EPA Requires Electronic TSCA Reports

The Agency is requiring the use of electronic reporting in order to minimize the paperwork burden associated with the underlying regulatory requirements and to minimize the cost to the Federal Government of the creation, collection, maintenance, use, dissemination, and disposition of information. This action will also improve the quality and use of information to strengthen decision-making, accountability, and openness in government and society, as well as provide for the timely dissemination of public information and in a manner that promotes the utility of the information to the public and makes effective use of information technology.

The Agency is extending the TSCA section 5 electronic reporting requirements to Notice of Commencements (NOCs) and support documents (e.g., correspondence, amendments, and test data) relating to TSCA section 5 notices submitted to EPA prior to April 6, 2010, the effective date of the TSCA Section 5 Premanufacture and Significant New Use Notification Electronic Reporting; Revisions to Notification Regulations. Previously, follow-up submissions for TSCA section 5 notices submitted before this date were not subject to electronic reporting requirements.

 Previously, follow-up submissions for TSCA section 5 notices submitted before this date were not subject to electronic reporting requirements.

Effective March 4, 2014, EPA will only accept data, reports, and other information subject to these rules when submitted through CDX and the CISS tool for the submission of forms, reports, and other documents. TSCA section 5 submissions, however, must be submitted through CDX using e-PMN software downloaded from EPA's CDX Web site. Data, reports, and other information not submitted in the manner required will not be considered by EPA to have met the filing requirements of those rules. The CISS tool is also available for use in making voluntary submissions, such as those under Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), electronically, following the same procedures. Submitters must register through CDX and submit data, reports, and other documents through the CISS tool.

Cary, NC HAZWOPER Training

Cleveland RCRA and DOT Training

Raleigh RCRA, DOT, IATA/IMO, and SARA 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.

What’s on EPA’s Agenda?

The following is a summary of just a few of the Agency’s proposed regulations related to water and waste. Future Environmental Resource Center tips of the week will address pending changes in other regulatory areas.

EPA Updates Sustainability Plan

 President Obama signed Executive Order 13514 on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance in October 2009, setting aggressive targets for reducing waste and pollution in Federal operations by 2020. EPA’s 2013 Sustainability Plan builds on four years of progress under the Executive Order and provides an overview of how the agency is saving taxpayer dollars, reducing carbon emissions, and saving energy.

The 2013 Sustainability Plan will also help guide EPA’s actions to meet the new goal President Obama set recently with a Presidential Memorandum directing the Federal Government to consume 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020—more than double the current level. Meeting this renewable energy goal will reduce pollution in our communities, promote American energy independence, and support homegrown energy produced by American workers.

Since 2009, EPA has:

• Reduced energy use by almost 8%; allowing EPA to avoid $1.5 million in utility costs annually. Compared to the 2003 baseline, EPA has reduced energy by more than 25%.
• Used renewable energy and purchased Green Power Renewable Energy Credits equal to 100% of its conventional electricity use. Use of Green Power, coupled with energy conservation and fleet management efforts, reduce EPA Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions by nearly half from FY 2008 levels.
• Reduced annual water use by more than 25%—that’s more than 30 million gallons per year

The 2013 Sustainability Plan outlines actions planned for the upcoming year to continue progress in meeting the President’s goals, including:

• Pursuing reconstruction of key EPA research infrastructure. Projects completed at the Cincinnati, Ohio, A.W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center, EPA’s second largest research center, have already reduced energy use by more than 30%
• Consolidating the Research Toxicology Laboratory in Durham, North Carolina, into the Main laboratory at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This project will reduce agency rent costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and result in a net reduction in EPA space without impacting research capacity
• Continuing work on EPA’s award winning water conservation program

2014 Fuel Economy Guide Now Available

Did you just drive off the lot with you shiny new 2014 Bugatti Veyron? At just 10 mpg, you might have to fill up on the way home because you just purchased the car with the lowest EPA combined city/highway mileage. On the other hand, if you just came home with a Chevy Spark EV, you are the proud owner of the vehicle that gets 119 MPGe (calculated equivalent to miles per gallon, for electric vehicles). Hopefully, your trip home isn’t more than 82 miles, because that’s as far as it can go on a full charge.

EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) have released the 2014 Fuel Economy Guide, an excellent resource to identify and choose the most fuel efficient and low GHG emitting vehicles. The 2014 models include efficient and low-emission vehicles in a variety of classes and sizes, ensuring a wide variety of choices available for consumers.

"For American families, the financial and environmental bottom lines are high priorities when shopping for a new vehicle,” said Administrator Gina McCarthy." This year’s guide is not just about how the latest models stack up against each other; it’s about providing people the best information possible to make smart decisions affecting their pocketbooks and the planet.”

"The Energy Department is committed to building a strong 21st century transportation sector that cuts harmful pollution, saves consumers’ money and leads to a more sustainable energy future,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. “By providing reliable, user-friendly fuel economy information, the Fuel Economy Guide is helping Americans choose the right fuel efficient vehicle for their family and business and save money at the pump.”

The guide provides “Top Ten” lists allowing consumers to see the most efficient advanced technology vehicles as well as the most efficient gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. Consumers will also find a broad range of information in the guide that can be helpful while shopping for a new vehicle—including an estimated annual fuel cost for each vehicle. The estimate is based on the vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg) rating and national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices.  Also, for the second consecutive year, the guide includes a 1–10 GHG rating for each model, providing a quick and easy way for you to identify vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions.

EPA fuel economy estimates are the best way to compare the fuel economy among vehicles. Official fuel economy testing is controlled, repeatable, and accounts for a variety of real-world conditions for the average driver, like air conditioning usage and a variety of speed and temperature conditions. Individual mileage will vary depending on factors such as driving style, high air conditioning usage, carrying extra weight and towing, and weather.

EPA and DOE will update the guide online as more 2014 vehicles become available.

USDA, EPA Partnership Supports Water Quality Trading To Benefit Environment, Economy

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the EPA have announced an expanded partnership to support water quality trading and other market-based approaches that provide benefits to the environment and economy.

“New water quality trading markets hold incredible potential to benefit rural America by providing new income opportunities and enhancing conservation of water and wildlife habitat,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Additionally, these efforts will strengthen businesses across the nation by providing a new pathway to comply with regulatory requirements.”

“EPA is committed to finding collaborative solutions that protect and restore our nation’s waterways and the health of the communities that depend on them,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “We’re excited about partnering with USDA to expand support for water quality trading, which shows that environmental improvements can mean a better bottom line for farmers and ranchers.”

 Trading would allow regulated entities to purchase and use pollutant reduction credits generated by other sources in a watershed. Cost savings and other economic incentives are key motivators for parties engaged in trading. Water quality trading can also provide additional environmental and economic benefits, such as air quality improvements, enhanced wildlife habitat, carbon capture and storage, and new income and employment opportunities for rural America.

EPA and USDA are working together to implement and coordinate policies and programs that encourage water quality trading. The Department and the Agency will identify opportunities to work collaboratively to help improve water quality trading programs across the country. Cooperative management and technical assistance will improve resource management and public services, and accelerate implementation.

USDA and EPA will:

• Coordinate and enhance communications and outreach to states, agricultural producers, regulated sources, and interested third parties on water quality trading
• Engage expertise across agencies in the review of grants, loans, or technical assistance programs focused on water quality trading
• Share information on the development of rules and guidance that have the potential to affect water quality trading
• Collaborate on developing tools and information resources for states and credit generators to guide decision making, reduce costs in program design and implementation, improve environmental performance, and foster consistency and integrity across regional initiatives
• Co-host a workshop by 2015 to share tools and resources available to assist in stakeholder decision-making and opportunities

The purpose of this policy is to support states, interstate agencies, and tribes as they develop and implement water quality trading programs for nutrients, sediments, and other pollutants where opportunities exist to achieve water quality improvements at reduced costs.

