With the onset of greenhouse gas (GHG) permitting only two months away, every state except one (Texas) is poised to ensure that sources can obtain preconstruction permits under the Clean Air Act (CAA) in time for the January 2, 2011 deadline. In August of this year, EPA proposed two companion rulemakings to ensure that authority to issue Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits for GHG emissions is in place by January 2, 2011.
In the first action, Proposed Finding of Substantial Inadequacy and State Implementation Plan (SIP) Call, EPA identified programs in 13 states that did not appear to have the authority to apply their PSD programs to GHG emissions (Presumptive SIP Call List). States on the Presumptive SIP Call List were asked to send a letter to EPA by October 4, 2010 confirming that GHGs are not included in their PSD programs and identifying a deadline for submitting SIP revisions to EPA for approval. The agency proposed allowing programs to identify a SIP submittal date as early as December 22, 2010, or three weeks from issuance of the final SIP Call. In the second action, Proposed Federal Implementation Plan (FIP), EPA proposed to immediately promulgate a FIP for any program unable to submit SIP revisions by the identified deadline, providing states a federal backstop in the event that they could not change their own rules by January 2, 2011.
Programs unable to revise their rules by January 2, 2011 have the option of choosing the earliest SIP submittal date, allowing EPA to immediately promulgate a FIP. The National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) has reviewed and briefly summarized the responses from programs in 14 states: the 13 identified by EPA in the Presumptive SIP Call List plus one state that asked to be added to the list. Excepting only one, programs in all states on the list have indicated that they will either revise their PSD rules by January 2, 2011 or very shortly thereafter, or accept a FIP that will give EPA authority to issue the GHG portion of PSD permits until state rules are revised. This provides that sources required to apply PSD controls to their GHG emissions will be able to obtain the necessary permits and avoid construction delays.
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IATA Update – What’s New for 2011
Each year, the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) updates and revises the regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods (hazardous materials) by air. If you offer dangerous goods for transportation by air, you must follow the new regulations by January 1. A large number of significant changes are being implemented in the 2011 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
At this live webcast, you will learn:
- Changes in the regulations for consumer commodities– new marking and shipping paper entries
- New test authorized to determine classification and packing group of corrosives
- Changes in the classification criteria for magnetized materials
- Revisions to the classification of environmentally hazardous substances, marine pollutants, and aquatic pollutants
- Phase in of new packing instructions for Class 3 flammable liquids, Class 4 flammable solids, Class 5 oxidizers/organic peroxides, Class 8 corrosives, Class 9 miscellaneous, and Division 6
- New entries on the IATA List of Dangerous Goods and new special provisions
- New marking requirements for net quantities, limited quantities, environmentally hazardous substances, and orientation arrows
Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Trucks and Buses Proposed
The EPA and DOT have announced the first national standards to reduce GHG emissions and improve fuel efficiency of heavy-duty trucks and buses. This comprehensive national program is projected to reduce GHG emissions by about 250 million metric tons and save 500 million barrels of oil over the lives of the vehicles produced within the program’s first five years.
“These new standards are another step in our work to develop a new generation of clean, fuel-efficient American vehicles that will improve our environment and strengthen our economy,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. “In addition to cutting greenhouse gas pollution, greater fuel economy will shrink fuel costs for small businesses that depend on pickups and heavy duty vehicles, shipping companies and cities and towns with fleets of these vehicles. Those savings can be invested in new jobs at home, rather than heading overseas and increasing our dependence on foreign oil.”
“Through new fuel-efficiency standards for trucks and buses, we will not only reduce transportation’s environmental impact, we’ll reduce the cost of transporting freight,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This is a win-win-win for the environment, businesses and the American consumer.”
EPA and DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are proposing new standards for three categories of heavy trucks: combination tractors, heavy-duty pickups and vans, and vocational vehicles. The categories were established to address specific challenges for manufacturers in each area. For combination tractors, the agencies are proposing engine and vehicle standards that begin in the 2014 model year and achieve up to a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and fuel consumption by 2018 model year.
For heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans, the agencies are proposing separate gasoline and diesel truck standards, which phase-in starting in the 2014 model year and achieve up to a 10% reduction for gasoline vehicles and 15% reduction for diesel vehicles by 2018 model year (12% and 17% respectively if accounting for air conditioning leakage). Lastly, for vocational vehicles, the agencies are proposing engine and vehicle standards starting in the 2014 model year which would achieve up to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 2018 model year.
