Baghouse Filtration System and Production Update |
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FOR RELEASE September 13, 2016—Last February, Bullseye Glass learned about concerns related to potential emissions from our factory. We took swift and immediate action: voluntarily suspending the use of certain materials and working with experts to help us find the most effective technological solution for filtering our furnaces. We share our customers’ and the public’s interest in air quality and support stronger environmental standards for our industry. Here are the actions we have taken: In March, we began the process of designing and installing 99% efficient baghouse filtration systems, beginning with a pilot baghouse on one furnace in April. In early July, we received components and began installation of a state-of-the-art, dual-control baghouse on eleven furnaces for safely producing glasses that may contain chromium, cadmium, nickel, lead, manganese, and arsenic. We completed installation at the end of August. This system is now up and running. (See image above.) We have started installing a third baghouse that will allow the system to cover an additional seven furnaces. This proactive investment will ensure that emissions are controlled and will allow us to continue to make a beautiful palette of colored glass into the future. At this point, we have resumed production of 80% of our product line. We hope to resume making glasses that contain chromium (primarily greens) in early 2017, once we have completed additional testing and received DEQ approval. See below for styles that will remain suspended through early 2017. Meanwhile, we have formulated four new chromium-free transparent green styles, and will continue to formulate new green glasses that are not dependent on chromium. We are working to ensure compliance with the new regulations. By remaining focused on the task at hand, we plan to make our full product line available as soon as possible. We sincerely thank all of our customers for your patience and support over these last six months. With your continued support, we will accomplish these goals. With gratitude, Styles suspended from production through early 2017(Some of these are still in stock and when not they may be available as half sheets, thins, irids or curious.)
For related updates, see our Environmental Information page. |