Twin Falls Fish Farm Settles with EPA for Water Pollution Violations

A Twin Falls commercial fish and frog farm has settled with the EPA for repeatedly violating the Clean Water Act and polluting the Snake River in South-central Idaho.

McCollum Enterprises, Limited Partnership, operates the aquaculture facility known as the Canyon Springs Fish Farm located near Twin Falls, Idaho. The facility raises Tilapia and American Bullfrogs commercially, supplying fish markets and wholesalers with fresh fish and frogs across the Northwest. From June 2008 to March 2012, EPA identified over 550 violations of the facility’s discharge permit, including numerous releases of phosphorus-laden wastewater. To settle the violations, McCollum Enterprises has agreed to pay a $25,000 penalty. Outside of the settlement, the company has also invested in facility improvements that have significantly reduced fish mortalities and phosphorus pollution to the Snake River.

“The Snake River is a vital economic and environmental resource for Idaho,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of EPA’s office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle. “It’s essential for these aquaculture facilities that Idaho waters are protected. Enforcing discharge limits is one of the Clean Water Act’s cornerstones and plays a pivotal role in safeguarding both water quality and public health.“

EPA’s enforcement action is especially important since Snake River does not meet Idaho’s standards for both total phosphorus and total suspended solids. Concentrated fish wastes from aquaculture facilities can cause pollution problems by increasing turbidity (cloudiness) of streams and rivers, decreasing oxygen in water, promoting nuisance algae growth and even causing fish kills.

 This Clean Water Act permit specifies under what conditions a facility can discharge pollutants into a river or stream to minimize impacts to water quality or people's health.

Seattle Marine Engine Dealer Agrees to Pay Penalty, Change Engines in Federal Clean Air Case

Rabaul Diesel, Inc., of Seattle, Washington (also known as RDI Marine) has agreed to pay penalties and replace or modify six marine diesel engines that violated federal clean air rules. The engines were installed on six commercial fishing vessels destined for use in Alaska’s Bristol Bay.

According to settlement details, the six diesel engines were certified for recreational, not commercial use. The different requirements for recreational and commercial marine diesel engines reflect how much air pollution the engines may produce when used as designated over the course of their lifetime.

RDI Marine has agreed to replace the engines with compliant engines or modify the engines to make them identical in all respects to compliant commercial engines. As part of the settlement, RDI Marine also agreed to pay a $39,000 civil penalty.

R Squared Circuits Inc. Agrees to Pay $75,000 to Settle Hazardous Waste Violations

R Squared Circuits, Inc., a company that formerly manufactured printed circuit boards in Folsom, California, will pay $75,000 to settle violations of hazardous waste laws, the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) announced recently.

“Hazardous waste generators must meet safety standards, including training their employees, documenting their operations, and obtaining required permits before treating hazardous waste,” said Paul Kewin, Division Chief for DTSC’s Enforcement and Emergency Response Program. “This settlement demonstrates the department’s continuing efforts to uphold compliance with existing environmental law, especially when a violator shows signs of leaving the jurisdiction and escaping accountability.”

R Squared Circuits discontinued operations in California and closed its facility on December 16, 2011, declaring that it did not have the financial resources to pay the full penalty determined by DTSC.

The Stipulation for Entry of Final Judgment on Consent (Stipulation) filed by the California Attorney General’s Office on behalf of DTSC, secures injunctive relief and requires that R Squared Circuits pay an initial payment of $75,000 to DTSC. An additional amount of $25,000 has to be paid to the DTSC if R Squared Circuits violates injunctive provisions set forth in the stipulation.

