Closed Loop Fall 2004

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Closed Loop

Fall 2004

Articles

MOPP: New Look, Same Great Performance
STAR4D Shines At Camp Dodge
Attention Central Iowa!
Iowa Reinforces CRT Disposal Rule
Policy Deadline Extended
Iowa Waste Exchange News

MOPP: New Look, Same Great Performance
By Kaylene Reilly
Iowa Waste Reduction Center

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) has a new look for the Mobile Outreach for Pollution Prevention (MOPP). The new MOPP-modified Winnebago has just arrived at the IWRC, ready to get on the road with its new eye-catching appearance. While it may look a little different, the MOPP still has the same great equipment to provide demonstrations on pollution prevention and waste reduction initiatives to small businesses.

The MOPP is a 35-foot customized motor home that contains equipment intended to introduce pollution prevention ideas to small businesses. Demonstrations will feature a discussion of spray paint techniques, including a comparison of conventional spray guns, High Volume - Low Pressure (HVLP) spray guns and a spray paint targeting device designed by IWRC specialists. Other equipment training will include antifreeze recycling, solvent distillation, aqueous parts washing, an oil filter crusher, a used oil furnace and paint gun washers. The MOPP will provide small businesses with hands-on equipment demonstrations of waste reduction and recycling options.

Manufacturers, automotive service centers and auto body repair shops can learn about new pollution prevention techniques and equipment through a series of insightful demonstrations. This fall, the MOPP will be touring throughout Iowa and the Midwest, attending conferences and giving demonstrations, all of which are free and open to the public. In September, the MOPP attended the Kansas Environment Conference.

The MOPP is a nationwide program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Because the MOPP is operated by the IWRC, a service of the University of Northern Iowa, all information discussed with the environmental specialist is confidential. Since its introduction, the MOPP has conducted demonstrations in every Iowa county and 20 states. For more information about the MOPP or the IWRC, please contact Sue Schauls at 800-422-3109 or visit www.iwrc.org.

STAR4D Shines at Camp Dodge
By Kaylene Reilly
Iowa Waste Reduction Center

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) at the University of Northern Iowa has recently taken its Spray Paint Analysis and Research® (STAR®) program to new heights. STAR for Defense® (STAR4D®) meets the needs of military bases throughout the country. Since its inception in November 2003, the STAR4D® program has already worked with 12 military bases, successfully improving many aspects of spray paint operations at these facilities.

One of the most notable success stories for the STAR4D® program is the Combined Support Maintenance Shop (CSMS) at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. CSMS has recently taken great strides in practicing pollution prevention and waste reduction in their everyday operations. They have taken initiatives above and beyond that of most National Guard bases, not only in Iowa, but also in surrounding states, to make sure sound environmental techniques are used at their facility. With the help of the STAR4D® program at the IWRC, CSMS at Camp Dodge was able to introduce new spray painting technologies, equipment and techniques at their facility. These innovative changes at CSMS have led to improved efficiency and productivity while reducing cost and contributing to a better environment.

In the effort to make CSMS at Camp Dodge more environmentally friendly, many updates and changes were made to equipment and practices throughout the entire painting process. From recycling used tap water to changing the spray system to cleanup, the shop underwent a complete overhaul.

One of the most praised changes was the replacement of a conventional spray painting method with a more advanced air-assisted airless pump system. This new system significantly reduced overspray, which reduced paint use by 24 percent while more than doubling the amount of paint applied to the work surface. The combination of reduced paint usage and increased paint thickness correspond to significant improvements in paint transfer efficiency resulting in up to $31,590 in saved costs annually.

As a result of increased transfer efficiency, the shopâ€™s air pollution control filter usage dropped dramatically. The facility originally reported disposing of filters every few days, costing them approximately $900 per disposal. With the reduced waste afforded because of spray technician training and the new air-assisted airless system, filters can now be used as long as two weeks before being replaced, saving an estimated $23,400 related to purchase costs annually.In addition to the pollution prevention benefits, the new system has greatly reduced the amount of time spent on each project, improving the overall efficiency of the facility and allowing for faster deployment and reduced labor costs.

Other waste reduction initiatives implemented at CSMS, with the assistance of the STAR4D® program, related to various aspects of the clean up process. The use of 3M paint preparation systems (PPS) for High Volume-Low Pressure (HVLP) spray guns, a spray gun tip soaker and automated spray gun cleaning machine all reduced the generation of waste solvent, which must be disposed of as hazardous waste at significant cost. The Camp Dodge facility also added the use of a can crusher. It was previously reported that emptied paint cans would fill a dumpster every two to three days, which would then be disposed of in a landfill. With the use of the can crusher, the dumpster can now take up to two weeks to reach capacity, and the materials are now acceptable for recycling as scrap metal, eliminating extensive quantities of solid waste.

