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SUSTAtNABLE TECHNOLOGY DIVISION SYSTEMS ANALYSIS BRANCH

FDEP I Waste Management Pollution Pr ntion Program Library No.EPDI) -&%

LBO

June 20, 1997

TOOLS FOR POLLUTION PREVENTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

National Risk Management Research Laboratory Sustainable Technology Division

Systems Analysis Branch

INTRODUCTION

This 'Toolbox'' contains a description of ten pollution prevention/environmental analysis tools being developed by the Systems Analysis Branch of EPA's National Risk Management Research Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio. The purpose of the tools is to assist users in preventing pollution and reducing environmental impacts and costs. The "tools" described here include computer-based programs as well as methodologies and conceptual frameworks within which to operate to reduce pollution, environmental impact, and costs.

The Toolbox is divided into five sections:

Section 1 provides a list of the tools, their purposes in general terms, and the page number (in Section 5) on which the detailed description of the tool can be found.

Section 2 is a chart identifying the tool, its purpose, the source of input data needed to use the tool, whether the tool classifies environmental impacts by categories, whether it quantifies impacts, whether the user can weight the impact categories to customize the tool for site-specific application, and what is the output of the tool.

Section 3 is a chart giving a synopsis of the steps involved in using each tool or functions served by the tool in the following categories: inventory (inputs/outputs or mass balance of materials inserted by the user or provided by the tool); impact analysis (if/how the tool determines environmental impact); improvement analysis (if/how the tool suggests improvements or less impacting alternatives); and limitations of the tool or caveats on its use.

Section 4 is an example of a "trouble-shooting chart" to help in deciding what tool would be most appropriate for a given situation. In many cases, more than one tool could be used or tools could be used in conjunction with others, but for purposes of this chart, only the most applicable tool is listed.

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Section 5 is a detailed description of each tool that includes the following:

WHAT is the tool? WHY should it be used?/ Why was it developed? WHO should use it? WHERE should it be used?/ Where can the tool be obtained? WHEN should it be used? HOW should it be used? / How does it work? STATUS of the tool at this point and future directions. POC (EPA point of contact) for more information about the tool

As tools are refined and new tools added, this Toolbox will be continually updated. Any questions or comments on the Toolbox should bembmitted to Terri Hoagland, Leader, Tools Integration for Sustainable Development Team, (5 13) 569-7783, FAX: (513) 569-7111, E-mail; hoagland.theresa@epamail.epa.gov. Questions on individual tools should be directed to the point of contact (POC) identified for each tool. It is best to establish initial contact with the EPA POC by fax or e-mail whenever possible.

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SECTION 1 - TOOL NAME. GENERAL PURPOSE, AND LOCATION OF DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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TOOL

PAWS Ir Program for Assisting in the Replacement of Industrial Solvents

WAR Chemical Process Simulation for Waste Reduction

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TRACI Tool for Reduction and Assessment of Chemical Impacts

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P2P (Mark 11) Pollution Prevention Progress

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LCA Life Cycle Assessment

PAM Production Adjusted Measurement of Pollution Prevention

PPOA Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment ~~

P2 Factors

P2Tools

ISP2 Information System for Pollution Prevent ion

PURPOSE

Computer program for solvent substitution or design

Algorithm for impacts analysis in chemical process simulation

Quantification of human health and ecological impacts of chemicals

Computer program for characterization of chemical pollutants and energy use

Methodology for identifylng and quantibing all impacts associated with a product, process, or activity life-cycle

Statistical methodology for selecting the correct unit of product to measure pollution prevention

Methodology for doing materials balance to identify wastes and P2 options

Indicator of the general degree of environmental improvement resulting from implementing a P2 activity

Prototype computer program that integrates several tools (PPOA, P2P, ISP2 and Total Cost Assessment)

Computer program that estimates the quantity and cost of waste generation

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SECTION 2 - TOOL PURPOSE AND GENERAL FEATURES -

NAME

PARIS I i

WAR

TRACI

P2P Mark I1

LCA

PAM

U

Yes

Yes

Computer program for solvent substitution or design

Yes Yes Most cost effective process with least impact

potential impacts per chemical

Yes Yes "Score" of

Algorithm for impacts analysis in chemical process simulation

Measures outputs (User provides inputs)

Quantification of human health and ecological impacts of chemicals

on impacts per life cycle stage

Unit of product to use to measure pollution

No No No

Computer program for characterization of chemical pollutants and energy use

Methodology for identifying and quantifying all impacts associated with a product, process, or activity life-cycle

Statistical methodology for selecting the correct unit of product to measure pollution prevention

Identifies or Measures Inputs and/or outputs

User provided

Process simulator provided

User provided

output of emissions impacts weight the tool by impact impact categories categories

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User I Reports

1 provided I

Yes I Yes I Yes I Yes Information

NAME

PPOA

P2 Factors

P2Tools

ISP2

Classifies emissions by impact categories

PURPOSE Quantifies Values (user Impacts can weight

impact categories)

Identifies or Measures Inputs and/or OUtDUtS

Methodology for doing materials balance to identify wastes and P2 options

Indicator of the general degree of environmental improvement resulting from implementing a P2 activity

Prototype computer program that integrates several tools (PPOA, P2P, ISP2 and Total Cost Assessment)

Computer program that estimates the quantity and cost of waste generation.

