EPA is warning homeowners, propane manufacturers and sellers, home improvement contractors, and air conditioning technicians of potential safety hazards related to the use of propane or other unapproved refrigerants in home air conditioning systems.
EPA is currently investigating instances where propane has been marketed and used as a substitute for HCFC-22 (R-22), a refrigerant that is widely used in home air conditioning systems.
Home air conditioning systems are not designed to handle propane or other similar flammable refrigerants. The use of these substances poses a potential fire or explosion hazard for homeowners and service technicians.
EPA is aware of incidents that have occurred both overseas and in the US where individuals have been injured as a result of the use of propane and other unapproved refrigerants in air conditioning systems. The agency is investigating and will take enforcement actions where appropriate. Other names for these unapproved refrigerants include R-290, 22a, 22-A, R-22a, HC-22a, and CARE 40.
At this time, EPA has not approved the use of propane refrigerant or other hydrocarbon refrigerants in any type of air conditioner. Homeowners and technicians are strongly recommended to limit use of propane or other hydrocarbons to only those appliances specifically designed for these substances and that are properly marked to alert technicians that the equipment contains a flammable substance. EPA has approved the use of propane as a substitute refrigerant for R-22 in industrial process refrigeration systems and in new, stand-alone retail food refrigerators and freezers that are specifically designed to use flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants.
Macon RCRA and DOT Training
Cleveland RCRA and DOT Training
Greensboro RCRA and DOT Training
How to Implement OSHA’s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard (GHS)
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.
New California Mercury Recycling Requirements
The regulations released by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) affect manufacturers, collection centers, and wholesalers of mercury-containing thermostats.
“Establishing measureable performance goals will increase the number of mercury thermostats that are collected,” said DTSC Director Deborah Raphael. “I’m proud that California is again leading the way, and will be a model for other take-back programs. I’m confident it will show how successful the industry is in collecting thermostats and making sure that the mercury stays out of the environment.”
Under the new regulations, manufacturers are required to collect and recycle more than 32,500 mercury-containing thermostats in the second half of 2013, or 30% of the estimated total number of mercury thermostats that become waste. Recycling goals increase annually until 2017, when the goal is a 75% collection and recycling rate, or more than 147,000 mercury thermostats.
A 2006 state law banned the sale of new mercury-added thermostats, and since this type of thermostat is a hazardous waste, they also cannot be placed in the trash that goes to municipal landfills. The Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008 requires former manufacturers of mercury containing thermostats to operate a collection and recycling program for those that become waste.
Contractors who should have been delivering mercury thermostats to collection centers since 2008 will be required to comply with identification requirements. Thermostat manufacturers must continue to comply with the updated annual reporting requirements first established in 2008.
Kansas Department of Transportation to Pay $477,500 Penalty for Stormwater Violations
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has agreed to pay a $477,500 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at three road construction sites that are located near Lawrence, Manhattan, and Pleasanton, the EPA announced recently.
EPA Region 7 inspected the US Highway 69 project near Pleasanton in November 2008, the US Highway 59 project near Lawrence in August 2010, and the Kansas Highway 18 project near Manhattan in May 2012. Violations included the failure to install or implement adequate stormwater control measures, including the failure to timely stabilize disturbed soils, the failure to properly maintain stormwater controls, the failure to develop an adequate stormwater pollution prevention plan and update the plan as appropriate, and the failure to maintain the plan and other records on site. EPA documented hundreds of violations based on site inspections and information requests.
“With the amount of stormwater runoff that occurs during construction of Kansas roads and highways, effective stormwater management is necessary to protect our waters,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks. “The penalty and injunctive relief required by this agreement will ensure that the Kansas Department of Transportation has the appropriate plans, procedures and personnel on their project sites.”
As a part of this settlement, KDOT has agreed to complete significant injunctive relief. The consent decree requires KDOT to designate a stormwater compliance manager to oversee stormwater compliance statewide and to designate a stormwater compliance manager for each site. The consent decree also requires third-party oversight inspections, which require a consultant or KDOT inspector not affiliated with the project to conduct additional inspections at environmentally sensitive areas in Kansas. The consent decree defines environmentally sensitive areas as areas that provide critical habitat for threatened or endangered species, or those where the downstream water body is impaired for sediment.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.
