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Greenbytes: April 9, 2007 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.
Feature: Earth Day 2007: Time to Embrace Your Inner Green
Earth Day is the time traditionally set aside to celebrate our environment and recharge our commitment to sound stewardship, protecting our natural resources, and preventing the pollution that degrades our world and threatens our health. It is proper and fitting that we should “embrace our inner green” on Earth Day. But the job of protecting our environment is, of course, a year-round battle that challenges all citizens to do their part.
Across the country and in New England, the dramatic progress we've made cleaning up pollution since the early 1970s continues apace. In recent years, major pollutants that can contaminate air, water and land remain in decline thanks not only to EPA's work, but also to the efforts of our countless partners in state and local government, as well as the work of committed citizens everywhere.
Some recent accomplishments:
- Major rules have been put in place for the first time to control noxious diesel emissions from sources as large as public buses to as small as power mowers.
- The first-ever standards limiting mercury emissions from power plants, and strengthened clean-air rules that will remove thousands of tons of harmful air pollutants from industrial sources.
- Thousands of citizens pledging to begin using energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
- A robust national brownfields program that restores lightly contaminated land from blight to productive use, by working hand-in-hand with civic and commercial partners, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
- Ongoing cleanup of PCB contamination from the Housatonic River and from New Bedford Harbor.
The list goes on, as does our focus on future challenges. Just last month, EPA challenged New England communities to step up efforts to increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources. This effort will save people money, reduce harmful air emissions, and reduce our country's dependence on foreign oil.
Earth Day is an opportunity for all Americans to demonstrate that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. There are a number of simple everyday choices that people can make to help protect the environment:
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Do you know what your carbon foot print is? EPA's interactive climate change Web page has a personal carbon calculator and information on ways individuals can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save Energy: EPA's Energy Star Web page is the great place for consumers to find energy efficient products that are good for the environment and their wallets. Search this site to find the latest information on energy efficient electronics, lighting and cooling systems.
- Use Water Efficiently: Visit EPA's WaterSense Web page to learn how efficient products and smart water choices can save money and help protect our nation's water supply.
This Earth Day, let's all embrace our inner green and renew our commitment to making real progress in the great cause of protecting the American environment. For more great Earth Day ideas and things to do, see: http://www.epa.gov/region1/earthday.
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EPA New England Update - Community Energy Challenge |
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Recently, EPA threw down the gauntlet at every city and town in New England and issued a challenge. Our Community Energy Challenge is an opportunity for municipalities across the region to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency as well as increase the use of renewable energy sources.
Every community that chooses to participate in this program can receive EPA assistance in their efforts. And the payoffs for participating in the effort can be big. We all know that New England has among the highest energy costs in the country. New England's 1,500 cities, towns and associated school districts together spend almost $1 billion every year on energy for buildings. Their 4,500 public K-12 schools spend more than $500 million on energy – more than on textbooks and computers combined. There's room for dramatic savings here.
Every community has opportunities to improve energy efficiency today. Savings of 10 percent or more are well within the reach of every community and school district through sensible management changes and cost-effective upgrades using proven, existing technologies. A 10 percent reduction across New England's municipal and school buildings could save almost $100 million, prevent billions of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, and save enough energy to power tens of thousands of homes for one year.
EPA stands ready to support your town's efforts in the Community Energy Challenge with live web-based training and a host of other proven tools for smart energy management.
More information on the Community Energy Challenge.
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Brief Bytes |
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AIR QUALITY:
Cleaner Air as EPA Cuts Diesel Pollution from Locomotives and Vessels EPA is proposing a new rule to ensure that Americans continue to breathe cleaner air by significantly reducing air pollution from locomotive and marine diesel engines. The Clean Air Locomotive and Marine Diesel Rule would set stringent emission standards and require the use of advanced technology to reduce emissions.
