In its continuing effort to improve aviation safety, the DOT proposed to strengthen safeguards for air shipments of lithium batteries and cells, including when they are packed with or contained in equipment.
“Safety is our highest priority,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood. “This rulemaking is important for the protection of the traveling public and many of those who work in the aviation industry. We have to make sure lithium batteries or any other hazardous materials taken on planes are carried in the safest way possible. This rule will help us achieve a safer aviation environment without imposing a ban on the transport of lithium batteries by air.”
Since 1991, more than 40 air transport-related incidents involving lithium batteries and devices powered by lithium batteries have been identified.
DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), developed this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to comprehensively address the safe transportation of lithium cells and batteries when being shipped on aircraft.
In part, DOT proposes to:
- Eliminate regulatory exceptions for small lithium cells and batteries when included in an air shipment; and require their transportation as Class 9 materials, meaning they could pose a hazard when transported;
- Subject packages of small lithium batteries to well-recognized marking and labeling requirements for hazardous materials;
- Require transport documentation to accompany a shipment of small lithium batteries, including notifying the pilot in command of the presence and location of lithium batteries being shipped on the aircraft;
- Require manufacturers to retain results of satisfactory completion of United Nations design-type tests for each lithium cell and battery type;
- Limit stowage of lithium cell and battery shipments aboard aircraft to cargo locations accessible to the crew or locations equipped with an FAA-approved fire suppression system, unless transported in a container approved by the FAA Administrator; and
- Apply appropriate safety measures for the transport of lithium cells or batteries identified as being defective for safety reasons, or those that have been damaged or are otherwise being returned to the manufacturer, and limit the transportation of defective or damaged cells or batteries to highway and rail.
“Under existing regulations, a flight crew may not be made aware of a pallet containing thousands of lithium batteries on board the aircraft, yet a five-pound package of flammable paint or dry ice would be subject to the full scope of the regulations. That makes little sense,” said House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN). “This rulemaking protects the safety of the traveling public and flight crews on board passenger and cargo aircraft and in ground operations. It ensures that all lithium batteries will be regulated and addresses the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations issued more than a decade ago. I congratulate the department for this important step forward.”
“As our Committee has documented, there is more than enough evidence showing the need to enhance safety standards when shipping lithium batteries,” House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Costello (D-IL) said. “The frequency of incidents combined with the difficulty in extinguishing lithium battery fires warrants taking strong action. These new regulations proposed by DOT, will enhance safety for passengers, pilots, crews and our entire transportation system.”
EPA to Identify Classes of Facilities for Superfund Financial Responsibility Requirements
CERCLA Section 108(b) establishes certain regulatory authorities concerning financial responsibility requirements. The statutory language addresses the promulgation of regulations that require classes of facilities to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility consistent with the degree and duration of risk associated with the production, transportation, treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances.
In that notice, EPA also stated its belief that additional classes of facilities—those other than in the Hardrock Mining industry—also may warrant the development of financial responsibility requirements under CERCLA Section 108(b), and stated that EPA would publish a Federal Register notice, by December 2009, identifying additional classes of facilities it plans to evaluate regarding the development of financial responsibility requirements.
As a result of examining available data and information, EPA has identified the classes of facilities within three industries—the Chemical Manufacturing industry (NAICS 325), the Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing industry (NAICS 324), and the Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution industry (NAICS 2211), as those for which EPA plans to develop, as necessary, a proposed regulation identifying appropriate financial responsibility requirements under CERCLA Section 108(b). EPA will carefully examine specific activities, practices, and processes involving hazardous substances at these facilities, as well as Federal and State authorities, policies, and practices to determine the risks posed by these classes of facilities and whether requirements under CERCLA Section 108(b) will effectively reduce these risks.
In identifying classes of facilities within these industries in the Federal Register notice, EPA is not implying that other classes in other industry sectors are no longer being considered.
Comments must be submitted on or before February 5, 2010.
EPA Revises TSCA Premanufacture and Section 5 Notices and Reporting
The amendments establish electronic reporting requirements for TSCA section 5 submissions. This action is intended to streamline and reduce the administrative costs and burdens of TSCA section 5 notifications for both industry and EPA by establishing standards and requirements for the use of EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) to electronically submit premanufacture notices (PMNs) and other TSCA section 5 notices and support documents to the Agency.
EPA is also amending TSCA section 5 user fee regulations by adding a new User Fee Payment Identity Number field to the PMN form, to enable the Agency to match more easily a particular user fee with its notice submission. Lastly, EPA is amending the PMN form by removing the Agent signature block field, and thus the requirement for designated agents to sign the form.
You may be affected by this action if you manufacture, import, or process chemical substances for commercial purposes that are subject to TSCA. Potentially affected entities may include, but are not limited to, manufacturers, importers, and processors of chemical substances or mixtures (NAICS codes 325 and 324110, e.g., chemical manufacturing and processing and petroleum refineries).
