The results of the technical assistance efforts in fiscal year 1996-97 are encouraging. The assistance not only provides a means for cost savings, in several cases a significant improvement in occupational and public health and safety was obtained. For example, one painting contractor that staff environmental engineers visited reported converting to water-based coatings for wood surfaces in public buildings, eliminating the potential for exposure to solvents formerly used during wood finishing operations. The Special Waste Program is nationally recognized for its pollution prevention emphasis. It is possible to conduct a many-faceted and comprehensive evaluation of program outreach efforts and compliance using the wealth of electronic information that is collected through the Special Waste Inventories, Permit Applications, staff time records, complaint records, and emergency response records.
Some graphic information is provided to exemplify available information.
Although a few of the waste types for which Special Waste Permits have been required for disposal have changed over the past several years, it is possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the program regarding its educational outreach to business and government facilities in Lancaster County. There were 836 Special Waste Permits issued during FY 1996-97. 66 permits were issued for incinerating used oil in an approved used oil furnace. Substantial staff review time was spent screening potentially hazardous wastes in support of municipal disposal facilities and to protect public health and the environment. These subgroups were sent forms that did not require submittal of a complete Special Waste Inventory for each facility they own or operate, but simply required submittal of permit fees so that permits that they held during 1996 could be renewed.