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Recommendation IND2: Specific sectors to focus on

Work on the following sectors:

• Finish work on the existing Cleaner Production Challenge, which focuses on the metal-finishing sector.

Related Milestone

Most of the companies participating in the Cleaner Production Challenge have an overall 10-25 percent reduction in wastes, including a 50-90 percent reduction of water consumption and wastewaters and 30-60 percent reduction of hazardous sludge. (It is Ecology’s intent that specific numerical goals be set for any future sector work.)

• Finish implementing key recommendations of the Washington State Mercury Chemical Action Plan, including mercury-related issues with auto switches and lights, and in hospitals.

Related Milestone

The Washington State Mercury Chemical Action Plan has been fully implemented for hospitals, auto switches and lamps, resulting in significantly less mercury in the environment.

• Focus on sectors that are consistent with Ecology’s next chemical action plan, which is PBDE, a class of flame-retardants.

Related Milestone

A chemical action plan for poly brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) has been agreed to and is being implemented to reduce threats posed by these toxic flame-retardants.

• The general government sector (including federal, state, and local government) with emphasis on greenhouse gases, persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs), and environmentally preferable purchasing.

Related Milestone

Government is leading by example, with significantly less waste generation and less use of toxic substances at the local, state and federal levels. The mandated federal agencies are actively implementing their Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and the required state agencies are actively implementing their sustainability plans. The state contract for hazardous waste management and disposal reflects a preference for waste recycling/reclamation when not in conflict with minimizing long-term liability.

• Other industries, institutions, wastes, and hazardous substances being considered include hospitals, colleges and universities, auto recyclers, and industries that produce or use lead, greenhouse gases, biodiesel, used oil, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics or solvents, and/or construction and demolition wastes.

Related Milestone

Another sector project has been chosen and work has been started on it.

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