Metalcasting…An Environmental Success Story
The American Foundry Society, the nation’s leading trade association representing the metalcasting industry, can point with confidence to our industry’s success in minimizing the impacts of our operations to air, water and land. Part of our mission is to help our member companies achieve superior environmental performance. We’ve invested heavily to educate, inform, and guide U.S. foundries on industry best practices to minimize human health risks, promote a safe workplace and reduce our environmental footprint. The U.S. EPA’s report on the metal casting industry demonstrates that our strong commitment to environmental and economic sustainability has yielded meaningful results.
Measurable Gains
The impressive record of the metal casting industry is confirmed by the U.S. EPA’s 2008 Sector Performance Report, which reviewed the environmental performance of key U.S. industries. The report shows that just since 1996, we’ve achieved measurable gains in minimizing the industry’s impacts to the nation’s air and water as well as reducing our waste. Here are a few examples where we’ve made a difference:
Cleaner Air
64% Air Emission Reductions – U.S. metal casters reduced their air emissions of all reportable chemicals and metals by 64% under EPA’ Toxics Release Inventory.
82% Decline in Our Toxicity Score – EPA estimates that the industry’s overall “toxicity score” for air emissions has declined dramatically – by over 80%.
Cleaner Water
52% Drop in Regulated Wastewater
Discharges of Chemicals – All metal casting companies with process wastewater operate under strict discharge limits, and reported discharges for the industry have dropped by 52%.
Less Waste
34% Less Waste Being Managed – The industry generates 34% less metal waste to be managed via treatment, disposal or recycling.
Reuse and Recycling
Beneficial and Safe Reuse of 2.6 million tons of casting sand a year Currently, the industry beneficially reuses 2.6 million tons of sand per year, or 28% of the total casting sand available for reuse. The industry is now pursuing a sand reuse goal of 50% by 2015.
Why Sand Use isImportant -
Metal casting operations use millions of tons of sand each year to cast millions of different parts and components from sand molds- parts that are vital to everyday life.
Safe and Clean – Most of our sand is safe and clean and can be beneficially reused in numerous ways, from being a key ingredient in soil mix for rain gardens to filter storm water to essential fill material for roads and bridges.