President Obama has officially nominated Gina McCarthy to lead the EPA. McCarthy currently heads the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation and has played a key role in crafting a variety of new pollution rules, including limits on soot and mercury emissions from power plants. Her background in air pollution signals Obama's ambition to make climate change a priority during his second term. He has already said that if Congress fails to act, he would use executive authority to advance his goals to curb emissions of greenhouse gases and boost clean energy. The EPA would be at the vanguard of that effort. On Monday he said his nominee will ensure "we're doing everything that we can to combat the threat of climate change." For that reason she will likely face tough questions from Republican lawmakers who believe the EPA has overstepped its authority and issued rules that have hurt the economy. While McCarthy has the respect of environmental groups, she also has a reputation for working well with utilities and state regulators which bear the brunt of implementing EPA rules. That could help her confirmation. She came to Washington after serving as the top environmental regulator in Massachusetts and Connecticut under Democratic and Republican governors.
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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.
Rat Poison Manufacturer Challenges EPA Ban of D-Con Product
On January 29, 2013, EPA announced that it was cancelling registration of a dozen D-Con Mouse and Rat Control poisons based on the risk that they pose to children and non-target wildlife like bobcats, raptors, and foxes. On Wednesday, March 6, D-Con manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser filed a challenge of EPA's decision in an effort to keep these dangerous poisons available on the US market. This is the first such industry challenge to a decision by EPA to cancel a pesticide based on harm to the environment in more than 20 years.
The public interest law firm Earthjustice is reviewing Reckitt’s challenge and may seek to intervene in the Reckitt action to help defend EPA’s cancellation decision. The matter will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge with EPA in Washington, D.C.
Earthjustice is also currently representing a number of groups in a challenge to many of these same rodenticides in California. Earthjustice filed comments with the state Department of Pesticide Regulation opposing continued permitted use on D-Con and other “second-generation anticoagulant” rodenticides in California on December 7, 2012. In response to those comments, California is expected to propose significant restrictions on all second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in April.
Earthjustice attorney Greg Loarie, who is helping to lead the California challenge, had this comment in reaction to the latest development:
“Reckitt Benckiser’s goal is to keep pushing products that are poisoning our children and decimating our wildlife, despite the fact that many safe alternatives for controlling pests exist. We’re not going to sit back and let Reckitt put corporate profit over public welfare.
“The health and environmental advocates who fought to remove this dangerous poison from the market will also meet this new challenge to make sure that the EPA ban is upheld.”
Hovnanian Enterprises and PulteGroup Inc. Fined for Storm Water Violations in Virginia and Maryland
EPA alleged that the companies failed to take actions to prevent discharging sediment to nearby surface waters as required by law.
EPA, along with state and county representatives, inspected Hovnanian’s Shipley Farm and Palisades at Oak Creek construction sites in Prince George’s County, Maryland, in August 2011. These inspections revealed that Hovnanian failed to install and/or maintain required best management practices to prevent the discharge of sediment to surface waters at both sites.
The settlement requires Hovnanian to take actions to bring these two sites into compliance with permit requirements and develop a plan for preventing the recurrence of violations at its construction sites in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia within 45 days of the effective date of the settlement.
In a separate complaint, EPA alleged that PulteGroup, Inc., failed to implement and maintain control measures to minimize pollutants such as sediments flowing into the Accotink and Piscataway Creeks in Virginia, and Maryland respectively. The creeks are tributaries of the Potomac River, as well as the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia and Maryland have identified the Accotink and the Piscataway waterways as impaired for aquatic life.
EPA, along with state and county representatives inspected the Pulte construction sites in August 2011 as a follow-up to a 2008 Clean Water Act settlement between EPA and Pulte resolving the company’s alleged delays or failures to obtain stormwater permits for numerous construction sites across the country. EPA issued a Clean Water Act Administrative Order to Pulte on September 27, 2012, which required the company to correct the violations discovered by EPA during its inspection of the sites. Hovnanian and Pulte neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations.
