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Original Date: 08/07/1995
Revision Date: 01/18/2007
Best Practice : Hazardous Material Management
In 1984, Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems (LMTAS) adopted a corporate goal of zero discharge of hazardous waste. This effort was motivated by the high cost of compliance and liabilities with environmental regulations. A proactive formal emissions remediation management program was established using a team approach to achieve the zero discharge goal. Initial baselines were established and plans were developed for hazardous waste elimination and elimination of underground tanks.
By 1987, goals and baselines were expanded to include a multimedia approach to pollution prevention. By 1988, an aggressive plan to reduce hazardous waste by 90% was well underway with 11 completed projects and 11 ongoing projects. The Air Force partnered with the company on facilities and research and development projects. In 1991, a formal Hazardous Material Management Program Office was established which adopted a goal-oriented approach to pollution prevention.
Metrics indicate progress in every major environmental area, and monthly and quarterly measurements are conducted with annual updates. The planning focus is on projects since projects can be tied to very specific goals. To date, more than 80 successful zero discharge projects have been completed. Examples of these projects include:
Waterborne Primer (1985)
High Energy Value Waste Segregation (1987)
Ultrafiltration of Non-recyclable Coolant (1988)
Mechanical Sealant Removal Process (1989)
Non-halogenated Substitutes for “Safety Solvent” (1990)
47 Closed Systems for Paint Gun Cleaning (1991)
Aqueous Degreaser (T-529 and T-530) (1992)
Low Vapor Pressure Cleanup Solvents (1992)
Reuse Hazardous Waste Drums (1993)
Spent Lead-Acid Battery Recycling (1994)
Mixed Paper Recycling (1997)
New Cooling Towers (1998)
High Efficiency Boilers (1999)
Pollution prevention initiatives have saved more than $40 million on hazardous waste disposal alone. LMTAS was selected from a field of 70 large technology companies to receive the Clean Texas 2000 1995 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence.
LMTAS continues to meet the environmental challenge by working with government and industry groups to help develop national environmental standards. The company is also working with the Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Group for Acquisition Pollution Prevention. Certification to ISO 14001 assures that the Hazardous Material Management Program remains focused on prevention of pollution and continual improvement. Sustained progress has produced major positive results and a strong team is in place and actively addressing remaining issues.
For more information see the
Point of Contact for this survey.
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