The rule requires contractors and construction professionals that work in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities to follow lead-safe work practice standards in places children frequent to reduce potential exposure to dangerous levels of lead.
This rule establishes requirements for training renovators, other renovation workers, and dust sampling technicians; for certifying renovators, dust sampling technicians, and renovation firms; for accrediting providers of renovation and dust sampling technician training; for renovation work practices; and for recordkeeping.
Senators Aim to Make Climate Change Law Deficit Neutral
Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT), and John Warner (R-VA) unveiled legislative language that, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), ensures that the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act (S.2191) will impose no cost on the federal government.
In a letter to the Congressional Budget Office, the three Senators have committed to including the new language in S.2191 when the bill is brought up in the full Senate for debate this June. Last December, the Climate Security Act cleared the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which Senator Boxer chairs.
In essence, funds will be set aside to ensure that the bill is deficit neutral. "The CBO's recognition that our bill as amended will be deficit-neutral is an enormous breakthrough,” Senator Boxer said, “At the end of the day, this bill will be a boon to the economy."
"Our intent has always been that this climate legislation will impose no burden on the federal budget,” Senator Lieberman said. “This amendment and the Budget Office's statement confirm that we will achieve that intent."
New Report on Pollution Reduction Costs of U.S. Manufacturers
The U.S. manufacturing sector spent $5.9 billion on capital expenditures and $20.7 billion on operating costs for pollution prevention and treatment in 2005. These figures represent less than 5% of total new capital expenditures and less than 1% of total revenue for the sector, respectively.
The estimates, which to EPA's knowledge are the most comprehensive publicly available, were reported in a U.S. Census report, "Pollution Abatement Costs and Expenditures (PACE): 2005." This is the first year of data since EPA, in consultation with the U.S. Census, began a multiyear effort to evaluate the quality of the survey instrument and the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. As a result, an improved survey was developed by EPA and administered by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2006 to collect the 2005 expenditure data.
The report provides additional details on pollution abatement expenditures, categorized by type of pollution media and abatement activity by industry and state. The reported costs include capital and operating costs for treatment/capture, prevention, recycling, and disposal, as well as depreciation of pollution abatement equipment.
Texas Construction Storm Water General Permit Deadline Approaches
Current holders of expired permits have 90 days from the effective date in which to submit a new Notice of Intent (NOI). Significant changes to the general permit include:
- Permit-fee restructuring that eliminates the annual fee
- Fee and provisional coverage time line incentives for electronic submittal
- An update on the definition of construction site operator
- Revision of the effective date for provisional authorization to seven days when submitting a paper NOI (NOIs submitted electronically receive immediate authorization)
- A flow chart as a tool to determine what coverage, if any, is required
ConocoPhillips Pays $1.2 Million to Settle Clean Water Act Violations
ConocoPhillips, an international energy company, has agreed to pay a $1.2 million civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) related to more than 2,000 effluent discharges from a petroleum refinery it operates in Borger, Texas, announced the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A complaint, filed simultaneously with the consent decree, alleges that ConocoPhillips violated the effluent limits of its CWA permit on more than 2,000 occasions between 1999 and 2006. Facility discharges involved two types of water pollutants—selenium and whole effluent toxicity. Effluent is wastewater and other byproduct that is discharged from refining and other industrial facilities. Whole effluent toxicity refers to the aggregate toxic effect to aquatic organisms from all pollutants contained in a facility's wastewater.
The CWA prohibits the discharge of any pollutant to waters within U.S. jurisdiction, unless the discharge is authorized by a Clean Water Act permit. After the United States took enforcement action, ConocoPhillips brought the refinery into compliance with its CWA permit limits for both of these pollutants.
The agreement, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, requires the company to monitor surrounding waters for selenium levels, including Dixon Creek and the Canadian River, as well as for accumulation of selenium in fish tissue. It also requires ConocoPhillips to maintain the controls that it has already put into place to minimize its selenium discharges and to correct whole effluent toxicity violations. Additionally, ConocoPhillips will perform a Supplemental Environmental Project, estimated to cost approximately $600,000, which will reduce the amount of solids discharged into local waterways during storm events.
“We are pleased that ConocoPhillips has taken steps to resolve these Clean Water Act violations,” said Ronald J. Tenpas, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources. “This settlement will maintain the Borger refinery’s compliance and provides for an appropriate civil penalty as well as a beneficial Supplemental Environmental Project that will improve water quality.”