Construction projects have a high potential for environmental harm because they disturb large areas of land and significantly increase the potential for erosion. Without onsite pollution controls, sediment-laden runoff from construction sites can flow directly to waterways and degrade water quality. In addition, stormwater can pick up other pollutants, including concrete, paint, used oil, pesticides, solvents, and other debris. Polluted runoff can harm or kill fish and wildlife and affect drinking water quality.
EPA and Four Yakima Valley Dairies Reach Agreement to Reduce Nitrate in Local Groundwater
EPA has reached legal agreements with four Yakima Valley dairies that will help reduce nitrate in area groundwater and nearby drinking water wells.
“This is good news, especially for those working locally to protect Yakima Valley groundwater,” said EPA Regional Administrator Dennis McLerran, in Seattle. “By working constructively with us in this local situation, the dairies have committed to protect drinking water and we have committed to collaborate on practices that keep people safe and farms in business.”
Under the terms of the agreements, the dairies will:
- Provide alternate drinking water sources for neighbors within a one mile radius whose wells have levels of nitrate above EPA’s drinking water standard of 10 parts per million
- Take steps to control nitrogen sources, such as manure and commercial fertilizer, at their facilities
- Conduct soil and groundwater testing at each dairy, to evaluate if nitrogen sources are being controlled
The Washington State Department of Agriculture voiced support for the recent action.
“Nutrient management issues are critical for the community, the environment and the dairy industry,” said WSDA Director, Dan Newhouse. “We look forward to working with the EPA, the dairy industry, and other affected parties as we strengthen our efforts in crafting long term solutions to the challenges we face.”
The recent agreements are specific to four dairies that were part of EPA’s study released last September: Cow Palace, LLC; George DeRuyter & Son, LLC; Liberty Dairy, LLC; H&S Bosma Dairy (part of Liberty Dairy); D&A Dairy, LLC; George & Margaret, LLC (part of both D&A and George DeRuyter & Sons Dairy).
The agreements complement ongoing efforts by the recently formed Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) to reduce threats posed to water quality from excess nitrogen from other dairies, other agricultural sources, and from septic systems.
“These agreements are an important step,” said EPA’s McLerran. “We expect to continue our work with state and local partners and the GWMA process to build on this collaborative effort to better understand and control other sources of nitrates in a meaningful manner."
EPA Settles Clean Air Act Case Against Conshohocken Chemical Plant
In addition to the $36,000 penalty, Montgomery Chemicals has also agreed to correct the cited violations within six months. The company will also be installing a new scrubber to control emissions, as required by a previous consent order with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The Clean Air Act requires industrial facilities to closely control and monitor methanol emissions. Although human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise consuming smaller amounts of methanol over a long period of time are unknown, workers repeatedly exposed to methanol could experience adverse effects including headaches, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and optic nerve damage.
Wyoming Ethanol to Pay $49,000 for RMP and TRI Violations at Torrington Facility
EPA recently announced Wyoming Ethanol, LLC, located in Torrington, Wyoming, will pay $49,000 in penalties to settle claims related to the facility’s Risk Management Program and chemical reporting requirements. The alleged violations are associated with the use of hazardous chemicals and the failure to appropriately report chemicals used on site in violation of federal right-to-know laws.
“Companies that use chemicals and substances which pose a potential danger are responsible for reporting those chemicals to the Toxic Release Inventory and having a robust risk management program in place,” said Mike Gaydosh, director of EPA’s enforcement program in Denver. “Failure to do so places the environment, employees, and the nearby community at risk. We are encouraged that Wyoming Ethanol has been cooperative in correcting the violations and coming into compliance.”
The recent agreement stems from an EPA inspection conducted during May of 2012, which found deficiencies in the facility’s risk management plan required under the Clean Air Act. These plans ensure the proper management of toxic and/or flammable chemicals and to prevent and respond to releases of chemicals that may occur. Wyoming Ethanol’s Torrington facility is subject to the Risk Management Program regulations because it stores flammable or highly toxic chemicals above the regulatory threshold amount. By agreeing to the settlement, the company has certified that they are now in compliance.
