EPA Plans Recordkeeping, Reporting for Hazardous Waste Generators

According to the ICR, EPA will collect information in the following categories:

• Pre-transport requirements for both large (LQG) and small (SQG) quantity generators
• Storage requirements in tanks, containment buildings, and drip pads
• Air emission standards requirements for LQGs (referenced in 40 CFR 265, Subparts AA and BB)
• Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for LQGs and SQGs
• Export requirements for LQGs and SQGs (i.e., notification of intent to export and annual reporting)

EPA’s ICR indicated that this collection of information is necessary to help generators and EPA:

• Identify and understand the waste streams being generated and the hazards associated with them
• Determine whether employees have acquired the necessary expertise to perform their jobs
• Determine whether LQGs have developed adequate procedures to respond to unplanned sudden or non-sudden releases of hazardous waste or hazardous constituents to air, soil, or surface water

EPA stated that this information is also needed to help the Agency determine whether tank systems are operated in a manner that is fully protective of human health and the environment and to ensure that releases to the environment are managed quickly and efficiently. Additionally, this information would contribute to EPA’s goal of preventing contamination of the environment from hazardous waste accumulation practices, including contamination from equipment leaks and process vents.

Finally, EPA indicated that the export information is needed to ensure that: 1) Foreign governments consent to US exported wastes; 2) exported waste is actually managed at facilities listed in the original notifications; and 3) documents are available for compliance audits and enforcement actions.

Dayton RCRA and DOT Training

 

Raleigh RCRA, DOT, and EHS Training

 

Macon RCRA and DOT Training

 

How to Implement OSHA’s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA has issued a final rule revising its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ globally harmonized system (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. This means that virtually every product label, material safety data sheet (now called “safety data sheet” or SDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on SDSs.

 

How the Grow America Act Will Increases DOT’s Oversight of Hazardous Material Transportation

The safe transportation of hazardous materials is the number one priority of the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). 

Increases Authority to Stop Unsafe Conditions

Section 6002 of the GROW AMERICA Act will increase DOT’s authority to stop unsafe conditions or practices that may cause an emergency situation involving a threat to life, personal injury, or harm to property or the environment. The Act will provide clear authority for PHMSA to issue Orders to industry in response to emergency situations without prior notice or the need for a special permit as currently required, similar to the authority of the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Establishes New Fees for Special Permit and Approvals Program

Section 6004 establishes a designated fund and authorizes the Secretary to collect a reasonable fee for the administration of the special permits and approvals program. Consistent with the 2015 Budget request, this fee will offset some of PHMSA’s costs associated with the special permit and approvals process.

Improves National Emergency and Disaster Response

A common problem that impedes the flow of hazardous materials during national emergencies is differing opinions between federal, state, and local officials regarding the types of hazardous materials authorized in affected areas. As a result, many essential shipments of hazardous materials are delayed or even rejected. Section 6005 will remedy this problem by clarifying DOT’s authority to facilitate the movement of essential hazardous material during a national emergency or disaster.

Establishes Hazard Abatement Authority

Section 6008 will combat a growing problem of unscrupulous shippers abandoning hazardous materials in transit by providing DOT with the authority to hold a non-compliant shipper accountable for the remediation or disposal costs for the non-compliant shipment.

Expands Inspection of Non-Domestic Entities

There remain instances when a person outside the US seeks to manufacture, requalify, or inspect a DOT specification packaging or special permit cylinders or certify compliance with the regulations.

Section 6009 grants broader inspection and investigation authority over non-domestic entities, extending authority to those seeking approval from PHMSA to perform these functions outside the US. Once approved, the applicant must allow hazmat investigators to inspect the applicant’s process and procedures, while bearing the cost of the initial and subsequent inspections. This shift in procedure will place the cost of the inspection on the user and not US taxpayers.

Enhances Registration Requirements

This expanded registration requirement will provide more effective oversight.

Improves the Effectiveness of the Hazardous Materials Emergency Grant Program

Section 6010 will reform the grant program by making several changes to ensure greater accountability on behalf of grantees and maximize the impact of grant funds.