More information:
NSR Permitting Changes to Ensure Ozone and Fine Particle Standards Upheld
EPA is revising parts of its permitting process for certain new or modified industrial facilities in areas that do not meet EPA's health-based national air quality standards for ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution. The agency is taking two actions to ensure nationwide consistency as states implement the New Source Review (NSR) air permitting program: updating a section of its NSR regulations known as "Appendix S" which contains requirements states must rely upon to implement NSR in areas where the agency has not yet approved a state plan to implement the program, and seeking comment on two options for improving recordkeeping and reporting requirements for sources which make modifications that do not trigger NSR.
More information: www.epa.gov/nsr
EPA Rule Slashes Toxics from Gasoline, Vehicles, and Portable Fuel Containers
Under new standards recently signed by EPA, toxic fumes from gasoline, vehicles and fuel containers can be expected to decrease significantly, further reducing human health risks. EPA's new Mobile Source Air Toxic (MSAT) regulations and fuel and vehicle standards will further reduce emissions from cars by 2030 leading to annual health benefits of $6 billion.
More information: www.epa.gov/otaq/toxics.htm#regdocs
EPA Seeks Data Review to Assess Remaining Air Toxics Risks from 22 Industry Sectors
EPA is soliciting public comment on data the agency intends to use in analyzing risks from air toxics emitted from 22 industrial sectors. EPA will use the data to conduct risk analyses to determine if additional standards are needed to address remaining risks from the 22 sectors. These analyses are required by the Clean Air Act.
More information: www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3/fact_sheets/RTRphsIIanpr.html
U.S. Aims to Accelerate Phase Out of Ozone Damaging Chemicals
The United States has submitted a proposal to adjust the Montreal Protocol, accelerating the phase-out of ozone damaging chemicals. The proposal would accelerate existing efforts to address ozone layer protection, cleaner air, and climate change by calling on the global community to act more quickly in phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons
More information: www.epa.gov/ozone/intpol/montprotocolamend.html
EPA Focuses Local Air Agencies Efforts on Controllable Air Pollution
EPA is establishing procedures that will help local air agencies identify and evaluate air quality data that may have been affected by an exceptional event such as an unplanned fire or destructive storm. Identifying exceptional events will protect the public health by allowing local air agencies to focus their efforts on air pollution emissions that can be controlled.
More information: www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t1/fact_sheets/exeventfinal.html
EPA Spurs Clean Diesel Technology
In a move that helps pave the way for putting more innovative and fuel efficient clean diesel cars and trucks on America's roads, EPA has issued guidance on emission certification procedures for on-road diesels that use selective catalyst reduction (SCR) technology. SCR technology reduces emissions of the ozone-forming pollutant nitrogen oxide (NOx). This guidance enables automakers for the first time to adapt the technology to light- and heavy-duty vehicles on American roads.
More information: www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/dearmfr/mfrltrs3.htm
New Green Big-Rigs Cut Greenhouse Gases, Save Truckers Up To $11,000 Yearly
As of March, truck and trailer manufacturers are offering customers 2007 models certified by EPA's SmartWay program to improve fuel efficiency. By meeting EPA equipment specifications, these models provide the triple benefit of saving operators money while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollutants. Some well-known participants are Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, and Volvo.
More information: www.epa.gov/smartway
CHILDRENS HEALTH ISSUES:
Head Start Kids Get a Healthy Boost
EPA and HHS recently signed a new agreement to help Head Start children and their families face fewer asthma attacks by working together to educate these families about the risks their children face from secondhand smoke and other environmental asthma triggers. Partnership efforts will also focus on motivating families to take actions to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and other indoor asthma triggers.
More information: EPA's asthma and smoke-free programs
No Recess for School Chemicals
EPA recently announced its Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign to help schools prevent chemical accidents and help schools safely manage chemicals. EPA estimates that about 33,000 middle and high schools have laboratory and other chemicals that could cause accidents and injure students. Through the campaign, schools are connected with local chemical management experts and a web-based toolkit.
More information: Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign
ENERGY ISSUES:
Oil, Gas Industry Agrees to Work with EPA in Solving Environmental Problems
The oil and gas exploration and refining industry has become the 13th industry to join EPA's voluntary Sector Strategies Program that fosters collaboration among business, government, and non-government organizations. Through this program, EPA works with the diverse parties to improve the environmental impact of the major manufacturing and service sectors of the U.S. economy. Currently, more than 20 national trade associations are working with the agency to improve their environmental performance with the least administrative burden.
