the focus is on source reduction. Prior to pollution prevention, we disposed of most of the waste in landfills. There were attempts to treat the waste rather than dispose of it. The next priority was recycling and the last consideration was source reduction. Under a pollution prevention program, the focus is on preventing the generation of waste before it is made. After looking at source reduction, recycling of materials is considered next. This would include making items out of materials that can be recycled. So, when they become waste, there is a recycling stream. The third option considered when applying the principles of pollution prevention is treatment. And, the last option is disposal. As can be seen in this image, a proper pollution prevention program results in a huge reduction in the amount of materials disposed. With the waste controlled at the source, there will be a reduction in the amount of material disposed.

Pollution Prevention Act PPA PPA CAA EPCRA TSCA FIFRA CERCLA RCRA In the environmental release cycle, pollution prevention is actually thought of occurring after things are made and produced. ANIMATION To be effective, pollution prevention must be planned before anything is done. For example: As part of work planning, it should be determined whether a material to be used for packaging can be recycled. If the determination was made after the packaging was produced, there would be fewer recyclable materials. CWA

Pollution Prevention Key concepts Source reduction Recycling/reuse The two focus areas are on source reduction and recycling/reuse. Ask: Can anyone give an example of source reduction? Recycling? Reuse? Be prepared to provide an example if one cannot be provided.

Environmental Releases Inputs Activity Outputs How to determine when releases exist? ACTIVITY The purpose of the activity is to use identify the inputs and outputs of the things we do or produce. Use the instructor aid as a guide or identify a different product or activity to analyze. Provide the students a worksheet to walkdown the process. 1. Identify the inputs for the activity 2. Identify the outputs in terms off air emissions, discharges to water, waste generated and disposal methods Attempt to complete two of these process walkdowns. Twenty minutes have been allotted for this activity.

Process Characterization Identify inputs and outputs Process/activity based Look at use and loss The activity completed is known as process characterization. This is the process where you look at an activity for its inputs and outputs. To receive the greatest benefit for process characterization, it is critical to look at use and losses. This is accomplished by looking at the outputs and opportunities to reduce them.

Environmental Releases Inputs Activity Outputs Are there any losses? ACTIVITY Using the processes reviewed in the earlier activity, look at the outputs and methods to reduce/remove them.

Pollution Prevention Act Is it required? Texas Waste Reduction Policy Act New Mexico P2 Best Management Practices Oklahoma P2 Program Louisiana Environmental Leadership Program Arkansas – Envy Award Louisiana – Leadership 23 states have a regulatory program

Lesson Objectives Identified the principles of pollution prevention Described the Pollution Prevention waste management hierarchy Discussed methods to identify releases Reviewed an example of waste loss streams Identified the Pollution Prevention requirements