US Pack Reduces Toxics and Costs, Improves Health and Safety |
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US Pack in Leominster, Massachusetts, installed a new filling system that's expected to reduce the use of acetone, ethylene glycol and methanol by 19,000 lbs. per year.
The company's investment in new equipment will result in a savings of $156,000 annually, which is about a three-month return on investment. This savings does not include the TURI grant. Read more and download the case study.
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Bathtub Refinisher Eliminates Use of Methylene Chloride |
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With the help of a TURI grant and lab testing, Outstanding Bath Refinishing in Milford, Massachusetts, found a safer replacement for products that contain methylene chloride, which can be extremely hazardous to workers.
Due to increasing restrictions on the use of methylene chloride-based products and concern for the health and safety of company employees, Outstanding Bath Refinishing worked with TURI to identify and evaluate safer substitutes. Read more and download the case study.
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Martha's Vineyard Improves Grass Playing Fields with Organic Maintenance |
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Communities on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, have partnered with the non-profit group The Field Fund to manage their natural grass playing fields with organic maintenance, including the West Tisbury Town Field (shown in photo). This case study explores The Field Fund's use of innovative data-driven practices, such as drone photography, moisture mapping and targeted irrigation, alongside core organic maintenance techniques.
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Save the Dates for the TUR Planner Spring Continuing Education Conference |
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Save the dates for the Spring Continuing Education Conference: April 6, April 8 and April 13.
The keynote, TURA program update and sessions will again be held virtually. More details will be available soon.
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Slots Open for Free Food and Beverage Pollution Prevention Course |
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NEW: This course is now open to all food and beverage facilities across New England.
Mount Wachusett Community College and TURI are offering the course "Lean Manufacturing and Pollution Prevention in the Food and Beverage Sector" from March 1 through June 8.
The 64-hour virtual program will help food and beverage manufacturers identify, adopt and measure the results of pollution prevention as a result of changes in processes, equipment and human behavior.
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TURI Shares Company Successes at Scotland Hazards Conference |
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The success of the TURA program continues to be a model for other states and countries. In December, Rachel Massey was a featured virtual speaker at the Scottish Hazards Annual Conference. She discussed how the law came about, how the TURA program agencies work with communities and companies, and the reductions in toxics chemical use across the state. Watch the conference recording.
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TURA Science Advisory Board Meeting Update |
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The SAB met on January 14 to discuss quaternary ammonium compounds. Two speakers, Keith Hostetler and Terry Hrubec, presented on the topic. View their presentations. The SAB will meet again in March (not yet scheduled) and will continue their discussion of quaternary ammonium compounds. Contact Heather Tenney for more details.
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Seeking a Public Health Advocate to Join the TURA Advisory Committee |
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The TURA Program is seeking a volunteer representative from the Public Health Advocacy community for its Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee provides input to the TURA Administrative Council on program policy and regulation issues. Please see this description of the tasks and commitment details. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs seeks diversity in all boards and committees. Please forward this opportunity to potential candidates or other networks.
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TURA Program Strengthening Ad Hoc Committee |
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The TURA Program Strengthening Ad Hoc Committee, established by the TURA Administrative Council, is in the process of meeting to discuss a number of topics. Materials for past meetings are available on the website of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs:
Upcoming meetings will be focused on the following topics:
- TUR Planners and TUR Planning, Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 1pm - 3pm
- TURA List of Toxic or Hazardous Substances, Thursday, April 29, 2021, 11am - 1pm
- Fees, Thursday, May 13, 2021, 10am - 12pm
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Job Openings from TURI Partners |
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Chemical Policy and Outreach Analyst (OTA)
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has posted a vacancy announcement for a Chemical Policy and Outreach Analyst (Environmental Analyst IV) within the Office of Technical Assistance (OTA). The Analyst will coordinate OTA’s chemical policy work with TURI, MassDEP, and other state, federal and local agencies. Learn more and apply.
Environmental Analyst III, Solid Waste Unit (MassDEP)
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has posted a vacancy announcement for an Environmental Analyst III in the Solid Waste Unit. This full-time Environmental Analyst III is primarily responsible for conducting inspections, providing technical and regulatory assistance and issuing enforcement actions to promote compliance among the solid waste facilities in central Massachusetts. Learn more and apply.
Project Staff (NEWMOA)
The Northeast Waste Management Officials Association (NEWMOA) is seeking a Project Staff member to assist NEWMOA’s Project Managers and Executive Director with executing a variety of environmental and public health projects. These projects are generally related to waste and toxic chemicals and can cover a wide range of environmental issues. Learn more and apply.
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Reminder: TURI staff are available via email, phone or Zoom to talk about TUR planning, training, research, grants, lab testing plans or other issues.
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