Field trials--measuring progress in pollution prevention using a chemical hazard score

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Industrial Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Pollution prevention is a legally preferred strategy in the US for managing hazardous waste and emissions.
• Managers require quantitative data to justify resource allocation for pollution prevention initiatives.
• Measuring pollution prevention success at the source is crucial for effective environmental management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of quantitatively measuring pollution prevention achievement at the source in manufacturing.
• To test the application of the Purdue chemical hazard score for measuring pollution prevention progress.
• To quantify the degree of achievement or non-achievement of pollution prevention in industrial processes.

Main Methods:

• Conducted field trials on 16 processes and one facility across 11 manufacturing sites in four sectors.
• Utilized the Purdue chemical hazard score to assess pollution prevention progress.
• Applied the method to processes where input chemical masses could surrogate hazardous emissions and wastes.

Main Results:

• 15 out of 18 processes/facility units achieved pollution prevention.
• The Purdue chemical hazard score successfully quantified the degree of pollution prevention achievement.
• Demonstrated progress in pollution prevention through safer chemical substitution and process changes.
• Identified inconsistencies and inaccuracies in production level measures across facilities and sectors.

Conclusions:

• The Purdue chemical hazard score is a feasible method for quantitatively measuring pollution prevention.
• Standardized and accurate production level measures are needed for effective comparison across manufacturing entities.
• Industry involvement is recommended for developing standardized production metrics to enhance pollution prevention measurement.