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Greenbytes: December 21, 2006 Edition
In this Issue
Greetings from EPA New England. We hope you find this edition of Greenbytes useful and we encourage you to give us feedback. For information on subscribing or unsubscribing see the section at the end of this message.
Our last issue of Greenbytes was finalized shortly before our office had the honor of hosting some 5,500 environmental professionals and others interested in redeveloping blighted, abandoned properties at the Brownfields 2006 conference. If you weren’t able to attend, the conference was a huge success; we trust that those who did come to Boston found the three-plus days to be highly productive (if a bit exhausting!). We were very proud to have made the commitment to “green up” the conference by recycling as much paper, cardboard, bottles and cans as possible; and by ensuring that food waste was composted. You will be delighted to learn that over three tons of material was recycled, ranging from paper products and plastics to organic materials like food waste. This also translates to 1.1 Lbs per person being recycled at the Brownfields 2006 Conference!
Most readers familiar with EPA already know that our agency is tasked with many responsibilities, so you won’t be surprised to learn that we have had several other high visibility accomplishments since the last Greenbytes.
Just last week, EPA was proud to announce that the entire State of Maine now has air quality that meets the federal national ambient air quality standards for ozone. In addition, Maine has also met the applicable Clean Air Act requirements for controlling the air emissions that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Specifically, two areas in Maine have been “redesignated to attainment” with the 8-hour ozone standard. These areas had been the only remaining portions of the state not meeting air quality health standards. The two areas are the Portland area, which includes the coastal portions of York, Cumberland, and Sagadahoc Counties, and the Midcoast area, which includes the coastal portions of Hancock, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo Counties. For more information, see EPA’s press release.
People in the Boston area are likely already familiar with EPA’s ongoing environmental clean-up efforts in response to an explosion that occurred at an industrial facility on the evening of Nov. 22 in Danvers, Mass. EPA is now the lead agency on clean up efforts, working alongside partner agencies such as the Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection, the Mass. Dept. of Public Health, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. EPA is engaged in removing debris, including more than 285 drums; we have pumped out over 7,500 gallons of materials from underground storage tanks; and are conducting regular air sampling to ensure that local residents are not being exposed to harmful contaminants. For updated information, see: epa.gov/ne/danvers
We also recently compiled “year end” information on our work enforcing environmental laws in New England last year. EPA’s efforts last year have slashed pollution in New England by 2.6 million pounds. As a result of EPA’s regional environmental enforcement during fiscal year 2006, violators will pay an estimated $436 million in penalties and in taking action to correct violations. Further, an additional $1.6 million is being committed in “supplemental environmental projects” - actions with an environmental benefit to the community at large which go above and beyond correcting the violation. EPA’s New England office conducted 1,125 on-site inspections last year and held 141 workshops to help citizens and organizations understand their responsibilities for compliance with environmental statutes. Regional Administrator Robert Varney noted that, "EPA’s work to enforce environmental laws in New England translates directly to better protection of our environment and public health.” More information is available at our Web site.
Finally, it’s also reaching the time of year that we encourage you to nominate your neighbors or colleagues for recognition by EPA New England for the great work being done by fellow citizens to protect our environment. We are now accepting nominations for the annual Environmental Merit Awards - the deadline for nominations is Jan. 27, 2007. For more details or nomination forms, see: http://www.epa.gov/region1/ra/ema/index.html
Feature:
Keeping Our Holiday Celebrations Joyful -- and Green
By now the holiday season is reaching its peak. Thanksgiving leftovers have been eaten and all but forgotten as families across the region are getting ready to celebrate. Whether it’s Christmas or Kwaanza, Hanukkah or Solstice, the advent of a new year or simply the hope and excitement of seeing the whole family together again, the holiday season is always special in New England.
Even as we look forward to the pleasure of spending time with family and friends, and reconnecting with the traditions handed down from parents to children, it’s also true that our choices this time of year can have a real impact on our environment. As we contemplate gifts to give, how to decorate homes, cards to send, etc., it’s worth considering how we can also take care of our shared environment.
Generating a lot more waste is one of the major impacts of this time of year. Some estimates indicate that the amount of household garbage in the U.S. generally increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, from 4 million tons to 5 million tons. Energy consumption can also be addressed this time of year, whether by decking your home out in holiday lights, or by being conscious of the Energy Star label when searching for electronics as gifts.
