Specifically, facilities with a solid EHS in solution would be subject to the Emergency Planning requirements under SARA Title III if the amount of the solid chemical on-site, when multiplied by 0.2, equaled or exceeded the lower published TPQ, based on data that shows less potential for the solid chemical in solution to remain airborne in the event of an accidental release. Previously, EPA assumed that 100% of the chemical could become airborne in the event of an accidental release.
Charlotte, North Carolina RCRA and DOT Update Training and SARA Title III Workshop
Hilton Head, South Carolina RCRA and DOT Training
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Proposed Rule Addresses Cooling Water Intake Structures at Existing Facilities and Phase I Facilities
The proposed national requirements, implemented through NPDES permits, would establish national requirements applicable to the location, design, construction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures at these facilities by setting requirements that reflect the best technology available (BTA) for minimizing adverse environmental impact.
Draft NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities
The draft permit also includes new water quality-based requirements for construction sites discharging stormwater to waters requiring additional pollutant control. EPA proposes to issue this construction general permit for 5 years, and to provide permit coverage to eligible existing and new construction projects in all areas of the country where EPA is the NPDES permitting authority.
Comments on the draft general permit must be received on or before June 24, 2011.
NESHAPs for Group I Polymers and Resins; Marine Tank Vessel Loading Operations; Pharmaceuticals Production; and the Printing and Publishing Industry
The four NESHAPs include: National Emissions Standards for Group I Polymers and Resins (Butyl Rubber Production, Epichlorohydrin Elastomers Production, Ethylene Propylene Rubber Production, HypalonTM Production, Neoprene Production, Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Production, Polybutadiene Rubber Production, Polysulfide Rubber Production, and Styrene Butadiene Rubber and Latex Production); Marine Tank Vessel Loading Operations; Pharmaceuticals Production; and the Printing and Publishing Industry. For some source categories, EPA is finalizing decisions concerning the residual risk and technology reviews. This final action became effective on April 21, 2011.
Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases: Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems
On November 30, 2010 EPA promulgated Subpart W: Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule. As part of the provisions outlined in this rule, the EPA stated that they would allow certain owners or operators to use best available monitoring methods (BAMM) in lieu of specified parameters outlined for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the petroleum and natural gas systems source category of the GHG reporting rule. This is notice that the Agency has initiated the reconsideration process in response to requests for reconsideration of certain provisions in the regulations.
EPA is extending the deadline contained in those provisions until July 31, 2011. EPA is also extending the date by which owners and operators of certain specific sources would not be required to request approval by the Administrator for the use of BAMM from June 30, 2011 until September 30, 2011.
Policy Assessment for the Review of the Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards
White House Announces New Clean Water Framework
The framework emphasizes the importance of partnerships and coordination with states, local communities, stakeholders and the public to protect public health and water quality, and promote the nation’s energy and economic security.
For nearly 40 years, the Clean Water Act (CWA), along with other important federal measures, has been a cornerstone of our effort to ensure that Americans have clean and healthy waters. The administration’s framework outlines a series of actions underway and planned across federal agencies to ensure the integrity of the waters Americans rely on every day for drinking, swimming, and fishing, and that support farming, recreation, tourism, and economic growth. It includes draft federal guidance to clarify which waters are protected by the CWA nationwide; innovative partnerships and programs to improve water quality and water efficiency; and initiatives to revitalize communities and economies by restoring rivers and critical watersheds.
“Clean water and healthy waterways are vital to the health and vibrancy of our communities and the strength of our economy,” said Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Working with our partners across communities, governments and sectors, we are taking comprehensive action to ensure Americans have the clean and healthy waters they need and deserve.”
“The steps we’re outlining today will be instrumental to protecting the waters of the United States, and ensuring that the vital natural resources our communities depend on for their health and their economy are safeguarded for generations to come,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “After four decades of progress on clean water, there is still work to be done to address unfinished business and tackle new threats to our waters. American families and businesses are counting on us to maintain and improve the rivers, lakes, streams and other waters that support thousands of communities and millions of jobs across the country.”
“Healthy rivers and clean waters are fundamental to our economy, our health, and our way of life,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “With growing pressures on our natural systems, we must work to secure cleaner, safer, and more reliable water supplies for our communities.”
