ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS PROGRAM Dawn Hottenroth, Bureau of Environmental Services Debra Taevs,...

ECO-LOGICAL BUSINESS PROGRAM

Dawn Hottenroth, Bureau of Environmental ServicesDebra Taevs, Pollution Prevention Resource Center

What is the Eco-Logical Business Program(ELB)?

Recognizes businesses that voluntarily exceed compliance

Utilizes a multi-agency, multi-media approach through P2O Team

P2O Team = 7 local agencies, DEQ and PPRC Focus = small businesses providing services to the

public Landscape /Automotive Services: few regulations,

yet potential significant cumulative impact

Who are the members of the P2O Team? CITY OF PORTLAND CLEAN WATER SERVICES OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CITY OF GRESHAM CLACKAMAS COUNTY - WATER ENVIRONMENT SERVICE WASHINGTON COUNTY METRO CITY OF TROUTDAL E POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARC CENTER (PPRC)

Key Features of ELB Program

Participants must meet all legal and program requirements AND 80% of “elective” BMPs

Certified businesses receive a “green sticker” and other marketing materials

Local trade associations are partners in developing and marketing program

P2O first provides T.A., followed by certification visit.

Benefits to Business Participants

Free recognition for your hard work. Can be press, web, paid advertisement, and community event recognition.

Referrals from the Metro information line, Eco-biz web page, Anti-Ivy League and other resources to your business.

Free technical assistance and environmental problem resolution from agency staff there on a strict “help only” mandate.

Benefits for Agencies Pollution control without having to go to a more

regulatory approach – i.e. permitting. Avoidance of negative public perception of

participating businesses. Show that businesses are partners in solving

environmental problems. Secondary focus on role of residential consumer.

What sectors are part of the Eco-Logical Business Program?

Automotive; Auto Body, Repair, Dealerships, Fleets, Car Washes 120 Certified Businesses

Landscaping 18 Certified Businesses

Future Sectors? Dentists? Dry Cleaners? Restaurants? Other??

Typical Best Management Practices for Landscapes

Integrated Pest Management Proper Site Evaluation Water Use and Energy Efficiency Materials Management Control of Wastes Customer and Staff Education

Integrated Pest Management

Right plant right place.

Establishing IPM plans for all sites

Use of activities with least environmental impact.

Site Evaluation Site uses. Slope, soil and drainage

issues. Desired level of

maintenance. Plant establishment and

irrigation zones. Alternative plant, paving

or construction materials.

Water and Energy Use Moving to higher

efficiency systems. Doing audits. Having trained and

certified staff. Redesign for

efficiency.

Naturescaped yard

Materials Management Vehicle Oils or

Fuels and other Chemicals. Contain Materials,

Leaks and Spills Have Spill Kits Cover / Seal

Containers

Control of Wastes

Erosion control Concrete slurries

control Wood wastes Site cleanup Vehicle and

equipments washing controls

Employee and Customer EducationFor Self / Staff:

MSDS Sheets. Recycling procedures. Spill response and

reporting.For Customers

Tolerance levels for pests.

Alternative methods of pest control.

Retrofit possibilities.

Potential EcoBiz Impacts on 737 Listed Chemicals

Pesticides Herbicides Fungicides Chemical fertilizers Solvents Oils

What Can You Do? Check out

www.ecobiz.org certification related materials.

Keep in touch with your trade group for more information.

Questions?