á The web site asks the person making the report to identify the name and location of the violator, the type of the release: to the air, land, water, or to workers, and whether or not the violation is ongoing.á
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Washington Takes Steps to Limit E-Waste
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The Washington state Department of Ecology (Ecology) has released a report outlining its study of consumer electronic-product recycling, which includes comprehensive recommendations for financing a collection, transportation and processing system within the state.
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The study and report, entitled "Implementing and Financing an Electronic Product Collection, Recycling and Re-use Program for Washington State," were required by the 2004 state Legislature.
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"We are recommending the Legislature adopt a recycling program for old computers, computer monitors and televisions that would be financed by the manufacturers of those products," said Cullen Stephenson, manager of Ecology's solid-waste division. "The recycling cost would be part of the product's price, not an add-on fee or new tax. When people buy these products, they will know that along with all the other features, end-of-life recycling is incorporated as well."
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Discarding electronic products without re-using or recycling the valuable materials and parts inside wastes a very valuable resource. It's also a potential source of pollution. Electronic products contain lead and other heavy metals. Tests have shown that cathode ray tubes, the picture tube on televisions and computer monitors, contain large quantities of lead and are classified as hazardous waste when disposed. Heavy metals in landfills from the disposed equipment could leach into and pollute ground water, which may affect human health.
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Under Ecology's recommendations, manufacturers would be required to provide recycling services throughout the state or they could not sell their products in Washington. The system would be transparent for consumers. Under Ecology's recommended program, a person with a television, computer or computer monitor that needs to be disposed of could bring it to one of the manufacturer-established collection sites for recycling at no cost.
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After considering several approaches, Ecology developed its recommendations based on comments received from manufacturers, retailers, local governments, recyclers, non-profit charities and citizen groups.
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The state Legislature is expected to take up the issue of electronics recycling during this session. At least one bill, supported by a coalition of computer manufacturers, retailers, environmental groups and local governments, is expected to include many of Ecology's recommendations.
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The recommended approach minimizes government involvement, limiting it to regulatory oversight and leaving it to industry to run the program. The recommendations rely on competition within private industry to provide the most efficient recycling program at the lowest cost to consumers.
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"We want to put our economic system to work in the best interests of the citizens of the state, relying on competition between manufacturers to keep program costs low," said Stephenson. "Only consumers that buy televisions and computers would be affected and they'll be assured that their electronics will be recycled when the product's usefulness is complete."
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Electronics Facts:
- Ecology estimates that over 2.8 million computers and nearly 900,000 televisions will be disposed of in Washington state within the next five years.á
- In 1970, nearly every household in the state owned one television. There will be nearly one television per person in 2010.á
- By 2010, there will be nearly 9 million computers in Washington homes.á
- Electronic products can contain the heavy metals lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium and cadmium. In addition, they can contain other metals such as gold and copper.
Oklahoma Sets New Standard for Arsenic in Drinking Water
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A new standard for the permissible level of arsenic in drinking water, Arsenic Maximum Contaminate Level (MCL), of 10 ppb becomes affective in Oklahoma this month. The standard is mandated by the EPA and will be implemented by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). After many years of study, the new standard, 10 ppb, will replace the current, older standard of 50 ppb. In Oklahoma, approximately 23 systems with deep wells may need to take some action to meet the new standard.
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Since July 1, 2002, systems that detected arsenic between 5 ppb and 10 ppb were required to include an educational statement in their annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Systems that detect Arsenic between 10 ppb and 50 ppb were required to include a health effects statement in their Consumer Confidence Reports. Beginning in 2006, all systems that are in violation of the 10 ppb standard must include a health effects statement in their Consumer Confidence Reports.
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Many surface water systems and all groundwater systems already monitor for Arsenic.á After the new standard becomes effective in January 2006, surface water systems with arsenic levels less than 10 ppb will monitor annually. Groundwater systems with levels less than the standard must collect one sample every three years. Systems with any well or sampling point above the 10 ppb will collect samples for Arsenic every quarter until they can prove the Arsenic is below 10 ppb.