“As our nation’s foremost conservationists, farmers, ranchers and forest owners have a values system rooted in rural America that recognizes we cannot continue to take from the land without giving something back,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “At USDA, we are working with farmers, ranchers and forest owners to conserve land, plant stream buffers for cleaner water, and install other conservation practices. We also will continue to invest in rural water and community facility projects that help small towns ensure their citizens have access to safe and reliable drinking water. The draft Clean Water Act guidance released today reflects USDA’s work with our federal partners by maintaining existing exemptions for ongoing agricultural and forestry activities, thereby providing farmers, ranchers and forest landowners with certainty that current agricultural and forestry activities can continue.”
“The Army is very proud of our ecosystem restoration efforts across the nation,” said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy. “The proposed joint EPA and Army guidance will clarify Clean Water Act jurisdiction and help the Corps and its partner agencies protect important aquatic resources and watersheds that communities rely on for their quality of life and essential services.”
Clean water provides critical health, economic and livability benefits to American communities. Since 1972, the CWA has kept billions of pounds of pollution out of American waters, doubling the number of waters that meet safety standards for swimming and fishing. Despite the dramatic progress in restoring the health of the nation’s waters, an estimated one-third of American waters still do not meet the swimmable and fishable standards of the CWA. Additionally, new pollution and development challenges threaten to erode our gains, and demand innovative and strong action in partnership with federal agencies, states, and the public to ensure clean and healthy water for American families, businesses, and communities.
The Obama administration says that it is safeguarding clean water by:
Promoting Innovative Partnerships
Federal agencies are partnering with states, tribes, local governments, and diverse stakeholders on innovative approaches to restore urban waters, promote sustainable water supplies, and develop new incentives for farmers to protect clean water.
Enhancing Communities and Economies by Restoring Important Water Bodies
The administration is dedicating unprecedented attention to restoring iconic places like the Chesapeake Bay, California Bay-Delta, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, and Everglades, investing in action and helping states, local governments, and stakeholders find pollution control solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
Innovating for More Water Efficient Communities
The administration is working with policymakers, consumers, farmers, and businesses to save water—and save money—through 21st century water management policies and technology.
Ensuring Clean Water to Protect Public Health
The administration is aggressively pursuing new ways to protect public health by reducing contaminants in Americans’ drinking water. EPA is updating drinking water standards, protecting drinking water sources, modernizing the tools available to communities to meet their clean water requirements, and providing affordable clean water services in rural communities.
Enhancing Use and Enjoyment of Our Waters
The administration is promoting stewardship of America’s waters through innovative programs and partnerships. These efforts include expanding access to waterways for recreation, protecting rural landscapes, and promoting public access to private lands for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities.
Updating the Nation’s Water Policies
The administration is strengthening protection of America’s waters and American communities. EPA is modernizing water resources guidelines, and updating federal guidance on where the CWA applies nationwide. The draft guidance will protect waters that many communities depend upon for drinking, swimming, and fishing, and provide clearer, more predictable guidelines for determining which water bodies are protected from pollution under the CWA. The guidance is open for 60 days of public comment to all allow all stakeholders to provide input and feedback before it is finalized.
Supporting Science to Solve Water Problems
The administration is using the latest science and research to improve water policies and programs and identify and address emerging pollution challenges.
New Guidance Protects Previously Vulnerable Waters from Pollution
Two Bush-era guidance documents that interpreted muddied 2001 and 2006 Supreme Court decisions had allowed certain rivers, streams, wetlands, and other waters to be the dumping grounds for pollution.
Oregon Freeze Dry, Inc. Pays Over $3,000 for Failure to Report Ammonia Release
In addition to the penalty, the company agrees to spend at least $19,435 to purchase and install an ammonia detection and alarm system and a remote and automatic shutdown valve system that would activate in the event of a release.
On November 22, 2009, the Oregon Freeze Dry facility released approximately 422 pounds of ammonia into the environment at its facility located at 525 25th Avenue SW in Albany, Oregon according to the EPA settlement. The facility is the largest diversified food freeze dryer in the world and uses large quantities of anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant at its facility.
According to Edward Kowalski, Director of EPA’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle, these cases are about protecting workers, emergency responders, and the community. “When unintended chemical releases occur, every minute counts if it is an emergency,” said EPA’s Kowalski. “Emergency responders need to be notified promptly to react effectively.”
