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MACTEC has assisted our clients in developing
cost-effective solutions to environmental issues
by applying long-term pollution prevention techniques
that reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants
at the source. MACTEC’s strategy has been
to thoroughly review all available pollution prevention
opportunities, estimate life-cycle costs, and
assist in implementing the most cost-effective
solutions. Included in these solutions is the
elimination of waste streams through the proper
management of materials and wastes.
Pollution Prevention
Opportunities
MACTEC has conducted pollution prevention opportunity
assessment studies for clients in order to identify
alternative solutions for reducing or eliminating
pollution before it is generated. Each process
under evaluation is divided into a discrete unit
operation and studied in detail. We note potential
improvements and opportunities to substitute products
or components. These measures are then researched
and evaluated for reasonableness and potential
for implementation.
Life-cycle Cost Analysis
Life-cycle assessment is used to evaluate the
impact of process changes upstream and downstream
of the affected area. It requires an understanding
of the sequence of the process steps including
development of material balances that quantify
the inputs of chemicals or other materials and
the output of products and waste materials. Without
this analysis, the displacement of certain pollutants
may cause new environmental burdens that show
up elsewhere.
Implementation of Pollution
Prevention Options
Studies are considered valuable tools to identify
and evaluate intended changes in processes---in
this case to reduce or eliminate pollution. However,
actual reductions come from the implementation
of recommended changes. MACTEC has implemented
a number of pollution prevention recommendations
that have resulted in real improvements to the
environment.
Material/Waste Management
MACTEC has managed hazardous materials and hazardous
wastes of many installations and has helped clients
save money by avoiding over-purchasing of materials
that end up as waste. We have also evaluated solid
and hazardous waste operations, characterized
waste streams and sought out recycling and waste
minimization options.
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