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EPA, Navy and District Promote Waste Cuts

Release Date: 1/10/2001
Contact Information: Ruth Wuenschel, (215) 814-5540

Ruth Wuenschel, (215) 814-5540

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the District of Columbia’s Department of Health, and the U.S. Navy are offering free computer programs and technical support to reduce waste and chemical use throughout the district.

The assistance is being offered to public and quasi-public institutions, such as hospitals, colleges, and government facilities.

“This collaborative effort among EPA, the District of Columbia, and the Navy demonstrates how partnerships can enhance environmental protection and promote waste minimization,” said Bradley Campbell, EPA regional administrator.

The program, known as the Hazardous Substance Management System, controls tracks, and reduces the variety and quantity of hazardous materials in use at a facility. Through use of the system, the Navy has reduced its hazardous waste generation by 50 percent at certain bases, providing greater protection to workers, the public and the environment.

The Navy’s success prompted the three agencies to team up and offer the system as a pilot to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington. The hospital has been using the system since 1998, and is in the process of evaluating its results.

If the computer system catches on, the following advantages may be realized:
- reduced amounts of hazardous materials being procured, stored, and used;
- reduced emissions of hazardous chemicals into the environment;
- reduced exposure of chemicals to the people using the materials;
- reduced inventory of costs through better use of materials;
- improved pollution prevention activities;
- reduced hazardous waste generated and disposed;
- greater use of recycling opportunities; and
- greater awareness of the risks presented by hazardous materials.

To learn more about the computer system, Nick Kauffman at the District of Columbia’s Department of Health at (202)535-2305.