Governor Recognizes Lear Corporation's Wauseon Facility for Outstanding Pollution Prevention Efforts

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(Columbus, 10/27/99) Governor Bob Taft today presented an award for Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention to Lear Corporation's Wauseon Facility, Wauseon.

"Lear's Wauseon Facility has demonstrated how pollution prevention provides a common sense approach to protecting Ohio's environment by saving the company money and protecting Ohio's natural resources for future generations," said Governor Taft. "I commend them for their achievements."

Lear Corporation's Wauseon Facility is recognized for:

• implementing process and material improvements to minimize waste of any adhesive material used in producing interior door panels;

• reducing air emissions by 87 percent and the amount of hazardous waste disposed by 95 percent;

• reducing hazardous waste disposal costs by more than 90 percent;

• eliminating employees' exposure to methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, hexane and other potentially harmful solvents; and

• saving more than $100,000 in raw material expenses alone.

Criteria for selection of the Governor's Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention include: the overall effort to reduce waste at the source, or recycle or recover materials; the program's innovation, cost effectiveness, and environmental benefits; ability of the program to serve as a model for others; and effectiveness in promoting prevention as the preferred long-term approach. In addition, the efforts should be voluntary and in advance of regulatory requirements, and the nominee should have a good environmental compliance record.

The Governor's Awards have been coordinated by Ohio EPA for 13 years to demonstrate how pollution prevention can be good for both the environment and business.