Increases Penalties for Violations

Section 6011 strengthens our ability to ensure compliance by increasing the maximum amount that DOT can assess for a civil penalty, as well as provide us with the ability to address situations where a higher penalty is warranted. The Act will increase the maximum civil penalty amount from $75,000 to $250,000; or for a violation that results in death, serious illness, or severe injury to any person or substantial destruction of property, from $175,000 to $500,000.

EPA Identifies Safer Substitutes for Toxic Flame Retardants

The EPA is announcing safer alternatives to the flame retardants now used in consumer and commercial products, including building insulation and products with flexible polyurethane foam.

“EPA’s findings for safer alternatives is great news for consumers and industry,” said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “We will now have safer alternatives for use in our products from furniture to car seats to building insulation.”

Flame retardant chemicals such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE) raise concerns for human health and the environment including potential reproductive, developmental, and neurological effects and can be persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to aquatic organisms.

 

Butadiene styrene brominated copolymer is identified as a safer alternative to HBCD used in polystyrene building insulation and is currently in commercial production in the United States. Oligomeric phosphonate polyol is identified as a safer alternative to pentaBDE. The pentaBDE report will help industry choose safer alternatives to meet product flammability standards for consumer products containing flexible polyurethane foam.

EPA’s Design for the Environment Alternatives Assessment Program helps industries choose safer chemicals and offers a basis for informed decision-making by providing a detailed comparison of the potential public health and environmental impacts of chemical alternatives. Throughout the partnerships, stakeholders, including chemical suppliers, product manufacturers, and non-government organizations have provided valuable information to support the development of the draft and final reports.

EPA’s New Solvent Wipe, Shop Towel Rule Demystified

 

• Does the rule apply to both cloth and paper wipes and rags?
• What solvents can be on the towels, and which are prohibited?
• Does the rule also apply to towels that contain characteristic hazardous waste?
• Can P or U-listed wastes be on the towels?
• How must the towels be stored on-site?
• Do they need to be tested for anything?
• How long can they be stored?
• How must the containers be marked or labeled?
• How must they be prepared for transportation?
• Where can you ship them and what are the disposal and recycling options?
• What are the documentation requirements?
• Can the rule be applied to uniforms or spill absorbents?
• How is the new rule impacted by current state regulations?

 

Aerospace Dynamics, Inc., to Pay $118,000 for Hazardous Waste Violations

 Aero-Dynamics, Inc. will also pay a penalty of $118,000, settling EPA claims that it violated hazardous waste regulations. The improved hazardous waste management practices will greatly reduce the risk of a release of hazardous waste to the environment.

 EPA filed a complaint on September 30, 2013, alleging the company failed to: conduct adequate hazardous waste determinations; minimize the possibility of release, fire, and/or explosion and risk to human health or the environment; to ensure presence and implementation of emergency preparedness and prevention measures; have an adequate hazardous waste training program; maintain an adequate contingency plan; close containers of hazardous waste; properly label containers of hazardous waste; mark containers with the beginning accumulation date; manage hazardous waste in accordance with the requirements for a satellite accumulation area; have an adequate hazardous waste inspection program; and treat hazardous waste in accordance with its state-issued permit.

Failing to comply with hazardous waste management laws can lead to releases of hazardous waste that pose risks to human health and the environment. At its facility, Aero-Dynamics generates and accumulates corrosive, toxic, potentially reactive, and ignitable hazardous wastes.

EPA ordered Aero-Dynamics to certify that it had come into full compliance within 65 days of the issuance of the complaint. Aero-Dynamics brought the facility into compliance, taking several steps immediately after the inspection.

Before EPA’s May 29, 2012 inspection and subsequent enforcement action, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services on February 9, 2009, issued an agreement, which included a penalty that addressed similar hazardous waste violations detected during a 2007 state inspection of the Aero-Dynamics facility.

Buffalo Fined for Hazardous Waste Violations

 This program will reduce the likelihood of exposure by residents to harmful chemicals found in these products, while also reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. The agreement settles violations of hazardous waste requirements. The City of Buffalo will also pay a $21,094 penalty and spend at least $79,000 on the nine community recycling events.