User provided

User provided

User provided

User provided

3utput of the tool

P2 Options

P2 "score"

Information on wastes and costs ~~

Estimate of wastes and costs

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SECTION 3 - SYNOPSIS OF HOW EACH TOOL WORKS AND ITS LIMITATIONS

PARIS

WAR

TRACI

INVENTORY (IN PUTS/ 0 UTP UTS)

User inputs chemical :omposition of solvent, operating conditions, and the tolerance ranges for solvent parameters (including the environmental parameters).

The process simulator identifies inpu tsloutpu ts throughout the plant's processes and calculates the waste generated per hour.

~~

User identifies chemical outputs (emissions).

IMPACT ANALYSIS

Environmental Index (€1) based on TRACI. Calculation of the E1 includes a user-inserted weighting factor ( I - 10) applied to the six TRACI impact categories. Also calculates an Air Index (E1 x Fugacity).

Calculates the Pollution Index per unit of product, Calculation of the pollution index includes a user-inputted weighting factor applied to nine impact categories.

Based on a normalized potency factor and the chemical emissions data, quantifies the environmental impact of the emissions in six impact categories.

IMPROVEMENT ANALYSIS

Ranked list of solvents based on how close they came to meeting the specified criteria.

When pollution-reducing changes are made in the process, the pollution index is recalculated. The process is reoeated until a process flowsheet that is economically and environmentally acceptable is obtained.

With user- inpu tted weighting factors, provides an overall impact "score" per chemical. Can compare or rank chemicals based on this score.

LIMITATIONS/ CAVEATS

Ranking includes non- environmental parameters, so does not necessarily give an 'environmental preferable" ranking. Does not address all life- cycle stages of impact.

Impacts are limited to the chemical emissions occurring within the process being simulated (not all life-cycle stages).

Non-chemical stressors, such as resource depletion and pathogens are not included. Now covers 260 chemicals, but will soon cover 4,000.

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P2P

LCA

PAM

PPOA

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INVENTORY (INPUTS/OUTPUTS)

User inputs "before and ifter" amounts of chemical inputs and outputs and identifies which of eight life cycle stages and which media (air, water, soil) are affected.

User identifies mass and energy inputs and outputs associated with a product, process, or activity occurring within all life- cycle stages. Includes chemical and non- chemical stressors.

Through graphical and statistical analysis, evaluates the unit-of- product that is correlated with the waste or chemical usage being targeted for reduction.

Entry forms to help user determine snapshot-in- time of mass and energy inputs and outputs for a mocess or facility.

IMPACT ANALYSIS

Classifies 2800 pollutants (chemical emissions) in 22 impact classes. Also highlights potential regulatory impacts.

Depends on goal and scope of the study. No specific method of impact analysis is specified.

Technical, economic, and environmental feasibility analysis, but no specific analysis method specified.

IMPROVEMENT ANALYSIS

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Several reports indicate results of the amounts and types pollution generated before and after the P2 change is made.

May depend on method of impact assessment used. Information is given to decision-maker to use as appropriate.

User compares waste or chemical usage per unit- of- product before/after a P2 change.

P2 options identified, based on technical, economic, environmental feasibility analyses.

LIMITATIONS/ CAVEATS

aark I1 version does not nclude potency factors )r ability to weight

irrive at one overall ;core. Mark 111 will do both, in part through the use of TRACI.

categories and

Standard methodologies for impact and improvement analyses are not established. Aggregation of site- specific data or disaggregation of sys tern - wide data is problematic.

Verifies the P2 changes that actually resulted in a reduction of wastes, but does not identify or measure impacts.

Snapshot- in- t ime at a process or facility level.

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P2 Factors

P2Tools

. ISP2

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INVENTORY (INPUTWOUTPUTS)

User develops stressor- impact chains based on changes expected to occur in any life cycle stage as a result of the P2 change being contemplated.

User provides inputs, product, wastes, and waste management costs.

User inputs the quantity and costs of raw and other input materials.

IMPACT ANALYSIS

Provides impact scores based on impact criteria (scale of 1-9) for 25 potential impact categories. Where no specific criteria are available, uses a "relative to the norm" scale.

Provides material, cash flow and environmental impact. (Uses P2P impact analysis).

IMPROVEMENT ANALYSIS

Ratio of summed scores for all impact categories after/before P2. A score higher than 1.0 indicates a reduction in environmental impact.