Effective risk management plans help companies, industries, and municipalities operate responsibly, assists emergency responders by providing vital information necessary to address accidents and other incidents, protects the environment by preventing and minimizing damage from accidental releases, and keeps communities safer.
These inventory forms are required by the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
EPA’s action is expected to encourage compliance with EPCRA reporting requirements and to ensure that the community has information about chemicals being processed, manufactured, or otherwise used in the area. The required information also helps inform health studies based on the TRI database and assists federal, state, and local authorities prevent pollution and plan for potential releases.
Five Businesses Face Water Code Violation Penalties Totaling $292,299
The Executive Officer of the California Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) has issued a total of $292,299 in Administrative Civil Liability Complaints against five facilities in the Central Valley.
- Two of the complaints involve discharge of storm water at construction sites, which is regulated under the Construction Storm Water General Permit. The permit requires that best management practices be used to reduce pollution of storm water runoff from construction sites. Donahue Schriber Asset Management Corporation, which is developing the 36-acre Rocklin Commons shopping center in Placer County, faces a penalty of $51,550 for failure to install appropriate erosion and sediment control measures before the major rainstorm that began on November 28, 2012. The lack of erosion control measures led to the discharge of 300,000 gallons of sediment-filled stormwater to a large grassy field.
Although Water Board staff believes that high rainfall on November 30, 2012, resulted in turbid water discharging from the construction site into Sucker Ravine, staff could not determine if the water entered the ravine; therefore, the complaint does not include penalties for the off-site discharge of turbid storm water. Sucker Ravine is a tributary of the Sacramento River. The maximum potential liability for these violations is $90,000. However, final liability amount in the complaint is consistent with the statewide enforcement policy, which allows the Water Board to take into account the current economic conditions in California with respect to new commercial construction and development. - HBT of Saddle Ridge, which is developing the 38-acre Cascade Crossing subdivision in Lake of the Pines, Nevada County, faces a penalty of $124,557 for (a) failure to install appropriate erosion and sediment control measures prior to the rainstorm which began on November 28, 2012, and (b) the discharge of 231,000 gallons of sediment-laden storm water into Ragsdale Creek on November 30 and December 2, 2012. The lack of erosion control measures led to the discharge. Ragsdale Creek is a tributary of the Bear River. The maximum potential liability for these violations is $2.39 million. The smaller penalty in this complaint is consistent with statewide enforcement policy, which allows the Water Board to take into account current economic conditions in California with respect to new residential construction and development.
Two dischargers were penalized for failure to submit the 2012 Annual Monitoring Report required under the Industrial Storm Water General Permit. The General Permit requires that non-storm water discharges be eliminated; that storm water samples be collected and sampled; and, if necessary, that additional actions be taken to prevent contaminants from leaving the site in the storm water.
- Richard Skykora, owner and operator of the Red Ink Maid and Big Seam mines, in Placer County, faces a penalty of $4,450 for failure to submit the 2012 Annual Monitoring Report. Without the annual report, Water Board staff cannot determine whether Skykora complied with the General Permit. The mines are on a steep canyon overlooking a tributary to the Middle Fork of the American River.
- Toyautomart, an auto dismantling facility in Rancho Cordova, also faces a penalty of $4,450 for failure to submit the 2012 Annual Monitoring Report.
The City of Manteca faces a penalty of $87,492 for an unpermitted discharge to the San Joaquin River. The city is permitted to discharge highly treated effluent to the river, but on October 22, 2012, and again on November 30, 2012, the city lost electrical power to the ultra-violet disinfection portion of its treatment plant. The city discharged a total of 790,800 gallons of treated but un-disinfected wastewater to the river. The first discharge lasted 90 minutes and the second discharge lasted 60 minutes before the flows were diverted to holding ponds. The city has since fixed the electrical issues which led to the discharges.
