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Albuquerque 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 New Mexico small business has been recognized for its work in pollution prevention by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Theta Plate of Albuquerque 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.

"Theta Plate 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, Theta Plate recently won an Environmental Excellence Award from EPA Region 6 for its pollution prevention program. The nine employees have waged a campaign to become waste free. They have eliminated the use of chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs) which destroy the earth's ozone layer. Installing a state-of-the-art waste water treatment system has improved the firm's water discharges while reducing the system's water usage 25 percent. By recycling about 3,000 pounds of waste, Theta Plating is reducing landfill usage and preventing possible contamination of nearby groundwater.

"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.