Weighted sums decision matrix.

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Based on a mathematical model, the quantity and cost of waste generation is estimated.

LIMITATIONS/ CAVEATS

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Preliminary screening methodology only. Gives equal weight to each impact category. Does not do a sensitivity analysis to determine if scores are significantly different. Does not consider multiple P2 changes.

Prototype only. Impact analysis based on Mark I version of P2P.

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Does not address impacts.

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SECTION 4 - "TROUBLE SHOOTING" CHART TO IDENTIFY THE MOST APPLICABLE TOOL

Example of a "Trouble Shooting" Chart

I do not know what or how much pollution is occurring at my facility.

of that pollution is costing me.

I don't know what environmental or cost information I need or how to analyze it.

to make sure the change won't result in the release of an air pollutant, particularly one that may be regulated.

I want to compare the relative impacts of different chemical emissions from my plant so I can concentrate my resources on the "worst" chemicals from an environmental standpoint.

I want to compare the amount of pollution I generated this year with what I produced last year.

I know that pollution is occurring, but not specifically where within the process or how much management

I want to make a change in how I produce my product, but my plant is in a non-attainment area and I want

Problem/Need/Situation I Tool to Use

PPOA

ISP2

P2Tools

P2P

TRACI

PAM

I want to use a more environmentally friendly solvent that will require as little change to my existing equipment and operation as necessary.

PARIS

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1 want to design a production plant that is most efficient and has the least environmental impact.

I want a quick idea of whether a contemplated P2 change is less environmentally impacting from a life cycle standpoint.

1 want to make sure I'm not shifting the pollution or impacts to other media or other times.

WAR

P2 Factors

LCA

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SECTION 5 - DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EACH TOOL (WHA . T W H Y W H . 0, WHERE. WHEN. HOW. STATUS. POC)

PARIS I1 - Program for Assisting the Replacement of Industrial Solvents .

WHAT PARIS I1 is a computer-based tool to facilitate the replacement of environmentally objectionable industrial solvents by designing more benign replacement solvents or solvent mixtures. The computer program generates a short list of recommended replacement solvents or mixtures. Based on user input of desired solvent properties, identifies (and ranks) one or more chemicals or mixtures that have (or are close to having) those properties. The present version incorporates the environmental impacts of the selected chemicals using data and methods from TRACI.

WHY: The substitution or design of solvents or solvent mixtures to replace environmentally objectionable ones requires the consideration of several parameters, compositions, and performance requirements as well as associated environmental impacts. PARIS I1 was developed to provide a computer aided method to accomplish this task.

WHO: PARIS 11 can be used by the designer or producer of solvents or by the solvent user or decision-maker to evaluate the effectiveness and environmental impacts of solvent substitutes or to develop custom solvents to meet specific needs based on chemical properties and environmental considerations.

. WHERE: PARIS 11 can be used at the industrial design or production site or at the operational site where solvents are used.

WHEN: It can be used at the solvent design stage or at the production or use stages where alternative solvents or mixtures are desired.

I HOW: The user provides inputs (chemical composition of the solvent the user wishes to substitute or design and the tolerance ranges for each parameter provided by the program. These tolerance ranges indicate how close the user wants the substitute or new solvent to be in terms of physical properties, including an air and an environmental index. The Environmental Index includes a combined "score" from TRACI's six impact categories. The user weights the six categories (1-10 with 5 being the default). The air index is calculated by multiplying the environmental index of each chemical by its fugacity, which is a measure of that chemical's tendency to evaporate. The user can also change the desired physical properties. The result is identification of a solvent that is within the tolerance ranges specified for the various parameters, including the air and the environmental index. Where more than one solvent or mixture meets the criteria, they are ranked in order of how well they met the criteria. Since the criteria include more than the environmental index, the ranking does not necessarily represent a rank of the most environmentally preferable substitutes.

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STATUS: A preliminary version of the program is now operational and is undergoing initial testing in the laboratory. Public release of PARIS I1 is expected in 1997.

POC for PARIS 11: Heriberto Cabezas, Tel: 5 13-569-7350 FAX: 5 13-569-71 1 1 E-mail: cabezas.heriberto@epamail.epa.gov

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WAR - Chemical Process Simulation for Waste Reduction

WHAT: A general methodology for designing or modifying manufacturing processes to reduce their environmental signature. Present developments are oriented to the chemical, pharmaceutical, and related industries. Future developments will incorporate applications to other industries, such as textiles and electronics. The present version incorporates an estimation of chemical impacts into chemical process simulation models. In the present version, the estimation of chemical impacts or pollution index is used to estimate the environmental and health impacts of the waste produced per unit mass of product.