Just as no one individual can solve every environmental issue, it’s also clear that if we all make small adjustments to our day-to-day lives, the cumulative impact can be significant. In that spirit, we’ve compiled an informal list of suggestions about how to “green up” the holidays, while continuing our favorite traditions. Whatever your celebration, we hope they are joyful, safe, and environmentally-conscious.
Trees - An enduring debate for people who enjoy having a tree in the house for the holidays boils down to “real or reusable?” Artificial trees can be used for perhaps ten or more years, but because they are typically made with non-biodegradable petroleum products, metal and plastic, they can sit in a landfill for centuries after being discarded. While a cut tree is a renewable resource, there are pros and cons about cutting down a tree for a few weeks of decoration following years of growth. A good alternative for people who have some land (even a suburban yard) is to buy a living tree (i.e., with a root ball) which you can plant outside or keep as a houseplant after the holidays. If you do choose a cut tree, you can provide shelter for birds and wildlife by leaving it in your yard during the cold months following the holidays. Another good idea is to find out if your town offers a chipping/mulching program for discarded holiday trees.
Cards - Many of us enjoy sending and receiving greeting cards this time of year to keep in touch with family and friends. Whether it’s a card to mail, or to address a gift, try to buy cards made from recycled paper (look for "post-consumer" content) and printed in non-toxic inks. Also, use cards and envelopes that can be recycled; they should be printed on white stock without metallic or plastic coatings. Thrifty New Englanders probably already know to reuse the fronts of old holiday cards as decorative gift tags on packages.
Holiday Lights - One of the fun aspects of this season are the colorful lights and garland used to decorate homes. If you do decorate with lights, use energy efficient mini-lights or LED’s, rather than the larger, old fashioned lights. Also, turn lights on only when someone's around to appreciate them, and don’t leave them on all day (this also reduces possible fire hazards).
Decorating Gifts - Again, a “thrifty New England” tip: save “lightly used” colorful wrapping paper from the previous year, and use it again to wrap presents. Also, avoid foil and plastic-embossed paper because it uses more resources in its manufacturing process, and can’t be recycled. Or, consider giving a gift in functional reusable containers such as baskets or decorative boxes.
Around the Home - When you're not enjoying a fire in your fireplace, close the flue and block the hearth to prevent heat loss. Consider gifts for your family and home that include Energy Star labeled appliances and products. These will be more energy efficient than other similar products.
Packaging - A big contribution to post holiday solid wastes are the boxes and packaging that our new gifts come in. Try to buy gifts with as little packaging as possible. If you buy gifts online, reuse boxes and other packing supplies for gifts that you send to friends and family in other places. Find out if your city or town has a program to recycle cardboard. Also, when you’re out shopping, bring your own reusable bags so shops won't have to give you new ones with your purchases. Finally, if you have a supply of boxes that you can use for the gifts you give, don't accept a new gift box with your purchase.
Transportation - Use your legs or mass transit when you go out shopping. Or, avoid crowds altogether and buy your gifts by phone or on the web. When you need to drive to do your shopping, combine several errands into one trip or travel with friends to reduce fuel use.
Home Electronics – If your gift list this year includes common home electronics such as computers, DVD players, TVs, stereos, telephones and answering machines, remember to look for an Energy Star label on the product you choose. An Energy Star product should cost the same as standard models and have the same features, but it will use less energy, which means they help protect the environment. Remember: In the average home, small appliances and home electronics account for 30 percent of household electricity use, and an incredible 75 percent of that power is consumed while the products are turned off! An Energy Star product will help reduce that waste.
During this holiday season, remember that by taking small steps, we can collectively help to green up the holidays and reduce the environmental impact of this time of year. However your family celebrates, we hope this guide helps you to celebrate and protect our environment. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday season!
More information:
- Energy-efficient consumer electronics at the ENERGY STAR Gift Guide
- EPA guide to Reducing Holiday Waste
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AIR QUALITY:
85 Percent of Highway Diesel Fuel Meets EPA Standards
Preliminary surveys conducted by EPA at highway retail stations in mid-October show that about 85 percent of highway diesel fuel meets Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) standards, exceeding the 80 percent regulatory mandate. By 2010, 100 percent of highway diesel fuel must meet the ULSD standards. Having clean diesel fuel at the pump will help all Americans breathe easier, because ULSD fuel has 97 percent less sulfur than diesel fuel produced in previous years. Under EPA's clean diesel programs, ULSD, combined with new engine emission control technology kicking in next year, will deliver billions of dollars in environmental and public health benefits by preventing nearly 20,000 premature deaths and tens of thousands of cases of respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma.