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Inorganic Arsenic occurs in the environment through natural processes and can be found in rocks and soil. As water travels through the ground, it may carry dissolved Arsenic into groundwater. Industrial Arsenic is found in commercial processes, used as a wood preservative, and found in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps, and semi-conductors. Burning fossil fuels, paper production, cement manufacturing, and mining can also release Arsenic into the environment.
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Studies have linked long-term exposure over several decades to Arsenic in drinking water to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate. Short-term exposure to very high doses of Arsenic can cause other adverse health effects. The Arsenic standard is set to be protective of human health.
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There are several options to address the problem of Arsenic in wells above the standard.
One method to come into compliance is to drill replacement wells or rehabilitate existing wells by sealing off the Arsenic bearing zones. Another option is to purchase water from another system that is meeting standards. Other options include the construction of a treatment plant to remove Arsenic from the drinking water.
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For more information on the presence of Arsenic in your drinking water you may contact your local water system or you may contact the DEQ at 1-800-869-1400 and ask for Shawn Brandt - Arsenic/Nitrate Coordinator.
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EPA Settles with Baleco on Pesticide Violations
EPA Region 5 has filed a consent agreement and final order with Baleco International, North Bend, Ohio, on alleged violations of federal rules on the distribution and sale of pesticides. A $15,000 penalty has been assessed against the company as part of the settlement.
According to EPA, Baleco sold and distributed unregistered, adulterated and misbranded pesticides from its facility at 3200 State Line Road. The products are 30% Algaecide-1999, 30% Algaecide-2001, 3" Tablets-2001, 1" Tablets-2001 and Chlorinating Granules-2001. Ohio Department of Agriculture inspectors cooperated with EPA in the investigation.
EPA registers all pesticides and pesticide products under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
Landlord Settles Complaint over Disclosure of Lead-Based Paint Hazards
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The EPA announced that Philadelphia landlord William A. Rowell has settled alleged violations of a federal law requiring the disclosure of known lead-based paint to prospective tenants and homebuyers.
In a consent agreement with EPA, Rowell has agreed to pay a $20,000 penalty for failing to disclose known lead-based paint to tenants in eight rental properties in Philadelphia. The settlement also requires Rowell to conduct $70,000 in lead-based paint abatement projects in at least 12 of his residential rental properties.
EPA cited Rowell for violating the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (RLPHA). Under this federal law, sellers and landlords of residential housing built before 1978 - when the federal government banned the sale of lead-based house paint - are required to notify prospective purchasers and tenants about the presence of lead-based paint (or disclose their lack of knowledge of such hazards).
Under RLPHA's "lead-based paint disclosure rule," landlords are required to provide a lead hazard information pamphlet to prospective tenants; include a standard warning statement in the lease on the dangers of lead-based paint; provide purchasers with a 10-day opportunity to conduct a lead-based paint inspection; and include disclosure and acknowledgment language in leases.
EPA's complaint cited Rowell for 48 violations of the lead-based paint disclosure rule. The violations involve 14 lease agreements for eight rental properties entered into between 2000 and 2004.
EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are cooperating in a nationwide effort to protect tenants and homeowners from the health risks of lead-based paint. High blood levels of lead can cause permanent damage to the nervous system and widespread health problems, such as a reduced intelligence and attention span, hearing loss, stunted growth, reading and learning problems and behavioral difficulties. Young children, in particular, are most vulnerable because their nervous systems are still developing.
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Five Companies Reach Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals
These companies will be recognized along with 11 other corporations that are announcing greenhouse gas reduction goals and 13 corporations that are joining the program at a meeting in California.
"By achieving their greenhouse gas reduction goals, these leading companies are proving that doing what is good for the environment, is also good for business," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "EPA is working hand-in-hand with business to voluntarily reduce their climate footprints in cost-effective ways. Together, the United States is making great progress toward President Bush's goal of reducing the nation's greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent over 10 years."
Through Climate Leaders, EPA now partners with 79 corporations whose U.S. emissions represent an estimated eight percent of total U.S. GHG emissions. With these announcements, 46 companies have set GHG reduction goals; the rest are in the process of setting goals. EPA estimates that meeting the goals will prevent more than 8 million metric tons of carbon emissions equivalents per year. This is equal to the emissions of 5 million cars annually.
