WAH CHANG ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
As a leader in the metals industry, Wah Chang operates its
facilities if full compliance with applicable laws, regulations
and permits. Every year, the company invests millions of dollars
in wide-ranging efforts to protect air, water and soil quality
in and around its plant site. In years 2000-2003, Wah Chang
spent over $4.5 million dollars on new or improved Air Pollution
Control Devices. Enhancement projects as well as on-going
daily treatment of wastes are managed by an in-house environmental
group of technical and professional staff members.
Wah Chang maintains an aggressive environmental surveillance
program led by the Environmental Surveillance Technicians
(ESTs). The ESTs operate the Wah Chang wastewater treatment
system and interface directly with the community when questions
arise relative to environmental concerns. This service is
available to the community 24-hours per day, 7-days per week.
Wah Chang has a goal to “Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle”
whenever possible. Operating under this philosophy, the company
is able to transform what once were waste products into useful,
profitable co-products. For example, Wah Chang ships waste
stainless steel liners to an affiliated company to recycle
as a raw material input. In addition, the company recycles
items such as office paper and waste wood products.
Wah Chang is working closely with both state and federal
regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough environmental assessment
of the company’s plant site. The result of this assessment
has been a series of projects dealing with solids, stream
sediments and groundwater on plant property. Several remedial
actions have been implemented and are functioning successfully.
EPA has summarized Wah Chang’s efforts by stating, “Because
the remedial actions at all of the site operable units are
protective, the remedy is protective of human health and the
environment”. (EPA 2nd 5 year Review Report; Jan, 2003)
In cooperation with the regulatory agencies and the surrounding
community, Wah Chang’s operations are protective of
the environment and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
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