“It is imperative that business and industry do their part to minimize the possible harm their operations may cause to our environment,” EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said. “EPA will continue to encourage environmental stewardship and vigorously enforce our laws to ensure our waters are protected for current and future generations.”
The settlement is also signed by WRB Refining, the current owner of the ConocoPhillips-operated refinery.
Alaskan Seafood Processor Fined More Than $54,000 for CWA Violations
Leader Creek Fisheries, LLC (Leader Creek), an Alaskan seafood processor located in Naknek has agreed to pay a $54,061 penalty to settle alleged federal Clean Water Act (CWA) violations.
Based on an inspection of Leader Creek on June 24, 2003, and a follow-up inspection on July 7, 2006, EPA and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) found that Leader Creek was not in compliance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
Leader Creek’s grinder broke in early July 2006. During that time, Leader Creek had the following NPDES violations:
- Failed to grind its seafood waste to ½” or smaller before discharging
- Failed to have a backup grinder or spare parts
- Failed to report the broken grinder
EPA also alleged that Leader Creek:
- Failed to submit an annual report
- Failed to perform daily inspections of its operations and the surface and shoreline to ensure that the facility was operating correctly
- Exceeded allowable discharge amounts
According to Kim Ogle, NPDES Compliance Manager, it is extremely important for seafood processors like Leader Creek to continuously monitor their facility operations.
“Processors need to make sure that they have the necessary spare parts on hand to fix problems with their pollution control equipment,” Ogle said. “Such proactive measures protect the environment and cost processors less in the long run because they will not have to choose between suspending operations and processing out of compliance with their permit.”
The NPDES permit program, a key part of the federal CWA, controls water pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants to U.S. waters.
Arizona Asbestos Awareness Seminars Under ADEQ’s Route 66 Asbestos Initiative
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Director Steve Owens announced that the agency is launching a series of Asbestos Awareness Seminars to help demolition and renovation contractors and small communities comply with asbestos regulations. So far, three seminars are scheduled, in partnership with the Arizona chapter of the Environmental Information Association:
- April 18, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Holbrook Library, 403 Park St., Holbrook
- June 13, Sedona/Cottonwood, location to be determined
- August 15, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., City of Kingman Council Chambers, 310 N. 4th St., Kingman
These seminars are free but registration is required. Registration for the seminar in Holbrook is required on or before April 14. For additional information, please visit www.eia-az.org or contact ADEQ at ecm@azdeq.gov.
Director Owens launched the Route 66 Asbestos Initiative last October to address potential asbestos problems in small communities throughout Arizona and ensure that asbestos-containing material is handled and disposed of properly.
“Many small communities across the state have older buildings they want to preserve, renovate, or even demolish that contain asbestos,” Owens said. “If asbestos is not handled properly during a renovation or demolition, it can present a huge risk to public health, as well as cause the site to become contaminated. Through the Route 66 Initiative, we are providing technical assistance to communities to ensure that asbestos is dealt with safely and properly and, if there is contamination, find ways to help the community clean up the site.”
Owens noted that as part of the asbestos initiative, ADEQ has designated an outreach specialist in its air-quality division to provide technical assistance, outreach, and asbestos education to rural communities. “We want local officials to contact us if they have any questions about potential asbestos problems in their communities,” Owens said. “We also want them to alert us about any improper demolition or renovation activities that can present a risk of asbestos exposure to people.”
The seminars are designed for contractors but are open to anyone seeking information about compliance with the asbestos regulations.
EPA Announces Changes in IRIS Process
Announced by the EPA Office of Research and Development, the revisions to the Integrated Risk Information System () process for developing chemical assessments will include an expanded process for recommending a substance be assessed; the earlier involvement of other agencies and the public; hosting “listening sessions” to allow for the broader participation and engagement of interested parties; and an even more rigorous scientific peer review of IRIS assessments.
“I am confident that these improvements will help our high-quality risk assessment process become even more accessible to the scientific community,” said Dr. George Gray, assistant administrator of the Office of Research and Development. “We recognize that people outside of EPA use this system and have significant knowledge and expertise to offer. Today’s improvements to the IRIS process will ensure that we continue to have assessments of the highest quality and a process that’s easy to understand and participate in.”
