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Toxics Use Reduction Planning Course

Toxics Use Reduction Planning Course:  Effective Planning for Long Term Results - Fall 2006 - Boxborough, MA

Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) is about protecting workers, communities and the environment, while promoting competitiveness, through efficient materials use and management. The key to effective, long-term TUR is good planning.

"Every gram you emit or throw away represents something you paid for that you're not selling."

This course focuses in-depth on TUR planning. It presents a systematic approach to identify waste and inefficiencies, compare and implement opportunities to reduce toxics, and continually improve a TUR program. The course will also present detailed information about how to modify and certify an existing TUR plan.

After this course, you will be able to:

"Treating pollution is an expense; preventing it is an investment"


• Take the DEP TUR Planner Certification  exam
• Develop results-focused goals and objectives for reducing toxics
• Assemble teams to leverage diverse expertise within the facility
• Enlist upper management support
• Perform process characterizations of facility operations
• Identify and prioritize waste reduction opportunities
• Perform technical and economic evaluations of TUR options

About the course format
The class meets once a week for 7 weeks. Two 3 ½ hour modules are presented each day, with a 1 hour  break in between for lunch. The course is designed and facilitated by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute. Each module is taught by one of a team of highly-qualified instructors – most of whom represent industries – who use a mix of lecture, facilitated discussion and group learning techniques. The course also features a real-world case study exercise.

Becoming a Certified General TUR Planner
The course is open to anyone. It is a prerequisite for taking the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Examination to become a state-certified General TUR Planner. As required by 310 CMR 50.52, general planners must: (1) complete this course with a passing grade; (2) document their education and experience; and (3) pass the DEP exam. Simply taking this course will not certify you as a Toxics Use Reduction Planner. NOTE: Course attendance is required in order to receive a certificate of completion. If you have any questions about certification requirements, contact Paul Walsh at DEP at (617) 556-1011.  If you have any questions about the course contact Anne Basanese at (978) 934-3144 or Anne_Basanese@uml.edu.

How to Enroll
Complete the enclosed application form and return it by the due date. Checks payable to "UMass Lowell" for the full amount of the course fee must be received prior to the first day of class. The registration will not be complete and the space will not be held until payment and registration form are received.  If courses are canceled due to low enrollments, or if courses are over-subscribed, applicants will be notified and any fees paid will be refunded. Applicants admitted for this course will receive a packet prior to the class start date with specific course information directions to the facility. Register early. Class size is limited and courses usually fill. Applicants are registered on a first come/first served basis with a completed registration.