01/05/2010
HERITAGE-WTI SETS FUNDS FOR 2010 ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT PROGRAM
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – Heritage-WTI, Inc. is pleased to announce that the company’s Environmental Grant Program has $5,000 available this year to support worthy environmental projects.
Schools and nonprofit groups located within a 15-mile radius of the facility are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will receive grants ranging from $50 to $1,000 for inspired projects aimed at improving the community’s environment.
Interested schools and nonprofit groups, including previous winners, can request an application by calling the company’s Community and Employee Relations Department at 330.386.2194 or 330.386.2141. Applications may also be requested by writing to: Heritage-WTI Environmental Grant Program, 1250 St. George St., East Liverpool, Ohio, 43920, Attn. Community and Employee Relations Department. And applications may be downloaded from the link below.
Applications must be postmarked by March 5. Awards will be announced during the citySweep household hazardous waste roundup at the East End facility on April 24.
Since the program’s inception in 1998, 166 grants - totaling $42,350 - have been awarded. The grants have funded butterfly habitats, bird-watching studies, tree plantings and many other environmental projects.
2010 Environmental Grant Application
12/16/2009
HERITAGE-WTI RECEIVES DEA REGISTRATION
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Heritage-WTI, Inc. is pleased to announce that is has received registration status from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for Schedule II through V controlled substances.
“Registration allows for the incineration of DEA-controlled substances without the need for a witness,” Waste Approval Manager Zambia Logero, who supervises this program, said.
Before registration, either the customer or a law enforcement officer would have to be present to witness the incineration of these controlled substances, she explained.
By investing in the training and equipment needed to meet the DEA’s requirements, the company saves both time and money for its customers and the local police department.
Wastes approved for incineration under this registration will be incinerated as they arrive at the facility. In the unlikely event the facility’s rotary kiln is not operating, the materials will be stored securely onsite in the GSA Approved Class 5 Cabinet that Heritage-WTI had installed and was subsequently approved by DEA inspectors.
DEA representatives visited the Heritage-WTI on three separate occasions during their audit.
“The agents rigorously examined our security and operating procedures before issuing their favorable decision,” Logero explained.
11/10/2009
HERITAGE-WTI'S HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RECEIVES OHSAS 18001:2007 CERTIFICATION
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Heritage-WTI, Inc. has become the first commercial hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility in the United States to achieve certification to OHSAS 18001:2007, the international standard for health and safety management systems. The scope of Heritage-WTI’s certification covers activities associated with the processing of hazardous and nonhazardous waste and is valid through August 2012.
“We pursued this certification to demonstrate to our employees, our community and to our customers our deep commitment to health and safety,” Jeff Hall, Heritage-WTI’s safety group manager, explained.
Heritage-WTI received certification after successfully demonstrating to SGS International Certification Services, Inc., a third-party auditing firm, that its system for occupational health and safety conforms to OHSAS 18001:2007 requirements. The company began preparing for certification early in 2008 by introducing its 168 employees to the standard during training sessions.
Several employees also volunteered to serve as internal auditors. Regular internal and third-party audits are required to retain registration. These reviews demonstrate that Heritage-WTI is actively monitoring and continually improving its safety performance.
“We are unique in the industry in that we now hold three internationally recognized certifications,” Hall said.
In November 1998, Heritage-WTI’s environmental management system was certified to the ISO 14001 standard. Five years later, in May of 2003, the company’s system was certified to the ISO 9001 standard for quality service, he added.
The Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series, or OHSAS, is a global management system designed to help organizations manage health and safety risks in the workplace and to improve their performance in this regard. The 18001 standard was created by the efforts of the world’s leading national standards organizations.
View Heritage-WTI’s OHSAS 18001:2007 certificate.
06/15/2009
HERITAGE-WTI, INC. NAMED AS FINALIST IN 2009 AMERICAN BUSINESS AWARDS
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – Heritage-WTI, Inc. (WTI) has been named by the 2009 American Business Awards as a finalist for a Stevie Award in the Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program category. It’s the second time in three years that the company has been nominated for a Stevie in this category.
