In the project initiation phase, we gathered information on the batch chemical industry, identified the major Publicly-Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) affected by chemical manufacturing in New Jersey, and formed the Stakeholder Group.

• Information Gathered: We compiled general background information on the industry, including general production, employment, and economic stastistics.
  
  
• POTWs Identified: More than thirty POTWs in New Jersey administer pretreatment programs. Two of the largest POTWs joined the project as Stakeholders; two joined as Trackers. State and national POTW associations also joined as trackers.
  
  
• Stakeholder Group: We had a very diverse and thoughtful Stakeholder Group of representatives from industry, trade associations, environmental groups, academia, unions, POTWs. Also, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Region 2 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined the project as partners with the Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation at EPA Headquarters.

     In forming the group, we looked for individuals in each of the above categories who were very knowledgeable in their field, had some experience with the chemical industry, were innovative thinkers, and wanted to work in a cooperative, non-adversarial manner.

Stakeholders Include: 4 large companies 2 medium companies 6 small business 1 national trade association 1 New Jersey trade association 2 POTWs 2 academics 3 environmentalists 2 union representatives

We wanted the Stakeholder Group to be balanced so that we could consider various perspectives in crafting new approaches to environmental protection. Before we asked them to join the project, we had get-to-know-you meetings and calls with each Stakeholder to explain the purpose and general structure of the project, the expected milestones and schedule, and to listen to their ideas and concerns. These meetings also set the tone of an open and honest atmosphere where we could learn the pros and cons of different approaches to environmental protection while focusing on substance, not political debate or divisiveness. Stakeholders were asked to agree to be open and honest throughout the project and to attend the four stakeholder meetings.

     Individuals who expressed interest in the project, but could not join as Stakeholders, were invited to become Trackers. Trackers were periodically sent summary information on the project's progress, and are asked to provide any ideas or reactions they may have.

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Last Revision: March 13, 2000
http://www.epa.gov/emergingstrategies/njcip/pi.htm