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Envirobytes - An Environmental Newsletter
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending December 12, 2008
EPA REGIONAL WORKGROUP CONTINUES STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE
The mid-Atlantic regional pharmaceutical workgroup convened to exchange information on the successes and challenges of Pennsylvania and Delaware's efforts to collect unwanted pharmaceuticals. Disposal of unused or unwanted pharmaceuticals is an emerging and complex environmental issue. To ensure clean and safe water, EPA is working with various stakeholders to find convenient and environmentally responsible ways for residents to manage waste pharmaceuticals. Various speakers contributed their expertise on how to organize and implement medication collection events.
EPA WATER PROTECTION DIVISION INTERNET SITE RESPONDS TO PUBLIC QUERIES
The Water Protection Division's internet site features important help and information about water quality protection, watershed restoration, drinking water protection, and how to contact state and local partners. Each month, the website receives inquiries answerable by Water Protection Division experts. For example, if someone has a problem with their drinking water, they can go to the internet website, enter their complaint, and be referred to someone who can resolve the problem. For more information, go to http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps21800/www.epa.gov/safewater/databases.html
Frequently asked questions: http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps21800/www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/faq.html
REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES SUPPORT ELECTRIC DRIVE TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE GOALS
EPA regional representatives participated in the Electric Drive Transportation Association's (EDTA) Conference and Exposition in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 3 and 4 to support expansion of alternative fuel programs relating to energy policy and greenhouse gas reduction. EDTA's role is to identify and promote technologies and policies to electrify the transportation sector such as hybrid, battery, plug-in and fuel cell electric drive technology and infrastructure. Many of these goals are in line with EPA's goals under its SmartWay Transport Partnership program which promotes fuel reduction and cost savings through more efficient transportation technology choices.
NEW IMPROVED WEBSITE FOR BROWNFIELDS AND LAND REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
The website for EPA's mid-Atlantic Region now provides more updated web-based information on the Brownfields and Land Revitalization program. New features on the website include a regional Superfund reuse web page to facilitate redevelopment of Superfund sites, a grants management and resource page for Brownfields communities, and a geographical initiatives page on information about watershed- based Land Revitalization projects, such as the Elizabeth River, Anacostia, Delaware Estuary, Little Elk Creek and more. The new website is available at http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/bf-lr/ .
BLOG QUESTION OF THE WEEK: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH UNUSED OVER-THE-COUNTER OR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?
Ever wanted to tell EPA what you thought about an environmental topic? Each week, you can share your thoughts as comments through the EPA blog, Greenversations. This week's question was: What do you do with unused over-the-counter or prescription drugs? Although drugs and pharmaceutical products include powerful chemicals that save or improve countless lives, even small amounts need to be disposed of carefully so they don't pollute the environment or harm human health and wildlife. To carry out proper disposal of prescription drugs, go to http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/factsht/proper_disposal.html Share your answer: http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2008/12/08/qotw-prescription-drug-disposal/
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EPA LAUNCHES M.EPA.GOV FOR CELL PHONE USERS; NEW WEBSITE A BOON TO ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTERS ON THE GO
EPA is launching one of the first government web sites tailored specifically for cell phone users, at http://m.epa.gov. The EPA site has been tailored for a fast load on a small screen, providing information users might need when away from their desks. Services include: How to contact EPA national and regional offices; how to find environmental information by zip code; how to access EPA news releases; the Greenversations blog (including the question of the week) and links to other government mobile websites. EPA will be adding more features in coming months.
This new website offers Media professionals (and of course, others) speedy environmental information from EPA – even when they're away from computers. The site is making it easier for media professionals to immediately access environmental information and EPA's media contacts from their cell phones. It provides EPA information users might need when they are away from their large screen desktop computers. Services at http://m.epa.gov include: Past and present EPA releases; How to contact EPA – national and regional offices; Environmental information by zip code; EPA's Greenversations blog - including the question of the week; and Links to other government mobile websites.
EPA TAKES NEW MEASURES TO PHASE OUT OZONE DEPLETING CHEMICALS WORLDWIDE
EPA is taking the next step in its proposal to eliminate harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) emissions (ozone-depleting substances and potent greenhouse gases) to restore the ozone layer and address climate change as party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The proposed rule would decrease the consumption and production of HCFCs for the years 2010 to 2014. Consumption and production will be reduced by at least 75 percent in 2010. The U.S. will completely phase out HCFCs in 2030. More on EPA's involvement in the Montreal Protocol at: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html
EPA SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO AIR EMISSIONS REGULATIONS FOR PETROLEUM REFINERIES
The EPA is seeking comments on a small number of technical amendments to the June 24, 2008, new source performance standards for petroleum refineries. The proposed amendments would require refineries to monitor the amount of excess gas and sulfur to be burned off in a process known as flaring. If a refinery relies upon flaring more than expected, the facility would be required to take corrective action. This proposal is in response to requests for reconsideration of the final standards. EPA will accept comments on the proposal for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. For more information on the final rule and amendments, go to epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t1fs.html
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