This final rule is effective April 6, 2010.
EPA Revises Requirements for Transboundary Shipments of Hazardous Wastes Between OECD Member Countries
The final rule amends existing RCRA regulations regarding hazardous waste exports from and imports into the United States. Specifically, the rule implements recent changes to the agreements concerning the transboundary movement of hazardous waste among countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), it establishes notice and consent requirements for spent lead-acid batteries intended for reclamation in a foreign country, specify that all exception reports concerning hazardous waste exports be sent to the International Compliance and Assurance Division in the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance’s Office of Federal Activities in Washington, D.C., and it requires U.S. receiving facilities to match EPA-provided import consent documentation to incoming hazardous waste import shipments and to submit a copy of the matched import consent documentation and RCRA hazardous waste manifest to EPA for each import shipment.
The final rule has an effective date of July 7, 2010, with the regulatory sections impacted by this final rule including 40 CFR Parts 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, and 271.
EPA Proposes Strengthening the Ozone Standard
EPA has now proposed the strictest health standards to date for ground level ozone, also known as smog. Ground-level ozone, is linked to a number of serious health problems, ranging from aggravation of asthma to increased risk of premature death in people with heart or lung disease. Ozone can even harm healthy people who work and play outdoors. EPA is proposing to replace the standards set by the previous administration, which many believe were not protective enough of human health.
“EPA is stepping up to protect Americans from one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants we face. Smog in the air we breathe poses a very serious health threat, especially to children and individuals suffering from asthma and lung disease. It dirties our air, clouds our cities, and drives up our health care costs across the country,” said EPA Administrator, Lisa P. Jackson. “Using the best science to strengthen these standards is a long overdue action that will help millions of Americans breathe easier and live healthier.”
EPA is proposing to set the primary standard, which protects public health, at a level between 0.060 and 0.070 parts per million (ppm) measured over eight hours. Children are at the greatest risk from ozone, because their lungs are still developing, they are most likely to be active outdoors, and they are more likely than adults to have asthma. Adults with asthma or other lung diseases, and older adults are also sensitive to ozone.
EPA is also proposing to set a separate secondary standard to protect the environment, especially plants and trees. This seasonal standard is designed to protect plants and trees from damage occurring from repeated ozone exposure, which can reduce tree growth, damage leaves, and increase susceptibility to disease.
In September 2009 Administrator Jackson announced that EPA would reconsider the existing ozone standards, set at 0.075 ppm in March 2008. As part of its reconsideration, EPA conducted a review of the science that guided the 2008 decision, including more than 1,700 scientific studies and public comments from the 2008 rulemaking process. EPA also reviewed the findings of the independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, which recommended standards in the ranges that have now been proposed.
Depending on the level of the final standard, the proposal would yield health benefits between $13 billion and $100 billion. This proposal would help reduce premature deaths, aggravated asthma, bronchitis cases, hospital and emergency room visits, and days when people miss work or school because of ozone-related symptoms. Estimated costs of implementing this proposal range from $19 billion to $90 billion.
Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from industrial facilities, power plants, landfills, and motor vehicles react in the sun.
EPA will take public comment for 60 days after the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. EPA will hold three public hearings on the proposal in the following locations:
- February 2, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia
- February 2, 2010 in Houston, Texas
- February 4, 2010 in Sacramento, California
EPA to Hold Public Listening Sessions on Potential Stormwater Rule
EPA has announced the detailed meeting information for five upcoming Listening Sessions to provide information to the public about a potential rule to strengthen stormwater regulations and to establish a comprehensive program to reduce stormwater from new development and redevelopment. These potential regulations would help to reduce stormwater discharges that can harm water quality into nearby waterways.
EPA will accept written comments on the preliminary rulemaking considerations until February 26, 2010, and is seeking input on the following considerations:
- Expand the area subject to federal stormwater regulations
- Establish specific requirements to control stormwater discharges from new development and redevelopment
- Develop a single set of consistent stormwater requirements for all municipal separate storm sewer systems
- Require those sewer systems to address stormwater discharges in areas of existing development through retrofitting the sewer system or drainage area with improved stormwater control measures
- Explore specific stormwater provisions to protect sensitive areas.
The Listening Sessions will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the following locations:
- January 19, 2010, EPA Region 5 Office, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, Illinois
- January 20, 2010, EPA Region 9 Office, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, California
- January 25, 2010, EPA Region 8 Office, 1595 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado
- January 26, 2010, EPA Region 6 Office, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200 Dallas, Texas
- January 28, 2010, EPA HQ Office, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
EPA Extends Comment Period for Proposed SNUR on Certain Chemical Substances
The regulatory reference to these proposed changes is 40 CFR 721.
EPA received a request to extend the comment period, and the comment period has now been extended through February 8, 2010.