“Many products found in the home can be harmful to the environment and human health if not disposed of correctly,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Household hazardous waste, such as petroleum products, paint solvents/thinners and pesticides can be dangerous and should be disposed of properly. Likewise, fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury, and should be recycled whenever possible. By implementing this program, the City of Buffalo will have a positive impact on the health of its residents.”

In September 2008, the EPA inspected the City of Buffalo’s Department of Public Works, Parks, and Streets and other offices at Buffalo’s City Hall. The EPA found violations of hazardous waste rules and cited Buffalo for failure to make hazardous waste determinations for its used fluorescent bulbs, and failure to properly maintain its facilities in a way that minimizes the chance of hazardous waste releases. In April 2011, the EPA and the City of Buffalo reached an agreement, and Buffalo certified that it would comply with federal and state requirements for the management of hazardous waste.

In September 2011, the EPA inspected five sites owned and operated by the City of Buffalo. During these inspections, the EPA discovered several hundred containers, which contained waste paints, paint thinners, solvents, and related wastes in a former paint shop. Some of those containers were corroded and leaking, and not properly labeled and stored. Under federal hazardous waste regulations, containers of chemicals must be stored properly and wastes that are identified as hazardous must be disposed of properly. The EPA also discovered several hundred spent fluorescent bulbs stored in the Mechanical Services Building and in Buffalo City Hall, and discovered dozens of discarded cathode ray tubes (CRTs) haphazardly stored in multiple locations owned by the City of Buffalo. CRTs are the glass video display components of electronic devices (usually computer or non-flat screen television monitors). CRTs can contain enough lead to require managing them as hazardous waste.

 

Under the terms of the settlement announced recently, Buffalo will improve its handling of hazardous waste to ensure that it complies with environmental laws and implement a program to recycle or properly dispose of fluorescent bulbs, e-waste, and household hazardous waste collected at waste collection events. The events will take place in each of the nine Common Council districts throughout the city. Household hazardous wastes that Buffalo will collect include household pesticides, chemicals, paints and thinners, gasoline and antifreeze products, and mercury based thermometers.

Hawaii Gas Fined $155,000 for Risk Management and Chemical Release Reporting Violations

 

“Risk management plans are critical components of safety programs designed to prevent chemical accidents,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “They must be carried out diligently to protect workers, nearby residents and the local environment.”

The Kapolei facility manufactures synthetic natural gas for use on Oahu. In January 2012 EPA conducted an inspection of the facility, which included an audit of records going back five years. EPA’s inspection found several violations of the risk management plan regulations. The company subsequently corrected the violations and agreed to pay a penalty of $136,000.

Inspectors also found that on September 4, 2010, the facility released 3,585 lb of sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda or lye). Although this amount was above the federal reportable quantity of 1,000 lb, it was only reported to state and local authorities, and not to the federal National Response Center (NRC). The release has since been reported to the NRC and the company also agreed to pay a penalty of $19,000. No health or environmental impacts resulted from the release, which was made to a permitted underground injection well.

Hawaii Gas violated the risk management plan regulations by failing to:

• Certify annually that its operating procedures were current and accurate
• Provide refresher training to employees to assure they understand and adhere to the operating procedures
• Ensure that the frequency of inspections and tests of equipment were consistent with good engineering practices and manufacturer recommendations
• Conduct a compliance audit every three years
• Track and implement the facility’s own recommendations from its most recent draft compliance audit report

 The risk management plan requirements include developing a hazard assessment detailing the potential effects of an accidental release; a prevention program that includes safety precautions and maintenance, monitoring, and employee training measures; and an emergency response program that spells out emergency health care, employee training measures and procedures for informing the public and local response agencies should an accident occur.

When properly implemented, risk management plans help prevent chemical releases and minimize their potential impacts at facilities that store large amounts of hazardous substances and flammable chemicals. Facilities are required to update and resubmit their risk management plan at least once every five years, which is used by the EPA to assess chemical risks to nearby communities and to prepare for emergency responses.

San Diego County Companies to Pay $70,000 for Improper Handling of Hazardous Waste

Two San Diego area sister companies will pay $70,000 for illegally storing and treating hazardous materials, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) announced recently.

