Vol. 3 No. 2 Fall 1995
A Newsletter About New Jersey's Water Quality Programs

The R.L. Mitchell Technical Center of Hoechst Celanese Corporation of Summit, New Jersey was awarded the "Industrial Environmental Compliance Award" by the New Jersey Water Environment Association at their annual conference on May 4, 1995. The facility received an award nomination from the Bureau of Stormwater Permitting for their exemplary efforts under the state's Stormwater Permitting Program. The Technical Center was selected from a group of 40 nominees provided by various organizations around the state.

The Technical Center is involved with the research and development of chemical products. The 45 acre site discharges stormwater to local waterways in accordance with a comprehensive stormwater control program designed to prevent the discharge of contaminants. The program also requires employees and contractors to attend an education program on spill prevention, good housekeeping, and other "best management practices" (BMPs) for eliminating exposure or preventing the discharge of contaminated stormwater. These BMPs include storing raw materials indoors, covering loading docks with overhangs, covering loading dock storm drains with rubber mats, good housekeeping measures (sweeping up spilled materials), and annual drills for emergency spills.

The Technical Center's use of a multi-discipline team consisting of representatives from engineering, maintenance, and environmental health and safety, has resulted in consistent compliance with their stormwater permit.

This facility is one of approximately 2,000 permitted industrial facilities in New Jersey required to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. The continued cooperation of these industries will help eliminate stormwater contamination, which should translate into improved water quality for New Jersey.

If you have any questions about the stormwater permitting program please contact the Bureau of Stormwater Permitting by calling (609) 633-7021.