DuPont Dow Elastomers, Pontchartrain Site

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Chloroprene production

Industry: Chemical Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: Hazardous Waste

Location: LaPlace LA

No. of employees: Between 100 and 500 employees

Contact: R. Martin Guidry

Phone: (504) 536-5338

Description:

Chloroprene is the primary ingredient in manufacturing Neoprene synthetic rubber. Formerly, chloroprene was produced by a free-radical process generating F024 and F025 listed hazardous wastes. This process was altered to use an ionic catalyst to achieve higher process yields and eliminate the F024 and F025 toxicity. Organic hazardous wastes are significantly reduced in volume due to improved process yield, and the remaining organic wastes are hazardous primarily due to ignitability and corrosivity characteristics. Aqueous hazardous wastes from the process are also substantially reduced due to less frequent and easier cleaning of process equipment and to improved water management practices.

P2 Application:

A new process using a new catalyst.

Environmental Benefits:

One listed hazardous waste stream of 115,000 lbs/yr was eliminated, aqueous hazardous wastes were reduced by approximately 250,000,000/yr, and the primary organic hazardous waste stream from the process was reduced by 7,000,000 lbs/yr (30%).

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

Initial capital costs for this project were $9,500,000, and startup costs added several million more to the total. The improved process yields and significant waste reductions have improved business competitiveness and reduced worker/community health & safety risks

Source: LDEQ