More information: EPA's clean diesel programs
New Process for Reviewing Air Quality Standards
Following a year of careful review and public input, EPA recently announced an updated process for reviewing and setting the agency's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that will help improve the efficiency of the NAAQS review process and ensure that the best available science is used in making air quality decisions. The updated process calls for better integration of planning and science into NAAQS reviews. After considering comments, EPA will move forward with the following structure for reviewing the NAAQS: Planning, Integrated Science Assessment, Risk/Exposure Assessment, Policy Assessment/Rulemaking.
More information: Revised NAAQS review process
Draft Staff Paper Outlines Lead Air Quality Standards Review
EPA released its first Draft Staff Paper for the Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) based upon the agency’s Air Quality Criteria Document for Lead, which was issued in Oct. 2006. The document is part of the agency's review of the lead NAAQS to ensure that federal air quality standards reflect the latest air pollution and health effects research, but does not include any conclusions or recommendations with regard to keeping or changing the current lead air quality standard.
More information: NAAQS for lead
Gasoline- and Money-Saving Rules Proposed for Gas Distributors
Air toxics standards were recently proposed that would prevent the loss of gasoline into the air as it is delivered to service stations. The rule would cover small facilities that store gasoline and load it into trucks for delivery to gas stations nationwide. It would also cover the loading of the storage tanks at gas stations in highly populated areas. The proposed standards will annually reduce 45,000-46,000 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in gasoline vapors. The standards would protect public health and save the industry six million dollars a year after they add the required emissions controls. EPA will take comment on the proposal until Jan. 8, 2007.
More information: Proposed emissions standards for gasoline distributors
Onboard Diagnostic Systems Proposed for New Large Trucks and Buses
For the first time, EPA is proposing to require the emissions control systems of large diesel and gasoline highway trucks and buses to be monitored similarly to passenger cars. EPA's proposed regulation for onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems for large trucks and buses would help ensure that emissions control systems work properly for the useful life of heavy-duty on-road vehicles. Onboard diagnostic systems, used in passenger vehicles since the mid-1990s, monitor emissions control components, detect need for emission-related repairs, and alert the vehicle's operator of these problems. They also help inform service technicians what problem exists so that it can be repaired properly. The OBD systems for highway trucks will work the same way.
More information: Proposed onboard diagnostics for trucks & buses
Poland Joins Methane to Markets
Poland became the 19th country to join the Methane to Markets partnership, the international initiative that promotes the recovery and use of methane as a source of clean energy. The partnership is a public-private partnership that brings together the technical and market expertise, financing, and technology necessary to advance cost-effective methane recovery and use projects at landfills, agricultural operations, coal mines and oil and gas systems. Poland joins 18 other countries and a growing project network of nearly 500 public and private sector organizations in efforts to reduce emissions of methane – a powerful greenhouse gas – while delivering clean energy to markets around the world. Once these methane projects are fully implemented, they are expected to garner annual greenhouse gas reductions of nearly 5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, while providing enough electricity to power the equivalent of 800,000 U.S. homes.
More information: Methane to Markets partnership
CLIMATE CHANGE:
Updated Climate Change Web Site
EPA recently updated its Climate Change Web site. The site now contains major sections on Science, U.S. Climate Policy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Health and Environmental Effects, and What You Can Do. The website also includes an emissions calculator that readers can use to estimate the GHG emissions produced through the course of your daily activities and then identify ways to reduce their individual “carbon footprint.”
More information: EPA Climate Change web site
COMPLIANCE:
New Assistance Center for Importers/Exporters
A new EPA-sponsored web-based Compliance Assistance Center is now available to any person involved in shipping regulated materials across borders looking for help in complying with environmental laws. The website provides information for importing and exporting a variety of chemicals, including toxic substances and hazardous waste as well as a news section to keep interested parties aware of the latest developments.
More information:
CONSUMER ISSUES:
Web Info Details Prevention of Foot Spa-Associated Nail Infections
To help reduce the potential for skin infections associated with use of whirlpool foot baths in nail salons, EPA, jointly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now has web-based information to help consumers protect themselves from infections. The updated info also provides guidance to nail salon owners and operators about proper use of disinfection products and a set of recommended cleaning and disinfecting procedures for salon owners and workers to follow.
