Pollution Prevention Introduction

1. Pollution Prevention Introduction Collision Repair Curriculum Paid for, in part, by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

2. Pollution Prevention (P2) • True P2 is reduction at the source of generation • Solid and hazardous wastes • Air emissions • Wastewater contaminants • 1990 P2 Act • Established new hierarchy for waste management

3. P2 Act of 1990 Shifted the focus from “end-of-pipe” pollution treatment and cleanup, to policies, technologies, and processes which prevent and minimize the generation of pollution

4. P2 Act of 1990 • P2 Act says: • Pollution should be prevented or reduced at the source whenever feasible • If not preventable then recycled in an environmentally safe manner • If not recyclable, should be treated to be less hazardous • Disposal into the environment is a last resort

5. Pollution Prevention Hierarchy Source Reduction Recycling Energy Recovery Treatment Disposal

6. Why do P2? • Reduce regulatory responsibility • Reduce wastes and emissions, thus liabilities • Reduce raw material use or losses • Reduce energy consumption • Reduce operating expenses • Reduce insurance rates • Safer work environment • Enhance good will and rapport with regulators and your neighbors

7. Pollution Prevention (P2) • Can be accomplished through several methods: • Change in process (work practices) • Change in materials • Change in technology

8. Change the process • Changing how someone works • Cheapest approach possibly • Hardest (that’s the way we’ve always done it!) • Examples: • Manage inventory • Color matching • Close paint and solvent containers • Improve paint measurement and mix only what’s needed

9. Change the process • The painting process • Follow paint and spray gun manufacturers’ instructions • Operate spray equipment within regulated pressure limits • Follow operating and maintenance procedures for your spray booth and curing equipment • Consider using tintable primer systems to improve color matches and to get complete coverage with fewer coats

10. Change the process • The painting process (cont.) • Schedule waterborne primer work for the end of the day • Remove the body part from the vehicle before painting • Continue to improve your spray application technique and transfer efficiency • The paint booth • Perform routine maintenance on filters

11. Change the material • Use a different chemical/substance to accomplish the same result • Use the least hazardous material • Example: • Consider using waterborne paints • If paints contain heavy metals, consider using alternatives, if available

12. Change the technology • Many new technologies promote P2 by building waste reduction into new equipment by • Increasing efficiency/material utilization • Internal reuse of chemicals or materials • Mechanizing a process • Using a different “science” to achieve same results

13. Examples: Upgrade spray equipment Does the gun operate effectively within the required pressure range? Can it achieve the required transfer efficiency? Is the spray gun approved for use by air regulations? Change the technology

14. Examples (cont.): LaserPaint Iowa Waste Reduction Center developed Attaches to any spray gun Helps painter maintain correct angle and distance, optimize overlap, and reduce overspray Change the technology

15. Good P2 projects Easily defined goal Maximum two year payback or less User friendly and adaptable to existing operations Measureable results Reduce impacts to environment and improve health and safety of employees

16. Resources www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/Auto-Body-and-Paint.cfm - great P2 tips from California Department of Toxic Substances Control (CDTSC) Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP), 800-578-8898, sbeap@ksu.edu, www.sbeap.org