The leak occurred due to an improperly fitted pipe flange causing the release of anhydrous ammonia. EPA alleges that Oregon Freeze Dry failed to immediately notify local and state agencies about the release. While no injuries were reported at the time of the incident, ammonia is a pungent, toxic gas that attacks skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and can cause serious injury or death.
The ammonia release and the failure to notify appropriate agencies are violations of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
New Jersey Asks EPA to Require Major Reduction in Emissions from Pennsylvania Power Plant
New Jersey DEP Commissioner Bob Martin, has urged federal EPA to force a Pennsylvania coal-fired power plant to dramatically reduce huge volumes of harmful air pollutants it emits, which have long caused public health concerns for thousands of North Jersey residents.
Testifying at an EPA hearing, the Commissioner offered the Christie Administration’s support for the EPA’s proposal—based on the DEP’s Clean Air Act (CAA) petition—to require the power plant, operated by GenOn Energy (formerly Reliant or RRI Energy) in Portland, Pennsylvania, to immediately take steps to cut its sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. New Jersey is seeking a 50% emissions reduction in the first year and 95% over three years, significantly reducing pollutants that can aggravate asthma and cause other respiratory difficulties.
“It is unacceptable to have a single power plant on New Jersey’s border emitting more sulfur dioxide and mercury than all of New Jersey’s coal-, oil- and gas-fired power plants combined,” Commissioner Martin testified. “New Jersey is pleased that EPA is proposing action now to compel GenOn to reduce these harmful emissions. GenOn should take action now to stop causing this public health problem.”
Pollutants spewed out by the plant, which sits on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River, just across from Knowlton Township in Warren County, drift over the river and directly impact air quality in parts of Warren, Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon counties. It also negatively affects residents of three Pennsylvania counties.
“New Jersey is not asking this power plant to do anything that our own State’s coal-fired power plants have not already done,” testified Commissioner Martin. “Portland should similarly take measures to reduce its harmful impact on public health.”
The EPA proposal seeks an 81% reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions. The DEP recommended even tougher measures, to reduce SO2 emissions by 95%.
It is a priority of the Christie Administration to achieve improved air quality for all residents of New Jersey, said Commissioner Martin. In addition to the Portland petition, the State is battling out-of-state air pollution in two ongoing federal court cases dealing with power plants in western Pennsylvania that pour out huge volumes of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Governor Christie recently issued an Executive Order to initiate a pilot project to reduce emissions from non-road diesel construction equipment to improve air quality, especially in urban areas. Also, the State has approved new rules requiring significant reductions in sulfur content for home heating oil and other types of fuel oil, and a DEP program has targeted polluting dry cleaning equipment, to remove PCEs from the air.
The 126 Petition filed by DEP in 2010 regarding the Portland matter included evidence to show that damaging sulfur dioxide pollution produced by the GenOn power plant adversely impacts much of North Jersey. The sulfur dioxide coming from the plant is known to cause a variety of adverse health effects, including asthma and respiratory failure, and environmental impacts such as acid rain.
Under RRI’s operation, the power plant emitted more than 30,000 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2009, which is more than all of New Jersey’s coal-fired power plants combined in that year.
The DEP believes modern air pollution controls, including a scrubber, should be installed to substantially reduce the Portland plant’s emissions. Improved sulfur dioxide and particle control also would reduce other hazardous air pollutant emissions, including hydrochloric acid, lead, and mercury.
EPA will accept written comments on the State’s CAA 126 Petition until May 27.
Federal Agency Sustainability and Energy Scorecards
On April 19, 2011, the Office of Management and Budget released 24 Federal agency and department scorecards on Sustainability and Energy. These scorecards enable agencies to target and track the best opportunities to lead by example in clean energy; and to meet a range of energy, water, pollution, and waste reduction targets.
Through the OMB scorecard process, agencies are assessed on several sustainability areas, including: energy intensity; water intensity; fleet petroleum use; GHG pollution; green building practices; and, renewable energy use. Agencies are also evaluated on demonstrating continuous progress towards implementing additional statutory or Executive Order targets and goals reflected in their annual Sustainability Plans, such as green purchasing and electronics stewardship. The scorecard employs a simple evaluation system: green for success; yellow for mixed results; and red for unsatisfactory.
CEQ and OMB will work with agency leadership to craft strategies for improvement and provide agencies with additional support and assistance as agencies begin to develop their Sustainability Plans for next year. Agency Sustainability Plans, which are required by EO 13514, are due in June, and are posted publicly on agency websites.
