Manchester, Washington - Archive

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Region 10 Laboratory

This page houses older environmental information about EPA's Region 10 Laboratory in Manchester, Washington. View the laboratory's current facility page.

The Region 10 Laboratory was recognized with a 2008 White House Closing the Circle Award Honorable Mention for the facility's comprehensive recycling program. Employees collected more than 23,000 pounds of recyclable materials in 2007. The facility's strong environmental management system (EMS) and willingness of employees not only to recycle but to contribute new ideas for conservation provided the foundation for this remarkable achievement.
2007 Pollution Prevention Partner of the Year Award Winner

In fiscal year (FY) 2005, EPA completed the replacement of the facility's fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient fixtures, such as T-8 tubes, electronic ballasts, and light-emitting diode lights. EPA also installed occupancy sensors in several restrooms to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

In an effort to reduce water and energy usage at the laboratory, employees suggested utilizing the facility's autoclave stand-by function. By reducing the use and water consumption of the autoclaves an estimated 60,000 gallons of water were saved.
In 1998, the Region 10 Laboratory replaced its 4-inch PVC water lines with 6-inch ductile iron water lines. The bigger, stronger lines reduce the frequency of leaks and reduce the laboratory's overall water consumption rate. The laboratory also replaced a 20-year-old water cooling tower with a new, more efficient tower, which reduced the water and energy usage of the cooling system.