The DEQ recently was recognized by an International environmental group for its pollution prevention efforts.
The department was a 2012 North America Gold winner of the International Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practices by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-profit organization that recognizes, rewards, and promotes environmental best practices around the world.
The DEQ received the award in recognition of the pollution prevention achievements of its Retired Engineer Technical Assistance Program. The RETAP is recognized for its effectiveness in providing voluntary pollution prevention technical assistance to small businesses through on-site assessments with recommendations to eliminate waste, conserve resources, and increase process and energy efficiencies.
The RETAP has identified more than $40,000 in potential cost savings per assessment. On average, companies implement, or make plans to implement more than 70 percent of RETAP recommendations within two years of receiving their assessment report.
The RETAP conducts nearly 100 assessments each year. The assessments are free, confidential, non-regulatory and objective. Any business with 500 or fewer full-time employees in Michigan and institutions of any size may request a RETAP assessment.
For additional information about the RETAP, including how to receive a P2 and energy conservation assessment, go to www.michigan.gov/retap or contact David Herb at herbd@michigan.gov or 517-241-8176.