WHY: In traditional manufacturing process design, attention is focused primarily on minimizing cost while the environmental impact of a process is often overlooked, potentially resulting in large quantities of waste material. Using WAR, it is possible to modify the process to reduce the generation of wastes and their environmental impact while still reducing cost, resulting in a more "sustainable" process.

WHO: In the present version, chemical, pharmaceutical, and related manufacturers, simulation model developers, or users of such a model who wish to identify the impacts generated as a result of the production scheme being analyzed. Future versions will include other industrial sectors as noted above. These impacts are for a point-in-time, not life-cycle impacts.

WHERE: Used within a process simulation model.

WHEN: modification.

WAR is most useful at the process or facility design stages or for process

HOW: The process simulator identifies inputs and wastes throughout the process. WAR takes the waste& times the environmental index divided by the waste/hr per unit of product to give a normalized calculation of the pollution index (or impact) per unit-of-product:

STATUS: The mathematical basis of the WAR algorithm including the chemical impact estimation has been established, the database of chemical environmental impacts has been created, and a computer algorithm for incorporating the WAR methodology into chemical process simulators has been developed. The first version of WAR will be integrated into the commercial simulator ChemCAD. The software is expected to be publicly available in 1997.

POC for WAR: Heriberto Cabezas, Tel: 513-569-7350 FAX: 513-569-71 11 E-mail: cabezas . heribertoaepamail . epa . gov

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TRACI - Tool for Reduction and Assessment of Chemical Impacts

WHAT: A computerized methodology and accompanying database necessary to support environmental decision making using a comprehensive, multi-media approach to potential impact modeling. Currently the following potential impacts may be modeled: stratospheric ozone depletion, global warming, acidification, photochemical oxidation, human health, and environmental health. Potential impacts .may be maintained independently, or may be normalized to a common scale and combined into a consistent decision making framework by using relative weighting factors from the valuation process.

WHY: Chemical impact assessment is a necessary and important step in many environmental decisions, but can only provide a scientifically defensible decision point if the methodologies, analytical tools, and data quality .are sophisticated enough to truly quantify the relative potential impacts of various options. Whether the problem involves decision making related to process design, product marketing claims, or continuous environmental improvement, one basic question arises: "What is the relative environmental impacts of the choices that are being presented?" This program seeks to answer this question with the most comprehensive approach and the highest currently

product selection,

. available sophistication level.

WHO: TRACI can be used by chemical or process/product designers, producers, or users, or by decision-makers to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with chemical emissions.

. WHERE: TRACI can be applied to any or all of the life cycle stages where chemical emissions occur including: manufacturing and processing, transportation, packaging, and disposal. It may also be used to quantify impacts where chemical emissions are a result of a specified activity (e.g., energy use).

WHEN: m C I can be applied to any situation in which chemical emissions are known and the quantification of potential impacts is desired. TRACI can be used to support environmental decision making in areas such as process design, product selection or continuous environmental improvement. TRACI can also be incorporated into other environmental decision making software such as: process simulation software (e.g., WAR) and solvent substitution software (e.g., PARIS) or may be used in combination with other tools (e.g., cost engineering).

HOW. The user quantifies the chemical emissions resulting from the subject activity. Using the system, the user can then input the emissions and determine the potential impacts in individual categories, or may normalize potential impact categories to a common scale using the normalization technique developed for the system, and combine impact categories into consistent decision making framework by using relative weighting factors from the valuation process.

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STATUS: A preliminary version of TRACI is currently under development for PCs and is being used for internal purposes. Following additional documentation and development, a public release of the first version of TRACI is expected in late 1997.

A future edition of TRACI (TRACI 2000) will increase the sophistication.leve1 for the determination of human and environmental health effects, acidification, and photochemical oxidation and will increase the understanding of the uncertainties involved in the calculations. Currently human and environmental health potential calculations are consistent with a SETAC Level 3 assessment (Le., toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation). Future versions will use more sophisticated multi-media and exposure pathway modeling.

POC for TRACI: Jane C. Bare, Phone: 513-569-7513 FAX: 513-569-7111 E-mail: bare.jane@epamail.epa.gov

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P2P - Pollution Prevention Progress

WHAT: P2P is a computer program developed to quantify the progress achieved by implementing €2 projects. It provides a way of organizing/structuring information concerning the amounts of pollution before and after changes in product design, reformulation, or replacement and displays the differences in such a way that judgements can better be made as to the amounts and types of pollution prevented (or increased). Based on user-provided data regarding "before" and "after" amounts of chemical inputs and outputs, the program produces a variety of reports which describe P2 accomplished with respect to life cycle stages; media affected; "categories" of pollution impact (human health, use impairment/ecological and disposal capacity); and 22 subsets of the categories, termed "classes"(e.g. ,toxic organics; global warmers; solid wastes). It also provides reports regarding EPA regulations applicable to the various pollutants. P2P is for advisory purposes only. Information included in P2P's database includes judgements regarding impact categories and regulatory applicability (under which regulation(s) a chemical could be regulated) and does not constitute an official EPA position.