Click on the links below to view individual agency OMB Sustainability/Energy Scorecards:
New Discovery Could Green Hundreds of Everyday Products
The podcast and accompanying website focus on a new way to make acrylic acid, a key industrial material that’s usually produced from pricey and increasingly scarce petroleum. It involves development of a new catalyst that permits production of acrylic acid without using petroleum. The research appeared in the American Chemical Society’s journal, ACS Catalysis.
Weijie Ji, Ph.D., Nanjing University in China, says that global demand for the colorless liquid totals about four million tons annually. Acrylic acid is typically made from propylene obtained from petroleum. With prices rising, manufacturers have been seeking alternative ways of making acrylic acid without buying propylene. One possibility involves making it from lactic acid. But current processes for using lactic acid are inefficient and consume large amounts of energy.
The scientists’ potential solution is a new catalyst that can convert lactic acid into acrylic acid more efficiently,” says Weijie. “We showed that the new catalyst can convert lactic acid to acrylic acid more selectively at lower temperatures. We are very excited about this finding and its potential benefits. The catalyst is not very complicated to prepare.”
Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions is a series of podcasts describing some of the 21st Century’s most daunting problems, and how cutting-edge research in chemistry matters in the quest for solutions. Global Challenges is a sweeping panorama of global challenges that includes dilemmas such as providing a hungry, thirsty world with ample supplies of safe food and clean water; developing alternatives to petroleum to fuel society; preserving the environment and assuring a sustainable future in the decades ahead; and improving human health.
ARB Announces Special Compliance Option for California On-Road Diesel Fleets
California’s Air Resources Board (ARB) announced an early action compliance credit for trucking fleets that install a particulate filter by July 1, 2011, or that make a commitment to purchase a particulate filter by May 1, 2011. By installing a particulate filter early on one truck, the fleet will be able to delay compliance for a second truck in the fleet until January 1, 2017.
The early action “buy-one-get-one-free” credit applies to heavier trucks with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 lb. There is no limit on how many trucks in the fleet can earn the early action credit.
“California fleets need to act now in order to take advantage of this special offer to clean up their fleets so that they are further along in complying with ARB’s diesel reduction regulations,” said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “Acting now not only makes good business sense, it also means communities can breathe cleaner air sooner.”
Fleets that install a particulate matter filter by July 1, 2011, will get the early action credit. Fleets that have made the commitment to purchase by May 1 and install the particulate filter after July 1, 2011, will still receive early action credit. In addition, the vehicle that is retrofitted would also be compliant until 2020 regardless of engine model year. Extra particulate filter credits are not available for filters installed to comply with other pre-existing ARB regulations or, if partially paid for by public funding.
Fleets are required to report information about all of their heavier trucks that operate in California by January 31, 2012, to use the phase-in option and to claim the early action credit plus other credits.
On December 17, 2010, ARB made amendments to the Truck and Bus regulations in order to offer businesses a variety of options to comply with regulations to reduce soot from diesel engines while assuring that California continues to meet its air quality obligations and public health.
On December 11, 2008, ARB approved the Truck and Bus regulation to control emissions from nearly all existing diesel powered heavy-duty trucks and buses operating in California and became effective under California law on January 8, 2010. The regulation applies to diesel fueled trucks and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 lb that are privately owned, federally owned, and to publicly and privately owned school buses.
Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death and other health problems. In 2000, the ARB established California’s Diesel Risk Reduction Plan, which aims to reduce diesel emissions to 85% below 2000 levels by 2020.
ARB’s mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.
Louisiana Reaches Agreement with Placid Refining Company as Part of Refinery Initiative
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced it has reached an agreement with Placid Refining Company, LLC, which calls for the company to reduce emissions from its Louisiana refinery and make a $675,000 payment to the state.
Under the agreement, Placid will also pay $225,000 toward a beneficial environmental project and implement emissions reduction projects. These projects will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by approximately 150 tons per year, reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide by approximately 845 tons per year, reduce emissions of particulate matter by approximately 40 tons per year, and reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds by approximately 30 tons per year at its Port Allen refinery.
“The emission reductions projects derived from this settlement will be a great benefit for the citizens of Louisiana,” said DEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch. “As an agency, we continually strive to find ways in which we can improve the environment.”
