California Governor Jerry Brown recently signed a landmark law cementing California’s climate leadership into the next decade. Senate Bill 350 (de Le?n and Leno) sets the most aggressive combined clean energy targets in the world.
SB 350 puts California on course to generate at least half of its electricity from clean, renewable resources and double energy efficiency gains throughout the economy within the next 15 years. Together, those measures will slash carbon pollution in the power sector nearly 40% below 2020 forecast levels, equivalent to avoiding the annual carbon pollution from more than 6 million cars.
The bill also directs the electric industry to deploy charging stations needed to place a million electric vehicles on California's roads in less than 10 years and cut carbon pollution 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement Rule
In the first major modification to the hazardous waste regulations in over 10 years, EPA plans to modify and reorganize the hazardous waste generator rule. When adopted, the rule will provide greater flexibility in how hazardous waste is managed and close important gaps in the regulations.
Attend Environmental Resource Center’s live, online session where you will learn:
- New requirements for documenting hazardous waste determinations
- Revised requirements for when and how to submit the Notification of Generator Status form to EPA
- How to take advantage of the episodic generation exclusion to avoid reclassification to a larger generator status
- Definitions of important new terms – “Very Small Quantity Generator” and “Central Accumulation Area”
- How to mark containers, tanks, and containment buildings with new information required at central accumulation areas and satellites
- New conditions under which containers can be left open at satellite accumulation areas
- Updated time and volume limits for satellite accumulation areas
- New documentation requirements for contingency plans and biennial reports
- New requirements for shipping hazardous waste from a VSQG to another facility owned by the same organization
EPA’s Proposed New Standards for Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals
EPA has proposed new flexible rules at 40 CFR 266 Subpart P for the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals by healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, retail stores, and reverse distributors. The rule is projected to prevent the flushing of more than 6,400 tons of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals annually by banning healthcare facilities from flushing hazardous waste pharmaceuticals down the sink and toilet.
At this session, you will learn:
- The difference between creditable, non-creditable, and evaluated pharmaceuticals – and who must make this determination
- How the new rule will impact your hazardous waste generator status
- New “empty” definition for unit dose containers, syringes, and other containers
- Conditional exemption for DEA controlled substances
- Requirements for on-site storage
- Waste container management and labeling
- Accumulation time limits
- Sewer disposal prohibition
- Authorized disposal and other management options
- Impact of the new rule on household collection programs
- Manifest and alternative transport tracking documents
- Recordkeeping requirements
- Requirements for reverse distributors
Atlanta DOT and IATA Training
Knoxville RCRA and DOT Training
Mobile, Alabama RCRA and DOT Training
US Renewable Energy Surges to Historic Levels
Meanwhile, coal and electricity consumption are down nationwide, while oil use today is lower than in the early 1970s, the report shows.
“The economic and environmental performance of America’s energy systems has never been better, and the single most important contributor to these positive trends is energy efficiency, the largest and least expensive way to meet the nation’s energy needs,” said Ralph Cavanagh, co-director of the NRDC energy program. “However, America can, should, and must do more to increase our efforts to help stabilize the world’s climate.”
The report cites two important US advances this year in the global fight against catastrophic climate change: the Obama administration’s August release of the Clean Power Plan to limit power plant pollution and California‘s new climate legislation (SB 350 signed yesterday). California has set the world’s strongest combined targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation electrification, a path that other states could follow. “These developments, along with the good energy news noted in the report, offer hope for significant progress in the global climate negotiations scheduled for December in Paris,” Cavanagh said.
Sierra Martinez, report co-author and NRDC’s California Energy Project legal director, said the report shows the United States was relying on an unprecedented amount of renewable energy by the end of 2014.
“The amount of renewable energy from wind turbines, solar panels, and other technologies now equals roughly 10 percent of the nation’s energy use,” Martinez said. “That’s like powering the world’s largest economy for more than a month without using any pollution-spewing coal, oil, or natural gas, and without additional harm to our lands, waters, and wildlife that is associated with extracting fossil fuels.”