Draft Decision on Kettleman Facility and Announcement of Initiative to Reduce Landfill Waste by 50%
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) made two significant announcements that affect California’s hazardous waste management system.
DTSC released a draft decision on a permit modification that would allow Chemical Waste Management (CWM) to increase the capacity of the hazardous waste landfill in Kettleman Hills. The Department also announced an effort to reduce the amount of hazardous waste disposed in California by 50% by the year 2025. The reduction would affect the amount of wastes going to landfills in Kettleman Hills, Buttonwillow near Bakersfield, and Westmoreland in Imperial County.
If approved, the permit modification would allow CWM to increase the size of its landfill, which is operating near capacity, by five million cubic yards. The draft decision is subject to a 60-day comment period.
Brian Johnson, Deputy Director of DTSC’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, said the draft decision to allow expansion of CWM’s Kettleman Hills landfill was made following the most comprehensive review of a permit application in California history.
“We understand the importance of this decision as well as the depth of community interest that this facility is operated safely,” Johnson said. “We looked at all facets of its operation as part of our nearly five-year review.”
The draft permit modification includes extensive and stringent conditions that ensure the community is protected from any potential hazards.
For example, the draft modification requires CWM to significantly reduce the amount of diesel emissions from trucks delivering waste, improving the quality of air. Trucks using the facility must meet model year 2007 emissions standards or be manufactured after 2007, when more restrictive air emission standards went into effect in California. Starting in 2018, trucks will have to meet 2010 emission standards, which are even higher.
DTSC’s review took into account the findings of multiple health studies including the “Cal EPA Kettleman City Community Exposure Assessment,” the “California Department of Public Health Birth Defect Study” and results of an EPA examination of the risks of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). DTSC also reviewed air and groundwater monitoring data from the facility.
The review also took into account the facility’s enforcement record, dating back to 1983. None of the violations, including a $311,000 fine in March 2013 for failing to report 72 small spills, caused offsite impacts.
“The facility’s response to enforcement actions indicates it is able and willing to take all necessary steps to ensure the community is safe,” Johnson said.
Aside from the use of low-emission trucks, additional protections to the community provided by the proposed permit modification include:
- Increased air sampling that allows for the detection of very low concentrations of PCBs
- Enhanced air monitoring
- Increased sampling and analysis of water that leaches through and collects in a system below the landfill
- Enhanced public outreach
- Improved containment systems to control spills
- Annual aerial and land surveys of the landfill to verify CWM estimates of remaining capacity
DTSC will also enhance its surveillance effort at the facility by increasing inspections and collaborating with US EPA’s inspection efforts.
At the same time, DTSC announced an ambitious effort to cut in half the amount of hazardous waste disposed of in California by the year 2025.
California generated an average of 1.7 million tons of hazardous waste each year for the past 10 years. About 600,000 tons ended up annually in the Kettleman or Buttonwillow landfills (the Westmorland facility does not currently accept hazardous waste). Each year, approximately 333,000 tons of waste was shipped to and landfilled in states where environmental regulations are not as strict as California. About 50% of the material landfilled at the Kettleman and Buttonwillow facilities comes from contaminated soil removed as part of a cleanup project.
“There is an equity issue for communities that surround the three hazardous waste landfills in California,” said DTSC Director Debbie Raphael. “Despite studies that show the landfills are safe, they are bearing the burden of California’s hazardous waste disposal, often in combination with many other environmental impacts.
“We must start the discussion on how we can end or significantly reduce our dependence on landfills and develop sustainable solutions that protect this generation and generations to come. Setting a goal for reducing hazardous waste disposal will create incentives that can lead to innovations in science and technology and develop sustainable solutions that protect this generation and generations to come.”
DTSC will conduct a dialogue among industry, public interest groups, local governments, elected officials, and the public. Meetings across the state will focus on identifying innovative, safe, and effective ways for reducing hazardous wastes going to landfills, including developing incentives for reducing the generation of waste.
Raphael said the goal is closely tied to the proposed decision on Kettleman.
“Right now we still generate a significant amount of waste that must be transported, treated, or disposed of safely. We want to begin the larger discussion as to how we can greatly reduce hazardous waste going to facilities like Kettleman Hills.”
