Region 1: EPA New England
Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont & 10 Tribal Nations
Greenbytes: October 10, 2006 Edition
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
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 edition of Greenbytes was finalized by Labor Day, the traditional end of summer. As this issue is completed, we are in the full swing of autumn. Kids are back in school, adults are focused on work, and many of us are enjoying a few days of Indian summer, staving off the cold and short days to come. Leaves are in full blaze in much of northern New England, and even here in the Boston area many pockets of trees are reminding us that pumpkins will soon need to be carved and gardens put to bed for the winter.
Each October we ask citizens to take a simple pledge: Change a Light. This year is no different: by changing one or several light bulbs in your home from a traditional incandescent bulb to an energy efficient compact fluorescent bulb, you will be making a contribution to our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and to America’s energy independence.
With our kids returning to school, we also put a spotlight on protecting their health and environment through the annual Children’s Health Month. This month, EPA is sponsoring web casts for parents, teachers, school administrators and others interested in ensuring our young citizens have the tools they need - clean air, water and food - to learn and grow.
October 18 is World Water Monitoring Day. It’s a great time to learn about the science of protecting water quality. You can join volunteer groups, water quality agencies, students, and many others around the world to collect water samples and report your results. Last year, people and groups in over 50 countries submitted information about their local watersheds, helping states and EPA to better assess the state of our rivers, lakes and streams. To learn more, see: http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/monitoringmonth.html .
Finally, we need to remind you that the Brownfields 2006 Conference is only one month away. This is the first year this annual showcase will be held in New England - in fact, right here in Downtown Boston on Nov. 13-15, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to meet one another face-to-face and swap good ideas about how to reclaim once-abandoned sites and put them back into use for our communities. We hope to see many of you there!
Feature:
New Englanders Change the World by Changing Their Lights
By Robert W. Varney
You can joke about how many people it takes to change a light bulb, but here in New England we take this job seriously. In fact, New Englanders have pledged to change more light bulbs to energy efficient lighting than any other region in the nation. And by doing this we have saved money, protected the environment and conserved energy.
Nearly 25,000 New Englanders have pledged to change one or more light bulbs in their home with bulbs bearing the ENERGY STAR label. Based on New England’s high electricity prices, this will result in a savings of nearly $1.3 million and prevent over 13 million pounds of green house gas emissions over the lifetime of these light bulbs. Nationally, citizens have pledged to change more than 125,000 bulbs; New Englanders account for an impressive 20 percent of the total. However, these numbers clearly show enormous potential for improvement.
This month, EPA is challenging homeowners across the nation to change at least one light bulb in recognition of ENERGY STAR’s October “Change a Light” Campaign. We are also especially proud to be partnering with the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promote taking the energy-efficient pledge to HUD-subsidized housing across New England and other parts of the country. In the six New England states alone, the number of HUD-subsidized housing units exceeds 300,000.
In New England, we are asking residents to up the ante and change two light bulbs so this region can maintain its leadership role in electric energy savings. By changing these two bulbs, you can save more than $80 over the life of the bulbs. This translates into nearly 900 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Since lighting accounts for a full fifth of the average home electric bill, the savings are significant.
If every American home changes just one light bulb to an ENERGY STAR bulb, greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to nearly 800,000 cars would be removed from the atmosphere.
Residents who change their light bulbs can be sure their efforts are included in the regional tally by signing up online. Changing the world starts with simple actions. When you replace light bulbs or entire light fixtures in your home with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR label, you help preserve energy resources and contribute to a cleaner environment while saving money and time buying and changing lights in your home.
ENERGY STAR qualified lighting provides bright, warm light while it requires two-thirds less energy than standard lighting, generates 70 percent less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer. ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures are available in hundreds of popular styles, including portable fixtures - such as table, desk, floor and torchiere lamps-and hard-wired fixtures such as outdoor, cabinet, suspended, ceiling-mount, recessed, wall-mount, and ceiling fans.
To save the most energy and money, you can replace your highest-use fixtures or the light bulbs in them with energy-efficient models. The 5 highest-use fixtures in a home are typically the kitchen ceiling light, the living room table and floor lamps, bathroom vanity, and outdoor porch or post lamp. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting fixtures and replacement bulbs can be found at home improvement and hardware stores, lighting showrooms, and other retail stores, including on-line outlets.
