Compliance

HP is involved in the remediation of soil and groundwater at 31 locations where releases of chemicals have occurred. We have taken on these liabilities in three primary ways: through chemical spills from manufacturing operations in the 1970s and 1980s, through mergers and acquisitions of other companies, and through improper waste management by disposal and recycling facilities of HP's wastes where we share the responsibility with other companies.

HP is committed to addressing chemical releases resulting from historical site operations. HP utilizes its environmental, health, and safety management system with company-wide standards to prevent and respond to chemical spills at HP operations. Prior to acquiring companies and property, HP conducts due diligence to evaluate if there is existing contamination. In some situations, we may acquire property with existing soil or groundwater contamination and remediate the contamination during redevelopment. Our waste vendor management program includes auditing third-party recycling and disposal facilities.

To address contamination, we evaluate and adopt new remediation technologies when they offer advantages compared to traditional methods. We have used innovations such as in situ oxidation, biostimulation, iron filings and high vacuum systems in addition to traditional remedial measures.

In 2007, HP successfully completed remediation work at four sites and reduced risks from contamination at another three sites to the point that only monitoring is required.

Concern about vapor intrusion into buildings from volatile chemicals has increased in recent years. New regulations and guidance are being developed to address these concerns. HP evaluates its remediation projects for potential vapor intrusion risks and compliance with developing regulations. Where concerns have been raised, HP has worked with regulatory agencies to evaluate and resolve vapor intrusion risks.

Historically, HP built operations in undeveloped locations. This allowed HP to develop in desirable areas to attract employees, prevented HP from acquiring land with industrial contamination and created a buffer between HP and surrounding developed areas. However, this practice resulted in the loss of open space and ultimately led to further expansion by others into previously undeveloped areas. 

Today, HP actively pursues property that has been previously developed and has purchased former industrial sites that may have environmental concerns. This change in policy helps to reduce expansion into undeveloped areas. Further, with site consolidation efforts, the space HP vacates is now available for others to use, buy or rent, reducing the need for expansion into open space.