The 60-day public-comment period for the proposed decision will close September 4, 2013. DTSC will host a community open house on Wednesday July 31 at the Kettleman City Elementary School, a community “drop-in” session on August 1 at the Kettleman City Community Center; and a public hearing on August 27 at the Kettleman City Elementary School.
DTSC will conduct six workshops throughout the state to collect public input on the goal to reduce hazardous waste generation by 50% by 2025. The first workshop will take place in the fall of 2013. Locations and times of the workshops will be posted on DTSC’s web site in the near future.
Belden and Blake to Pay $42,504 Penalty to Settle Alleged Risk Management Violations
EPA alleged that the company failed to comply with federal clean air regulations intended to prevent accidental releases of flammable substances.
The settlement follows up on an EPA administrative order issued to Belden and Blake in September 2011 to prevent accidental releases of flammable substances that could pose a risk to human health and workers in the area. The company has already taken action requested in the order including protecting piping to a 10,000-gallon gas storage tank, conducting a process hazard review for all of the facility’s equipment, and providing operating procedure training for employees.
The facility handles and stores flammable mixtures. The processes used at the facility involve the separation of propane, butane, ethane, and isobutene from the incoming natural gas using compressors and a process skid. The separated gases are stored together in a 10,000-gallon storage tank, which when full weighs 67,000 lb. The gases are then transported off-site.
As a part of the settlement, the company did not admit or deny EPA’s allegations.
Deseret Generation and Transmission Co-Operative Agrees to Resolve Clean Air Act Violations at Utah Power Plant
EPA announced a Clean Air Act settlement with Utah-based Deseret Generation & Transmission Co-operative (Deseret) resolving alleged violations at the Bonanza Power Plant on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation near Vernal, Utah.
The agreement requires Deseret to pay $35,000 in penalties and implement new procedures for controlling particulate emissions during startup and shutdown of the coal-fired boiler at Bonanza. Deseret will also finance a $260,000 vehicle replacement program to replace at least five fleet vehicles in the area to use natural gas.
“This settlement secures Deseret’s commitment to significantly reduce emissions of particulate pollution and visible emissions from the Bonanza plant during startup and shutdown events and improve visibility in the surrounding area,” said Mike Gaydosh, EPA’s enforcement director in Denver. “Additionally, the conversion of the company’s vehicles to natural gas will benefit local air quality by significantly reducing emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and particulates.”
EPA alleges that Deseret’s pollution control device was bypassed during startup and shutdown events resulting in excess particulate matter emissions. As part of the settlement, Deseret has agreed to route emissions through the control device during startup and shutdown, resulting in significant emissions reductions.
The air pollutant reductions achieved through this settlement will directly benefit surrounding communities, including low-income and minority populations. Particulate pollution contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems, including heart and respiratory illnesses. In addition, fine particulate pollution is the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United States, including many of our treasured national parks and wilderness areas.
Nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide can also have adverse impacts on public health, especially among children, the elderly, and others sensitive to pollution. Nitrogen oxides also contribute to ozone formation, a local air quality concern in the Uinta Basin.
Energy Department Settles with EPA for Waste Management Violations at Hanford
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has agreed to improve waste handling practices and pay $136,000 in a settlement announced by the EPA. According to the agreement, DOE allegedly operated several dangerous waste storage units without proper permit authorization and placed waste in a landfill before treating it. Instead, DOE treated the waste after placement, a violation of existing dangerous waste regulations.
“Today’s agreement includes commitments by DOE to address these allegations and ensure that these units are properly managed,” said Ed Kowalski, director of EPA’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle. “When handling mixed (nuclear and hazardous) waste, there’s no such thing as being ‘too careful’. Strict compliance with all dangerous waste requirements is the only acceptable path here.”
Inspections were conducted by the EPA National Enforcement Investigations Center in 2011, where inspectors focused on the facility’s Solid Waste Operational Complex. At this facility, radioactive and dangerous wastes are stored and processed prior to shipment to other locations for treatment and disposal.