More information: www.epa.gov/sectors/oilgas/index.html
EPA Recognizes Energy Star Winners for Outstanding Energy Efficiency
EPA and DOE have presented 2007 Energy Star Awards to more than 80 businesses and organizations for their outstanding accomplishments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.
More information: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=pt_awards.pt_es_awards
Testing Shows Nonroad Diesel Equipment Meets Tough New Pollution Limits
EPA has finished the initial batch of emissions testing for construction, agricultural and industrial diesel-powered engines to confirm that results supplied by engine manufacturers are accurate. This milestone marks the start of a series of "confirmatory" emissions testing to ensure that these nonroad diesel engines meet the requirements of EPA's Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Fuel as early as 2008. EPA has conducted confirmatory testing on cars for decades.
More information: Nonroad diesel equipment
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:
Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDG) Competition
EPA New England's Wetlands Protection Unit is currently soliciting proposals for the FY07 Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDG) competition. This competitive grant program is designed to provide eligible applicants -- state agencies, tribes, and local governmental agencies -- an opportunity to carry out projects to develop and refine comprehensive wetland programs. With an estimated total of $271,510 to compete, the wetlands unit expects to award between five and nine grants ranging in amount from $25,000 to $75,000. Deadline for applications this year is April 23, 2007.
More information: www.epa.gov/ne/topics/ecosystems/pdfs/wdpg_rfp_fy2007.pdf (23 pp., 116 KB, about PDF)
Seeking Applicants to Operate Web-based Compliance Center
EPA is soliciting applications from nonprofit organizations and universities interested in developing and operating a Web-based compliance assistance center for the food processing industry. EPA expects to provide $400,000 over the next five years to fund the development and operation of the new center. Applications are due by April 18, 2007.
More information: www.epa.gov/compliance/assistance/centers/index.html
Big Payoffs in New Technologies for American Small Businesses
EPA recently announced $2.52 million in contracts to 36 small businesses to develop new technologies that will protect human health and the environment. Recipients of these awards will research issues that range from protecting the Great Lakes to homeland security to nanotechnology and more. The awards were given to businesses in 22 states under EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
More information: www.epa.gov/ncer/sbir
MERCURY:
EPA To Hold Public Meetings on Managing Non-Federal Mercury Supplies
EPA and its federal partners are establishing a stakeholder panel process to provide the U.S. government with a range of options for better managing non-federal mercury supplies. As part of this process, the panel will hold a series of public meetings over a six-month period beginning with the first meeting in Washington, D.C., on May 8.
More information: epa.gov/mercury/stocks/index.htm
PARTNERSHIPS:
Performance Track Program Reaches 470-Member Mark
From leading food and beverage companies to a major automobile manufacturer, 55 new facilities have joined the National Environmental Performance Track. The partnership program recognizes facilities that set three-year goals for continuous improvements in environmental performance beyond their legal requirements, have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts, engage in local outreach about their performance and publicly report results. Since the 2000 inception of this facility-based rather than company-based program, Performance Track membership has grown to 470 members in 46 states and Puerto Rico, and those members have made 1,500 commitments to benefit the environment in both regulated and unregulated areas.
More information: Environmental Performance Track
PESTICIDES & TOXICS:
Consumer Fact Sheet: Residential Mosquito Misting Systems
EPA's new Web fact sheet on outdoor residential misting systems, also known as mosquito misting systems, will help consumers decide if residential pesticide misting systems are appropriate for their home, understand safety precautions for using outdoor misting systems, find related information on a variety of methods for mosquito control, and understand the role of the EPA and state agencies in regulating misters.
