With the help of the stage, many electroplaters were able to opt for the second alternative-- source reduction. In a pilot Source Reduction Program started in 1987 called The Southeast Jewelry Platers Project, the Department of Environmental Management's (DEM) Office of Safe Waste Management has been working with precious metal platers in the southeast region to help identify ways they can reduce their hazardous waste generation. The effort already being judged a significant success by participants has been highly successful in helping to clean up the environment and the Ten Mile River itself. It has also resulted in unanticipated cost savings to many of the firms involved.