It’s a start, but as the numbers show we can continue to make a difference. New Englanders have a record of being responsible environmental citizens. Let’s keep up the good work, and see how many of us can change a light bulb. No jokes, please.
Take the Change a Light Pledge.
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AIR QUALITY:
Air Quality Standards for Fine Particles Strengthened
EPA recently announced the strongest national air quality standards in the country's history for fine and coarse particle pollution, also known as particulate matter (PM). The National Ambient Air Quality Standards address PM, a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets in the air (i.e. dust, soot and particles too small to see). The standards address two categories of particle pollution: fine particles (2.5 micrometers in diameter and smaller); and inhalable coarse particles (diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers).
EPA’s action significantly strengthens the previous daily fine particle standard – by nearly 50 percent – from 65 micrograms of particles per cubic meter to 35 micrograms of particles per cubic meter of air. These standards will reduce premature deaths, heart attacks and hospital admissions for people with heart and lung disease. EPA is also retaining the current annual standard for long-term exposure to fine particles at 15 micrograms per cubic meter.
The new standards will require significant reductions in air pollution. States must meet the revised standards by 2015, with a possible extension to 2020, depending on local conditions and the availability of controls. EPA will shortly issue guidance on monitoring fine and coarse particle pollution. Exposure to particle pollution is linked to a variety of significant health problems ranging from aggravated asthma to premature death in people with heart and lung disease.
More information about the final PM standards.
Tests Show Promise for New Environment Friendly Technologies
Emissions of the most potent greenhouse gas, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), could be history in less than four years, according to results of pilot tests conducted EPA and the magnesium industry. Preliminary results show that alternative technologies have the potential to replace SF6, which is used to prevent oxidation and burning of molten metal. EPA’s Magnesium Partnership is a cooperative effort between EPA and industry to reduce and eliminate emissions of sulfur hexafluoride from magnesium production and casting processes through cost-effective technologies and practices. Eliminating emissions from SF6 B about three million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually B is roughly equal to emissions from 500,000 vehicles per year.
More information about EPA’s SF6 Emission Reduction Partnership for the Magnesium Industry.
Eastern Skies Continue Getting Cleaner
Power plants and other large facilities in the East cut ozone-forming emissions 11 percent between 2004 and 2005 under an EPA cap and trade program. The analysis, conducted as part of an annual report on the NOx Budget Trading Program, shows that eastern states have reduced NOx emissions by 57 percent since 2000 and by 72 percent since 1990. In addition, based on 2003-2005 air monitoring data, nearly 70 percent of the areas that did not meet the national air quality standard for 8-hour ozone in 2004 now have better air quality than the standard requires. The long term trends show that our nation's air is cleaner than over a generation ago, and continues to improve with strong EPA clean air policies.
Read the Nox Budget Trading report.
Steps Proposed to Improve New Source Review
EPA recently proposed changes to three specific areas of its New Source Review (NSR) permitting program to simplify the process facility owners and operators must follow in determining whether plans to modify their facility would trigger NSR requirements. The proposal is designed to accelerate investments in cleaner energy-saving technologies. Existing permit limits on emissions would not be affected, and the proposed changes would encourage investments in refining capacity, improve industries' efficiency and reduce demand for natural gas. The improvements would also lower energy costs to households and consumers.
Specifically, the proposal addresses three components: “debottlenecking,” “aggregation” and “project netting.” Both aggregation and debottlenecking have been implemented through EPA guidance on a case-by-case basis in the past. The proposal would provide certainty to both the regulated community and the permitting authorities. EPA is accepting comment on the proposals for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
More information about the proposed improvements to the NSR program.
EPA Marks 19 Years of Ozone Layer Preservation Progress
EPA recently marked the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Under its commitments outlined in the Montreal Protocol, signed by the U.S. in 1987, the country has implemented key parts of the Montreal Protocol more rapidly and at significantly less cost than originally anticipated. In particular, the U.S. phased out high-priority "Class I" ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) four to six years faster than planned and phased out 13 more chemicals than anticipated. EPA has also worked with industry to help bring new, environmentally-friendly products to market and ensure a safe, smooth transition away from ozone-depleting substances.
