Problem: The process of preventing industrial pollution is complex. Traditional programs rely on encouraging emission control within a framework of attempted detection and punishment of polluters. The assignment of different types of pollution to different jurisdictions (e.g. air, land, and water) complicates the process while raising costs. Proposed solution: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) developed the Blackstone Project to try to improve the prevention of pollution. First, the DEP coordinated its agencies to allow single inspections to cover all aspects of pollution. The OTA then approached the companies which were not in compliance, and began to work with them to find a way to reduce the amount and severity of their wastes through changes in the manufacturing processes. Evaluation: The coordination of inspections alone makes the state's environmental program more efficient and saves time and money that can be used elsewhere. In addition, the OTA involvement offers more effective and lasting pollution control than would result from a program which simply discouraged emissions. Industries are finding that the process which produce less pollution often are less expensive as well. Contact: Daniel Greenbaum, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection, One Winter St., Boston, MA 02108. Citation: "Innovations in State and Local Government 1991." New York: The Ford Foundation, 1991. pp 16-17. Keywords: environment environmental protection pollution control