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Industry Challenge reduces pollution in South Phoenix

Release Date: 07/23/2008
Contact Information: Margot Perez-Sullivan, [email protected] Desk/415.947.4149 Cell/415.760.9161

SAN FRANCISCO -- Industry members of the South Phoenix Industry Challenge/Good Neighbor Partnership have reduced over 29,000 pounds of air pollution, adjusted to production this year and over 85,000 pounds of air pollution, adjusted to production over the past three years.

The South Phoenix Industry Challenge/Good Neighbor Partnership is a voluntary partnership between industries operating in the South Phoenix area, community leaders and government agencies. The partnership, launched in March 2005 boasts twenty-one companies as charter members.

“South Phoenix, like many communities throughout the country, has health problems that can be linked to environmental pollution.” said Colleen McKaughan, associate director of the Air Division for the Pacific Southwest region. “Partnering with industry to reduce pollution, while supporting this community's industrial base, is a win-win for people, business and the environment.”

The Industry Challenge/Good Neighbor Partnership has two main goals: to reduce routine air emissions of priority pollutants and reduce the number and severity of accidental releases.

“No longer will south Phoenix be known as a heavy polluter and we are grateful to the South Phoenix companies who stepped forward to clean up the air,” explains Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox. “Through a coordinated effort of partners we were able to keep 29,000 pounds of air pollution from escaping into the air we breathe.”

Seven companies contributed to the 2007 air emission reductions: Chem Research, Inc., Marlam Industries, Earl’s Fiberglass, ON Semiconductor, Schuff Steel Company, Super Radiator Coils and UCSC, Inc., and National Gypsum. Able Engineering, the eighth company being recognized, made significant hazardous waste and water reductions. Other partnership member companies are working to prevent accidental fires and releases involving chemicals by improving their site safety procedures and equipment.

Emission reductions were tracked and reported annually through the end of the year. The results are being presented today at the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting. The partnership companies also reduced 60 million kWh of electricity, 373,000 pounds of hazardous waste, and 827,000 gallons of water, adjusted to production.

For more information on the partnership, please visit: http://www.phoenixindustrychallenge.com