The U.S. will continue to demonstrate global leadership by supporting the use of innovative ozone-protection technologies and approaches in this country and developing nations. For example, EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program has made the U.S. a global leader in protecting the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer. Under the SNAP program, EPA has identified and reviewed over 300 alternatives to these chemicals in major industrial, consumer, and defense applications preventing emissions of 3.3 million tons of ozone-depleting chemicals.
According to the most recent Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion (2006), the Montreal Protocol has been extremely effective; there is clear evidence of a decrease in the atmospheric concentration of ozone-depleting substances and some early signs of stratospheric ozone recovery. Full restoration of the ozone layer is a long-term goal, however. It is expected to take the rest of the 21st century to recover (the Antarctic ozone layer is projected to return to pre-1980 levels by 2065). This critical long-term goal will be endangered if the world community fails to comply with the Protocol.
For more information on the Montreal Protocol.
Emissions Trading Alternative Will Help Improve Visibility in National Parks
To help state and tribal governments improve visibility in national parks and wilderness areas, EPA has finalized an emissions trading program for its Clean Air Visibility Rule. The emissions trading program provides states and tribes with an alternative approach for applying “Best Alternative Retrofit Technology” (BART), allowing the requirements to be satisfied if the trading program meets or exceeds the visibility benefits resulting from BART. The BART requirements of the Clean Air Visibility Rule apply to industrial facilities, built between 1962 and 1977, that emit air pollutants that reduce visibility by causing or contributing to regional haze. The Clean Air Visibility Rule, including the BART requirements finalized on June 15, 2005, will provide approximately $240 million annually in visibility improvements in southeastern and southwestern parks. The rule will also provide substantial health benefits in the range of $8.4 - $9.8 billion each year -- preventing an estimated 1,600 premature deaths, 2,200 non-fatal heart attacks, 960 hospital admissions, and more than 1 million lost school and work days. The total annual costs of this rule range from $1.4 to $1.5 billion.
More information on the regional haze program.
Pollutant Monitoring Requirements Adjusted to Improve Air Quality Protection and Information
To help air quality agencies better protect and inform the public about air quality in their communities, EPA has changed its national air quality monitoring regulations as part of a strategy to update technology and keep pace with more advanced approaches to air quality management. Reflecting extensive independent scientific review and public input, the rule will change the locations of some types of monitors, add new monitors for some pollutants, and allow states and tribes to shut down unneeded monitors for some pollutants. The rule also will add more monitors capable of providing real-time measurements for some pollutants. The changes affect monitoring for the six common "criteria pollutants" and the pollutants that form them: ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particle pollution (also called particulate matter), and lead. There will continue to be a national network of monitors for each criteria pollutant, but the improved network will be more strategic and more efficient.
Learn more about air monitoring requirements.
Proposal Would Provide Car Manufacturers More Options in Car A/C Systems
EPA has proposed expanding the list of choices car manufacturers have when choosing non ozone-depleting refrigerants for use in vehicle air conditioning systems. Specifically, the proposal would add HFC-152a and CO2 as acceptable alternatives for ozone depleting substances in new motor vehicle air conditioning systems under the “Significant New Alternatives Policy” (SNAP) program. When used with proper risk mitigation measures, HFC-152a and CO2 can reduce the environmental impact of motor vehicle air conditioners. The automotive industry, if they choose to adopt these technologies, would be required to comply with the conditions necessary to deploy HFC-152a and CO2 systems in a safe manner. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted for 30-days following publication of the proposal in the Federal Register.
More information on vehicle refrigerants.
BROWNFIELDS 2006 CONFERENCE UPDATE:
Preparations are in full swing for the 11th annual Brownfields Conference, to be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on Nov. 13-15. This is the first time that the national conference will be in New England and we are expecting over 5,000 participants. There are over 140 educational sessions, over 200 vendors in the Exhibit Hall and many opportunities to network at this Conference. If you haven’t already made plans to attend, now is the time to make arrangements.