Overall, NHTSA and EPA estimate that the heavy-duty national program would provide $41 billion in net benefits over the lifetime of model year 2014 to 2018 vehicles. With the potential for significant fuel efficiency gains, ranging from 7–20%, drivers and operators could expect to net significant savings over the long-term. For example, it is estimated an operator of a semi truck could pay for the technology upgrades in under a year, and save as much as $74,000 over the truck’s useful life. Vehicles with lower annual miles would typically experience longer payback periods, up to four or five years, but would still reap cost-savings.
According to EPA, the innovative technologies fostered by this program would also yield economic benefits, enhance energy security, and improve air quality. New technologies include widespread use of aerodynamic improvements and tire rolling resistance, as well as engine and transmission upgrades.
EPA and NHTSA are providing a 60-day comment period that begins when the proposal is published in the Federal Register.
As part of the process of developing this proposed rulemaking, NHTSA has prepared a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its proposed fuel efficiency standards. The draft EIS compares the environmental impacts of the agency’s proposal with those of a number of regulatory alternatives. Comments may be submitted on the Draft EIS through January 3, 2011, and information on the submission of comments for this document may be found at the NHTSA web address listed above.
New Jersey DEP Asks for Comment on E-Waste Rules
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is soliciting preliminary comments on rules the department has drafted for development of a statewide system of recycling of computers and TVs generated as waste by consumers.
“Recycling is a priority of the DEP, and getting more of this electronic material out of the waste stream is important to that effort,’’ Commissioner Bob Martin said.
“Because of the great deal of public interest and the significant increase in the generation of this type of waste in recent years, the DEP is going above and beyond its normal rulemaking process by giving the public, environmental advocates, businesses, and manufacturers of covered electronic devices an opportunity to provide comments before we formally propose regulations.”
The Electronic Waste Management Act bans the disposal of televisions and all personal or portable computers—including desktop, notebook and laptop computers, as well as computer monitors—in the regular waste stream beginning January 1, 2011. It requires manufacturers of these devices to establish and finance a free system for collecting and recycling this waste, known as electronic waste or e-waste.
The law does not cover cell phones, DVD players, VCRs, game consoles, or electronic devices such as radios or TVs found in automobiles, although some county and municipal programs, nonprofit community service agencies, and businesses that sell electronic devices do collect these.
Electronic waste is growing two to three times faster than any other component of the waste stream because of the high turnover in consumer purchases of electronic devices, according to EPA. Electronic waste contains toxic materials such as lead, mercury, nickel, and cadmium that can end up in landfills or solid waste incinerators if not recycled.
DEP anticipates that manufacturers will develop collection programs through partnerships with county and municipal governments. Currently all of New Jersey’s counties and more than 180 municipalities have e-waste collection and recycling programs.
DEP has proposed draft regulations that set up a registration system for manufacturers of electronic devices covered by the law as well as the requirements for the development of required manufacturer collection and recycling plans. The draft regulations establish methodologies for the department to use to determine market shares for television manufacturers and return shares based on weight for other covered electronic devices for the purposes of apportioning responsibility for program costs.
DEP will accept comments on the draft rules until November 15. DEP will review those comments and publish a formal rule proposal, which will trigger a 60-day formal public comment period, during which a public hearing may be scheduled.
General Environmental Management Fined $600,000 for Endangering the Environment
General Environmental Management (GEM) LLC, of Rancho Cordova, California, faces $600,000 in fines for hazardous waste storage violations that posed a risk to the environment. GEM violated conditions of its permit and state hazardous waste law, according to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), which issued the fine. The violations occurred for more than 24 months from December 2006 through March 2009, which contributed to the unusually large fine.
“The large volume of waste and unauthorized storage of hazardous waste at the facility put public health and the environment at risk,” said DTSC Acting Director Maziar Movassaghi. “We expect those companies in the business of managing hazardous waste to meet all applicable protective requirements and to operate within the constraints of their permit. DTSC will continue to hold hazardous waste management facilities accountable for improper storage and handling of the hazardous waste they manage for others.”
During a March 2009, routine inspection of the GEM facility, DTSC inspectors uncovered multiple hazardous waste violations. DTSC also found documented evidence that some violations dated back to December 2006.