Man Arrested for Alleged Illegal Dumping of Gasoline and Diesel
Recently, investigators within the Criminal Investigation Division of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality arrested an East Baton Rouge Parish man for the alleged illegal dumping of gasoline and diesel.
Leon Wallace, 56, of Zachary, is alleged to have dumped an unknown amount of diesel and gasoline at the Super Lucky Louie Casino at 1256 Hwy 190 in Port Allen, Louisiana.
Information received by DEQ-Criminal Investigation Division revealed that Wallace drove a tanker truck for ACM Transportation located in Denham Springs at the time of the incident. While loading gasoline and diesel on the night of January 25, 2013, Wallace allegedly mixed several hundred gallons of diesel with several thousand gallons of gasoline that was already being held in his tanker truck. Because of the error, Wallace then drove to the Super Lucky Louie Casino and discharged an unknown portion of the gasoline and diesel mixture at the rear of the facility.
“Any act of illegal dumping such as in this incident is a threat to the public’s health and our state’s natural resources,” said Peggy Hatch, DEQ Secretary. “DEQ will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who chooses to put human health at risk while polluting the environment through the illegal dumping of hazardous materials.”
If convicted of the crime of knowingly discharging a substance that endangers or that could endanger human life or health, Wallace faces possible imprisonment for not more than ten years with or without hard labor, or a fine of not more than $100,000, or both.
Minnesota to Phase Out Use of Triclosan
All state agencies will eliminate purchasing of hand soaps and dish and laundry cleaning products that contain triclosan by June of this year. Through Executive Order by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, state agencies are required to implement sustainability action plans to reduce pollution and toxics, increase energy efficiency, and conserve resources.
“By purchasing items without triclosan, state agencies are doing their part to keep this harmful chemical out of Minnesota waters,” Cathy Moeger, sustainability manager at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, said.
The state was able to use its collective buying power and developed contracts for hand soap and dish and laundry cleaning products that are triclosan-free. In some situations, uses of triclosan-containing products may be allowed in medical or other specific settings.
Triclosan, an endocrine-disrupting compound, is believed to contribute to antibiotic resistance and causes other health and environmental problems. It is an antimicrobial ingredient in products like hand soap, toothpaste, cleaning products, fabric, toys, kitchenware, and industrial pesticides. Recent University of Minnesota studies have found triclosan in lake sediment.
The Minnesota Department of Health, US Food and Drug Administration, and American Medical Association say there is no evidence that triclosan provides any benefit over washing with regular soap and water.
East Orange New Jersey Water Commission Fined $402,000 for Violating Water Quality Regulations
The Administrative Orders allege that the EOWC violated numerous state regulations regarding record keeping, accurate reporting of required water sampling, public notification of water quality violations, water quality remediation, and access by state inspectors to water system records and documents. EOWC also is alleged to have discharged water with elevated levels of a contaminant into the Passaic River.
“We have a high standard of accountability in this state when it comes to the safety and reliability of drinking water,’’ said Commissioner Martin. “It is imperative that water providers maintain and provide to us accurate records of water system operations. Any deviation from those standards is a violation of the public trust.
“Thankfully, independent tests by the DEP find the water quality for residents of East Orange and South Orange to be safe. We will continue to closely monitor this water supply.’’
Mansmann and Mowell were charged with conspiracy, official misconduct, unlawful release of a toxic pollutant, multiple counts of violating the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act, violating the New Jersey Water Pollution Control Act and tampering with public records or information.
The indictment stems from an investigation by the Environmental Crimes Unit of the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau, which resulted from a referral by the DEP’s Compliance & Enforcement Program. Mansmann and Mowell allegedly conspired to falsify mandatory testing of the EOWC’s water supply to hide elevated levels of the contaminant tetrachloroethylene (PERC), an industrial solvent used for dry cleaning and other purposes.
