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Dallas First City in the Nation to Join EPA Hazardous Material Reduction Program

Release Date: 11/2/2005
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented a plaque to the city of Dallas, marking its entrance into the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP). The city has entered this voluntary program by pledging to reduce use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), one of EPA's 31 priority chemicals, at Love Field Airport.

     “I am enormously proud of Dallas for leading the Nation in joining this voluntary program and partnering with EPA to increase public health protections and environmental improvements,” EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said. “Reducing use of hazardous material is good environmental strategy. By joining this program, Dallas is not only protecting the environment, but also showing good economic and business sense.”

     Dallas is the first city in the Nation to join NPEP, a voluntary program in which private and public organizations work with EPA to reduce the use or release of any of 31 priority chemicals beyond requirements of environmental regulations.  These chemicals are long-lasting substances that can build up in the food chain and harm humans and the ecosystem.

     “We are extremely proud and pleased to be the first city recognized in this program by the EPA,” Dallas Mayor Laura Miller said. “Our plan is to continue identifying other chemicals on the EPA’s list and remove them from our processes and operations.  Hopefully, this is the first of many.”

     The city entered the NPEP by replacing more than 12,000 light ballasts throughout Love Field. That’s about 4,000 pounds of ballasts, many containing PCBs, a highly toxic chemical used to insulate electrical components. The new ballasts do not contain PCBs, do not require special handling and disposal, and are more energy efficient.

     “Dallas Aviation and Love Field are especially happy to partner with the EPA in this important program.  Recognizing the potential for serious pollution posed by the ballasts containing PCBs in our lighting system, we are stepping up to the challenge of removing the outdated and potentially hazardous ballasts,” Director of Aviation Kenneth Gwyn said.  “We are replacing the ballasts because it is the right thing to do, both environmentally and economically.”

     More information about NPEP may be found at https://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/minimize/partnership.htm.