New Exclusions for Solvent Recycling and Hazardous Secondary Materials

EPA’s new final rule on the definition of solid waste creates new opportunities for waste recycling outside the scope of the full hazardous waste regulations. This rule, which went into effect on July 13, 2015, streamlines the regulatory burden for wastes that are legitimately recycled.

The first of the two exclusions is an exclusion from the definition of solid waste for high-value solvents transferred from one manufacturer to another for the purpose of extending the useful life of the original solvent by keeping the materials in commerce to reproduce a commercial grade of the original solvent product.

The second, and more wide-reaching of the two exclusions, is a revision of the existing hazardous secondary material recycling exclusion. This exclusion allows you to recycle, or send off-site for recycling, virtually any hazardous secondary material. Provided you meet the terms of the exclusion, the material will no longer be hazardous waste.

Learn how to take advantage of these exclusions at Environmental Resource Center’s live webcast where you will learn:

• Which of your materials qualify under the new exclusions
• What qualifies as a hazardous secondary material
• Which solvents can be remanufactured, and which cannot
• What is a tolling agreement
• What is legitimate recycling
• Generator storage requirements
• What documentation you must maintain
• Requirements for off-site shipments
• Training and emergency planning requirements
• If it is acceptable for the recycler to be outside the US

 

EPA Issues New Industrial Stormwater General Permit

If you were permitted under the 2008 MSGP and need to obtain coverage under the new permit, you must submit your Notice of Intent (NOI)—in accordance with the 2015 MSGP’s updated NOI requirements—by September 2, 2015.

 

You will learn how to:

• Obtain a stormwater discharge permit
• Develop and implement an effective SWPPP
• Select and implement effective control measures (including best management practices)
• Develop and document inspection procedures
• Implement an effective monitoring and sampling plan
• Meet your permit’s training requirements
• Comply with reporting and recordkeeping requirements
• Certify no-exposure
• Comply with permit renewal requirements
• Terminate permit coverage

 

EPA’s Revises Underground Storage Tank Regulations

EPA has revised the Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations for all facilities—including those with emergency generator tanks. These are the first major revisions to the UST regulations since 1988.

The rules establish new requirements for the use of equipment to reduce releases to the environment, as well as detect releases should they occur.

You will learn:

• Existing UST regulations and requirements
• EPA’s approved leak detection methods
• New requirements for:
• Secondary containment for new and replaced tanks and piping
• Operator training
• UST system capability for biofuel blends
• Operation and maintenance for UST systems
• Removed deferrals for emergency generator tanks, airport hydrant systems, and field constructed tanks—making these tanks fully regulated
• Updating codes and practices

 

Nashville RCRA and DOT Training

 

Pittsburgh RCRA and DOT Training

 

Columbus RCRA and DOT Training

 

Zippo Manufacturing Fined $186,000 for Hazardous Waste Violations

 

 

 

According to EPA, Zippo did not submit annual toxic release reports for three chemicals—copper, nickel and chromium—for three years when the facility used or processed chemicals in reportable quantities.

The settlement penalty reflects the company’s compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA in the resolution of this matter. 

EPA Resources Can Improve Your School’s Environment

School environments play an important role in the health and academic success of children. 

EPA encourages states to implement policies to help establish a robust school environmental health program. States can use existing policies and standards or look for new or additional opportunities to protect children’s health. 

Would you like to establish an environmental health program at your school? These programs provide comprehensive strategies for preventing and addressing environmental health issues through well-maintained school buildings and grounds.

EPA also provides guidelines to help local school districts and community members evaluate environmental factors to make the best possible school-siting decisions. 

Protecting children’s health and advancing environmental justice are critical goals for EPA. EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment requires the Agency to pay special attention to the vulnerabilities of children, and seek continued progress in reducing their exposure to the environmental hazards they encounter in their daily lives.

Two Companies Fined for Hazardous Chemical Release Reporting Violations

Two Pacific Northwest companies have settled with the EPA after failing to report the release of extremely hazardous substances to federal, state, and local agencies in violation of federal laws designed to protect communities and first responders.