Showcase your properties at the Brownfields Transaction Forum
As part of the conference, the Brownfields Transaction Forum is the ultimate real estate networking venue. Sign up now to take advantage of this proven annual event to market your Brownfield sites to developers, investors and end users looking for new deals in locations across the country. Lunch will be provided. Registration for the Brownfields Transaction Forum is free 
at http://www.brownfields2006.org/btf/. Pre registration is required by October 20.
Leading Practices Smart Growth Symposium
This inaugural event will be held in conjunction with the Brownfields 2006 Conference and overlaps with the first day and a half of the Conference activities. This symposium is for local government managers and professionals who need to know about and stay current with the smart growth trend. The symposium will include an introductory session, case studies and a skill building workshop that will focus on the public manager’s role as a catalyst in handling community conflict that may arise around growth and development of an area. This event requires a separate registration and fee of $195.00. A special discount is set up for groups of three or more of $150.00 each. Registration on-line at www.brownfields2006.org . The deadline to register is October 23, 2006.
In addition to the symposium there will be several educational sessions on smart growth and sustainable redevelopment at the Brownfields 2006 Conference.
Greening of Brownfields
This year the Conference will feature many sessions for participants to learn about how to apply green buildings concepts to Brownfields. On Mon. Nov. 13, a special training will be delivered by the Green Roundtable, the United States Green Building Council Affiliate in Boston. The training will focus on the practical implementation and connections between Brownfields redevelopment and green design and how to achieve integrated design. In additional there will be sessions for greening affordable housing and colleges and universities, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Neighborhood Development, landscape architecture, Energy Star, renewable energy and smart growth.
Two of the tours will also feature green buildings. The walking tour to the Artists for Humanity will feature a Platinum LEED building built by a nonprofit educational group, and the mobile workshop to the Genzyme building, will feature another Platinum LEED facility owned by an international biotechnology firm and this year’s Phoenix Award winner.
Mobile Workshops and Walking Tours
The mobile workshops are on a first come first serve basis and there is a nominal charge to cover transportation. The walking tours are free. Participants have the opportunity to visit the following sites to learn about the past contamination, assessment and remediation and redevelopment:
Mobile Workshops: Providence, R.I., including the Save The Bay Center; East Boston and Boston Harbor; Lawrence, Somerville, Lowell, Mass.; Boston's Dudley Corridor; Genzyme Center (Cambridge, Mass.) – this year’s Phoenix Award winner; Industri-Plex (Woburn, Mass.); Jordan's Furniture Complex in Reading, Mass.
Walking Tours: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center; Artists for Humanity EpiCenter in Boston.
More information about Brownfields 2006.
CHILDRENS HEALTH ISSUES:
Compliance Assistance Centers Celebrate Ten Years Helping Americans Meet Environmental Regulations
EPA’ s web-based Compliance Assistance Centers are celebrating ten years of helping regulated facilities, particularly small businesses and local governments, understand and meet environmental regulations. In a decade, the number of centers has grown from three to 14, and together they attract more than one million visitors a year. In a recent centers' survey, 78 percent of regulated businesses and governments said they had improved their environmental management practices as a result of using the critical information provided by the centers. The centers cover such sectors as: printing, metal finishing, automotive service and repair sectors, chemical manufacturers, local government, printed wiring board manufacturers, transportation, agriculture, paints and coatings, federal facilities, automotive recyclers, construction, US/Mexico/Canada border issues, and health care.
On line Compliance Assistance Centers.
CONSUMER ALERT:
EPA Orders Destruction of Banned Children's Products at Target, Dollar Tree, Other Stores
EPA recently ordered five national retail chains to pull from their shelves cans of illegally imported confetti string products that contain banned hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These substances deplete the earth's protective stratospheric ozone layer, which protects human and animal life from the sun's harmful radiation. Millions of cans of these novelty items, all imported from China or Taiwan and known by various names such as Zany String, Crazy String, and Party Streamer, have been sold illegally in the U.S. Dollar Tree, American Greetings, Inc., Dollar General, Target, and Too, Inc. (which owns Limited Too) have complied with EPA's orders by taking the banned products off their shelves and shipping them to a commercial incinerator for destruction. More than 2.7 million cans will be incinerated under EPA's compliance orders. The companies have also agreed to audit their operations and adopt new policies to ensure that these problems do not arise again. The U.S., in cooperation with over 185 other countries, is phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances in an effort to safeguard the ozone layer. (Stratospheric ozone is not related to the issue of ground-level ozone or smog.)
