45 years ago, on April 15, 1972, the US and Canada signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

It was recognized, in 2012, that the agreement needed to be updated and strengthened in order to achieve its goals and objectives. And in January of 2017, the First Triennial Assessment of Progress on Great Lake Water Quality was published with the intent to provide “a catalyst for public engagement.” The International Joint Commission (IJC) is seeking answers and opinions from individuals who “value the Great Lakes and wish to see them sustainably used and protected.”

Now, the IJC wants you to share your views on the progress by both governments.  Citizens in both countries can participate in a series of online and in-person discussions and meetings until April 15, 2017. Your ideas will contribute to the IJC’s first assessment of progress made by the governments to restore and protect the Great Lakes under the revised 2012 Agreement.

SIFCO ASC, why are you sharing this information?

The Great Lakes are the largest system of fresh water on earth. According to the Chamber of Marine Commerce, the Great Lakes Seaway provides 277,000 jobs, produces $35 billion in business revenue and “supports the economic health of North America’s industrial heartland and consumer market of more than 100 million people.” Protecting and maintaining the health of the lakes is as easy as practicing safe disposal practices.

When SIFCO Process plating solutions have been used to their maximum potential, they are considered a hazardous waste, and must be disposed of in accordance with EPA regulations. You must never dispose of any plating solution via your local drain or sewer.

Maxed out solutions and rinse waters can be mixed together in an appropriate hazardous waste container. These, liquid wastes, can be accumulated in a (UNIHI) Molded Polyethylene Drum.

Whereas, solid wastes (such as anodes, covers, tapes, and wipes) can be stored in a (UN1H2) open head plastic drum.

SIFCO strongly recommends a waste log to record the quantity and type of waste entered into the drum to aid in waste profiling when shipping the drums to an approved treatment, storage, and disposal facility.

For technical assistance with environmental and waste issues, contact our Safety Department.
SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts
5708 Schaaf Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44131-1394
PHONE: (216) 524-0099
FAX: (216) 524-6331

European Manufacturing Facility
Unit 12-14
Aston Fields Trading Estate
Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
(B60 3EX) England
PHONE: 011 44 1527-557740
FAX: 011 44 1527-832856

Maintaining the health of our bodies of water and waterways, is not only the responsibility of our governments, but those who live near and around them.