FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 9, 2002

Voluntary Program Gives Pollution ‘the Business’

State, business partnership continues to attract members

The Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partnership recently welcomed 13 new businesses into the program, pushing its membership over the 150 mark, Department of Environmental Quality Director Russell Harding said today.

Since the inception of the voluntary environmental stewardship program in 1997, partners have seen consistent reductions in air emissions, solid and liquid waste disposal, and water and energy usage. These reductions occurred while the businesses maintained increased operational efficiencies and lower costs.

“The continued growth of the partnership speaks to its success and integrity,” Harding said. “By promoting pollution prevention through the application of cost-effective and innovative techniques, Michigan businesses gain important economic benefits while preserving and enhancing our natural resources and environment.”

Each year members select and commit to implement environmentally preferred practices. On average, 90 percent of the businesses report having recycling programs, 75 percent are seeking ways to reduce waste and 45 percent have developed innovative methods to reuse their various waste products.

The businesses’ knowledge of innovative solutions for their operations are continually supported and enhanced through member-sponsored workshops, case studies and list serves. These services let members share technologies and practices while preserving their competitive edge.

The partnership was originated by Michigan’s business community and is administered by the DEQ. There is no cost for participating and the program is open to the entire business community. The diversified membership includes various industries, associations, municipalities, institutions and academic facilities.

The new members are Meridian Automotive Systems – Detroit Operations (Detroit), Meridian Automotive Systems – Canton Operations (Canton), Polar Environmental Service Corp. (Ferndale), ARVCO Container Corp. (Kalamazoo), Atomic Cleaning Systems LLC (Livonia), Matrix System Automotive Finishes Inc. (Walled Lake), AEC-Manchester Stamping (Manchester), Keykert USA (Webberville), Chemical Management Associates Inc. (Plymouth), General Motors – Orion Assembly Center (Orion), Meridian Automotive Systems – Paint Facility (Ionia), Collins & Aikman – Westland Operations (Westland), and Elm Plating Co. (Jackson).

A complete list of members is available at www.michigan.gov/deq under the “Pollution Prevention” link.

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Revised on May 9, 2002 by Pat Watson