Dassault Falcon Jet of Little Rock, Ark., has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) by setting goals to eliminate mercury containing devices throughout its Completion and Service operations. Dassault is also in the process of identifying a viable replacement for lead plate utilized as ballast during initial “ferry” flight operations of Falcon business jets between France and U.S.
Dassault will decommission or replace mercury-containing devices such as thermometers, thermostats and specific test equipment which will result in the elimination of three pounds of mercury throughout the Little Rock facility by October 2010. Dassault will also identify an acceptable substitution for lead plate, thereby eliminating the requirement for some 65,000 pounds of lead annually from its operations by year end 2011.
“EPA is making a priority to reduce harmful chemicals in our environment,” said EPA regional administrator Al Armendariz. “By joining this program, Dassault Falcon Jet is helping us eliminate these chemicals and inspiring other business leaders to do the same.”
“We’re pleased that Dassault Falcon Jet has shown its commitment to protecting the environment in The Natural State,” said Teresa Marks, director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. “The company’s efforts to reduce mercury and lead emissions show an insight and a willingness to be a leader in curbing harmful emissions in Arkansas and around the world."
Dassault Aviation is a civil and military global aviation company operating in more than 70 countries with high-tech companies in France and the U.S.
Peter Christiansen, manager of environmental affairs for the Dassault-Little Rock Completion and Service Operations, noted that “Dassault views the environmental function as an essential part of its production strategy. We are committed to proactive environmental performance and believe participation in the NPEP program to be a logical extension of this effort.” This perspective has resulted in Dassault’s Little Rock facility’s recognition as the first aircraft completion center in the U.S. to be certified to ISO 14001 and for environmental achievement by the City of Little Rock, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, and EPA.
NPEP is a voluntary program with 266 members from private and public organizations nationwide. The goal of the program is the reduction, reuse or recycling of 31 priority chemicals. Priority chemicals are long-lasting substances than can build up in the food chain and cause harm to humans and the environment.
Additional information on the NPEP program is available at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/minimize/npep/index.htm
To learn more about activities in EPA Region 6 visit http://www.epa.gov/region6
EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/mar2010.html
