“We appreciate that our innovative sustainability efforts have been recognized by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.”
Frank DiCristina, site manager of allnex Wallingford
Wallingford, Conn. (May 24, 2017) – Recognized for its holistic approach to sustainability, allnex has recently been selected as a finalist for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Green Circle Sustainability Awards. Its innovative efforts to reduce toxic release inventory (TRI) emissions as well as its commitment to transparency to the community were critical factors in their application.
“Over the past several years, we have dedicated a great deal of time and resources to reducing TRI emissions from our operations,” Frank DiCristina, site manager of allnex Wallingford, said. “In 2013, we issued a challenge to our site team to develop both short and long-term solutions to reduce emissions, and they delivered.”
The most significant contributor to the reduction of TRI was the installation of a floating cover on the site’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) equalization basin in late 2014. Over 300,000 plastic balls were put in place to reduce the evaporation of butanol, methanol and other TRI solvents from the basin. This effort alone reduced TRI emissions by over 30,000 pounds per year.
Supporting efforts included improving the sampling protocol for tracking TRI emissions, recycling a cost-prohibitive low concentration butanol distillate stream and improving sewer discharge controls. Automating operations of the WWTP was also an important improvement that resulted in better nutrient control to the biomass.
“We appreciate that our innovative sustainability efforts have been recognized by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection,” DiCristina said. “As the leading global producer of industrial coating resins, we are continually seeking opportunities to improve our operations that will result in further protection of our natural resources.”
The Green Circle Awards ceremony will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center on June 8th, 2017. Catherine Smith, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), will be the keynote speaker prior to the awards ceremony, which begins at 4:30 pm.
For more information about allnex’s efforts or this award, contact Frank DiCristina at frank.dicristina@allnex.com.
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