WHY: The P2P methodology is intended to assist users in decisions regarding implementation oE individual pollution prevention projects and help them assess the progress made from past actions. The overview of environmental gains and losses which P2P provides should be helpful in this regard.

WHO: Unlike "macro-scale" tools (such as TRI) which measure pollution on an area-wide, industry-wide, or facility-wide basis, P2P is a micro-scale tool to be used for assessing pollution changes following redesigdreformulation of a specific product. The tool should be used by those wishhg to judge the pros and cons of alternatives under consideration.

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WHERE: The program allows the user to examine €2 occurring at any or all of eight life-cycle stages (raw materials acquisition and handling; materials manufacture; manufacturing, processing, and/or formulating; packaging and distribution; use; maintenancehepair; recycling; and disposal) but which is attributable to decisions made or actions taken during the product's design stage.

WHEN: P2P is intended to provide a general overview of the amounts and types of pollution prevented (or increased) as a result of implementing a product change. Classification of pollutants within the impact classes is currently limited to "yes" (e.g.,we believe it is a global warmer), "no" (e.g., we do not believe it is an aquatic toxicant) or "unknown" (e.g., it is unclear whether it is a toxic organic). Furthermore, P2P does not currently provide a means for ranking/weighting the 22 impact classes relative to each other.

HOW: P2P measures progress on a chemical-by-chemical basis. The user must be able to quantify the various pollutants generated for both the original product and modified (e.g.,

~ redesigned, reformulated) product, including the constituents of both products which will ultimately become pollutants when the product is discarded. For each life-cycle stage to be

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evaluated, the pollutants which are generated must be known or estimated. The media into which they are released must be known as well.

For P2P to produce its reports, information must exist in P2P's database for the pollutants involved. The database includes currently information for 2800 compounds, representing most of the pollutants subject to EPA regulation as well as several hundred non-regulated pollutants. If a user is dealing with a pollutant not present in the database, the user will be prompted to enter the needed data.

STATUS: The Mark I1 version of P2P has been developed and has undergone beta testing and is scheduled for release in June 1997. The improvements over the Mark I version include: a data base of almost 3,000 chemicals; an ability to search the database by CAS numbers and synonyms; an ability to deal with incompletely-classified pollutants; and an ability to report regulatory impact.

Following release of Mark 11, a Mark I11 version will be initiated. Planned improvements in the Mark 111 include: development of a windows-based p2P program; expansion of capabilities

. to include other types of P2 projects (going beyond product redesign, reformulation, or replacement); accounting for "potencies" of pollutants with respect to environmental and human health impacts; incorporating P2 costs so that "€2 per unit-cost" can be reported; including the ability to add and delete classes; and adding the ability to weight classes and calculate aggregate impacts. Where appropriate, data available through TRACI will be incorporated into EP ' s database.

POC for P2P Gregory J. Carroll, Phone: 513-569-7948 FAX: 513-569-7111 E-mail: carroll. gregoryaepamail. epa . gov

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LCA - Life Cycle Assessment

WHAT: LCA is a systematic method for identifying, evaluating, and minimizing the environmental consequences of resource usage and environmental releases associated with a product, process, or package. LCA takes a comprehensive approach by analyzing'the entire life- cycle, which includes four stages: (1) raw materials acquisitions; (2) manufacturing, (3) use/reuse/maintenance; and (4) recycle/waste management.

LCA identifies the mass and energy inputs and outputs for an industrial system in an effort to identify their possible environmental relevance and significance. Life Cycle Impact Assessment goes beyond a single individual unit operation to encompass a cradle-to-grave perspective. The selection and quantification of impacts are not standard, but depend on the goal and scope of the LCA study.

WHY: The purpose of conducting an LCA is to avoid shifting pollution from one media to another or from one life-cycle stage to another. Although no one decision-maker or stakeholder has control over the entire life cycle of a product, process, or activity, the environmental impacts potentially affect everyone and should be considered at every stage. In addition, upGream or downstream impacts may ultimately affect the availability and costs of resources and materials.

WHO: LCA is useful to individuals who are interested in identifying impacts that may be occurring in other parts of the industrial system and to policy makers in the development of

. laws and regulations. This approach is of special interest to companies to strategically evaluate their position in reference to the rest of the system. Such a broad scope can be very data intensive and lead to expensive studies. However, LCA identifies when changes to any part of the system simply shifts environmental burdens to other parts of the system or to other media.

WHERE: The life cycle concept should be employed in any product or process development or design activity. At times it may be used as a screening tool to help the user determine if impacts outside the facility may occur if a given improvement is made to the product or process.