The Outdoor Residential Misting Systems fact sheet
New EPA Asbestos Brochure Targets Auto Mechanics
EPA has released a new brochure that provides health and safety information for professional and do-it-yourself mechanics who may work with asbestos-containing automotive components. Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers emphasizes the need to prevent asbestos fibers from escaping into the air during repair work. The booklet provides a list of do's and don'ts for do-it-yourself mechanics.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/brakesbrochure.html
First harmonized label for pesticide product available
EPA and the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency have given the first joint approval of a “NAFTA harmonized” label for a pesticide product called Far-Go Granular Herbicide in the United States (EPA reg. 10163-287) and Avadex MicroActiv Herbicide in Canada. This type of label allows for cross-border movement of pesticide product since the harmonized package labeling satisfies the regulatory requirements in both countries with unique use directions to accommodate differences in the two countries' use patterns.
More Information:
yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/names/r08_2007-3-2_1st_harmonized_pesticide_label
EPA Releases PFOA Stewardship Program Baseline Year Summary Report
EPA is releasing the first report to establish the baseline for future progress on reducing emissions and product content levels of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) by companies voluntarily participating in the PFOA Stewardship Program. Companies will submit their first progress reports on Oct. 31, 2007.
More information: PFOA Baseline study
New Framework for Assessing Metals Risks
To better assess the hazards and risks from metals exposure, EPA has developed a new document that describes the latest and best science available on metals risk assessment, the final Framework for Metals Risk Assessment. Topics addressed in the framework include: principles for conducting metals risk assessments, environmental chemistry and fate and transport, and assessments related to human health, aquatic life, and land issues.
The Framework for Metals Risk Assessment
EPA Makes Available a Summary of Aquatic Life Benchmarks for Pesticides
EPA has worked with state pesticide and water quality agencies to compile benchmarks that states can use to guide their water quality monitoring efforts. EPA's aquatic life benchmarks are derived from standardized tests that measure the toxicity of an individual pesticide or metabolite to fish, aquatic plants, or aquatic invertebrates.
Online summary of aquatic life benchmarks
Pesticide Annual Reports
EPA's annual report for fiscal year 2006 on pesticide registration actions and decisions, as required by Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) is now available. This year's report details how the Agency met its deadlines, documents the registration services fees collected and the use of the funds, and describes current and planned process improvements.
More information:
Significant Reduction in Pesticide Use in Wildlife Park
A 2005 Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) grant to the Parrot Jungle Island project in Miami, Florida allowed for sampling and identification of mosquito species in the park and testing of biochemicals for mosquito control. The project has been a great success and by September 2005, fogging of the park targeting adult mosquitoes became unnecessary due to successful efforts to control larval populations, thereby saving over $7,000 annually in pesticide application costs and greatly reducing exposure to pesticides.
More information: PESP
EPA Issues Guidance for Disposal Instructions on Non-Antimicrobial Residential/Household Use Pesticide Product Labels
EPA has issued a Pesticide Registration Notice (PRN) providing guidance for the development of disposal instructions for non-antimicrobial, residential/household use pesticide product labels. The Agency has determined that differences between existing label disposal instructions and local disposal guidance may, understandably, confuse consumers, complicate local educational efforts, and interfere with state and local responsibilities.
More information: The PRN, (PR Notice 2007-1)
EPA Seeks Public Comment on Lead-Safe Work Practices
EPA is seeking public comment on proposed work practice standards to reduce exposures to lead hazards based on two new studies. One study compares the amount of lead dust remaining after the use of the proposed lead-safe work practices and after clean-up with the amount of lead dust remaining after typical work practices. The second study assesses lead dust levels after routine renovation activities. Public comments must be received on or before April 16, 2007.
More information: Lead-safe work practices
RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT:
Electronics Reuse and Recycling Campaign (ERRC)
EPA is participating in the ERRC, a government-wide challenge to recycle and reuse government computers and other electronic equipment.
More information: www.federalelectronicschallenge.net/errc/index.htm
Revised Definition of Solid Waste
EPA has proposed to modify the definition of solid waste to streamline regulation of hazardous secondary materials. The proposed rule would provide for the recycling of such materials as solvents, metals, and certain other chemicals. EPA is accepting comment on this proposal until May 25, 2007.
Information on proposed regulation: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/dsw/abr.htm
Cherry Blossom Peepers Recycle On the Go
EPA and the National Park Service are teaming up again to collect recyclables at this year's National Cherry Blossom Festival. Festival attendees will be encouraged to recycle their bottles and cans in recycling bins on the National Mall as part of EPA's Recycle on the Go program.