Goodrich Corporation, Washington:

 

EPA alleged that on October 6, 2014, Goodrich released 25.5 lb of hydrogen cyanide over a two-hour period. EPA alleges that Goodrich had knowledge of the release of hydrogen cyanide in quantities equal to or greater than 10 lb, the reportable quantity, but did not report the release for nearly six weeks. Hydrogen cyanide is a hazardous substance listed in 40 CFR 302.4 and must be reported if 10 lb or more is released. Hydrogen cyanide is highly flammable and soluble in water. It may form explosive mixtures with air and be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Hydrogen cyanide may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Initial odor may be irritating or foul and may deaden the sense of smell.

Partner’s Produce, Inc., Idaho:

 

EPA alleged that Partner’s Produce released approximately 378 lb of anhydrous ammonia on February 14, 2014, from its Payette, Idaho, facility. Anhydrous ammonia is a poisonous gas. Exposure to vapors can cause temporary blindness and eye damage, as well as irritation of the skin, mouth, throat, respiratory tract, and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure to anhydrous ammonia vapor at high concentrations can lead to serious lung damage and even death.

EPA also alleges that Partner’s Produce violated Section 312 of EPCRA for failing to file annual Tier II Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reports for anhydrous ammonia at its facility in Payette, Idaho. EPCRA Section 312 requires companies to file hazardous chemical inventory reports with the State Emergency Response Commission, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the local Fire Department each year by March 1st.

EPCRA helps communities plan for emergencies involving hazardous substances. EPCRA requires hazardous chemical emergency planning by federal, state and local governments, tribes, and industry. It also requires industry to report on the storage, use and releases of hazardous chemicals to federal, state, and local governments.

EPA Proposes Changes in Requirements for Certified Pesticide Applicators

 EPA's proposed changes would ensure the Federal certification program standards adequately protect applicators, the public, and the environment from risks associated with use of RUPs.

The proposed changes are intended to improve the competency of certified applicators of RUPs, increase protection for noncertified applicators of RUPs operating under the direct supervision of a certified applicator through enhanced pesticide safety training and standards for supervision of noncertified applicators, and establish a minimum age requirement for certified and noncertified applicators. In keeping with EPA's commitment to work more closely with Tribal governments to strengthen environmental protection in Indian country, certain changes are intended to provide more practical options for establishing certification programs in Indian country.

Bangor, Maine Ordered to Take Action to Address Wastewater and Stormwater Discharges

 

 

Sewer overflow discharges contain oxygen depleting organic material as well as human waste by-products, such as fecal coliform, and pharmaceuticals, all of which can cause environmental harm and degradation to the receiving water body and the natural ecosystem.

The Consent Decree is the result of a federal enforcement action brought jointly by the US Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, and the State of Maine.

 “The City has made considerable strides with respect to controlling its pollution discharges in the past, and we anticipate it will persist in its efforts in the future so as to improve the quality of life for Maine citizens.”

The Consent Decree imposes a schedule for the City to, among other things, institute operations and maintenance programs, conduct sewer system evaluations studies, construct capital improvement projects, and implement sewer system remedial measures and a more thorough program to eliminate stormwater contamination in the City’s storm drains.

If not properly controlled, municipal wastewater and stormwater can contaminate water bodies and present a significant health concern for people using those waters for recreational use and downstream drinking water systems.

 

City of Jerome, Idaho, to Pay $86,000 for Wastewater Permit Violations

Wastewater discharged into the Snake River, the J8 canal and other waters will be cleaner as a result of a recent settlement between the City of Jerome, Idaho, and the EPA. The City has agreed to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant to ensure the facility has the capacity to handle future discharges.

Between April 2010 and July 2011, numerous discharges from the treatment plant exceeded permit limitations for biological oxygen demands, total suspended solids, chlorine, fecal coliforms, e.coli, pH, phosphorous, and dissolved oxygen.

“Wastewater treatment plants can contribute large amounts of pollution to our waterways, so it’s critically important that the discharges are properly controlled and treated,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of EPA’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle. “This action will move us closer to our goal of removing the Snake River from the list of impaired water bodies and ensuring clean water for drinking, fishing, swimming and other activities for everyone in Idaho.”

 

To bring the wastewater discharges into compliance, the City of Jerome has constructed an emergency storage pond that can hold 21 million gallons of wastewater. The City will also make approximately $43 million in improvements to the wastewater treatment facility over the next six years. These upgrades will include adding two basins and increasing blower capacity in the membrane treatment area, adding a new sludge dewatering building, adding an additional aeration basin, pump station and blower building, new yard piping and increased biotower ventilation.