More information: Nail salon facts
ENERGY and FUEL ISSUES:
Revised Fuel Economy Estimates Will Help Consumers
EPA is issuing new methods to determine the miles per gallon (MPG) estimates that appear on new vehicle window stickers to better provide American consumers with information when shopping for cars and trucks. The new standards will take effect for model year 2008 vehicles, which may be available for sale as soon as next month. EPA's new methods bring MPG estimates closer to consumers' actual fuel use, by including factors such as high speeds, aggressive accelerations, air conditioning use and driving in cold temperatures.
More information:
Top Corporations Challenged to Double Use of Green Power
EPA is asking Fortune 500 companies to double their current level of green power purchasing. The goal of the green power challenge is to exceed 5 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of green power purchases among participating companies - enough energy to power more than 400,000 average American homes or avoid the equivalent CO2 emissions associated with more than 680,000 passenger cars each year.
More information: EPA's Fortune 500 Green Power Challenge
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:
Loans To Help Truckers Save Money, Reduce Emissions
EPA is partnering with the Small Business Administration to make loans available for small trucking companies to purchase SmartWay Upgrade Kits, which include idle-reduction devices, low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic equipment, and exhaust after-treatment devices. The kits can improve truck fuel efficiency by 15 percent and save more than $8,000 in fuel costs annually - all while significantly reducing emissions of soot and nitrogen oxides. Participating lenders will provide quick approval and affordable monthly payments.
More information: SmartWay Transport Partnership
Conn. Shares in $2.3 Million for Environmental Jobs Training
Twelve communities in 10 states will share more than $2.3 million in job training grants geared toward cleaning up contaminated properties and turning them into productive community assets. In New England, Connecticut had two communities selected under this program: Bridgeport and Hartford. EPA, under its Brownfields Initiative, is awarding grants of up to $200,000 each to non-profit organizations and local governments. The grants will teach environmental assessment and cleanup job skills to individuals living in low income areas near brownfields sites.
More information: Brownfields Job Grant recipients
Two Mass. Towns Share in Grants for Local Health and Environmental Protection
Sixteen U.S. communities will share $2.7 million in grants from EPA to continue progress on solving local health and environmental issues. The Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grants will address a wide variety of environmental health issues in both rural and urban areas. This program is a community-based, community-driven program that builds partnerships to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources. New England winners include Nuestras Raices in Mount Holyoke, Mass. and the Boston Public Health Commission.
More information: 2006 CARE Cooperative Agreement Recipients
EPA Seeking Grant Applications to Support State Regulatory Innovation Efforts
Applications are now being accepted for the 2007 EPA State Innovation Grant competition. EPA is especially interested in permitting innovations as they relate to one of the priority environmental issues targeted in the agency’s Innovation Strategy (i.e., reducing greenhouse gases or smog, improving water quality, reducing the cost of water or wastewater infrastructure), or other priorities established through joint state/EPA strategic planning. Target projects could involve State Environmental Results Programs (ERPs), apply Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to improve environmental performance beyond permit requirements, or implement National Environmental Performance Track (PT) or similar performance-based programs by states.
More information:
- State Innovation Grants program solicitation
- EPA's Innovation Strategy
- Environmental Results Program (ERP)
HEALTHCARE SECTOR
Compliance Updates & Green Tools for Healthcare
EPA will host a workshop on Thurs. Jan. 25 in Tyngsboro, Mass. to help healthcare professionals become familiar with their environmental responsibilities. The session will be between 8:00 a.m. - 3:30.p.m. at Boston University’s Corporate Education Center. Many New England hospitals have been making strides to comply with environmental regulations, adopt best practices, prevent pollution and provide cleaner, greener healing places for their patients, employees and communities. This event is intended to provide attendees with updates on compliance topics, introduce and/or review assistance tools and proved hospitals’ perspectives on their efforts to improve their environmental performance.