The agreement is part of the state’s Small Refinery Initiative and consolidates previous environmental violations associated with Placid Refining Company, LLC.
EPA Fines Wood Veneer Manufacturer $75,000 for Federal Air Monitoring Violations
This enforcement action comes as a result of the following violations of federal law:
- Roseburg did not monitor nitrogen oxides emitted by its biomass boiler for 48 days in 2008 and 2009.
- Roseburg failed to continuously monitor and record opacity of boiler emissions discharged to the atmosphere from June 15 to June 30, 2008.
- Roseburg submitted inaccurate 2008 semi-annual opacity reports.
“Our mission is to protect the public health, and the community deserves nothing less than full compliance with air quality regulations,” said Deborah Jordan, Director of the Air Division for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest office. “When a company violates the law by failing to monitor and report its air pollution, EPA will take action.”
By settling this enforcement action, EPA expects Roseburg to improve its internal procedures so that the company will perform continuous monitoring and submit timely and accurate reports as required by the regulations. The violations were discovered as a result of an EPA information request. The facility is bordered by residential neighborhoods and is located within a mile of several schools and senior centers.
The CAA regulates emissions to the atmosphere from steam generating units such as Roseburg’s boiler. The boiler at the facility combusts wood and is subject to the opacity standard. Regulations require the owner or operator to install, calibrate, maintain, and operate continuous monitoring systems for opacity and nitrogen oxide and record the output of these systems. The opacity data is used to assess how well the air pollution control device is working to reduce particulate matter. Nitrogen oxides react with other chemicals to form ozone. Particulate matter and ozone affect the human respiratory system and are linked to significant health problems ranging from aggravated asthma to premature death in people with heart and lung disease. Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to respiratory distress and air-quality related health problems.
GSA Requires Carpet Tile Purchased by the U.S. Government to Be Certified to NSF Certified
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which serves as the purchasing arm of the U.S. government and oversees more than $60 billion in purchased goods and services annually, now requires Gold Level certification to NSF/ANSI 140 Sustainability Assessment for Carpet for all broadloom (wall-to-wall) carpet and carpet tile purchased through the GSA. Current GSA carpet suppliers have until January 1, 2012 to certify their products to NSF/ANSI 140 Gold Level in order for their carpets to be considered for purchase through the GSA .
NSF International, an independent organization committed to protecting human health and the environment, developed the official American National Standard for Sustainable Carpet (NSF/ANSI 140) in order to establish sustainability performance requirements for evaluating a carpet product’s life-cycle and supply chain. The criteria includes evaluating the product’s social and environmental performance, including labor practices, human rights, product life cycle assessment, energy efficiency, environmental management, reclamation, and end-of-product-life management. The standard was initially released in 2007 and updated in 2010.
GSA has required that broadloom carpet and carpet tile purchased by the government meet the Gold Level certification requirements of the NSF/ANSI 140 standard as part of the GSA’s overall Sustainable Acquisition Goals. GSA has mandated that 95% of all purchases made through the agency meet sustainability requirements by the end of 2011. This includes products and services that are purchased for internal use such as building construction, repairs and alterations, as well as for maintenance. The GSA will further define their sustainability requirements for other products and phase them in by product category throughout the year.
The GSA Sustainable Acquisition Goals are the result of an executive order issued in October 2009 and outlined in the GSA Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, which requires federal agencies to buy environmentally-friendly products where possible. These initiatives leverage federal purchasing power to promote environmentally-responsible products and technologies and create a powerful driver to advance the development of more sustainable carpet and other products in the U.S.
“GSA recognition of NSF’s American National Standard for Sustainable Carpet in their purchasing specifications reflects positively on all the stakeholders who came together, from regulatory, industry and consumer organizations, to develop NSF/ANSI 140,” said Jane Wilson, Director of Standards for NSF International. “NSF is honored that this carpet standard has served as a model for use in developing other sustainability assessment standards such as resilient flooring and wallcoverings.”
“During the creation of NSF’s American National Sustainable Carpet standard, many groups worked together to answer the central question, ‘What attributes make a carpet sustainable?’ That question has been addressed by NSF’s standard. It is comprehensive and thorough,” said Jeff Carrier, Sustainability and Indoor Air Quality Program Manager for The Carpet and Rug Institute, a key stakeholder in the development of NSF/ANSI 140.
