Scientists are reporting evidence that certain ingredients in shampoo, detergents, and other household cleaning agents may be a source of precursor materials for formation of a suspected cancer-causing contaminant in water supplies that receive water from sewage treatment plants. The study sheds new light on possible environmental sources of this poorly understood water contaminant, called NDMA, which is of ongoing concern to health officials.
William Mitch and colleagues note that scientists have known that NDMA and other nitrosamines can form in small amounts during the disinfection of wastewater and water with chloramine. Although nitrosamines are found in a wide variety of sources—including processed meats and tobacco smoke—scientists know little about their precursors in water. Past studies with cosmetics have found that substances called quaternary amines, which are also ingredients in household cleaning agents, may play a role in the formation of nitrosamines.
The laboratory research showed that when mixed with chloramine, some household cleaning products—including shampoo, dishwashing detergent, and laundry detergent—formed NDMA. The report notes that sewage treatment plants may remove some of quaternary amines that form NDMA. However, quaternary amines are used in such large quantities that some still may persist and have a potentially harmful effect in the effluents from sewage treatment plants.
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EPA to Initiate Rulemaking to Reduce Harmful Effects of Sanitary Sewer Overflows
In many cities, SSOs and basement backups occur because of blockages, broken pipes, and excessive water flowing into the pipes. SSOs present environmental and health problems because they discharge untreated wastewater that contains bacteria, viruses, suspended solids, toxics, trash, and other pollutants into waterways. These overflows may also contribute to beach closures, shellfish bed closures, contamination of drinking water supplies, and other environmental and health concerns.
Infrastructure issues were discussed at the Coming Together for Clean Water Conference held by EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson on April 15, 2010. EPA plans to address these issues as part of its efforts to protect public health and revitalize local waterways.
EPA is considering two possible modifications to existing regulations: (1) establishing standard National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit conditions for publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) permits that specifically address sanitary sewer collection systems and SSOs; and (2) clarifying the regulatory framework for applying NPDES permit conditions to municipal satellite collection systems. Municipal satellite collection systems are sanitary sewers owned or operated by a municipality that conveys wastewater to a POTW operated by a different municipality. As a part of this effort, the agency is also considering whether to address long-standing questions about peak wet weather flows at municipal wastewater treatment plants to allow for a holistic, integrated approach to reducing SSOs while at the same time addressing peak flows at POTWs.
To help the agency make decisions on this proposed rulemaking, EPA will hold public listening sessions and the public can submit written comments. EPA will accept written comments on the potential rule until 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
EPA Advises Facility Operators to Minimize Releases during Hazardous Weather Events
As hurricane season approaches, EPA is issuing a Hazardous Weather Release Prevention and Reporting alert to remind facility operators of certain regulations that require minimization of chemical releases during process shutdown operations. This alert is designed to increase awareness among facility operators about their obligation to operate facilities safely and report chemical releases in a timely manner.
The alert specifies operational release minimization requirements and clarifies reporting requirements, including exemptions. Unlike some natural disasters, the onset of a hurricane is predictable and allows for early preparations to lessen its effect on a facility. Before hurricane force winds and associated storm surge flooding damage industrial processes, the alert recommends that operators take preventive action by safely shutting down processes, or otherwise operate safely under emergency procedures.
EPA Encourages Ways to Travel Green by Checking into an Energy Star Labeled Hotel
EPA is encouraging people to travel green while on the road this summer, and choosing hotels that have earned EPA’s Energy Star is a great place to start. Energy Star labeled hotels are independently verified to meet strict energy efficiency performance levels set by EPA. Hotels that have earned the Energy Star perform in the top 25% of hotels nationwide, use at least 35% less energy, and emit at least 35% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than their peers—making an environmentally friendly lodging choice a snap when planning a summer vacation.
In addition to choosing a hotel that has earned the Energy Star, travelers can also bring their green on the road with steps to save energy as a hotel guest. Simple actions can add up to big savings for the environment and for the bottom line. EPA recommends the following steps to save energy this summer as a hotel guest:
- Turn off the lights and TV when leaving the hotel room;
- Adjust the thermostat to an energy-saving setting so it doesn’t heat or cool the room while empty;
- Unplug electronics such as cell phones chargers and laptops when not in use;
- Open curtains to take advantage of daylight when possible;
- Re-use linens to save both water and energy.