More information: Green Tools for Healthcare
MERCURY:
Mercury and Hydrocarbon Emissions Cut for New Portland Cement Production
EPA recently amended an existing air toxics standard that regulates mercury and hydrocarbon emission limits for all Portland cement kilns built after Dec. 2, 2005. These standards will reduce annual mercury emissions by about one ton and annual hydrocarbon emissions by about 1,100 tons. Portland cement manufacturing is an energy-intensive process that produces cement by grinding and heating a mixture of materials such as limestone, clay, sand, iron ore and fly ash in a rotary kiln. That product, called clinker, is cooled, ground and then mixed with a small amount of gypsum to produce cement.
More information: Air Toxics Standards for Portland Cement Production
METHYL BROMIDE:
2007 “Critical Uses” of Methyl Bromide Authorized; Usage in U.S. Continues Steady Decline
In accordance with the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol, EPA has issued final methyl bromide production, uses and import critical use exemptions for 2007. The exemptions for continued production and import of methyl bromide will honor the U.S. commitment to obtain methyl bromide for American farmers, in a manner consistent with the Montreal Protocol, while protecting the ozone layer. EPA’s action authorizes 6.2 million kilograms of methyl bromide for approved critical uses during 2007, which is less than the amount authorized for the U.S. to request. The uses include strawberry and tomato production, and commodity fumigation.
Also, at the 18th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in New Delhi, India, the U.S. was authorized 91 percent of its request for critical use allocations of the ozone-depleting soil fumigant for the year 2008. As methyl bromide alternatives have been adopted and uses scaled back, the quantity of the critical use exemption in the United States has decreased. The authorization for 2008 continues the downward trend. The U.S. has substantially reduced methyl bromide consumption since the early 1990s, and is committed to further reductions of methyl bromide use as alternatives become available.
More information: Phase-out of Methyl Bromide
OIL SPILL PREVENTION
Final Rule Issued on Oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures
EPA is amending certain requirements for facilities subject to EPA's Oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations to require covered facilities to prevent, prepare for and respond to oil discharges. The final rule provides streamlined options for specifically qualified facilities and exemptions from the SPCC regulations for certain vehicle fuel tanks and other on-board bulk oil storage containers. EPA is also exempting mobile refuelers from the sized secondary containment requirements for bulk storage containers, and removing requirements for animal fats and vegetable oils that pertain to onshore and offshore oil production facilities, oil drilling and workover facilities.
Information about the SPCC Rules
PARTNERSHIPS:
International Methane Partnership Yields Economic and Environmental Benefits
Last year, the U.S. contributed more than $5 million to an international program to recover and use methane as a clean energy source. According to a new EPA report, that investment has leveraged over $235 million in public and private sector contributions through the Methane to Markets Partnership. Once these methane projects are fully implemented, they are expected to garner annual greenhouse reductions of nearly 5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, while providing enough electricity to power the equivalent of 800,000 U.S. homes, here and around the world.
PESTICIDES & TOXICS:
Remaining Lindane Registrations Cancelled
EPA has issued final orders cancelling the registrations of all remaining pesticide products containing lindane. Technical (manufacturing use) products were cancelled effective Oct. 4, 2006, with final sale date of consumer products effective on Oct. 1, 2009 (EPA expects that all existing stocks of lindane will be depleted by that time). Lindane is a broad spectrum, organochlorine insecticide used to treat the seeds of barley, corn, oats, rye, sorghum, and wheat, and is a toxic, persistent, and bio-accumulative pesticide that has been of international as well as domestic concern.
More information: Lindane reregistration
Comments Invited on Malathion Decision
Public comments will be accepted until Jan. 29, 2007 on EPA’s “Reregistration Eligibility Decision” (RED) for malathion, a broad-spectrum organophosphate (OP) insecticide with many agricultural and residential uses. Malathion is used in several wide-area public health related uses, such as eradication programs for Boll weevil, medfly and regional public health mosquito control programs. Last July, EPA determined that most uses of malathion-containing pesticide products are eligible for reregistration, provided that risk mitigation measures are adopted. Reregistration refers to EPA’s process for reevaluating older pesticides to ensure that they conform to the same rigorous health and safety standards as newer pesticides.
More information: Malathion reregistration
Azinphos-methyl Phase-out: Milestone Protecting Human Health and Environment
The phase out of remaining uses of the organophosphate (OP) insecticide azinphos-methyl (AZM) will occur over the next six years. This action will increase protection for agricultural workers and the environment, as well as facilitating transition to safer alternatives and reducing risks to farm workers, pesticide applicators and aquatic ecosystems. To facilitate the transition to safer alternatives, EPA will meet with growers, registrants and other stakeholders periodically during the phase out to discuss alternatives to AZM.