Emulsions Control, Inc. (ECI) of Chula Vista, formulates and sells demulsifiers, a class of specialty chemicals that can separate emulsions—mixtures of oil and water. Oil companies use demulsifiers in the processing of crude oil to remove water and salt from the oils. Pepper Oil Company (POCO) manufactures demulsifiers at its National City location. POCO’s sells diesel fuel and oil and operates a truck stop and gas station that services commercial truckers.

ECI bought used corrosive and toxic materials that DTSC regulates as hazardous waste. The hazardous waste was received, stored, and treated at POCO prior to being used as ingredients to make demulsifiers. The corrosive and toxic waste materials were primarily spent acids, including sulfonic acids, which are organic waste generated from sulfur burning.

In 2012, the San Diego County Certified Unified Program Agency, which routinely inspects the businesses, alerted DTSC that POCO was storing and treating hazardous waste without a permit from DTSC. Upon inspection, DTSC found that both ECI and POCO stored and treated hazardous waste without proper authorization or permit from DTSC.

Since the inspections, both ECI and POCO have worked closely with DTSC to resolve the violations. They have changed their production process and are now in compliance with the hazardous laws and regulations.

City of Attleboro Massachusetts Fined $32,000 for Illegal Discharge of Wastewater

The City will also pay a $32,000 fine under the terms of the settlement.

An EPA inspection in May 2013 discovered that the city was illegally discharging wastewater from the Facility’s water treatment process tanks that would contain aluminum among other pollutants. As part of the treatment process, the Facility adds certain chemicals, including the coagulant polyaluminum chloride, to the water. Effluent from that process is normally sent to the City’s wastewater treatment plant. Once a year, the water treatment facility cleans out its pretreatment basins. EPA inspectors discovered that the pretreatment basins were being cleaned at the time of their inspection and that a fire hose connected to one of the Facility’s pretreatment tanks was discharging the effluent directly to a storm drain system and retention pond and, from there, through a pipe to Orr’s Pond, the City’s drinking water supply.

The permit ensures that there are adequate controls in place to make sure the discharge is safe and that humans and aquatic life are being protected. The Facility did not have a NPDES permit for its discharge.

 

The discharge to the storm system was stopped and the effluent is now sent to the wastewater treatment plant.

Wilco-Winfield, LLC Settles with EPA for Pesticide Violations

The action was taken following an inspection conducted by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) in February 2013. As part of the settlement, EPA assessed a $15,360 civil penalty against the company.

While visiting Wilco-Winfield’s Mt. Angel, Oregon, facility, the ODA inspector collected information about pesticide secondary containment and the pesticide containment pad at the facility. ODA then referred the inspection report to EPA for review and further action.

EPA’s review found that the facility lacked an adequate pesticide containment pad. Containment areas and containment pads help protect the environment from spills, drips, and leaks during routine transfers and bulk repackaging. Poor pesticide housekeeping has been linked to structure and soil contamination, often requiring expensive cleanup and decontamination.

As a result of the information generated by the ODA inspection and subsequent EPA review, Wilco-Winfield immediately took steps to correct the deficiencies.

McGregor Company’s Nezperce, ID, Facility Nets EPA Penalty for Pesticide Violations

The settlement included a $24,720 penalty.

An EPA-credentialed inspector visited the McGregor Company’s Nezperce, Idaho facility in March 2013. The inspector collected information about the facility’s pesticide secondary containment and pesticide containment pad and referred the inspection report to EPA for review and further action.

EPA’s investigation found that the facility lacked required protections for its pesticide repackaging equipment and did not have an adequate pesticide containment pad. Containment areas and containment pads help protect the environment from spills, drips, and leaks during routine transfers and bulk repackaging. Poor pesticide housekeeping has been linked to structure and soil contamination, often requiring expensive cleanup and decontamination

After being notified of these findings by the EPA, the McGregor Company immediately corrected the deficiencies.

$175,000 Fine for Unpermitted Stormwater Discharge

Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler announced recently that Hamzah Slaughter House, LLC, located in Williamsport, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to four counts of water pollution and three counts of operating without a discharge permit for dumping waste materials into creek waters that flow directly into a tributary of the Potomac River. Washington County Circuit Court Judge M. Kenneth Long, Jr. sentenced the business to six years of probation and ordered a fine of $175,000, with $100,000 suspended.

