However, the current definition includes TBAC as a VOC for purposes of all recordkeeping, emissions reporting, photochemical dispersion modeling, and inventory requirements which apply to VOCs. The regulatory definition requires that TBAC be uniquely identified in emission reports. TBAC is used as a solvent in paints, inks, and adhesives, in which it substitutes for compounds that are regulated as VOCs.
EPA has determined that these requirements are not resulting in useful information. According to the Agency, there is no evidence that TBAC is being used at levels that would cause concern for ozone formation. As these requirements are unnecessary and can be burdensome for states and industry, EPA is proposing to revoke these requirements and exclude TBAC from the regulatory definition of VOCs for all purposes. Note that the EPA is not reconsidering its determination that TBAC is “negligibly reactive” with respect to ground-level ozone formation.
Learn DOT’s New Rules for Lithium Battery Shipments
- 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.
Dallas RCRA and DOT Training
Nashville RCRA and DOT Training
Kansas City RCRA and DOT Training
PHMSA Proposes Rulemaking to Adopt Certain Hazardous Materials Special Permits into Regulations
As required by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking comment on proposed amendments to the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to adopt provisions contained in 98 widely used or longstanding special permits that have an established safety record. If adopted, some 728 special permit stakeholders would be affected by this proposed rule. Some of the special permits proposed for amendment into the HMR are related to DOT specification cylinders, aerosol containers, pressure vessels, portable tanks, and package labeling. Special permits set forth alternative requirements—or a variance—to the requirements in the HMR in a way that achieves a safety level at least equal to that required under the regulations. Also, special permits provide a mechanism for testing new technologies, promoting increased transportation efficiency and productivity, and improving global competitiveness
EPA Considers Adding n-Propyl Bromide to List of Hazardous Air Pollutants
On October 28, 2010 and November 28, 2012, the Halogenated Solvent Industry Alliance (HSIA) submitted a petition to list nPB as a HAP and a supplement to the petition, respectively. In addition, on November 24, 2011, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) submitted a petition to add nPB to the HAP list.
EPA determined that these petitions are complete for purposes of this process, which means they provide sufficient information to assess the human health impacts on people living in the vicinity of facilities emitting nPB. The Agency has invited the public to comment on these petitions and to provide additional data, beyond what are in these petitions, on sources, emissions, exposure, health effects and environmental impacts associated with nPB that may be relevant to our technical review. These petitions and supporting information are available through Docket ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2014-0471. Following completion of the technical review phase that is initiated by the notice and runs through the EPA’s evaluation of all the comments received, the EPA will decide whether to grant or deny the petitions. Comments must be received on or before March 9, 2015.
EPA Finalizes New Source Performance Standards for Wood Heaters
These standards, which were last updated in 1988, reflect the significantly improved technology that is now available to make a range of models cleaner burning and more efficient. The recent final rule will provide important health benefits to communities across the country and will be phased in over a five-year period, giving manufacturers time to adapt their product lines to develop the best next-generation models to meet these new standards. The final rule does not affect current heaters already in use in homes today. It also does not replace state or local requirements governing wood heater use. Instead, it ensures that consumers buying wood heaters anywhere in the United States in the future will be able to choose from cleaner-burning models.
Wood heaters, which are used around the clock in some areas, can increase particle pollution, sometimes called soot to levels that pose serious health concerns. Particle pollution is linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including heart attacks, strokes, and asthma attacks. People with heart, vascular or lung disease, older adults, and children are the most at risk from particle pollution exposure. Smoke from wood heaters also includes volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and air toxics. EPA’s updated standards will build on the work that states and local communities have done to improve air quality in these communities and are based on significant improvements in technology.
Emissions from new models will be reduced by roughly two-thirds, improving air quality and providing between $3.4 and $7.6 billion in public health benefits. This means that for every dollar spent to bring cleaner heaters to market, the American public will see between $74 and $165 in health benefits. Consumers purchasing new models will also benefit from efficiency improvements, which means they will use less wood to heat their homes.
EPA conducted extensive public outreach as it developed the proposed rule, seeking input from numerous wood heater manufacturers, state, local and tribal governments, regional air quality agencies, and citizen and environmental groups. The agency also participated in a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel to seek input and advice as it developed the proposed rule.