WTI’s entry once again is its annual citySweep program. The company first partnered with local private and public organizations in 1997 to collect and recycle or dispose of household hazardous waste from local residents at no charge. In recent years, the citySweep collection has expanded to include old electronic goods. More than 59 tons of discarded household chemicals and electronics have been saved from landfills since the event began.
As part of the citySweep program, WTI also awards thousand of dollars in environmental grants each year to local schools and organizations for environmental projects, including school rainwater irrigation, discovery gardens, computer recycling and habitat creation.
Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs selected Stevie Award winners from among finalists in final judging that ended June 3. Finalists were chosen by business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April through early May.
Stevie Award winners will be announced during the annual gala on June 22 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Six hundred executives from across the country are expected to attend. The ceremonies will be broadcast on radio nationwide by the Business TalkRadio Network and hosted by Cheryl Casone of Fox Business Network.
More than 2,600 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Most Innovative Company, Best Management Team, Best New Product or Service, Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program and Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.
Heritage-WTI, Inc. provides incineration services for thousands of American companies operating in hundreds of industries. The company’s expert staff accepts, stores and treats up to 60,000 tons of bulk liquids, bulk solids, containers and lab packs a year. The company also provides services for non-hazardous water, fuels, mercury reclamation and electronic waste.
2009 Environmental Responsibility Program of the Year Finalists
Heritage-WTI, East Liverpool, Ohio
AIReS AI Relocation Solutions, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System, Boca Raton, Fla.
EBSCO Publishing, Ipswich, Mass.
Enterprise Fleet Management, St. Louis, Mo.
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. Boston, Mass.
Wheels, Inc., Des Plaines, Ill.
The Stevie Awards were created to honor and generate public recognition of the efforts, accomplishments, and positive contributions of companies and business people worldwide. Beginning with The American Business Awards in 2002, The International Business Awards in 2003, The Stevie Awards for Women in Business in 2004, and the Selling Power Sales Excellence Awards in 2006, the award's mission is to raise the profile of exemplary companies and individuals among the press, the business community and the general public.
04/03/2009
CITYSWEEP PROJECT CELEBRATES ITS ELEVENTH YEAR
Household Hazardous Waste Roundup - April 18
THOMPSON PARK, East Liverpool, Ohio - With a steady April shower serving as the backdrop, East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger and representatives of 11 public and private organizations officially launched the city’s annual environmental project during a news conference today in Thompson Park.
“I am extremely proud to announce that the community’s environmental project is entering its second decade,” he said.
“I commend the sponsors and their volunteers for their community spirit and concern for our environment.”
Mayor Swoger noted that citySweep has grown steadily since its inception. The project, which began in 1999 with six sponsors has doubled to 12 organizations.
A popular event is the collection and environmentally responsible disposal of household hazardous wastes and used motor oil. Residents are invited to take their old paints, cleaners, other household chemicals and old electronics to Heritage-WTI, which is sponsoring the collection for the thirteenth consecutive year.
For the second year, the company will accept a variety of household electronic goods, referred to as e-scrap. Items in this category include all computer-system components, light bulbs and batteries.
Wallover Oil will be at the facility to collect used motor oil for recycling. And East Liverpool City Hospital will be on hand to exchange mercury thermometers.
The collection will take place April 18 at the Heritage-WTI facility in the city’s East End between 8 a.m. and noon. As in the past, the event is free of charge. Identification is required.
Since its inception in 1997, company volunteers have recycled and disposed of more than 42 tons of household chemicals that otherwise would have been tossed in the trash or dumped down the drain.
East Liverpool’s Service-Safety Director Ryan Estell announced the roll-out of the city’s first-ever curbside recycling program for glass, paper and plastic. Collection bins will be distributed to city residents who drop off household chemcals at Heritage-WTI on April 18, he said.
The mayor said the citySweep event is a case study for how people, industry, neighborhoods and government can work together for economic opportunity and environmental protection. He ended by thanking all of the sponsors, noting that the community is better off because to their efforts.