“When we stop serious polluters, we get one step closer to having a cleaner Potomac River and a healthier Chesapeake Bay,” said Attorney General Gansler. “This case shows what individuals can do by simply reporting the pollution they see or smell whenever and wherever they discover it.”

The investigation began on March 22, 2011 in response to a citizen complaint of waterway pollution from slaughterhouse waste materials near the Washington County facility. Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) inspectors visited the Hamzah Slaughter House, situated on an unnamed tributary of Conococheague Creek, which flows into the Potomac River. The facility butchers sheep, goats, and cattle daily, and it includes a slaughterhouse, barn, skin storage building and outside yards for livestock. Hamzah Slaughter House is required to collect wash-up water and blood in a series of closed underground tanks which would be pumped and hauled daily to a nearby wastewater treatment plant.

Mixtures of blood and wash water were also seen flowing from a partially covered temporary skin storage area into a nearby stormwater drain and subsequently into the creek tributary. Inspectors also noted animal waste piles in a yard area without containment and in an area bordering the tributary. The facility’s animal prepping area was not covered or properly contained and inspectors noted a mixture of animal manure and stormwater in a depth greater than two feet, which moved in a continuous stream down an embankment, into the tributary.

It was determined that the facility did not process the required General Discharge Permit for Stormwater Associated with Industrial Activity from the Maryland Department of the Environment. The company also failed to have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, which sets discharge limits, housekeeping requirements and outlines report and inspection provisions. All of these permitting requirements are specifically designed to help protect Maryland waterways by limiting harmful pollutions.

In making the announcement, Attorney General Gansler thanked Michelle Barnes, Chief of the Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU), David Williams, ECU Chief Investigator and inspectors from the Maryland Department of the Environment for their hard work.

Cashmere Contractor, Developer Settle Ecology Penalty

A Cashmere developer and a contractor have entered into a settlement agreement with the Washington Department of Ecology resolving their appeal of a restoration order and civil penalties associated with unpermitted excavation work in Mission Creek.

In November 2013, developer George N. Valison of Quail Lane Development, LLC, and construction contractor David G. Baker, of D. Baker Construction & Excavating, LLC, were cited $20,000 each for moving dirt and rocks with heavy equipment in Mission Creek without appropriate permits, planning, or precautions.

The September 2012 incident was investigated by Ecology and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife in response to a citizen complaint. Ecology’s investigation found that the excavation work resulted in environmental harm, including creek bed and bank erosion, and water quality degradation in an area with sensitive steelhead and salmon habitat. In addition to the penalties, Ecology issued an administrative order to Valison to stabilize and restore the streambank.

The cost, time, and uncertainty of further litigation were taken into consideration as part of the settlement decision. In settling, Valison and Baker admit no violation of law. Each has independent duties to fulfill to satisfy their obligations under the settlement.

Valison must restore the shoreline area and obtain appropriate local, state and federal permits to conduct shoreline and in-water work as ordered last November.

Stream restoration and bank stabilization work must be completed by July 31, 2015, absent unavoidable project delays. Ecology will hold the $20,000 penalty in abeyance pending compliance with the restoration order and settlement agreement. Valison will be released from his obligation to pay the penalty once the project is satisfactorily completed. If the project is not completed or is clearly abandoned, Ecology will collect the full penalty amount.

Baker’s fine was reduced to $10,000. He has agreed to pay $5,000 in 12 monthly installments over the course of one year. The remaining penalty amount of $5,000 will be suspended for three years. If Baker violates water quality or shoreline management laws at anytime during the three years, the balance of the penalty will become due immediately.

Patrick Administration Recognizes Champions of Toxics Use Reduction

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Commissioner David Cash, honored companies, community organizations and an academic researcher for their work in reducing the use of toxics in the Commonwealth at the Annual Champions of Toxics Use Reduction Awards ceremony at the State House yesterday.

“The Patrick Administration is committed to a cleaner and healthier Commonwealth and recognizes that this can be achieved simultaneously with maintaining a strong business climate,” said Commissioner Cash. “The Toxics Use Reduction Act Program exemplifies this belief. By requiring companies to take a critical look at the how and why and the full costs of using chemicals, and providing them with technical assistance, education and research programs in toxics use reduction, the Act has lead companies to find and voluntarily adopt measures that both reduce toxics use and pollution, protect public health and the health of workers, and improve their bottom line.”

The Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) program has overseen significant reductions in the use of harmful chemicals in Massachusetts. Between 2000 and 2012, Massachusetts companies reduced their total use of toxic chemicals by 23% and the direct release of toxics to the environment by 73%.

“The TURA program has been instrumental in helping businesses in the Commonwealth reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in the Commonwealth,” said Rich Bizzozero, Director of the TURA Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA). “By recognizing the work of the honorees, we continue to ensure a cleaner healthier state for future generations.”

“Everyone we are recognizing is a model for others in the Commonwealth and the nation for finding innovative solutions that can reduce toxic chemical use at the source,” says Michael Ellenbecker, director of the Toxics Use Reduction Institute at UMass Lowell.

“The Toxics Use Reduction program supports a clean and healthy Commonwealth by reducing the use of chemical substances and their impact on workers, consumers and the environment,” said Senator Marc R. Pacheco, Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “The individuals, businesses and organizations that we are honoring are keeping Massachusetts clean and healthy for future generations.”

Below are the Champions of Toxics Use Reductions Award honorees:

• Andover/Raytheon – Installed a new ozonated water system that cleans, sanitizes and deodorizes without toxics
• Walpole/KMK Cleaners – Reduced electricity costs by 40% and water use by 50% by switching from a toxic perchloroethylene system to professional wet cleaning
• Lowell/Professor Sammy Shina/UMass Lowell – Started the New England Lead-free Electronics Consortium to help Massachusetts manufacturers find alternatives to lead to keep them competitive in a highly regulated international market
• Barnstable/Barnstable County Cape Cod Cooperative – Working to raise awareness with art studios and the public about art supplies containing harmful toxic chemicals
• Greenfield/Franklin Regional Council of Governments – Created the Green Cleaning for Food Service Project to help local businesses investigate safer alternatives
• Woburn/Full Circle Earth – Worked to help citizens achieve healthy lawns and landscapes without the use of pesticides or harmful fertilizers
• Jamaica Plain/Jamaica Plain New Economy – Looking for ways to eliminate carcinogens while supporting the transition to a sustainable and prosperous neighborhood
• Beverly/La Chic Mentoring Plus – Created the Healthy Girls Model Healthy Products to help middle and high school girls make safer choices for beauty products

The Commonwealth established itself as a leader in chemical policy by adopting TURA in 1989. Massachusetts was first in the nation to harness market forces through a mandatory reporting and planning process that provides incentives for companies to reduce toxic chemical use. The TURA program activities are implemented by three agencies: MassDEP, the Office of Technical Assistance and Technology and the Toxics Use Reduction Institute at UMass Lowell. The TURA program continues to support sustainable economic growth in the Commonwealth by helping businesses reduce their reliance on toxic chemicals and achieve greater operational efficiency.

Maryland Green Registry Leadership Awards

Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Robert M. Summers joined members of the Maryland Green Registry and Bethesda Green last evening to present the fifth annual Registry leadership awards and announce the annual membership results. The leadership award winners were: CertainTeed Corporation/Siding Products Group of Williamsport, Elysian Energy of Silver Spring, Fitzgerald Auto Malls of Gaithersburg, Hub Labels of Hagerstown and Life Technologies (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific) of Frederick. Winners were chosen based on their commitment to continuous improvement and environmental results achieved over the past year. The awards were presented at the Courtyard by Marriott Chevy Chase.

The Maryland Green Registry is a voluntary program launched by Governor O’Malley in 2009 as part of the Smart, Green and Growing Initiative to promote and recognize sustainable practices by organizations throughout the state. The free program offers tips and resources to help organizations set and meet their own goals on the path to sustainability. There are currently over 420 organization members.

