Pollution Prevention
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Pollution Prevention and Related Useful Links
Information on this page has been provided to Fox Metro through the courtesy of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency – Maywood Office; and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Waste Management & Research Center
Pollution Prevention (P2) is exactly what it says it is: Not allowing an activity to generate pollution. Examples of P2 include:
- Source Reduction
- In-Process Recycling
- Clean Technologies
- Using Environmental Friendly Materials Wherever Possible
- Preventative Maintenance
Because P2 does not allow pollution to happen in the first place, "end-of pipe" treatment, sewer disposal, off-site waste recycling, land filling and incineration are not examples of pollution prevention.
Benefits of P2 to an industry are summarized in the following table:
| Cost Containment | Improve Quality |
|---|---|
| Reduce waste monitoring, treatment & disposal costs. | Enhance corporate image with customers and the public. |
| Reduce manufacturing costs and raw material usage. | Improve employee morale by reducing exposure to hazardous substances. |
| Reduce costs associated with off-spec product generation. | Promote a healthier, safer workplace. |
| Reduce regulatory compliance costs. | Improve product quality and purity. |
| Reduce insurance costs and potential liability associated with industrial wastes. | Sense of self-satisfaction in knowing you have helped to protect the environment for future generations. |
Don't know where to start or need some help?
You may find the following links both useful and interesting:
P2 Informational Websites:
- Texas Water Utilities Association is a website that lists potential pollutant sources and provides pollution prevention tips on a pollutant by pollutant basis.
- University of Missouri – Office of Waste Management is a website that provides information on waste reduction assistance for business.
- Research Triangle Institute (Sage) is a website that offers a Solvent Alternatives Guide.
- P2 Database (Envirosense) is a website that offers links to P2 research and other related information.
- USEPA Pollution Prevention is a website offering general P2 information.
State Agencies Offering P2 Help:
- The Illinois Waste Management and Research Center (WMRC) (phone 217/333-8940) is headquartered on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. WMRC is a division within the Office of Scientific Research and Analysis of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. WMRC offers P2 information, P2 Facility Assessments, technology evaluation testing, research funding & laboratory analysis.
- The Illinois EPA Office of Pollution Prevention (phone 217/782-8700) is headquartered in Springfield , Illinois and offers general P2 information, P2 Facility Assessments and a no to low cost graduate intern program.
USEPA Publications:
Guides to Pollution Prevention – Municipal Pretreatment Programs
Publication No. EPA/625/R-93/006, October, 1993