More information on HCFCs and these enforcement orders.
ENERGY ISSUES:
EPA Becomes First Federal Agency to Purchase 100 Percent Green Power
In September, EPA became the first federal agency to purchase renewable energy, or “green power,” equivalent to 100 percent of its annual electricity needs. With the signing of a contract in June, EPA extended its already significant green power purchases to equal the total annual electricity use at all 190-plus EPA facilities nationwide. Supporting renewable energy is just one way EPA can reduce our environmental footprint while achieving our mission. This latest green power purchase brings the EPA total to nearly 300 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year of direct green power delivery or “renewable energy certificates,” equivalent to 100 percent of the electricity we use annually. That’s also enough renewable energy to provide electricity for 27,970 homes for an entire year. EPA’s total green power purchases will offset more than 600 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually—equivalent to the amount emitted by nearly 54,000 cars over the course of a year. EPA worked closely with the Defense Energy Support Center on this latest green power procurement. The contract for 110 million kWh of RECs supports the development of wind farms located in California, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
More information on EPA’s green power purchases.
Strategy Aims to Reduce Foreign Oil Dependency
Projecting annual cuts up to 3.9 billion gallons in petroleum use and 14 million tons in greenhouse gas emissions, EPA recently proposed a Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) Program designed to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil by doubling the use of renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. A national Renewable Fuels Standard, authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, would expand use of domestically produced biodiesel and ethanol, creating new markets for farm products and greater energy security. Advanced technologies under development could make it possible to produce renewable ethanol from agricultural and industrial waste at a cost competitive with today's gas prices.
The new regulation proposes that 3.71 percent of all the gasoline sold or dispensed to U.S. motorists in 2007 be renewable fuel. Last December, EPA issued a rule implementing the Energy Policy Act's default standard of 2.78 percent for 2006, which will continue to apply through this calendar year. Various renewable fuels can be used to meet the requirements of RFS program, including ethanol and biodiesel. While the RFS program provides the certainty that a minimum amount of renewable fuel will be used in the United States; more can be used if fuel producers and blenders choose to do so. In 2006, there will be about 4.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel consumed as motor vehicle fuel in the U.S. The RFS program requires that this volume increase to at least 7.5 billion gallons by 2012.
More information on renewable fuels
Energy Star Labels Available for Rebuilt Vending Machines
The Energy Star label for refrigerated vending machines is now available for thousands of vending machines rebuilt and re-installed with more efficient components. The new Energy Star specification is expected to save end users more than $2 million in the first year alone. Initially, Energy Star qualified rebuilt machines will potentially be an average of 40 percent more efficient than conventional models. Each machine can save end users an average of 1,600 kWh and $130 a year on their utility bill.
Looking forward, on July 1, 2007 more stringent Energy Star requirements become effective, and Energy Star qualified rebuilt vending machines will potentially be 50 percent more efficient than conventional models by saving 1,900 kWh and $150 a year per machine. Over the next five years, the specification will save almost $40 million and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions of more than 50,000 cars.
Just within the U.S., more than 3 million refrigerated beverage vending machines are in use, typically running 24 hours a day and collectively consuming more than 10 billion kWh/year. Energy Star has had standards for brand-new refrigerated vending machines since 2004, but because every vending machine typically undergoes a refurbishment process at least 2-3 times during its lifetime, these new standards will help vendors to rebuild the machine using energy-efficient upgrades such as a new high efficiency compressor, evaporator fan, and/or lighting system.
More information on Energy Star rebuilt vending machine specifications.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE:
National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Charter Renewed
EPA is renewing the charter for the federal advisory committee that provides it with advice and recommendations on environmental justice matters. The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations to the EPA administrator on national environmental justice policy issues, such as integrating environmental justice considerations into EPA's decision making process and strategies for ensuring that communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in the agency's decision making process. The advisory committee is a forum of diverse stakeholder groups, including communities, non-governmental organizations, industry, tribes, states and local government, and academia. The charter will be renewed for two years.