The report also notes the country is already two-thirds of the way toward meeting President Obama’s goal of cutting 3 billion tons of carbon pollution by 2030 through his administration’s efficiency standards for appliances and federal buildings.
Other key findings:
- Electricity: Thanks in large part to efficiency, electricity consumption rose a mere 7.5% from 2000 to 2014 even as the US population grew at nearly twice that rate. This is the first time that our electricity use has grown more slowly than our population for an extended period.
- Energy Efficiency: Efficiency remains America’s largest and most productive energy resource. The amount of energy required to produce an inflation-adjusted dollar of economic output dropped by almost 60% between 1970 and 2014, thanks to smarter energy use.
- Renewable Energy: Wind power continues to dominate the nation’s renewable energy growth, contributing roughly two-thirds of generation from our renewable resources other than hydropower. Wind power production scored a 33-fold increase from 2000–2014. Meanwhile, solar power doubled its output over the previous year (for the fourth year running) and, for the first time ever, eclipsing the annual generation of the nation’s geothermal resources.
- Oil: Although the amount of oil used in US vehicles, homes, and businesses rose negligibly in 2014 (about 0.5%), the total still was more than 13% below its 2005 peak. In fact, oil use today is slightly lower than in 1973, when the nation’s economy was about one-third its current size. Recent fuel economy and clean car standards have helped reduce our dependence on oil imports. Providing more alternatives to driving, like public transit, and further accelerating electric vehicle sales could save the United States nearly 4 billion barrels of oil annually by 2035—which, in one year, would almost equal how much oil the government estimates can ever be recovered from drilling all our offshore waters from Florida to Maine.
- Coal: America burned less coal in 2014 than in 1990, and US coal use is down more than 21% from the peak year of 2005, primarily due to the movement of utilities away from aging and uneconomical coal-burning power plants. For the first time in two decades, domestic coal production dropped below 1 billion short tons in 2014, reflecting the power sector’s move to cleaner sources to generate electricity.
- Natural Gas: Although natural gas raised its market share to a 40-year high in 2012, exceeding 30% of electricity generation, the figure was below 28% last year; it is likely to surpass 30% again in 2015. In April 2015, US power plants for the first time generated more electricity from natural gas than coal.
- Nuclear: Nuclear power remained below 20% of total electric generation for the fifth consecutive year in 2014—and was below the average for 2006–2011.
University of Missouri-Kansas City Campus to Pay $32,679 Penalty for Hazardous Waste Violations
In a settlement filed recently by EPA in Lenexa, Kansas, the university will pay a $32,679 civil penalty to the United States, and complete a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) costing $32,436.
RCRA requires that facilities generating solid wastes determine if those wastes meet the definition of hazardous.
The inspector also noted the facility improperly accumulated hazardous waste in open, unlabeled, and undated containers; lacked complete contingency and training plans; and failed to take the necessary steps to minimize the possibility of a fire, explosion, or accidental release of hazardous waste. For example, chemicals that when mixed could lead to exposure-related safety concerns were stored in close proximity and under unsafe conditions. UMKC will now be required to submit a quarterly report for one year demonstrating that it is complying with all RCRA storage requirements.
As part of the settlement, UMKC will also complete a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP). A SEP is intended to produce environmental or public health and safety benefits, earning partial credit from EPA to offset the cost of a civil enforcement penalty.
In this case, the SEP requires that UMKC upgrade its current hazardous material computer inventory system in all university facilities, and improve its ability to electronically track, process, and maintain disposal records. UMKC must submit a SEP completion report to EPA within six months.
By agreeing to the settlement, UMKC has certified that it is now in compliance with all requirements of RCRA and its implementing regulations.
ECO International Fails to Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste
The EPA has reached an agreement with ECO International, LLC, of Vestal, New York, which will ensure the proper disposal of more than 26 million lb of lead-containing crushed glass. The company no longer receives or processes electronic waste.
“Recyclers and others who handle discarded electronics must make sure that potentially harmful components are properly stored and handled,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “This agreement will help protect the environment and those living near this company’s facilities from possible exposure to lead.”