EPA Announces New Addition to Energy Star Commercial Fryers Category
Effective April 22, 2011, EPA has expanded the scope of the eligible models to include large vat gas and electric fryers. Energy Star qualified large vat fryers are 10-35% more energy efficient than standard models.
Fryers are one of the most common appliances in the food service industry. Large vat fryers are used in a variety of high-volume food establishments including fast food, grocery, retail, institutional, and full-service restaurants. By using large vat electric and gas commercial fryers that have earned the Energy Star, businesses could save between $170 and $500 annually on utility bills.
In order to earn the Energy Star label under these new requirements, product performance must be certified by an EPA-recognized third-party based on testing in an EPA-recognized lab. In addition, manufacturers of these products must participate in verification testing programs run by recognized certification bodies. If every large vat fryer in the U.S. met the new Energy Star requirements, energy cost savings would increase approximately $81 million per year and reduce annual GHG emissions equivalent to the emissions from nearly 95,000 cars.
Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce GHG emissions through energy efficiency. The Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, as well as new homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy-efficient specifications set by the EPA. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved approximately $18 billion on their energy bills while preventing GHG emissions equivalent to the annual emission of 33 million vehicles.
Princeton Review Releases Guide to Green Colleges
The Princeton Review, in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), released the second annual edition of its unique, free guidebook saluting the nation’s most environmentally responsible “green colleges.”
The Princeton Review first created this resource for college-bound students in 2010 in collaboration with USGBC, which is best-known for developing the LEED green building certification program.
College applicants using the guide will find in it:
- School profiles with application, admission, financial aid, and student enrollment information.
- “Green Highlights” write-ups detailing each school’s most impressive environmental and sustainability initiatives.
- Green Facts sidebars reporting statistics and facts on everything from the school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling, and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies programs, and green jobs career guidance.
- A glossary of 40+ green terms and acronyms from AASHE to zero waste.
- Lists identifying schools in the book with various green distinctions—among them: those with LEED-certified buildings and those that are signatories of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.
The guidebook also has an introductory section discussing sustainability issues and advice on living green on campus. A final section “Stories from Campus,” reports on ways 10 schools in the book chosen by USGBC are creatively addressing sustainability issues on their campuses in curriculum, transportation, student involvement, and other areas.
“College-bound students are increasingly interested in sustainability issues,” said Robert Franek, Senior VP, Publishing, The Princeton Review. “Among 8,200 college applicants who participated in our spring 2011 ‘College Hopes & Worries Survey,’ nearly 7 out of 10 (69%) told us that having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school,” he added. “Together with USGBC, we are pleased to make this free resource available to all students seeking to attend colleges that practice, teach and support environmentally-responsible choices. To that end, we highly recommend the terrific schools in this book.”
“A green campus can transform the college experience for students through enhanced sustainability education and by creating healthy living and learning environments all while saving energy, water and money as part of an institution’s bottom line,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, USGBC. “We launched the Center for Green Schools at USGBC with a vision of green schools for all within this generation. Partnering with The Princeton Review to provide this invaluable resource to college-bound students was a no-brainer for helping to create transformational change on these campuses.”
The Princeton Review chose the 311 schools based on a survey it conducted in 2010 of hundreds of colleges across the U.S. and in Canada to tally its annual “Green Rating” scores (scaled from 60 to 99) of colleges for its school profiles in its college guidebooks and website. The survey asks administrators more than 50 questions about their institution’s sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. The Company tallied Green Ratings for 703 institutions in summer 2010. The 311 schools in this guide received scores of 80 or above in that assessment.
The Princeton Review does not rank the schools in this guide hierarchically (1 to 311) according to their Green Rating scores, nor does it include those scores in this book’s school profiles.)
Robert M. Summers Appointed Maryland’s Secretary of Environment
Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley has announced the appointment of Robert M. Summers, Ph.D., as Maryland’s Secretary of the Environment. Summers has served as Deputy Secretary for Maryland’s Department of the Environment (MDE) since January 2007 and has been Acting Secretary since December 2010. Throughout his 27-year career, Dr. Summers has been a key contributor to Maryland’s nationally prominent environmental programs, including the multi-jurisdictional Chesapeake Bay restoration effort.
