TUR Planner Course Session 1

Introduction to Toxics Use Reduction

and the Toxics Use Reduction Act

Objectives

After this module, you will be able to…

• Discuss the evolution and context for toxics use reduction (TUR)

• Understand the central role of planning in achieving TUR

• Differentiate between TUR and pollution control

• List the six TUR techniques, and discuss examples of how they can be implemented

What is TUR Toxics Use Reduction?

Toxics Use Reduction Act Definition*: In-plant changes in production processes or raw materials that reduce, avoid, or eliminate the use of toxic or hazardous substances or generation of hazardous byproducts per unit of product, so as to reduce risks to the health of workers, consumers, or the environment, with out shifting risks betweenworkers, consumers, or the environment. TUR shall be achieved through any of the six defined techniques.

*310 CMR 50.10

Definition of TUR: Key Points

• In-plant changes

• Reduce, avoid, or eliminate the use of toxic or hazardous substances or generation of hazardous byproducts

• Per unit of product

Definition of TUR: Key Points (continued)

• Reduce overall risks to workers, consumers, and the environment

• Without shifting risks

• Through TUR techniques

P2 and TUR

POLLUTION PREVENTION

Source

Reduction

Energy

Conservation

Resource

Conservation

Cleaner

Production

Toxics Use

Reduction

Forms of Pollution Control

Treatment

Waste

Minimization

Recycling

Energy

Recovery

Waste

Reduction

POLLUTION CONTROL

Treatment

Waste

Minimization

Recycling

Energy

Recovery

Waste

Reduction

POLLUTION CONTROL

Different Forms of Pollution Control

Pollution Prevention Hierarchy

Anticipatory

1. Prevention

4. Disposal

3. Treatment

2. Recycling

Reactionary

4. Prevention

1. Disposal

2. Treatment

3. RecyclingSHIFT

Context for TUR: Environmental Protection

Evolution

2000’s1970’s 1980’s 1990’s

Managementsystems,

stewardship

Control, treatment

and cleanup

Crisis management,liability, and

toxics

Pollution prevention,small business,

voluntary initiatives

TURA passed1989

First TUR Planner courseFirst TUR Plans written

1992

TUR goals achieved2000

Goals of TUR• 50% reduction in the generation of toxic by-

products by 1997 through TUR

• Establish TUR as the preferred means of regulatory compliance

• Sustain and promote the competitive position of Massachusetts industry

• Promote reduction in the production of toxic and hazardous substances

• Enhance and coordinate state agency enforcement of environmental laws

Did We Achieve the Goals?Total Use Production Adjusted

0.0

200.0

400.0

600.0

800.019

90

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Year

Mil

lio

ns

of

Po

un

ds

Did We Achieve the Goals?

Byproduct

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.019

90

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Year

Mil

lio

ns

of

Po

un

ds

Did We Achieve the Goals?

Shipped

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.019

90

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Year

Mil

lio

ns

of

Po

un

ds

Incentives for TUR

• Identifies potential cost savings

• Provides a systematic materials tracking program

• TUR planning methods can provide a foundation for future EMS or ISO programs

• Identifies process or chemical inefficiencies

The Six TUR Techniques

1. Input Substitution

2. Product Reformulation

3. Production Unit Redesign/Modification

4. Production Unit Modernization

5. Improved Operations and Maintenance

6. Recycling which is integral to the process

1. Input Substitution

• Replacing a toxic or hazardous substance or raw material used in a production unit with a non-toxic or less toxic substance.

Examples:– Substitute soy-based inks for petrochemical inks– Substitute vegetable-based fluids for oil-based cutting

fluids– Substitute non-toxic pigments for toxic ones.

2. Product Reformulation

• Reformulating or redesigning end products to be nontoxic or less toxic upon use, release or disposal

Examples:– Decrease the amount of solvent needed to

manufacture paint by switching to a high-solids formulation

– Introduce new product lines specifically designed to eliminate the use of toxic chemicals.

3. Production Unit Redesign or Modification

• Developing and using production units of a different design than those currently used.

Examples:– Upgrade tool and equipment quality to reduce off-

spec products– Install automatic thermostats or automatic flow

controls– Install high-performance nozzles, brushes, and

applicators to conserve coatings and reduce the number of reject products

4. Production Unit Modernization

• Upgrading or replacing existing production unit equipment and methods with equipment and methods of a more recent design.

Examples:– Install countercurrent rinsing systems to reclaim

process chemicals– Use air knives to blow solutions back into baths– Replace solvent-based paint strippers with

mechanical processes

5. Improved Operations and Maintenance

• Improved housekeeping, system adjustments, product/process inspections, or production unit control equipment or methods

Examples:– Institute employee training programs– Install splash guards and drip boards– Implement inventory control program to prevent

expiration of chemicals

6. Recycling(Integral to the Process)

• Recycling, reuse, or extended use of toxics by using equipment or methods which are integral to the production unit, including, but not limited to filtration and other closed loop methods.

Examples:– Capture and recycle cleaning solvents– Regeneration of acid instead of disposal of acid– Recycle and reuse spent rinse water– Distill and reuse solvent strippers

TUR Planning Process

• TUR Planners must translate the process into a workable plan

• Planning is cyclical

• Plan (First year)• Update (Every 2 years after)

Implement

Evaluate

Review

TUR Planning Process (cont.)

• Planning viewed as a continual improvement cycle

Implement

Evaluate

Review

Continual Improvement…

Modify

Evaluate

ReviewPlan

(year 0)

Update (year 2)