How to Use This Handbook

This handbook is divided into six sections. Together, they provide an overview of pollution prevention (P2), information on the P2 planning process, a model plan template, and detailed information on pollution prevention practices and certain analytical techniques for preparing a P2 plan. Each section and appendix can be read on its own or together with the others.

The process described in this handbook for developing and implementing a pollution prevention plan closely follows the procedures for developing an environmental management system (EMS) according to ISO 14001. Organizations with a formal EMS in place can develop and implement a pollution prevention plan within the framework provided by their EMS. These organizations may have already completed many of the steps outlined in this handbook.

This handbook presents generic advice on "best practices." While pollution prevention can provide significant benefits to organizations regardless of their size and nature of operations, the precise sequence, level of effort, scope of analysis and options reviewed may vary from facility to facility. Users of this handbook are therefore urged to adapt the information to their own circumstances and, where appropriate, seek advice from other companies that have implemented pollution prevention, from one of the many Internet-based resources supporting pollution prevention, from government officials or from qualified consultants.

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