United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Pollution EPA 745-K-94-007
Prevention and Toxics May 1994
7408
&EPA
EPA's 33/50 Program
Company Profile
Carpenter Technology
Corporation
Printed on Recycled Paper
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THE 33/50 PROGRAM
This Company Profile is part of a series of reports being developed by EPA to highlight the accomplish-
ments of companies participating in the 33/50 Program. The 33/50 Program is an EPA voluntary pollution
reduction initiative that promotes reductions in direct environmental releases and offslte transfers of 17 high-
priority toxic chemicals. The program derives its name from its overall goals -- an interim goal of a 33%
reduction by 1992 and an ultimate goal of a 50% reduction by 1995. The program uses 1988 Toxics Release
Inventory (TRI) reporting as a baseline. In February, 1991, EPA began contacting the parent companies of
TRJ facilities that reported using 33/50 Program chemicals since 1988 to request their participation in the 33/50
Program. As of April, 1994, a total of 1,216
companies had elected to participate in the
Program, pledging to reduce emissions of the 17
target chemicals by more than 355 million
pounds by 1995. Companies are encouraged to
set their own reduction targets, which may vary
from the Program's national 33% and 50%
reduction goals. Company commitments and
reduction pledges continue to be received by
EPA on a daily basis.
17 PRIORITY CHEMICALS TARGETED
BY THE 33/50 PROGRAM
BENZENE
CADMIUM & COMPOUNDS
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
CHLOROFORM
CHROMIUM & COMPOUNDS
CYANIDES
DICHLOROMETHANE*
LEAD & COMPOUNDS
MERCURY & COMPOUNDS
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
METHYL ISOBUTYL KETONE
NICKEL & COMPOUNDS
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
TOLUENE
1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
XYLENES
Also ref&rred to as methylene chloride
The 1992 TRI data revealed that releases
and transfers of 33/50 Program chemicals de-
clined by 40% between 1988 and 1992, surpass-
ing the Program's 1992 interim reduction goal
by more than 100 million pounds. This accom-
plishment, together with evidence from analysis
of facilities' projected releases and transfers of
the 17 priority chemicals, reported to TRJ under
the Pollution Prevention Act, offers strong en-
couragement that the 33/50 Program's ultimate
goal of a 50% reduction by 1995 will be
achieved.
EPA is committed to recognizing compa-
nies for their participation in the 33/50 Program
and for the emissions reductions they achieve. The Program issues periodic Progress Reports, in which
participating companies are listed and highlighted. In addition, Company Profiles, such as this one, are being
prepared to provide more detailed information about companies that have written to EPA describing significant
emissions reduction initiatives. Information presented in these profiles is drawn primarily from the company's
written 33/50 Program communications and the annual TRI reports submitted by their facilities (including
Pollution Prevention Act data reported to TRI in Section 8 of Form R). All company communications to EPA
regarding the 33/50 Program are available to the public upon request.
EPA does not endorse the performance, worker safety, or environmental acceptability of any of the
technical options discussed in this Profile. Mention of any product or procedure in this document is for
informational purposes only, and does not constitute a recommendation of any such product or procedure,
either express or implied, by EPA.
For information on the 33/50 Program, contact the TSCA Hotline at (202) 554-1404 or contact 33/50
Program staff directly by phone at (202) 260-6907 or by mail at Mail Code 7408, Offke of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics, U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, D.C 20460.
33/50 Program Company Profile: Carpenter Technology Corporation
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Carpenter Technology Corporation
Carpenter Technology Corporation reduced
total releases and transfers of 33/50 Program
chemicals by 96% (2,710,230 pounds) from 1988 to
1992, surpassing its goal of an 86% reduction. In
1993, the company received an award from the
Governor of Pennsylvania recognizing its achieve-
ments in reducing emissions of toxic substances.
I. CORPORATE BACKGROUND
Carpenter Technology Corporation manufac-
tures stainless steel and other specialty metals for
a variety of industries including aerospace, nuclear,
and electronics. The company is headquartered in
Reading, Pennsylvania and has four facilities that
report emissions of 33/50 Program chemicals.
Its two largest facilities are in Reading, Penn-
sylvania and Orangeburg, South Carolina. The
former produces a variety of bar wire and strip
metal products while the latter produces fine wire.
In addition, a small plant in Fryeburg, Maine and
a plant in El Cajon, California also make metal
products. (A fifth facility in Bridgeport, Con-
necticut reported significant releases of several
33/50 Program chemicals in 1988 but ceased all
manufacturing operations shortly thereafter and no
longer reports to TRI.)