More information on environmental justice.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:
Applicants Sought for $19 million in Targeted Watershed Grants
EPA will award up to $19 million in grants to help clean up and restore the nation's waterways, under two grant categories. Proposals must reach EPA by Oct. 16 for “capacity-building” grants, and by Nov. 15 for “project-implementation” grants. Capacity-building grants provide for education and training, whereas implementation grants involve actions such as protection and preservation. EPA will evaluate and rank submissions based on criteria outlined in each notice. Watershed organizations receive the awards based on how likely they are to achieve environmental results in a relatively short time.
More information about Targeted Watersheds Grant Program.
Grants for Community Nonprofits Working to Reduce Environmental Risks
Two programs are making grant funds available to groups working to improve New England’s environment from the ground up. EPA's New England regional office is seeking applications for two national funding programs designed to assist local groups working to reduce environmental risks in communities. These funding programs are the “EJ Small Grants” program and the “EJ Collaborative Problem-Solving” program. The application deadline for both grants is Oct. 23.
More information on the grants and eligibility.
Public Information Sessions Offered for Upcoming Brownfields Proposals
In anticipation of the soon-to-be-released FY2007 Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment, Cleanup, and Revolving Loan Fund Grants, two Public Information Sessions have been scheduled. The two sessions are on Oct. 30 in Nashua, N.H. at Sheraton Nashua Hotel, and on Nov. 3 in Hartford Conn. at Rensselaer at Hartford. The purpose of these sessions is to discuss the proposal guidelines to apply for EPA Brownfields funding and to provide assistance in preparing your proposal. As in the past, these dates are subject to change pending release of the Proposal Guidelines. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required in advance of the session dates.
More information on Brownfields Grant workshops.
PESTICIDES & TOXICS:
Brochure Details Green Landscaping Tips
It’s never too early to begin planning for next summer’s garden, or to learn tips about how to apply environmental principles to your gardening practices. EPA has developed a new brochure, “GreenScaping: The Easy Way to a Greener, Healthier Yard,” designed to help homeowners make informed decisions about how to conserve water, reduce yard waste, “plant right for the site” and use pesticides wisely. EPA’s GreenScapes Alliance program provides cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for landscaping. The Alliance is a growing group of organizations, large and small, that implements and promotes sustainable landscape design, construction, and maintenance.
More information about GreenScapes: (Publications available on “Resources” page)
EPA Outlines First Four Years of Pesticide Registration Review
Under federal law, EPA is implementing a pesticide “registration review program,” under which all registered pesticides will be reevaluated every 15 years to ensure all pesticide products conform to the same rigorous health and safety standards. To accomplish this periodic review of approximately 1,075 pesticide active ingredients, EPA plans to make decisions on about 70 pesticide active ingredients each year.
Each pesticide’s place on the schedule is generally determined by its baseline date -- the date of its last substantive review -- with the oldest cases going first. The baseline date for a pesticide that was previously subject to a “reregistration” evaluation is the date of the Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) or Interim RED. The baseline date for pesticides that were not subject to reregistration is the registration date of the first product containing the active ingredient. Pesticides that are chemically related or use-related (e.g., organophosphate and carbamate chemical classes, the coppers group, and the pyrethroids, pyrethrins and syngergists group) would be reviewed during the same time frame.
More information on pesticide registration review.
Methyl Bromide Inventory Data Shows Downward Trend
EPA data show a steady decline in the aggregate inventory of methyl bromide, a widely used soil fumigant that is also a powerful ozone-depleting substance, held by companies in the U.S. since 2003, when collecting this information began. The methyl bromide inventory data shows that approximately 35 companies in the U.S. held a decreasing supply of the chemical: approximately 16,422 metric tons in 2003, 12,994 metric tons in 2004, and 9,974 metric tons in 2005. Under the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act, the U.S. phased out new production and import of methyl bromide, except for allowable exemptions for users who have no technically and economically feasible alternatives. Methyl bromide needs for these critical uses are met through allowable production under the Montreal Protocol's exemption process as well as the use of existing inventory held by companies in the U.S.
Since 1994, the U.S. Government has invested over $150 million in research and innovative technologies to promote alternatives to methyl bromide. In addition, U.S. farmers have adopted innovative technologies to reduce methyl bromide use and emissions, such as reduced methyl bromide concentrations in mixtures, and the use of tarps to retain methyl bromide in the soil for longer periods of time. The ongoing transition to methyl bromide alternatives continues to be an important priority for EPA.
