C.A. Lawton Co. Seeks Tier 2 Status in Wisconsin’s Green Tier Program
*The following was originally published here: https://dnr.wi.gov/news/releases/article/?id=4974
DE PERE, Wis. – The C.A. Lawton Co. is an applicant for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Green Tier program as a Tier 2 participant. The 140-year-old company has been a Tier 1 participant since 2013 but wants to advance to Tier 2, enabling them to negotiate an environmental contract with DNR outlining their strategy for superior environmental performance. Doing so will enable significant environmental improvements and allow for certain types of regulatory flexibility.
The C.A. Lawton Co. is enthusiastic about taking this next formal step in its environmental commitment.
“In 2013, we joined Green Tier 1 as a demonstration of our pledge to take our business ‘Beyond Compliance.’ Now, as we embark on achieving Green Tier 2 status, we have the opportunity to amplify that commitment through the use of a robust, integrated management system credentialing our effort,” said CEO Alex Lawton.
A benefit exclusively available to Tier 2 participants is a new air permit, the Green Tier Registration Operation Permit (ROP-G). The ROP-G requires that the facility maintain air emission levels below 80% of the major source thresholds.
“As we evolve from the basic concept of “Beyond Compliance,” we see the next phase of our pledge as doubling down on our responsibility to people and the planet, not just earning profit. The new Green Tier Registration Permit (ROP-G) facilitates our effort by rewarding our commitment to sustainability with a streamlined and flexible air permit,” Lawton said.
Under the current proposal, Lawton would transition from its existing environmental management system to one that is certified to the International Standard Organization for environmental management (ISO 14001) within its first 18 months of participation. The ISO 14001 system is a widely accepted framework that is standardized across industries.
Lawton manufactures large iron castings and machined components for a range of markets, including agriculture, paper, mining and energy. They are focused on being an industry leader in sustainability and cutting-edge business practices that respect limited resources. Past efforts include participation in independent energy usage assessments identifying obsolete equipment, outdated practices and drains on resources, installation of an upgraded compressed air system, scrap metal pre-heater and light fixtures and diversion of excess foundry sand to beneficial reuse projects in nearby communities.
DNR will accept comments, requests to participate in negotiations or requests for a public informational meeting through Dec. 29 concerning Lawton’s intent to participate in Tier 2. These comments and requests should be directed to Weston Wegener, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 S. Webster St., 7thFloor, Madison, WI, 53703, Weston.Wegener@wisconsin.gov, 608-284-0908.
More information on Lawton’s participation can be found on the Green Tier web page: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/GreenTier/Participants/calawton.html.