Date: Fri 12-Jan-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

environment-Leighton-business

Full Text:

with cut: Environmental Engineer Offers His Services To Business

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

It is prudent for a business of any size to consider the implications of

environmental legislation and to comply with regulations. But often,

requirements change or are so detailed that an environmental expert is needed

to help guide one through the process.

That's why Edward Leighton, a senior environmental engineer with Hughes

Danbury Optical Systems, has established Newtown Environmental Services

consulting firm. He wants to assist other businesses with environmental

compliance needs on a personal and individual basis.

"It's a very interesting and satisfying field," said Mr Leighton. "There is a

lot of diversity, and many opportunities with issues that need to be solved."

Two decades ago there weren't many hazardous waste regulations governing

discharge or management. But today, even the self-employed painting contractor

needs to have a high level of awareness of what applies to his specific

business because there is substantial financial ramifications for anyone found

in violation.

Mr Leighton can help a contractor characterize his material and identify

legitimate waste disposal companies that offer the most competitive prices.

There have been instances, he said, of people misrepresenting themselves as

hazardous waste transporters, picking up materials, and dumping them in a

field.

"If your material is found in an illegal disposal site, [and it can be traced

back to you,] you are partially responsible for its clean-up," he said. This

or other violations would probably result in other types of audits by

environmental regulatory agencies.

Another example of a seemingly clear-cut situation where problems could arise

is in the disposal of oil at an autobody shop or garage. "Used oil is

considered `not hazardous.' But if there is lead cadmium found in it, then it

is considered hazardous [and must be classified as such] and disposed of

properly."

The engineer said he is aware that small businesses and large manufacturers

alike try to keep costs at a minimum. But, just as a business owner would hire

an accountant for financial problems or an attorney for legal problems, an

environmental expert is usually need to addressed that specific aspect of a

business, said Mr Leighton. The onus for knowing environmental laws is on the

operators, he added.

"I know what businesses need and what services they expect," he said. "Working

for a company for ten years, I have that inside knowledge to produce quality

work at minimal cost - that's my emphasis."

Mr Leighton holds a MS in engineering and BS in chemical engineering. He is a

state licensed professional engineer, a certified radiation safety officer

under NRC, a certified 40-hour OSHA hazardous material first responder, and

has received certification in the 8-hour OSHA refresher course for hazardous

waste. For the past five of his ten years at Hughes, he has been responsible

for facility compliance to all federal, state, and local environmental laws

and regulations. His cumulative experience provides him with the expertise he

offers in his new business.

Areas of Specialization

Newtown Environmental Services Company offers a variety of services involving

water permitting, hazardous materials management and air quality compliance.

Any business, regardless of size, is required to annually test waste materials

to determine if they are hazardous. Mr Leighton offers hazardous waste

"characterization and determination," site specific hazardous waste generator

training, inspection and auditing, as well as preparation of contingency plans

and emergency action procedures.

Newtown businesses that will hook up to the sewer line are required to obtain

a waste water discharge permit from the Department of Environmental

Protection. The general waste water permit is a pre-written form which

business owners can complete themselves; detailed permits with negotiable

terms are applicable to some manufacturing processes. Both types of permits

require testing and monitoring of waste water, another service offered by Mr

Leighton.

Mr Leighton's company will also set up inventory systems relating to hazardous

materials management and Right-to-Know laws. Material Safety Data Sheets and

chemical inventory systems can also be integrated. Multimedia audits cover all

areas of environmental regulations and can save the business owner time and

money, according to Mr Leighton.

The fourth area of expertise relates to industrial and residential property

services. Under the Property Transfer Act, a consultant needs to be retained

to review the condition of any site where there has been chemical process when

the property is to be leased or sold. "Banks are now retaining environmental

consultants to review property transactions...[to avoid] holding contaminated

property," said the engineer.

"In Connecticut, a trust fund was set up by the state to reimburse businesses

[for expenses above the $10,000 deductible] to clean up gasoline releases. And

now there is reimbursement to businesses for heating fuel releases," said Mr

Leighton. "In the near future, I see that this door might be opened for

residential property owners."

The EPA and DEP are trying to build cooperative relationships with

businessmen. "The big thing now is waste minimization - trying to eliminate

generation of waste materials at the beginning of the process," he said.

"I'm a Newtown resident who is concerned about local issues, and I'm available

to help with local concerns," said Mr Leighton. "And when you call me, you're

talking to the owner [not a marketing representative], and I can solve the

problem on the spot."

Mr Leighton may be reached at 270-7646, or by writing Newtown Environmental

Services, 48 Brookwood Drive, Newtown 06470. Free consultation is offered.