WHEN: LCA has a spectrum of applications. The identification of "environmentally-friendly " products has been highlighted in the past, but there are less controversial applications. LCA is most beneficial when applied at the product or process design stage before the impacts are created. However, if the product or process is new, it is harder to model a system that does not yet exist. Existing systems are easier to model, but then the opportunities to effect improvements are more limited.

HOW: Life cycle thinking should be applied by industry as well as government to analyze in a systematic way the overall effects of pollution prevention. Several large corporations, such as P&G and TetraPak, find this type of approach necessary in their operations. Due to the lack

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of good available data for "upstream and downstream" stages, the use of LCA is limited to using surrogate and aggregated data which may or may not accurately reflect the status of the industries. This is particularly a problem for smaller companies which do not have the resources for extensive data gathering. In government, LCA should be applied in the development of regulations and policies to ensure overall environmental improvement as well.

Conducting an LCA consists of goal definition and scoping; inventory; impact analysis; and improvement analysis. The goal definition and scoping defines the purpose of the study, expected product, boundaries, and assumptions. This largely dictates the type of data collected and impacts considered for further analysis. In the inventory phase, the resource use, energy, use, and environmental releases throughout the life cycle are identified. This includes all energy needs and all releases associated with raw material acquisition, transportation, material manufacture, product manufacture, packaging, distribution, use, and disposal. Once the inputs and outputs of the system are identified, an impact assessment is performed. The impact assessment attempts to classify, characterize, and value all releases and energy uses identified in the inventory. Classification entails assigning (and possibly aggregating) inventory inputs and outputs to impact categories or groupings. Characterization attempts to describe how inventory items contribute to environmental impacts within the impact categories or groupings, and valuation is the assignment of values or weights to different impacts or impact categories to establish the relative importance of multiple impacts. Valuation also allows integration of all impact categories. The last stage is improvement analysis in which alternatives are suggested to reduce or eliminate impacts identified in this process.

There are several methods, computer programs, and models for addressing environmental impacts, many of which could be applied on a life-cycle basis.

STATUS: LCA is an evolving methodology. An LCA inventory methodology was published in 1993 (Life Qcle Assessmentlnventory Guidelines and Principles, EPA 600/R-92/245. Also, see Curran, Mary Ann, Environmental Life Cvcle Assessment, McGraw-Hill, 1996. Work at this time is focusing on LCA impact assessment.

POC for LCA: Mary Ann Curran, Tel: 513-569-7782 FAX: 513-569-71 11 E-mail: curran.maryann.@epamail .epa. gov Ken Stone, Tel: 513 569-7474 FAX: 513 569-7111 E-mail: stone.keneth@epamail.epa.gov

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PAM - Production Adjusted Measurement of P2

WHAT: Production Adjusted Measurement of P2 is a methodology for applying statistical and graphical tools to assess the accuracy of the factors (called units-of-product) used to adjust ("normalize") P2 measures. Graphical analysis is used to qualitatively assess a unit-of- product, while regression analysis is used to quantitatively evaluate a unit-of-product. PAM is used to produce a normalized measurement of wastes (or in some cases chemical usage) to determine if pollution has been prevented or if the reduction (or increase) is due to other factors, such as a change in production levels.

If a facility has made no pollution prevention improvements, adjusted P2 measures should show no change in waste generation per unit-of-product. If successful pollution prevention changes have been implemented, adjusted figures should show a decrease in waste generation per unit-of-product.

WHY: Facilities reporting under the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) are required to report releases in terms of a production adjusted factor ("production or activity-ratio" or "unit-of- product") to allow for year to year comparisons of waste generation adjusted to levels of production. Also, to accurately measure the success of implementing a P2 change, the "before and after" levels of pollution or waste must be accurately measured. Unless a production-adjusted measurement is used, the results can be misleading (for example, wastes are reduced because production was down, not because a P2 change was successful).

WHO: Production manager, decision-maker, or TRI reporter.

WHERE: In its present state, PAM is most useful for production-oriented facilities; however, it can be modified to consider activity-based situations, as well.

WHEN: This process is valuable when reporting on p2 progress, such as TRI reports or in evaluating a P2 change. PAM can also be used to determine if chemical use is correlated with waste, such that "pollution" and its avoidance could be measured by the differences in chemical usage, which is often easier to quantify than wastes.

HOW. In the PAM methodology, two analyticai methods are used to determine if a chosen unit-of-product is well correlated to waste generation-graphical analysis and regression analysis. Graphical analysis is used to qualitatively assess a unit-of-product. Graphical analysis methods include preparing histograms, time-series plots, and scatter plots. Graphical analysis is also a preliminary step when performing regression analysis. Regression analysis is used to evaluate a unit-of-product quantitatively. Regression analysis involves calculations to determine the degree of correlation between chemical and production data. A five step process is used: (1) process description; (2) identify and collect time-consistent data; (3) graphical analysis; (4) regression analysis; and ( 5 ) repetition.

