Environmental Cooperation Pilot Program

The Environmental Cooperation Pilot Program (ECPP) gives environmentally responsible companies the flexibility they need to achieve superior environmental performance. 1999 through 2002, six ECPP participants were carefully selected on the basis of their proposed commitments and strong environmental records. All remain in the program today and continue to set and attain ambitious environmental goals. In 2003 the DNR established the Green Tier program based largely on the information and results gathered from the pilot.

Current environmental regulations can sometimes prevent companies from developing innovative approaches to waste reduction and pollution prevention. The pilot program affords participating businesses some latitude and assistance in pursuing these innovative efforts. Cooperative Environmental Agreements developed and signed by the participant and the DNR utilize flexible permitting, environmental management systems and open communication between government, business and the public to reduce the business’s environmental footprint while addressing public concerns and meeting or exceeding all current federal and state regulations.

The results have been ground-breaking. For example:

• Cook Composites' Agreement has yielded a 500,000 lb. reduction in solvent use.
• The We Energies Pleasant Prairie power plant has avoided the purchase of nearly 2000 train cars of coal.
• Packaging Corporation of America has reduced methanol emissions 850 percent beyond current standards.

ECPP participants were carefully selected on the basis of their project proposals and strong environmental records. The DNR has expanded the pilot program through Green Tier.

Contact Information

Mark McDermid
Bureau Director
1-608- 267-3125