This unit has drastically reduced the amount of solvent being purchased and disposed of. Current initiatives are being completed, while new initiatives are under development. As well, the pilot program is shifting emphasis from specific initiatives to general environmental reviews of transportation bases. The intent is to identify management and procedural practices and make recommendations to prevent pollution. I and II Environmental Site Assessments underway at various bases which are concerned with identifying existing pollution.
Education is an important component of pollution prevention.
Presentations are being given throughout the province to introduce the concept, encourage everyone to think about pollution prevention in the workplace, introduce new practices, and solicit ideas from employees on the front lines who work with a wide variety of chemicals and equipment on a daily basis. An effective pollution prevention program requires the participation of everyone. Senior management must commit to the principles of pollution prevention, even when it means increased costs in the short term to invest in new equipment or training. Operators and mechanics should always be thinking about how their activities can be changed to reduce pollution potential. Ideas for new pollution prevention initiatives, as well as examples of pollution prevention success stories can be submitted to the Environmental Services Group of T.P.W. at any time.