Prior to the indictment, the DEP had issued administrative orders to the EOWC for violating terms of water allocation permits and inhibiting access of DEP inspectors to commission documents, which prompted an order suspending Mowell’s license to operate a potable water system. That license suspension was pending an administrative hearing at the time of the indictment.
The EOWC supplies water to about 75,000 residents in East Orange and 17,000 customers in South Orange from 18 wells located in Millburn, Livingston and Florham Park. The water is pumped from well fields in eastern Morris and western Essex counties through a pumping station in Millburn to two reservoirs, from which water is distributed to customers. The utility blends water from its various wells at its treatment plant before water is distributed to customers.
The EOWC has encountered problems in several wells with elevated levels of PERC, which is commonly found in groundwater in urban areas.
The DEP’s Administrative Orders allege that water with an elevated content of PERC was pumped from a Florham Park well into the Passaic River, from March 24 to April 11, 2011.
DEP also alleges that EOWC:
- Failed to provide required timely notification of violations to customers, and that its late notification “gave the appearance’’ the system was complying with state rules.
- Failed to submit required remedial measures reports detailing actions to be taken to address the PERC violations.
- Submitted select water quality samples to the DEP that were supposed to be representative of water from its entire system but were taken when wells containing higher levels of PERC were not operating.
- Falsified records, misrepresenting the chain of custody and PERC sample results.
- Denied DEP inspectors legally required access to review EOWC’s pumping records.
- Failed to make required emergency notifications to the DEP during Hurricane Irene and a major 2011 snowstorm of system failures that jeopardized the integrity of the water supply.
The DEP has done independent testing of the East Orange water system. The results of the most recent samples in February show PERC levels below state acceptable standards of one part per billion, and far lower than the federal standards of five parts per billion. The DEP is continuing to monitor the water system.
New Member Approved for South Carolina Health and Environment Board
Charles M. Joye II has been appointed to the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control by Governor Nikki Haley and approved by the state Senate, the agency announced recently.
"We welcome Charles to the governance of our agency,” said Catherine Templeton, DHEC director. "Mr. Joye brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from the business community with him, and will be a valuable asset to ensure that DHEC is operating in the best interests of the state’s health and environment."
Joye is a graduate of Clemson University. He has been a practicing civil engineer for 40 years in South Carolina and is founder and CEO of Design South Professionals, Inc., in Anderson. He is an active member of the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers and the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina, chairman of the Salvation Army of Anderson County and a member of the Rotary Club of Anderson.
Joye began his term on February 28 and will be filling the term of the third Congressional District that expires June 30, 2015.
Agreement Jump Starts Investigation of Contamination in Blaine Harbor
Plans to investigate the extent of contamination in Blaine Harbor from past industrial work are moving forward with a legal agreement between the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and the Port of Bellingham.
The specific area of focus is the Westman Marine cleanup site in the southeastern portion of the Blaine Harbor industrial area. The site is located near the end of Marine Drive, off of McMillan Avenue. It includes land and water areas.
The industrial area has been used as a boat and shipyard since the 1940s. Investigations in 2001 by the port, which owns most of the property, found levels of tributylin and copper that do not meet state standards. Those investigations were limited to sediments near the surface of land, not deeper layers.
Not enough is known about the extent of contamination in the harbor. The port intends to redevelop the site in the future, which is why Ecology has entered into an agreement with the port to explore further.
The legal agreement requires the port to investigate contamination, analyze possible cleanup options, and develop a draft cleanup plan.
Ecology invites the public to review and comment on the proposed legal agreement between March 6 and April 5, 2013.
The agreement can be reviewed on Ecology’s Westman Marine web page, at the Bellingham Public Library, or Ecology offices in Bellingham and Bellevue.
During several site visits in the 1990s when Westman Marine leased the property, Ecology inspectors reported evidence of numerous minor spills on the ground. At the time, Westman Marine was listed as a small-quantity generator of hazardous material during its operations.
