EPA Recognizes Two Arizona Leaders for Pollution Prevention Accomplishments
SAN FRANCISCO –– As part of Pollution Prevention Week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is celebrating two Arizona organizations as part of its 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention (P2) recognition program. EPA is recognizing Salem Boys Auto in Tempe and PAS Technologies in Phoenix for their commitments to pollution prevention by reducing, eliminating or preventing pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment or disposal.
“EPA is proud to recognize the accomplishments of these environmental leaders in Arizona who are preventing pollution and making meaningful change in their communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division Director Claire Trombadore. “These honorees are taking action to reduce pollution, advance environmental justice and address climate change.”
Salem Boys Auto in Tempe installed new turf landscaping to reduce the amount of water they were using and switched to LED lights. The company’s employees brought in reusable water bottles instead of using multiple disposable cups or single-use plastic water bottles, and they installed a water bottle filling station in their lobby to prevent the use of 5,089 single-use water bottles or cups.
“Dating back to 1979, when we first opened our auto repair shop, we were environmentally focused. Over the years, we have implemented more processes like buying in large bulk for all our oil & fluids, installing artificial turf in our landscape, LED lighting in our shop and recycling all of our cardboard and metal. All of these steps have greatly reduced our waste. For us here at Salem Boys Auto being environmentally conscious is the only way!” said Andi Salem, Owner of Salem Boys Auto.
PAS Technologies in Phoenix worked under the International Organization for Standardization’s Environmental Management System 14001 to develop a metal bearing rinse water reuse system for plating processes that conserved water, reduced hazardous waste, and eliminated the discharges to the local water system. The company reduced air and water contaminants and ensured chemicals used complied with international best practices. In 2023, the company conserved 4 million gallons of water at an annual savings of $55,000.
“PAS Technologies is committed in minimizing environmental impacts of its operations through the utilization of technical sources and applying P2 principles to preserve the use of natural resources and eliminate/reduce the generation of hazardous products in its services,” said Dexter Dawson, Director, Health & Safety/Chemical Engineering at PAS Technologies.
In 2023, the eight recipients of EPA’s Pacific Southwest P2 recognition program across Arizona, California and Nevada reduced approximately:
- The equivalent of 1,443 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
- 1.98 million kWh of energy use.
- 11.28 million gallons of water use.
- $495,000 in business costs.
Background
P2, as defined in the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, is any practice that reduces environmental releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants prior to entering a waste stream for recycling, treatment or disposal. P2 conserves natural resources, including water and energy, by focusing industry, government and public attention on reducing pollution through the implementation of cost-effective changes in production, operation and the use of raw materials.
EPA’s P2 program is voluntary and encourages stakeholders to seek innovative ways to prevent pollution from entering waste streams through a competitive grant process and the provision of technical assistance to businesses.
Pollution Prevention Week is September 16-20, 2024, and helps people learn how to reduce or prevent pollution. This year’s theme is “Together We Are One Planet.”
The EPA Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition program is an annual, voluntary and non-monetary award program. Those interested in applying or nominating an organization to be considered for recognition will have an opportunity to apply next year through this program.
Learn more about EPA’s national Pollution Prevention program.
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