The sponsors of citySweep 2009 are: the City of East Liverpool, the East Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, the East Liverpool Kiwanis Club, the East Liverpool City Hospital, the Carroll-Columbiana-Harrison Solid Waste District, Heritage-WTI, AERC, Wallover Oil, Tim Hortons, The Review, Froggy 104.3 FM and WTOV-TV9.
05/20/2008
HERITAGE-WTI RECEIVES AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Heritage-WTI received statewide recognition recently for its environmental activities throughout Columbiana County, Ohio. The “Ohio Alliance for the Environment Award” is given annually by the Environmental Education Council of Ohio to an organization that is “dedicated to fostering a climate of cooperation for resolving environmental problems.”
Columbiana Commissioner Penny Traina presented the award to Mike Parkes, WTI’s community and employee relation's manager, during a ceremony at Mohican State Park in Perrysville, Ohio.
”WTI has shown a commitment to give back to the community,” said Traina, who also nominated the company for the honor.
“The award is for their commitment to the community with their efforts in sponsoring a free annual collection of household hazardous waste, providing grants for environmental projects, maintaining a wildlife habitat on company property, assisting with local school districts and supporting numerous environmental activities throughout the county.”
Ohio House of Representative Linda Bolon, District 1, recognized the company for receiving the award. In her commendation, Bolon states, “WTI has enhanced the quality of life within the surrounding area, and we are certain that in the years to come, this fine establishment will continue to display the same unwavering dedication to excellence for which it has become known.”
The Environmental Education Council of Ohio leads in facilitating environmental education that fosters global stewardship and a sustainable future for all Ohioans. More information is available at www.eeco-online.org.
04/25/2008
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION SETS RECORDS
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Heritage-WTI topped East Liverpool's citySweep week by announcing record numbers for the company's free household hazardous waste roundup on April 19. Records were set for both volume of material collected and number of vehicles.
"Our thanks to WTI and cooperating agencies for accepting our old computer monitor and small fluorescent light bulb. It is so helpful to have a place and time to dispose of these things properly, rather than just adding them to the local landfill," East Liverpool resident Ed LaNeve wrote in a thank-you message to the company. "Please pass along our thanks to all at WTI who make this service available."
During the four-hour collection, LaNeve and other residents dropped off 16,329 pounds of household chemical products, light bulbs, and old computers and televisions. The total beats the previous high of 14,213 pounds that was collected during citySweep 2005. Traffic volume peaked at 134 vehicles, exceeding the previous record of 124, which also was set in 2005.
Working side-by-side with company personnel were employees of Wallover Oil Co., who, for the tenth consecutive year, collected gallons of used automotive lubricants for recycling. And Brian Kerr, East Liverpool City Council member, and Chuck Wade, East Liverpool Kiwanis Club, assisted with traffic control at the plant's front gate.
Since WTI began this environmental service for the community, company employees have collected more than 40 tons of household chemical discards that otherwise would have been poured down the drain or tossed in the trash. WTI initiated the collection in 1997.
The stand-alone event has evolved into a community-wide appreciation of Earth Day, called citySweep. Twelve organizations lent their name to citySweep this year. The are: WTI, the City of East Liverpool, Wallover Oil, and the East Liverpool Kiwanis Club, the East Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, the Carroll-Columbiana-Harrison Solid Waste District, HTR-Group, Heritage Environmental Services-East Liverpool, Tim Hortons, Froggy 104 FM radio, WTOV-TV9 and The Review.
04/19/2008
ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT AWARDS CAP CITYSWEEP 2008
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Heritage-WTI capped this year's free roundup of household hazardous waste by distributing a total of $5,350 in environmental grants to representatives of 20 local groups. The grants, ranging in amounts from $500 to $100, will be used to fund environmental projects in the community by deserving civic and school organizations.
Columbiana County Commissioner Penny Traina, third from right, presented the grants in the company's wildlife habitat, which is adjacent to the facility. The habitat is certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council.
