"Pollution prevention is a priority for this Administration. A strong pollution prevention program minimizes waste and maximizes profits. It's good for business and for the environment - a real win-win."
Governor George V. Voinovich
The State of Ohio's environmental programs are increasingly emphasizing pollution prevention. Ohio is modifying and expanding efforts that will help to redirect attention toward prevention for toxics and other emissions and wastes. These activities are found in the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Development, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Appendix B, "Sources of pollution prevention information," provides additional information about these activities.
Two Ohio laws are aimed at reducing waste generation in the state. House Bill 147 directs owners and operators of Class I injection well facilities to prepare waste minimization and treatment plans for wastes generated at these facilities. The plans will identify the specific technically and economically feasible measures that will be taken to prevent or reduce releases into the environment. Appendix D of this guidance manual discusses the waste minimization planning requirements for Class I injection well facilities in detail.
The implementation of House Bill 592 has helped to stimulate activity in solid waste reduction and recycling throughout Ohio's solid waste management districts. The major goals of H.B. 592 are to reduce solid waste generation and increase recycling. By 1994, all districts will implement a solid waste management plan which includes strategies for achieving 25 percent waste reduction and/or recycling as a goal. The reduction goal is a planning objective, not an inflexible standard. These plans must be approved by Ohio EPA. Some districts have developed innovative programs including establishing commitments by business to reduce and recycle.
Hazardous waste minimization requirements are detailed in the preceding chapter on overview of federal laws, regulations and policies. Appendix C of this document contains information about Ohio Hazardous Waste Facility Installation and Operation Permits and their condition that requires a Waste Minimization Report. The Waste Minimization Report is a written document that the permittee must use to demonstrate compliance with the certification requirement to have a waste minimization program in place as required by RCRA.
Ohio EPA has general permitting authority for storm water general permits. The objective of the storm water program is to reduce or eliminate illegal, whether intentional or unintentional, dumping of materials into storm water discharges. The general permit for industrial activity requires preparation and implementation of a storm water pollution prevention plan. Permits also require implementation of best management practices to control the quality of storm water runoff.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) strongly supports the move toward more pollution prevention and is involved in a number of specific pollution prevention activities. The Office of Pollution Prevention (OPP) coordinates pollution prevention activities for all of Ohio EPA. The OPP has four main objectives:
The OPP provides on-site, by mail, or over the phone technical assistance; provides literature search information; prepares program and industry specific fact sheets; and makes public presentations regarding pollution prevention.
The OPP is currently coordinating the development of a strategy to integrate pollution prevention into activities at Ohio EPA. This strategy will identify regulatory and non-regulatory options for integrating pollution prevention concepts into existing media programs and propose new pollution prevention activities for consideration by Ohio EPA.
As part of the Agency Pollution Prevention Strategy, Ohio EPA is now incorporating pollution prevention requirements in many environmental enforcement cases. The Agency is pursuing this condition to encourage additional environmental improvements, not just penalties, as a result of enforcement. Some offers of settlement may include reduced monetary penalties in exchange for commitments to develop pollution prevention plans, or for commitments to install source reduction processes.
In 1991, Governor George V. Voinovich announced the formation of the Pollution Prevention Development Workgroup (PPDW), directed by Ohio EPA. The purpose of the Workgroup is to develop and coordinate pollution prevention initiatives throughout state government, business and consumer activities. The goals of the workgroup include the development of a comprehensive Pollution Prevention Strategy for Ohio and increasing communication on pollution prevention efforts between state agencies, business and the public.
Currently, the PPDW is initiating pollution prevention planning for State Agencies by implementing a pilot program which includes the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and one facility within the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Results are expected to reveal areas in State government where pollution can be prevented through a variety of means. This effort is expected to be extended to other state agencies based upon the results of this initial effort.
On September 1, 1993, Governor Voinovich requested the top 100 emitters of toxic pollutants in Ohio to work with the Ohio EPA to develop comprehensive pollution prevention plans to reduce the various types of wastes they generate. The State of Ohio's press release, "Pollution Prevention Planning - The Environmental Strategy for the Future," states that wastes in the plans will include chemicals in the Toxic Release Inventory, hazardous and solid wastes, air emissions, and wastewater discharges. The plans will identify the types of waste generated, evaluate ways to limit the source of the wastes, set forth a written course of action to carry out each facility's commitment to pollution prevention, and establish progress reporting to measure the success of each program.