These revisions build upon recent steps that have already been taken to improve the IRIS website navigation and organization. Those enhancements provide easier to understand background information, including the history of IRIS and the IRIS review process, and create a quick one-step access to the major parts of the database (the quickviews, the summaries, the toxicological reviews, and the tracking database). EPA has also, for the first time, initiated a “data call in” for information to support its literature review of a chemical and is seeking public comment on this review.
Together, these upgrades to the IRIS process will help create a more predictable, streamlined, and transparent process for conducting IRIS assessments. A major goal is to define the important role that public and interagency comments and interactions play in the process, and to foster greater communication and sharing of relevant scientific information between experts, interested parties, and EPA. Reforming the IRIS process has been an important goal of EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, as reflected in his Action Plan.
IRIS provides human health risk information describing the potential adverse health effects that may result from exposure to more than 540 environmental contaminants. IRIS includes descriptions of hazard identification and dose-response information, quantitative risk estimates for chronic non-cancer and cancer effects, and access to searchable scientific documentation.
"In my judgment, these changes to the EPA's risk assessment program are devastating,” said U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “They put politics before science by letting the White House and federal polluters derail EPA's scientific assessment of toxic chemicals. In the near future, the Government Accountability Office will be issuing a study that I requested, which addresses these issues, and we anticipate an oversight hearing on the EPA's toxics program shortly."
“The policy gives federal agencies, such as the Department of Defense (DOD), which is a major polluter, a privileged seat at the table to determine which chemicals get assessed and how those assessments are conducted. It also formalizes a new process to be run by the White House that would take place behind closed doors due to the administration's refusal to make federal agency comments public. Federal, state and international agencies use assessments to create public health protections, including drinking water standards, toxic waste cleanup levels, air pollution limits, controls on dangerous chemicals in food and consumer products, worker protections and other safeguards.”
Connecticut DEP Seeks Order Stopping Harmful Emissions by Industrial Laundry
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy won a temporary injunction against an industrial laundry facility that has illegally emitted toxic substances threatening public health.
G&K Services Co. operates an industrial laundry facility at 15 Boyden St., Waterbury, where it launders, among other things, soiled shop towels and print towels contaminated with various solvents, oils, and greases that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Located within close proximity to residential homes, G&K's emissions created a nuisance odor, prompting complaints from neighbors. The emissions—some carcinogenic and neurotoxic—can be irritating and damaging to lungs, eyes, and skin.
Under the order, the company must shut down their shop and print rag washer and dryers, beginning Wednesday, April 16, at noon, until a permanent injunction is ordered or corrective action is taken. "G&K is airing its dirty laundry—fouling our air with toxic industrial laundry emissions that illegally and dangerously threaten public health. Today's court order will block G&K's potentially harmful and illegal emissions,” Blumenthal said. “G&K disregarded several anti-pollution measures required under its state permits—measures intended to protect nearby neighbors from emissions that can irritate and damage eyes, skin, and lungs. Callous and careless defiance of state pollution limits is completely unacceptable."
"DEP's investigation of the business practices of G&K Services offers a vivid reminder of the importance of environmental laws and the need to enforce them,” Commissioner McCarthy said. “In response to complaints of strong odors from people living near G&K, our inspectors found serious violations of regulations governing emissions into the air and the handling and storage of materials classified as hazardous waste. This kind of behavior has put workers, the community, and the environment at risk and is inexcusable and unacceptable in 21st century Connecticut."
In violation of its DEP permits and state regulations, G&K allegedly failed to install proper air pollution control equipment or obtain a new source review (NSR) permit for the construction and operation of its industrial dryers, which are considered a stationary source of air pollution.
G&K's industrial dryers have the potential to emit more than 50 tons of VOCs annually. According to a state toxicologist, this type of facility, if properly controlled, may be allowed to release small amounts of these chemicals that when mixed with outdoor air at proper height, will not lead to a public health risk. Uncontrolled emissions—as G&K operated—poses a significant public health threat, particularly to the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions, a state toxicologist said in an affidavit.
2008 Michigan Environmental Compliance Conference
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be hosting its 2008 Environmental Compliance Conference on June 5 in Boyne Falls, June 12 in Kalamazoo, and June 17 in Livonia. Conference attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of Michigan's environmental regulations straight from DEQ staff. Whether new to the environmental field or an experienced veteran, the Michigan Environmental Compliance Conference has something to offer everyone.