Since the company's Environmental Grant Program began in 1998, WTI has awarded 135 grants for a total of $37,320.
The 2008 grant recepients and their projects follow:
$500 1st Church of Christ, East Liverpool - Create bird santuary near the church.
$500 Columbiana County, Lisbon - Landscaping and lighting around the county's historic courthouse.
$400 Community Action Agency, Lisbon - Father and son birdhouse project at Beaver Creek.
$350 Ohio Valley Home Care, East Liverpool - Recylce Christmas trees and ornaments into wreaths by the adult daycare clients.
$350 Columbiana County Education Serivces Center, Lisbon - Create a garden near Saltwell Road.
$350 Southern Local Elementary, Salineville - Recycling education materials.
$300 East Palestine Middle School, East Palestine - Purchase weather station and water-monitoring kits.
$250 East Liverpool/Calcutta Garden Club, East Liverpool - Cleanup, redesign and maintain landscape at the welcome sign in the East End.
$250 Chester City Park, Chester, W. Va. - Re-establish the bird sanctuary at the park by purchasing and installing birdhouses and feeders.
$250 Lisbon Montessori Preschool, Lisbon - Purchase science experiments.
$250 Beaver Creek Wildlife Center, East Liverpool - Replace and repair animal mounts.
$200 North Elementary Kindergarten, East Livepool - Purchase tools, seeds and plants for Discovery Garden.
$200 East Liverpool City Health District, East Liverpool - Purchase containers for biohazardous waste.
$200 Daw Middle School, Wellsville - Plant trees and install recycling stations at the school
$200 Calcutta Elementary, Calcutta - Recycling bins for school recycling project.
$200 Rogers Elementary, Rogers - Recycling containers for the school.
$200 Beaver Local High School, Lisbon - Recycling containers for the school.
$150 Lisbon School District, Lisbon - Science and plant-life curriculum.
$150 McKinley Elementary, Lisbon - Classroom greenhouse, and plant and tree science.
$100 Beaver Local Soccer Association, Lisbon - Plantings around field entrance.
04/04/2008
CITYSWEEP CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY
THOMPSON PARK, East Liverpool, Ohio - With representatives of 12 public and private organizations standing in support, East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger officially launched the city’s annual environmental project during a news conference today.
“I am extremely proud to announce that East Liverpool’s cooperative environmental project is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year,” he said. “I commend the member organizations and their volunteers for their community spirit and concern for our environment.”
Mayor Swoger noted that citySweep has grown steadily since its inception. The project, which began in 1999 with six sponsors, now has the support of 13 organizations.
A popular event is the collection and environmentally responsible disposal of household hazardous wastes and used motor oil. Residents are invited to take their old paints, cleaners and other household chemicals to Heritage-WTI, which is sponsoring the collection for the twelfth consecutive year, Evonne Masello, waste acceptance manager, said in announcing the event.
For the first time, the company will accept a variety of household electronic goods, referred to as e-scrap. Items in this category include all computer-system components, light bulbs and batteries.
Wallover Oil will be at the facility to collect used motor oil for recycling. And East Liverpool City Hospital will be on hand to exchange mercury thermometers.
The collection will take place April 19 at the Heritage-WTI facility in the city’s East End between 8 a.m. and noon. As in the past, the event is free of charge. Identification is required.
Since its inception in 1997, company volunteers have recycled and disposed of more than 34 tons of household chemicals that otherwise would have been tossed in the trash or dumped down the drain.
The mayor said the citySweep event is a case study for how people, industry, neighborhoods and government can work together for economic opportunity and environmental protection. He ended by thanking all of the sponsors, noting that the community is better off because to their efforts.
The press conference was held at Thompson Park, which the mayor described as “East Liverpool’s environmental jewel.” The century-old park was a fitting locale to launch the community’s leading environmental project, he added.
