Product Related Activities. ♦ Conduct an inventory of mercury containing products. NSPC will use this information in developing a program to phase out or replace mercury- containing products. Once the inventory is complete the products will be categorized by their associated risk, which will take into account the likelihood of a mercury release from such products. A determination will then be made on whether to phase out a specific item. The specific timing for phasing out a particular device will be based on the availability of mercury free alternatives, the risk of release and the cost. Progress Indicators: Success of this portion of the program will be identified by the completion of the product inventory. ♦ NSPC will label mercury-containing devices, where feasible. NSPC will develop a process for labeling devices that contain mercury; this will promote proper handling and disposal of the devices. Progress Indicators: Success of this portion of the program will be identified by the completion of the labeling of the mercury containing products. ♦ NSPC will communicate with employees the proper use and management of mercury containing products. This will be accomplished through annual environmental awareness training. NSPC will also provide mercury containing product information, to its (approximately) 550 employees, on facilities that manage mercury wastes. NSPC will do this by providing dates, times and locations for existing programs to its employees. ♦ NSPC, along with the Iron Mining Associations (IMA), is currently evaluating several potential community mercury programs. The IMA has been having meetings with Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) and the local counties to identify additional needs or gaps in the existing community programs. The group is also examining the needs that schools, hospitals, and nursing homes may have in dealing with mercury issues. Once the analysis is complete and a decision is made, NSPC will update this agreement.