Based on public comment on the proposal and additional information submitted to the agency, the agency’s final standards make a number of important updates from the proposal including changes to provide manufacturers the time and flexibility they need to ensure a smooth transition to cleaner heaters. EPA is also updating the final emissions limits to reflect changes the agency made to the emissions test method requirements based on input received during the comment period.
The agency’s final rule updates the 1988 standards for woodstoves and sets the first-ever federal standards for hydronic heaters, wood-fired forced air furnaces (also called warm-air furnaces), pellet stoves and a previously unregulated type of woodstove called a single burn-rate stove. These standards do not cover fireplaces, fire pits, pizza ovens, barbecues, or chimineas.
EPA received nearly 8,000 comments on the proposed rule and held one public hearing.
EPA Welcomes New “Top Cop” for Criminal Enforcement Program in New England
Tyler Amon, a 20-year veteran of the EPA’s Office of Criminal Enforcement, has been selected as the new Special Agent-in-Charge of its Area Office in Boston. He will supervise all environmental crimes investigations throughout EPA’s Region 1 jurisdiction, encompassing Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Amon joined EPA’s Office of Criminal Enforcement in 1995. Immediately prior to being named Special Agent-in-Charge of the Boston Office, he served as Special-Agent-in-Charge in EPA’s Region 10 office in Seattle since June 2010. Earlier in his career, Amon has worked at EPA’s Office of Criminal Enforcement in Washington, D.C., the Charlotte, North Carolina Resident Office, and the Dallas, Texas Area Office. He is a graduate of Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. “Having grown up in New England, it is a special honor to serve as a leader entrusted with protecting the public from environmental criminals,” said Amon. “I look forward to working with the many federal, State and local officials that bring environmental violators to justice.”
“Tyler represents what EPA’s criminal enforcement program is all about—a vigorous pursuit of environmental crimes to protect communities and businesses that play by the rules,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance at EPA. “Tyler is tough and fair, and he’ll take these qualities that he honed in EPA’s Seattle office to the important work in the New England region.”
“Our criminal enforcement officers are on the front line, protecting peoples’ health and our communities,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “We are very proud to welcome Tyler Amon back to New England. Our citizens will be well-served by such a well-seasoned and dedicated public servant.”
EPA’s Office of Criminal Enforcement, established in 1983, includes nearly 180 criminal investigators—federal agents with full law enforcement authority who are highly trained and committed to protecting human health and the environment. An Area Office under the supervision of a Special-Agent-in-Charge is located in each of EPA’s ten regional offices, with smaller resident offices in several dozen other locations across the country.
Recent EPA criminal enforcement actions by in New England include:
- An individual in Methuen, Massachusetts, sentenced to more than seven years in prison for an asbestos training scam
- A former Berkshire Power employees were charged in an air pollution scheme for tampering with environmental monitors in violation of the Clean Air Act
The Criminal Investigation Division’s mission is to investigate allegations of the most egregious violations of the federal environmental statutes, and to assist the Department of Justice in the prosecution of individuals and corporations charged with criminal offenses.
EPA Publishes Drinking Water Contaminate Candidate List
This draft list is the fourth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 4) published by the agency since the SDWA amendments of 1996. This Draft CCL 4 includes 100 chemicals or chemical groups and 12 microbial contaminants.
The Agency is seeking comment on the Draft CCL 4 and on improvements to the selection process for future CCLs for the agency to consider. Comments must be received on or before April 6, 2015.
Magnesium Casters Successfully Retool to Eliminate GHG Emissions
Two California magnesium casting foundries have eliminated their use of a very potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with 24,000 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide (CO2). Consolidated Precision Products Corp of Pomona and Azusa, and Magnesium Alloy Products Company of Compton, which employ about 400 Californians, worked closely with the Air Resources Board (ARB) to eliminate the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in their casting processes as required by a state regulation.
“This is an excellent example of collaboration between government and industry to identify and use robust alternatives that meet manufacturing specifications while eliminating the use of a highly potent greenhouse gas,” stated Richard Corey, ARB’s Executive Officer.