The sponsors of citySweep 2008 are: the City of East Liverpool, the East Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, the East Liverpool Kiwanis Club, the East Liverpool City Hospital, the Carroll-Columbiana-Harrison Solid Waste District, Heritage-WTI, Heritage Environmental Services-East Liverpool, HTR-Group, Wallover Oil, Tim Hortons, The Review, Froggy 104.3 FM and WTOV-TV9.
citySweep Household Hazardous Waste Flyer
09/19/2007
WASTE DISTRICT SELECTS WTI TO COLLECT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE IN CARROLL COUNTY
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - WTI is pleased to announce that the company has been selected to manage this year’s collection of household hazardous waste for the Carroll-Columbiana-Harrison Solid Waste District. The district’s Board of Directors recently approved the company’s proposal by a unanimous vote.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to provide our services for the residents of the district,” Tech Services Manager Scott Stroebel said. “We are here to help protect homeowners and the environment from the risks posed by household chemical products.”
This year’s collection, which is free of charge, will be held Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carroll County Fairgrounds in Carrollton, Ohio. Residents from the district are encouraged to drop-off the following materials:
Oil-based paint and related products, such as thinner, primer, stain, sealer, varnish and shellac
Pesticides
Aerosols
Cleaning products
Roof and driveway sealer
Automobile fluids – gasoline, kerosene, antifreeze
Household batteries
Elemental mercury.
Items that will not be accepted because they are easily recycled or are not hazardous are:
Motor oil
Lead-acid batteries
Latex paint
Empty paint cans.
Tires will not be accepted at this event. The district accepts them during its spring collection.
Contact the district’s Executive Director Chris Jacobs at 330.627.7311 with requests for additional information.
The district held its first collection of household hazardous wastes in 2000. Subsequent collections took place in 2001 and 2006.
WTI provides environmentally responsible recycling and disposal options for household-hazardous waste collections throughout the region. Since 1997, the company has sponsored a free collection of household hazardous wastes for the residents of East Liverpool, Ohio, protecting the local environment from more than 30 tons of household chemical discards.
07/01/2007
WTI HOSTS TOUR FOR AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION'S CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – WTI hosted a tour of its advanced treatment facility on June 28 to mark the 100th annual conference of the world’s leading association for environmental professionals. The tour was offered to all visitors attending the Air & Waste Management Association’s Annual Conference & Exhibition, which took place in Pittsburgh June 26 - 29.
“We are honored that the organizers of this prestigious show asked us to participate in their centennial celebration,” Frank Murray, vice president of operations, said. “It was an opportunity we gladly accepted.”
The group for the half-day tour was made up of visitors from South Korea, Germany, Canada and several states west of the Mississippi. Four employees took turns serving as hosts, guiding the guests through the main areas of the plant, including the Control Room and the Laboratory. The tour ended with a stop in the company’s wildlife habitat, which is located just east of the plant.
Based on their remarks afterwards, the guests were favorably impressed with the professionalism of the employees and the facility’s environmentally friendly technology, Murray said.
WTI began welcoming guests through its front gate even before operations got underway in 1992. Since that time, the facility has hosted thousands of U.S. and international visitors from academia, government, industry and the public.
The Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional organization that enhances knowledge and expertise by providing a neutral forum for information exchange, professional development, networking opportunities, public education, and outreach to more than 9000 environmental professionals in 65 countries. The A&WMA’s mission is to assist in the professional development and critical environmental decision-making of its members to benefit society.
04/12/2007
WTI HONORED WITH THREE SAFETY AWARDS
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - WTI was honored with three Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (BWC) awards for improving its safety performance during the past year. Juanita Kuhn and Jeff Hall received the awards on the company’s behalf during a ceremony sponsored by the East Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Safety Council on April 11.
“Our 170 men and women are honored by these awards,” President John Peterka said. ”Their dedication to working safely is important for their families, as well as our community and customers.”
The company was honored with BWC’s 100 percent award, group award and achievement award. The 100 percent award recognizes the company for working at least 12 consecutive months without incurring a lost-time accident.
The group award is for posting the lowest incident rate in the local safety council. And the achievement award honors the company for reducing its previous year’s incident rate by 25 percent.