STATUS: The methodology and five case studies of its application is fully described in

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Developing and Using Production-Adjusted Measurement of Pollution Prevention, EPA 600/R- 97/048, scheduled for publication in July 1997.

POC for PAM: Terri Hoagland, Tel: 513 569-7783 FAX: 513 569-71 11 E-mail: hoagland.theresa@epamail.epa.gov

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PPOA - Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment

WHAT A PPOA is a methodology or framework for providing basic information on sources of pollution within a facility. The PPOA process consists of three phases: (1) Planning and Organization, which includes PPOA team organization and goal setting; (2) Assessment, which includes a careful review of a facility’s operations and waste streams and the identification and screening of potential options to reduce waste; (3) Feasibility Analysis, including an evaluation of the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of the options selected and subsequent ranking of options.

WHY. Many facility managers are not aware of the sources of the pollution generated within the facility or the potential changes that could be made to reduce or eliminate that pollution. A PPOA provides a framework for collecting and analyzing this information, resulting in potential P2 options for improvement.

WHO: The facility manager should oversee the PPOA; however, individual process-owners within the facility must also be involved, because they know and understand the process better than anyone.

WHERE: A PPOA can be conducted at any level and can include one process or an entire facility or system of facilities. Typically, it focuses on the operations occumng within the facility and may include everything from actual product production processes (if the facility is a manufacturing one) to maintenance of the facility and grounds.

. WHEN. A PPOA should be the first step in any pollution prevention program.

HOW: The PPOA process typically involves a review of purchasing and disposal records to help develop a mass balance of inputs and outputs in order to identify sources of waste and potential pollution sites; a facility inspection to observe operational methods and sources of pollution; and a follow up review of the literature and technical information to suggest alternative ways of operating, redesigning or retrofitting equipment, or substitution of less polluting materials. Worksheets are used in the PPOA process to collect and organize data and document the analysis of options.

Once a pollution prevention option is identified, it is evaluated for its technical, economic, and environmental feasibility. The technical evaluation will ascertain if the substitute will work. The economic evaluation will determine if the substitution is cost effective. The environmental feasibility addresses whether the alternative does, in fact, reduce pollution or merely result in the pollutant being transferred from one medium to another.

STATUS: Guidance for conducting a PPOA is available in Facility Pollution Prevention Guide, EPA/600/R-92-088.

POC for PPOA Ken Stone, Tel: 513 569-7474 FAX: 513 569-7111

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E-mail: stone.keneth@epamail.epa.gov

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P2 Factors

WHAT: €2 Factors is a preliminary pollution prevention (P2) factors framework using a streamlined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Criteria related to environmental impacts likely to occur before, and those likely to occur after implementation of a P2 activity are selected and scored according to their degrees of impact. The P2 factor is a ratio of the two scores.

WHY: P2 Factors was devised as an attempt to quantify environmental or life cycle impacts into one number so that two processes could be compared to determine which prevented more pollution.

WHO: Those implementing a P2 change wishing to determine the reduction in impacts as opposed to the reduction in total waste or types of pollution.

WHERE: At the design, production, or use stages.

WHEN: As a preliminary screening tool to determine where possible impacts could occur. . Not fully developed to use as a sole method of impact assessment.

HOW Based on stressor/impact chains, scoring criteria are selected from a master list. Once selected from the master list, each criterion is then scored using five possible numbers that indicate descending levels of environmental impact likely t a be generated by the activity. The numbers are 1,3,5,7, and 9, with 9 indicating the least environmental impact. A fall-back option exists for scoring stressors that can not be readily quantified with available data. This option scores the criterion based on the estimated status relative to the industry norm. The P2 factor is then calculated by dividing the total criteria score after implementation of the P2 activity by the total criteria score before implementation of the p2 activity. A score larger than 1.00 indicates an overall reduction in environmental impacts as a result of the p2 activity implementation.

This preliminary P2 factors methodology gives equal weight to each of the environmental scoring criterion. An improvement in one or more individual criteria should be considered when selecting a P2 activity, even if the overall p2 factor score does not show a dramatic improvement.

STATUS: The P2 Factors methodology and lithographic printing case study is detailed in Development of a Pollution Prevention Factors Methodology Based on Life-Cycle Assessment, EPA/600/R-94/ 157.

POC for P2 Factors: Mary Ann Curran, Tel: 513-569-7782 FAX: 513-569-7111 E-mail: curran.maryann.@epamail.epa.gov

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P2Tools

WHAT: P2Tools is a prototype software that integrates key pollution prevention concepts from a variety of sources: (1) ISP2 (see description below); (2) SWAMI (the Strategic Waste Minimization--a computer tool developed by CERI to be used with a pollution prevention opportunity assessment (PPOA); (3) Total Cost Assessment and (4) P2P (The Mark I version of Pollution Prevention Progress). P2Tools is to be a detailed decision support system that incorporates advanced decision-making tools. The overall approach of the P2Tools program is to perform material, cash flow, and environmental impact analysis of a business facility, including the processes employed within that facility and the potential pollution prevention options related to those processes. The results of the P2Tools analysis can then be used to prioritize and select which pollution prevention options(s) to pursue.

