IDEM Commissioner Praises Five Hoosier Companies for Environmental Leadership

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - After demonstrating long-term compliance with environmental laws and voluntarily agreeing to implement continuous improvements, five new members have been accepted into the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's (IDEM's) Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP).

"These businesses are models for other Hoosier companies and show that sound environmental management is good for business," said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly.  "ESP members voluntarily eliminate waste, preserve resources and protect Hoosiers and the environment. They deserve recognition for going beyond the basic requirements of the law."

This is the third year of the ESP program, and there are 38 members participating in this initiative. ESP's newest members include:

·       Da-Lite Screen Company, Inc., Warsaw, Kosciusko County

During their first year of membership, Da-Lite Screen Company, Inc. has agreed to switch its paint operations to powder-coating and electrostatic spraying. Efforts will result in a 69,600 pound reduction of volatile organic compound air emissions by the end of 2008. 

·       Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana, Franklin, Johnson County

Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana has agreed to reduce its non-hazardous waste generation by 35,425 gallons in its first year of membership by purchasing a machine to reclaim used oil. 

·       Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems, Lebanon, Boone County

A division of the Boler Company, Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems plans to reduce its solid waste by 96,346 pounds by the end of 2008, which is a 10 percent reduction from 2007,through implementing a recycling program for plastic, metal, and wood. 

·       Carrier Corporation, Indianapolis, Marion County

A division of United Technologies, Carrier Corporation will reduce its electricity consumption by 5,478,456 kilowatt hours by the end of 2009 through a lighting retrofit project. 

·       Madison Chemical Co., Inc., Madison, Jefferson County

Madison Chemical Co., Inc. has committed to reducing 17,800 pounds of phosphates sold in its products by the end of 2009 through formulation of non-phosphate containing products for customers.     

To become an ESP member, a business must maintain an exemplary compliance record, certify that they have adopted and implemented an approved environmental management system, and commit to specific measures for continued improvement in their environmental performance. 

ESP members qualify for expedited permit review, flexibility in permitting, reduced reporting frequencies, and coordination of compliance inspections. To maintain ESP membership, companies must report on their environmental initiatives every year and reapply for ESP membership every three years.

Source: IDEM

For details about the program, visit IDEM's Web site at http://www.idem.IN.gov/prevention/esp. 

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