In addition, the City of Jerome will pay an $86,000 civil penalty to settle claims it was discharging wastewater in violation of its permits.

Penn State Predicts Climate Impacts, Recommends Readiness

 The report was authored by Dr. James Shortle with assistance from a multidisciplinary team of colleagues at Penn State.

The Pennsylvania Climate Change Act (PCCA) (Act 70), enacted by the General Assembly in 2008, directed Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct a study of the potential impacts of global climate change on Pennsylvania over the next century. This report is the second update to the original report published in 2009.

“The scientific data is clear: climate change is happening, and there will be impacts to Pennsylvania,” said Dr. James Shortle, lead author of the report. “The effects of climate change will be felt across all parts of Pennsylvania—agriculture, human health, water quality, energy, even outdoor recreation will be affected.”

The 2015 Climate Impacts Assessment report found that Pennsylvania has warmed 1?C (1.8?F) in the past 110 years, and will increase at an accelerated rate. By 2050, it is expected that Pennsylvania will be 3?C (5.4?F) warmer than it was in the year 2000. The report notes that by 2050, Philadelphia’s climate will be similar to current-day Richmond, Virginia, and Pittsburgh will be similar to current-day Washington, DC or Baltimore, Maryland.

“This report shows that climate change is reality and it will get worse, and it will affect key sectors of the economy, our health, and our quality of life,” said DEP Secretary John Quigley. “We must respond to this challenge, and do so in a way that strengthens Pennsylvania’s economy and improves the environment we live in. The entire state will experience the effects, and we must all take note of the consequences of our changing climate as detailed by Dr. Shortle and his colleagues.”

Some key takeaways from the report include:

• Climate change could worsen air quality: increasing pollen concentration, mold concentration, and ground-level ozone, causing longer allergy seasons, aggravating asthma, and increasing mortality among at-risk populations.
• Vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease could increase due to more favorable conditions for mosquitoes and deer ticks.
• Increased precipitation in many parts of the state could lead to higher flood risks and threaten safe drinking water supplies.
• Warmer temperatures will bring more favorable conditions for agricultural pests like weeds and insects.
• Severe storms—strengthened by warmer temperatures—could affect reliable electric service and threaten current electric infrastructure.
• Some changes will be positive: longer growing seasons and more tolerable temperatures for crops not currently grown in Pennsylvania offer new opportunities for farmers.

“I thank Dr. Shortle and his colleagues for their diligent and comprehensive efforts to provide the public and decision-makers with an understanding of the scientific and human impact of our changing climate,” Governor Tom Wolf said.

The Department will accept comments on the 2015 Climate Change Impacts Assessment Update through November 4, 2015. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. All comments, including comments submitted by electronic mail must include the originator’s name and address. 

New App Shows Projected Climate Impacts in California

An application that shows how climate change could alter ecosystems in the California desert and the natural range of birds, fish, and mammals was released recently by the California Energy Commission.

Both tools are populated with the results of 20 climate change models that can be added to, downloaded and combined to show how environmental variables—such as temperatures, precipitation, and aridity—are expected to shift as the climate changes.

“The Climate Console provides information that local, state, and federal agencies can customize and use to identify vulnerabilities, develop comprehensive and flexible plans and facilitate coordinated planning efforts,” said California Energy Commissioner Karen Douglas.

The Climate Console can support state agencies’ climate adaptation efforts that are an important companion to climate change mitigation goals established in Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s April Executive Order. That order called for a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, the most aggressive carbon reduction target in North America.

While it is impossible to predict how land, vegetation, species, and weather patterns will definitively respond to climate change, the Climate Console shows where models diverge and agree, and allows users to compare the results of different models to better understand the range of how climate change could play out. It allows users to delve into the underlying science and add their own data to customize outputs and answer specific questions.

“We can use the Climate Console to better design, compare and modify various strategies to improve our conservation planning efforts,” said Kevin Hunting, Chief Deputy Director of California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “This will help us refine our approach to better protecting California’s natural resources for future generations.”

 

The plan covers 22.5 million acres in seven counties—Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego—and will help provide protection of desert ecosystems while identifying the most appropriate areas for renewable energy development. The Console currently covers the DRECP region and is being expanded statewide.

