THE KY PARTNERS

VVASTE-LINE State Waste Reduction Center

Providing Waste Reduction Information To Industry

Vol. 5, No. 1 Waste Reduction Makes $en$e ... Everybody Profit$ Spring, 1992

Focus Better Communication Of Environmental Issues

Mr. Randy Neely, President The VVenz-Neely Public Relations Company Louisville, KY and Tampa Bay, FL

Mr. Neely is the president of The Wenz-Neely Company, a public relations firm with offices in Louisville and in Tampa Bay, Florida. The firm works with many companies on environmental and other communication topics.

With all the challenges companies face in meeting local/state/federal environmental standards, who could blame a plant manager or company president for just saying: “Look, we are doing what we are supposed to. We are trying hard. Leave us alone.”

In fact, some executives do take that approach. And that approach is fraught with peril. Communication is increasingly vital for any company operating under environmental regulations -- especially manufacturing companies.

attention to communication. In a recent national survey on the public’s environmental attitudes, American business got blasted by findings such as:

boycott a company that is careless toward the environment;

Here is why companies need to pay more

e87 percent of those polled said they would

053 percent said companies that do not meet environmental regulations should be closed down -- regardless of the jobs involved;

*66 percent favored jail sentences for executives who fail to comply with environ- mental regulations.

The survey rated business and industry associations as having the least credibility when compared with 15 other information sources, such as environmental groups, the media, and EPA. The complete survey also revealed the public’s opinions on which industries were seen as the most environ- mentally careless. It cited what Americans felt should be done to help improve environmental conditions. Topping the list were more regulations even if it meant paying more in taxes or for products. Still, it is tempting to view communication as an unnecessary frill. It is also tempting to take the approach that the company is doing a good job and does have a good environmental record. Therefore people, through osmosis perhaps, will know and appreciate that.

Meanwhile, outside of the company,

Inside,.. Education Update ..................................... 4

KY PARTNERS Annual Seminar ........... 5

Industrial Case Study ............................... 6

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communication takes on higher importance. In just three years, the Society of Professional Environmental Journalists has grown from 20 to 700 members. And environmental groups, which have generally played to the media, are going beyond publicity stunts. A Califomia- based group launched “Earth Voice,” a national campaign to pressure President Bush to attend the Earth Summit ’92. The campaign features celebrities on film and videos that are being shown in many theater chains, on the Fox network and on cable TV. They urge people to call a Western Union hotline and send Mail- grams to the President. Creenpeace’s media coordinator observed that the organization will continue to create visual events for television, but that more focus is being placed supporting local, grass roots organizations and their media efforts.

It is true that some companies do not have the pressures others do. Some companies may not have organized activists in their communities (or in their plants), inquisitive media, aggressive regulators, or politicians looking for an issue.

want to be prepared to meet unexpected communication challenges, here are 10 basic tips for better communication:

1) Take a close look at the local public opinion; it provides opportunity for either chaos or opportunity. Good information sources are

But for companies that do have pressures or

employees, neighborhood groups, the media, and elected officials.

2) Plan to avoid trouble and plan for trouble. *Do not wait for trouble, assume it will happen, *Involve all key players in planning, *State clear objectives, *Assess problems; be analytical, not paranoid, *Identify and segment audiences, *Write a specific plan, *Set a timetable, -Assign responsibilities and start implementing, *Monitor feedback from employees, media, civic leaders, politicians, and others, *Make mid-course corrections, *When trouble hits, stay cool and do not call names.

3) Do not scatter birdshot, find your target audiences. There are numerous intemal sources of information; these include:

*Employees, *Unions, *Suppliers, *Families.

There are also external sources of infor- mation; these are:

*Fenceline neighbors, .Regulators, *Media, -Environmental groups, *Business and civic associations, *Elected officials.

your communication weapons. 4) Do not play by someone else’s rules; pick

*Do your own homework; surveys and focus groups, *Maintain media contacts, *Initiate or accelerate community outreach activities, -Develop an “alternative press” (i.e., letters, newsletters, reports), -Consider creating a citizens advisory panel.

5 ) Do your homework. If you can, do survey research on how your company is perceived and

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the community and environmental issues that concern people most; a phone survey of about 200 people will cost about $8,500 in mid-sized markets. If you cannot afford research, obtain as frank an assessment as you can from your key managers and outside sources.

6) Identify your key messages. What points do you want to make? Try to keep them to about a half dozen.

7) Identify and rank your key audiences. Remember, everyone is not a key audience. Segment people into groups, such as employees, plant neighbors, and elected officials.