Older televisions and computers contain cathode ray tubes (“CRTs”), which typically contain significant amounts of lead.
EPA inspections in 2012 of ECO International’s Vestal processing facility, and the company’s Hallstead, Pennsylvania storage facility revealed that the company was in possession of about 13,000 tons of lead-containing CRTs and crushed glass. From the time of the 2010 collapse of the export market, ECO International undertook efforts to identify alternative means to properly dispose of the glass.
Under the agreement, ECO International will complete disposal of the remaining glass by shipping it to a properly licensed and permitted facility by November 2015. ECO International will also clean the areas where the CRT glass had been handled and stored, will provide the EPA with periodic reports on the progress of the cleanup efforts, and will pay a penalty of $9,180.
New Hampshire Army Lab Fined for RMP Violations
The Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to pay $85,059 to settle EPA claims that it violated federal regulations meant to protect the public from hazardous chemicals at a research lab in Hanover, New Hampshire, and it has taken action to improve the safety of its operations at the facility.
This facility contains about 14,000 lb of anhydrous ammonia in a closed-loop refrigeration process. RMP requirements help to protect communities, workers, and emergency responders from accidental releases of hazardous chemicals, including ammonia.
“Failing to follow chemical accident prevention requirements can put people and the environment at risk,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia must be properly handled to ensure the local community and first responders do not face unacceptable risks. This is why facilities need to have precautions in place to prevent accidental releases of these chemicals.”
EPA’s Risk Management Plan program requires companies that use or store certain amounts of very hazardous chemicals to develop and implement a program to prevent accidental releases of those chemicals and to reduce any consequences from an accidental release.
Specifically, EPA alleged that the Army Corp failed to: comply with safety information requirements; adequately identify, evaluate, and control hazards; comply with operating procedures requirements; comply with mechanical integrity requirements; comply with compliance audit requirements; and have an adequate emergency response program.
In addition to typical refrigeration equipment, the facility had an emergency ammonia dump system on the outside of the building from which ammonia could be discharged during an emergency to a nearby storm water detention pond that drains into the Connecticut River. Because of its potential to harm the river, the Army Corps will be disabling this outdated technology and safeguarding the facility through other means.
This case stems from an August 2013 inspection of the lab. In September 2014, EPA ordered the Army Corps to correct the identified deficiencies of its risk management program. In late November, the Army Corps submitted to EPA a work plan and schedule for addressing the deficiencies. The Army Corps carried out the plan on schedule, except for three items that the Army Corps will finish addressing under the terms of the settlement. In addressing some of the identified deficiencies, the Army Corps has begun a massive retooling of its ventilation system that will cost more than $650,000 and goes beyond the requirements of EPA’s order.
Ammonia is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure at certain concentrations is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at higher concentrations and can explode if released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition.
Pacific Petroleum Corp. and Tristar Terminals Guam Inc. Fined $406,000 for Chemical Safety Violations
The EPA has reached separate agreements with South Pacific Petroleum Corporation and Tristar Terminals Guam, Inc., for a total of $406,000 in penalties to resolve federal chemical safety violations at their facilities in Guam.
Both facilities are liquid petroleum storage and distribution terminals.
“The safety of the residents on Guam depends on companies preparing for possible emergencies at their facilities,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “EPA will work with both facilities to ensure they comply with EPA requirements and operate in a safe manner.”
EPA inspections found that neither Tristar nor SPPC had reviewed or updated its hazard assessment since 2005 or 2006, respectively. Also, both Tristar and SPPC had also miscategorized their facilities in terms of the level of Risk Management Plan requirements required for compliance. As a result, neither company had implemented the robust accidental release prevention program requirements that applied. In August 2013, EPA issued a compliance order to each facility requiring correction of the identified violations. Both facilities have corrected the violations and have certified that they are currently in compliance.