The companies faced difficulties complying with the regulatory deadline because of the stringent requirements associated with altering the casting process used in the production of flight critical components for aircraft. Because of this extensive procedure, the companies requested a two-year exemption from compliance and this was granted after a full ARB review with assistance from the California Metals Coalition (CMC), which represents the metalworking industry in California.
Decades ago, the companies replaced sulfur dioxide (SO2) with SF6 as a cover gas to prevent corrosion during the magnesium casting process. Molten magnesium will oxidize (burn) on contact with ambient air. Working closely with the CMC and the companies, ARB commissioned a study with Cal Poly Pomona in 2009, led by Dr. Victor Okhuysen, to evaluate acceptable alternatives to SF6 in the foundry casting process. The CMC helped facilitate the testing and worked as an intermediary between the foundries and the principal investigator. During this time, Consolidated Precision Products Corp and Magnesium Alloy Products Company made a considerable investment in effort, time, and money in changing to an alternative cover with significantly lower GHG emissions.
Going forward, both California magnesium foundries will now use flux, which is a granular cover material, to protect the molten magnesium during melting and ladle transfer. A trace amount of HFC-134a, a common and widely available refrigerant with a much lower global warming potential, will be used to purge the empty cavity of the mold.
The result is the removal of the equivalent of 35,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and retention of 400 well-paying, specialized jobs. Consolidated Precision Products Corp and Magnesium Alloy Products Company represent a small, but important niche in California’s metalworking industry. All parties’ willingness to collaborate in finding a greener production process provides an alternative to SF6 with proven use in commercial production for other magnesium casters around the country.
EPA Seeks Small Business Input on Oil and Natural Gas Emission Standards
EPA is inviting small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) in a Small Business Advocacy Review panel focusing on development of a rule to reduce emissions of GHGs, including methane, and volatile organic compounds from the oil and natural gas industry. EPA plans to add additional equipment and processes, such as oil wells, pneumatic pumps, and leaks from new and modified well sites and compressor stations, to those sources already covered by the 2012 New Source Performance Standards currently in place.
Small entities that may be subject to the requirements, and representatives such as trade associations that exclusively or primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may serve as SERs. A selected group of SERs will provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization on the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities. EPA anticipates proposing a rule this summer and taking final action in 2016.
Ohio Updates List of Toxic Air Contaminants
The Director of Environmental Protection, under the authority of Ohio Revised Code Section 3704.03 has adopted amended Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rule 3745-114-01, “Toxic Air Contaminants.” Pursuant to a court decision by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and the requirements of ORC 119.032, Ohio EPA completed a review of OAC rule 3745-114-01 and found the need to add compounds to the list of toxic air contaminants contained in the rule.
Pursuant to Section 121.39 of the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio EPA was required to consult with interested parties affected by the rules before the division formal adopts them. On August 18, 2014, these rules and the draft business impact analysis document went out for a 30-day review by interested parties. The rules were also released for a 30-day proposal comment period ending January 6, 2015, and a public hearing was held on January 6, 2015.
The effective date of the adoption is February 12, 2015. This action of the Director is final, but may be appealed to the Environmental Review Appeals Commission pursuant to Section 3745.04 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Military Munitions Support Services—Advanced Classification
A Military Munitions Support Services seminar with subject matter experts discussing the latest developments in advanced geophysics classification at munitions properties has been scheduled for February 26, 2015, 1:00PM–4:30 pm EST.
Scripps Mesa Developers Fined $286,324 for Storm Water Violations
Both water bodies are extremely sensitive to excess sediment. Los Peñasquitos Lagoon is a designated natural preserve by the State Park and Recreation Commission, and is a federally listed impaired water body for damage to the salt marshes caused by excess sedimentation/silt.
Sediment from construction activities poses a large threat to local waters because so much dirt can wash off during a storm. Excess sediment can alter or obstruct flows and change the existing riparian functions, and it can also act as a binder, carrying toxic constituents, such as metals and organic contaminants (e.g., pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls), with it.
Sediment discharges can also affect downstream habitats by increasing turbidity levels, reducing visibility, and impacting biotic feeding and reproduction. Excess sediment can cause acute toxic effects on the invertebrate aquatic community as well.
“Our inspectors are troubled by the many instances of negligent sediment controls at construction sites. All it takes are some simple, economically viable, common-sense controls that are readily available to avoid serious ecological consequences,” said David Gibson, executive officer of the San Diego Water Board. “This action is a reminder that failure to follow simple permit requirements can have serious fiscal consequences.”