A Complaint filed in Sacramento County Superior Court lists 11 causes of action, including:

• Treating of hazardous waste without permit or authorization
• Failure to maintain operating records for hazardous waste treatment systems
• Failure to develop a training plan
• Failure to maintain employee training records
• Absence of integrity assessments for treatment tanks
• Absence of daily tank inspection records
• Absence of hazardous waste labels on treatment tanks
• Absence of waste analysis plan
• Absence of phase I Environmental Assessment
• Absence of Permit by Rule (PBR) authorization from the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department for the waste water treatment unit and illegal storage of hazardous waste
• Failure to maintain and test fire protection equipment, spill control equipment and decontamination equipment to assure their proper operation in time of emergency

Energy Efficiency Must Be a Key Emissions Reduction Strategy, Say Leading Efficiency Groups

"This is a very exciting time. Energy efficiency already helps avoid millions of tons of pollution every year, but now the EPA has a huge opportunity to fully unleash its potential to achieve emissions reductions while also offering states cost savings, increased grid reliability, and improved productivity. As our cleanest and most cost effective energy resource, we urge the EPA make efficiency a priority in writing its new guidelines," Alliance President Kateri Callahan said. "Ensuring that efficiency is included in our air quality strategies is a critical piece in achieving the Energy 2030 goal to double US energy productivity that has been endorsed by President Obama and included in his Climate Action Plan."

"Improving our nation's energy efficiency is the cheapest way to cut down on our greenhouse gas emissions," said Steven Nadel, the executive director of ACEEE. "Consumers are already saving billions of dollars and creating jobs by slashing their energy use-while also cutting carbon dioxide emissions produced from burning fossil fuels. We know from studies across the country that we could be saving much more. So it's important that EPA designs its rules on greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants in a way that encourages and uses energy efficiency by consumers as a compliance strategy, not just actions at the power plants. We look forward to working with EPA to use the power of energy efficiency to address climate change."

The proposed new guidelines will be introduced by June 1, 2014, and finalized one year later.

City of Encinitas and USS Cal Builders Face $431,000 Penalty for Water Quality Violations

The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region (San Diego Water Board) prosecution team has issued a $431,000 complaint to the city of Encinitas and its contractor, USS Cal Builders, Inc., for water quality violations from construction activities at the 43-acre Hall Property Park, located immediately west of Interstate 5, between Santa Fe Drive and Warwick Ave.

The complaint alleges that the city and its contractor allowed polluted storm water to reach Rossini Creek and San Elijo Lagoon by failing to implement routine practices to reduce sediment transport from the site.

The city identifies Rossini Creek as a sensitive wetland area. Further downstream, San Elijo Lagoon is an ecologically important coastal lagoon adversely affected by sedimentation and siltation, according to the San Diego Water Board’s list of impaired water bodies. The mouth of the Lagoon, Cardiff State Beach, supports vibrant recreation, wildlife, and commercial uses.

The city and USS Cal Builders can pay the penalty, propose a settlement or supplemental environmental project, or contest the penalty before the San Diego Water Board. The public is invited to submit comments on the complaint by January 15, 2014.

“There is simply no excuse for sloppy construction practices. Both the city and USS Builders have experienced staff certified in construction storm water management. This site could easily have been managed to protect San Elijo Lagoon,” said James Smith, Assistant Executive Officer of the San Diego Water Board.

MassCleanDiesel Program Helps Eliminate 2,400 Tons of Pollutants

As a result of the first round of the Massachusetts $983,907 MassCleanDiesel: Clean Markets Program, 25 trucking and food service companies were able to eliminate 2,400 tons of pollutant emissions from their diesel refrigerated trailers and long-haul trucks, collectively saving $707,623 in fuel costs in the process.

"Under our Clean Markets Program, harmful diesel emissions are greatly reduced and less diesel fuel is used," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. "This means the air is cleaner for all of us and truckers and private companies have to spend less money on fuel to accomplish their business within the Commonwealth."

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) offered the grants to trucking and refrigeration companies serving wholesale food markets, distribution centers, and warehouses. MassDEP targeted these centers for pollution reductions because long-haul trucks and storage trailers run their diesel engines to refrigerate their products while waiting to unload at one of these types of facilities. Some of the markets, such as the Fisherman's Market in New Bedford, are located in dense, urban areas; operating diesel engines under these conditions can have a significant impact on the air quality in adjacent communities.