The following results were achieved on an annual basis between 2013 and 2014:

• 525,000 lb of hazardous waste reduced
• 11.6 million lb of nonhazardous waste reduced
• 547.8 million lb of non-hazardous waste recycled
• 2.7 million gallons of wastewater reduced
• 533,000 gallons of fuel saved
• 9.8 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduced
• 457 million kWh electricity saved
• 645 million gallons of water conserved
• 1.9 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO₂e) reduced
• $79 million saved

Hyundai Tucson Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle Leased in California

On June 10, a family in Tustin, California, received the keys to the first Hyundai Tucson hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle available for lease in the United States. The fuel cell-powered Tucson was first introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November and uses hydrogen to generate the electricity which powers the vehicle. These vehicles are an important part of California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Californians are known for our support of smart innovations, and the Bush family’s decision to become the first Americans to drive the Hyundai fuel cell vehicle as their family car fits squarely within that proud tradition,” said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “These ultra-clean vehicles play a critical role in our efforts to clean the air and meet our climate goals. Fuel cell cars are not vehicles of the future—they’re here now and we applaud Hyundai for bringing them first to the market in California where they are most needed.”

California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate will put 1.5 million ZEVs including hydrogen, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles on the state’s roads by 2025. Additionally, California is part of an 8-state collaborative working to develop and deploy consistent codes, signage, and fueling infrastructure for ZEVs on both the West and East Coasts. The collaborative ultimately plans to put a minimum of 3.3 million ZEVs on the roadways in the partner states by 2025.

California has also joined with businesses, non-governmental organizations and other government agencies around the country in the H2 USA collaboration to develop the foundation for installation of hydrogen refueling technology nationwide. In addition, California has earmarked $20 million annually to put 100 hydrogen fueling stations throughout the state.

Rhode Island Paint Recycling Program Begins This Month

Paint recycling just got easier in Rhode Island. A Washington, DC-based product stewardship organization for the paint industry, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced the start of a new paint recycling program in Rhode Island established by legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Ruggerio and Representative Donna Walsh and signed into law by Governor Lincoln Chafee in 2012. The new law requires paint manufacturers to develop a take back system for leftover paint from household and commercial consumers. The new program is the fifth of its kind in the United States.

Created by the American Coatings Association (the trade association for paint manufacturers) PaintCare is a non-profit organization tasked with working with state and local governments to develop paint stewardship programs; recruiting paint stores and others to serve as year-round paint drop-off locations; and conduct public outreach and education. PaintCare operates programs in four other states that have passed similar legislation.

The Rhode Island law requires that paint manufacturers create and fund an easy-to-use, cost-effective and environmentally-responsible program to manage unused or leftover paint in the state. The program is funded by a nominal fee added to the purchase price of paint at retailers throughout the state. The fees range from $0.35 to $1.60, depending the size of the container.

“This new program offers Rhode Islanders convenient options to safely recycle or dispose of unwanted latex and oil-based paint by taking it to one of the new collection sites at participating paint retailers,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Thanks to the cooperation of the paint industry, we are able to provide this valuable service for Rhode Island households and painting contractors. In addition to creating a new market for recycled paint, this program will also reduce waste and keep the toxic ingredients from older paints out of the environment.”

For the convenience of Ocean State residents, most PaintCare new drop-off sites will be at paint retailers and open year round. PaintCare sites accept all brands of house paint, stain and varnish, no matter how old they are, during their regular business hours. This will give homeowners and paint professionals alike multiple, easy-to-use options to recycle unwanted paint, including latex paint. Paint Care expects to set up at least 25 new paint drop-off sites throughout Rhode Island as part of the program.

In addition to the PaintCare sites, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will continue to accept paints, stains, and varnishes at their Saturday Eco-Depot events. Eco-Depot will continue to be for residents only, while contractors may use any PaintCare participating retailer.

“It’s exciting to be adding Rhode Island to the program,” said PaintCare Executive Director, Marjaneh Zarrehparvar. “The support for this movement in the state has been tremendous from the legislative level down, and we are looking forward to working together with our partners at DEM, as well as the paint retailers across the state, to make responsible paint recycling as easy and as readily-available as possible.” she added.

PaintCare lists the new PaintCare sites on its webpage. Using an easy-to-use search tool, residents and businesses can find the nearest drop-off site by entering their zip code or town.

Environmental News Links

 

Trivia Question of the Week

In the US, the use of inefficient clothes dryers wastes how much money per year?

a) $4 million

b) $40 million

c) $400 million

d) $4 billion