The GEM violations include:
- Storing chemicals and hazardous waste outside the authorized facility, and exceeding the permitted facility hazardous waste quantity limit for a significant period of time.
- Storing chemicals and hazardous waste in unauthorized areas of the facility.
- Storing hazardous waste without proper precautions such as a required secondary containment. The waste involved included more than 82,300 gallons of acids, solvents, and toxins.
In some cases, the company exceeded the permitted storage capacity by as much as 150%. This greatly increased the potential for spills and/or the mixing of incompatible chemicals, which could jeopardize humans and the environment.
From 2009 until now DTSC has been working with GEM owners to address the violations and ensure the fine will be paid. The GEM facility is now under new corporate ownership, and has made several operational and management changes, which is part of the reason for delay of the final settlement. GEM (now doing business as PSC Environmental Services of Rancho Cordova, LLC) operates a hazardous waste storage and treatment facility servicing hazardous waste generators in Northern California.
Proposed California GHG Emissions Trading Program Now Available
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced the release of its proposed GHG cap-and-trade regulation. The release begins a public comment period culminating in a December 16 public hearing in Sacramento, California, at which the ARB will consider adopting the proposed program. During the public comment period, ARB staff will continue to meet with stakeholders to refine the regulation and develop proposed changes to present at the Board hearing.
“This program is a crucial element of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. It will help drive innovation, create more green jobs and clean up our air and environment,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “We have worked closely with all interested parties and stakeholders to make sure that the program provides flexibility to reach our emissions reduction goals while taking into consideration the current economic climate and the need to fully protect California’s economy.”
A key part of ARB’s AB 32 Scoping Plan, the cap-and-trade program provides an overall limit on the emissions from sources responsible for 85% of California’s GHG emissions. This program allows covered entities the greatest flexibility for compliance, stimulates clean energy technologies, increases energy security and independence, protects public health, and will drive clean, green jobs in California. It is designed to work in collaboration with other complementary policies that expand energy efficiency programs, reduce vehicle emissions, and encourage innovation.
AB 32, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2006, is California’s Global Warming Solutions Act that set in law aggressive GHG reduction targets that will reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In 2008 ARB approved the AB 32 Scoping Plan that uses a mix of approaches to meet climate change goals, including a cap-and-trade program and other complementary measures.
EPA Clarifies Rule on Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases
EPA is amending specific provisions in the 2009 Final Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting rule to correct technical and editorial errors that have been identified since promulgation and to clarify and update certain provisions that have been the subject of questions from reporting entities. These final changes include additional information to better or more fully understand compliance obligations, corrections to data reporting elements so they more closely conform to the information used to perform emission calculations, and other corrections and amendments.
Michigan Guidebook Helps Businesses Follow Environmental, Health, and Safety Regulations
The 2010 “Guide to Environmental, Health, and Safety Regulations” is a joint publication of the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), and Labor and Economic Growth. The $25 guidebook will steer manufacturers, businesses, suppliers, consultants, and regulators through state and federal environmental, health, and safety regulatory programs.
“This publication helps make the regulatory process of state and federal government easier to understand for business owners,” said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. “The 2010 ‘Guide to Environmental, Health, and Safety Regulations’ is an affordable resource to help businesses follow these laws.”
The guidebook is subdivided into three main sections: environmental regulations, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) standards, and construction and fire codes. Each chapter within the sections targets a specific regulatory program.
The environmental section covers programs such as air quality, waste management, and pollution prevention. The MIOSHA section discusses common regulations for health and safety, emergency response, and first aid.
Although some reference is made to local building and fire codes, local requirements are not discussed in the guidebook in any detail. Businesses should contact local government officials for information on applicable local regulations.
Washington Invites Comments on Children’s Product Reporting Rule
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) invites the public to comment on the rule to carry out Washington state’s groundbreaking Children’s Safe Product Act.
This formal comment period follows a pilot project phase, when children’s product-makers helped the state learn how to best implement the chemical reporting process called for under the law.
The Children’s Safe Product Act (CSPA) required Ecology, in consultation with Department of Health, to develop a list of chemicals that must be reported. Under the law, after Ecology issues the final rule to implement CSPA, manufacturers of children’s products must notify Ecology if their products contain any of these chemicals.
“The input provided during the pilot project was very instructive and helped us improve the draft rule to create what we hope is a workable, practical and protective approach to implementing a children’s product law in Washington,” said Carol Kraege, Ecology’s Reducing Toxic Threats Initiative coordinator.