Conference highlights include:
- Four concurrent tracks with more than 20 sessions on waste management, water and wastewater management, facility construction or expansion, environmental emergencies, and other issues.
- Release of the 5th Edition of the “Michigan Manufacturers' Guide to Environmental, Health, and Safety Regulations,” a plain-English guide explaining environmental, health, and safety regulations that affect businesses in Michigan.
- An expert exhibit area providing one-on-one assistance with agency representatives.
This conference is designed for those responsible for ensuring that their company, municipality, or institution is in compliance with Michigan's environmental regulations. Environmental consultants, state and local officials, and anyone else interested in learning about the regulations and how to comply are also welcome.
The conference registration fee of $100 includes refreshments, lunch, and workshop materials.
New ENERGY STAR® Criteria for Water Heaters
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced new ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters, the first in the history of the program. According to DOE projections, by the end of the fifth year in effect, the new water heater criteria are expected to save Americans approximately $780 million in utility costs, avoid 4.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and achieve cumulative energy savings of more than 3.9 billion kilowatt-hours and 270 million therms of natural gas. Water heating currently represents up to 17% of national residential energy consumption, making it the third largest energy user in homes, behind heating and cooling and kitchen appliances.
“The ENERGY STAR program empowers consumers to make smart energy choices that will save money and energy, and reduce our carbon footprint,” DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Andy Karsner said. “Expansion of the ENERGY STAR program to include water heaters will give Americans yet another way to more efficiently use energy in their homes and, in the interest of increasing energy security and addressing climate change, help further the President’s goal of fundamentally changing the way this nation uses power.”
For the first time, the following five categories of residential water heaters will be eligible for an ENERGY STAR label: high-performance gas storage, whole-home gas tankless, advanced drop-in or integrated heat pump, solar, and gas condensing.
The new criteria for high-efficiency and high-performance gas storage water heaters will take effect in two phases. The first phase goes into effect Jan. 1, 2009, and requires gas storage water heaters to have a minimum Energy Factor (EF) of 0.62—or they must be 6.9% more efficient than the federal standard. Energy Factor is a measurement of relative energy efficiency for a water heater; the higher the Energy Factor, the more energy efficient the water heater. A 50-gallon high-performance gas storage water heater that meets the new ENERGY STAR criteria, for example, is estimated to yield annual savings of 7.3% and save $26 using the national average gas rate. Effective Sept. 1, 2010, phase two requires the EF to increase to 0.67—or 15.5% more efficient than the Federal Standard, resulting in annual savings of 14% and $51 for a single high-performance gas storage water heater.
Taking effect Jan. 1, 2009, whole-home gas tankless water heaters that carry the ENERGY STAR label must have a minimum EF of 0.82, minimum gallons-per-minute flow of 2.5 at a 77 F rise, or be 41.4% more efficient than the current Federal standard. A whole-home gas tankless water heater with a 0.82 EF is expected to achieve a 30% reduction in energy use and save a consumer approximately $108 in annual energy costs compared to a typical gas storage water heater.
ENERGY STAR criteria for residential drop-in or integrated heat pump water heaters require a minimum EF of 2.0 or must be 121.2% more efficient than the Federal standard and a minimum First-Hour Rating requirement of 50-gallons per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2009. Under these criteria, a heat pump water heater is expected to save consumers nearly 55% in energy use and yield annual energy savings of approximately $277 compared with a typical electric-resistance water heater.
Effective Jan. 1, 2009, solar water heaters must have at a minimum Solar Fraction of 0.50 and OG-300 certification from the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) in order to carry the ENERGY STAR label. The SRCC is a third-party organization that rates solar water heater systems. By earning the OG-300 rating, solar water heaters have met certain performance, durability, reliability, and safety requirements set by the SRCC. An OG-300 certified solar water heater with a 0.50 Solar Fraction and a 50-gallon electric storage auxiliary water heater would achieve a Solar Energy Factor of 1.8, saving 50% in energy use and annual savings of $180, compared with a typical electric storage water heater.
To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, residential gas-condensing water heaters must have an EF of 0.80, which is 37.9% more efficient than the Federal standard, and a minimum First-Hour Rating of 67-gallons per hour. Under these criteria, a 50-gallon water heater would save nearly 30% in energy consumption and result in $102 in annual energy savings compared with the conventional typical gas storage water heater.