Not only did the Camp Dodge facility see vast improvements in equipment, but in the painters as well. The four painters at CSMS have now received STAR® training and are practicing improved spray-painting technique. Each of the painters attended two days of training at the IWRC senior research technicians, learning correct technique through hands-on training and practice with various painting equipment. The painters also used a laser-guided targeting tool, developed by IWRC specialists, to improve their transfer efficiency and technique, a tool that they continue to use at the CSMS facility.

All of these waste reduction and pollution prevention efforts have led to documented results of reduced paint waste, improved product quality and faster deployment. Not only have the new practices and equipment at this facility significantly improved the shopâ€™s operations, but painter satisfaction has increased as well. The overall result is a cleaner, safer, more efficient facility, serving as a model for other guard bases to follow.

Attention Central Iowa!

IThe Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP) at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) will begin Minor Source Emissions Inventory Questionnaire (MSEIQ) assistance for the Central part of Iowa in late winter. Small- to medium- sized businesses that emit air pollutants and are classified as non-major sources have been targeted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to complete this inventory. Businesses will be required to report all actual and potential emissions from both permitted and fugitive sources. Facilities having fewer than 100 employees are given the option of completing the inventory on their own or can request assistance from IAEAP staff at the IWRC. If a business requests assistance, IAEAP staff will assist the business completing all necessary MSEIQ forms and calculations.

The purpose of the inventory is to gather data about the sources and quantities of air pollutants emitted into the atmosphere by businesses. Collectively, the information accumulated will assist the IDNR in continuing to manage our air resources, which include planning pollution control programs, identifying general emission levels and locating monitors to ensure our air quality meets federal health standards. Also, the data collected in this inventory will assist Iowa and other states in the management of pollution that drifts across state borders and to different regions of the nation.

Businesses located in the Central part of the state can expect to be contacted the IAEAP about the inventory and available assistance in mid January. In addition, workshops will be held by the IAEAP late this winter to offer both assistance and valuable information to affected businesses. IAEAP staff have completed more than 65 inventories for businesses this year alone.

Businesses required to complete the MSEIQ must submit it to the IDNR by May 15th, 2005. Because the IDNR requires small businesses in the state to complete a MSEIQ every three years, it is recommended businesses in Central Iowa take advantage of the expert assistance offered by IAEAP staff. For a detailed list of what counties will be affected by the inventory or for more information on the IAEAP, please call Program Manager Dan Nickey of the IAEAP at 1-800-422-3109 or visit www.iwrc.org.

Iowa Reinforces CRT Disposal Rule

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sent a letter in mid-August to permitted landfills in the state saying disposal sites cannot accept color TVs and computer monitors from businesses because cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are considered hazardous waste.

The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission adopted Chapter 567-122 â€œCathode Ray Tube Device Recyclingâ€�. The rule applies to facilities that perform CRT recycling functions, such as collection, refurbishing, demanufacturing, and processing of discarded CRTâ€™s.

If your business has questions regarding disposal options or needs assistance with the new rules, contact the Iowa Waste Reduction Center at (800) 422-3109.

Policy Deadline Extended

Good news! The deadline for the new policy change issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding air sources exhausted indoors has been extended. In the past, the DNR has not requested Iowa Air Quality construction permits for sources exhausted indoors. The DNR is now requiring facilities that exhaust regulated pollutants indoors to obtain a construction permit or use one of the DNRâ€™s exemptions. The deadline for this policy, originally scheduled for September 2004, has recently been moved to February 28, 2004.

The Iowa Air Emissions Assistance Program (IAEAP) at the IWRC is available to assist Iowa businesses in determining what equipment sources are impacted by this new policy change and completing the appropriate emissions applications. The IAEAP is designed to assist small businesses with air emission regulations and permitting requirements enforced by the Clean Air Act. IAEAP staff work with many industries such as dry cleaners, body shops, manufacturers, grain facilities and printers through the IWRC On-Site Review program to complete both federal and state air permit applications.

The IAEAP has already begun conducting site visits to help with this new policy. If you have not already contacted the IAEAP for assistance, please do so immediately to have your facility added to the list of businesses we will be visiting. Because of the quantity of businesses requesting assistance with this policy change, we are asking for your patience with this deadline.

This assistance, like all of the IWRC services, is free and non-regulatory. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact the IWRC at 800-422-3109. We will be contacting you in the near future to set up an on-site visit.

Iowa Waste Exchange News

IWE Welcomes Keith Price

Keith Price

The Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) would like to welcome Keith Price as the new Area Resource Specialist for the Sioux City area. Keith served seven years in the United States Marine Corps as an Aircraft Firefighter, spent ten years with Gateway as a Technical Support Representative and Trainer, and worked in the Information Technology Department at Western Iowa Tech Community College four years. Keith will reside out of the Western Iowa Community College office, and joins other IWE Area Resource Specialists in providing Iowa business and industry with waste management alternatives and assistance that result in both economic and environmental benefits.