The rule applies to companies that make children’s products like toys, cosmetics, jewelry, baby products, and car seats. Retailers who only sell (but do not make or import products) are not subject to the rule.
The reporting requirements are being phased in based on company size and intended use of the product. The first reports are expected to be submitted to Ecology in spring 2012. Manufacturers who fail to report may be penalized and fined under the law. The CSPA was signed by Govenor Chris Gregoire on April 1, 2008. The state law consists of two basic parts with the first part limiting the amount of lead, cadmium, and phthalates permissible in children’s products sold in Washington after July 1, 2009.
However, these standards were substantially preempted by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act passed by Congress in July 2008. This federal act also limits the amount of lead, cadmium, and phthalates permissible in children’s products, and prevents states from enacting similar legislation. The federal act is being enforced by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The second part of Washington’s law, requiring manufacturers to disclose chemicals of concern in children’s products, was not preempted by federal statute.
Three Industry Reports Graded on Four Criteria Given one Incomplete, one D, and two Fs
Economists from Dartmouth, the University of Wyoming, and the University of California at Santa Barbara gave reports from the Manufacturers’ Alliance, IHS Global Insight, and Fisher International an Incomplete, a D, and an F respectively.
“These industry groups are attempting to shape vital public health policies with work that wouldn’t pass muster in a college economics class,” said John Walke, senior attorney and director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) Clean Air Program. “Industry lobbyists are resorting to shoddy economics and outright deception to block EPA rules that could reduce toxic air pollution from industrial plants and save nearly 5,000 lives a year and prevent thousands of cases of respiratory and heart disease. These lobbyists are going further and opposing more protective national smog standards that could save up to 12,000 lives each year.”
MassDEP Penalizes Two Companies $10,000 Each for Failure to Report Propane Release
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized two companies, T-Mobile USA and Crown Castle USA, $10,000 each for failure to timely report the release of 400 gallons of propane that occurred from a cell phone tower located at 1 Turkey Hill Lane in Cohasset, Massachusetts, in August 2010.
T-Mobile operates a cell phone network that provides telecommunication services. Crown Castle owns a Cohasset cell phone tower and associated compound where the backup generator is fueled by liquid propane stored in an on-site Underground Storage Tank (UST). Under state regulations, both parties are responsible for providing notification to MassDEP within two hours of reportable releases of oil or hazardous material. However, neither of these companies reported the propane-release incident, which occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on August 5, 2010, within the two-hour window, as required.
A sub-contractor working on behalf of T-Mobile inadvertently struck the UST valve during cell tower maintenance work, resulting in the release of 400 gallons and causing a strong odor to permeate the neighborhood. At approximately 8:15 p.m., the Hingham Fire Department responded to the release. The next morning, the Hingham Fire Department responded again and shut down all maintenance activities upon arrival due to what it deemed the explosive risk posed by the residual propane vapors. On the morning of August 6, the Cohasset Fire Department also inspected the spill location and subsequently notified MassDEP at 11:10 a.m.
“This type of failure to respond and report a sizeable and potentially hazardous situation like this to MassDEP is not acceptable,” said David Johnston, director of MassDEP’s Southeast Regional office in Lakeville. “It reveals a lack of understanding from both parties that, in this case, the local fire department fortunately helped address. But this type of failure is preventable and needs to be addressed.”
DEC Adopts Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Plan
Under state law, the plan, which was released on October 6, became final upon the filing of State Environmental Quality Review Act findings, which took place on October 18.
The plan, required by state law, is primarily intended to assess the state’s capacity for managing hazardous waste in accordance with State and Federal law, and to assure adequate availability of industrial hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities into the future.
The final adoption of a Siting Plan is a prerequisite for the siting or significant expansion of certain new hazardous waste facilities in New York.
Clearer Picture of TV Energy Costs
A recent amendment to the Federal Trade Commission’s Appliance Labeling Rule will require the familiar yellow-and-black labels on new TVs. The removable labels, which have long appeared on home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, will provide useful information for TVs, such as estimated yearly energy cost and the cost range compared to other similar models.
“Unlike many years ago, before flat screens and plasma, today’s televisions vary widely in the amount of energy they use,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. “By comparing information on the EnergyGuide labels, consumers will be able to make better-informed decisions about which model they choose to buy, based on how much it costs to operate per year.”
