EPA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer is requesting comments on the development of an E- Enterprise for the Environment portal and announcing three public meetings in the form of Internet webinars. E-Enterprise is a transformative 21st- century strategy for rethinking how government agencies deliver environmental protection in the US. Through joint governance at the federal, state, and tribal levels, EPA, the states, and tribes are collaboratively modernizing business processes and driving and sharing innovations. These changes will improve environmental results and enhance services to the regulated community and the public by making government more efficient and effective.
The portal, a Web site that functions as a point of access to information and tools, may provide consolidated entry points for businesses and citizens to efficiently locate, obtain access to, and interact with relevant EPA, state, and tribal environmental programs and resources. EPA and our state and tribal partners ultimately may choose to provide a different name than “portal’’ to better characterize the functionalities provided. The goal is to reduce regulatory burden and optimize information technology resources across government entities.
EPA is seeking comment on the value of establishing a portal and the functions that it should provide. The Agency will host a series of webinars for the public to learn about the portal, ask questions and learn how to provide comments.
Learn DOT’s New Rules for Lithium Battery Shipments
These changes are designed to ensure that lithium cells and batteries are able to withstand normal transportation conditions and are packaged to reduce the possibility of damage that could lead to an unsafe situation.
- Enhance packaging and hazard communication requirements for lithium batteries transported by air
- Replace equivalent lithium content with Watt-hours for lithium ion cells and batteries
- Adopt separate shipping descriptions for lithium metal batteries and lithium ion batteries
- Revise provisions for the transport of small and medium lithium cells and batteries including cells and batteries packed with, or contained in, equipment
- Revise the exceptions for small cells and batteries in air transportation
- Revise the requirements for the transport of lithium batteries for disposal or recycling
- Harmonize the provisions for the transport of low production and prototype lithium cells and batteries with the ICAO Technical Instructions and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
- Adopt new provisions for the transport of damaged, defective, and recalled lithium batteries
If you ship batteries by ground or air, you must comply with the latest DOT and IATA/ICAO regulations that specify how the batteries must be packaged, marked, labeled, and transported. The rules apply not only to batteries, but also to equipment or vehicles that contain batteries as well as batteries packed along with equipment. Virtually all types of batteries are regulated, including lithium, lead-acid, nickel cadmium, and metal hydride alkaline. According to 49 CFR 172.704, all personnel involved in the classification, packaging, marking, labeling, or shipment of batteries must receive initial and recurrent transportation training.
Tampa RCRA and DOT Training
Dallas RCRA and DOT Training
Chicago RCRA, DOT, and IATA/IMO Training
EPA Exempts Some Chemicals from CDR Reporting
EPA is amending the list of chemical substances that are partially exempt from reporting additional information under the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule. EPA determined that, based on the totality of information available on the chemical substances listed in this direct final rule, the Agency has low current interest in their CDR processing and use information. EPA reached this conclusion after considering a number of factors, including: the risk of adverse human health or environmental effects, information needs for CDR processing and use information, and the availability of other sources of comparable processing and use information.
The substances being exempted from reporting of the information described in 40 CFR 711.15(b)(4) include: Fatty acids, C14-18 and C16-18-unsaturated., Me esters (CASRN) 67762-26-9); Fatty acids, C16-18 and C-18-unsaturated., Me esters (CASRN 67762-38-3); Fatty acids, canola oil, Me esters (CASRN 129828- 16-6); Fatty acids, corn oil, Me esters (CASRN 515152-40-6); Fatty acids, tallow, Me esters (CASRN 61788-61-2); and Soybean oil, Me ester (CASRN 67784-80-9).
EPA Cancels of Certain Methomyl Uses
From 1995 to 2013, exposure from food to carbamates, which includes methomyl, has fallen by approximately 70%. The recent action is a continuation of EPA’s efforts to reduce carbamate use, thereby protecting people’s health, especially the health of children who may be more sensitive to pesticides.
EPA found drinking water risks during the periodic evaluation of methomyl and negotiated with the manufacturers to voluntarily cancel certain uses. Voluntary cancellation is the quickest way to eliminate risk.