Landowner Fined $200,000 for Clean Water Act Violation
Initially, a state employee noticed work to clear and fill an area of forested wetlands and land used for agriculture, primarily blueberry fields. Further investigation found that approximately 10 acres of wetlands had been compromised by excavation of a 100 foot trench, removal of trees and vegetation and other land clearing activities. The wetland destruction was related to the conversion of the property to prepare it for blueberry farming.
“Permits act as safeguards for valuable wetlands and habitats while letting projects proceed,” said Michael Szerlog, Manager of the Aquatic Resources Unit in the EPA Seattle Office. “In this case, the owners did not request a permit and the region lost wetlands that provide water quality benefits for wildlife and the community.”
Wetland and stream ecosystems play a critical role in regional water quality by filtering polluted upland runoff. In addition, wetlands prevent flooding and provide important habitat for fish and wildlife species including endangered salmon species, migratory and resident birds, and small mammals.
“As part of the settlement, the property owner will restore these high quality wetlands,” said J.E. (Sam) Ryan, Director of Planning and Development for Whatcom County. “It is everyone’s responsibility to protect our wetlands because they serve an important function for the community by filtering the water we depend on.”
The landowner has also agreed to place legally-binding restrictions on approximately 19 acres of property in order to conserve the wetland restoration.
In addition, the owner will pay a civil penalty of $210,000.
Property Owner Fined $35,000 for Clean Water Act Violations
EPA Region 7 has reached a proposed settlement that includes a $35,000 penalty to settle violations of the Clean Water Act associated with Wayne County, Missouri, landowners Roger and Ken Williams. The property is located near Clubb, Missouri.
EPA alleges that the Williamses placed fill material into a tributary of Turkey Creek in an attempt to build a lake on their property without first obtaining a necessary permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers.
These actions impacted approximately 2,200 linear feet of stream. Placing fill material in a stream degrades watershed health, limiting the movement of fish, other aquatic organisms, and organic material. This can result in a decrease in wildlife diversity and directly impacts downstream landowners. The Corps discovered the violation during an April 2014 inspection, and referred the action to EPA.
As part of the agreement, the Williamses will protect 4,870 linear feet of stream and 27.7 acres of adjacent land on their property from future development to mitigate for lost aquatic functions.
The Clean Water Act seeks to protect streams and wetlands that form the foundation of the nation’s water resources. Clean water upstream is necessary to have healthy communities downstream. The health of rivers, lakes, bays, and coastal waters depend on the streams and wetlands where they begin. Streams and wetlands provide many benefits to communities by trapping floodwaters, recharging groundwater supplies, filtering pollution, and providing habitat for fish and wildlife.
The proposed settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period before it becomes final.
Public Water System Allowed Excess Arsenic in Drinking Water
In October 2008, EPA issued an order requiring the system to meet the arsenic maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 parts per billion (ppb) no later than December 2010, and was granted an extension to December 31, 2014. However, data from arsenic monitoring taken in 2014 showed that the system remained out of compliance with arsenic concentrations as high as 31 ppb.
ACSD recently installed three drinking water vending machines at its district office, located at 309 Campus Drive that will each provide 650 gallons per day of drinking water to customers. This service is currently available and was funded by the state of California. As part of the order, these vending machines will be available 24/7 at no direct cost to the public and shall be maintained to provide alternative water to ACSD customers until the system has returned to compliance with federal drinking water standards.
In addition, ACSD is required to complete an Arsenic Mitigation Project which includes the drilling and completion of two new groundwater wells. If arsenic should be found above the MCL at the new wells, ACSD will be required to install arsenic treatment that will deliver drinking water to its customers below the arsenic MCL.
ACSD must also provide milestone updates to EPA for the mitigation project, provide EPA with quarterly progress reports and participate in quarterly meetings with EPA and the California State Water Resources Control Board on its progress towards compliance.
Arvin Community Services District serves an average of about 20,000 year-round residents daily through more than 3,700 connections located in the City of Arvin and surrounding Kern County. The system’s source of drinking water is groundwater from seven wells that serve single and multiple family residential units, commercial, and industrial customers.
Arsenic is a known human carcinogen and causes several adverse physiological effects.