Carpenter's facilities use six 33/50 Program
chemicals: chromium (and compounds), cyanides,
nickel (and compounds), tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-
.trichloroethane, and trichloroethylene. Chromium
rand nickel are used as raw materials in the produc-
tion of metals while the chlorinated solvents are
vtused primarily for cleaning finished metal products.
Carpenter Technology reduced releases
and transfers of 33150 Program chemi-
cals by 96% from 1988 to 1992.
Carpenter reported a total of 2,808,918 pounds
of releases and transfers of 33/50 Program chemi-
cals in 1988 (see Table I at the end of this profile).
Of this amount, chromium, primarily in sludge and
dissolved in waste acids, accounted for two-thirds
of the total. In addition, the company reported
3,486,414 pounds of releases and transfers of other
TRI chemicals in the same base year. The vast
Releases and Transfers of TRI
Chemicals Reported by Carpenter
Technology Corporation
(1000 Ibs.)
1988 1992
33/50 Chemicals
Chromium & compounds 1,855 38
Cyanide <1 <1
Nickel & compounds 469 16
Tetrachloroethylene 40 8
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 182 18
Trichloroethylene 263 18
33/50 Subtotal 2,809 98
Other TRI Chemicals 3^486 104
Total* 6,295 202
* Columns do not sum to total due to rounding.
majority of these other TRI chemicals were hydro-
chloric and nitric acids used to remove metal oxide
scale from hot metal pieces after they leave the
furnace.
II. CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL
STRATEGY
Carpenter asserts that it will conduct all opera-
tions with concern for employees, the public, and
the environment. Carpenter aims to maintain or
exceed compliance with all applicable environ-
mental regulations. The company also strives to
minimize discharges in order to eliminate or
reduce the hazards of all by-products and waste
materials.
The company's environmental strategy identi-
fies a series of methods by which the company can
make continuous improvements to meet its envi-
ronmental objectives. These methods are:
• identify and control environmental hazards
stemming from operations;
• conduct pollution control and monitoring
programs to protect employees, the public, the
environment, the corporation's assets, and the
continuity of operations;
33/50 Program Company Profile: Carpenter Technology Corporation
-------
• scrutinize products purchased, processes, and
waste management methods for waste
minimization opportunities (including the
recycling of wastes which must be generated
and avoid the landfilling of wastes);
• communicate applicable information on regu-
lations, procedures, and compliance status to
all employees; and
• work constructively with trade associations,
government agencies and others to develop
equitable and realistic laws, regulations, and
standards to protect the environment.
Closely related to Carpenter's environmental
strategy is another set of principles that
emphasizes on health and safety issues. In its
statement on health and safety, the company
encourages all workers to devote the necessary
time and resources to perform their tasks safely.
in. 33/50 PROGRAM GOALS AND
POLLUTION REDUCTION ACTIVITIES
In May 1991, Carpenter committed to reduce
its total releases and transfers of 33/50 Program
chemicals by 86% (2,415,670 pounds) from 1988 to
1995. Its commitment was based on a review of its
1989 data on releases and transfers and a projec-
tion for its 1991 data to be reported later that
year. The company noted that most of these
reductions would be accomplished at its three
largest facilities - Reading, Bridgeport, and
Orangeburg - through source reduction (e.g.,
consolidation of production facilities and changes
in operating practices) and recycling.
In 1988, as a first step in identifying source
reduction opportunities, Carpenter set up a team
dedicated to continuous environmental improve-
ments. This team consisted of key staff from
engineering, production, and research and develop-
ment. The team identified several types of projects
including solvent substitution, reduction in solvent
emissions through process modifications, increased
recycling of metal-bearing waste streams, and
changes in operator procedures to reduce the
amount of acid used for metal descaling.
Specific changes implemented by Carpenter to
reduce solvent emissions include:
Substituting mineral spirits (petroleum-based
solvents) for trichloroethane for cleaning
certain types of metal parts.
Eliminating non-cleaning uses of 1,1,1-trichlo-
roethane (e.g., as a lubricant).
Improving vapor degreaser process control to
minimize the amount of solvent needed to
clean metal components, and reducing by 50%
the number of vapor degreasers used.
Improving process control to minimize the
amount of waste acid generated and eliminate
the need for sending acid bath wastes off-site
for treatment.
As a first step in identifying source
reduction opportunities, Carpenter set
up a team dedicated to continuous
improvements
Two additional changes resulted in the elimi-
nation of all releases of metals (1,608,250 pounds
of chromium and nickel) to land and a significant
reduction in the amount of metals transferred off-
site for treatment:
• Improving sludge drying operations and recy-
cling rolling mill sludges, resulting in a 400%
increase in the amount of metal oxides that
can be recycled. These wastes were previously
transferred off-site for treatment.
• Adding chemical inhibitors to acid bath solu-
tions to reduce the amount of dissolved metals
being transferred to the acid waste streams.