In March 2009, the FTC sought comments on whether EnergyGuide labels should be required on a range of consumer electronics, including televisions. Based on the comments received, in March 2010 the agency proposed requiring the labels on televisions sold in the United States.
After considering the additional comments, the FTC is requiring a label with two main disclosures on new TVs: first, the television’s estimated annual energy cost; and second, a comparison with the annual energy cost of other televisions with similar screen sizes. The final rule requires that the new labels be visible from the front of the televisions. Manufacturers can use either a triangular label or a rectangular label.
Beginning in July 11, 2011, the amended rule will require websites that sell televisions to display an image of the full EnergyGuide label.
Due to the growth in screen size, operating hours, and the number of installed TVs, this appliance now represents 10–20% of a typical home’s annual electricity use. TVs in this country use more than 50 billion kilowatt hours of electricity a year—that’s enough to power all the homes in New York state for an entire year. By the end of this year, 37 million TVs will have been shipped to the U.S. for sale in 2010 alone.
“Bringing the Energy Guide label to TVs is a big step forward for consumers,” said David Baron, managing attorney of Earthjustice, which filed comments in the rulemaking process calling for strong labeling requirements. “This information will help Americans make smarter choices—saving them money and leading to a cleaner energy economy. We hope the FTC strengthens these requirements and works to bring the Energy Guide label to many more appliances in the near future.”
Texas Bakery Opens First Large Scale Eco-Bakery in the United States
Doctor Kracker, an artisan cracker company that makes organic, whole grain crackers and flatbreads, will open the first large scale Eco-Bakery in the U.S. The new facility, which features Ecoblock technology, recycles heat to generate hot water and run various bakery systems. More over, the new bakery will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, ozone gases, and particulates that enter the skies of Plano, Texas. As a result, the bakery’s exhaust returns to the environment as clean as the air that was introduced into the bakery.
The technology comes from Germany and is designed to reduce the bakery’s impact on the environment through its heat-recovery capabilities. The heat, captured via the Ecoblock technology, will be recycled within the bakery to generate hot water, heat proof boxes, and run part of the air conditioning and water chilling systems. As a result, Doctor Kracker’s new bakery projects an overall reduction in energy use that also translates to lower emissions. Savings will be approximately 15% of the estimated electrical usage.
“Opening the doors to our new bakery is a thrill for us as it embodies our commitment to running a company that is nutritionally, socially and environmentally responsible,” said George Eckrich, co-founder of Doctor Kracker. “The new bakery opening is also exciting as it will create 15 new jobs in the Plano area.”
Through the Ecoblock technology, the new bakery is reducing the amount of carbon dioxide it is releasing into the air. Carbon dioxide is a principal byproduct of baking bread and is a key factor in helping bread get its spongy texture from yeast, converting glucose into equal parts of ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. The familiar smell of bread baking is the oxidation of the ethyl alcohol as these gases are released during heating. Additionally, other gases produced in the baking process, including ozone and particulates are removed through the Ecoblock system.
Further, the new bakery strikes a fine balance between the true craft of artisan baking and next generation baking technology. This synergy between this innovative technology and preserving Doctor Kracker’s artisan baking heritage is achieved at the Plano bakery by combining hundreds of years of hands-on baking experience with technology that allows for greater production and efficiency.
Foundry to Pay Penalties for Air Pollution Violations
Ohio EPA regulates air pollution to protect public health, safety, and the environment. The Agency also establishes permit limits to ensure that facilities are operating in compliance with state and federal air pollution control laws and regulations, including national air quality standards for particulate matter.
Ohio EPA determined that Burnham Foundry had violated the terms and conditions of its air permit in April 2008 by exceeding the established particulate emissions limit at a furnace unit used to melt foundry returns and scrap metal. The company had conducted the emissions test as required by its permit. Ohio EPA requested that the company provide a compliance plan and schedule for achieving compliance and retesting.
Burnham Foundry submitted the compliance plan in October, shut down the plant for maintenance in December, made repairs to some air pollution control equipment, and returned to production in January 2009. A month later, the company retested the emissions unit and met the particulate emissions limit.
Because the company was out of compliance with the particulate emissions limit from April 2008 to February 2009, and failed to report the emissions limit violations in quarterly deviation reports, Burnham Foundry has agreed to pay Ohio EPA a civil penalty of $17,000.