More information: AZM phase out
Final Rule on Aquatic Pesticide Applications
EPA has issued a final rule clarifying two specific circumstances in which a Clean Water Act (CWA) permit is not required before pesticides are applied. The two situations are when 1) pesticides are applied directly to water to control pests, including mosquito larvae, aquatic weeds and other pests in the water; and 2) pesticides are applied to control pests that are present over or near water where a portion of the pesticide will unavoidably be deposited to the water in order to target the pests effectively. The action confirms EPA's past operating approach that pesticides legally registered for application to or near aquatic environments, and legally applied to control pests at those sites, are not subject to NPDES permit requirements. Clarifying when the CWA applies to pesticide use is critical because confusion over when a permit is required could hinder public health officials' efforts to prevent or respond to an infestation of mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus, or to control an invasive species that may damage valuable natural resources.
More information: Final aquatic pesticide rule
Aldicarb Risk Management Suggestions Invited
As part of an ongoing effort to reassess older pesticides and make decisions about their future use, EPA is releasing for public comment revised human health and ecological risk assessments for the carbamate pesticide aldicarb. Aldicarb poses certain drinking water and ecological risks, but also provides substantial benefits to agriculture. The Agency is encouraging the public to submit information and suggestions for managing the risks of aldicarb, and to comment on initial impacts or benefits assessments for a number of aldicarb uses. Comments must be received by Jan. 16, 2007. After completing this risk management decision for aldicarb, EPA will complete a cumulative risk assessment for the N-methyl carbamate pesticides, including aldicarb. Additional risk mitigation for dietary concerns may be necessary at that time.
More information:
SUPERFUND:
EPA Continuing Cleanup Progress at Hazardous Waste Sites
EPA continued to make significant progress in cleaning up America's most contaminated hazardous waste sites over the past year, completing work at 40 sites during FY2006 for a cumulative total of 1,006 sites with construction work completed. Protecting human health and the environment and restoring contaminated properties to environmental and economic vitality continue to be EPA’s top priorities as we work with communities to transform contaminated sites into community assets. Locations that once pulled local economies down are now generating new tax revenues and serving as catalysts for broader revitalization. Redevelopment at Superfund sites has resulted in more than 80,000 on-site jobs and $2.7 billion in annual income.
More information: Superfund National Accomplishments Summary FY2006
TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY:
New Incentives to Reduce Chemical Emissions and Increase Recycling Nationwide
Recently, EPA finalized a Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) rule that encourages reductions in chemical emissions and increases in recycling at facilities nationwide, while continuing to require TRI reporting annually. TRI is a publicly available EPA database, which contains information on toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities reported annually by certain industries and federal facilities. The final rule does not exempt any facility from reporting their releases, nor does it remove any chemicals from the TRI. The rule does allow facilities that completely eliminate releases of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals (PBTs), and recycle and treat no more than 500 pounds of such chemicals, to use a shorter reporting form. For non-PBT chemicals, the rule allows businesses to use the simpler reporting form if their releases are no more than 2,000 pounds of waste as part of an overall waste management limit of 5,000 pounds. By imposing the 2,000 pound cap on releases for non-PBT chemicals, EPA is encouraging businesses to rely on preferred waste management methods, such as recycling and treatment, rather than disposal and other releases. Over the past several years, EPA has worked to increase the efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of TRI data.
More information: Final TRI rule
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS:
Comment on Draft Grant Guidelines for Underground Storage Tank Inspections
Draft grant guidelines that would establish requirements for inspecting underground storage tank systems are now available for public comment. States will have to meet the requirements to comply with provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. EPA worked with states and other partners to develop the grant guidelines and, when final, will incorporate them into grant agreements between EPA and states, which help states implement the tank program. EPA will accept public comments on the draft guidelines until Dec. 22.
More information: Draft UST grant guidelines
Secondary Containment Guidelines To Help Reduce Underground Storage Tank Releases
EPA has issued the final secondary containment grant guidelines for states, which will implement a key provision of the underground storage tank amendments of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The funding to states is available through grants to regulate underground storage tanks. EPA worked with states and regional tank offices to develop these guidelines.
