KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary

September 16, 1997

Contact: Don Brown

785-296-1529

Pollution Prevention Week Honors Government-Community Cooperation

September 15-19 is Pollution Prevention Week in Kansas, and several of the state's businesses and community efforts will be honored for their pollution prevention efforts at the Statewide Environmental Conference in Lawrence Wednesday, September 24, 1997. The theme for Pollution Prevention Week, as well as the conference, is the commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Kansas Governor Bill Graves' proclamation for Pollution Prevention Week stresses the positive economic impact of pollution prevention:

"Pollution prevention can work to increase production efficiency in the workplace, saving participating businesses time and money; and

"Strong pollution prevention measures can help environmental conditions while increasing commercial competitiveness."

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), which is sponsoring the pollution prevention conference, stresses the economic benefits of pollution prevention. The theme "Linking Community, Business and Government: Connections for a Clean Environment" reflects the compatibility of economic and environmental goals.

"The proclamation honoring the efforts of KDHE and others throughout the state stresses this week as an opportunity for government, business, industry, community organizations, and all citizens to work together toward a cleaner environment as well as a competitive business climate," said Gary R. Mitchell, KDHE Secretary. "We hope to see that cooperative spirit continue throughout the year as we work toward increasing the state's economic and environmental health."

Wednesday's award ceremony will recognize special contributions to this goal by a city utility, a major manufacturer, and a community recycling effort. Mitchell said the range of awards reflects the broad interactions and cooperation necessary to preserve and protect Kansas' environment.

Keynote speaker for the conference, September 24 and 25 at the Lawrence Holidome, will be Dr. Jeff Salz, president of Salz and Associates. Governor Graves and Secretary Mitchell will address the group Wednesday morning. Workshops and sessions will cover the gamut of environmental and business concerns, from environmental protection as part of community health, proposed and new regulations, to curbside recycling, water issues, and stormwater. For more information on the conference or any of the session, persons can contact the KDHE Office of Science and Support, 785-296-6603.