Environmental Impact

DECC and the Environment

The very nature of the industrial coatings industry is that many of the coatings contain high amounts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s); in many cases over 6 pounds of VOC’s per gallon. These emissions are regulated by the state as a precursor to ground level ozone smog. To remain in compliance as the business has expanded, DECC purchased a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) to destroy VOC’s generated by our mass production processes. In doing so, plantwide emissions were reduced from a potential of almost 46 tons to actual emissions of just under 4 tons.

That's an emission reduction of over 90% while continuing to grow sales.

The RTO enables DECC to remain environmentally compliant even in the current climate of increasing regulations relating to air pollution and public health.

Hexavalent Chrome

Hexavalent chrome compounds are commonly used in coatings because of their excellent corrosion resistant properties. However the health risks associated with Cr+6 has led to its use being restricted in automotive applications, as well as employee exposure to Hexavalent chrome being regulated by OSHA. The cost to dispose of the waste generated from the process is high.

The DECC Company offers coating options to our customers with the coating performance they have come to expect but without the hazardous constituents that are found in Hexavalent chrome. We continue evaluating and testing alternative coatings, even though we successfully reached our goal of having the remainder of our customers changed over by the end of 2008.

Review of Incoming Chemicals

DECC is committed to reviewing all processes and incoming chemicals as part of our commitment to protecting our employees and the environment.

Prior to any new sample or production coatings entering our plant, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for that chemical is reviewed by our Environmental Engineer to determine the impact on employee safety and environmental regulations. If for any reason it is determined that the coating is noncompliant, we will not allow that coating into our company, despite the fact that it could mean passing on a new opportunity for additional business.

Summary of Environmental Impact

• 90% reduction in VOC Emissions.
• Hexavalent chrome has been eliminated as of January 2009.
• Audit of incoming chemicals for environmental and health impact.