P3ERIE, the Pollution Prevention Partnership for Environmental Responsibility In Erie, is an example of the local partnerships DEP strives to foster statewide. It is a network comprised of DEP, Erie area businesses, local universities and concerned individuals, to protect Lake Erie's delicate ecosystem and build support for pollution prevention techniques. In 1997, a public education campaign and practical projects were devised to reduce the amount of mercury and other persistent toxins used and released to the environment in the Lake Erie watershed through a multimedia pollution prevention approach. The partnership launched a successful campaign to convince area hospitals to implement a "zero mercury use" goal by the year 2000 and assisted with internal mercury audits for local area corporations.

In 1997, the Powdered Metals Initiative was launched to promote improved environmental performance through pollution prevention in the thriving powdered metals industry of Elk County. In conjunction with area technical service providers, DEP successfully reduced zinc emissions from sintering operations. It formed a roundtable for the industry, developed a system for environmental improvement and formed an ISO 14000/Environmental Management System work group. To make pollution prevention a permanent element in the powdered metals industry, OETD is developing an environmental awareness training program for technical staff and will introduce it directly into the curriculum of local technical and vocational schools.

In 1997, DEP, DuPont, PPG Industries, the Automotive Service Association and the spray equipment manufacturing sector hosted an environmental seminar and discussion panel at the industry's 25^th annual state trade show. Concerns regarding upcoming state regulations, waste minimization and best management practices were shared, and OETD showcased how high efficiency spray equipment reduces time, cost and emissions in the automotive sector.