Envirotech, Inc. Fined for Lead-Based Paint Violations
The inspection revealed that Envirotech, Inc., failed to use lead-safe work practices and provide the Renovate Right pamphlet, which are violations of the RRP Rule.
As part of a settlement with EPA, Envirotech, Inc., has agreed to pay a $14,024 penalty as a result of RRP Rule violations associated with the extensive renovation of two unoccupied 12-unit apartment buildings built in 1920 in University City, Missouri.
According to an administrative consent agreement and final order filed by EPA Region 7 in Lenexa, Kansas, the inspection revealed that Envirotech, Inc., failed to provide the Renovate Right pamphlet to the owner; failed to post signs that clearly define the work area; failed to close all doors and windows within the work area; failed to contain waste from renovation activities and to prevent the release of dust and debris before the waste is removed from the work area for storage or disposal and/or failure to cover a chute if it is used to remove waste from the work area; and failed to cover the floor surface with taped-down plastic sheeting or other impermeable material in the work area six feet beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation or sufficient distance to contain dust.
The RRP Rule requires that renovators who work on pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities are trained and certified to use lead-safe work practices. This ensures that common renovation and repair activities like sanding, cutting, and replacing windows minimize the creation and dispersion of dangerous lead dust. EPA finalized the RRP Rule in 2008 and the rule took effect on April 22, 2010.
This enforcement action addresses RRP Rule violations that could result in harm to human health. Lead exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects, from behavioral disorders and learning disabilities to seizures and death, putting young children at the greatest risk because their nervous systems are still developing. Today at least 4 million households have children that are being exposed to high levels of lead. There are approximately half a million US children ages 1–5 with blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), the reference level at which the Centers for Disease Control recommends public health actions be initiated.
ADEQ Reaches $1,250,000 Settlement with Apache Nitrogen Products Inc.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced recently that Apache Nitrogen Products, Inc. (ANPI), a nitric acid and ammonium nitrate-based products manufacturer in St. David, Cochise County, has settled with the State for years of past noncompliance with ANPI’s air quality control permit issued by ADEQ.
ANPI will pay a $500,000 civil penalty, and could be required to pay an additional suspended penalty up to $750,000 if ADEQ documents additional significant violations in the next three years.
Between August 2010 and February 2015, ADEQ issued ANPI eight separate Notices of Violation related to production processes at two nitric acid production plants. Alleged violations included failing five emissions tests for ammonia and ammonium nitrate, the inability of the continuous emissions monitors for NOx (nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide) to pass accuracy tests on four occasions, and failure to calibrate, maintain, and operate a continuous opacity monitor.
“By holding Apache Nitrogen Products, Inc., accountable for its violations, the company has improved its operations, is now in compliance with its permit and public health and the environment are protected,” ADEQ Air Quality Division Director Eric Massey said.
ANPI has resolved the alleged violations and is now in compliance with the permit requirements.
The consent judgment is subject to court approval.
DEP Reaches Civil Penalty Agreement with Microbac’s Division Laboratory – Center Valley
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) fined Microbac Laboratories, Inc., for violations found at its Center Valley laboratory for a total of $125,000.
DEP’s Laboratory Accreditation Program conducted a regularly scheduled on-site assessment of Microbac – Center Valley in October 2014, and found that the laboratory’s management was not providing adequate oversight and training of the laboratory’s microbiology personnel. In addition, there were numerous violations found during the data review of the microbiological testing areas of the laboratory.
“We believe that, now with this agreement, Microbac has demonstrated that going forward they now have the capability to consistently generate valid, accurate data and that they will strive to implement laboratory quality standards,” said Dr. Martina McGarvey, director of the DEP Bureau of Laboratories. “Recent inspections at other Microbac Laboratories’ divisions have reflected positive quality improvements within Microbac, Inc.”