The lodging industry spends more than $7.5 billion on energy each year. Reducing energy use by 10% across the industry could save $750 million and help reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 6 million tons annually. Through Energy Star, EPA works with hundreds of owners and managers of hotels across the country to help strategically manage energy performance, cut energy use, lower utility bills, and reduce GHG emissions.
The online registry that lists all hotels that have earned the Energy Star is updated daily with energy efficient buildings from coast to coast. Several popular travel search engines have also enhanced their online hotel listings to include properties that have earned the Energy Star.
Air Traffic Poised to Become Major Factor in Climate Change
The first new projections of future aircraft emissions in 10 years predicts that carbon dioxide and other gases from air traffic will become a significant source of global warming as they double or triple by 2050.
Bethan Owen and colleagues note that aviation is not now one of the main drivers of global warming, with international aviation (source of 60% of carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft) not even included in the Kyoto Protocol. Global air traffic currently contributes to between 2 and 3% of carbon dioxide emissions—the main “greenhouse” gas linked to global warming.
The scientists’ computer model forecast that emissions of carbon dioxide will likely double or triple within the next 50 years. By 2100, carbon dioxide emissions could increase by up to seven times the current levels, they say. “Even though there have been significant improvements in fuel efficiency through aircraft technology and operational management, this has been outweighed by the increase in air traffic,” the study states.
New Tool to Pinpoint Freight Congestion -Listing of Top 100 Truck Bottlenecks
A new technology tool will help transportation planners, operators, and private shippers and carriers plan ahead by identifying key traffic chokepoints on some of the nation’s busiest roads, the Federal Highway Administration announced recently.
“We are always looking for new and creative ideas that will enable us to move goods more efficiently, conserve energy, protect the environment, and ensure we can compete globally in the 21st century,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.
“It’s all about using innovative technology to save time and money and to boost commerce and the economy,” Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said. “Timely and accurate information on freight movement will benefit both government and the private sector in making transportation decisions.”
State and local transportation agencies can use the information to prioritize their highway investments to target critical congestion needs. At the same time, businesses and freight companies can use it to more strategically time and choose their routes to avoid congested areas.
The new Freight Performance Measures web-based tool, , measures operating speeds for trucks at any given place and point in time along 25 interstate highways that are considered significant freight routes.
Developed through a multi-year FHWA research initiative with the American Transportation Research Institute, a 50(c)(3) not-for-profit research trust, FPMweb is a first of its kind effort to capture information on truck travel speeds from around the country through on board GPS and satellite technology. Low speeds reflect congestion levels at a particular location and time of day.
Clean Harbors to Pay for $55,500 Settlement for Air Violations
The California Air Resources Board has settled with a Norwell, Massachusetts, heavy-duty diesel fleet for $55,500 for failing to inspect its trucks for compliance with smoke emissions standards at fleet centers throughout the state.
ARB investigators found that Clean Harbors Environmental Services, failed to conduct diesel truck smoke tests in 2008 and 2009, as required by state law. Clean Harbors provides environmental services and emergency response for the transportation industry.
“Trucking in California requires fleet owners ensure that their rigs are clean,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “Failure to meet emissions standards jeopardizes public health and also creates an unfair playing field for those companies who follow the law.”
Under the settlement, Clean Harbors must:
- Ensure that staff responsible for compliance with the diesel truck emission inspection program attend diesel education courses and provide certificates of completion within one year;
- Instruct vehicle operators to comply with the state’s idling regulations;
- Complete heavy-duty diesel engine software and control technology upgrades in compliance with regulations;
- Supply all smoke inspection records to ARB for the next four years; and,
- Properly label engines to ensure compliance with engine emissions certification regulations.
Failure to inspect diesel vehicles can lead to an increase in harmful airborne particles that Californians breathe. In 1998, the ARB listed diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant in order to protect public health. Exposure to diesel emissions can increase the risk of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.
