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At the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), we do more than issue environmental permits. We also offer value-added services to our permit holders and customers to help them operate more efficiently and reduce waste. The bonus is that companies realize significant cost savings when implementing MDE’s suggested pollution prevention practices. Meet Laura Armstrong, MDE’s Pollution Prevention Coordinator.
“I’m encouraged by the attention the environment is getting with the increased concern about climate change and other issues. This awareness is beginning to translate to better consumer awareness and businesses are really stepping up to the plate,” said Ms. Armstrong. “For those of us that have been in the pollution prevention field for years, it’s nice to see this evolution and hopefully the cultural change that will come with it.”
Pollution prevention, or P2, is a term used to refer to the elimination of waste and pollution at the source rather than controlling, treating, or recycling it later. P2 offers a proactive approach to addressing environmental impacts including energy and water use and can be applied in every type of facility including our own homes.
What can MDE do for you?
At MDE, we provide technical assistance and information sharing to Maryland businesses through two programs: P2 site visits and Environmental Management System (EMS) implementation assistance. These services are provided in partnership with the University of Maryland Technology Extension Service (MTES). The services are confidential, non-regulatory, and best of all, free!
“Our P2 site visits provide a fresh set of eyes to identify ways that a business can lower its operating costs and reduce their environmental impact,” said Ms. Armstrong. The MTES engineers walk through the facility and identify waste reduction, and water and energy conservation opportunities. “We’ve had site visits to auto body shops, hotels, printers, woodworking facilities, food processing plants, manufacturing facilities of all sizes and types, and even a chiropractor’s office. It requires a minimal time commitment on the part of the company and we always find opportunities."
Ms. Armstrong is available to provide industry-specific information on P2 opportunities in the form of checklists, case studies and vendor information.
Some examples of P2 recommendations made through on-site assessments:
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Updating to high-efficiency lighting
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Improved equipment inspection and maintenance
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Improved housekeeping and inventory control
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Employee training to increase environmental awareness
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Improved procurement policies that consider environmental impact
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Installation of parts washers that use water instead of solvents
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Better cleaning practices to reduce use of solvents and harsh cleaners
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Installation of water flow restrictors
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Reduced packaging in both receiving and shipping, and
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Installation of more efficient and appropriately-sized motors to conserve energy.
Environmental Management System (EMS) Program
Our Environmental Management System (EMS) program takes businesses through the process of implementing an EMS based on the global ISO 14001 standard. EMSs benefit all types of organizations by ensuring that the facility addresses both their regulated and unregulated environmental impacts. EMSs require that a facility be in compliance with environmental laws and regulations, but also direct the facility to identify all of its environmental impacts, then rank and prioritize them. Energy use often shows up as a significant impact that offers considerable cost savings when addressed as part of an EMS.
“We get really nice results from the EMS program because the businesses themselves are identifying their overall environmental impacts and then creating projects with objectives and targets that result in measurable cost savings and environmental improvements,” said Ms. Armstrong. “EMSs also encourage a business to examine their product or service from a life-cycle standpoint. This can lead to re-design of a product so that it biodegrades or can be reused at the end of its useful life instead of being disposed. EMSs also put a business on the path to ‘sustainability’ – the concept that our actions should not come at the expense of future generations. This is an important concern for industries that want to thrive and be viable well into the future.”
Money Where Their Mouth Is
The results from this program are impressive. “The first group of 18 businesses to go through the program achieved more than 7.5 million pounds of waste reduction in the first year of EMS implementation alone at a cost savings of $109,440. Because EMSs encourage continual improvement and operate on an annual cycle, we know that results will continue to far exceed these numbers.”
Recognition…Recognition…Recognition
“It’s important that we recognize businesses that have taken the extra step. As a regulatory agency, we don’t always have the opportunity to learn about the exciting things that businesses are doing to protect Maryland’s environment,” said Ms. Armstrong. “It’s my job to stay apprised of these accomplishments and help them get recognition through Business for the Bay, EPA’s Performance Track program, and Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E).”
H2E provides P2 guidance specifically for healthcare facilities. MDE was an early supporter of Hospitals for a Healthy Environment in Maryland. The program results increase as more hospitals join and receive recognition. Ms. Armstrong serves on the advisory board for Maryland H2E and MDE will be directing grant funds for voluntary audits at several Maryland hospitals. The purpose of the audits will be to inventory and identify alternatives for both mercury and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-containing products, which can become harmful when released to the environment.
Doing Our Part as Citizens
As consumers, we all hold a great deal of power in our purchasing decisions. We can all become more environmentally-savvy and learn to ask questions about companies’ products and environmental performance. When companies hear from customers, they listen. With the increase in “green” marketing, however, there is also an increased risk of “greenwashing.” Greenwashing is when a company portrays itself as being more environmentally-friendly than it is. Informed consumers can learn about a company’s environmental policy through its annual report or information on the company’s website. Consumers can then hold a company to their claims, and reward companies with strong environmental records by choosing their products.
The Future of Environmental Management
New technologies, products, and chemicals are being created everyday. It can be difficult for laws and regulations to keep pace with this, which is why EMSs and a commitment to pollution prevention can help a company stay ahead of the curve. This proactive approach, in tandem with an informed citizenry, is the only way MDE can work at our mission to protect and restore Maryland’s environment for future generations. Click here for more information or contact Laura Armstrong by email at Laura.Armstrong@maryland.gov or phone 410-537-4119.
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