Based upon DEP’s assessment, Microbac’s division Center Valley agreed to subcontract microbiology samples impacted by the violations on February 24, 2015, and to voluntarily relinquish all accreditations July 1, 2015. Microbac, Inc., purchased the Center Valley division in November 2013. As part of the company’s strategic realignment of services in eastern Pennsylvania, Microbac no longer conducts accredited analysis at Central Valley for compliance purposes. Pennsylvania DEP was Microbac – Center Valley’s primary accreditation authority.
The Department found that Microbac – Center Valley inaccurately reported results for microbiology samples for public water supply clients using incubators that did no maintain the required temperatures thus calling into question the validity and accuracy of the compliance data.
EPA Holds Trucking Company Accountable for Failure to Install Emissions Controls
In California, mobile sources of diesel emissions, such as trucks and construction equipment, are one of the largest sources of fine particulates. About 625,000 trucks operating in California are registered outside of the state, many are older models emitting particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The California truck rules are the first of their kind in the nation and will prevent an estimated 3,500 deaths in California between 2010–2025.
The rule also requires any trucking company to ensure their subcontractors are only using compliant trucks, and requires companies to upgrade their vehicles to meet specific NOx and PM2.5 performance standards in California. Heavy-duty diesel trucks in California must meet 2010 engine emissions levels or use diesel particulate filters, which can reduce the emissions of diesel particulate into the atmosphere by 85% or more.
“Trucks are the largest sources of air pollution in California, and the state has the worst air quality in the nation,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “EPA’s enforcement efforts are aimed at ensuring all truck fleets operating in California are in compliance with pollution laws.”
“ARB’s partnership to enforce our clean truck and bus regulation with our partners at EPA is vitally important to us,” said ARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. “It helps bring vehicles that are operating illegally into compliance, and levels the playing field for those who have already met the requirements.”
In addition to the penalty, Estes will spend $290,400 towards projects to educate the out-of-state trucking industry on the regulation and for replacing old wood burning devices in the San Joaquin Valley. Estes will pay $35,000 to the University of California Davis Extension to implement a state-approved training program for out-of-state trucking firms on compliance with the rule. Estes will also pay $255,400 to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Burn Cleaner Incentive Program that will be used to replace 80 or more wood-burning devices with cleaner ones.
Estes is a large, private, for-hire trucking firm based in Virginia that owns and operates diesel-fueled vehicles in all 50 states. In February 2015, EPA issued a Notice of Violation to Estes after EPA’s investigation found that the company failed to equip its heavy-duty diesel vehicles with particulate filters and failed to verify compliance with the Truck and Bus Regulation for its hired motor carriers. Estes now operates only new trucks in California.
Fine particle pollution can be emitted directly or formed secondarily in the atmosphere and can penetrate deep into the lungs and worsen conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
EPA Employee Selected as Winner of 2015 Service to America Medal
The Partnership for Public Service recently selected Jacob Moss as winner of one of the most prestigious 2015 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies), which highlight America’s dedicated federal workers who have made significant contributions to our country.
The EPA is proud that Jacob Moss is the recipient of the Science and Environment Medal for his commitment and innovation in helping to create and lead an initiative to enable homes in developing nations to adopt cleaner, more efficient cookstoves and fuels to improve health and save lives.
“Jacob truly embodies the spirit of commitment and service that this award honors,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “He has dedicated his professional life to eliminating the risks of toxic smoke from indoor cookstoves—one of the deadliest threats facing billions of people across the developing world.”
Jacob was a central architect of an alliance of federal and international agencies, countries, and cooperations, called the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, that is led by the United Nations Foundation. The Alliance’s more than 1300 partners have committed more than $800 million—including US government support expected to exceed $300 million—to meet a goal of improving 500 million lives in 100 million households by 2020.
The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves has already improved the lives of 100 million people living in the poorest areas of the world by reducing the health risks of indoor smoke from cooking meals over open fires and crude stoves. Exposure to indoor smoke from cooking is the world’s fourth worst health risk and the World Health Organization estimates that it kills 4.3 million people every year.
The Service to America Medal recipients were nominated by colleagues familiar with their work and selected by a committee that includes leaders in government, academia, the private sector, media, and philanthropy. Nearly 500 nominations were submitted this year for consideration.