Under the recent agreement, DOE will:
- Close eight dangerous waste storage units that EPA contends had not received proper authorization under the state dangerous waste permit
- Submit closure plans for the eight units through a state dangerous waste permit modification request
- Close, or request an extension to the time allowed to close, an additional two inactive dangerous waste storage units
- Treat dangerous waste before disposal as required by state & federal regulations
- Pay a penalty of $136,000, payable to the US Treasury
California Proposes Adopting Maximum Allowable Dose Level for Butyl Benzyl Phthalate
On June 1, 2012, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing an oral Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) for the chemical butyl benzyl phthalate and amending Title 27, California Code of Regulations, section 25805(b). Butyl benzyl phthalate was listed under Proposition 651 as known to cause reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint) on December 2, 2005. The Office of Administrative Law approved the amendment to Title 27, California Code of Regulations, section 25805(b) on June 25, 2013. The amendment was filed with the Secretary of State on June 25, 2013, and will become effective October 1, 2013.
Hydrogen Cyanide and Cyanide Salts Added to California Carcinogen List
Effective July 5, 2013, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and cyanide salts (CN salts) to the list of chemicals known to the State to cause reproductive toxicity for purposes of Proposition 65.
The listing of hydrogen cyanide and cyanide salts is based on formal identification by the EPA, an authoritative body, that the chemical causes reproductive toxicity (male reproductive endpoint). The criteria used by OEHHA for the listing of chemicals under the “authoritative bodies” mechanism can be found in Title 27, California Code of Regs., section 25306.
The documentation supporting OEHHA’s determination that the criteria for administrative listing have been satisfied for hydrogen cyanide and cyanide salts is included in the Notice of Intent to List published in the March 22, 2013 issue of the California Regulatory Notice Register (Register 2013, No. 12-Z).
Adoption Of National Air Pollution Controls for Passenger Cars and Trucks Urged
New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, leading a coalition of 15 cities and states, submitted a letter to the Acting Administrator of the federal Environmental Protection Agency urging the swift adoption of a newly-proposed rule for reducing air pollution from passenger cars and trucks. The “Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards” rule, proposed by the agency in March, will bring substantial public health and economic benefits by setting new vehicle emission and fuel standards beginning in 2017. The rule will reduce motor vehicle emissions of smog-producing pollution by 80% and soot pollution by 70%. The coalition letter urges the EPA to finalize this critically important rule on-schedule by the end of 2013.
“Emissions from cars and trucks result in air pollution that threatens the health of millions of New Yorkers each year,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “Our coalition of states and cities are on the front-lines in the fight for the well being of all our citizens and particularly the most vulnerable among us, our children, our elderly and those already suffering from respiratory and heart diseases. We commend the EPA for proposing common sense, cost-effective and forward-looking pollution standards for motor vehicles. They will help us win the fight against dirty air. Today, we are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure these standards are finalized without delay.”
Poor air quality threatens the health of more than 150 million people in the US, especially children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory diseases. The cost estimate for air pollution-related illnesses is $150 billion per year. According to the American Lung Association, over 3.2 million New Yorkers lived in counties in 2012 where levels of soot and smog pollution endanger health. This year, the group ranked the New York City metropolitan area as 17th worst among 25 top US cities most polluted by smog. Due to the tremendous public health impact of air pollution and the substantial contribution motor vehicles make to this pollution, the annual monetized health benefits of the “Tier 3” standards are estimated to be three to seven times greater than their costs.
As the coalition letter to Acting Administrator Robert Perciasepe points out, the proposed standards are expected to prevent as many as 23,000 cases of respiratory illness in children, 22,000 asthma attacks, and 2,400 premature deaths each year, as well as reduce risks to millions of Americans living, exercising, and working near major roadways. The pollution reductions achieved by the standards would have the same effect as taking 33 million of today’s vehicles off the road during the 2017 to 2025 period of the rule’s applicability.
These pollutants contribute to smog and soot pollution, which cause respiratory and heart disease.
EPA’s Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards were published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2013. The rule builds on EPA’s “Tier 2” motor vehicle regulations finalized in 2000. The proposed rule would set new emission standard for passenger cars, light-duty trucks and certain medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles starting in 2017. The rule’s proposed tailpipe standards, which would limit emissions of smog-producing NOx and VOCs and soot pollution, would be phased in between 2017 and 2025. Proposed standards reducing allowable sulfur content of motor vehicle fuels would go into effect January 1, 2017.
Joining Attorney General Schneiderman in the letter were the Attorneys General of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, the District of Columbia, and the Corporation Counsels of Chicago and New York City.