California has other modeling tools that show expected climate change impacts. Cal-Adapt features interactive maps, charts, and user-friendly information that illustrate possible effects at the local level. 

New Jersey Superior Court Calls for ExxonMobil to Pay $225 Million

 

The landmark settlement, which underwent a 60-day public comment period before being approved by Superior Court Judge Michael J. Hogan, represents the single largest environmental settlement with a corporate defendant in state history and, following resolution of any appeals, ends more than a decade of aggressive and costly litigation and negotiations by the State spanning multiple administrations.

In approving the settlement, Judge Hogan stated unequivocally that the standards met by the settlement are fair, reasonable and in the public’s interest, and acknowledged the adversarial and hard-fought posture taken by the State in the negotiations on behalf of the public:

“After giving considerable time and thought to its task, for the reasons stated in this opinion, the court finds that the proposed consent judgment is fair, reasonable, in the public interest, and consistent with the goals of the Spill Compensation and Control Act (“Spill Act”)… It therefore approves the Consent Judgment.

“The State proceeded under two different Governors and numerous DEP Commissioners to attempt to settle this case for a guaranteed sum of money, rather than leaving it to the uncertainties of trial. For seven years, Exxon repeatedly responded to the State’s olive branches with only token offers. An aggressive trial strategy is often the only way to bring reluctant parties to the table, and the State employed this tactic with success. The February 2015 agreement was not made on a whim, but was the end product of lengthy negotiations and zealous advocacy at trial.”

The $225 million settlement, which also represents the second largest Natural Resources Damages payout from a single company in United States history, is separate and in addition to the hundreds of millions of dollars ExxonMobil has spent and its obligation to further spend for complete remediation of the contaminated Bayonne and Linden refinery sites, pursuant to Administrative Consent Orders (ACOs) previously entered into between the company and the DEP.

Under these ACOs, ExxonMobil must thoroughly investigate and fully remediate contamination at both facilities to standards defined in DEP regulations. ExxonMobil’s licensed site remediation professional is executing plans to clean up the contamination under the State’s supervision.

“This is an important settlement for the citizens of New Jersey and for our environment, one which came about because this administration aggressively pushed the case to trial,” said Acting Attorney General Hoffman. “Through this settlement, we have ensured the continuation of ExxonMobil’s cleanup obligation at these contaminated sites, and held the company financially accountable through a historic Natural Resource Damages settlement.”

“This decision is a victory for the people of New Jersey,” DEP Commissioner Martin said. “The settlement holds ExxonMobil accountable for contamination it caused in Bayonne and Linden and is six times greater than the previous largest NRD settlement in the state. We are pleased that the court looked at the long history of this litigation and made a careful and reasoned decision on the proposed settlement. We are also thankful for the tireless work put in by the Attorney General’s Office for this case over the past 11 years.”

Under the finalized settlement, the State and ExxonMobil have agreed to resolve ExxonMobil’s alleged liability to the DEP for natural resource damages resulting from discharges at its Bayway and Bayonne refineries. Additionally, the settlement preserves the State’s claims against ExxonMobil with respect to natural resource damages to the Arthur Kill, Newark Bay, and any other surface waters impacted by ExxonMobil’s operations.

The settlement also preserves the State’s claims against ExxonMobil relating to the Lail facility, which requires further investigation as to the impact of ExxonMobil’s operations on natural resources. The settlement also addresses some pending and potential NRD claims involving a company refinery operation in Paulsboro.

In addition, the settlement resolves the State’s relatively minor NRD claims pertaining to 16 additional facilities and ExxonMobil’s retail service stations, but preserves all NRD claims relating to the discharge of MTBE at those stations. The DEP will continue to vigorously litigate in federal court the State’s substantial NRD claims relating to the discharge of MTBE at the company’s retail service stations located throughout New Jersey.

ExxonMobil remains responsible for cleaning up all ExxonMobil sites in the State of New Jersey, including the 16 other facilities and the retail service stations subject to the settlement.

The settlement comes in addition to obligations and cleanup activity already taking place under the Administrative Consent Order reached in 1991.

The State filed its lawsuit against ExxonMobil in 2004. In September 2008, a Superior Court Judge ruled that ExxonMobil was liable for causing a public nuisance by polluting the waterways, wetlands, and marshes on and near its former refinery sites in Bayonne and Linden.

