Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator | https://en.wikipedia.org/
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring two Arizona organizations as part of its 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention (P2) recognition program during Pollution Prevention Week. The recognized entities are Salem Boys Auto in Tempe and PAS Technologies in Phoenix, acknowledged for their efforts to reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at the source before recycling, treatment, or disposal.
“EPA is proud to recognize the accomplishments of these environmental leaders in Arizona who are preventing pollution and making meaningful change in their communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division Director Claire Trombadore. “These honorees are taking action to reduce pollution, advance environmental justice and address climate change.”
Salem Boys Auto implemented various environmentally friendly practices such as installing turf landscaping to decrease water usage and switching to LED lights. Employees also began using reusable water bottles instead of disposable cups or single-use plastic bottles, facilitated by a water bottle filling station that has prevented the use of over 5,000 single-use items.
“Dating back to 1979, when we first opened our auto repair shop, we were environmentally focused. Over the years, we have implemented more processes like buying in large bulk for all our oil & fluids, installing artificial turf in our landscape, LED lighting in our shop and recycling all of our cardboard and metal. All of these steps have greatly reduced our waste. For us here at Salem Boys Auto being environmentally conscious is the only way!” said Andi Salem, Owner of Salem Boys Auto.
PAS Technologies developed a metal bearing rinse water reuse system under the International Organization for Standardization’s Environmental Management System 14001 standards. This system conserved water, reduced hazardous waste, and eliminated discharges into the local water system. In 2023 alone, PAS Technologies conserved four million gallons of water with an annual savings of $55,000.
“PAS Technologies is committed to minimizing environmental impacts of its operations through the utilization of technical sources and applying P2 principles to preserve the use of natural resources and eliminate/reduce the generation of hazardous products in its services,” said Dexter Dawson, Director of Health & Safety/Chemical Engineering at PAS Technologies.
In 2023, recipients of EPA’s Pacific Southwest P2 recognition program across Arizona, California and Nevada collectively achieved significant reductions: approximately 1,443 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions; 1.98 million kWh of energy use; 11.28 million gallons of water use; and $495,000 in business costs.
P2 aims to reduce environmental releases of hazardous substances before they enter waste streams for recycling or disposal by conserving natural resources through cost-effective changes in production and operation practices. The EPA’s P2 program is voluntary and encourages innovation through competitive grants and technical assistance.
Pollution Prevention Week runs from September 16-20 this year under the theme “Together We Are One Planet.” The EPA Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition program is an annual non-monetary award initiative open for applications next year.
Learn more about EPA’s national Pollution Prevention program on their website.