This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Michael J. Myers of the Attorney General’s Environmental Protection Bureau under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Lisa M. Burianek, Bureau Chief Lemuel M. Srolovic, Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice Alvin Bragg and First Deputy for Affirmative Litigation Janet Sabel.
Ohio EPA Drafts Rules To Allow Air Curtain Burners
Ohio EPA has drafted rules that would establish requirements allowing the use of air curtain burners for open burning of land clearing wastes.
A public hearing will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2013, at Ohio EPA’s Central Office, 50 West Town Street, Suite 700, Columbus in conference room A. All visitors are required to submit a photo I.D. The hearing will conclude after all have had an opportunity to testify regarding this action.
The rules would allow air curtain burning boxes to be used in Ohio as a stationary source in unrestricted areas for the purpose of burning land clearing wastes after obtaining valid permits to install and operate. Air curtain burners are engineered with a blower and manifold that creates a curtain of air over the manufactured box to control burning of land wastes that have been loaded inside.
The rules also would define a portable fan typically set up in emergency situations called an air curtain destructor, which helps materials burn faster and more efficiently. The equipment can take an 80-ton load of waste material and reduce it to 6 inches of ash in about 8 hours, allowing more efficient cleanup of debris from an emergency such as a destructive storm.
Public comments are due by the close of business July 12. All comments received by that date will be considered before Ohio EPA takes final action on the rules package.
Washington State Developing New Permit for Vessel Deconstruction
To respond more rapidly and cost effectively to environmental threats from the state’s growing number of abandoned and derelict vessels, the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is developing a new water quality permit for vessel deconstruction.
Abandoned and derelict vessels pose significant risks to public health, safety, and the environment. Removal and disposal of these vessels is a priority for reducing environmental harm, but relatively few facilities are permitted to perform this work.
The proposed general permit would define appropriate requirements to prevent the discharge of pollutants resulting from the partial deconstruction of vessels over water.
Currently, there is no water quality permit for dismantling vessels over water. This new permit would fill that void, but it would not replace permits for existing facilities.
Ecology would issue coverage under the proposed permit for individual vessels to allow a permittee to partially deconstruct the vessel while afloat. Deconstruction of the vessel hull and remaining superstructure would then need to be done at facilities permitted to perform this work.
Ecology is just starting to develop this new permit and plans to provide future opportunities for public involvement. Ecology expects to propose a draft permit in December 2013.
Find out more, provide comments, and get on a mailing list for the Vessel Deconstruction Permit by contacting Vincent McGowan, Water Quality Program, Department of Ecology, P.O Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600.
CalRecycle Grants Put Waste Tires to Use at Landfills
A landfill isn’t usually the best final resting place for old tires, but thanks to state grants, five California landfills will put about 2 million of those tires to good use in engineering projects.
The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) awarded a total of $718,955 in tire-derived aggregate (TDA) grants, which encourage the use of TDA rather than conventional aggregate in various civil engineering applications. Besides the environmental benefits of diverting used tires from landfills and reducing the need to mine gravel, TDA is cost-effective, drains well, and is lighter than conventional processed gravel, making it easier to transport and handle.
“Keeping used tires out of the waste stream and using them for beneficial projects is key to protecting our environment,” CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen said. “TDA projects put millions of waste tires to beneficial use each year in California.”
The TDA Grant Program provides competitive grants for such uses as retaining wall backfill, stabilization for slopes and river embankments, vibration mitigation, and a variety of landfill applications. Qualifying projects must use at least 500 tons of California-generated waste tires.
This year’s five grant applicants sought assistance for landfill-related projects. Four will be using TDA as backfill for landfill gas collection lines or wells, and one will be used to create a visual barrier berm. In all, the five projects will use the equivalent of 2 million waste tires.
In 2011, Californians generated 40.8 million waste tires, and 88% were diverted from disposal. CalRecycle supports waste tire projects to promote a strong in-state market for this valuable resource.
The Tire-Derived Aggregate Grant Program is one of several CalRecycle programs that are funded through CalRecycle’s Tire Recycling Management Fund from a recycling fee charged on every new tire sold in California. The grant funding can only be applied to material costs rather than labor, equipment, or other expenses. There is no cost to the state’s General Fund.
