| As of Summer 1999, the New Hampshire Pollution Prevention Program's (NHPPP) latest publication is Planning for Profits...A Guide to Pollution Prevention for New Hampshire's Businesses. The guide is designed to help companies build an "infrastructure for success" by reducing waste while increasing profits. A pilot test of the guide was conducted at JMD Industries, a small electroplating job shop in Hudson, New Hampshire. JMD used the guide to identify and implement changes to their zinc plating lines. Below is a summary of JMD's experience using the six-step approach to pollution prevention outlined in the planning guide.
Step 1 - Getting Organized
JMD formed a pollution prevention planning team that included employees from different areas of the facility -- plating, packing/inspecting, and wastewater treatment.
Step 2 - Analyzing Processes
The team developed process maps and conducted a walk-through to identify the cause(s) of their quality problem and to identify concerns for the zinc plating lines.
Step 3 - Identifying P2 Alternatives
The team held a brainstorming session to identify alternatives to reduce losses caused by oil contamination. They also identified ways to improve basic operating practices.
Step 4 - Evaluating Alternatives
The team chose to implement three initiatives: 1) use mildly abrasive soap to pre-clean parts covered with the oil; 2) work with their customer to determine the possibility of using a different oil; and 3) improve tracking of chemical additions and bath maintenance activities.
Step 5 - Implementing Projects
The team leader communicated with zinc line operators to evaluate the progress of the pre-cleaning practice. The team also designed a new form for recording chemical additions.
Step 6 - Measuring Progress
The customer changed the type of oil they were using, and this decreased wastes by 15 percent and avoid delays caused by parts requiring rework. JMD saved an estimated $35,000 annually through reduced chemical usage and improved quality. In addition, JMD received a 1999 EPA Region 1 Environmental Merit Award for their efforts.
The P2 Planning Guide has been a domestic and international success. Overall requests for the guide have topped the 1,000 mark and requests have come from all over the United States, as well as Canada, Argentina, and Pakistan. The NHPPP is working with a NH company that is currently using the guide to evaluate its operations and will be following up with the company to evaluate and document the results. |