More information on the phase out of methyl bromide.
New and Improved!! Redesigned Pollution Prevention Web Site
Learn how we can all take care of the environment by reducing the pollution we create. EPA recently completed a comprehensive overhaul of our Pollution Prevention web site. Take a few moments to check out easier access to useful information on this site, including targeted grant and partnership programs.
EPA’s new pollution prevention web site.
Antimicrobials Intended for Use in HVAC& R Systems - Draft Pesticide Registration Notice
EPA has developed draft guidance regarding use of antimicrobial pesticide products on or in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. Using antimicrobial products in these systems is significantly different from other hard, non-porous or porous surfaces; however, in the past many products not specifically registered for these systems have been used. EPA’s draft Pesticide Registration Notice for pesticide manufacturers discusses which antimicrobial products may be used for treatment of HVAC&R systems. EPA is soliciting public comments for 60 days on this proposed guidance.
More information on the draft notice.
New Guidance Proposed for Plant-Incorporated Protectants
EPA is clarifying the process used to review “plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs),” pesticidal substances produced by plants including the genetic material necessary for the plant to produce the substance, to ensure the safety of any residues in food or feed. EPA is also clarifying the conditions under which a tolerance (maximum allowable residue limit) or an exemption from a tolerance would be required for field tests for biotechnology-derived food and feed crop plants containing PIPs.
In a draft Pesticide Registration Notice, EPA summarizes, explains and provides guidance regarding compliance with existing rules under federal law regarding PIPs. The use of bioengineered plants for food production, including plants engineered to express plant-incorporated protectants, has markedly increased over the past decade. Some researchers and other users of PIPs may not be aware of their obligations regarding small-scale field studies, and because those obligations are contained in several regulations, the Agency seeks to facilitate understanding of the requirements and prevent potential violations. Comments are being accepted until Nov. 28.
More information on plant-incorporated protectants and this proposed guidance.
RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT:
New Manifest Form Required for All Hazardous Waste Handlers
Since September, all hazardous waste generators and treatment, storage, and disposal facilities must use EPA's standardized hazardous waste manifest form. The new standardized form reduces or eliminates many of the variables in state requirements, and will save waste handlers and regulators time and money, while guaranteeing the continued, safe management of hazardous waste. EPA's new manifest form will better track complicated shipments, such as container residues, rejected wastes and interstate shipments, as well as allow easier collection of data for hazardous waste reporting. Since 1980, the manifest form has provided a complete paper trail of a waste's progress from generation to disposal. It also identifies the type, amount, and toxicity of hazardous waste being shipped.
Information on the Standardized Manifest Form.
Structure to be World's Largest Built with Recycled Industrial Materials
A major commercial development in Syracuse, N.Y., will be the world's largest sustainable structure to be built with recycled industrial materials, incorporate energy efficient features, and reduce vehicle emissions. The developers of Destiny USA, a multi-use project, have entered an agreement with EPA promising to use a variety of environmentally sustainable practices. As part of its agreement with EPA, Destiny USA will employ green building techniques; become a partner in EPA's Resource Conservation Challenge, WaterSense and Energy Star programs; use more than 3,000 tons of coal ash in concrete, reducing greenhouse gases by more than 3,000 tons; retrofit more than 100 construction trucks to reduce emissions by 85 percent; incorporate hybrid and diesel vehicles in to its fleet; promote EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership to its carriers, shippers, and tenants to reduce truck emissions; and implement a commuter benefits program.
EPA is asking developers nationwide to expand their use of recycled industrial materials including coal combustion products, foundry sand and construction and demolition debris. Instead of disposing of these materials, they can be used to make products like concrete, wallboard, steel beams and asphalt. Each year, U.S. businesses generate more than half a billion tons of industrial waste, which, in some cases, can be recycled and used as valuable resources.
Information on EPA's Industrial Materials Recycling program.
