The following individuals are commended for their extra efforts to help clean our Valley’s air and are listed on this month’s Air Quality Honor Roll:
Jim Simon, Dennis Baer, David Aldridge and Chris Andrews - Woodcase Fine Cabinetry, Inc.
3255 W. Osborn Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
Robert Laufer -McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
80 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 310
Tempe, AZ 85281
Shawn Kuplin, compliance inspector with the Maricopa County Air Quality Department, nominated the individuals from Woodcase Fine Cabinetry, Inc. for their site located at 32nd Avenue & Osborn Road in Phoenix. “The shop had very good housekeeping with all volatile organic compounds [VOC] containing materials covered,” stated Kuplin. “All dust control equipment was clean of sawdust and their records were well organized and up-to-date.” This large facility has also been facilitating a voluntary green program including using all rough lumber from sustainable forests that are certified by either the Forest Stewardship Council or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. All of the stain-wiping rags used in the finishing area are being laundered as opposed to going to a waste disposal site and reducing and/or removing VOCs and hazardous air pollutants in products for the finishing department.
Cherie Jourdan, dust inspector with the department, nominated Robert Laufer for his site located at 3200 S. McQueen Road in Chandler. “Mr. Laufer and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. have been a pleasure to work with,” reported Jourdan. “Mr. Laufer is not only courteous but extremely organized. The Dust Control Permit, Dust Control Plan and all necessary records were easily located for review. Their records were kept above and beyond what we, as regulators, could expect.” This site uses control measures such as gravel, water application systems and a trackout control device to curb their pollution.
“It is important that companies like these set a positive example for others,” states Max Wilson, chairman for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
“Companies that do go above and beyond to clean our air will be commended for their efforts,” states Lawrence Odle, director of the Maricopa County Air Quality Department.
It is unfortunate that in this same month, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department entered into settlement agreements with 154 different companies for air quality violations. The total amount of penalties for the February 2009 violations is $707,830.
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The Air Quality Honor Roll was created by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in association with the Maricopa County Air Quality Department in an effort to recognize persons or entities for going “above and beyond” air pollution rules and regulations.
Qualifying nominees to the Air Quality Honor Roll will be announced on a monthly basis. Please visit Maricopa County’s website at www.maricopa.gov to learn more about Maricopa County news and events.