The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Office of Energy and Technology Deployment (OETD) directly supports industrial, commercial, and institutional businesses working to conserve energy, reduce waste generation, and meet environmental obligations through the Site Assessment Program.  Since the program's inception in 1995, the broad environmental and technical experience of DEP staff has provided non-regulatory assistance to nearly 600 businesses.  Most recently, the creation of energy assessment teams in each regional office supports energy management decision-making for businesses by providing information about alternative and renewable energy options, markets, and technologies relative to process heating systems, lighting, steam systems, motors, pumps, compressed air and more.

Proactively enhance the environmental performance and efficiency of your business, and Pennsylvania, through the DEP Site Assessment Program.  Assessments are performed free of charge, are capable of identifying opportunities in small and large operations, and helps preserve natural resources through the wise and efficient use of raw materials.

What is a Site Assessment?
Site assessments provide an opportunity for businesses to improve operations and reduce costs through the application of sound energy management and waste reduction strategies.  Assessments are performed by a team of trained DEP staff, focus on evaluating primary waste generating and energy-intensive business operations, and result in a report offering strategies and suggestions for improved resource management.

Site assessments can be requested by any size business, are non-regulatory in nature, and are performed at no cost to the business other than for the investment of staff time hosting the event.  Businesses participating in a site assessment are under no obligation to implement suggestions resulting from the assessment.

Who is Eligible for a Site Assessment?
Any business -- industrial, commercial, or institutional -- may request site assessment services.  If applicable, the resolution of major unresolved compliance issues is required prior to scheduling an assessment.

What Benefits can Businesses Gain from Site Assessments?
Any non-productive loss of raw materials, including energy, is waste. The need to manage waste, even for recycling purposes, is cost intensive.  Applying strategies focused on minimizing loss will conserve energy, time, and money.

Improved handling of raw materials, material substitution, elimination of hazardous and toxic constituents, recycling in-process materials and material recovery, preventative maintenance programs, water re-circulation, improved housekeeping, and employee training are a few of the many opportunities for reducing waste generation and regulatory obligations.  Energy efficiency improvements nearing 20 percent can be attained in most businesses with added gains available through use-reduction, load shifting, equipment improvements, and the application of alternative and renewable energy technologies.

"Bottom line" benefits aside, many businesses also report:

•  An enhanced public image as being "environmentally responsible;"
•  Reduced regulatory requirements and satisfaction directly consulting DEP staff;
•  Increased product quality and competitiveness;
•  A more cooperative and process-involved workforce, and
•  Fewer complaints/better relations with neighbors.

The Site Assessment Team?
Site Assessment teams are composed of DEP staff from the regional or district office near your location.  With permissions, technical staff from Related Service Providers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Industrial Assessment Centers, or other support organizations can be incorporated into the team for improved service delivery.

Site Visit Success!! A P2E2 Site Visit Success is highlighted in the DEP weekly newsletter. Click here to view it.

Spotlight on a Site Visit Suggestion: Routine replacement of parts washer solvent can be costly. Newer parts washer technologies can eliminate the generation of waste solvent. High flash and water-based cleaners can replace the use of petroleum solvents that become hazardous waste. Keeping parts washer lids closed, and not running, between uses minimizes employee exposure to solvent fumes and the escape of fumes into the environment. Be sure to turn your parts washer off when not in use. This simple "flip of a switch" saves both energy and reduces the amount of makeup solvent needed due to the exacerbated evaporation of the washer solvent when continuously cycled. To see an example of a running, unattended parts washer Click Here.

Spotlight on a Site Visit Suggestion: The changing and disposal of paint filters can be costly. Some facilities have gone to reusable coating booth filters. It is recommended that tested be completed to insure effectiveness. If successful, you will significantly reduce the purchase and generation of disposable filter material. The filters can be easily cleaned with specially designed hand tools and/or a broom. To see an example of paint filters being cleaned Click Here.