While Florida and California were the areas of greatest concern for risks from methomyl in drinking water, the following measures will be implemented nationwide:
- Canceling the use on barley, oats, and rye
- Limiting its use on wheat to Idaho, Oregon, and Washington
- Reducing the number of applications to corn, celery, and head and leaf lettuce
- Reducing the number of applications and the seasonal maximum application rate for peppers
These measures are currently being phased in, ensuring timely implementation of the changes for several crops.
EPA and the manufacturers reached an agreement to stop making and selling some fly bait products and to add information to the label that clarifies the approved uses. EPA believes that these changes will reduce the illegal use of methomyl fly bait products which can kill wildlife, an issue that was reported to EPA by a number of states.
First registered 1968 and then reregistered in 1998, methomyl is restricted and must only be used by certified and trained applicators and has no residential uses. The only non-agriculture use of methomyl is in fly bait.
EPA will continue the registration review process for methomyl. The next step in that process is the release of the methomyl draft risk assessment in 2016. In November 2014, EPA asked for public comments on the requests to voluntarily cancel the uses of methomyl on barley, oat and rye. No comments were received.
Railroads Start Mobile Tool with Hazmat Data
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has developed a mobile application to boost available information for emergency responders addressing rail incidents, including hazardous materials.
Corporate Sustainability and TRI: Exploring P2 Information for Facilities and Parent Companies
Connecticut DEEP Releases Revised Requirements for Storm Water Systems
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) recently released revisions to a proposed permit for the management and oversight of municipal storm water systems that offer municipalities and institutions less costly and more flexible requirements for compliance.
“After carefully reviewing the draft requirements we originally proposed with the concerns of local officials in mind, we have developed new approaches that will achieve environmental and public health objectives with lower costs for our municipal partners,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee.
Commissioner Klee said, “We believe cities and towns can realistically and cost effectively implement the type of revised requirements we are now proposing—which will safeguard the quality of our waters and aquatic life and make certain they are attractive and safe for people to enjoy for swimming, fishing, and boating.”
The revised requirements of the proposed permit:
- Adhere more closely to requirements the EPA has recently proposed in other states, such as Massachusetts, where it directly administers the storm water permit.
- Minimize capital and labor intensive requirements by providing larger communities and state and federal institutions covered by the permit extended timeframes for implementation and more flexibility in steps that must be taken to comply when it comes to street sweeping, leaf management, catch basin cleaning, and water quality testing.
- Examples of revisions resulting in significant cost savings:
1. Street sweeping/catch basin cleaning requirements have shifted from a prescriptive schedule to one that allows municipalities maximum flexibility to determine the appropriate schedule based on inspection observations and other relevant information. 2. Leaf management requirements have been clarified to reflect that municipalities are not required to implement a leaf pickup program. The language now clearly indicates a management program will be consist of actions determined by a town/ city to best prevent the deposition and disposal of leaves on roads and storm sewers. 3. Discharge monitoring program has been significantly revamped to focus on a more targeted approach—only testing discharges to impaired waters for the pollutant/ pollutants associated with degraded water quality. The use of field-testing kits, where available, is also included to reduce lab costs. - Focus on a few key areas for 49 new, smaller communities that would be covered by the permit:
- Preventing illicit connections to storm water systems
- Reviewing and revising local land use ordinances to minimize future storm water runoff from future development in order to prevent the degradation of healthy, high-quality waters
- Conducting basic inspection and maintenance, as necessary, of roads and drainage systems
Minnesota Leads the Nation in Pollution Prevention
Minnesota businesses are the best in the United States at reducing or eliminating some dangerous pollutants, according to a recent EPA report. The report is based on information reported by manufacturing and other industrial facilities across the country through the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory program.
According to the report, Minnesota businesses implemented measures that resulted in a reduction of nearly 1 million lb of toxic pollutant releases from 2012 to 2013 in Minnesota.
A variety of activities can contribute to pollution prevention or source-reduction efforts:
- An electroplating facility in Minneapolis reduced their releases of solvents by nearly 50% after changing to a water-based cleaning system for some of their processes
- Logic PD of Montevideo and Eden Prairie and Benchmark Electronics of Rochester and Winona are working with their customers to create product specifications that allow lead-free solders in the printed circuit assemblies they manufacture
Simply reworking production schedules allowed a paint and coating manufacturer in Blaine to reduce their generation of solvents by 42% by reducing feedstock changeovers and minimizing solvent use.
