The report reveals that consumers bought cleaner vehicles in the first year of the program than the 2012 GHG standard required, and that automakers are off to a good start in meeting program requirements.
“President Obama’s Climate Action Plan calls for reductions in greenhouse gases and this report shows that the automakers are off to a good start reducing harmful emissions. “Our first official glimpse at how the auto companies are doing shows that they are rising to the challenge of meeting these standards, and realizing these benefits for our families and our country.”
The data show that in model year 2012, the industry reduced tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions, and also used the optional flexibilities built into the standards. Those flexibilities include emissions credits for improvements in air conditioning systems, and a system that allows transfer of emissions credits from year to year, and among manufacturers. These flexibilities allow greater emissions reductions, lower compliance costs, and more consumer choice, all while providing manufacturers with options on how and when to make reductions. Due to the program’s multi-year structure, EPA will not make formal compliance determinations for the 2012 model year until 2015. EPA will be closely tracking progress towards compliance, and intends to issue annual Manufacturers Performance Reports on the program.
The trend towards more efficient, cleaner cars and trucks continued in model year 2012. Further, in 2013 there were twice as many sport utility vehicle models that achieved at least 25 miles per gallon (mpg), and seven times as many car models that achieved 40 mpg or more, compared to just five years ago.
The GHG emission standards are projected to cut 6 billion metric tons of GHG over the lifetimes of vehicles sold in model years 2012-2025—more than the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the US in 2012. The standards are also projected to save consumers who purchase a new model year 2025 vehicle more than $8,000 in fuel costs over that vehicle’s lifetime.
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?
St. Louis RCRA and DOT Training
Charlotte RCRA, DOT, and SARA Training
Hilton Head 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.
EPA Directs Rare Earth Mine to Correct Hazardous Waste Violations
The violations were discovered as part of unannounced EPA inspections in October 2012.
EPA testing at the facility determined that leaked or spilled lead-iron filter cake had impacted on-site stormwater, with the potential to contaminate soil along the edge of the holding area. A majority of the impacted stormwater was treated prior to legal disposal into on-site surface impoundments. In addition, EPA investigators found that several containers holding hazardous lead filter cake were improperly closed or labeled. Following the inspection, Molycorp discontinued the operation that generated the lead-iron filter cake.
Lead-iron filter cake was the largest hazardous waste stream generated by Molycorp. Process waste containing toxic concentrations of lead were treated and solidified utilizing a filter press with the lead filter cake then transferred and stored in hazardous waste containers.
Molycorp operates a rare earth lanthanide mine, mill, and separation facility near Mountain Pass, California. It is believed to be the only rare earth mine in the US. Production of lanthanide (rare earths) metals at Molycorp began in 1952. The facility suspended operations in 2002 and re-opened in 2012. When alloyed with other metals, the rare-earths can provide enhanced magnetic, strength and high temperature and other properties. For example, high-strength magnets made from neodymium-iron--boron have been used in a variety of products, including electric motors and hybrid car components.
This settlement is part of EPA’s nationwide enforcement initiative to reduce pollution from mineral processing operations.
EPA Seeks Small Businesses’ Input on Lead Paint for Public and Commercial Buildings
EPA is inviting small businesses to participate as consultants for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel as the agency considers steps to reduce lead based paint exposure from the renovation, repair, and painting of public and commercial buildings as required by section 402(c)(3) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
The SBAR Panel is being established pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and will include representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA. The Panel will ask a selected group of Small Entity Representatives (SERs) to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to inform the Panel on impacts of a proposed rule on small entities involved in the renovation, repair, and painting of public and commercial buildings. SER panelists may participate via telephone or webinar, as well as in person.
EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small businesses, small governments, and small organizations that may be subject to the rule requirements to facilitate the selection of SERs.
EPA encourages the actual owners or operators of small businesses, community officials, and representatives of non-profit organizations to participate in this process; however, a person from a trade association that exclusively or primarily represents potentially regulated small entities may also serve as a SER.
EPA Reaches Settlement with Alaska Gold for Improperly Managing Hazardous Waste
Alaska Gold neither admits nor denies the factual claims made in the settlement, but will pay the $72,000 penalty assessed for the violations.