The Cleanup and Abatement Account was created to provide public agencies with funds for the cleanup or abatement of pollution when there are no responsible parties available to undertake the work.
Eligible entities that can apply for this funding include public agencies, as well as certain nonprofit organizations and tribal governments that serve a disadvantaged community and have the authority to clean up or abate the effects of waste.
Cleveland Metal Plating Company Fined For Making Illegal Discharges Into Sewer System
A metal plating company in Cleveland was fined $50,000 for making illegal discharges with high concentrations of metals such as chrome and zinc into the sewer system, which in turn, after treatment, discharges to Lake Erie, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Kelly Plating Company, a metal-plating operation located in Cleveland, also agreed to make a $25,000 charitable donation to the Cleveland Foundation, which will be used to improve water quality in Northeast Ohio.
Thomas E. White, of Fairview Park, pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of making improper discharges. He is scheduled to be sentenced April 16. White was an employee at Kelly Plating and responsible for operating the equipment which reduced the amount of pollutants discharged into the sewer system to an acceptable level. Starting around January 28, 2012, White changed the way wastewater at the Kelly Plating facility was processed. During the weekdays, White ensured that the pollution control equipment was operated properly, according to court documents.
However, on the weekends White bypassed the pollution control equipment and discharged partially treated wastewater and sludge directly into the sewer system. These discharges contained high concentrations of chrome and zinc. This practice ended on May 19, 2012, according to court documents.
“We here in Northeast Ohio know the importance of clean water, both for our economy and our quality of life,” Dettelbach said. “We will aggressively investigate and prosecute cases in which people pollute Ohio’s streams, rivers, and lakes.”
“Discharging untreated and partially treated industrial wastewater into the sewer system is illegal and endangers human health, wildlife, and the environment,” said Randall Ashe, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Ohio. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this offense and EPA’s commitment to protecting our natural resources and the communities that rely upon them.”
“Illegal dumping into Ohio sewers can result in severe consequences both for our environment and for human health,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. “My office is committed to bringing to justice violators who knowingly participate in illegal dumping.”
“It was through the continuous water quality monitoring of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District that it identified rising levels of pollution at its Westerly Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Sewer District then took action and identified the source, and then worked with the US EPA, the Ohio EPA and the Ohio BCI to determine the extent of the wrongdoing by Kelly Plating,” said Julius Ciaccia, NEORSD Chief Executive Officer. “The sentencing of Kelly Plating should be a swift reminder that violating and jeopardizing the health of our waterways will not be tolerated by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.”
“Today’s sentencing concludes a successful investigation and prosecution of the discharge of chrome and zinc into waters of the state, which violated the federal Clean Water Act,” said Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler. “I’m proud of the work done by our Office of Special Investigations and all of our partners, including the US EPA Criminal Investigation Division, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.”
EPA Region 10 Completes 60 Enforcement Actions
The EPA, Region 10, completed 60 environmental compliance and enforcement actions in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington from July 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.
Violations of environmental laws put public health and the environment at risk. EPA enforces federal environmental laws to protect communities and to keep the region’s air, land, and water healthy. These compliance and enforcement efforts also level the playing field by deterring violators who might otherwise have an unfair business advantage over environmentally compliant facilities and businesses.
Newfield Production Agrees to Resolve Alleged Wetlands Violations
The company will also pay a penalty of $175,000.
Activities at these sites included the construction of well pads, access roads, and pipelines that resulted in the discharge of dredged or fill materials into wetlands and drainages.
“Wetlands are critical to maintaining clean water and healthy watersheds and provide valuable public health and environmental benefits,” said Art Palomares, director of EPA’s water enforcement program in Denver. “Newfield’s efforts to investigate, self-report, and remedy Clean Water Act violations at its production sites offer an example of corporate accountability and attention to environmental compliance. EPA appreciates the company’s actions to restore and create wetlands at its production sites and its commitment to future compliance to protect Utah’s water resources.”