Contamination found at other historic boatyards throughout Puget Sound typically include heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Washington State Environmental Penalties for the 4th Quarter of 2012
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) issued $537,700 in penalties of $1,000 or more in the fourth quarter (October, November, December) of 2012.
Ecology issues individual news releases for penalties of $10,000 or greater. A particular penalty may be fully satisfied at this time or in the process of an appeal or settlement discussions.
Communities, families, and businesses depend on clean air, land, and water, and on reliable water supplies. Complying with our state’s and our nation’s laws helps assure this.
Ecology works with thousands of businesses and individuals to help them comply with these laws. Penalties are issued in cases where non-compliance continues after Ecology has provided technical assistance or warnings, or for particularly serious violations.
The money owed from penalties may be reduced from the issued amount due to a ruling by the Pollution Control Hearings Board or a negotiated settlement. Ecology doesn’t benefit from penalty payments. The final penalty amount owed and collected is deposited in special accounts that pay for:
- Environmental restoration and enhancement projects
- Research and development
- Permitting and regulatory programs
- Education and assistance
The most common accounts receiving collected penalties are:
- Coastal Protection (RCW 90.48.400 and RCW 90.48.390)
- Vessel Response (RCW 90.56.335)
- Underground Storage Tank (RCW 90.76.100)
- Air Pollution Control (RCW 70.94.015)
- Biosolids (RCW 70.95J.025)
- State Toxics Control (RCW 70.105D.070)
- Oil Spill Prevention (RCW 90.56.510)
- Reclamation (RCW 18.104.155 and RCW 89.16.020)
- Electronic Recycling (RCW 70.95N.130)
Radiator Shop Fined $40,000 for Dangerous Waste Violations
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has fined Performance Radiator of Tacoma $40,000 for ongoing state dangerous waste violations.
Ecology fined Performance Radiator, located at 2705 South Tacoma Way for not following standards for dangerous waste tanks, and for failing to clean up previous spills of dangerous waste.
Ecology levied the penalty after numerous attempts to get the business to comply with standards to prevent releases of dangerous waste.
In November 2010, Ecology discovered the company failed to adhere to dangerous waste regulations by allowing a toxic sludge-like material to accumulate on its floor and in a drain sump without removing it daily. This sludge-like material contained high levels of lead, copper, and zinc, all of which are toxic to the environment. Depending on their concentrations, lead, copper, and zinc also can threaten the health of people.
An engineering consultant hired by Performance Radiator also found the sump was leaking and recommended replacing it.
The company finally removed the sump a year later in October 2011, leaving a 3-foot by 3-foot hole in the floor. Soil samples revealed the damaged sump had contaminated the soil beneath the shop with the heavy metals. Ecology directed the company to take action, including soil sampling, to determine the extent of contamination and develop a plan to clean it up.
Following a June 2012 inspection, Ecology directed Performance Radiator to stop operating in the area where the hole was present until the concrete was restored. Ecology also instructed the company to finish the soil investigation and replace the sump.
Performance Radiator did not follow Ecology’s directives for fixing the hole in the floor to reduce risk of further contamination.
K Seiler, Ecology Hazardous Waste Program Manager, said: “Ecology prefers to work with a company to fix problems before issuing fines and orders. Performance Radiator’s inaction and lack of response to our many requests continues to risk additional contamination of their property.”
The radiator repair shop is located in the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District. It is also adjacent to Well 12A, an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site.
Tim Pavolka, General Manager of Performance Radiator, said the company is working to address the issue. “This area of concern was entirely under the footprint of our building, which is located in an old industrial area. We’ve removed about nine cubic yards of dirt.”
Performance Radiator may appeal the penalty to the Pollution Control Hearings Boards within 30 days.