Safety is foremost on our list of values, Peterka added.
“These awards send the message that we are walking the talk when it comes to safety.”
04/09/2007
CITYSWEEP CLEANUP PROJECT CONTINUES FOR NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
THOMPSON PARK, East Liverpool, Ohio - With representatives of 11 public and private organizations standing in support, East Liverpool Mayor Jim Swoger officially launched the city’s annual environmental project during a news conference today.
“I am extremely pleased and honored to announce that East Liverpool’s cooperative environmental project continues for the ninth consecutive year,” he said.
“Citysweep combines the efforts of public and private organizations for the benefit of our community’s environment.
“I commend the member organizations and their volunteers for continuing this project and for their community spirit.”
Mayor Swoger noted that citySweep has grown steadily since its inception. The project, which began in 1999 with six sponsors, now has the backing of 12 local organizations.
A popular event is the collection and environmentally responsible disposal of household hazardous wastes and used motor oil. Residents are invited to take their old paints, cleaners and other household chemicals to WTI, which is sponsoring the collection for the eleventh consecutive year. For the first time, the company is accepting light bulbs and non-lithium batteries. Wallover Oil will also be there to recycle used motor oil.
The collection will take place April 21 at the WTI facility in the city’s East End between 8 a.m. and noon. Once again, the event is free of charge.
Since its inception in 1997, company volunteers have recycled and disposed of more than 30 tons of household chemicals that otherwise would have been tossed in the trash or dumped down the drain.
The mayor said citySweep demonstrates how people, industry, neighborhoods and government can work together for economic opportunity and environmental protection. He ended by thanking all of the sponsors, noting that the community is better off due to their efforts. All citySweep sponsors announced their respective activities after the mayor concluded his remarks.
The press conference was held at Thompson Park, which the mayor described as “East Liverpool’s fantastic green space.” The century-old park was a fitting locale to launch the community’s leading environmental project, he added.
citySweep Household Hazardous Waste Roundup Download
12/01/2006
WTI EMPLOYEES BUILD, DONATE TRAIN TO PARK
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Creativity. Commitment. Community spirit. Those words best describe the efforts of four WTI employees who designed, built and donated a display for the Circle of Lights event in East Liverpool's Thompson Park.
Maintenance mechanics, Jeff Allmon and Joe Lyle, partnered with electrical technicians, Randy Heffner and John Mundy, to create the outline of a train for the event. They started their project in 2005 by shaping approximately 600 feet of stainless steel tubing into what would become a whimsical three-car train.
Each car - an engine, coal car and caboose - measures about 6 feet by 8 feet. Tube lights in holiday colors trim each car, making sure they stand out in the park at night.
In addition to their talents, the four men volunteered their time for lunches and breaks to create this display for the community. They said they would like to continue the project by adding other cars, perhaps with moving parts and audio.
Thank you Jeff, Joe, Randy and John for a job well done.
11/21/2006
EMISSIONS OF DIOXIN ARE SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW THE CLEAN-AIR STANDARD, TEST RESULTS SHOW
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Air emissions of dioxin are significantly below the federal standard for clean air, according to the preliminary results of tests conducted last month at WTI.
"We are pleased to build on our record of meeting government standards for emissions of dioxin," WTI's Environment, Health and Safety Manager Allison Knowles, said.
Results of the tests, which will soon be forwarded to federal and state environmental agencies for review, averaged 0.004 billionths of a gram per cubic meter of air. The specific limit is 0.2 billionths of a gram for each cubic meter of air that is emitted from the stack. For perspective, there are about 28 grams in a single ounce.
The three-part, dioxin-specific test was conducted Oct. 23, in accordance with U.S. EPA requirements. The steps the company followed for conducting the tests were approved in advance by U.S. and Ohio environmental regulators.
The U.S. EPA is regulating dioxin emissions uniformly in its recently imposed Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule. WTI was the first commercial hazardous waste incinerator in America to demonstrate compliance with all of the rule's requirements, including the one for air emissions of dioxin.