The following partners have met their Climate Leaders greenhouse gas reduction goals in 2005:
- Baxter International Inc. - met its goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 16 percent per unit of production value.á
- General Motors Corporation - met its goal to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent for all North American facilities.á
- IBM Corporation - met its goal to reduce average annual CO2 emissions associated with global energy use by four percent per year through 2005. In addition, IBM Corporation also met its goal to reduce total perfluorocompound (PFC) emissions from semiconductor manufacturing processes by 10 percent.á
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory -met its goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent per square foot.á
- SC Johnson - met its goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 23 percent per pound of product.
In addition, at the event, the following 11 corporations announced new greenhouse gas reduction goals:á
- Baltimore Aircoil Company - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 15 percent per ton of steel processed from 2004 to 2009.á
- EMC - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 8 percent per square foot from 2005 to 2012.á
- General Electric Company - pledges to reduce total global GHG emissions by one percent from 2004 to 2012.á
- Haworth, Inc. - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 20 percent per dollar sales from 2004 to 2009.á
- Lockheed Martin - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 30 percent per dollar revenue from 2001 to 2010.á
- Mack Trucks, Inc. - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 20 percent per unit produced from 2003 to 2010.á
- Marriott International Inc. - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by six percent per available room from 2004 to 2010.á
- Oracle Corporation - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by six percent per square foot from 2003 to 2010 for all non-data center space and to purchase 5 percent green power for data centers.á
- STMicroelectronics - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 50 percent per manufacturing unit from 2000 to 2010.
- Sun Microsystems Inc. - pledges to reduce total U.S. GHG emissions by 20 percent from 2002 to 2012.
- Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. - pledges to reduce U.S. GHG emissions by 20 percent per truck produced from 2003 to 2010.
Further, 13 new companies have joined Climate Leaders as Partners - Agilent Technologies of Palo Alto, Calif.; American Water of Voorhees, N.J.; Boise Cascade of Boise, ID; California Portland Cement Co. of Glendora, Calif.; Citigroup Inc. of New York, N.Y.; Ecolab Inc. of St. Paul. Minn.; Fairchild Semiconductor of South Portland, Maine; General Electric Company of Fairfield, Conn.; Haworth Inc. of Holland, Mich.; HSBC North America of Prospect Heights, Ill..; Kimberly Clark Corporation of Neenah, Wis.; Lucent Technologies of Murray Hill, N.J.; and Steelcase Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich.á
2006 National Environmental Partnership Summit to be Held in Atlanta
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The National Environmental Partnership Summit, which focuses on environmental stewardship, improving environmental quality and achieving sustainable outcomes, will be held in Atlanta from May 8 through 11, 2006 and locally hosted by EPA Region 4.
The Summit will feature interactive sessions, workshops and site visits for the 800 anticipated environmental leaders and innovators that will attend from all regions of the United States. Attendees will examine partnering, science and systems-based approaches, multi-media and 'whole toolbox' strategies, measurement, transferability, sustainability and more in the context of a vision of stewardship.
Sponsors of the Summit include the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable; Performance Track Participants Association; and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, National Center for Environmental Innovation, and Office of Compliance. The Summit will be held at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, 165 Courtland Street, in Atlanta.á
ADEQ Order Upheld Against Landfill
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Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director Steve Owens announced that ADEQ's Compliance Order against the Iron King Landfill in Dewey-Humboldt in Yavapai County has been upheld by a state Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and that he has signed an order accepting the ALJ's decision.
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ADEQ inspected the Iron King Landfill during summer 2005 and discovered numerous violations at the facility, including failure to apply adequate daily cover at the landfill, illegally accepting waste tires and municipal solid waste and failure to screen incoming waste loads, keep inspection records and properly train employees.