Washington Seeking Comment on Proposed Guidance for Considering GHG Emissions in Environmental Reviews
The draft guidance is available online. The comment period is open until Friday, June 25, 2010. However, the agency notes that the document will remain a work in progress.
Under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), state and local agencies must consider likely environmental impacts that may result from governmental decisions.
These decisions may be related to issuing permits for developing private projects or constructing public facilities. They also may be decisions by state agencies, counties, cities, ports, and special districts such as school and water districts on adopting regulations, policies, or plans.
According to the worldwide Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, increased levels of GHGs in the atmosphere are causing impacts associated with global climate change. Transportation systems, power generation, homes, and commercial buildings are major sources of GHGs in Washington.
Information gathered in the SEPA process can be used to change a proposal to reduce likely impacts, or to deny a proposal or place conditions on the proposal when adverse environmental effects are identified.
Brenden McFarland, who oversees Ecology’s statewide environmental review activities, said the draft guidance is designed to help lead agencies better evaluate proposals that will result in GHG emissions or that may be vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as the rising sea level.
“SEPA is an important tool for helping reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in Washington,” McFarland said, “However agencies need guidance to assess the emissions of greenhouse gas emissions that may result from their decisions.”
The draft guidance, he said, also is intended to provide some consistency across different agencies and reduce future legal concerns for agencies and private proponents. There have already been a number of successful legal challenges in California and in federal courts when public agencies neglected to consider GHG emissions associated with proposals.
“We want to avoid ‘policy by litigation’ here in Washington. Our goal is to make sure our policies and guidance for these types of impacts is as useful as possible for everyone,” McFarland said.
The proposed guidance is intended to help lead agencies, applicants, and the public use SEPA to:
- Assess GHG emissions that could be expected from various types of projects;
- Understand the environmental impacts of those emissions; and
- Support consistency within and between agencies in their assessments.
McFarland said the draft guidance does not change any existing SEPA requirement, that its use is not mandatory, and that it does not replace or supersede Ecology’s existing SEPA handbook.
After the review period ends, work will continue on the proposed guidance. By the end of 2010, the proposal will be supplemented to include guidance on assessing GHGs from government decisions about policies, plans, and regulations.
EPA to Soon Restrict Pesticide Use in Northwest
The EPA will soon move to restrict use of three deadly pesticides after the manufacturers of these pesticides refused to do so voluntarily. EPA had asked the makers of the pesticides diazinon, malathion, and chlorpyrifos to voluntarily adopt necessary measures to protect Pacific salmon and steelhead. EPA made the request for voluntary restrictions 18 months after the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) concluded that use of these three organophosphate pesticides would jeopardize the continued existence of 27 species of Pacific salmon and steelhead and would destroy or adversely modify the critical habitat for 25 of those species.
Higher concentrations of these pesticides can directly kill salmon and their prey. Even at very low levels, the chemicals have been found by federal biologists to interfere with salmon reproduction, growth, and sense of smell, making it harder for them to find food, avoid predators, and return to native waters to spawn.
The EPA action stems from a lawsuit originally filed by conservation groups represented by Earthjustice in 2001.
“We are encouraged that EPA is finally getting serious about implementing these protections and hope the government moves quickly to ensure that pesticides are removed from Northwest salmon waters,” said Earthjustice attorney Steve Mashuda.
In response to an Earthjustice lawsuit, the fishery experts at NMFS evaluated these pesticides and determined that no-spray buffer zones next to streams and vegetated strips to catch pesticide-laden runoff from fields are needed to protect salmon. NMFS required that these and other measures be implemented within one year. NMFS handed off implementation of the pesticide restrictions to EPA, the agency charged with regulating pesticides 18 months ago.
Although EPA proposed to enforce only some of the protective measures, conservation groups and fishermen cautiously welcomed EPA’s announcement as a necessary step in the right direction.
“If EPA can fill the gaps in its proposed protections, we stand on the brink of keeping three extremely dangerous pesticides out of our rivers and streams,” said Aimee Code, the Water Quality Coordinator at the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides. “If the government holds strong, it could create a legacy of clean water.”
“We need EPA to take a strong stand to get our fish and fish-dependent economies back on track,” said Glen Spain of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations.