Newfield’s self-audit identified impacts affecting more than 17 acres of wetlands and streams at 19 sites located in drainages connected to the Duchesne River, which flows to the Green River. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Newfield will restore approximately 13 acres of impacted wetlands and streams and will perform mitigation for the remaining impacts by creating more than ten acres of new wetlands. This includes Newfield’s voluntary action to restore and create new wetland areas to remedy impacts at sites previously owned by Harvest Holdings. The site-specific details of wetlands impacts and planned restoration activities are described in a restoration plan developed by Newfield last August.
Wetlands benefit the environment by reducing flood risks, filtering pollutants, recharging groundwater and drinking water supplies, and providing food and habitat for aquatic life. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of dredge or fill material into waters of the US without a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers.
A final order was issued by the Regional Judicial Officer on January 27, 2015.
Turlock Dairy Faces Proposed Fine of $73,710 for Failing to Provide Annual Reports
The assistant executive officer of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has proposed a $73,710 penalty against a Stanislaus County dairy for failure to file annual reports.
The Administrative Civil Liability Complaint alleges that Carlos and Bernadette Estacio, owners of the San Isidro Jersey Dairy in Turlock, failed to file 2012 and 2013 annual reports, and submitted other documents that lacked important information necessary for the Central Valley Water Board to assess potential impacts on water quality from dairy operations.
Additionally, the Estacios owe six annual fees for the years 2008 through 2013, and have not paid the fees for 2014.
“The dischargers’ (Carlos and Bernadette Estacio) actions demonstrate a continued failure and complete disregard for the regional board’s dairy program,” said Central Valley Water Board Assistant Executive Officer Andrew Altevogt. “The vast majority of dairy operators in the Central Valley submit complete annual reports on time. Submitting late reports that lack essential information hampers the regional board’s ability to determine if application of dairy waste to cropland is being done in a way that is protective of water quality.”
The Dairy General Order, adopted by the regional board in 2007 and reissued in 2013, requires dairies to handle waste in ways that preserve water quality. The general order contains a number of requirements, including standards for manure and dairy wastewater storage, and criteria for the application of manure and dairy wastewater to cropland as fertilizer. The general order also contains reporting requirements for regulated dairies, including the submission of an annual report. The Estacios 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 the
Estacios enter into settlement agreement talks but cannot reach a resolution; the complaint will be heard at the April 16-17 meeting.
EPA, NOAA Disapprove Oregon’s Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program
The EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have disapproved the state of Oregon’s coastal nonpoint pollution control program because it does not sufficiently protect salmon streams and landslide-prone areas from logging impacts or reduce runoff from forest roads built before 1971.
All coastal states that participate in the National Coastal Zone Management Program are required to develop a Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program that describes how they will prevent and control polluted runoff in coastal waters.
Both federal agencies hope the decision will help propel the state to address remaining gaps in its coastal nonpoint program related to forestry, fisheries, and habitat. Nonpoint source pollution refers to pollution from diffuse sources including natural runoff that picks up and carries pollution into rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters.
“We see the state and the forest products industry as critical partners in protecting habitat and water quality for salmon and trout and for the people and communities that rely on them,” said Will Stelle, administrator of NOAA Fisheries’ west coast region. “We’ve seen significant improvements in Oregon’s Endangered Species Act-listed coho populations over the last decade, and addressing these forestry issues will be key to continuing that progress.”
NOAA and EPA originally proposed to disapprove Oregon’s program in December 2013, noting the agencies’ willingness to help Oregon reduce polluted runoff primarily from timber harvesting. The runoff has been shown to harm coastal water quality and habitat for endangered coastal salmon and trout. Silt-choked runoff from poorly managed logging sites not only destroys habitat, but can kill salmon and trout fry and render headwater streams unusable for future spawning.
Following the 2013 proposal to disapprove Oregon’s program, Oregon added new measures to protect coastal waters. However, it does not yet have approved measures to protect small- and medium-sized streams from timber harvesting, protect landslide prone areas, or address runoff from forest roads built prior to modern construction.
“Both NOAA and EPA are optimistic that Oregon will take the necessary steps to address the gaps in their forestry practices,” said Dennis McLerran, EPA’s Regional Administrator. “Oregon has already shown that it wants to make improvements by undertaking a rulemaking process aimed at improving fish-bearing stream protections. We support the state in adopting protective new rules as well as other steps to address remaining gaps. We are committed to helping the state get to an approvable coastal nonpoint pollution control program.”