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Based on the inspection results, ADEQ issued a Compliance Order to Kuhles Services, Inc., the operators of the Iron King Landfill, in September 2005, which required Kuhles Services to immediately begin correcting the violations and operate the landfill in compliance with the company's permits. Among other things, the Order directed Kuhles to cease accepting solid waste until they can demonstrate that employees are properly trained to operate and maintain the landfill, apply daily cover to the landfill, and excavate and remove previously disposed unpermitted waste. Kuhles closed the landfill after receiving the Order.
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Kuhles appealed ADEQ's Order, and a hearing was held before the ALJ. The ALJ rejected Kuhles' appeal and found that Kuhles had committed all of the violations charged in the Order.
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"We are very pleased that our Compliance Order has been upheld," ADEQ Director Owens said. "The Iron King Landfill was being operated in violation of the law and was accepting wastes for which it did not have approval from ADEQ. These are serious violations." The Iron King Landfill currently remains closed.á
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Pennsylvania Files Briefs to Protect Water Supply, Control Pollution
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Governor Edward G. Rendell directed Pennsylvania to join a majority of states in filing two separate amicus briefs, commonly called "friend of the court" briefs, in important Clean Water Act cases under consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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The first case, S.D. Warren v. Maine Board of Environmental Protection, could decide the scope of state government's authority to mitigate the water quality impacts of hydroelectric dams and other federally licensed activities within their borders.
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Two other consolidated cases, Rapanos v. U.S. and Carabell v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, could answer far-reaching questions about how the federal government can use the Clean Water Act to restrict development on or near wetlands that provide crucial habitat for aquatic species, help prevent floods and filter pollutants from waterways.
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"Pennsylvania has a direct stake in the outcome of these cases because of the significant effect they could have on our ability to protect water supplies and keep our rivers and streams free from pollution," Governor Rendell said.
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"We're committed to being good stewards for our environment," he said. "It's our job to make sure our water supply is clean and readily available and that it can be used to make Pennsylvania a better place to live, and more competitive in attracting and supporting business investment."
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The Department of Environmental Protection joined the amicus brief filed Jan. 6 in the S.D. Warren v. Maine Board of Environmental Protection case to support Maine's right to regulate dams on its rivers.
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Warren owns and operates five contiguous hydroelectric run-of-river dams that provide electricity to one of its paper mills. In renewing the hydroelectric licenses, the company applied for water quality certification under the federal Clean Water Act. In 2003, Maine's board approved certification with conditions to mitigate the water quality impacts of the dams. Warren appealed the conditions, claiming the state overextended its authority.
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States have used their authority under the Clean Water Act to protect water quality, safeguard river ecosystems and restore fisheries. Stripping states of the ability to set conditions on the operations of hydroelectric dams would affect river health and water quality, threaten fish and wildlife habitat, and diminish recreational and economic opportunities on rivers across the nation, including Pennsylvania.
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The key issue in the Rapanos v. United States and Carabell v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cases is whether or not the federal government can use the Clean Water Act to regulate the discharge of fill in or near wetlands adjacent to tributaries to navigable waters. DEP joined the states in their Jan. 13 filing in support of the federal government, urging the court to uphold Clean Water Act jurisdiction over such wetlands.
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Under the Clean Water Act, it is unlawful for a person to discharge any pollutant into navigable waters or into wetlands and tributaries adjacent to navigable waters. Rapanos and Carabell are challenging how the government defines "adjacent" and how it interprets the hydrologic interconnectedness of water systems.
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In the amicus brief, the states argue that many states' water quality programs are tied closely to federal definitions and authority, so any changes to the definitions of waters at the federal level may compromise implementation of important state programs, which in some cases have taken years to reach their current level of effectiveness and understanding by the public and the regulated community.
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The United States brought an action against developer John Rapanos for filling 54 acres of wetlands at three different sites in Michigan without a permit from either the state of Michigan or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The federal government argues permits were needed because the wetlands are adjacent to, are hydrologically connected with and are part of headwater systems that provide valuable habitat for wildlife and ensure the health of larger navigable downstream waters.
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In Carabell, which also originates in Michigan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied a developer's permit to fill in more than 15 acres of wetlands for housing construction. A ditch running along one edge of the property drains into a creek that eventually empties into Lake St. Clair, a navigable waterway. Because the wetlands on the property are separated from this waterway only by a man-made barrier, they are considered adjacent wetlands.