Several months before EPA’s announcement, the chemical industry asked EPA to further delay implementation of any protective measures. The industry asked EPA to establish new rules that would grant the industry special rights, including advance notice of any proposed changes and veto power over EPA’s decisions if “any potentially affected registrant cannot reach agreement with EPA” to implement the restrictions voluntarily. Conservationists and fishermen are hoping that EPA will reject the industry’s efforts to further delay this already-overdue process.
The first Pacific salmon and steelhead populations were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1989.
EPA has also told NMFS that it is going ahead with implementing restrictions on the next set of pesticides found to harm salmon: carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl.
Agencies to Study Dispersant Use and Ecosystem Impacts of Dispersed Oil in the Gulf of Mexico
Over 50 experts and practitioners from government, academia, and industry have completed a two-day meeting looking at the potential long-term impacts of the prolonged use of large volumes of dispersants in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. This is the third time NOAA and EPA have gathered top scientists to discuss dispersant use since the spill began. EPA and NOAA scientists are conducting rigorous ongoing monitoring and analysis of the effectiveness and toxicity of the dispersants used.
Should data indicate that the dispersants are causing significant environmental damage that outweighs the benefits of their use, EPA and the Coast Guard reserve the right to discontinue use.
Although the crude oil is more toxic than the authorized dispersants, much is unknown about the long term environmental impacts of dispersants when used in these unprecedented volumes on the surface and in the subsea. Because of this and due to the effectiveness of subsea applications, EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard directed BP to significantly ramp down their use of dispersants. BP has complied and has significantly reduced dispersant use.
The purpose of the two-day meeting was to provide input to the Gulf of Mexico Regional Response Teams (4 and 6) on the use of dispersants and the effects of dispersed oil going forward in the Deepwater Horizon incident. The meeting also identified possible monitoring protocols to be used in the event of continued aerial applications to surface water and subsea use.
“This conference provided us with additional scientific information about potential impacts of prolonged dispersant use that can help guide decision-making as we continue to support the U.S. Coast Guard’s response to and clean up of this spill,” said Craig Carroll, EPA Co-Chair of the Region 6 Regional Response Team.
“It is the consensus of the group that up to this point, use of dispersants and the effects of dispersing oil into the water column has generally been less environmentally harmful than allowing the oil to migrate on the surface into the sensitive wetlands and near shore coastal habitats,” said Nancy Kinner, University of New Hampshire co-director of the Coastal Response Research Center (CRRC).
“The meeting is adding to our knowledge, both in terms of helping identify key questions that should be asked and helping identifying new, quality sources of information and relevant expertise to draw on as we make these difficult decisions,” said Charlie Henry, NOAA’s Scientific Support Coordinator for the Unified Command Center in Roberts, Louisiana.
“The thoughtful scientific input from this meeting will prove valuable to responders as we continue to do everything possible to minimize damages caused by this unprecedented spill,” said Robert Pond of the U.S. Coast Guard.
This was the third science summit in three weeks that builds on the unprecedented mobilization of science the federal government has brought to this incident. The Administration has engaged some of the world’s brightest scientific minds from the public and private sectors to mitigate the oil’s impact and ensure an effective response.
The results of the meeting will be presented in a report to the Regional Response Teams within the next week.
NOAA Assists With Multi-Agency Effort to Decontaminate Ships Passing through Oil Spill
NOAA has begun work to survey a new ship anchorage site at the mouth of the Mississippi River in the Gulf of Mexico for ships to undergo inspection and oil decontamination before entering ports.
The contract magnetometer survey of a proposed alternate anchorage site would ensure the safety of ships, their crew, and the marine environment by making sure that there are no buried pipelines in the proposed area that would be ruptured by ships lowering their anchors. NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is working with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy to establish the alternative anchorage area.
Shipping vessels are currently facing increasing time delays and other challenges as they attempt to avoid the oil slicks caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Keeping maritime commerce going is important to many businesses, such as farmers who need to export their crops through the Gulf ports and the millions of stores throughout the country that rely on a constant flow of imports.