Violations noted at the time of the inspection include:
- Failure to make a hazardous waste determination
- Storing hazardous waste without a permit
- Failure to clearly label used oil storage units
- Failure to store used oil in good, proper containers
- Shipping “off-specification” used oil to prohibited used oil burners
- Failure to properly respond to a used oil release
According to Ed Kowalski, Director of EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance office in Seattle, “Poor hazardous waste handling at facilities can leave a toxic legacy of pollution and lead to costly clean up, Kowalski said. “In this case, numerous containers of hazardous waste were abandoned and illegally stored—in some cases for several years—without the necessary permits.”
Hudson Machine Shop Assessed $6,055 Penalty for Violating Hazardous Waste Requirements
Violations of state hazardous waste regulations have resulted in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issuing a $6,055 penalty to SP Machine, Inc., doing business as Tessier Machine Company, Inc., at a metal machining facility in Hudson, Massachusetts.
During a routine inspection conducted in June 2013, MassDEP personnel observed that the company had accumulated hazardous waste in excess of timeframes allowed under its registered status and failed to comply with other hazardous waste management requirements. In a consent order, the company agreed to comply with all applicable requirements and pay the $6,055 penalty.
"Once notified of the violations, the company immediately took steps to attain compliance," said Lee Dillard Adams, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester.
Balise Motor Sales Co. Fined $5,000 for Hazardous Waste Violations
Balise Motor Sales Company has been fined $5,000 by MassDEP for hazardous waste management violations at the Balise Chevrolet-GMC-Buick facility in Springfield, Massachusetts.
On July 25, 2013, Balise notified MassDEP of a spill of an unknown amount of waste gasoline and waste oil in excess of the 10-gallon reportable quantity established by Massachusetts’ regulations. The release occurred while employees of Balise were removing debris from a solid waste storage area and involved four punctured drums containing mixtures of water, waste oil, and gasoline. MassDEP regulates waste motor oil and waste gasoline as hazardous waste.
MassDEP staff immediately responded to inspect the facility and oversee the cleanup. It was observed that the spill had migrated south to an unpaved area and north across a paved area to a storm drain. Balise employees spread absorbent material on the paved areas impacted by the release and MassDEP personnel installed absorbent materials within the storm drain system to contain the release. Balise retained an environmental contractor to complete the spill cleanup.
During the response, MassDEP staff observed that the drums of hazardous waste involved in the spill were stored in an outdoor fenced area. Additionally, one container was bulging and in poor condition.
After meeting with MassDEP to discuss the violations, Balise agreed to review and re-train employees on the requirements of their Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS was prepared by Balise in 2004 as part of a previous order and agreement with MassDEP. An EMS is a set of management processes and procedures to provide an organization with a systematic approach to analyze, control, and reduce the environmental impact of its activities, products, and services in their daily operations. In addition, Balise agreed to pay the $5,000 penalty for the violations.
Greenfield Shell Gasoline Station Owner and Operator Fined $10,000 for Spill
MassDEP has penalized the owner and the operator of the Shell gasoline station at 100 Mohawk Trail in Greenfield, Massachusetts, $10,000 for violations discovered after a significant release of gasoline. The operator of the self-service gasoline station is Lipton, Inc., of Pittsfield, and the owner of the station is the Estate of Helen Mackin.
In September 2012, MassDEP personnel responded to a report from the Greenfield Fire Department that gasoline had been discovered in the storm drainage system and in a small brook adjacent to the station. It was determined that the gasoline leaked from failed piping apparatus beneath one of the station dispensers. Lipton and Mackin retained contractors to repair the dispenser piping, recover the gasoline, and eliminate the discharge of gasoline to the storm drainage system and brook.
During the initial response on September 30 and October 1, 2012, MassDEP determined that Lipton and Mackin were not maintaining the underground storage tank (UST) system in accordance with Massachusetts regulations. Violations included failure to ensure the containment sumps were completely sealed to prevent gasoline releases; which resulted in the discharge of gasoline to the brook.
On March 26, 2013, MassDEP conducted a comprehensive inspection of the UST system. The inspection identified that several of the September 2012 violations were still ongoing and identified additional violations of the UST regulations.
MassDEP entered into an agreement with both parties to resolve noncompliance related to the release and to correct outstanding violations. Mackin has continued to complete the remediation of gasoline-contaminated soil and groundwater at the site, and is currently in compliance with MassDEP's waste site cleanup regulations.
Lipton agreed to pay a penalty of $3,000, correct outstanding violations, and certify to MassDEP that all violations have been corrected. Mackin agreed to pay a $7,000 penalty for the discharge of gasoline to the surface water.