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"It's vital that we participate in these cases and fight to uphold the protections in the federal Clean Water Act to ensure that Pennsylvania has at its disposal all the tools necessary to protect public health and the environment in the years ahead," DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said.á
New Rebate Program Launched to Increase Mercury Thermostat Recycling in Oregon
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A new rebate program aims to recycle 4,000 mercury-containing thermostats in an effort to keep mercury out of the environment. Contractors who participate in the program will receive a rebate coupon for each mercury-containing thermostat they return to a participating wholesaler for recycling. The $4 coupons can be used toward the purchase of mercury-free ENERGY STAR qualified thermostats.
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The initiative is sponsored by Portland General Electric (PGE), the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) and the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI). PGE is underwriting the $20,000 rebate cost, DEQ is providing education and outreach to contractors and TRC is managing the rebate and recycling program.
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"In Oregon, thousands of mercury thermostats go into the garbage each year, making them one of the largest sources of mercury in our landfills," said Wayne Lei, PGE's director of environmental policy. "By giving heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors an incentive to recycle, we hope to dramatically reduce mercury levels in Oregon's environment."
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The rebate is an addition to a mercury thermostat recycling program that TRC has operated nationally since 1998 and in Oregon since 2001. Through the TRC program, contractors can recycle mercury-containing thermostats at no cost. Participating wholesalers provide TRC recycling containers on-site and ship thermostats to TRC for recycling.
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The rebate program coincides with the start of a new state law that makes it illegal for contractors to install mercury thermostats. Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) led the lobbying efforts that created the state installation ban.
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"Since digital thermostats offer an excellent alternative to the mercury thermostat, eliminating the mercury type makes good sense," said Laura Weiss, OEC's toxics program director. "We are glad that this new rebate program is being offered to help reduce mercury pollution in Oregon."
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Mercury-containing thermostats can be hazardous when disposed improperly. Each mercury thermostat contains about 4 grams, or almost a teaspoon, of mercury. Because there are so many mercury thermostats in use, they are one of the largest sources of disposed mercury in Oregon. Collecting and recycling mercury-containing products such as thermostats is an important way to minimize mercury releases into the environment.
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Replacing an old thermostat with a programmable ENERGY STAR model can significantly reduce energy use because they can be set to automatically lower the temperature at night and at times when a home is unoccupied.
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The year-long Oregon rebate program is one of two pilot projects partially funded by an EPA grant. The grant, awarded to the Product Stewardship Institute, will help determine if offering a financial incentive will motivate contractors to increase thermostat recycling. The other pilot project is underway in Indiana.
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"This project is an excellent example of product stewardship, in which industry and government can work together to solve an environmental problem," said Loretta Pickerell, DEQ's solid waste policy and programs manager.á
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Consumers who want to replace and recycle old mercury-containing thermostats can call a local heating contractor. ENERGY STAR thermostats are also available from home improvement retailers for self-installation, but only contractors are eligible for the rebate program. Consumers can recycle old mercury thermostats through local household hazardous waste recycling programs.
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$33,200 Penalty for Intentional Hazardous Waste Spill
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The Oregon DEQ has issued a $33,200 penalty against DeAngelo Brothers, Inc. (DeAngelo), a licensed commercial pesticide applicator, for hazardous waste management violations related to an intentional pesticide spill at a Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way in Baker City last May. The Pennsylvania-based company conducts vegetation management activities on Union Pacific Railroad's right-of-ways throughout the United States.á
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A DEQ investigation in May 2005 revealed that earlier in the month a DeAngelo employee deliberately dumped approximately 1,500 gallons of a pesticide mixture onto the ground in the Union Pacific right-of-way near Broadway Avenue in Baker City. Similarly, DEQ learned that the employee, mindful that application of pesticides under windy or rainy conditions is prohibited, chose to dispose of the load after concluding that rainy weather would prevent application that day.
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At certain concentrations, the mixture dumped onto the right-of-way is harmful to fish, birds and human health. Under Oregon law, improperly managed pesticides are considered hazardous waste.