More information: UST secondary containment grant guidelines (13 pp., 63 KB, about PDF)
WATER ISSUES:
Tribal Grants Guidance to Promote Environmental Results
A new EPA publication will help Indian tribes design and implement successful water quality programs. The Guidance on Awards of Grants to Indian Tribes sets goals and requirements for grant recipients and provides a framework for evaluating program results. The guidelines will help redefine how tribes implement the Clean Water Act to protect, restore, and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters. Reporting requirements and data management expectations for all tribal programs are key components of this guidance. Data collected as a result of these requirements will help EPA measure results and comply with the Government Performance and Results Act and other federal mandates.
More information: CWA tribal grants
Test Your WaterSense about Water Efficiency
Which activity uses less water—a five-minute shower or a full bath? How can you test whether your toilet has a leak? How much of the earth's water is available for human use? The answers may surprise you as you take EPA's new interactive quiz, "Test Your WaterSense." The quiz was created by EPA's WaterSense program and provides an entertaining way for both adults and children to learn more about why it is important to save water and how to be more water efficient in your home.
3-Year Study Will Examine Condition of Nation's Lakes
EPA is embarking on a three-year study to determine the state of America's lakes. The "Survey of the Nation's Lakes" is the first-ever attempt to assess real-world conditions by studying 909 lakes, ponds and reservoirs whose profiles are representative of all lakes in the U.S. The joint effort between EPA, the states and some tribes will determine the ecology of the lakes and the factors which influence their conditions. The work will also stimulate and implement ideas within all levels of government - federal, state, regional and local - and build state and tribal capacity for monitoring and analyzing lake water quality data, collect a set of lake data for better management of lakes, and develop baseline information to evaluate progress.
More information: Survey of the Nation's Lakes
Recognizing Quality in Water Quality Trading
EPA is seeking nominations for the Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading Awards Program to recognize outstanding leadership in designing or implementing water quality trading programs and policies that have achieved or will achieve environmental and economic benefits. Water quality trading is gaining increased acceptance as a cost-effective method of meeting new challenges. Trading programs allow facilities facing higher pollutant control costs to meet their regulatory obligations by purchasing environmentally equivalent (or superior) pollutant reductions from another source at lower cost, thus achieving the same water quality improvement at lower overall cost. The deadline for applications is Jan. 16.
More information: Blue Ribbon Water Quality Trading Awards Program
OTHER EPA ISSUES:
Electronic Library Will Expand Access
EPA is providing broader access to a larger audience by making agency library materials available through its public Web site. To date, more than 22,000 of 51,000 EPA documents are available through the agency's public Web site and all EPA unique documents will be online within two years. Documents from libraries within the network that no longer have physical space will be online as of January 2007.
EPA Sharpens Focus on Ecological Benefits of Regulations
What benefits do people actually derive from clean air, water and land? EPA has taken a major step towards answering this question with the release today of its Ecological Benefits Assessment Strategic Plan. EPA has traditionally been able to quantify human health benefits more easily than total ecological benefits when making regulatory decisions. The plan will help fill this gap by enabling the agency to more comprehensively address the full economic value of environmental protection.
More information: Ecological Benefits Assessment Strategic Plan
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Press Releases
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Dec. 20
NETC (Newport) Restoration Advisory Board (Newport, RI) -
Dec. 26
Massachusetts Military Reservation Impact Area Review Team -
Dec. 28
New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site Public Meeting (New Bedford, MA) -
Jan. 10
Massachusetts Military Reservation Plume Cleanup Team -
Jan. 11
S. Weymouth Naval Air Station Restoration Advisory Board (S. Weymouth, MA) - Jan. 25
Compliance Updates & Green Tools for Healthcare Workshop - Tyngsboro, MA
Full Index of January 2007 meetings
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What's New on the Web
NPDES - Preliminary Vacancy Announcement
NPDES - Recent New Hampshire permits
NPDES - Draft New Hampshire permit
NPDES - Recent Vermont permits
NPDES - Recent permits for Conn.
Northeast Diesel Collaborative - updated info
TMDL - approved list (updated)
RCRA Corrective Action Sites in New England
GE - Housatonic site - new data and reports
Fort Devens site reuse profile
Barkhamsted New Hartford Landfill
Blackburn & Union Preliminary Reuse Assessment
RSS Now Available for EPA New England info:
- News
Releases feed
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/
RSSByLocation?open&location=Region%2001 - Recent
Additions feed
http://www.epa.gov/region1/rss/recent-additions.rss
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