“The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and our partners congratulate Minnesota companies for their continued leadership in driving down environmental impacts and driving up the efficiency of their operations,” said MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine.
The MPCA works with the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program to help Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry-tailored solutions that prevent pollution, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and costs.
EPA and DOE to Resolve Hanford Hazardous Waste Violations
This action also protects the environment by ensuring proper cleanup and closure of hazardous waste storage sites.
In the first case, EPA alleged that US DOE moved 136 fifty-five gallon drums of hazardous waste from a permitted area to an unpermitted area, without seeking or obtaining the required permit authorization.
In the second case, US DOE submitted a closure plan (in October, 2013) for eight storage units that lacked all the required information as required under an earlier settlement. The plan did not detail how and when any remaining waste and contamination would be removed and disposed of as the project was completed. US DOE is now working with the Washington Department of Ecology to amend the plan to include the needed closure information.
As part of this agreement, US DOE will pay a $44,722 penalty.
DTSC Issues Violations Against Exide Facility in Vernon
The violations were discovered during recent facility inspections.
Among the most serious violations observed by DTSC inspectors was treatment of contaminated sludge in tanks that Exide is not authorized to operate at its Vernon facility. Inspectors also found evidence the company has failed to sufficiently protect against spills in an area where it stores materials including battery acid.
DTSC’s eight violations are described in a Summary of Violations issued to Exide on January 28, 2015. The violation findings are the result of an inspection by a team of DTSC and EPA inspectors on January 20 and 21, 2015, and oversight activities on December 12, 2014. The two-day evaluation of Exide’s operations is part of DTSC’s oversight of the Exide facility and its review of the company’s application for a hazardous waste permit.
DTSC has directed Exide to protect public health by immediately stopping all violations. Within 10 days, the company also is required to submit documentation that the violations have ceased. Exide Technologies faces potential penalties and the possibility of additional enforcement actions for these violations, and will face increased penalties if it fails to fully comply.
“These violations represent our commitment to the community that we will keep a close watch on Exide and ensure that the facility is in compliance with all pertinent laws,” DTSC Deputy Director Elise Rothschild said. “The company must correct these violations, and we will consider them, along with Exide’s full enforcement history, when we make our permit decision.”
In addition to use of the unauthorized tanks and failure to sufficiently protect against spills, other alleged violations include:
- Lack of adequate secondary-containment system and engineer’s certification for temporary tanks used to store waste
- Placing hazardous waste with liquids in a containment building without a functioning leak detection and collection system
The Summary of Violations issued by DTSC also notes that on January 12, 2015, sodium hydroxide, a caustic liquid used by Exide in its recycling process, spilled. The liquid did not reach soil and did not go offsite, and was captured and disposed of in an appropriate facility. Because the caustic liquid was not a hazardous waste, DTSC referred the spill to the City of Vernon (the local enforcement agency) for investigation.
DTSC also notified Exide that it must immediately take steps to ensure that rain cannot enter the building, after DTSC inspectors noted holes in the walls and ceiling of the building. Exide must also submit plans to permanently fix the holes.
The Exide Technologies facility recycles lead from used automotive batteries and other sources. Normally, the Vernon plant recycles about 22 million batteries annually, but the smelting operation has been closed since March 2014 because it could not meet new rules by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Exide is currently operating under an interim authorization from DTSC and has applied to DTSC for a full hazardous waste facility permit for storage and treatment of hazardous waste. DTSC will make a decision on that permit application by December 31, 2015, as required by Senate Bill 712 (Lara).
Adams Warehouse Owner Fined $1,000 for Failure to Complete Soil Contamination Cleanup
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a $1,000 penalty on Norman Dellaghelfa, Jr. for environmental violation at his MJD Real Estate warehouse facility, located at 115 Howland Avenue in Adams. MJD was cited for failure to meet regulatory deadlines for assessment and cleanup of a release of metals and semi-volatile organic compounds to soil at this location.
In December 2010, MassDEP received a preliminary environmental assessment report, which indicated that concentrations of metals and semi-volatile organic compounds in soil exceeded applicable standards at the Howard Avenue address, formerly the Curtis Paper Mill site. In April 2011, MassDEP notified MJD of its responsibilities for cleanup of the site and established deadlines for submittals. However, MJD took no actions to implement a cleanup.