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DeAngelo violated Oregon law by failing to dispose of hazardous waste only at a permitted facility and failing to immediately clean up and report the spill to the Oregon Emergency Response System. These requirements help ensure that contamination from spills is minimized. DeAngelo did not report the spill to the Oregon Emergency Response System until July 8, 2005. The company began to clean up the spill on July 15, 2005.
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DeAngelo has appealed the penalty.á
Cal/EPA Secretary Alan Lloyd Announces Retirement
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California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) Secretary Alan C. Lloyd, Ph.D., announced he will retire from state service for personal reasons effective February 28, 2006.
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"I am honored to have served Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the people of California as Secretary of Cal/EPA, but I felt it was time to retire from state service so I could spend more time with my family," said Dr. Lloyd. "Over the past two years the governor has made great progress in cleaning California's air, promoting zero-emission solar and hydrogen technologies, and making California a world leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."
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Dr. Lloyd, 64, continued, "Cal/EPA has accomplished great things under Governor Schwarzenegger's leadership, and I am confident that the governor's next appointee to this position will continue to carry out his vision for a clean and safe California."
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Governor Schwarzenegger said, "Alan has served as a remarkable leader of California's efforts to protect and conserve our state's incredible environment and landscape. He has worked to improve our air quality, expand the hydrogen highway and worked to make California a world leader in addressing the causes of climate change. I want to thank him for his service to the people of this great state."
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Prior to his appointment in December 2004, Dr. Lloyd served as chairman of the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for six years, where he led efforts to initiate California's diesel risk reduction measures and stimulated demand for superclean cars, hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. He also guided the implementation of the Schwarzenegger-Pavley Green House Gas regulations. In addition, Dr. Lloyd led efforts resulting in the adoption of the Environmental Justice Policy for ARB.
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During Dr. Lloyd's tenure at Cal/EPA, the agency has implemented a variety of programs and initiatives including the Climate Action Initiative, the California Electronic Recycling Act, the California Hydrogen Highway Network, and the California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative.
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Prior to his appointment as ARB chairman, Dr. Lloyd served as executive director of the Energy and Environmental Engineering Center for the Desert Research Institute at the University and Community College System of Nevada, Reno, and as chief scientist at the South Coast Air Quality Management District.á
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Illinois EPA Refers Congress Development Co. and Resource Technology Corp. to Illinois Attorney General
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IEPA Director Doug Scott has asked the Illinois Attorney General's office to proceed with enforcement action against Congress Development Co. and Resource Technology Corp. for numerous violations of the Clean Air Act and Illinois' air pollution laws pertaining to landfills.
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This decision stems from numerous citizen complaints and subsequent inspections of the municipal solid waste landfill, located at 4100 West Frontage Road, Hillside. Inspections showed inadequate operation and maintenance of the landfill's methane gas collection system.á Among the alleged violations were failure to adequately collect the methane and failure to maintain the standards necessary for system to operate properly.á These failures resulted in odors that interfered with the welfare and livelihood of nearby residents.
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Resource Technology Corp. is permitted to operate a gas-to-energy facility, which converts the methane gas into an energy source.áá Methane gas is created from waste that degrades in landfills. This gas is required to be managed with collections systems. Without proper management and maintenance, the methane and other landfill gasses escape into the environment. The resulting odor is very unpleasant and, under the right circumstances, can be explosive.á
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"These offensive gas odors are not only irritating to nearby residents, it is becoming disruptive to the welfare of the citizens in the area," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott.á
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Resource Technology Corp. is currently in bankruptcy, which has hampered current landfill owners and operators' ability to upgrade the system. The Illinois EPA previously issued Violation Notices to Congress and Resource Technology Corp. However, the Agency believes that more immediate enforcement is necessary.
Micron Plastics Assessed $4,128 Penalty for Violating Waste Oil Regulations
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Micron Plastics, Inc., which operates a custom polyethylene film manufacturing plant at 30 Faulkner Street in Ayer, has been issued a penalty of $4,128 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for violating Hazardous Waste Management regulations.