"Our children are our future, and these MassCleanDiesel programs help ensure that the next generation has a vital, healthy environment in which to grow up," said MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell. "Every company receiving these technologies should be proud to have participated in a program that is making meaningful contributions to the effort to clean up the air we breathe."

Companies were eligible to receive three types of technologies under the program—auxiliary power units (APUs), electric transportation refrigeration units (eTRUs), and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) to help reduce diesel emissions from their engines.

APUs are small, 30-horsepower engines that provide power for air conditioning, heat, and electrical service for freight trucks. Typically installed behind a truck's driver cab, APUs enable truckers to shut down the main engine, which consumes more fuel and emits more pollution.

eTRUs are electric versions of diesel-fueled TRUs and are installed on a trailer to provide refrigeration for perishable products. eTRUs provide the same services as diesel TRUs, but are connected to the electric grid and do not use diesel fuel.

DOCs are exhaust after-treatment devices that employ a catalyst to break down pollutants in the exhaust stream into less harmful components. The reduced pollutants include fine particulate matter (PM2.5), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO).

Each technology reduces diesel PM2.5 emissions by at least 20%. Collectively, this means that PM2.5 emissions will be reduced by more than nine tons each year as a result of the installation of the three technologies on the 75 trucks and trailers in this program. PM2.5 is a pollutant that has been implicated in the state's high pediatric asthma rate and is considered a probable carcinogen. One in 10 Massachusetts children at the elementary and middle school level has been diagnosed with asthma, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Massachusetts' asthma rate remains one of the highest in the nation.

All three technologies also decrease annual HC emissions by 14 tons and CO emissions by more than 42 tons. HC contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone (or smog) and exposure to smog is associated with increased hospital admissions for respiratory distress, such as bronchitis, while exposure to CO may cause headaches and nausea.

The reductions in carbon dioxide (CO₂), one of many pollutants responsible for global warming, were by far the most significant. M.J. Bradley & Associates, a consulting firm working for MassDEP, determined that 2,348 tons of CO₂ will be reduced each year that the trucks and storage trailers continue to operate (an estimated 12 years for an eTRU and 15 years for an APU and retrofit).

APUs and eTRUs also significantly reduce diesel fuel use, providing an economic boost to truckers paying premium costs for diesel fuel. With an APU, a trucker can save an average of $6,289 a year in reduced fuel use, based on an estimated 2,000 hours of operation at $3.91 for a gallon of diesel fuel. Depending on the annual number of hours of operation, an eTRU user, on average, can save more than $10,800 a year.

In total, APUs and DOCs worth $267,661were installed on 23 long-haul trucks owned by 14 hauling companies and individuals, and eTRUs worth $716,246 were installed on 52 stationary trailers owned by 11 food refrigeration companies. The following companies received these technologies:

• 4M Fruit Distributors, Everett: six eTRUs for $86,810
• Boston Sword & Tuna, Inc., Boston: one eTRU for $9,116
• Bramante Seafood, Inc., Boston: one eTRU for $14,408
• Brascold Transport, Inc., Taunton: one APU and DOC for $13,886
• Brazport Transportation, Raynham: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• Channel Fish Company, Inc., East Boston: one eTRU for $12,957
• CJ&J Leasing Corporation, Haverhill: 20 eTRUs for $288,150
• DB Trucking Company, Lakeville: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• DEA Logistics, Inc., Bourne: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• Osman DeSousa d/b/a BHZ Transport, Centerville: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• Suami Dias, Leominster: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• Jediael Dos Santos, Abington: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• Foster Hill Transport, LLC, West Brookfield: seven APUs and DOCs for $78,154
• Alfonso Francisco, Hyde Park: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• Great Eastern Seafood, Inc., Boston: two eTRUs for $27,189
• GSD Refrigerated Leasing, Saugus: four eTRUs for $57,630
• Jason's Trucking, Bellingham: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• JK Transporter, Framingham: one APU and DOC for $16,592
• MCA Express/Marcio C. Araujo, Framingham: one APU and DOC for $13,886
• Oak Hill Developers, Inc., Webster: one APU and DOC for $11,165
• Porter-Cooler Rentals, Swansea: 10 eTRUs for $138,570
• Pray Trucking, Inc., Seekonk: one eTRU for $13,910
• Richie's Classic Italian Ice, Everett: one eTRU for $14,408
• Rohtstein Corporation, Woburn: five eTRUs for $53,100
• Eduardo Romeiro, Abington: four APUs and DOCs for $44,659