In ruling on part of a natural resource damages lawsuit filed on behalf of the DEP, the judge found that ExxonMobil had contaminated both sites through active disposal and accidental spilling of hazardous substances. The final settlement announced recently eliminates Exxon’s ability to appeal those determinations

Prior to Judge Hogan’s decision, the State fielded comments from the public for 60 days regarding the proposed settlement. 

Three Natural Gas Exploration Companies Fined for Methane Releases

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced it has finalized penalty agreements with three natural gas exploration companies for methane gas migration violations that impacted private drinking water wells in Bradford, Lycoming, and Tioga counties.

“These were complex and lengthy investigations that took a considerable amount of time to resolve, but the department was able to conclusively determine that methane gas from natural gas wells had migrated off-site and impacted private wells serving homes and hunting clubs,” said DEP Director of District Oil and Gas Operations John Ryder.

The penalties included Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC, $193,135 for the Rockwell Road migration in Leroy Township, Bradford County; XTO Energy, Inc., $95,753 for the German Run migration in Franklin and Moreland townships, Lycoming County; and SWEPI LP, $85,593 for the French Lick Run migration in Union Township, Tioga County.

Chesapeake details:

• Initial notification from Chesapeake on May 19, 2012
• Four private water wells impacted
• Surface expressions of methane in 14 locations within the Towanda Creek watershed
• Caused by casing issues at Chesapeake’s Morse gas well

XTO Energy details:

• Initial citizen complaint on May 17, 2011
• Seven private water wells impacted
• Surface expressions of methane in Little Muncy Creek and German Run
• Caused by casing and cementing issues at XTO’s Moser and Tome gas wells

SWEPI LP details:

• Initial notification from SWEPI on June 17, 2012
• Two hunting club water wells impacted
• Surface expressions of methane in French Lick Run
• Pressurized surface expression discharging water 40 feet into the air through a shallow conduit
• Caused by communication between an old abandoned gas well and one or more of SWEPI’s gas wells on its Cochran, Guindon, and/or Yaggie well pads

All of the impacted water wells were permanently replaced, had treatment systems installed by the responsible company, or have returned to background conditions. In addition, remedial work on the defective wells was properly completed as required by the department’s regulations

All three cases included violations of the 2012 Oil and Gas Act, Clean Streams Law, and DEP’s Chapter 78 regulations. The penalties have been paid.

Illinois EPA Director Seals Advanced Asymmetrics Property Due to Environmental Hazards from Abandoned Chemicals

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett has issued an order to seal the property identified as Advanced Asymmetrics, Inc., located at 109 South Kossuth, in Millstadt, from public access due to health and safety concerns from chemicals remaining in the abandoned laboratory.

The Seal Order restricts public access to the site, and prohibits entry by anyone except authorized personnel in the performance of official duties. Those entering the site must also comply with applicable OSHA regulations.

 The Illinois EPA has asked that US EPA become the lead agency to oversee the proper removal of the remaining chemicals and dismantling of the remaining portions of the laboratory.

Advanced Asymmetrics, Inc., and its President, Lawrence D. Rutledge, abandoned the facility. Utilities to the building were disconnected in 2012. The facility is bordered by residential homes and a senior living facility.

The Illinois EPA inspected the site on August 14 and discovered that the facility had several unlocked doors and broken windows with missing glass. Inspectors could detect an odor from the outside of the building and took precaution by wearing Level B protection with self-containing breathing apparatus prior to entering the premises. Upon entering the building, inspectors found analytical equipment, labeled and unlabeled chemical bottles, and broken bottles on the floor.  Thousands of containers ranging from a few milliliters to 55-gallon drums were discovered during the inspection.

The abandoned laboratory poses an increased danger to the public due to the quantity of known and unknown chemicals that were found to be unsecured on the property. The Illinois EPA believes that the site poses an immediate health threat to anyone entering the site. The Seal Order will remain in effect until rescinded by Director Bonnett.

Former Saltwater Disposal Well Operator Indicted in North Dakota on Multiple Felony Charges

Jason A. Halek, 41, of Southlake, Texas, was indicted in federal court in Bismarck, North Dakota, on 13 felony charges stemming from the operation of a saltwater disposal well near Dickinson, in Stark County, North Dakota, the Justice Department announced.