In order to resolve the violations, MJD entered into an agreement with MassDEP that establishes new cleanup deadlines. If MJD demonstrates that they do not have sufficient funds to perform the cleanup or pay the penalty by obtaining “Financial Inability Status,” the agreement stipulates that MassDEP will suspend the penalty.
“MJD Real Estate failed to address the release of hazardous waste at this property, and repeatedly failed to respond to notices issued by MassDEP,” said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. “We recognize that the cleanup of environmental contamination might be beyond the financial ability of a responsible party and offer an application and approval process to suspend response action deadlines based on financial inability.”
EPA Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Permit for Tenaska Brownsville Generating Plant
The EPA recently issued a final greenhouse gas (GHG) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) construction permit to Tenaska Brownsville Partners L.P., to construct a natural gas-fired electric generating plant. The Tenaska Brownsville Generating Plant will be located in Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas.
“Tenaska’s project takes advantage of our clean-burning natural gas resources,” said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “The company has also demonstrated stewardship of Texas’ invaluable historic landmarks with considerations for Palo Alto Battlefield Park.”
Tenaska will construct natural gas-fired turbines connected to electric generators. Exhaust from the turbines will be recovered to power a steam-turbine generator. The estimated capital cost of the project is about $500 million. Constructing the facility will create 600-700 temporary jobs, with 23 full-time jobs when the facility is operational.
EPA’s issuance of this permit includes consideration for the nearby Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park. As part of the project, Tenaska has agreed to mitigation and minimization measures of more than $2.1 million over time for projects to preserve and enhance the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Landmark and its historic park.
In June 2010, EPA finalized national GHG regulations, which specify that beginning on January 2, 2011, projects that substantially increase GHG emissions require an air permit.
Since January 2, 2011, projects in Texas that increase GHG emissions required an air permit from the EPA. In Texas alone, EPA has received 93 GHG permit applications from businesses since 2011.
On October 31, 2014, EPA announced both its approval of the state air plan and the withdrawal of the federal air plan making Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) the primary GHG permitting authority in Texas. The approval became effective upon publication in the Federal Register on November 10. This action eliminates the need for businesses to seek air permits from two separate regulatory agencies in Texas and moves the permitting program to TCEQ.
EPA and TCEQ will continue to work closely with pending permit applicants during the transition period and ensure no unnecessary project delays result from this action. At the request of businesses in Texas, EPA will complete work on two permit applications, with the remaining applications transferred to TCEQ.
DTSC Takes Action Against Retailers Selling Tainted Jewelry
The action levies a total of more than $200,000 in penalties against four retailers. DTSC and the California Attorney General received a judgment of $145,000 against Luxy Accessory, Inc. for multiple violations of the Metal-Containing Jewelry Law and for falsely labeling some of the jewelry as being lead-free. Businesses Outshine Inc., Sun’s Trading Co. and Costar Group settled similar allegations by DTSC and the Attorney General for $24,960, $22,000 and $19,830 respectively. DTSC and the Attorney General are also pursuing enforcement against Diva Designs and Seven Star International, with whom they currently are engaged in settlement negotiations.
This action stems from multiple investigations by DTSC in conjunction with the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) into the Los Angeles jewelry industry in 2012. Previous legal action was taken against 15 businesses that were alleged to have been supplying retailers or directly selling Californians tainted jewelry. The jewelry, most of which were discovered at Joia Trading, Inc., contained lead which is potentially toxic to people, especially young children. So far, Joia and the other businesses have settled with DTSC for more than $375,000 in penalties and related payments.
The complaints alleged that the businesses:
- Violated California’s Metal Containing Jewelry Law
- Made untrue or misleading statements
- Made false or misleading advertising claims; or
- Engaged in unlawful, unfair or fraudulent business practices in violation of California’s unfair competition law.
California law prohibits the manufacture, shipping, sale or offering for promotional purposes jewelry that contains excessive amounts of lead or cadmium. Exposure to lead can cause negative health effects ranging from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to organ failure and even death.