Dioxin is a generic term that describes a group of 210 chlorine-related compounds. The compounds are generated by various industrial activities and natural sources, such as forest fires.
Heritage-WTI, Inc. (Trade name: WTI) provides incineration services for American industries. The company accepts, stores and treats up to 60,000 tons of bulk liquids, bulk solids, containers and lab packs a year. WTI holds voluntary registrations to ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental quality, and ISO 9001, the international standard for quality service.
07/18/2006
WTI HOSTS MEETING OF OHIO TRADE GROUP
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Twenty-three members of the Ohio Environmental Services Industries group (OESI), the state's leading environmental trade organization, held their summer meeting at WTI July 17. The session was one of six regularly scheduled meetings the group holds each year.
The group toured the facility after completing their agenda items. Reaction to seeing one of America's top hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities was overwhelmingly positive.
"I've toured WTI several times and I'm always impressed with how clean the plant is," Steve Lonneman of Vickery Environmental, Inc. and current OESI president said.
OESI's Executive Director and Legislative Counsel Tom Pappas added, "WTI is an impressive facility."
OESI is a trade association of the commercial hazardous waste management facilities and associated businesses that operate in Ohio. The group's 25 active and associate member companies recycle, treat or dispose of more than 70 percent of the hazardous waste that is processed in the state. The group was founded in the mid-1990s through the merger of two trade associations.
06/01/2006
WTI RECEIVES RENEWAL OF ISO 9001:2000 REGISTRATION
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - WTI, America's leading provider of incineration services for hazardous wastes, is pleased to announce that its registration to the ISO 9001:2000 standard for quality service has been renewed. An independent auditor authorized the renewal to May 2009 following a comprehensive assessment of the company's system for providing customers with quality service.
"Coupled with our current ISO 14001 registration for environmental management, we are the first in our industry to measure up to two internationally accepted standards for quality assurance," John Peterka, WTI's president said.
"We are setting tomorrow's standards today when it comes to providing quality customer service and quality environmental management."
The company's quality assurance systems are driven by a policy that has been adopted by all employees, Peterka said.
"Continuous improvement, technological leadership, customer satisfaction, environmental compliance and empowered employees are the guiding principles of our company," he explained.
WTI began pursuing both ISO registrations in 1997. Employees examined all aspects of the company's systems for environmental management and customer service, revised procedures where necessary, and developed a unique electronic system for managing and tracking documents.
WTI achieved the initial part of its goal in 1998 when it received ISO 14001 registration, a first for the commercial hazardous waste incineration industry. The company attained the second part of its quality goal in May 2003, when it earned registration to ISO 9001:2000.
"Thanks to the diligence of our employees, we are registered to two ISO standards," Peterka said.
"That is unique for any industry."
Ongoing internal and independent third-party audits are required to retain registration to both ISO standards. Known as maintenance audits, these reviews demonstrate that the company is actively monitoring and continually improving its performance.
WTI's systems for environmental management and customer service were audited and recommended for registration by SGS International Certification Services, Inc. SGS provides inspection and certification services worldwide.
03/24/2006
WTI EMPLOYEES HELP KIDS BUILD BIRDHOUSES
East Liverpool, Ohio - With the help of the fourth-grade class, employee volunteers from WTI's Wildlife Habitat Team and several parents, kindergarten students at East Liverpool's North Elementary nailed together dozens of birdhouses for a class environmental project. The project took place in March, just before the nesting season.
Kindergarten teacher Sharon Whims spearheaded the educational endeavor. She applied for and received a $150 award from the WTI Environmental Grant Program, which funded the purchase of the birdhouse kits.
She then asked members of the company's wildlife habitat team to participate in the assembly project. Amy Brady, above, Chris Noel and Raymond Wayne helped the excited students complete their boxes. They also gave brief presentation on how to install the boxes and how to observe the birds that make them their homes.
That's WTI. Volunteering resources to protect the environment for our neighbors and future generations.