Amtrak Orders 70 Energy Efficient Locomotives
As part of a comprehensive plan to modernize and expand its fleet of equipment, Amtrak is buying 70 new electric locomotives to provide improved performance and reliability for its Northeast intercity passenger rail services. The six-year, $466 million contract was awarded to Siemens and will create 250 jobs primarily at a facility in Sacramento, California, but also at plants in Norwood, Ohio, and Alpharetta, Georgia.
The first Amtrak Cities Sprinter ACS-64 electric locomotive is to be delivered in February 2013 and will operate at speeds up to 125 mph on the Northeast Corridor from Washington, D.C. to Boston and up to 110 mph on the Keystone Corridor from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They will replace locomotives in service between 20–30 years with average mileage of 3.5 million miles traveled. The new locomotives will be more energy efficient and will replace older units that presently do not have regenerative braking systems that can automatically return electricity to the power grid.
“Amtrak’s order for 70 new electric locomotives will not only create new manufacturing jobs, it supports the Department of Transportation’s strategy to use transportation to build the infrastructure needed to support a modern growing economy, while helping make our cities more livable, improve the environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Joseph C. Szabo, Federal Railroad Administrator. “This new equipment will go far in meeting the rapidly growing demand for intercity passenger rail service in the Northeast.”
As the new units come into service, Amtrak plans first to retire all current 20 DC AEM-7 electric locomotives in its fleet, followed by replacement of all 29 AC AEM-7 units. The remaining 21 locomotives of the order will be used to replace all 15 HHP-8 locomotives with the additional units supporting anticipated service expansion.
EPA’s Announces Winners of First National Building Competition to Save Energy
The competition, launched on April 27, 2010, challenged teams from 14 buildings across the country to measure their building’s energy use and reduce waste with help from the Energy Star program.
“The amazing results of the first-ever National Building Competition prove that any building can take simple steps to slash energy use, save thousands of dollars and protect the environment,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Our top participants together saved more than a million dollars by cutting energy use, and that’s just in the first year. We look forward to seeing even greater savings and energy innovations in the years ahead.”
The JCPenney Store—which came in third—is part of a group of 63 JCPenney stores that participate in the company’s Advanced Energy Management Program, which stresses a focus on energy awareness on both the facility maintenance and store associate level. The store has achieved an energy reduction of 28.4%.
The Morrison Residence Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill won first prize, reducing its energy use by 35.7% in one year. A Sears store in Glen Burnie, Maryland, came in second place with a 31.7% energy reduction. Together, the 14 competitors reduced their energy use by more than 44 million kBtu, saved $950,000 in utility bills, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to those from the electricity use of approximately 600 homes for a year.
The National Building Competition measured energy performance from September 1, 2009, through August 31, 2010. The energy use of each building was monitored through EPA’s Energy Star online energy measurement and tracking tool, Portfolio Manager. Buildings were evaluated on the greatest percentage-based reduction in energy consumed by a building relative to its size and adjusted to account for changes in weather. Third-party utility statements were required at the conclusion of the competition to verify the energy performance of each competitor.
Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20% of total U.S. GHG emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. On average, 30% of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted. Thousands of businesses and organizations work with the EPA’s Energy Star program and are saving billions of dollars and preventing millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering our atmosphere each year. Many of the methods used by each of these facilities to reduce their energy usage can be easily adopted by all types of facilities across the nation.
DNREC Issues $5,135 Penalty to Southgate Concrete Company for Air Pollution Violations
The order includes a cash penalty of $5,135 and an additional $770 as cost recovery reimbursement to DNREC for expenses associated with the department’s investigation.
Southgate Concrete Company owns a concrete mix batch facility in New Castle, Delaware. The facility consists of two sections, referred to as the “old plant” and the “new plant.” The new plant has two cement silos, each with a baghouse atop it to control particulate matter emissions in the form of cement dust.
During an unannounced inspection on May 20, 2010, DNREC discovered several recordkeeping violations. Among them the violations were failure to maintain records of visible emissions observations, cement loading rates, differential pressure drops, concrete production rates, and dust control measures. Southgate Concrete Company has failed to record differential pressure drops in the past. A Notice of Violation was issued July 7, 2010.
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Trivia Question of the Week
Over the last 10 years, a new species has been discovered in the Amazon every:
a. 3 months
b. 3 weeks
c. 3 days
d. 3 minutes