EPA, San Diego County Air District to Unveil Air Monitor in San Ysidro
On Tuesday, EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld, along with representatives from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD), US Customs and Border Protection and the US General Services Administration, will unveil a new air pollution monitor at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The device, which begins operating on February 3rd, will be used to collect real time data on the levels of air pollutants in San Ysidro and adjoining communities. The monitor measures PM2.5 (fine particulate matter up to 2.5 microns in diameter) in the form of soot from engine emissions, which can result in negative health effects when inhaled.
In addition, EPA will highlight $110,000 provided to the SDAPCD for the purchase, installation, and operation of the San Ysidro PM 2.5 monitor. The US-Mexico San Ysidro border crossing is the busiest land port of entry in the Western Hemisphere. On average, 50,000 cars and buses and 25,000 pedestrians cross the San Ysidro port of entry daily. Emissions from vehicle traffic potentially impact pedestrian traffic and residents who live and work in the San Ysidro area. Health studies have shown a significant association between exposure to fine particles and premature death from heart or lung disease.
MTD Southwest Inc. Fined $435,000 for Violating California’s Air Pollution Laws
The California Air Resources Board announced that MTD Southwest, Inc., has agreed to a settlement totaling $435,000 to resolve violations of California laws related to sales of uncertified small off-road engines such as lawn, garden, and other maintenance utility equipment in California.
In early 2012, MTD Southwest discovered unexpected emission testing results while preparing certification documentation for engines to be used in its equipment. The manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, with a facility in Tempe, Arizona, immediately launched an internal investigation and determined that a change in engine materials resulted in engines whose emissions did not match those submitted for the original certification. MTD Southwest voluntarily disclosed the matter to ARB and conducted a comprehensive audit which resulted in the discovery of a second issue, promptly disclosed to ARB, involving a noncompliant fuel system component.
“Companies must demonstrate that manufactured engine products will not result in excess emissions to our air,” said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden. “In order to protect public health, all engine equipment must be evaluated by ARB and determined to be legal before being offered for sale in California.”
Although the actions by the company were unintentional, 12,500 small off-road uncertified engines were sold in California in violation of the California laws that prohibit the manufacture and distribution of engines that do not comply with the state’s clean air laws.
Of the full amount collected under the settlement, $326,250 will be paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which supports efforts to decrease air pollution through education and the adoption of cleaner technologies. The remaining $108,750 of the settlement will be directed to the Foundation for California Community Colleges Supplemental Environmental Project to enhance and improve small engine maintenance/repair courses, with corresponding emission reduction benefit and emission education, conducted at nine California community college campuses.
In addition to the voluntary self-disclosures, MTD Southwest took immediate corrective action with shipment holds, sales holds, inventory buybacks, and future certification revisions. The company fully cooperated with ARB in the investigation and resolution of this matter, including all communication, disclosure, and remediation.
$677,531 Penalty Proposed for Water Quality Issues at Roseville Landfill Site
The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has proposed a $677,531 penalty against A Greener Globe Corporation for water quality violations at its Berry Street Mall Landfill in Roseville.
The Berry Street Mall Landfill is a closed facility located on Galleria Boulevard where retailer Green Acres Nursery leases a portion of the landfill. As owner of the old landfill site, A Greener Globe Corporation is required by State regulations to prevent waste from impacting surface water and groundwater.
The Administrative Civil Liability Complaint alleges there has been a long history of failure to comply with regulations at the landfill site. Current violations include the failure to collect groundwater samples, adequately operate and maintain landfill facilities, submit plans to mitigate the landfill’s impact on water quality, and failure to submit progress reports on actions taken to protect water quality. These violations have been ongoing since August 2011.
A Greener Globe Corporation can either pay the penalty, enter into settlement discussions, or ask for the matter to be heard before the Central Valley Water Board at its April 16-17 meeting. If A Greener Globe Corporation enters into settlement agreement talks but cannot reach a resolution, the Complaint will be heard at the April 16-17 meeting.
California Small Businesses Recognized for Implementing Climate-Smart Strategies
“These small business leaders come from all over California, and whether they are running a plumbing company or a bagel shop, they are demonstrating that the connection between climate-friendly business practices and a healthy bottom line is both real and positive,” ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols said.
