The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is pleased to be hosting an introductory training workshop on Alternatives Assessments (AAs) on July 9 in Room 2S-20 at Ecology’s HQ building in Lacey, WA.
Space is limited for the workshop, so register today to let us know if you are planning to attend. Click here to link to driving directions & a map to Ecology.
The July 9 workshop will provide attendees with presentations by several of the authors of the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse AA Guide. The workshop will provide introductory background on the content and structure of the Guide and will include presentations by the authors on the scoping modules, minimum recommended modules, and optional modules. The workshop is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Guide as a tool to meet a wide range of needs by businesses, government, nongovernmental organizations, tribes, and others interested users.
Click here to download the agenda.
What is an alternatives assessment?
An alternatives assessment is a process for identifying and comparing potential chemical and non-chemical alternatives that can be used as substitutes to replace chemicals or technologies of high concern. Ecology is interested in adopting the core modules of the IC2 guide for use as a new tool to help businesses, government, tribal and nongovernmental organizations to reduce risks posed by the widespread use of toxic chemicals in commerce and manufacturing.
How is Ecology planning to adopt the IC2 Guide for use in Washington?
Ecology is proposing the following core evaluation modules for an alternatives assessment. The workshop will help provide the opportunity to learn more about alternatives assessment. The first four modules are considered core modules for an alternatives assessment and comprise the minimum recommended in the Guide. The others would be optional based on the assessors needs or interests and any special considerations for the chemical, product or process under evaluation.
- Hazard
- Performance
- Cost and Availability
- Exposure
- Materials Management
- Social Impact
- Life Cycle
What’s the process to adopt the guide’s use in Washington?
Ecology has invited several stakeholders to participate in an Alternatives Assessment Advisory Group. The purpose of the advisory group is to provide input to Ecology on adopting the IC2 AA Guide in Washington as a new tool to help businesses, government, tribal and nongovernmental organizations to reduce risks posed by the widespread use of toxic chemicals in commerce and manufacturing. The public is invited to observe the meeting.
Ecology will be seeking input from the group on how to best move forward to implement AAs in Washington State.
Accomodations
If you need overnight accommodations, here are several hotel recommendations: