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Stillwater Business Recognized during Pollution Prevention Week

Release Date: 9/22/1997
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

A marine engines manufacturer has been recognized for its work in pollution prevention by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). MerCruiser Corp. of Stillwater, Oklahoma, was awarded a certificate of excellence during Pollution Prevention Week observances by EPA Region 6.

Since Pollution Prevention Week started at the grass roots level in 1992, the third week of September has become an opportunity for government agencies, businesses and community groups to highlight successful programs and emphasize the importance of pollution prevention.

"MerCruiser is an excellent example of applying effective common sense solutions to preserve our natural resources and to protect public health. Since 1970, pollution prevention efforts such as theirs have reduced lead levels in our children's blood by 70 percent and cut in half toxic emissions from industries," Region 6 Acting Administrator Jerry Clifford said.

Additionally, MerCruiser recently won an Environmental Excellence Award from EPA Region 6 for its pollution prevention program. Because the company recognized that the outdoor recreation industry depends upon a clean environment, MerCruiser has made a commitment to pollution prevention in all phases of production.

The company's program is centered around a strict review of all raw materials. New materials are carefully evaluated and must be approved by the Environmental Manager.

The amount of wasted paint has been greatly reduced by adopting innovative application processes. Waste products are evaluated for potential reuse. Aluminum scraps are separated and recycled into ingots. Cardboard is shredded and bailed and sold to recyclers instead of begin sent to a landfill. Machinery was added this summer to recycle chrome-bearing waste water from the parts pretreatment process.

The plant is on track to meet its 1997 goals of producing no hazardous solid waste, discharging no waste water into the sewer system and reducing its emissions by 50 percent from its 1992 baseline.

"Preventing pollution makes economic sense because it preserves our natural resources and eliminates the expense and liability of pollution cleanup. I urge everyone - citizen, business leader and government official alike - to make a commitment this week to prevent pollution," Mr. Clifford said.