Halek was charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Safe Drinking Water Act and defraud the United States. He was also charged with four counts of violating the Safe Drinking Water Act, four counts of making false statements, and four counts of obstructing grand jury proceedings.

The well, named the Halek 5-22, received “produced water” constituting “brine and other wastes” commonly and generically referred to as “saltwater.” “Saltwater” in this context covers a wide array of drilling waste fluids, including hydraulic fracturing fluid, which is water combined with chemical additives such as biocides, polymers, and “weak acids.” The EPA has stressed that this water is often saltier than seawater and can “contain toxic metals and radioactive substances.”

Previously, on September 26, 2014, Nathan Garber pleaded guilty to multiple felony counts relating to the well.

“Our nation’s energy independence and security is enhanced by the safe, responsible, and lawful extraction of domestic energy, but it is undermined when laws are abused in a race to profit,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The American people expect nothing less than legal behavior from those involved in oil and gas development and the Justice Department will vigorously prosecute those who do not honor this obligation.”

“Oil and gas production must be safe and legal every step of the way, including the treatment and disposal of drilling byproducts,” said Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “People who deliberately violate rules that protect drinking water from contamination put communities at risk. These charges show that EPA takes this very seriously and will hold violators accountable.”

According to the indictment, Halek conspired with others, including Garber, in a number of coordinated and illegal acts, including injecting saltwater into the well without first having the state of North Dakota witness a test of the well’s integrity and continuing to inject saltwater after failing a February 2, 2012, pressure test. Halek is also charged under the Safe Drinking Water Act with injecting fluids down the “annulus” or “backside” of the well in violation of the well’s permit which required that fluids be injected through the tubing.

Further, Halek is charged with telling Garber to move a device called a “packer” up the wellbore in violation of the well’s permit, without first getting approval from the state. Then, Garber allegedly gave false information to a state inspector regarding the depth of the packer.

Halek is charged with making multiple false statements to the state of North Dakota, including false statements about the depth of the packer. In addition, Halek is charged with obstructing and impeding a grand jury investigation into the matter, by withholding responsive documents and making false statements.

The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. Significant cooperation was provided by the North Dakota Industrial Commission. The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota and the Environmental Crimes Section of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Piini Realty Inc. Required to Remove Lead-Based Paint from Rental Properties

. As part of the settlement, windows, doors, and kitchen cabinets that contain lead-based paint will be removed at various apartments managed by the firm. Any replacement windows will be Energy Star qualified.

“To protect families from lead poisoning, it is crucial for property managers and landlords to provide tenants information concerning the known or potential presence of lead-based paint hazards,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Lead-based paint is still the main source of lead exposure for children, which can cause learning disabilities and behavior problems.”

Under the settlement, the firm is required to pay a $4,250 penalty and must spend a minimum of $38,255 removing lead-based paint at its properties. If lead-based paint is allowed to deteriorate, it could pose a hazard to tenants. The project must be completed within 18 months and every six months Piini Realty must report back to EPA on its progress. All work must be executed by individuals and companies certified to perform such work in accordance with federal and state law.

An EPA inspection found that the firm did not provide tenants with information about the potential presence of lead-based paint before leasing several properties in Salinas. 

The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Federal law requires that persons and entities that sell or rent housing built before 1978, such as the units managed by Piini Realty involved in this case, provide lead hazard information to buyers or tenants. In addition, contractors who work on such housing or child-occupied facilities must be certified by EPA if they perform significant renovation, repair, or painting.

Because such effects may not be immediately apparent in young children, testing is recommended to identify lead poisoning and take action to prevent further harm.

Argonne National Laboratory Wins EPA Federal Green Challenge Award

The Challenge encourages federal agencies throughout the nation to lead by example by conserving energy and resources, cutting waste, reducing pollution, and saving money.

Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois won the award in three separate categories for the following achievements:

• Increasing composting by 115% through an on-site composting program for landscape materials and organic food scrap
• Using 63% more computers and other electronics with energy-efficient features
• Using 91%fewer traditional internal combustion engine vehicles by replacing them with hybrid, bio-diesel, and electric vehicles

In 2014, Federal Green Challenge participants nationwide saved taxpayers over $24 million by diverting over 390,000 tons of solid waste from landfills, saving nearly 80 million gallons of water, sending 450 tons old electronics to third-party certified recyclers and cutting the use of office paper by 15,000 lb.