8) Determine how to get your messages to your audiences. There are plenty of ways, including one-on-one meetings, group presentations, plant tours, publicity, advertising, white papers, debates, etc.

9) Put the plan into action. 10) Keep monitoring your activity and your

progress. If possible, do some follow-up research to learn if accurate perceptions about your company are changing.

Do not let creating a communication plan become a stumbling block. For many companies, especially those without staff public relations people or an agency to assist, it can be ... but it shouldn’t. There is a very basic approach to getting started and plugging in the points mentioned above.

The key to starting a communications program is realizing that without one your company is forsaking an important and basic management tool.

Whether your company is or is not involved in a high profile issue does not matter. In fact, it is fair to say that companies who have good inteinal/external communications and community affairs programs are generally more likely to reap understanding if and when an issue does arise. Waiting for controversy before thinking about your communications efforts can easily become too little too late.

The important point to keep in mind about this whole communication topic is this: if you don’t tell your company’s story, someone else will ... and it may not be an accurate or flattering version.

The Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (C MM) Program

Ms. Vicki Lenz Past President and founder of the KY Chapter of Hazardous Materials Managers c/o ERM-Midwest Inc., Louisville, KY

Most of the major environmental legislation requires that various aspects of hazardous materials programs be handled by “qualified” individuals. How do we determine if personnel are qualified, and how do we provide quality control of professional personnel in hazardous materials management? The need for a certification program in hazardous materials management was recognized in 1984, and the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) Program was established by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. Currently, over 3,000 people throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries are certified.

The CHMM Program has four principal objectives and these are: provide credentialed recognition, foster continued professional development, facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience, and provide a mechanism for identifying hazardous materials management professionals.

Certification is based on education, experience, and a written examination. Minimum eligibility requirements for the CHMM exam include:

-The attainment of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in a subject area related to Hazardous Materials Management/ Engineering and three years of experience including major responsibility for developing, implementing, directing, and/or evaluating one or more applicable program activities, or

experience without a baccalaureate degree

segments: laws/regulations; compliance standards, work practices/state of the art;

.Eleven years of management/engineering

The CHMM exam is divided into four major

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management of hazardous materials programs; and science/technology.

An optional independently-offered review course typically precedes the exam, which is held at various testing facilities around the country.

The CHMM is required to be recertified every three years. This is done through practice, continuing education activities, presentations, and chapter activities. Chapters serve to enhance professional status through varied programs and networking activities.

The Kentucky Chapter of Hazardous Materials Managers, based in Louisville, has over 100 members. You need not be certified to belong to the Chapter. For membership or additional information on the CHMM program, contact Vicki Lenz at (502) 426-8666.

Learning by Doing

U of L Chemical Engineering Professors Marvin Fleischman and Dermot Collins, along with Chemical Engineering student Clay Hansen have published an article on waste reduction techniques in the Winter 1991 issue of Chapter One: The AICHE Magazine for Students. The article is entitled, “Learning by Doing.” Totally separate from the KY PARTNERS state waste reduction center program, the U of L‘s Waste Minimization Assessment Center is one of three university-based programs managed by the University City Science Center in Philadelphia. These programs are funded by the Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory of the U. S. EPA. Students participate in all phases of the assessments on small-to-medium sized companies, including preparing draft reports.

“Learning by Doing” relates case studies completed, the resultant proposed waste reduction action to be implemented and the economic payback for the same. Copies of the article may be obtained by contacting Dr. Marvin Fleischman, Chemical Engineering Dept., Speed Scientific School, U of L, Louisville, KY 40292. He can also be reached at 502/588-6357.

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“Dealing With Current Environmental Regulations In Kentucky’’ Jointly Sponsored By: KY Chamber of Commerce and KY PARTNERS

Statewide Seminar Sites: Tuesday, June 9 -

Wednesday, June 10 - Bowling Green, KY

Tuesday, June 16 -

Thursday, June 18 -

Paducah, KY Executive Inn

Ramada Inn Louisville, KY

Executive Inn West Lexington, KY

Holiday Inn North (Newtown Pike & 1-75)

cost: $99.00 per person. Lunch and all handouts are included.

Times: Registration 8:3O AM local time Program: 9:OO AM-4:30 PM

Program Speakers: Mr. Lloyd Cress, Greenbaum, Doll, & McDonald,

Mr. George Seay, Wyatt, Tarrant, & Combs, Frankfort,

Mr. Patrick Stallard, Stites & Harbison , Louisville, KY Mr. Mark Feathers, Brown,Todd, & Heyburn ,

Ms. Joyce St. Clair, Ms. Anne Kaltenhauser, Mr.