“I am pleased to announce Dr. Summers as our Secretary for the Environment,” said Governor O’Malley. “With his highly-regarded expertise, straightforward approach to finding workable solutions, and passion for clean water, clean air and a healthy environment, we are confident that his continued leadership will serve the people of our State well as we work to protect our environmental priorities.”
“I am honored to be asked to lead the Department’s work to safeguard drinking water, clean up the Chesapeake Bay and local rivers and streams, make our air healthier to breathe, and protect families from hazards—including childhood lead poisoning,” said Dr. Summers. “I am committed to application of the best science, the best service using e-commerce, predictability and transparency in permitting, and encouraging innovative technologies to protect public health and the environment. We have an enormous opportunity to foster innovation and create jobs with the Bay and environmental restoration, just like we are doing with climate change and renewable energy.”
For 27 years, Summers has served in various capacities within Maryland’s progressive and nationally recognized environmental programs, with emphasis on scientific and technical issues related to water pollution control; drinking water protection; and federal, State, and local government environmental laws and regulations. Summers has worked at MDE since its creation in 1987 and has served as the Director of the Water Management Administration and Director of the Technical and Regulatory Services Administration.
“Dr. Summers’ history of dedication to the Chesapeake Bay and the State of Maryland, as well as his professional background and personal skills, will make him a valuable member of Governor O’Malley’s cabinet as Maryland moves forward in its ongoing role as a leader on environmental matters,” said Kim Coble, Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
“Dr. Summers’ technical expertise as well as his leadership role in developing Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay restoration strategy reflects a sound understanding of the science involved and the steps necessary to achieve the Bay restoration and cleanup,” said Kathleen T. Snyder, President and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. “Dr. Summers has also shown the ability to balance numerous competing interests and broad-reaching requirements—such an approach ensures environmental protection with consideration to impacts on all sectors.”
Some of the Department’s achievements under the O’Malley-Brown Administration include:
- Leading development of a strong State Watershed Implementation Plan, as part of EPA’s plan to restore the Chesapeake Bay;
- Enacting new regulations to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff, the fastest-growing source of Bay pollution;
- Issuing new regulations and a permit on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations to, for the first time, implement manure handling requirements on 85% of poultry litter generated from Maryland’s poultry operations;
- Jump-starting the Bay Restoration Fund septic upgrades program;
- Aggressively enforcing the State’s lead laws, testing more children for lead poisoning and reporting fewer children with lead poisoning than ever before;
- Implementing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2009, which calls for a 25% reduction in state GHG emissions by 2020;
- Leading Maryland’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the country’s first cap-and-trade program, which has raised $162.4 million for programs to promote cleaner energy sources, energy efficiency and conservation, and provide rate relief for low and moderate income households; and
- Implementing Maryland’s Clean Cars legislation, implementing stricter vehicle emission standards targeted at reducing GHG emissions and improving air quality.
Dr. Summers currently serves as Maryland’s Commissioner on the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, and the Appalachian States’ Low Level Radioactive Waste Commission.
Dr. Summers received his B.A. (1976) and Ph.D. (1982) in Environmental Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University, under the tutelage of the late Dr. M. Gordon (“Reds”) Wolman.
EPA Launches New Strategy to Promote Use of Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure decreases pollution to local waterways by treating rain where it falls and keeping polluted stormwater from entering sewer systems. In addition to protecting Americans’ health by decreasing water pollution, green infrastructure provides many community benefits including increased economic activity and neighborhood revitalization, job creation, energy savings, and increased recreational and green space.
“Through this agenda, we’ll help cities and towns across the nation clean up their waters and strengthen their communities by supporting and expanding green infrastructure,” said Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, who announced the agenda at a Green Street, Green Jobs conference focused on fostering green infrastructure in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. “Green infrastructure changes improve the health of our waters while creating local jobs, saving communities money and making them healthier and more prosperous places to raise a family and start a business.”
Stormwater is one of the most widespread challenges to water quality in the nation. Large volumes of polluted stormwater degrade our nation’s rivers, lakes, and aquatic habitats and contribute to downstream flooding. Green infrastructure captures and filters pollutants by passing stormwater through soils and retaining it on site. Effective green infrastructure tools and techniques include green roofs, permeable materials, alternative designs for streets and buildings, trees, rain gardens, and rain harvesting systems.
