DNR Seeking Public Comment On Proposed Green Tier Contract With Northern Engraving Corporation

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for public comments on a proposed Green Tier contract with Northern Engraving Corporation (NEC) for their locations in Sparta, Holmen and West Salem, Wisconsin.

NEC has participated in the Environmental Cooperation Pilot Program since 2002, and the proposed contract would transition the company to Tier 2 of the Green Tier program. The DNR welcomes comments from NEC’s customers, neighbors and stakeholders through March 20, 2023, with a public meeting scheduled for noon on Thursday, March 9 (see below for details).

NEC manufactures nameplates, automotive trim and other industrial decoratives, using plastic and aluminum as the primary substrates. The company operates five manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin and Iowa with several other locations that provide support services to the facilities. NEC is a dedicated steward of the environment, with an active pollution prevention program since 1988. An environmental policy commits the company to reducing waste, continually improving processes and minimizing harm to the environment.

“NEC has been actively manufacturing for over 100 years. In that time, there has been a major push to become more environmentally conscious. Working with customers and local entities, including the DNR, NEC is on the right path to continue with our commitment to the environment,” said Mark Peterson II, the Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager for NEC. “Transitioning into Tier 2 of the Green Tier program is something that NEC is proud of and should stand as a testament to our never-ending pursuit to a better and cleaner future.”

Tier 2 participants agree to pursue superior environmental performance and maintain an environmental management system (EMS). All NEC facilities are registered to the ISO 14001 international environmental standard and will receive annual audits from a DNR-Approved Outside Environmental Auditor. The EMS helps NEC analyze environmental impacts, set objectives and targets, develop supporting programs, review results and redirect efforts. Each facility has experienced successes using these tools to improve employee and community involvement in their operations. These commitments would allow NEC to continue operating under the same negotiated air permitting flexibilities that is has under the original cooperative agreement.

“NEC was one of the first partners in the pilot program and it is excellent that they are taking the next step to join Green Tier,” said Gail Good, DNR Air Management Director. “NEC has a strong commitment to not only meeting but exceeding environmental regulations, and the transition into Tier 2 demonstrates their long-standing commitment to superior environmental performance. We look forward to our continued partnership.”

The DNR will accept written comments until March 20, 2023. Please direct comments and requests to Weston Wegener at weston.wegener@wisconsin.gov or 608-284-0908.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Public information meeting concerning the proposed contract for NEC

WHEN: Noon on Thursday, March 9

WHERE: Online via Zoom.
Join by phone: 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 832 6529 3761