Lexington, KY

KY

Louisville, KY

Andy Anderson, KY PARTNERS, Louisville, KY

@ Reserve your space: By Phone: (502) 695-4700 B; FAX: (502) 695-6824 - 24 Hrs a day By Mail: Conferences, KY Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 817 Frankfort, KY 40602-0817 0 Complete the Following:

Name

Company Address

Phone ( )

Contact (if not registrant)

Q Calculate Your fee: # of attendees @ $99.00 per person

Program Agenda: 9:OO-9:45 9:4.5-10:30

10:30- 10:4S BREAK 10:45-11:30 “Current Waste Management Issues” Mr.

11:3O-12: 15 “Super Fund Remediation” Mr. Mark

12: 1.5- 1130 LUNCH 1 :30-2: 15

“Storm Water Regulations” Mr. Lloyd Cress “Compliance with the New Clean Air Act” Mr. George Seay

Patrick Stallard

Feathers

“Survival of Regulations: Calculating Waste Generation Versus Waste Reduction Costs” Ms. Joyce St.Clair “Waste Stream Identification and Reduction” Ms. Anne Kaltenhauser

“Material Balances for Waste Water Treatment” Mr. Andy Anderson “Waste Reduction Success Stories Around Kentucky” by various local speakers in seminar area.

2: 15-3:OO

3~00-3: 15 BREAK 3: 15-3:4S

3:45-4:30

You may register at the door if space is available. Seating is limited and fills quickly. If you have not preregistered, please call to check schedule changes.

Cancellations should be made at least three days in advance for a full refund. No-shows are offered handout materials or registration to another KCC seminar. Substitutions are welcome.

Select Payment Method: @ U Check Enclosed $ Check#- (Make Payable to Kentucky Chamber of Commerce)

MailTo: P.0. BOX 817 Frankfort, KY 40602-08 17

(check one)

Account # Expiration Date Cardholder’s Name Signature (required)

0 Visa u Mastercard

El Please Bill Me for $ (Due prior to or on the date of the seminar)

@ Indicate Locations: (Check all that apply) 0 Paducah, June 9 Number attending:- a Bowling Green, Julie 10 Number attending:- 0 Louisville, June 16 Number attending:- 0 Lexington, June 18 Number attending:-

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Industrial Case Study EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article is published with

permission of both companies mentioned below. KY PARTNERS would like to thank Mr. Stephen Vandiver of Sani-Clean Services and Mr. Patrick Bennett of Ebonite for their help in writing this article.

This issue’s Industrial Case Study is actually two separate case studies from Kentucky industries. KY PARTNERS performed a waste reduction assessment at both of these companies and with our help the companies were able to reduce their waste generation and realize a cost savings. The first company is an industrial launderer which reduced the amount of toxics in their wastewater effluent; the company estimates that this is a saving of $30,000 per year. The second company used several waste reduction techniques which reduced their disposal costs by an estimated $24,000 per year. This article describes how the companies were able to achieve waste reduction and reduce operating costs at the same time.

launderer located in Henderson, KY. The plant supplies and launders industrial work uniforms, shop cloths, floor mats and linens. Approximately 160,000 pounds of the above articles are processed weekly. Laundering of these items produces an average of 90,000 gallons of waste water daily which is discharged to the Henderson POTW.

The major waste stream from this operation is wastewater. Air emissions and solid wastes are minimal. The wastewater is well within the POTW limits for COP, BOD, suspended solids, oil and grease, and pH levels. However, occasionally the concentration of lead exceeded the established limits. At these times the company was surcharged by the POTW.

occasional high lead content of their waste water. Lead is not introduced into the process during Sani-Clean Services’s operations, therefore it was evident that the lead problem was caused by their customers. Although Sani- Clean Services is concerned about the environment, they were also aware of the fact

Sani-Clean Services is an industrial

Sani-Clean Services was concerned about the

that they are a service oriented company and therefore customer satisfaction is also one of their primary objectives. In order to solve this problem, Sani-Clean Services needed to request the customer’s help while assuring them that Sani-Clean Services would continue to provide the same quality level of service. Sani-Clean Services began by determining which customers might be the cause of the high lead content of its effluent. They then proceeded to make these customers aware of the problem and asked for their cooperation in reducing the lead in their laundry. This was successful. Sani-Clean Services found out that these customers were as concerned about the environment as Sani-Clean Services was. By working together these companies were able to reduce the lead content in Sani-Clean Services’s effluent.