As part of the strategy, EPA will work with partners including local governments, watershed groups, tribes and others in 10 cities that have utilized green infrastructure and have plans for additional projects. EPA will encourage and support expanded use of green infrastructure in these cities and highlight them as models for other municipalities around the country. The 10 cities are: Austin, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Jacksonville, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; Los Angeles, California; Puyallup, Washington; Syracuse, New York; and Washington, DC and neighboring Anacostia Watershed communities.
Energy savings is one of the greatest benefits of green infrastructure. On and around buildings, green infrastructure can reduce heating and cooling costs. For example, green roofs reduce a building’s energy costs by 10–15%, and an additional 10% of urban tree canopy can provide 5–10% energy savings from shading and windblocking. Green infrastructure also conserves energy by reducing the amount of stormwater entering combined collection and treatment systems, which reduces the amount of wastewater processed at treatment plants.
EPA will continue to work with other federal agencies, stateand local governments, tribes, municipalities, and the private sector to identify opportunities for using green infrastructure and provide assistance to communities implementing green approaches to control stormwater. EPA will also provide additional tools to help states and communities leverage green infrastructure opportunities within other innovative environmental projects.
Head of State, Music Legend and ‘Modern-Day Jules Verne’ to Receive Major Environment Award
What do a head of state, adventurer, chemicals campaigner, green entrepreneur, and a world-famous performer have in common? All five are among the winners of the UN Environment Program’s Champions of the Earth award and will be honored at a major ceremony in New York on May 10, 2011.
From using green technology to cut air pollution in China, to tackling the impact of toxic chemicals in Eastern Europe or crossing the globe to fly the flag for solar power, this year’s Champions laureates are environmental leaders and innovators from all corners of the globe.
UNEP Goodwill Ambassadors Gisele B?ndchen and Don Cheadle will host the award ceremony at the American Museum of Natural History.
The day’s events will also include Getting to Grips with the Green Economy: a high-level policy dialogue exploring the benefits and challenges of a global transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. Champions of the Earth laureates past and present will debate the Green Economy with UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner and other guests.
Journalists are invited to attend all events as outlined below. Interviews with Champions of the Earth Award Winners and VIP guests will be available on request.
LG Electronics is the corporate sponsor of the Champions of the Earth award.
Federal Jury Finds that Massachusetts Cranberry Growers’ Filling Wetlands was Subject to Clean Water Act
Assistant Attorney General Ignacia S. Moreno of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, and EPA Regional Administer H. Curtis Spaulding have announced that a federal jury has found that the CWA applied to the filling of wetlands and other waters at two properties in Carver, Massachusetts, owned by Charles Johnson, Genelda Johnson, Francis Vaner (“Van”) Johnson, and Johnson Cranberries Limited Partnership (the Johnsons).
The Johnsons filled and altered approximately 46.1 acres of wetlands and other waters in order to construct cranberry bogs and associated structures.
The suit was originally brought by the United States in 1999 at the request of EPA to enforce a provision of the CWA which prohibits the discharge of dredged and fill material into waters of the United States, which include certain wetlands, without first obtaining a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In 2004, the U.S. District Court ruled that the Johnsons had filled the wetlands and other waters without obtaining a permit. After two appeals and a change in law resulting from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling, the case was given to a jury to decide whether the CWA applied to the wetlands and other waters at the Johnson properties under new standards set out by the Supreme Court’s 2006 ruling in Rapanos v. United States. On Monday, April 25, 2011, the jury upheld the government’s assertion of jurisdiction.
The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney George B. Henderson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts, Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division Attorney Jered J. Lindsay, with assistance from EPA Enforcement Counsel Margery Adams and Christine Foot.
$12,000 Penalty for Hazardous Waste Violations
The company addressed the violations and now operates in compliance with Ohio’s hazardous waste regulations.
Following a 2010 facility inspection, Ohio EPA cited the company with violations related to the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. The violations included failing to properly evaluate wastes to determine if they were hazardous, label a hazardous waste container, and conduct inspections of emergency equipment. The company also caused hazardous waste kerosene to be transported to a facility not permitted to receive hazardous waste.
Duffin’s screw machine facility manufactures internal faucet parts using bar stock comprised of various metals. The facility generates hazardous waste including spent kerosene, wastewater, sludge, and other debris.
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Trivia Question of the Week
What is the optimal setting for a household water heater?
a. 150 degrees F
b. 140 degrees F
c. 130 degrees F
d. 120 degrees F