Company Agrees to Restore Damage to Wetlands
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) penalized PJ Keating Company $54,150 due to wetlands and water quality violations at its property on Bridge Street in Dracut. PJ Keating Company, a foreign corporation with a local office in Lunenberg, owns a quarry and hot-mix asphalt batching facility at 2141 Bridge Street in Dracut.
MassDEP inspected the facility in November 2010, and found multiple violations, including significant erosion from its operation, causing siltation into a nearby pond that borders Peppermint Brook. The company had failed to correctly place and maintain erosion controls, allowing sediment from site operations to enter the pond. In addition, a catch basin equipped with a flow divider system was not operated properly, allowing sediment-laden stormwater to be directed toward the pond instead of settling lagoons.
The company’s actions resulted in the discharge of pollutants to the pond, adverse impacts and alteration of that pond through erosion of 50 linear feet of bank and by siltation causing impairment of 12,000 square feet of land under water.
“PJ Keating did not use best management practices, and allowed sediment-bearing stormwater to cause siltation of the pond and nearby wetlands resource areas,” said Eric Worrall, director of MassDEP’s Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington. “Further, sediments were not properly detained using the stormwater lagoons at the site, with some sediment routed directly into the pond via a catch basin structure equipped with a flow divider system. This resulted in further siltation of the pond, as well as adverse impacts to the hydrology of the pond and its bordering wetlands resource areas.”
Under the terms of a consent order, PJ Keating agrees to conduct the following measures: implement a plan for wetlands restoration of all impacted resource areas; provide and maintain through diligent inspections adequate erosion controls to prevent sediment from entering the pond and bank; submit for review and approval, a new, comprehensive stormwater management plan that includes provisions for eliminating untreated stormwater from entering the pond; install berms around the pond to intercept runoff; ensure a minimum level of water in the pond; maintain a stockpile management plan; establish a no-work buffer area around the pond; and establish a long-term operation and maintenance plan.
PJ Keating also agreed to implement a Supplemental Environmental Project, in which it will undertake to properly redirect nearby street drainage to settling lagoon(s) that are not wetlands resource areas.
If the company fully complies with all terms of the order, MassDEP has agreed to suspend $37,650 of the assessed penalty.
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
Glendive Company Resolves Opencut Mining Violations in Wheatland and Richland Counties
Fisher Sand & Gravel Company of Glendive recently paid $10,407 to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to resolve violations of the Montana Opencut Mining Act at a gravel pit in Richland County, Montana.
In the early part of 2012, Fisher mined gravel outside of the Prewitt Pit #4?€™s permit boundary. Mining in an unapproved area is a violation, because there is no approved plan or financial assurance in place to properly reclaim the disturbed area. The company has since obtained an amendment to its reclamation permit to cover the unapproved area.
In another action, Fisher has agreed to pay a $38,500 penalty to resolve similar violations that occurred at the Winnecock Pit in Wheatland Co.
“Fisher took responsibility for the violation and worked with DEQ to correct the problems,” said Daniel Kenney, DEQ Enforcement Specialist.
Fisher’s Operations Manager Mike Newton said, “We know the rules, we made some mistakes and we shall not let it happen again. Fisher has a long standing very good working relationship with DEQ and we feel that these penalties are fair and just.”
EPA and Commerce Link US Analysis and Companies in Environmental Solutions Toolkit
EPA and the Department of Commerce are announcing the launch of an interactive online reference tool for international audiences that connects EPA environmental analysis and regulatory structure to US solutions providers.
The Toolkit is a web-based resource that combines EPA expertise on solving environmental challenges with ITA’s catalogue of US providers of related technologies. The newly launched resource emphasizes user-friendliness, featuring a series of interactive menus, search functionality, and adaptive formatting to allow for a range of mobile uses.
“The environmental solutions toolkit shares EPA’s knowledge and experience with our global neighbors, making it easier to move environmental protection efforts from concepts and ideas to action,” said EPA’s Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Michelle DePass, EPA and Commerce are working together to support the US government Environmental Export Initiative to promote American environmental technology in the global marketplace and advance the President’s National Export Initiative by developing export opportunities.
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Trivia Question of the Week
What 1997 global agreement to reduce greenhouse gases was signed by virtually every country in the world except for the United States?
a. Oslo Accords
b. Kyoto Protocol
c. Reykjavik Summit
d. Climate Summit