New Biological Assessment Program Review Document Available Online
State and tribal water quality agencies face challenges to ensure that the best available science serves as the backbone of their monitoring and assessment programs. States and tribes can identify the technical capabilities and the limitations of their biological assessment programs and develop a plan to build on the program strengths and address the limitations. Biological assessment information is important to effectively and accurately answer water quality management questions about assessment of biological condition, protection of aquatic life, and tracking progress in restoration of degraded water bodies.
Oil Spill Readiness Plan Covering 1,600 Vessels Approved
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has given its final approval of the Washington State Maritime Cooperative’s (WSMC) umbrella oil spill readiness plan that covers more than 1,600 commercial vessels that transit Puget Sound and Grays Harbor.
WSMC’s oil spill readiness—or contingency—plan helps ensure that large commercial vessels can mount a rapid, aggressive and well coordinated response if they spill oil in state waters.
The plan identifies the location of different response equipment such as oil containment boom, skimming, and towing vessels and vacuum trucks in Puget Sound and Grays Harbor. It also identifies how the equipment will be mobilized by private response entities during a spill to minimize harm to important environmental, cultural, and economic resources.
WSMC’s plan enrolls nearly all large cargo and passenger ships, commercial fish-processing vessels as well as some oil tankers and fuel barges that make transits in the shared waters of Puget Sound—including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Haro and Rosario Straits—and Grays Harbor.
State law requires all large commercial ships and vessels, oil tankers, and tank barges have contingency plans to operate in Washington waters. Ecology reviews, approves, and works with regulated vessels and shipping companies to continuously test and improve these plans.
As part of its plan, the private spill response contractor NRC-Environmental Services recently stationed a state-of-the-art oil skimming system and oil storage barge at Neah Bay on WSMC’s behalf to quickly remove oil from the water’s surface if a spill were to occur in the vicinity. It is an important new addition to be permanently stationed at the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, one of the world’s business maritime shipping lanes.
In 2011, Elastec/American Marine, the company that developed the grooved disc skimmer, won a worldwide award for the new technology.
Ecology Spill Preparedness Manager Linda Pilkey-Jarvis said: “Every year, billions of gallons of oil are transported into and across Puget Sound and Grays Harbor waters. The WSMC plan helps safeguard our economy, cultural resources, and environment by assuring us spillers can quickly mount an effective response. This is a substantial achievement because we have vessels from around the world that transit our waters every day.”
Pilkey-Jarvis said WSMC’s umbrella spill contingency plan is “good for business and our environment. Individual operators can share costs with other operators to be covered under a single, large plan instead of maintaining their own plans. It’s an approach that helps keep our ports competitive.”
WSMC’s oil spill contingency plan is one of two large umbrella plans in use for Washington’s waters. The Maritime Fire and Safety Association provides spill coverage for 1,000 commercial vessels operating in the Columbia River.
Every year, about 20 billion gallons of oil are transported across Washington waters. Besides the umbrella organizations, Washington requires 28 oil refineries, large oil-handling facilities, liquid fuel pipeline, and oil tanker companies to have oil spill contingency plans.
New Jersey Air Compliance & Enforcement Training/Outreach Seminar
The New Jersey DEP is offering a one-day training that will provide information on multiple air pollution topics. The event will begin with a brief update on transformation efforts within the Air program. If you are interested in finding out what environmental information is readily available to you through the web you will not want to miss the presentation on the DEP’s Data Miner system. Additional web-based topics will include how to submit RADIUS and Emission Statements via the NJ Portal online system. Find out the applicability for Construction, Repair, and Maintenance (CRM) Notifications and how to report it to the Department. Dry Cleaner and Gas Station regulations/requirements will also be reviewed. In the afternoon we will be presenting case studies from Hurricane Sandy outreach efforts. The day will conclude with a question and answer session.
The free seminar will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 10, 2013, at the New Jersey Forensic Science Technology Center, 1200 Negron Drive, Hamilton, New Jersey.
Environmental News Links
Trivia Question of the Week
Which common water pollutant is believed to be harmful to newborn babies?
a: Nitrate
b. Insecticides
c. Chloroform
d. Ammonia