In addition, for economic reasons, the compa-
ny consolidated its operations in 1989 by closing
the Bridgeport plant while maintaining similar
company-wide production levels through operation
of four other plants. Through this action, Carpen-
ter was able to achieve a 35% reduction in releases
and transfers of 33/50 Program chemicals.
Carpenter has also achieved a 97% reduction
in non-33/50 chemicals, primarily acids. The
company used to replace acid baths on a routine,
time-based schedule. Acids are now tested and
stabilized, a process that extends the life of the
33/50 Program Company Profile: Carpenter Technology Corporation
-------
baths. Acids are now treated on-site only when
rendered unusable.
IV. PROGRESS TOWARDS 33/50
REDUCTION GOALS
As a result of these initiatives, Carpenter has
already far exceeded its 33/50 Program goals.
Corporate-wide releases and transfers of 33/50
Program chemicals have been reduced by 96%
from 1988 levels. In addition, as part of
Carpenter's overall environmental goals, the
company has reduced its releases and transfers of
non-33/50 TRI chemicals by 97%. In total, Car-
penter has eliminated over 6 million pounds of
total releases and transfers of all TRI chemicals
since 1988 while maintaining the same overall level
of production.
Carpenter projects additional reductions in
overall releases and transfers of 33/50 Program
chemicals in 1994 (see Table II), primarily through
elimination of its use of 1,1,1-trichloroethane.
V. SUMMARY OF CARPENTER'S
EXPERIENCE
By seeking continuous improvements, Carpen-
ter has achieved significant reductions in releases
and transfers of 33/50 Program chemicals. The
company's 96% reduction to date has far surpassed
its ambitious goal of an 86% reduction in 33/50
Program chemicals by 1995. In addition, it has
Carpenter Technology's Progress
Towards Meeting 33/50 Goals
7000
6000
o 5000
o
o
JJ4000
«
n
•o
c
a
(A
«
3000
2000
£ 1000
a Non-33/50
Chemicals
• 33/50 Chemicals!
33/50
Goal
1988 1989 1990 1991
1992
33/50 Goal: 86% reduction in releases and
transfers of 33/50 chemicals by 1995
managed to reduce releases and transfers of TRI
chemicals by 97% from 1988. The company other
expects to achieve additional reductions through
further adoption of source reduction and recycling
initiatives.
33/50 Program Company Profile: Carpenter Technology Corporation
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Table I
Carpenter Technology Corporation
Releases and Transfers of TRI Chemicals, 1988-1992
(all data from TRI unless otherwise noted)
Chemical
Chromium
Cyanide compounds
Nickel
Tetrachloroethylene
1,1,1 -Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
33/50 Program Chemicals
Year
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
Surface
Total Air Water
Emissions Discharges
(pounds) (pounds)
12,290
7,872
8,416
9,592
7,429
100
58
58
58
58
6,510
3,671
3,661
3,817
3,128
36,700
56,606
23,408
2,648
7,826
169,113
163,032
99,364
5,752
18,275
263,046
299,544
22,907
13,100
17,800
487,759
530,783
157,814
34,96.7
54,516
220
207
141
189
277
100
83
41
70
46
770
938
1,017
111
235
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,090
1,228
1,199
1,036
558
Transfers Percent
Off-site Change
Releases Transfers for Treatment/ Total Releases 1988-1992
to Land to POTW Disposal/Other and Transfers (1) Total Releases
(pounds) (pounds) (pounds) (pounds) and Transfers
1,384,700
270,105
103,029
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
223,550
73,842
28,166
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,608,250
343,947
131,195
0
0
214
9
301
263
430
0
0
0
0
0
702
377
267
280
360
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
916
386
568
543
790
457,430
223,907
40,289
25,099
30,167
100
33
3
85
285
237,253
150,283
36,193
13,474
12,372
3,400
19,319
6,552
0
0
12,654
49,089
15,456
0
0
66
75
2,303
0
0
710,903
442,706
100,796
38,658
42,824
1,854,854
502,100
152,176
35,143
38,303
300
174
102
213
389
468,785
229,111
69,304
18,348
16,095
40,100
75,925
29,960
2,648
7,826
181,767
212,121
114,820
5,752
18,275
263,112
299,619
25,210
13,100
17,800
2,808,918
1,319,050
391,572
75,204
98,688
-98%
30%
-97%'
-80%
-90%
-93%
-96%,
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Table I
Carpenter Technology Corporation
Releases and Transfers of TRI Chemicals, 1988-1992
(all data from TRI unless otherwise noted)
Chemical
Non 33/50 Program Chemicals
All TRI Chemicals
Percent Change, 1988-1992
33/50 Program Chemicals
Non 33/50 Program chemicals
11 TRI Chemicals
Year
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
Total Air
Emissions
(pounds)
92,658
76,025
101,834
1 1 1 ,402
95,787
580,417
606,808
259,648
146,369
150,303
-89%
3%
-74%
Surface
Water
Discharges
(pounds)
977
876
945
945
896
2,067
2,104
2,144
1,981
1,454
•49%
-8%
-30%
Releases
to Land
(pounds)
841,100
145,400
56,355
2,123
1,594
2,449,350
489,347
187,550
2,123
1,594
-100%
-100%
-100%
Transfers
Off-site
Transfers for Treatment/
Total Releases
to POTW Disposal/Other and Transfers (1)
(pounds)
201
59
59
250
250
1,117
445
627
793
1,040
-14%
24%
-7%
(pounds)
2,551,478
1,702,296
481,000
4,379
5,044
3,262,381
2,145,002
581,796
43,037
47,868
-94%
-100%
-99%
(pounds)
3,486,414
1,924,656
640,193
119,099
103,571
6,295,332
3,243,706
1,031,765
194,303
202,259
-96%
-97%
-97%
Percent
Change
1988-1992
Total Releases
and Transfers
-97%
-97%
Notes: (1) Total Releases and Transfers for 1991 and 1992 do not include on- or off-site recycling or energy recovery.
