Significant Developments and Activities Report

LAND AND CHEMICALS DIVISION
Weekly Significant Developments and Activities Report
June 20, 2008

East Chicago Waterway Management Board (ECWMB) Public Meeting

Laura Lodisio attended the ECWMB public meeting on June 11, 2008 in East Chicago, Indiana. The ECWMB is the local sponsor of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on the confined disposal facility (CDF) project to be utilized for disposal of contaminated sediments to be dredged from the Indiana Harbor and Shipping Canal. Agenda items included a progress report by the USACE and other new and routine business. Construction of the dikes is continuing. Groundwater gradient control and interim groundwater treatment systems are continuing. Design of permanent water treatment system is underway. Initial test section of south cutoff wall indicated some problems with leakage and a new test will be completed. USACE proposed a decrease in the frequency of current air monitoring at the site until the dredging commences and is in operation. The board did not view that proposal favorably at this time, but is willing to give it further consideration. The annual public technology meeting will be on August 13, 2008, at the East Chicago Railroad Avenue facility conference room.
Contact: Laura Lodisio, 312-886-7090

Meeting with U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - TSCA Issues at Indiana Harbor Confined Disposal Facility (CDF)

On June 11, 2008, Region 5 hosted a meeting with USACE Chicago District staff to discuss issues related to permitting the Indiana Harbor CDF under TSCA for disposal of PCB regulated sediments. Topics included the permit application status, future schedule, south cutoff wall technical evaluation, RCRA vs. TSCA post-closure requirements, and coordination with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). It is not anticipated that formal permit application will be submitted until 2009. In the meantime, staff will continue to conduct technical review on the ongoing construction activities. A revised design plan will be submitted from the USACE on the south cutoff wall due to failure of the sealant in recent test on a section of the wall. EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) is assisting in the technical evaluation of the south cutoff wall. LCD attendees were Jean Greensley, Mike Mikulka, Dave Petrovski and Laura Lodisio. Ed Barth from ORD also participated.
Contacts: Laura Lodisio, 312-886-7090; Jean Greensley, 312-353-1171

IL Pesticide Structual Bill Sent to Governor’s Office to be Signed

HB 4407 (the IL Pesticide Structual Bill) was sent to the Governor's office on June 18, 2008, to be signed. The Governor has 60 days to sign the bill after which it will automatically become into effect after the 60 days.
Contact: Heather Anhalt, 312-886-3572

Bridgestone Firestone Expands the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Programs

Bridgestone Firestone developed a new goal under the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) program. By December 2009, Bridgestone Firestone will eliminate lead wheel weights for distribution from their 2,200 stores. They will be replacing the lead wheel weights with steel. This will be a phased project, with the first phase being completed in December of 2008. At this time, Bridgestone will have replaced 76% of their weights with steel and by December 2009, the balance, or 24% of the lead weights will be eliminated. This project will account for a lead reduction of 2,136,803 lbs of lead under the NPEP program.
Contact: Janet Haff, 312-353-7923

Illinois Recycling Association Annual Meeting

On June 11, 2008, Chris Newman of the Materials Management Branch presented information on the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Rule and the Responsible Recyclers (R2) program to attendees at the Illinois Recycling Association’s annual meeting in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Approximately 40 attendees from local government and industry were at the session to learn about how they can comply with the export requirements and exemptions of the CRT rule when managing used computer monitors and TV sets. These exemptions and export requirements help to encourage recycling and reuse of equipment, and lay out guidelines as to how they must be properly managed. The rule also helps to control the shipment of some types of electronic waste being sent off shore for management.

The R2 program is in development to help provide best management practices (BMPs) to the electronics recycling industry. These BMPs are in their 17th revision, and are expected to be completed by the end of the year. They will address environmental concerns as well as some work health and safety issues.
Contact: Christopher Newman, 312-353-8402

Site Visits Conducted for Michigan Tribes

Materials Management Branch (MMB) staff visited two tribes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe. Staff conducted pollution prevention assessments for the Keweenaw Bay's casino and hotel in Baraga, MI. Staff also conducted assessments for Sault Ste. Marie's casino in Christmas, MI; its clinic in Munising, MI; and for another clinic and casino in Manistique, MI. The assessments included identifying ways for the tribes' facilities to reduce waste, save energy, and save money.

Staff reviewed operations such as heating, ventilation & air conditioning systems, food preparation, housekeeping, purchasing, and waste recycling and management. Recommendations will be provided for each facility and technical assistance will be available, as needed, for each of the tribes.

Staff also visited Keweenaw Bay's construction and demolition debris landfill. The landfill, for the most part, has been used for road work debris more than construction and demolition work. There were no RCRA compliance issues with the landfill.
Contacts: Dolly Tong, 312-886-1019; Burdell Chapman, 312-353-9564; Rebecca Geyer, 312-353-8314

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