Steelscape Facility in Kalama, Washington Joins EPA’s Partnership, Pledges to reduce Hazardous Waste

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marked the entry of Steelscape in Kalama, Washington into the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP). Steelscape is only the second company in Region 10 (Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Washington) and the first company in the State of Washington to join EPA’s NPEP program to reduce waste generation.

Steelscape is the only coated-steel producer in the western United States and produces cold-rolled, metallic-coated and custom-painted steel coils for the construction markets in the United States and Canada.

According to the latest available Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data, Steelscape is using or releasing 89,750 lbs. of naphthalene solvent per year, but the process and equipment changes that they will be making through their NPEP goal will result in a 30 percent reduction, or about 27,000 lbs., between 2007 and 2010.

“Using innovative approaches to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals is a good environmental strategy,” said Tom Eaton, EPA’s Washington Operations Office Director. “By joining this program, Steelscape is not only protecting public health and the environment, but showing good economic and business sense.”

“Steelscape is honored to be the first company in the state of Washington accepted into the EPA National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Program,” said Mike Nelson, Environmental, Health and Safety Manager for Steelscape.

NPEP is a voluntary waste minimization program that encourages public and private organizations to form voluntary partnerships with EPA to reduce the use or release of 31 priority chemicals beyond the requirements of environmental regulations. These chemicals are long-lasting, highly toxic substances that can harm humans and the environment.

NPEP program’s goal is for EPA to work with industry to reduce the use or release of the priority chemicals by four million pounds by 2011. There are over 130 NPEP enrollees nationally.

In addition to the EPA NPEP program, Steelscape also supports the EPA Climate Leaders, Energy Star, WasteWise, and National Environmental Performance Track programs.