Convenience Store Owner Penalized $40,000 for Violating UST Regulations
New Hampshire’s Attorney General and Department of Environmental Services (DES) have announced a final consent decree between the state and ENI 626 & 630 Gibbons Highway, LLC ("ENI") for violations associated with one of ENI's permitted UST facilities at the Brookside Mini Mart and gas station in Wilton, New Hampshire.
The settlement resolves allegations that ENI conducted permanent tank closure activities including excavation and removal of four petroleum storage tanks before notifying DES of the permanent closure of these tanks. State law requires that DES be notified a minimum of 30 days prior to removal. ENI neither admits nor denies the allegations and has paid the $40,000 civil penalty assessed by the consent decree.
"Gasoline had been previously released from the vicinity of these tank systems and contaminated an adjacent water supply well, which has since been remediated. Consequently, DES was interested in performing a forensic evaluation of the system's integrity during the closure operations in an effort to find the source of contamination. The lack of prior notification prevented this," said Thomas Burack, DES Commissioner. "Proper notification enables DES to fully investigate the condition of the tanks, piping, and surrounding soil when petroleum storage tanks are unearthed and removed," said Burack.
"Notification requirements such as these are essential, not only for determining whether there is a party liable for contamination, but also for assessing the best remedial response required. Notification also allows DES to proactively identify equipment issues that could cause problems at other facilities and that should be avoided in future installations in order to protect the environment and our citizens," said Attorney General Joseph Foster.
St. Croix Fossil Fuel Power Plant to Comply with Clean Air Act
Under a legal agreement announced by the EPA and the US Department of Justice, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) will come into compliance with air pollution control requirements in the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) at its Estate Richmond Generating Facility on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. These air pollution controls will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that can cause serious respiratory health effects. These pollutants are linked to serious health problems, including asthma, lung, and heart disease.
EPA and the Department of Justice found that the facility violated limits on nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. This agreement is expected to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions by approximately 115 tons per year and reduce particulate matter emissions by approximately 3 tons per year.
Under the EPA’s air permit requirements, large industrial facilities that make modifications that increase air pollution emissions must install best available control technology. VIWAPA operates with a permit that requires it to use the best available control technology to control emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. EPA found that VIWAPA had not properly operated nor maintained its water to fuel injection pollution control system from October 2005 through December 2012, failed to meet the particulate matter emission limit during testing of emissions from its stacks, failed to conduct continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with its limits, violated its limits for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and did not keep proper records.
Under the agreement, VIWAPA will:
- Properly operate and maintain the water to fuel injection pollution control system
- Develop and maintain an inventory of spare parts for the facility’s water to fuel injection system and emission monitoring equipment
- Test and properly operate a real-time emission monitoring system to ensure compliance with air pollution limits
- Conduct quality assurance testing of air monitoring systems
- Conduct stack tests to demonstrate compliance with the CAA
- Employ an independent third party to develop protocols, enable proper operation of the air pollution monitoring systems, train staff, and audit compliance for three years
The EPA has worked with VIWAPA over the past several years to address its violations and operations at the St. Croix facility. As a result of that work, VIWAPA has already repaired and replaced pollution controls and monitoring equipment at the facility. It replaced its data system, significantly repaired at least one unit and began purchasing better quality fuel. To date, VIWAPA has spent approximately $4 million to come into compliance with pollution control requirements and will spend at least $2 million a year to maintain compliance. VIWAPA will also pay a $700,000 penalty.
EPA Requires AllenCo to Comply with Federal Laws, Improve Safety for Nearby Residents
As a result of a November 6, 2013, inspection, EPA recently finalized an agreement with AllenCo Energy, Inc., requiring that the company make significant operation improvements at its oil production facility located in a South Los Angeles residential neighborhood. AllenCo estimates they will spend approximately $700,000 to implement improvements at the facility, including the actions required by EPA’s order.
“When a company is operating in extremely close proximity to a neighboring community, it is essential that steps are taken to ensure the safety of the residents,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest.
Specifically, the facility did not take sufficient measures to prevent accidental air releases of hazardous substances, which include the inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance of flammable gas and flame detectors, firefighting equipment, and oil storage tanks as well as pressure vessels and associated piping systems.