The key questions that the software is intended to help the user address (and the portion of P2Tools that addresses those needs) are: (1) How much waste do I generate? (material balance feature); (2) How much does it cost to manage my wastes? (waste stream cost comparison feature); (3) Can I compare information from multiple processes at the same time? (stream summary feature); (4) How do my wastes affect the environment? (impact supnary feature); (5 ) If I change my operation, how will it affect my bottom line? (total cost assessment feature); and (6) How can I prioritize changes to my operation? (weighted sums feature).

WHY: The P2Tools prototype was developed to demonstrate the viability of incorporating separate pollution prevention tools into a "one-stop" tool for use by small businesses (and

. others) who would not be familiar with the individual tools or know how to use them in conjunction with each other. The prototype used the automotive repair business as its "test" industry, but the intent was to develop P2Tools into a system "shell" to which other data or programs (such as an expert system on industry-specific P2 options) could be added.

WHO: This tool is designed for use by small businesses. The prototype was based on an automotive repair shop. However, it could be used by any size business or pubic organization.

WHERE: P2Tools should be used at the site of the business or it can be employed as a technical assistance system operated by a state P2 or small business program or college extension service, for example.

WHEN: It should be used on a regular basis to keep track of pollution levels and costs.

HOW P2Tools allows the user to enter and analyze retrieve information at the facility, process, or P2 options level. Through the use of windows-based input forms, the user enters basic facility and/or process description plus standard data (address, phone, etc) and also enters input, product, and waste stream information (component mass flow rates, waste fate, cost breakdowns for each stream) for the facility/process. The user can then move to

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different screens to perform various types of analysis.

STATUS: P2Tools is a prototype at this point and is not available for public distribution. A User Guide was produced for the prototype and as such, P2Tools could be used as a training tool to help facilities understand various environmental and economic inputs/outputs and analyses methods available for management. Further development of the original P2Tools into a fully functional computer program would require modification to reflect current state of the art in pollution prevention tools, impact assessment, and life cycle thinking.

POC for P2Tools: Terri Hoagland, Tel: 513 569-7783 FAX: 513 569-7111 E-mail: hoagland.theresa@epamail.epa.gov

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ISP2 - Information System for Pollution Prevention

WHAT: ISP2 is a waste generation prediction model based on input materials, products, and the quantity of waste managed, recycled, or recovered. The system also produces an overall facility cost analysis, determining total production costs and profits. The model fits into a computerized information system shell for measuring pollution prevention progress in any type of industrial facility.

WHO: Industry (particularly the plant or process manager), research organizations, and governmental institutions.

WHY: The model was developed to assist users in tracking the true costs of pollution. Many facilities consolidate costs into "overhead" accounts and do not know where to begin looking for process changes that will result in less pollution and reduced waste management costs. Detailed allocation of costs of pollution helps the facility manager justify needed funding for making a change in operation that will result in less pollution and save the facility money.

WHERE: At the process, plant, or industry levels.

WHEN: ISP2 can be used when determining total costs and how to allocate those costs to specific processes or plants. It can also be used to measure the before/after results of a P2 change. This program would be particularly beneficial after a PPOA has identified pollution sources and the facility manager now wants to pinpoint specific sources within the process

. and identify the cost associated with management of that pollution.

HOW The ISP2 program includes databases requiring data on the codes, types, quantities, and cost of:

1. raw and other materials entering the production process; 2. revenues of products; 3. waste and wastewater generated by the process; 4. waste and wastewater management system; 5. material loss through emission, discharge, and spill; 6. revenues of secondary raw material/energy recovered by waste processing

7. processed waste final disposal. and/or wastewater treatment process; and

The program allows the use of existing data in any industrial facility. A facility manager can select a unit operation, several unit operations, a part of a facility and/or a whole facility. Once data are collected and imported, all calculations are provided by the system. Further, quantitative and cost analysis and the determination of the efficiency of the system can be accomplished. The program provides weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly time frames.

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STATUS: A user interface to access the information was developed as a demonstration model, but a fully functional program has not been completed or released. However, the waste and cost model and database input forms are available for immediate use and for future integration into a more user-friendly computer program. The information system and model is described in Development of Computer Supported Information System Shell for Measuring Pollution Prevention Progress, EPA 6QO/R-95/ 130.

POC for ISP2: Terri Hoagland, Tel: 513 569-7783 FAX: 513 569-7111 E-mail: hoagland.theresa@epamail.epa.gov

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