The grants subsidized all or part of the costs involved with the purchase and installation of the technologies. MassDEP funded 75% of the cost of the eTRUs and 100% of the DOCs and APUs. The MassDEP grant program is funded by the federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act and an environmental enforcement settlement between the American Electric Power Company and the EPA.

MassDEP contracted with three pollution control equipment vendors—New England Detroit Diesel-Allison (NEDDA) of Wakefield, Shuster Corporation of New Bedford, and Zanotti East, Inc., of Saugus—to install the equipment.

In addition to the Fish Market in New Bedford, the markets benefitting from the technologies include:

• Americold Logistics, Inc. of Boston and Taunton
• Bionostics, Inc. of Devens
• Boston Baking of Hyde Park
• Boston Salad Company of Boston
• Cambridge Packing Company of Boston
• Crosby's Market in Concord
• Eastern Fisheries, Inc. of New Bedford
• East-West Foods of Lynn
• H&M Bay, Inc. of Uxbridge
• Kyler Seafood of New Bedford
• Laronga's Bakery of Somerville
• Madico, Inc. of Woburn
• Marlees Seafood, LLC of New Bedford
• ]New England Produce Center in Chelsea
• Ocean Fruit Fisheries of New Bedford
• On a Roll Sales, LLC of Brockton
• Pioneer Cold Logistics of Chicopee
• Reinhart Food Service, LLC of New Bedford
• Sea Trade International Company, Inc. of New Bedford
• Sharon Food Distributors, Inc. of Boston
• Shaw's Supermarkets of Methuen
• Solo Produce in Everett
• Stop & Shop Supermarkets in Dorchester, Framingham, Hingham, Quincy, Sandwich, Seekonk, and Wareham

MassDEP has a long history of administering grant programs designed to reduce diesel emissions for Massachusetts residents. The MassCleanDiesel: Clean Markets Program is MassDEP's eighth diesel emission reduction grant program. MassDEP has funded the installation of emission reduction technologies in more than 2,100 diesel school buses owned by municipalities and private bus companies, 23 municipal construction engines, 205 waste collection and recycling vehicles and 342 state-owned highway vehicles.

MassDEP has also funded change-outs of 18 head-end power engines owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, resulting in lower diesel emissions for commuter rail riders. A 2008 grant program funded a substantial portion of several new diesel hybrid vehicles that were purchased by National Grid, NSTAR Electric and Gas, New Berm Transport (a subsidiary of Pepsi Beverages Company), Cambridge Landscape Company of Cambridge, and the John Lucas Tree Expert Company of Portland, Maine. All 11 hybrid vehicles operate in Massachusetts.

California Launches Breathe Well Mobile Site

 Called Breathe Well, the web site was developed by the state's Air Resources Board (ARB) to provide people with access to hour-by-hour air pollution data. You can use the site from a smart phone or computer to see real-time levels of ozone and fine particle pollution in your immediate area, or in other cities and towns throughout the state.

Michigan’s Eagle Mine to Get New Discharge Permit

The DEQ recently announced it is proposing a new groundwater discharge permit for the Eagle Mine in Marquette County.

