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Epson Portland, Inc. Facility in Hillsboro, Oregon Joins EPA’s Partnership, Pledges to Reduce Hazardous Waste

Release Date: 07/17/2008
Contact Information: Domenic Calabro, EPA Waste Reduction, (206) 553-6640, calabro.domenic@epa.gov Tony Brown, EPA Public Affairs, (206) 553-1203, brown.anthony@epa.gov

(Portland, Oregon – July 17, 2008) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) marked the entry of Epson Portland, Inc. (EPI) in Hillsboro, Oregon into the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP). NPEP is a voluntary program that encourages public and private organizations to form partnerships with EPA to reduce the use or release of 31 priority chemicals beyond what is required in environmental regulations. These chemicals are long-lasting, highly-toxic substances that can harm humans and the environment. EPI is the fifth company in Region 10 (Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Washington) and only the third company in the State of Oregon to join EPA’s NPEP program.

EPI is taking the NPEP Mercury Challenge, by taking a pledge to identify mercury in their facility, replace mercury-containing equipment with non-mercury alternatives, and dispose of the material or equipment safely. Their NPEP program goal is to identify and eliminate all mercury-containing thermostats at their facility in Hillsboro, Oregon.

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

“We really strive to be a good corporate citizen,” said Randal McEvers, Epson Portland’s Assistant Corporate Secretary and Director of General Affairs. “Epson is involved in the community and we are continually seeking new ways to recycle materials and reduce our impact on the environment. Participating in the NPEP and accepting the Mercury Challenge is an ideal way for us to extend that commitment.”

EPI was the first–ever company to meet the high standards to become a chapter member of EPA’s Performance Track program, joining in 2000. EPI is a manufacturing and engineering services affiliate of the Seiko Epson Corporation, headquartered in Japan. At their Hillsboro facility, they manufacture ink and ink cartridges for printers.

The EPA 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 174 NPEP enrollees nationally.

For more information about Epson Portland, Inc, visit: http://www.epi.epson.com/

For more information about NPEP program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/minimize/partnership.htm

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