EPA Region 4 announces 2 winners of the 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Program
EPA Region 4 announces 2 winners of the 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Program
Contact: EPA Region 4 Press Office - (404) 562-8400, region4press@epa.gov
ATLANTA (Sept. 18, 2024) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two Southeast facilities as winners of the 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Awards. The winners are from Theodore, Alabama and Hartwell, Georgia.
The EPA Regional Pollution Prevention Awards Program recognizes businesses that demonstrated leadership in innovative pollution prevention practices which reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment or disposal.
The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling this pollution. Preventing pollution at the source, also known as P2 or source reduction, rather than managing waste after it is produced, is an important part of advancing a sustainable economic and environmental infrastructure. P2 practices can reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce cleanup and financial costs for businesses, particularly for waste management and environmental liability.
“We applaud our winners for their implementation of pollution prevention practices in their businesses,” said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “They exemplify how projects focused on reducing pollution at the source can create more efficient systems, save money, and benefit their communities.”
The winners from EPA Region 4 are:
Evonik Corporation Mobile Facility, Theodore, AL for implementing an Advanced Process Control (APC) project which optimized the energy efficiency of six chillers that varied in age and efficiency. The new APC controller can factor in the different water temperatures, respond more quickly to changes in demand, and optimize the flow of cooling water to the chillers. The implementation of new digital tools at Evonik Corporation's Mobile, Ala., site has led to an estimated reduction of the company's environmental footprint by over 3 million kilowatt hours, 9 million gallons of freshwater, and 2,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
"Evonik is committed to reducing the environmental impact at our manufacturing locations. The team in Mobile continues to exemplify creativity in leading beyond chemistry which will serve as the foundation for Evonik's future,” said Stuart Hayes, Vice President Regional Development – North America. “This type of employee-led innovation demonstrates our goal to create a NextGen Culture of sustainable improvement."
Nestle Purina Petcare Hartwell Factory, Hartwell, GA for implementing several P2 projects in their facility focused on reducing water and energy usage. Projects included optimizing their retort/reclaim system, closing off unused waterlines, reducing operation water pressure, and capturing condensate in their boiler room. From 2022-23, the culmination of these projects resulted in reduced water usage by 66 million gallons, reduced energy usage by 2 million kilowatt hours, and realized cost savings of approximately $760,000.
These 2024 award winners demonstrate that practicing P2 is helpful to businesses while also being essential to protecting public health and the environment. EPA will open nominations for the 2025 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Awards next spring.
To find out more about past winners, visit https://www.epa.gov/ga/southeast-regions-pollution-prevention-recognition-program
Read more about EPA’s P2 Program.
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