12/21/2005
WTI RECEIVES 2005 FROST & SULLIVAN AWARD FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE LEADERSHIP
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - WTI is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan Customer Service Leadership Award for 2005.
"It is an honor for our employees to be recognized by one of the world's leading growth-consulting firms," John Avdellas, WTI's vice president of marketing and sales, said of the news.
"The award is especially significant because it recognizes our ability, not only as the industry's top service provider, but also for developing innovative solutions for customers."
Frost & Sullivan (www.frost.com) presents this award annually to a company that "has demonstrated excellence in customer-service leadership within its industry."
WTI has shown "tremendous responsiveness to customer needs and has continually focused on long- and short-term customer profitability goals," Frost & Sullivan said.
"In addition, the company has demonstrated flexibility in tailoring its service offerings to suit customer businesses."
The award is based on extensive research gathered from key market participants, secondary sources and interviews with customers. Frost & Sullivan then ranks companies based on their ability to provide value-added technology and services, on-time responsiveness to customer needs, and how they monitor and addresses customer feedback.
Click here for more information about the Frost & Sullivan Award.
12/16/2005
TEST RESULTS CONFIRM EMISSIONS MEET CLEAN AIR STANDARDS
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - Air emissions from waste-burning operations are many times below the federal standards for clean air, according to the results of tests conducted this fall at WTI.
"We are pleased to add these results to our legacy of meeting government standards for clean air," Vice President of Operations Frank Murray said of the results.
"They demonstrate to our community, employees and customers that our service is friendly to the environment."
Test results show air emissions of regulated substances average nearly 95 percent below the facility's permitted limits. Overall, the results are consistent with those of prior tests.
The facility tested for emissions of 16 substances, including dioxin, lead and mercury. Emissions of these three were 87 percent, 97.7 percent and 98.9 percent below permitted limits, respectively.
The incinerator's destruction removal efficiency (DRE) was tested also. Based on the test, the system posted a DRE of greater than 99.9999 percent. Regulations require a minimum DRE of 99.99 percent.
The compliance tests, which are required annually, were conducted Oct. 3 - 6. U.S. and Ohio environmental regulators approved testing procedures in advance.
WTI is the first and only commercial hazardous waste incinerator in America to demonstrate compliance with all of the latest U.S. EPA standards for clean air. The standards, which also cover certain operations procedures, are known as the Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule, or MACT.
Heritage-WTI, Inc. (Trade name: WTI) provides approximately 60,000 tons of incineration capacity annually. The company's employees accept, store and incinerate bulk solids, bulk liquids, various drums and containers, and lab packs.
06/01/2005
WTI HOSTS CONGRESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS FOR THIRD YEAR
Tom Hassenboehler, counsel to members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Anthony Trevena, aide to U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, and Jennifer Warren, legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Charles F. Bass, observe operations in the WTI control room.
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio - For the third consecutive year, WTI has hosted staff members from Congressional committees that formulate U.S. environmental policy. The purpose is to provide policymakers the opportunity to see modern hazardous waste incinerators and landfills in operation and to talk with the people who operate them.
After stops at two hazardous waste landfills in the Midwest, Tom Hassenboehler and Jennifer Warren were greeted here by Fred Sigg, the company's vice president of growth and development. Tom is counsel to staff members on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee; Jennifer is legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Charles F. Bass of New Hampshire, who sits on the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Joining the tour were Anthony Trevena, aide to U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, who represents East Liverpool, Ohio; and Scott Slesinger of the Environmental Technology Council, a Washington, D.C.-based industry group.
After seeing the facility, one staff member reacted this way: "I found the visit extremely useful and interesting. It is amazing the level of technology and protocol that your company is able to do. It has definitely given me a clearer understanding of the issues concerning hazardous waste and particularly what happens at an incinerator."
Heritage-WTI, Inc. (Trade name: WTI) provides approximately 60,000 tons of incineration capacity annually. The company's employees accept, store and incinerate bulk solids, bulk liquids, various drums and containers, and lab packs.
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