CAMARILLO : 3M Plant to Join Pilot Environment Project

A trio of 3M sites, including the high-technology company’s Camarillo plant, will participate in a pilot program that aims to free business from government red tape while continuing environmental improvements, President Clinton announced at a White House ceremony Friday.

3M is one of eight organizations selected to participate in Project XL, which stands for excellence in leadership, as part of a package of environmental initiatives Clinton announced in March. The President’s program allows 3M to make changes in its manufacturing processes to reduce emissions without filing time-consuming environmental permits each time.

“To stay competitive, 3M needs to be able to make changes more quickly,” said Dick Baldwin, Ventura County Air Pollution Control District officer, who along with other regional officials attended Friday’s ceremony in the nation’s capital. “3M Camarillo would be able to move faster under Project XL and still follow stringent environmental guidelines.”

3M has pledged to permanently reduce emissions by 20% in Camarillo in exchange for being freed from environmental rules.

Chuck Byrne, 3M Camarillo manager, describes the company’s proposal under the program as a “blueprint for business and industry” to continue environmental improvements while recognizing the competitive pressures of the global marketplace.

3M Camarillo opened in 1963 and with 600 employees is the company’s largest Data Storage Tape Technology Division plant.

The plant has already reduced emissions 90% since 1989, company officials said. Recognition for its efforts has included the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award.