Compliance

Chemical Oxigen Demand (COD) tests performed on our treated wastewater in Jaffrey, NH prior to final discharge ensure we comply with applicable permits.

Compliance with all relevant laws and regulations is a minimum requirement for Millipore.

In 2006, our Billerica, Massachusetts laboratory voluntarily reported a small but measurable level of acetone discharge for which Millipore received a Notice of Non-compliance (but no fine) from the Town of Billerica. We performed a root cause analysis and determined that although the acetone was properly disposed of via the wastewater system, the acetone was generated by biological processes in anaerobic conditions due to naturally occurring bacteria that live in waste-holding tanks. We have since eliminated this source of acetone, and have not experienced another discharge exceedance.

In September, 2005, over a 3 day period, a quantity of 8,000 kg of methanol vapor was released from the SRU (Solvent Recovery Unit) at our facility in Cork, Ireland, through a pressure relief valve (PRV) at the top of the column. This occurred because two condensers on the system became clogged with lime scale and so could not convert the vapor to liquid. This led to a pressure rise within the unit which caused the PRV to lift. The Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland was informed. Dispersion modeling of the emission showed that there was no effect to either the environment or human health. A full review of the solvent recovery unit was carried out and a significant investment was made in this process to ensure there would be no re-occurrence.

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