ENERGY STAR is a joint U.S. Department of Energy–U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program, formed in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership that seeks to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. DOE and EPA work to offer businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy and money, while also helping to protect our environment. More than 9,000 organizations have joined ENERGY STAR as partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, and businesses. The ENERGY STAR label appears on more than 40 types of consumer products.
$11,500 in Penalties for Delayed Report of Fuel Spill
Pottle's Transportation, Inc., a Maine-based transportation company, recently entered into a consent order with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for failing to notify the agency of a diesel fuel release along Route 20 westbound from Auburn to Charlton, Mass. Pottle's has paid a $2,875 administrative penalty to the Commonwealth as part of the consent order and must perform a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP).
On Sept. 3, 2006, the Charlton Police Department noted that a Pottle's tractor trailer was leaking diesel fuel along the westbound side of Route 20. The truck leaked approximately 30 gallons of diesel fuel along several miles of Route 20 before the police stopped the vehicle in Charlton. The next morning, a Pottle’s representative notified MassDEP of the fuel release, well after the two-hour notification required by state regulations.
In addition to paying the $2,875 penalty, Pottle's agreed to perform a SEP valued at more than $8,625. The SEP includes installation of a computer in each of the company's trucks, publication of a news article detailing its noncompliance as an industry learning experience, and distribution of notification stickers and cards to all drivers outlining what to do if another spill occurs. The computer will allow all tractor-trailer drivers to press a button to immediately notify Pottle's notification center through a wireless computer connection on board.
"We are pleased with the project that Pottle's will implement in response to its incident," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "The spill response measures will increase environmental protection and help avoid future noncompliance."
Foundry Pays $35,000 for Environmental Violations
Le Sueur Incorporated, an aluminum foundry in Le Sueur, Minn., has paid $35,000 for alleged violations of the facility's air emissions permit. In addition, the company has made several changes in its operation to ensure future compliance with environmental regulations.
During a July 2006 review of the facility's 2005 emission inventory, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff documented several violations of the facility's air emissions permit. Specifically, the company failed to obtain required approvals before making changes to existing pollution control equipment. In addition, the facility violated maintenance and recordkeeping requirements outlined in its permit.
Le Sueur Incorporated has completed all actions required to bring the facility back into compliance with its existing air emissions permit. The company submitted the appropriate permit modification application and provided documentation certifying proper maintenance and recordkeeping procedures.
The settlement, known as a stipulation agreement, is one of the tools used to achieve compliance with environmental laws. When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violation affected the environment, whether it was a first-time or repeat violation and how promptly the violation was reported to appropriate authorities. The agency also attempts to recover the calculated economic benefit gained by failure to comply with environmental laws in a timely manner.
Ohio Issues Guidance on Rebutting the Presumption That Used Oil Contains Hazardous Waste
If used oil contains more than1,000 ppm total halogens, it is presumed to have been mixed with a hazardous waste. Unless you have a hazardous waste permit to burn hazardous waste, you cannot legally burn this used oil. However, you can rebut the presumption that the used oil has been mixed with hazardous waste.
Essentially, the burner has two methods to make this demonstration—by providing process information that demonstrates the used oil was contaminated by HHCs that would not be listed hazardous waste or by demonstrating that the used oil does not contain significant concentrations of HHCs by providing representative analytical data.
However, if there is information that suggests that other HHCs (e.g., chlorinated pesticides) are contained in the used oil, then the used oil burner would be required to provide further information documenting that these HHCs are not from listed hazardous waste sources. Used oil burners), though, will not be expected to have analytical results for these other HHCs.