Orleans Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Dumping Waste Tires in Algiers
An Orleans Parish man pleaded guilty and was sentenced Wednesday, February 4, in the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for violating Louisiana’s Environmental Quality Act. Michele A. Morris, 54, of Algiers, illegally dumped solid waste near 178 Woodland Parkway in Algiers in January 2013.
Morris was cited for illegal disposal of waste tires stemming from an ongoing multi-agency compliance effort. In that effort, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality partnered with the EPA and the city of New Orleans to combat illegal dumping in New Orleans.
During the course of the investigation, investigators from the DEQ’s Criminal Investigation Division (DEQ- CID) determined that Morris illegally disposed of waste tires near 178 Woodland Parkway in Algiers. On Sept. 27, 2013, investigators from DEQ-CID charged Morris with the illegal disposal of waste tires. Subsequently, Morris properly disposed of all the tires.
Morris was sentenced to 60 days in jail, with credit for time served. Judge Harry Cantrell of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court presided. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Leon A. Cannizarro Jr. and DEQ’s Criminal Enforcement Counsel Michael Daniels, who was appointed as a Special Assistant District Attorney.
In a separate matter, on Jan. 29, 2015, investigators with DEQ-CID charged James Clark, 59 of Slidell, for the illegal disposal of waste tires. During the course this investigation, investigators determined that Clark illegally disposed of waste tires in a lot on Almonaster Boulevard, in New Orleans East. The case is currently pending.
“Illegal dumping is an ongoing problem throughout the state. My staff continues to work with local law enforcement, district attorneys and other government officials to combat this epidemic which has negative impacts on the environment as well as the state’s economic development,” said Peggy Hatch, DEQ Secretary.
Ohio EPA Director Visits Washing Systems to Recognize Company for Environmental Excellence, Leadership
Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler visited Washing Systems, LLC, in Loveland recently to recognize the company for its ongoing efforts in environmental stewardship. He toured the facility and learned how the company made a commitment to research and develop products that clean better, more efficiently and without chemicals that have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
“Washing Systems has made a commitment to be environmentally sustainable and encourage other industries to adopt more sustainable practices. Their leadership and success are measurable and important. We are proud to recognize this outstanding Ohio business,” Director Butler said.
“We are very honored and humbled to receive the silver-level award for Encouraging Environmental Excellence from the Ohio EPA. We think of our chemistry as a key success driver for our customers, the critical piece that allows laundry operators to deliver quality textiles to their customers. By delivering completely NPE-free and Phosphate-free products, we are further adding to the overall quality of the textiles they produce,” said Robert Fisher, CEO Washing Systems.
Washing Systems was started in 1989 to serve the North American commercial laundry processing industry. Today, it is an international leader in producing environmentally friendly, sustainable chemical products.
Washing Systems is one of the largest chemical suppliers to the commercial laundry industries in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. The company’s research has led to the production of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) free detergents. It created a detergent builder that is based on a natural, sustainable, and biodegradable agent to soften water in the washing machine. The company also removed phosphates, petroleum-based solvents, and a chemical known as EDTA from its products.
This work has helped its customers in the commercial laundry processing industry produce cleaner textiles with significantly less environmental impact.
Washing Systems works with EPA’s Design for Environment (DfE) program. It has five DfE-approved products. The chemistry of its Pure Solutions Line™ is recognized as environmentally preferable. Through the DfE partnership, Washing Systems constantly evaluates new materials and application processes in an effort to improve the environmental profile and sustainability of its products.
The company also is a member of the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) and was the charter member of NPPR’s Safer Chemical Challenge Program to further pledge to reduce hazardous chemicals 25% by 2025. The company’s reduction goals go well above 25%.
The Ɛ3 program acknowledges Ohio businesses and other organizations for completing environmentally beneficial activities and serves as an incentive to commit to ongoing environmental stewardship. To earn a silver-level award, a business or organization must have a good environmental compliance record and complete environmental stewardship activities that show a strong corporate environmental ethic.
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Trivia Question of the Week
The 312 LED light fixtures at the Super Bowl, led to a reduction in energy consumption for lighting of:
a) 45%
b) 65%
c) 75%
d) 85%
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