Keith will be responsible for nine counties (Area A) including Cherokee, Ida, Lyon, Monona, Oâ€™Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux and Woodbury counties. Feel free to contact Keith at (712) 274-6400 Extension 1809, or e-mail him at pricek@witcc.com.

Iowa Waste Exchange Results From Fiscal Year 2004 The Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) has completed another successful year serving Iowa businesses interested in saving money while improving recycling practices. In the past fiscal year (July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004), the IWE program found alternative uses for nearly 480 materials. By diverting more than 77,000 tons of material from disposal, the IWE saved businesses $2.5 million in avoided disposal costs.

IWEâ€™s free services are offered by nine resource specialists at host locations across the state. Not only do IWE resource specialists match a wide variety of industrial materials and by-products to companies that need them; they also offer pollution prevention, recycling and general business assistance referrals. In addition to helping businesses realize savings from avoided purchases, reduced transportation costs and increased storage space, the confidential nature of the program provides security for businesses concerned with maintaining their privacy.

The IWE mission is to provide Iowa industries with smart waste management alternatives and business assistance services that result in both economic and environmental benefits, including waste reduction from Iowa landfills. The Iowa Waste Exchange is a cooperative effort of Recycle Iowa, Iowa Waste Reduction Center, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Community Colleges, Regional Council of Governments and Iowa Solid Waste Agencies.

IWE Helps Get The Word Out
By John Koch
IWE Resource Specialist, Area C

John Koch

In November 2003, the Benton County Board of Supervisors approved a ban on recyclable materials from the county landfill. The ban, which includes PET and HDPE plastic, metal, paper and cardboard was to apply to all commercial and industrial generators of trash as of January 1, 2004. A ban on recyclable material from households had gone into effect July 1, 2003. Since there was a short time frame (about 2 months) between the adoption of the ordinance and its effective date, Iowa Waste Exchange specialist John Koch was asked to assist in getting information to companies in Benton County and help them organize their recycling efforts.

Koch met with members of the East Central Iowa Council of Governments and the Benton County Solid Waste Commission to prepare a plan. It was agreed that, given the short time frame, dissemination of information about the ban was an immediate priority.

According to the recycling ordinance, fines for non-compliance would fall on the waste haulers of the county. All of the local haulers are private businesses, and most of them participated in the early discussions about the ban on recyclables. Each waste hauler decided for itself how it would segregate waste and recyclables; most opted for a system in which waste would be kept in one dumpster, and commingled recyclables in a second.

Koch first contacted each waste hauler to learn what type of program they planned to offer. He then went â€œknocking on doorsâ€� with copies of the ordinance and a suggestion that each business contact its hauler to arrange for the delivery of whatever equipment would be needed. While he was there discussing the ban on recyclables, he also explained the role of the Iowa Waste Exchange and offered assistance with materials not covered by the ban.

After the ban went into effect, Koch made follow-up calls to businesses to trouble shoot any problems. The biggest problem was the inability of haulers to deliver enough additional dumpsters to allow for the segregation of recyclables. This resulted in delays in enforcement of the ban. Until all the bugs are worked out of the system, we will not know how much diversion actually resulted from the ban.

Providing A Helping Hand
By Fred Kesten IWE Resource Specialist, Area B

Fred Kesten

More than 100 volunteers recently discovered what has been buried in the waters of the Des Moines Area. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with IowaWater and Keepers of the Land, conducted its second-annual watershed appreciation and protection event (Project AWARE) this past June. Project AWARE â€˜04 attracted more than 100 volunteers to improve and preserve the stateâ€™s watersheds. Although the clean-up activities were planned for the Des Moines River, rapid and unsafe waters forced the group to find other areas near the Des Moines River in need of a face lift, including Brushy Creek, Fraser pond, Lizard Creek and Soldier Creek.

The excavation of these waters uncovered a wide variety of materials from waste tires to a sunken boat to a bed frame. In the past, 100 percent of the materials collected were landfilled, however, this year Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) specialists Fred Kesten and Dennis Hayworth were called in to find reuse or recycling opportunities for the materials collected. After the week long event, IWE specialists assisted in diverting just over two tons of material (95 percent of what was collected) from the landfill.

The tires found in the watersheds were accepted by Piery Motors. Non-refundable plastic bottles were taken to Rockwell City Recycling and approximately five bags of refundable beverage containers were turned into the local redemption center. The IWE specialists will assist again next year as Project AWARE has its sights on the Little Sioux River. The Iowa Waste Exchange is a cooperative effort of Recycle Iowa/ Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Waste Reduction Center, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Community Colleges, Local Councils of Government and Iowa Solid Waste Agencies. The Exchange will not determine what may constitute a hazardous substance or create a hazardous situation. The Exchange will not make judgements with respect to any legal requirements, particularly for the storage, transportation, treatment or disposal of what may be defined as hazardous substances. For information about hazardous waste reduction and/or proper disposal, call the Department of Natural Resources Energy and Waste Management Bureau at (800) 367-1025 or the IWRC at (800) 422-3109.