Lead-Acid Batteries Must Be Recycled in Ohio
On April 25, 2008, a new Ohio law will become effective that prohibits the disposal of lead-acid batteries in solid or hazardous waste landfills. The law is intended to ensure that all spent lead-acid batteries are recycled in Ohio. The law also requires wholesalers and retailers of lead-acid batteries to take your old battery for recycling when you buy a new one. Batteries that are covered by the law include batteries used in vehicles, motorcycles, wheelchairs, boats, or other forms of motive power. The law exempts batteries used in consumer products like computers, electronic games, telephones, radios, and similar electronics. Specifically the new law does the following:
- Prohibits anyone from mixing a used lead-acid battery with solid waste or disposing of a used lead-acid battery at a solid or hazardous waste facility
- Requires a person to deliver a lead-acid battery to a retailer, a wholesaler, a secondary lead smelter, an automotive repair business, a household hazardous waste collection location or event, or a lead-acid battery collection or recycling entity or other entity that operates in compliance with the state’s hazardous waste rules, if applicable
- Requires retailers to deliver a used lead-acid battery to a wholesaler, a secondary lead smelter, a battery manufacturer for delivery to a secondary lead smelter, or a lead-acid battery collection or recycling entity or other entity that operates in compliance with the state’s hazardous waste rules, if applicable
- Requires wholesalers and retailers that sell lead-acid batteries to accept from their customers, at the time of purchase, used lead-acid batteries of the same general type and in a quantity that is at least equal to the number sold to the purchaser, if the purchaser offers the used lead-acid batteries to the retailer
llinois EPA Issues Violation Notice to Exelon Cordova for Tritium Release
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued a violation notice to Exelon Generation—Quad City Station due to a release of tritium from its facility in Cordova.
On Oct. 12, 2007, Exelon Generation reported an ongoing release of water containing tritium that had leaked from an underground pipe, causing groundwater contamination in excess of the state standard. The leak was identified as part of a study being conducted by Exelon Generation to verify the integrity of its system.
The release was disclosed to the Illinois EPA as the result of an amendment to the Environmental Protection Act requiring nuclear power plants to report releases to groundwater, surface water, or soil to the state environmental and emergency management agencies. The Illinois EPA must be notified in cases where the release could migrate off-site and threaten private wells or private property. The Agency would ensure that the public is notified. According to available data, the contaminated groundwater has not migrated off-site, and there is no public health concern.
Exelon Generation has 45 days to respond to the notice and propose corrective actions to the Agency. The response should include a monitoring plan and a proposal to determine the source of the leak.
Exelon has investigated the source of the leak and is beginning to clean up the contamination in order to minimize environmental impacts. Ongoing monitoring and pipeline testing are part of the work being done now at the site. The affected area is estimated to be about 1,000 square feet.
With the new law in place, the public is better informed of this type of release from a nuclear generating site.
$9 Million for Cleaner Skies
Cleaner skies are coming to North Texas thanks to the robust participation of local businesses in the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP).
TERP has awarded more than $9 million in rebates to upgrade or replace 113 of the dirtiest heavy-duty diesel engines and diesel-powered equipment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The participation of a wide array of individuals and businesses from the agricultural, construction, hauling, trucking, and related sectors will make it possible for North Texans to breathe cleaner air by preventing 931 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
“North Texas is currently not meeting federal air quality standards, so every diesel engine or diesel- powered equipment that operates cleaner can make a difference to anyone who suffers from respiratory problems such as asthma,” said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager. “The state is making this financial opportunity available and local businesses are responding, which is very encouraging.”
So far, Texas has awarded $30 million in rebates state-wide and is making another $110 million available in grants, but time to apply is running out. TERP applications must be submitted by April 11, 2008. Individual application assistance will be available until April 10 at Community Help Desks in Dallas and Denton.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality manages TERP and serves as a national model for replacing or retrofitting older diesel engines. EPA supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
EPA Launches Environmental Indicators Gateway
Information is presented in the context of “environmental indicators,” numerical values that provide insights into the status and trends of environmental and public health conditions over time. The Gateway establishes a single catalog of EPA's indicator work that allows browsing and searching among existing EPA websites and indicator materials. The site allows users to browse EPA's environmental indicator reports by geography, topic area, or time period. For each report featured on the site, users can find information on key details of the project including geography, project purpose, contact information, and data-quality considerations.
In addition to enhancing public access, the Gateway provides a resource for EPA and other federal agencies and partners to better coordinate their own environmental indicator work. By sharing key information and best practices among existing projects, EPA can improve its ability to generate environmental indicator information in the future. To better accomplish the goals of EPA's Environmental Indicators Initiative, EPA plans further enhancements to the site, which will improve coordination among existing indicator work and provide additional tools for accessing environmental indicators and information across EPA.
