Contacts:
Mark Harings, Department of Natural Resources, 715-831-3263
Ethnie Groves, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2156
Agreement Spurs Construction on Three Expansion Projects,
Reduces Hazardous Pollutants, and Encourages Efficient Energy Use
MENOMONIE – Governor Jim Doyle today announced the details of a new Environmental Cooperative Agreement that allows the company to meet environmental standards that exceed state requirements and receive regulatory flexibility from the Department of Natural Resources.
“For too long we have worked under the assumption that a clean environment and a healthy business climate were at odds with one another,” Governor Doyle said. “The 3M agreement proves that wrong – in just more than three months, construction on three projects has started based on the agreement reached with the State. The projects will expand the company’s presence in Wisconsin and they’re a great example of what we can accomplish by working together.”
The agreement is one of a number of pilot efforts aimed at negotiating environmental agreements with companies to reduce emissions of pollutants, focusing on environmental management systems to track specific objectives and targets, and to seek more flexible ways for the Department of Natural Resources to work with industry.
The effort at Menomonie already is a success with the company committing to a voluntary cut in air emissions. The signing of the agreement last December has already allowed 3M to move on three construction projects.
Governor Doyle said that the cooperative agreement signed by 3M and the DNR increases community involvement, transparency of the permit and approval process, responsiveness to the public, and a commitment to a cleaner environment through reduction of solid and hazardous waste and air pollutants.
The agreement also makes sure that Department of Natural Resources approvals of air quality limits at the plant can be granted months sooner than would be the case if the conventional permitting process was utilized.
“We greatly appreciate the Department of Natural Resource’s support of regulatory approaches such as this flexible permit, which enables manufacturing changes to be made quickly while meeting all of the regulatory requirements,” said Katherine Reed, Staff Vice President, 3M Environmental, Health and Safety Operations. “Although only months old, the flexible permit has already been utilized several times by the Menomonie plant to make changes that increase the speed of new product commercialization, which helps us remain competitive in today’s global economy.”
The agreement commits the 3M plant to reductions in Volatile Organic Compounds, reductions in hazardous air pollutants, reductions in solid waste, and energy use.
The Doyle Administration is working to find new and better ways to work with an industry that wants to safeguard the environment. The Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Air Management is working to complete all Federally Enforceable State Operation Permits before March 2006, is moving for final adoption of registration and general permit rules, and is working in close cooperation with the Bureau of Cooperative Environmental Assistance on several non traditional agreements.
“By working with companies such as 3M, my Administration is demonstrating to businesses that are here or who are thinking about expanding here that we’re serious about providing the flexibility they will need to grow in Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “At the same time, we’re ensuring that their growth protects our environment and provides a great quality of life for our citizens.”
The efforts of 3M and six other companies have helped lead the way in developing the new Green Tier Law that Governor Doyle signed on April 16, 2004. Governor Doyle applauded 3M and its employees for participating in the program.
