Business Air Quality

Businesses that use common pollution prevention methods can help improve air quality for our region. Pollution prevention is any practice that reduces the volume or toxicity of pollution at its source. This means reducing emissions prior to treatment, control, recycling or disposal.

Pollution Reduction Methods

  • Equipment modification or replacement: Modifying or replacing existing equipment can reduce inefficiencies and associated emissions.
  • In-process recycling or reuse: Reusing by-products or waste in the process can reduce the consumption and energy of raw materials (e.g., filtration and reuse of materials).
  • Increase efficiency of operations: As businesses strive to be more competitive, they are continually looking for opportunities to improve the efficiency of their operations in order to reduce costs.
  • Preventative maintenance: Maintaining equipment in proper operating condition can reduce waste and unnecessary downtime.
  • Raw material modification or substitution: Using less toxic or hazardous raw materials can reduce the toxicity of waste materials and emissions.
  • Waste stream segregation: Segregating waste streams can sometimes allow for reuse of waste materials back into the operation as raw materials (e.g., combustion sources).

Why Implement Pollution Prevention

A major benefit of implementing a pollution prevention project is COST SAVINGS! Additional benefits include:
  • Ensuring compliance with regulations and improving public relations
  • Improving quality of life for the local community by reducing waste volume and/or toxicity
  • Improving safety for workers, reducing liability

Get Pollution Prevention Assistance

The Air Quality Control staff are available to assist businesses in their pollution prevention efforts. Services provided by staff include:
  • Information - Staff can provide literature regarding potential pollution prevention opportunities for various businesses.
  • Technical assistance and research - Staff can help businesses research potential opportunities to reduce emissions.