The department prepared the proposed permit after an extensive review of the mine's wastewater treatment system, which began operation in 2011. The new permit includes minor revisions reflecting actual water conditions at the site.

A 30-day public comment period on the proposed groundwater discharge permit renewal for the Eagle Mine in Marquette County will begin December 3.

Local conditions the DEQ is working to address with the renewed discharge permit include:

Independent of any activity from the mine, naturally occurring background basicity and concentrations of vanadium in the groundwater exceeded the original permit standards, according to a recent assessment. Revised, site-specific limits for vanadium and pH were established in accordance with the groundwater quality administrative rules. These revised limits account for the naturally occurring conditions.

A new standard requires monitoring for uranium in the wastewater produced by the mine. If it ever is detected at even a fraction of the safe drinking water standard, the mine must take steps to reduce or eliminate the source of uranium. Previously, some uranium was discovered in a leak detection sump at the mine, likely originating in rock brought to the mine from another site in the Upper Peninsula where more than 20% of bedrock wells contain uranium. However, the leak detection sump in question produces little water, all of which is treated.

Additionally, copper and lead levels in one well were higher than the permit allowed on three occasions, but the issue has been resolved. The well was disturbed during construction and has since been reconstructed. In the most recent sample, copper and lead levels were in compliance with the permit.

Public comment on the proposed permit must be received by January 10, 2014. For more information regarding the proposed permit or procedures for providing comment or requesting a public hearing, contact the DEQ's Water Resources Division, Permits Section at P.O. Box 30458 in Lansing or at 517?284?5570.

NRDC Power Plant Proposal Cuts Carbon Pollution at Low Cost with Major Benefits

A plan proposed by the Natural Resources Defense Council would reduce carbon pollution from America’s existing power plants by at least 20% this decade while delivering more than $20 billion in public health and environmental benefits, according to Dan Lashof, director of the Clean Air and Climate program at NRDC.

The plan would cut dangerous carbon pollution with a cost-effective system that would promote investment in energy efficiency and actually save some consumers money. It also offers flexibility to states and a fair approach for states with a high percentage of coal-fired plants so that they can meet the new requirements in an affordable manner.

“Contrary to the doomsayers, we’ve shown you can make major reductions in carbon pollution at a very reasonable upfront cost, and with enormous long-term benefits,” Lashof said. The NRDC proposal is consistent with the plan subsequently outlined by President Obama in June when he ordered the EPA to develop a proposal to reduce carbon pollution.

Lashof will discuss details of a fresh analysis of the plan Friday at a panel in Washington hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners during a daylong public workshop on policy design for GHG regulation. Lashof will unveil the new data that show emission reductions of up to 40% by 2020 compared to 2012 levels and net benefits of more than $22 billion from carbon pollution reductions.

Electric power plants account for about 40% of the United States’ carbon pollution, which is the chief driver of climate change. With the nation already suffering from droughts, wildfires, rising seas, and other consequences of climate change, it is vital to move as quickly as possible to curb these emissions with a practical, affordable plan.

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has the authority and the responsibility to reduce this damaging carbon pollution. In a 90-page report completed last year, NRDC detailed a blueprint, consistent with the Clean Air Act, that would recognize different starting points among the states and provide multiple compliance options, including intrastate and interstate emissions averaging strategies, renewable energy and credits for gains in energy efficiency.

NRDC initially calculated, using the same economic model employed by the utility industry, the plan would cut carbon emissions 12% by 2020 (compared to 2012 emission levels), at a cost of just $4 billion, while reaping benefits, in terms of saved lives, improved health, and climate impacts averted, of up to $60 billion. A separate analysis showed it would create 200,000 jobs in the energy efficiency sector. NRDC’s updated calculations show greater emission reductions at lower costs, reflecting significant changes in the electricity industry since the original analysis commenced.