Tree Top Juice Facility Agrees to Pay $89,067 for Emergency Planning and Clean Air Act Violations
Tree Top, Inc.’s juice processing facility in Prosser, Wash., has agreed to pay $89,067 for alleged federal Clean Air Act (CAA) chemical accident prevention and emergency planning violations. The violations were discovered during an EPA inspection at the facility in June 2006.
At that level of use, the CAA requires Tree Top, Inc., to implement a Risk Management Program (RMP). Specifically, Section 112(r) requires all public and private facilities that manufacture, process, use, store, or otherwise handle greater than a threshold amount of a regulated substance(s) to develop a Risk Management Program and submit Risk Management Plans. Toxic chemicals, such as ammonia and chlorine, are covered by the program.
Anhydrous ammonia has the potential to be one of the most dangerous chemicals used in refrigeration and agriculture today. Few problems occur when the ammonia is being handled and applied as intended, but most accidents with anhydrous ammonia are due to uncontrolled releases. It is used and stored under high pressure, which requires specially designed and well-maintained equipment. Those who work with anhydrous ammonia must be trained to follow exact handling procedures. The primary causes of uncontrolled releases are due to improper procedures, careless or untrained workers, or faulty equipment.
Tree Top, Inc. has corrected all the violations discovered during the inspection.
"We can't take chances with public health," said Mike Bussell, director of EPA’s Enforcement & Compliance Office in Seattle. “Preventing a release of something as potentially dangerous as anhydrous ammonia protects the lives of workers, responders, and nearby residents. Unfortunately, Tree Top’s emergency prevention program didn’t meet Risk Management Program requirements and they have agreed to pay a penalty, but they’ve since taken positive steps to protect both their employees and the community.”
Specific items required by the RMP include development of an emergency response or action plan; hazard evaluation of a “worst case” and “more probable case” chemical release; operator training; review of the hazards associated with using toxic or flammable substances; and operating procedures and equipment maintenance.
Pennsylvania Workshops to Help Businesses Cut Energy Costs
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will host a series of free workshops at seven locations across the state this spring to help business owners find ways to reduce soaring energy costs. DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said the workshops will help employers of all sizes improve energy conservation and efficiency practices and help their companies improve their bottom line.
“The high costs of fuel and electricity are affecting us all,” said McGinty. “These increases are driving up the cost of doing business for everyone; that puts pressure on their bottom lines, makes it more difficult to grow and create jobs, and, ultimately, pushes up the prices for consumers.
“We’re providing an opportunity for businesses to see that there are steps they can take to reduce their energy costs,” she said. “Many times, these can be simple, inexpensive measures that generate a quick and sizable return on investment.”
Although open to the public and businesses of all sizes, the workshops will focus on those with fewer than 100 employees. Typically, these companies do not have the resources to employ or retain an energy management expert. Business owners will receive information on energy-supply options and learn how to identify energy-saving opportunities and develop an energy action plan. The workshop will also offer attendees information on financial and technical resources that are available for energy-efficiency upgrades, including easily implemented, cost-effective changes for manufacturing facilities. Registration for the workshops is free, and the sessions are open to the public. They will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on the following dates and locations:
- April 24, Small Business Development Center, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh
- May 6, Penn State—Great Valley Campus, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern
- May 15, Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County, William J Douglass Conference Center, 764 Bessemer St., Meadville
- May 22, Electrotechnology Applications Center, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem
- May 28, Bucknell University, Elaine Langone Center, 701 Moore Ave., Lewisburg
- June 3, Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, 432 Old Market St., Mount Joy, Lancaster County
- June 12, SMC Business Councils’ George Westinghouse Science & Technology Center, 1382 Beulah Road, Pittsburgh
The workshops are sponsored by DEP’s Office of the Small Business Ombudsman in partnership with business and economic development groups, local government organizations, and institutions of higher education. Funding for the energy management workshops is provided through a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
DEP’s Office of the Small Business Ombudsman provides assistance to small businesses needing help with environmental issues and helps owners realize the potential cost savings of pollution-prevention and energy-conservation strategies.
Environmental News Links
Trivia Questions of the Week
Which of the following is being proposed as a carbon sink to offset global warming?
a. Compact disks
b. Eyeglass lenses
c. Beverage bottles
d. All of the above
Bonus question: A recent University of Virginia study found that common air pollutants are having what impact on flowers?
a. Their growth is being dwarfed
b. Blossom colors are less intense
c. Fewer blossoms are produced
d. Fragrance is diminished