III. RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Background

Over a period of nearly three years, a series of informal and formal roundtables, workshops, meetings, and surveys was conducted to draft an environmental R&D Plan for the metal finishing sector. This Plan meets the strategic goals of the sector in the reduction of metals and other hazardous substances, reduction of energy and water usage, and increased economic benefit. It should have beneficial health and environmental effects for workers and the surrounding community, as well as economic benefits for the companies involved.