Industry groups that want to block action on climate change argue the cost of curbing carbon pollution would be prohibitive, often backing their claims with flimsy studies. “The coal lobby uses biased assumptions, makes misleading comparisons, and completely ignores the benefits of reducing pollution,” Lashof said. “Even with all these flaws, one recent industry analysis showed that when the numbers were compared properly, benefits exceed costs by more than two to one.”

Landfill-Free Verification Enables Companies to Demonstrate Environmentally-Friendly Waste Handling

NSF Sustainability, a division of the global public health organization NSF International, has partnered with Sustainable Waste Solutions to provide companies with effective waste management solutions without utilizing landfills for their waste disposal. By providing landfill-free verification, NSF International and Sustainable Waste Solutions will assess companies to document that all wastes generated are reused, recycled, or processed as waste to energy.

Achieving landfill-free status is a significant accomplishment. Giving companies the opportunity to demonstrate their environmental leadership by verifying their environmental claim through reputable, independent third-party organizations is essential.

Sustainable Waste Solutions provides a broad range of reuse, recycling, and waste services to its customers. Industries serviced include food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, high tech, automotive, defense, packaging, and more.

NSF International’s independent landfill-free verification enables companies to demonstrate that less than one percent of their process waste* goes to landfill for disposal and that they have documented waste management procedures and trainings in place. Qualifying for NSF landfill-free verification also requires:

• Retaining documentation and tracking all waste streams
• Maintaining containers to manage waste
• Establishing a program for electronic waste management
• Employee and contracting training
• Audits of the facility to ensure these procedures are in place

Every day, over 80,000 tons of waste are diverted from landfill disposal by Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities. The renewable energy produced by these EfW facilities is enough to power over 2.5 million homes.

“Providing companies with waste management solutions will supply additional credibility and transparency to their landfill-free claims while helping to protect the environment for future generations,” said Tom Bruursema, General Manager of NSF International’s Sustainability Division. “We look forward to working with Sustainable Waste Solutions to recognize more organizations’ responsible waste management achievements.”

“Having provided landfill-free services to our customers for a number of years, partnering with NSF is a natural progression for us. Our customers will have easy access to third-party verification of their landfill-free claims” said Randy Hendricks, CEO of Sustainable Waste Solutions. “We look forward to working with NSF as we make more businesses landfill-free.”

Louisiana DEQ Offers Holiday Recycling Tips

Louisiana, like the rest of the nation, produces more garbage in December than any other month. Reducing, recycling, and reusing helps reduce trash and keeps it out of the environment and landfills. You can “Be the Solution” and have a more waste-free holiday season by following a few simple tips from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality:

When preparing for the holidays, think reuse and recycle

If you have outgrown toys and clothing, consider donating them to charitable organizations that reuse them. Discarded electronics (computers, copiers, fax machines, printers, and monitors) may be donated to a local nonprofit, parent-teacher association or the Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council who provides computers to schools, families and nonprofits. When you buy gifts, check the recycled content of your purchase and buy recycled items where possible. Be creative with your gift wrapping and decorating.

Pre-cycle your Christmas tree

Take recycling and reuse into consideration when you buy a tree. You can purchase an artificial tree that doesn’t have to be discarded, or a live tree that you can replant. If you have a cut tree, remember that tinsel, flocking and decorations must be removed before recycling. Trees, usually collected in early January, are ground up into compost or mulch. 

Foam peanuts, batteries, cardboard, and more can be recycled

For information on recycling foam peanuts, or if you are a retailer interested in foam peanut recycling, go to: www.loosefillpackaging.com/hotline. You can also save them for reuse yourself and most packing stores will accept them since they are reusable. Buy rechargeable batteries for toys, cameras and gadgets.  Remember that most cardboard and paper can be recycled as can many types of plastic and foil.

Have a safe holiday season and remember to never burn wrapping paper or Christmas trees in the fireplace. 

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Trivia Question of the Week

Which of the following is a driving habit that does not improve fuel economy?

a. Observing the speed limit

b. Avoiding the use of cruise control

c. Removing excess weight

d. Avoiding excessive idling