EPA Seeks Better Use of Millions of Tons of Wasted Sand
New EPA guidance seeks to help states get more productive use out of millions of tons of sand discarded by the foundry industry, saving landfill capacity and protecting natural resources. Foundries (aka metal casters) use about 100 million tons of sand annually to create molds for cast metal, then disposing about 10 million tons. Most of the disposed sand is not hazardous and could be reused in a variety of ways, including roadbeds, construction fill, and cement manufacturing. However, barriers in state programs and the market result in only about one million tons (10 percent) being reused. EPA’s guidance, “The State Toolkit for Developing Beneficial Reuse Programs for Foundry Sand” can help states promote beneficial reuse of foundry sand. The Toolkit can also help states when starting or revising programs aimed at a much wider range of industrial byproducts, such as coal combustion by-products and construction and demolition debris.
Download the Toolkit and more information about beneficial reuse of foundry sand.
More information on EPA’s Sector Strategies program.
SMART GROWTH:
Building Healthy Communities for Older Adults
A national pilot program will recognize communities that factor environmental considerations into community planning that address the need for older adults to be physically active. The program links the concept of Smart Growth with community planning and development that improves quality of life for older adults in the U.S. “Active Aging” calls attention to the need for older adults to regularly participate in a variety of physical activities. Communities can promote active aging by implementing a diverse selection of accessible physical activity programs, and by helping to make self-directed physical activity opportunities more accessible for those 60-plus. Smart Growth is characterized by development patterns that create attractive, distinctive, walkable communities that give people of varying age, wealth, and physical ability a range of safe, affordable, convenient choices where they live and how they get around. Growing smart also ensures that existing resources are used efficiently and that lands and buildings that shape communities are preserved.
More information on Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging.
Study Documents Benefits of Smart Growth
From cities to suburbs to small towns to rural communities, environmentally sensitive development is improving quality of life, according to a new publication “This Is Smart Growth,” released by EPA and 31 other organizations. Focusing on 40 localities around the U.S., the report shows how communities can use smart growth techniques to improve the quality of development, stretch tax dollars by reducing the cost of services and infrastructure and offer people more transportation choices. It also shows how communities have protected natural lands, farms and ranches; created safe, convenient neighborhoods with homes people can afford; and boosted public health by reducing pollution and increasing opportunities for walking, biking, and other forms of physical activity. All 32 organizations are partners in the Smart Growth Network, a highly diverse alliance that works to encourage development practices that improve the environment, the economy, public health, and the community.
Download the report and more information on Smart Growth.
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Press Releases
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Oct. 10, 2006
Raymark Advisory Committee, Stratford, CT -
Oct. 11, 2006
Massachusetts Military Reservation Plume Cleanup Team -
Oct. 12, 2006
Change a Light event with U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development at HUD Subsidized Housing facility, Providence R.I. -
Oct. 12, 2006
Fort Devens Restoration Advisory Board -
Oct. 12, 2006
S. Weymouth Naval Air Station Restoration Advisory Board, S. Weymouth, MA -
Oct. 12, 2006
Change a Light event with U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development at HUD Subsidized Housing facility, Cambridge, Mass. -
Oct. 18, 2006
NETC (Newport) Restoration Advisory Board, Newport, RI -
Oct. 18, 2006
World Water Monitoring Day, Events TBD -
Oct. 23, 2006
Change a Light event with U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development at HUD Subsidized Housing facility, Hartford, Conn. -
Oct. 24, 2006
Massachusetts Military Reservation Impact Area Review Team -
Oct. 26, 2006
New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site Public Meeting, New Bedford, MA
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2005 New England Air Quality Report
NPDES - Mirant Kendall final permit
NPDES - Draft Permit for Logan Airport - Comment period extended
NPDES – Recent Vermont permits
NPDES – Recent Connecticut permits
NPDES - Remediation and Misc. General Permits - updated
TMDL - Impaired Waters - updated
Acid Rain in New England - updated
Northeast Diesel Collaborative - updated info
Long Island Sound - First Annual Report
Storm Water Virtual Trade Show
Environmental Solutions - updated
Clean Water Act Public Notices
GE - Housatonic site - new data and reports
Brownfields - What’s New and Grants workshops
Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site - updated info
Eastern Surplus Superfund Site - updated info
W. Kingston Town Dump Superfund Site - ROD posted
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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.
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