News Releases - 2000

First Environmental Regulatory Innovation Project Signed with 3M Bedford Park

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and 3M Bedford Park announced today the signing of a five-year agreement for the first Regulatory Innovation Pilot Project in Illinois. The Illinois EPA has statutory authority to execute Environmental Management System Agreements that enable progressive companies and local governments to try potentially better ways of achieving environmental protection.

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

"Under this agreement 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," Director Skinner added.

In particular, 3M may undertake certain construction activity for emission units and air pollution control equipment without obtaining specific permits from the Agency.

"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, plant manager.

Under the agreement, the facility will operate under an environmental management system that comports with the ISO 14001 standard. "Under our EMS, we will set environmental objectives and targets, including pollution prevention goals each year to strive for better performance," Plum added.

The agreement provides for the environmental management system to ensure emission caps and other objectives are met. In addition, the Agency will periodically evaluate performance, Director Skinner said.

The agreement gives 3M Bedford Park advance authorization to undertake construction activity without construction permits from the Agency. 3M will give IEPA advance notice of these changes and document what's being done. The agreement also requires the facility to submit an annual performance report and to meet other accountability provisions.

The pilot project includes participation by a local stakeholders' advisory group. This group was involved during the development of the agreement and has a continuing role during implementation. It has members from local government, schools and colleges, civic and seniors groups, environmental groups, area hospitals and local industry.

The Agency held a public hearing on Oct. 25, 1999 on the draft environmental management system agreement submitted by 3M Bedford Park. Comments received were considered and addressed in the final agreement executed today. A responsiveness summary will also be sent to participants in the public hearing and comment process.

Opening in 1953, 3M Bedford Park manufactures dozens of different tape products and uses more than 100 different coating materials. The plant is located at 6850 South Harlem Avenue in an industrial park and has about 320 employees.