The 16 award winners were selected from competitive applicants, representing a variety of business sectors from across the state. These businesses took a number of different actions to save money and improve their business operations while reducing their GHG emissions and environmental impacts. Some of the steps they took included installing LED lights, solar panels, and energy-efficient equipment; eliminating toxic chemicals and solvents; using eco-friendly, recycled/reused/repurposed products; composting food scraps and plant material; installing aerators on faucets and low-flow toilets; and starting or enhancing recycling and water conservation programs.
Four businesses received the Business of the Year award for demonstrating exceptional climate change management practices and emission reductions, while documenting their cost savings, return on investment and benefits received from taking specific actions. Twelve businesses were acknowledged as Climate Leaders for taking proactive steps to reduce their impact on our climate and communicating this information to their employees and customers.
The winners come from 15 cities across California and represent a variety of business types, from manufacturing, dry cleaning, baking, and bowling to floral design, dental health, and veterinary services.
2014 CoolCalifornia Small Business Award Winners
Businesses of the Year:
- Capitola Veterinary Hospital, Capitola
- Ohana Pet Hospital, Ventura
- Precision Labs Calibration, Palmdale
- SRT Consultants, San Francisco
Climate Leaders:
- Allterra Solar, Santa Cruz
- Aperia Technologies, Inc., Burlingame
- Capitol Bowl, West Sacramento
- Daisy Rose Floral Design, Sonoma
- Geo. H. Wilson, Inc., Santa Cruz
- Lake Merritt Dental, Oakland
- Laura Lawson, DDS, Albany
- Manhattan Bread & Bagel, Manhattan Beach
- Metro Lighting, Berkeley
- Plaza Cleaners, Thousand Oaks
- Studio City Orthodontist, Studio City
- Way To Be Designs, Hayward
The award winners were scored by two-person teams comprised of staff from public agencies and private businesses. ARB staff and leadership further reviewed scores, conducted site visits and performed environmental reviews to select the 2014 winners.
Awards will be presented to the winning businesses at a ceremony from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on February 12, 2015, at the Cal-EPA Building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
The website features money-saving actions, climate calculators, case studies, and links to financial incentives to help individuals, small businesses, local government, and youth gain the knowledge needed to take simple steps for a sustainable future.
EPA Recognizes Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge and WasteWise Program Participants
The EPA recently recognized the accomplishments of organizations and businesses participating in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge and WasteWise program for reducing their climate footprint, improving efficiency, helping communities, and achieving cost savings through waste reduction. These programs save money, protect the environment, and feed the hungry.
“In 2013, EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted more than 370,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators. Of this total, more than 36,000 tons of food was donated to feed people in need, which equates to nearly 56 million meals,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “I commend the efforts of our award winners and encourage others to follow their lead by joining the Food Recovery Challenge. These leaders demonstrate that protecting the environment, saving money and feeding the hungry can go hand in hand.”
The US Department of Agriculture estimates that wasted food costs America more than $165 billion annually and that the average family of four throws away $1,600 of food each year. The Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers, through innovation and hard work, have greatly reduced wasted food. Food pantries, food rescue programs, local food banks, soup kitchens, and shelters are benefitting from donations of wholesome and nutritious food—helping feed people, not landfills.
EPA presented 23 awards to Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers in two categories: data-driven and narrative. The data-driven award recipients achieved the highest percentage of wasted food diversion and prevention. The narrative award winners excelled in areas of source reduction, leadership, innovation, education and outreach, and endorsement.
Food Recovery Challenge participants include groups such as grocers, educational institutions, sports and entertainment venues, and hospitality businesses. Participants are not only benefitting their bottom line, they are reducing hunger through innovative community partnerships.
EPA also recognized 14 WasteWise participants, which include research institutes, retailers, and local governments. The WasteWise program helps organizations and businesses apply sustainable materials management practices to reduce municipal and industrial wastes.
WasteWise participants reported preventing and diverting a total of nearly 7.6 million tons of waste from being disposed in landfills or incinerators in 2013. This amount of waste diversion represents a reduction in GHGs equivalent to taking more than 2.3 million passenger vehicles off the road for one year.
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Trivia Question of the Week
One waste-to-energy plant has the potential to convert how many tons of waste into energy in one day?
a) 500
b) 5,000
c) 50,000
d) 500,000
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