More Information: Recycle on the Go
WATER ISSUES:
EPA Cultivates Water-Efficient Landscapes
EPA has recently issued its first WaterSense label for landscape irrigation. Two certification programs for landscape irrigation professionals have received the WaterSense label for their adherence to water-saving techniques. WaterSense is a voluntary public-private partnership that identifies and promotes high-performance products and programs that help preserve the nation's water supply.
More Information: WaterSense program
Report: Water Infrastructure Funds Surge in 2006
In 2006, EPA invested more than $5 billion to help states and municipalities update their waste water infrastructure with total funds topping $57 billion, according to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) 2006 Annual Report. The low-interest loans help communities restore and protect aquatic life, recreational uses and drinking water sources.
More Information: www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/annreport2006.htm
EPA SUMMER EMPLOYMENT FOR STUDENTS:
EPA Summer Opportunities for Students
EPA's Summer Opportunities Website is currently up and running. The site provides a central Web portal through which students may enter to learn about EPA offices and summer employment opportunities. The Summer Opportunities Website will be available until May 18, 2007.
More information:
- EPA Region 1 Summer Intern Opportunities
- EPA Summer Student Employment Opportunities Nationwide
- EPA Jobs Website
OTHER EPA RESOURCES:
EPA Rated Top Magnet for Postdocs
For the third straight year, EPA's research campus in Research Triangle Park (RTP), N.C., is among the top three places for postdoctoral students to work, according to a national survey conducted by The Scientist , magazine of the life sciences. Currently there are 46 postdoctoral employees at the EPA-RTP campus who are in fields ranging from biology, chemistry, epidemiology, and ecology, to risk assessment, exposure characterization, atmospheric science and computational toxicology.
Postdoctoral opportunities: www.epa.gov/ord/htm/jobs_ord.htm
EPA Announces New Human Health Research Web Site
EPA's Human Health Research Program recently launched a new Web site that focuses on the latest protect public health research information. Visitors to the site will find an overview of the research, information on how research has contributed to decision making, resource materials available in journal publications and reports, and a listing of meetings and conferences.
New human health research Web site
EPA's 2006 - 2011 Strategic Plan and FY 2006 Performance and Accountability Report
EPA's 2006-2011 Strategic Plan and FY 2006 Performance and Accountability Report are now available. These two publications present both EPA's recent accomplishments, as well as the Agency's program direction for the next several years to continue to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all generations.
More information: www.epa.gov/ocfopage/
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Press Releases |
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Bookmark for EPA New England News: http://www.epa.gov/region1/pr/press.html
Automatically receive all EPA New England news releases: http://www.epa.gov/region1/pr/pr-ne-subscribe.html
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Meetings, Conferences and Events |
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- April 10
Raymark Advisory Committee, Stratford, CT - April 11
Massachusetts Military Reservation Plume Cleanup Team - April 12
Fort Devens Restoration Advisory Board - April 18
NETC (Newport) Restoration Advisory Board, Newport, RI - April 24
MMR Impact Area Review Team - April 26
New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site Public Meeting, New Bedford, MA - April 30 - May 1
Sustainable Water Infrastructure Forum, Groton, CT
Full Index of May 2007 meetings
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What's New on the Web |
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Water Monitoring Equipment Loans
Healthy Homes “en espanol: hogares saludables”
No Discharge Proposal - western Connecticut
Clean Water Act Public Notices
GE - Housatonic site - new data and reports
FOIA instructions - corrected fee information
EPA Test Methods - updated info
Approved TMDL's - updated info
Northeast Diesel Collaborative - updated info
Electronic Waste recyclers in New England
Healthcare environmental issues - updated
Gallup’s Quarry, Plainfield CT 5 year review
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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In The News Daily Email Service |
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"In The News" is a free daily service that provides links to today's top newspaper stories about the New England environment and links to related EPA New England information.
In The News Email Service: As soon as today's edition of "In The News" has been posted we will inform you via email.