EPA Recognizes WaterSense® 2015 Partners of the Year
EPA recently recognized the following WaterSense 2015 Partners of the year:
- Colorado Springs Utilities (Colorado) for Excellence in Strategic Collaboration
- Denver Water (Colorado) for Excellence in Promoting WaterSense Labeled Products
- Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services for Excellence in Education and Outreach
- Municipal Water District of Orange County (California) for Excellence in Sprinkler Spruce-Up Activities
- Puget Sound Energy (Washington state) for Excellence in Promoting the Water/Energy Nexus
Montana SMART School Challenge Saves Money by Preventing Pollution
Montana’s SMART Schools Challenge encourages pollution prevention throughout the school year and provides cash rewards to help Montana's K-12 public schools “Save Money and Resources Today.” Schools participating in last year’s K-12 Challenge recycled and composted 60,000 lb of waste and saved more than $100,000 through energy conservation.
Lt. Governor Angela McLean describes the SMART School Challenge as a “friendly competition among schools to see who can save the most money and resources by conserving energy, recycling, and implementing green practices that improve student health.”
Schools have until October 30, 2015 to enroll in the SMART Schools Challenge and compete with other schools to win one of twelve $1,000 prizes. In addition to the cash prize, small sponsorships are available to assist with obtaining needed equipment, training, or supplies.
The Challenge has three categories: SMART Energy Challenge, SMART Green Schools Challenge, and SMART Recycling Challenge. Montana K-12 public schools may enroll in one, two, or all three of these sub-challenges. Participating schools will implement pollution prevention activities between November and the end of March, before submitting a final report in April.
Technical expertise, assistance, and mentoring for the Challenge are being provided by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Montana Chapter of the US Green Building Council serving as mentors to schools.
Companies Fined for TSCA PCB Violations
A penalty paid by two related companies that transported toxic waste from Massachusetts through Vermont to Canada will serve to remind transporters that liquid waste of unknown origin should always be sampled for PCBs.
The settlement stems from the 2014 transportation of drums from a now-closed facility owned by the former Bolton-Emerson Americas, Inc., which has since dissolved. ENPRO, hired to transport waste from the facility, did not sample 12 drums of waste for PCBs that were stored in a shed for many years at the Bolton-Emerson facility. ENPRO identified these 12 drums as containing flammable liquids. Two of the 12 drums were later found to contain elevated PCB concentrations of 490,000 and 510,000 parts per million.
ENPRO was hired by the former Bolton-Emerson Americas, Inc., to characterize and dispose of waste remaining at its Lawrence, Massachusetts, facility after the sale of Bolton-Emerson. ENPRO transported about 50 drums of waste to a facility owned by Environmental Services of Vermont in Williston, Vermont.
EVI then exported the drums to the Newalta Corp., in Chateauguay, Quebec, which sent the waste to its fuel-blending facility in Barrie, Ontario. The waste was put into four storage tanks, resulting in the contamination of about 47,600 gallons of potential fuel with PCBs. The Barrie facility transported a load of fuel from these storage tanks to a cement kiln facility which tested the load and discovered elevated PCB concentrations.
EVI also violated federal toxic substances law by exporting regulated concentrations of PCBs and for distributing PCBs in commerce when it shipped the drums of PCBs to Newalta Corp., in Quebec.
The failure to properly identify PCBs in waste shipments presents a risk to human health and the environment. The co-mingling of PCB regulated waste with non-PCB waste resulted in the contamination of thousands of gallons of waste which otherwise could have been used as fuel. The shipment of PCB-contaminated waste to a facility that is not authorized to dispose of PCBs may result in the release of PCBs into the environment and/or the exposure of humans to PCBs. Once in the environment, PCBs do not readily break down and therefore may remain for long periods of time cycling between air, water, and soil. PCBs are a probable human carcinogen and have been shown to cause a variety of other adverse health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system.
Environmental News Links
Trivia Question of the Week
How many lightbulbs would each American have to replace with compact flourescent to save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year?
a) 1
b) 3
c) 5
d) 10