In addition, Sani-Clean Services installed an additional separator system for the wastewater containing the lead. A reversible detergent is used to remove the lead and heavy soils into a sludge. This sludge is not classified as a hazardous waste and therefore can be disposed of easily.

This case study illustrates what can be done by employing waste reduction techniques such as segregation of waste streams. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends segregating key toxic constituents as a way for generators to save substantial amounts of money on disposal. It is also illustrates the benefits of companies working together to decrease the amount of toxics which enter into the environment.

Ebonite International, a manufacturer of bowling balls, is located in Hopkinsville, KY. The plant produces an average of 700,000 balls per year. The balls are produced from polyester and urethane.

Ebonite established a goal of eliminating the use of methylene chloride in their facility during this calendar year. To date, using data from 1988 until the present, they have reduced their waste disposal of methylene chloride by

Continued on Pg. 8, Col2.

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KY PARTNERS Improves Site Visit Process

KY PARTNERS has done almost 100 site visits to date. These site visits have helped KY industries reduce their waste generation. And, as published in our last newsletter, this has resulted in a savings of approximately $541,063 per year for the companies.

KY PARTNERS continually strives to improve the services it provides to Kentucky’s businesses and industries. We have made some major improvements in our site visit program which were implemented at the start of this year. These include: adding a preassessment visit to the process resulting in a more thorough assessment; increasing our data acquisition capabilities enabling its use to become more informative about waste reduction in a particular industry; and expanding our vendor information to include in all of the reports in which we recommend equipment or services. We expect these changes to help us serve industry even better with a overall result of reducing the amount of waste generated in Kentucky even more. Below is a description of what occurs during a site visit.

What is the Purpose of a Site Visit? 1) evaluate your manufacturing processes to

determine if any product or input material changes would reduce your waste generation,

2) evaluate your operating practices to determine if improvement would result in waste reduction,

3) inform you of available equipment and technology pertaining to your industry which is available to help your waste reduction efforts,

4) determine if your waste streams can be recycled or reused,

5 ) provide examples of waste reduction practices which have been proven in your industry.

What Happens During A Site Visit? 1) A pre-assessment visit allows information

to be gathered about your processes and waste streams,

this visit staff members will be assigned and the assessment date will be scheduled,

3) one to three staff members visit your plant and discuss the processes and waste streams with the appropriate company personnel,

4) a tour of the plant allows the processes and operating procedures to be seen first-hand.

2) based on the information obtained during

What Happens After A Site Visit? 1) Our staff members review your processes

and research waste reduction methods in your industry,

2) they complete a list of all waste streams, origination and disposal methods which is sent to your company for verification,

ion,,, Place me on the KY PARTNERS mailing list to receive The Waste-Line. _ _ Fill out this card, pluce in envelope, stamp and mail.

Call me to discuss my waste reduction needs.

Please correct my mailing label U (attached on reverse side).

Please remove my name from the n KY PARTNERS mailing list.

Name: Title: Company: Address:

1 Phone:( Type of Business:

Type of Waste Generated:

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3) the staff members collaborate on a draft report,

4) this report is stamped as “draft” and presented to your company for discussion and review,

5 ) your company reviews the report, makes clarifications and recommends any content changes,

report is destroyed and the final report is submitted to you,

PARTNERS files are CONFIDENTIAL.

6) any necessary changes are made, the draft

7) The only remaining copy is filed. KY

If you are interested in a site visit by KY PARTNERS, call Anne Kaltenhauser, Technical Coordinator at (502) 588-7260.

KY PARTNERS State Waste Reduction Center

Rm. 312, Emst Hall University of Louisville Louisville, KY. 40292

Continued from Page 6

14% in air emissions and by 93% in their disposal to treatment, storage and disposal facilities.

substitutions of other, nonhazardous chemicals and process changes which have allowed them to minimize the times they must clean their equipment between production runs. Also, all employees using methylene chloride have been urged to reduce the amounts used and to practice effective minimization techniques.

using material substitution, employee awareness and training and improved operating procedures to reduce waste.

Waste reduction can be accomplished by using various techniques which result in a cost savings to the company as illustrated by these two case studies. KY PARTNERS is willing to visit your plant and help you determine how your company can accomplish waste reduction. The service is free, confidential, and non-regulatory. For an on- site assessment call our office at (502)588- 7260.

Most of the reductions have come from the

This case study illustrates the benefits of

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 769 Louisville, KY