A routine inspection conducted by MassDEP determined that the company was storing waste oil in amounts that exceed its registered generator status, failed to notify MassDEP that it generates hazardous waste, and failed to follow several other requirements concerning the proper storage of their waste oil.áá
In a consent order, the company agreed to comply with all applicable regulations and pay $3,000 of the penalty. MassDEP suspended $1,128 of the original assessed penalty providing the company remains in compliance with the consent order.
"The requirements governing the storage of waste oil are designed to prevent costly cleanup situations," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester.áá
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.á
Landscaping Company to Pay Penalty for Operating without an Air Permit
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All Ohio Landscaping, Inc., will pay a $17,000 penalty for violating environmental regulations at its mulch production facility located at 5649 Akron-Cleveland Road in Boston Township.
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All Ohio Landscaping failed to obtain air permits prior to installing and operating a shearer and grinders at the facility. The company also failed to control dust.
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The violations were issued by the Akron Regional Air Quality Management District, Ohio EPA's contractual representative for Summit County. ARAQMD received numerous dust complaints from neighbors and responded with repeated inspections of the facility.
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All Ohio Landscaping must submit to Ohio EPA a complete and approvable permit application to operate the shearer and horizontal grinder. The company also must comply with its existing permits and operate the facility in a manner that does not create a nuisance for neighbors.
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The civil penalty includes $6,800 to administer Ohio EPA's air pollution control programs, $6,800 to the Ohio Environmental Education Fund and $3,400 to Ohio EPA's clean diesel school bus program.á
Whirlpool Fined for Exceeding Power Coating Air Permit Limits
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The Whirlpool Corp. will pay a $33,600 civil penalty for emission limit, emission monitoring and reporting violations at its Findlay facility.
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The violations were discovered during inspections and file reviews by Ohio EPA. The violations were related to the facility's two powder coating lines and have been corrected.
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The violations included failure to comply with the volatile organic compound (VOC) emission limitation for the two powder coating lines for three months in 2002 and also from 1993 to 1995; the VOC emission control efficiency limitation for the control equipment from 1990 to 1995; quarterly reporting requirements in its operating permit for one quarter in 2002; and pressure drop monitoring requirements in its permit for the emission control equipment from 2002 to early 2005.
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Whirlpool Corp. manufactures dishwashers at the 4901 North Main St. facility. The company will pay $26,880 to Ohio EPA. A portion of the penalty ($20,160) will be used to benefit the Ohio Environmental Education Fund and administer air pollution control programs. The remaining $6,720 will be paid to Ohio EPA's Clean Diesel School Bus Fund.á
Ohio EPA and Mar-Zane Reach Settlement over Air Emission and Permitting Violations
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Ohio EPA has reached a settlement with asphalt manufacturer Mar-Zane, Inc. for air regulation violations at the company's Morristown plant at U.S. Route 40 West in Belmont County. The settlement includes a $27,000 civil penalty.
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In October 2001, Ohio EPA issued a permit allowing the company to use waste oil to fire a rotary dryer. However, the company told Ohio EPA that it had been burning waste oil to fire the dryer since April 1999, without authorization.
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In addition the company exceeded volatile organic compounds (VOCs) a July 2002 stack test demonstrated. This stack test showed Mar-Zane emitted 83 pounds per hour of VOCs, whereas the permit limit was 9.1 pounds per hour.
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This emission limitation was originally based on emission factors established by U.S. EPA due to the absence of actual emission test data for the plant. This permit limitation was subsequently determined to be unrepresentative for this plant. Ohio EPA agreed to revise this limitation after emission testing was performed while the plant was operating with good operating and maintenance practices and representative asphalt mixes.
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In November 2004, Mar-Zane requested a permit modification to change the limit to 28.5 pounds per hour for the Morristown site based on an acceptable September 2004 stack test. Ohio EPA will issue a modified permit, which will require Mar-Zane not to exceed the 28.5 pounds-per-hour limit.