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Table II
Carpenter Technology Corporation
Pollution Prevention Act Reporting (1)
Chemical
Chromium
Cyanide compounds
Nickel
Tetrachloroethylene
1,1,1 -Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
Year
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
Recycled
On-Site
(pounds)
1,588,233
1,513,012
1,500,000
0
0
0
1,113,573
966,433
1,000,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
27,000
26,700
25,200
Recycled
Off-Site
(pounds)
1,767,732
1,954,812
2,000,000
0
0
0
1,156,418
1,546,292
1,500,000
24,993
14,122
10,000
21,668
10,226
1,000
4,900
1,350
700
Energy
Recovery
Off-Site
(pounds)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7,669
1,021
500
14,116
1,069
0
0
0
0
Treated
On-Site
(pounds)
0
0
0
12,614
13,614
14,295
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
42
0
0
0
0
Treated
Off-Site
(pounds)
18
15
10
85
285
200
150
92
85
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Percent
Change
Quantity 1991-1994
Released Quantity
(pounds) Released
34,589
37,646
9,525 -72%
128
104
109 -15%
17,845
15,510
3,721 -79%
2,648
10,611
4,000 51%
12,452
18,630
500 -96%
12,800
15,400
13,600 6%
Total
Production
Related
Wastes
(pounds)
3,390,572
3,505,485
3,509,535
12,827
14,003
14,604
2,287,986
2,528,327
2,503,806
35,310
25,761
14,500
48,236
29,967
1,500
44,700
43,450
39,500
Percent
Change
1991-1994
Production
Related
Wastes'
4%
14%
9%
-59%
-97%
-12%
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Table II
Carpenter Technology Corporation
Pollution Prevention Act Reporting (1)
.
Chemical
33/50 Program Chemicals
Non 33/50 Program Chemicals
All TRI Chemicals
Percent Changes. 1991-1994
33/50 Program chemicals
Non 33/50 Program chemicals
All TRI Chemicals
Year
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
1991
1992
1994
Recycled
On-Site
(pounds)
2,728,806
2,506,145
2,525,200
1,279,493
1,974,705
2,037,175
4,008,299
4,480,850
4,562,375
-7%
59%
14%
Recycled
Off-Site
(pounds)
2,975,711
3,526,802
3,511,700
521,801
1,269,888
1,289,000
3,497,512
4,796,690
4,800,700
18%
147%
37%
Energy
Recovery
Off-Site
(pounds)
21,785
2,090
500
0
0
0
21,785
2,090
500
-98%
-
-98%
Treated
On-Site
(pounds)
12,614
13,663
14,295
3,818,629
4,816,093
4,515,000
3,831,243
4,829,756
4,529,295
13%
18%
18%
Treated
Off-Site
(pounds)
253
392
295
3
7
5
256
399
300
17%
67%
17%
Percent
Change
Quantity 1991-1994
Released Quantity
(pounds) Released
80,462
97,901
31,455 -61%
117,393
103,614
94,188 -20%
197,855
201,515
125,643 -36%
-61%
-20%
-36%
Total
Production
Related
Wastes
(pounds)
5,819,631
6,146,993
6,083,445
5,737,319
8,164,307
7,935,368
11,556,950
14,311,300
14,018,813
5%
38%
21%
Percent
Change
1991-1994
Production
Related
Wastes
5%
38%
21%
Notes: (1) Actual data for 1991 and 1992, projections for 1994.
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