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Envirobytes
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending February 22, 2008
MINOR DECREASE CITED IN MID-ATLANTIC REGION 2006 TRI DATA
EPA has released its 2006 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) from data submitted by industry. In EPA' mid-Atlantic region, the 2006 TRI data indicate a small decrease (0.3 percent) of 1.1 million pounds of on and off site chemical releases as compared with 2005. "This valuable information provides community residents with a snapshot of facilities in their neighborhoods," said Donald S. Welsh, EPA regional administrator. "It has also been credited with encouraging facilities to reduce their releases of toxic chemicals into the environment through source reduction or pollution prevention measures." For an overview of the 2006 TRI data, go to http://www.epa.gov/tri/tridata/tri06/index.htm
EPA APPROVES BENZENE SAMPLING PLANS FOR TWO SUNOCO REFINERIES
EPA approved Sunoco's benzene waste sampling plans for its Philadelphia and Marcus Hook Refineries in Pennsylvania as part of a federal Consent Decree entered into in March 2006 between the company, EPA and the PADEP. The sampling results will be used to determine the concentration of uncontrolled sources of benzene in the refinery process and to calculate an accurate quantity of benzene in the refinery system. The results will also be used to determine company compliance with Clean Air Act regulations for benzene waste.
CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM HAS REDESIGNED WEBSITE
The Chesapeake Bay Program has re-hauled its website information. New offerings include a new resource library full of photos, maps and publications; increased search capabilities; expanded and updated bay content and data. Its new "get involved" section, offers many ways people can interact with the bay: from joining a local watershed group to engaging in bay-friendly practices at home, school and work. Visit the newly-refurbished site at www.chesapeakebay.net 
EPA RELEASES STATISTICS ON BUILDINGS EARNING ENERGY STAR LABEL
EPA's Carol Febbo was interviewed by WRTI- Radio in Philadelphia on the EPA Energy Star program. She informed the audience that last year, more than 1,400 commercial buildings and plants earned the Energy Star certification -- a rise of more than 50 percent. More than 4,100 buildings now have the Energy Star label, with Energy Star buildings in every state. These buildings are saving an estimated $1.5 billion annually in lower energy bills, as qualified buildings use up to 40 percent less energy than typical buildings, while providing the required comfort and services.
LATE EPA EMPLOYEE HONORED BY NATIONAL WETLANDS ORGANIZATION
The Society of Wetland Scientists, a national and international wetland organization, recently dedicated a special issue of their journal Wetlands to the late Dr. Art Spingarn, a valued member and scientist of the EPA mid-Atlantic region wetlands program for more than 15 years. He participated in several major Clean Water Act enforcement cases, and simplified complex ecological issues to a wide variety of audiences. Wetlands gained added protection due to the pilot work Art established.
WORKSHOP IDENTIFIES PEST MANAGEMENT NEEDS FOR PEPPER PRODUCTION IN THREE STATES
EPA staff participated in the Pepper Pest Management Strategic Plan Workshop for Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey, at the Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station in Bridgeton, N.J. The strategic plan lists chemical and alternative methods of pest control used for insects, diseases and weeds in pepper production and provides information on management strategies to help growers set meaningful priorities for future research and regulation. Certain alternative pest control strategies have been incorporated as recommendations: biopesticide insecticide use and the use of natural predators have become part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for pepper pest management. Workshop details are provided at http://ag.udel.edu/extension/pesticide/documents/finalpepperPMSP.doc
EPA PUBLISHES DOCUMENTS TO ASSIST DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS
The nation's drinking water systems face a wide array of challenges in meeting public health protection standards to ensure safe drinking water. The EPA National Capacity Development Program helps public drinking water systems acquire and maintain the technical, managerial, and financial capacity to meet these challenges in a sustainable way. To this end, EPA published two documents: the "National Capacity Development Strategic Plan" and "Analysis on the Use of Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Set-Asides: Promoting Capacity Development" to help drinking water systems (especially small systems) improve their long-term sustainability. The first document is available at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/smallsys/pdfs/report_smallsystems_capacitydevelopment_strategicplan.pdf
BROWNFIELDS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR CITY PARKS
EPA's Tom Stolle spoke to members of the City Parks Alliance (based in D.C.), a national organization of city park leaders from across the country who work together to strengthen America's city parks and who recognize the critical role parks play in the revitalization of cities. The presentation included how to apply for grants and other technical and financial assistance for brownfields (formerly contaminated properties that may be converted to parkland). Examples were given on public agencies and nonprofits that have partnered successfully to apply for funding. To learn about brownfields grant opportunities, go to http://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/ Some successful brownfields to parks examples: http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=1345&folder_id=945
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