Environmental Progress - Spring 2000

3M Bedford Park Signs Pilot Environmental Management Plan

Five year agreement combines flexibility, environmental protection

The Illinois EPA and 3M Bedford Park have signed the state's first Regulatory Innovation Pilot Project, designed to give progressive companies and local governments more flexibility to find potentially better ways for environmental protection.

"Under this agreement," said IEPA Director Tom Skinner, "3M Bedford Park will operate under plant-wide emission caps for volatile organic material that are more stringent than current regulatory requirements, and have more flexibility for its operations."

IEPA Director Tom Skinner, left, listens as Roger E. Plum, 3M Bedford plant manager, discusses the benefits of the Regulatory Innovation Pilot Program.

Specifically, 3M will be able to undertake certain construction activity for emission units and air pollution control equipment without obtaining individual permits from the Agency for the construction.

"3M Bedford Park is pleased to participate in this new program that allows companies flexibility in their operations while furthering environmental improvement," said Roger E. Plum, 3M plant manager.

The 3M Bedford Park plant opened in 1953 and currently has about 320 employees. Located at 6850 S. Harlem Ave. in an industrial park, it makes dozens of different tape products and uses more than 100 different coating materials.

An important component of the pilot project is involvement of a local stakeholders' advisory group that includes representatives from local government, schools and colleges, seniors and civic groups, environmental groups, area hospitals and other local industries. The group was involved in development of the agreement and is to have a continuing role during implementation.

3M will be required to give advance notice to the Agency of construction activities, document what is being done, and submit an annual performance report, among other accountability provisions. The Agency will periodically evaluate performance as well, Skinner said.

The facility under the agreement will operate in conformance with the ISO 14001 standard, and will set environmental objectives and targets including pollution prevention goals each year.

"3M Bedford Park has shown real leadership in being the first company to sponsor a pilot project in Illinois," Director Skinner added.

IEPA Director Tom Skinner, left, listens as Roger E. Plum, 3M Bedford Park plant manager, discusses the benefits of the Regulatory Innovation Pilot Program.