2015 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Given Out in Maine

Governor Paul LePage and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2015 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The awards, which are administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, recognize businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public entities for their extraordinary efforts to protect and improve Maine’s environment. “Maine DEP is pleased to celebrate and spotlight this year’s winners, who serve as a model we can all learn from for new, innovative ways to shift our culture toward sustainability while investing in infrastructure and creating good jobs,” said Maine DEP Commissioner Patricia Aho.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is committed to improving our State’s regulatory climate and to creating a stronger culture of cooperation between government and Maine people and businesses. The 2015 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for a small business is awarded this year to Paris Autobarn, LLC. Paris Autobarn strives to use the most sustainable practices currently available to the automotive service industry by looking for new and innovative ways to protect the environment. With over 950 automotive shops operating in Maine, Paris Autobarn’s innovative practices serve as a model for others within their industry, and Paris Autobarn will inspire other organizations across the state to incorporate eco-friendly initiatives.

Maine DEP recognizes organizations that solve environmental challenges through constructive and creative solutions that go beyond standard techniques or regulatory compliance requirements. The 2015 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for a medium business is awarded to INCON. INCON designs and manufactures electronic monitoring products for the electric utility market. INCON engineers in Saco, Maine, created and are patenting the first and only effective monitoring system for circuit breakers that detects leaks of Sulfur-Hexa-Flouride (SF6). SF6 is the ideal lightweight electrical insulator and it is used in large circuit breakers throughout the world. SF6 is the most potent of all GHGs. One pound of SF6 is the equivalent of 23,000 lb of CO₂ (the equivalent of what two cars would emit in over one year), and it has a life of 3200 years. INCON engineers have designed a monitor that detects leaks of SF6 far earlier than any existing systems, because of this innovation a leak can be limited to a few ounces compared with 20 lb or more. INCON’S innovation will protect the environment not only in the US, but also on a global scale while investing in infrastructure and creating high tech jobs in Maine.

Innovative environmental solutions often cannot take place without the existence of high tech businesses and their facilities. Prior to 2014, Maine communities were struggling to develop pharmaceutical take back programs due to the exorbitant cost of disposing of pharmaceuticals out of state. Inappropriate disposal of unused pharmaceuticals creates risks to society. Environmental impacts from flushing these substances into our sewer systems or putting them into the trash affects our groundwater. Maine DEP approached Ecomaine to collaborate in investigating the feasibility of destroying unused pharmaceuticals safely at the Ecomaine state of the art air waste disposal combustor unit in Portland, Maine. With oversight from Maine DEP, Ecomaine undertook two test burns combusting unused pharmaceuticals, and test results demonstrated complete destruction with emission levels at or below ambient air levels. The 2015 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for a large business is awarded to Ecomaine and their public sector partners the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Counter Drug Task Forum (CDTF) members, Maine Sheriffs’ Association, and the Cumberland County and York County Sheriffs’ Offices.

The 2015 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for a Community, Public Sector, or Nonprofit category recognizes a project born from innovation and collaboration that has resulted in measurable environmental and economic benefits. The Presque Isle Landfill Design and Build Project is a collaborative team project consisting of CES, Sargent Corporation, the City of Presque Isle, and a small group from DEP led by David Burns. The landfill project utilized a design build method, which is a contracting and construction delivery method more common in the building industry but very unique in the solid waste field. This new innovative approach method incorporates a single point of responsibility which reduces costs and overruns, and creates a collaborative team effort. This approach saved over $900,000 from the original estimate and reduced local and State tax dollars. The permanent technology installed is an environmentally progressive solution covering over 9 acres of solid waste to minimize surface infiltration, and reduce leachate by 1 million gallons per year from entering an aging leachate collection and drainage system. Landfill gas collection was also improved with the addition of a surficial gas collection system and the City continues to voluntarily operate their active gas collection system to reduce their emissions. This design would lend itself to replication by many of the other municipal landfills in need of cover throughout the state, and has the potential to save taxpayers millions of dollars.

In the coming weeks, Commissioner Aho, Deputy Commissioner Parent and Senior staff from Maine DEP will be making site visits to the honorees at their establishment to make the award presentations.

Environmental News Links

 

Trivia Question of the Week

 

How much fresh water is found in the ground?

 

a) 10%

b) 30%

c) 50%

d) 70%