Elementis LTP Receives the International Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Core level Certification for its Near Zero Discharge Efforts

(Dec 08, 2020) Global demand exceeds the planet’s supply of water. Safeguarding water resources for future generations is vital. The Elementis LTP manufacturing plant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has quietly been implementing water catchment and reuse procedures for years. Located on the banks of the Milwaukee River, it was important to the company that they conduct business with the highest concern for the health and safety of its employees, customers, neighbors, and the public. The requirements for its sustainable development strategy are to work proactively to reduce emissions, minimize waste from its processes, conserve valuable natural resources, and ensure responsible product stewardship up and down the supply chain.  

Working with the International Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), also based in Milwaukee, LTP accepted a grant from AWS to submit their Near Zero Discharge efforts for AWS’ six-step certification framework that leads to Core, Gold and Platinum status. In exchange, LTP would share their efforts with other companies to aid them in their strategy to develop similar sustainability protocols and criteria.  

In August 2020, LTP was awarded the AWS Core level certification. After quantifying how and where the facility used and discharged water and where water was wasted, procedures were developed to reuse as much water as possible and then continuously improve reusability. After the initial assessment, all drainpipes out of the facility were cemented shut, except for sanitary water from the restrooms that were connected to the municipal water system. LTP captures and reuses all other water sources, including: 

  • Optimized bulk container shipment, storage and shortened cleaning processes of containers 

  • Reuse of wash water and laboratory water 

  • Storm water containment that is then cleaned and reused to reduce water purchase from the local water providers 

  • Reduced evaporation discharge 

 The Milwaukee facility will build upon its sustainable water management successes to achieve each level within the AWS certification and continue to drive collaborative actions with local government and other companies. In 2021, LTP will expand its strategy to its Amarillo, Texas and Dakota City, Nebraska plants and seek AWS certification at these locations.