The survey will take place at the Southwest Pass, the primary deep draft entrance to the Mississippi, which is used extensively by ships bringing commercial goods to the U.S. The Lower Mississippi River ports are important players in the billion-dollar U.S. maritime economy.
Once the area is surveyed and the U.S. Coast Guard gives clearance, ships needing hull inspections for oil contamination from the ongoing spill could use this anchorage area for waiting.
So that work can start immediately, NOAA awarded the task order to C&C Technologies of Lafayette, Louisiana, under the agency’s existing hydrographic services contract. The team from C&C Technologies will deploy aboard a vessel under the command of the Naval Oceanographic Office. The results should be provided to the U.S. Coast Guard by June 1 at the latest, and possibly earlier. NOAA will update its navigational products based on the results of this survey and the Coast Guard’s determination of the area’s suitability as an anchorage location.
The Lower Mississippi River ports export over 50 million metric tons of corn, soybeans, and wheat each year, more than 55% of all U.S. grains inspected for shipment. Grain market participants and Midwestern farmers need efficient port operations to export product, as do segments of the economy that rely on timely import arrivals. NOAA’s work in ensuring efficient maritime transportation during this ecological crisis is key to a healthy U.S. economy.
NOAA is also developing new chart products for Deepwater Horizon oil spill response. While NOAA’s nautical charts are essential for safe navigation throughout the oil spill region, the agency continues to respond to specific charting requests that meet response needs. NOAA cartographers are supplying coastline contour data—depicting underwater surfaces—needed for planning boom placement. NOAA is also producing special nautical charts depicting points for water testing.
Tennessee Releases Draft List of Tennessee Impaired Waters
This draft list—also called the 2010 303(d) List—is a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act.
The department will take public comments on the draft 303(d) List at a series of public meetings. Written comments will be accepted through June 15, 2010. After responses are prepared for the comments Environment and Conservation has received, the 303(d) List may be modified and will be submitted to EPA for review and approval.
“The primary mandate of the Department’s Division of Water Pollution Control is to preserve and protect the right of the people of Tennessee to safe and clean water,” said Paul Sloan, Deputy Commissioner for Environment. “To fulfill its mandate, our program must monitor and assess surface waters to determine if they are suitable for their intended uses.”
Tennessee has an abundance of water resources, with more than 60,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 500,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs within its borders. Waters are classified for specific uses. All streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs in Tennessee are classified at a minimum to meet the national goal of fishable and swimmable waters. Tennessee’s classified uses include designations to protect fish and other aquatic life; to maintain streams for recreational uses, such as swimming, wading, and boating; to minimize human health risks from pollutants; and to provide for public water supplies.
Water quality criteria establish how clean the water needs to be to maintain the public’s use of a stream or lake. When different criteria are assigned for different uses of the same stream or lake, the department’s rules require that the most stringent criterion be met. The department has tested water quality at more than 6,000 locations across the state in the last 36 years.
“We use a combination of chemical, physical and biological monitoring methods to obtain information for our assessments,” said Paul Davis, director of the department’s Division of Water Pollution Control. “Reliable data from partner agencies and other sources are also utilized. Our assessments help the department, other agencies and watershed and community groups plan restoration activities to improve the quality of waters affected by pollution.”
The draft 303(d) List compiles all the waters known by the state to violate one or more water quality standards in a single document. Once identified, these streams and lakes are prioritized for specialized studies called total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). The TMDLs identify the sources of pollutants and propose strategies to restore bodies of water through various pollutant controls.
“Everyone is affected by water pollution and has a vested interest in improving water quality,” Sloan said. “Everyone contributes to pollution in large and small ways. By understanding the effects of pollution and what each of us can do to reduce those effects, we can make a difference in Tennessee and the world.”
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Trivia Question of the Week
The use of charcoal lighter fluid emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to ground level ozone. Approximately what amount of VOCs are emitted per year in the United States from this source?
a. 14,500 tons of VOCs are emitted from the 46,200 tons of lighter fluid
b. 14 million tons are emitted from 50 million tons of lighter fluid
c. 4 million tons are emitted from 2.5 million tons of lighter fluid
d. 140 tons are emitted from 300 tons of lighter fluid