Water

In 2004, Borax set a challenging target to reduce fresh water use in its primary mine but did not meet that target. In fact, Borax increased its consumption significantly, using more water to control dust on haul roads in its primary mine – particularly on those roads closest to the community, where a few neighbors have voiced concerns.

In 2005, the company will revise its water reduction targets based on operating realities. For instance, rather than measuring efficiency in refinery and power generation facilities – a metric that takes water use into account – Borax will work toward specific, long-term reduction targets in its mine and refineries. One of the most promising measures Borax is taking to reduce water use – as well as energy use and air emissions – is to improve condensate return from its refinery facilities to its steam production facilities.

Borax had no significant discharges to natural bodies of water in 2004. Late in 2001, however, the City of Los Angeles changed its water treatment system, requiring Borax to reduce the boron levels in wastewater discharged from its Wilmington refining and shipping facility from 2,200 pounds per day to less than 140. Borax achieved a 90 percent reduction by reusing as

much wastewater as possible and now discharges less than 80 pounds of boron per day. Borax has also saved 30 million gallons of fresh water per year in Los Angeles.