DEQ is committed to preventing pollution through voluntary, statewide programs. We administer and manage the Metals Manufacturing project with our partner the Pollution Prevention Resource Center. This project is made possible through the EPA's competitive pollution prevention grant program that focuses on measurable environmental benefits.
The Metals Manufacturing Outreach program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides pollution prevention resources to Oregon metal shops, metal finishers, painters, fabricators, and other metals related sectors. DEQ and the Pollution Prevention Resource Center includes technical support and voluntary, non-regulatory peer-to-peer roundtable workshops to share knowledge and experiences about pollution prevention. To learn more about these workshops and to find more resources, visit the PPRC website.
About the Metals Industry
Metals are a crucial material for numerous industries in Oregon. The process of metal finishing is an important step to ensure products made from metals last longer. Metals manufacturing and finishing often include the use of hazardous products. DEQ aims to pinpoint any toxic chemicals that could be reduced or replaced by safer alternatives to prevent pollution and ensure the health of people and the environment. DEQ and PPRC conduct outreach to coordinate with Oregon businesses to assess their priorities, materials used, and willingness to participate in a program to reduce hazardous waste.
What can metal industry workers do to reduce pollution?
There are several actions the metals industry can reduce pollution in the metals industry including: