DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell visits the Benton Foundry in Benton, Columbia County, today to celebrate the company’s full-facility energy audit using DEP grant funding, and the implementation of energy efficiency improvements to reduce energy usage, decrease air pollution, and save money.
Secretary McDonnell will be joined by representatives from the Benton Foundry and project partners from Northampton Community College, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and PPL to discuss the company’s energy efficiency work and tour the facility.
A full facility energy audit of the Benton Foundry was completed by the Emerging Technology Applications Center (ETAC) at Northampton Community College with the support of DEP grant funding, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and matching company dollars. Following the audit, the Benton Foundry implemented variable frequency drives for three bag houses and compressed air controls, resulting in a savings of 1,474,536 kilowatt hours per year. The reduction of energy usage significantly reduces the emissions of air pollutants and saves the Benton Foundry $89,800 per year.
DEP has provided ongoing funding support for ETAC’s work to assist the Benton Foundry and other small and mid-sized businesses in their efforts to reduce energy consumption and emissions. DEP’s Air Quality Program has also provided plan approval for the Benton Foundry’s operations and oversees compliance with applicable air quality regulations.
ETAC conducts investment-grade energy, industrial process and waste minimization assessments. Assessments include a pre-assessment questionnaire, an on-site assessment and a comprehensive final report. They focus on:
Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC. He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management. He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.