The facility voluntarily shut down operations in late November 2013. Under the agreement, the facility must complete the following actions at least 15 days prior to re-opening:
- Certify the facility’s flame and combustible gas detectors, fire suppression systems, atmospheric tanks, pressure vessels, and piping have been recently inspected and are up to code
- Implement inspection, testing, and preventive maintenance procedures for all equipment
- Re-engineer an open trench located at the production pit to prevent produced fluids from being exposed to the atmosphere
- Implement a leak detection and repair program on all process equipment including piping, pumps, and compressors
- Revise SPCC plan to include a proper facility diagram, a complete contact list for response and discharge reporting, and train personnel on the proper operation and maintenance of equipment
AllenCo is a small oil production facility located approximately two miles from the University of Southern California that has been in operation at this location since the 1960s. The property is owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and has been operated by AllenCo since 2009. Since 2010, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has received hundreds of complaints from residents near the facility of noxious odors and health effects such as headaches and nosebleeds. EPA’s investigation was prompted by community complaints regarding emissions from the facility. EPA continues to coordinate closely with SCAQMD; the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office; the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources; and other state and local agencies that have completed investigations at the site.
EPA Celebrates Earth Day; Encourages Americans to Take Action on Climate Change
During Earth Week this year, EPA encouraged individuals to act on climate change through simple actions—like changing a light bulb, powering down electronics, using less water, and recycling—to reduce the amount of carbon emissions we generate in daily life.
We all contribute to climate change, and we must all be part of the solution.
EPA Announces List of Top 100 US Organizations Using Renewable Energy
EPA’s Green Power Partnership released an updated list of the Top 100 organizations that are choosing to use electricity from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar power.
“By using green power, these companies and organizations are showing that business can flourish while taking meaningful steps to reduce carbon pollution,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator. “Making cleaner choices to power our communities, institutions, and businesses reduces the pollution that contributes to climate change, protects America's health and environment, and supports continued growth in the green power sector."
Intel Corporation continues its seven-year run as the nation’s largest voluntary user of green power, meeting 100% of its electricity load with renewable resources. Other technology companies in the top 10 include Microsoft Corporation, Google, Inc., and Apple, Inc. Apple increased its annual green power use by nearly 100 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), moving from No. 11 to No. 8 on the list. In total, the combined green power usage of these Top 100 Partners amounts to nearly 24 billion kWh annually, which represents close to 83% of the green power commitments made by all EPA Green Power Partners. The list is calculated based on annual green power usage (in kWh) by Green Power Partners.
1. Intel Corporation (Santa Clara, California)
2. Kohl’s Department Stores (Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin)
3. Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Washington)
4. Whole Foods Market (Austin, Texas)
5. Google, Inc. (Mountain View, California)
6. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Bentonville, Arkansas)
7. Staples (Framingham, Massachusetts)
8. Apple, Inc. (Cupertino, California)
9. City of Houston, Texas
10. US Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
Of the 33 competing conferences, the Big 10 is this year’s conference champion, collectively using more than 309 million kWh of green power annually and avoiding carbon pollution equal to that produced by the electricity use of more than 30,000 American homes. The University of Pennsylvania continues to be the top individual school in the challenge for the seventh year in a row, purchasing more than 200 million kWh of wind power annually—more green power than any of the 78 other competing schools.
. As part of the Challenge, EPA invites partners to increase the amount of energy they produce and use from on-site renewables by the end of the decade.
Green power is a subset of renewable energy and represents the renewable energy resources and technologies that provide the highest environmental benefit. EPA defines green power as electricity produced from solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources.
The partnership provides quarterly updated lists of partners using green power in the following categories: retail, technology and telecommunications, local government, and K-12 schools, among others.
Three Receive California’s Premier Air Quality Award
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has recognized the winners of the 2013 Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards, California’s premier award recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving air quality.
The Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards—the “Nobel Prize” in air quality achievement—are given annually to individuals who have made significant lifetime contributions toward improving air quality and climate change science, technology and policy, furthering the protection of public health.
The 2013 recipients are:
- Dr. Barbara Finlayson-Pitts, University of California Irvine
- Dr. James Lents, International Sustainable Systems Research Center
- Mr. Teruyuki Ohno, Japan Renewable Energy Foundation
“These three individuals have made a lasting contribution to people’s health and well-being, both in California and abroad,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “They have demonstrated a sustained commitment to protecting public health throughout their long and distinguished careers and I am honored to personally present each of them with California’s premier award for outstanding achievements in air quality.”
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Trivia Question of the Week
According to the National Research Council, how much oil seeps into the Gulf of Mexico every day?
a. 30,000 barrels
b. 1,300 barrels
c. 13 barrels
d. 3 barrels