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Of the $27,000 civil penalty, $5,400 will go to a program administered by Ohio EPA called the Clean Diesel School Bus Program. The rest of the penalty will be split between Ohio EPA's Division of Air Pollution Control and the Ohio Environmental Education Fund.á
Hukill Chemical to Pay Penalty $60,000 for Unpermitted Air Emissions
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A Bedford chemical processor and distributor will pay a $60,000 civil penalty as a settlement for violating Ohio's air pollution permitting and emission control requirements.
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Hukill Chemical Corporation was cited with numerous violations including the potential to emit hazardous air pollutants without the proper Ohio EPA permit; installing and operating emissions units without a permit; and inadequate record keeping and reporting.
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The violations were documented by the Cleveland Division of Air Quality, Ohio EPA's contractual representative for Cuyahoga County.
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Hukill Chemical is a hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility that operates numerous air contaminant sources including vacuum pumps, an air stripper and drum processing area.
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Hukill Chemical must submit to Ohio EPA a complete and approvable permit application to restrict the amount of hazardous air pollutants released to the atmosphere. The company also must submit fee emissions reports and associated fees for the years 1997-2004.
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The civil penalty includes $24,000 to administer Ohio EPA's air pollution control programs, $24,000 to the Ohio Environmental Education Fund and $12,000 to Ohio EPA's clean diesel school bus program.á
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$25,125 Penalty for Failure to Develop Risk Management Program
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Reliant Energy will pay a $25,125 penalty for failing to follow environmental regulations at its power plant located at 1047 Belmont Avenue in Niles.
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Reliant Energy failed to develop a risk management program and file a risk management plan with Ohio EPA for storing anhydrous ammonia. The deficiencies occurred in 2003 and 2004, when the company received and stored greater than 10,000 pounds of ammonia.
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Ammonia is one of 140 hazardous substances that fall under the risk management program when stored in large quantities. The program is designed to prevent accidental releases that can cause serious harm to the public or environment and to mitigate the severity of releases that do occur.
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The risk management program requires an analysis of the potential off-site consequences of a worst-case accidental release; a five-year accident history; a release prevention program; and emergency planning.
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Reliant Energy uses anhydrous ammonia to enhance the electrostatic charge on fly ash particles and increase the efficiency of fly ash removal in its electrostatic precipitator. The company now stores less than the threshold amount of 10,000 pounds of ammonia.
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The civil penalty includes $20,100 to administer Ohio EPA's air pollution control programs and $5,025 to Ohio EPA's clean diesel school bus program.á
Radon is the Second Leading Cause of Lung Cancer
á Because families spend more time indoors during the winter months, January is a good time to test for this radioactive, invisible, and odorless gas.
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According to EPA estimates, 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year are radon-related and about 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and it is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
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Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It is harmless when dispersed into outdoor air. But when it becomes trapped inside buildings, it can be harmful at elevated levels. It typically moves up through the ground to the air in your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. This means any home can have a radon problem, whether it is new or old, well-sealed or drafty, with or without basements.
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Radon test kits are easy to use and inexpensive. They are available at any hardware store or home improvement center. For best results, EPA recommends that the radon test be conducted in the lowest livable level of the home, such as the basement, during the colder months of the year. Tests can also be taken during other times of the year if windows and doors have been closed for 12 hours prior to testing.
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EPA recommends that houses with radon levels of four picocuries or more of radon should be vented to prevent accumulation of the gas indoors. A variety of methods can be used to reduce radon in homes. Sealing cracks and other openings in the foundation is a basic part of most approaches to radon reduction. EPA does not recommend the use of sealing alone to limit radon entry. Sealing alone has not been shown to lower radon levels significantly or consistently.
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In most cases, a system with a vent pipe and fan is used to reduce radon. These "sub-slab depressurization" systems do not require major changes to your home. They prevent radon gas from entering the home from below the concrete floor and from outside the foundation.
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The cost of making repairs depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problems. Most homes can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs like painting or having a new hot water heater installed. The average price for a contractor ranges from $500 and $2,500.
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Environmental Trivia Question of the Week
EPA estimates that how many homes in the US have radon concentrations above 4pCi/l, the level at which the agency recommends taking action to reduce radon concentrations?
a.á 1 in 15
b.á 1 in 30
c.á 1 in 300
d.á 1 in 5000
