Such indicators as pollution levels, contaminated wells and leaking landfills make headlines, but positive information is also needed. Finding out which businesses are in full compliance is harder than one would imagine. The simple act of organizing this available environmental information provides innovation, communication, and cooperation between departments and agencies that are used to working in isolation. This approach gives participating cities a new perspective with which to view both the targeted industry sectors and city operations. Businesses and government agencies are committed to working together in a new partnership that recognizes the proactive efforts made by everyone to protect and enhance the environmental quality of the entire community.
Assistance is offered by the regulatory agencies to help businesses come into compliance.
Businesses that fulfill the standards of the program are recognized in a public ceremony and presented with a certificate and logo to display. Everyday I hope that better waste handling will prevent future brownfields. Many brownfields are a result of a lack of regulatory oversight and unwillingness of companies to implement P2 strategies. Poor plant operations, illegal dumping of hazardous waste and inefficient use of materials are all contributing factors to a legacy of contaminated sites. Pollution Prevention becomes incorporated into the everyday work of inspectors and businesses.