Several Facilities Ordered to Stop Discharging and Comply with Clean Water Act
EPA issued Administrative Orders (AOs) against nine entities throughout the Southeast during the last quarter of 2009 for violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
“By taking these enforcement actions, we are sending a strong message about the importance of protecting rivers, lakes and streams across the Southeast,” said Stan Meiburg, EPA Region 4 Acting Regional Administrator. “To protect our region’s waters, these regulated entities must comply with the Clean Water Act and promptly take the steps needed to resolve the violations noted in our inspections.”
Six entities were cited for alleged stormwater-related violations of the CWA. Polluted stormwater runoff is a leading cause of impairment to the nearly 40% of surveyed U.S. water bodies which do not meet water quality standards. Over land or via storm sewer systems, polluted runoff is discharged, often untreated, directly into local water bodies. Four of the entities cited and their associated violations include:
- Mississippi DOT, for violations along State Route 19 between the Lauderdale County line and State Route 492 in Collinsville, Mississippi;
- Pontotoc Union Lee Alliance, Eutlaw Construction Company, Inc., and L & T Construction, Inc., for violations along the Blue Springs Rail Spur and Blue Springs North Loop Interchange in Blue Spring, Mississippi;
- Trinity Development Group, Ltd., for violations at the Cypress Landing subdivision in Gautier, Mississippi; and
- Wrigleyville Development Company, Inc., for violations at Wrigleyville subdivision in Gulfport, Mississippi.
EPA issued AOs requiring each of the four violators to revise their Notice of Intent for Permit coverage, modify their Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, institute an inspection program, and address areas of potential discharges.
Another company, Kings Mountain Landing, Inc., was cited for alleged stormwater-related violations at Kings Mountain Landing subdivision in Lake Hartwell, Georgia. EPA issued an AO requiring Kings Mountain Landing to properly design, install and maintain best management practices, conduct adequate self-inspections, monitor turbidity, and cease the discharge of off-site sediment into an unnamed tributary to Lake Hartwell.
Buchanan Lumber Mobile, Inc., was also cited for alleged stormwater-related violations at its facility in Mobile, Alabama.
In addition, two wastewater treatment plants were cited for permit violations. Loudon Utilities in Loudon, Tennessee, was cited for allowing unauthorized discharges of sewage from its wastewater collection system, known as sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and failure to develop and/or implement the management, operation and maintenance programs outlined in the facility’s 2003 Consent Agreement with EPA. EPA issued an AO requiring the utility to eliminate SSOs by developing information management programs, tracking complaints, conducting sewer system inventories and mapping sewers, among others.
Tabor City, North Carolina, was cited for the discharge of pollutants from its wastewater treatment plant including mercury, nitrogen, and ammonia. Further, biological oxygen demand and residual chlorine were found to be in excess of limitations. EPA issued an AO requiring the city to submit and implement a Mercury Minimization Plan, conduct additional mercury testing and submit the results, and submit monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports of all its discharges.
Lastly, Peachy Dairy, Inc., was issued an AO for violations of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations requirements of the CWA at its facility in Myakka City, Florida. The order requires Peachy Dairy to cease the improper disposal of deceased animals in order to come into compliance with the facility’s approved nutrient management plan and permit. Further, Peachy Dairy is required to provide quarterly sampling reports for its waste storage pond to determine nutrient levels.
Sunoco to Pay $173,310 for Air Quality Violations at Marcus Hook Refinery
Pennsylvania DEP has announced that Sunoco Refining and Marketing will pay $173,310 in civil penalties for violations noted at its petroleum refinery located in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania.
“Sunoco reported several air emission releases in 2008 to our agency,” DEP’s Southeast Regional Director Joseph A. Feola said. “Our inspectors also found numerous air permit and storage tank violations during that time period.”
In May 2008, a boiler malfunction led to the release of 8.3 tons of carbon monoxide. Two incidents in June 2008 resulted in 18.1 tons of volatile organic compounds being released into the atmosphere, along with 1,300 gallons of oil. These incidents resulted in residential damage claims and odor complaints.
In December 2008, a compressor shutdown resulted in the release of 3.93 tons of nitrogen oxides and 8.09 tons of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.
Storage tank violations noted in June, September, and November 2008 involved seal problems and an oil leak, not reported to DEP. Sunoco was also cited for failing to perform various inspections of instruments, tank hatches and ventilation systems.
Phoenix Products Company Reaches $100,000 Settlement for Clean Water and Hazardous Waste Violations
Connecticut’s Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced recently that the state will receive $100,000 from Phoenix Products Company of Plymouth to settle allegations it illegally dumped corrosive chemicals into the town’s sewage treatment system and improperly stored, transported, and disposed of toxic waste for nearly a decade. Phoenix produces chemicals for water treatment, pools and cosmetics.
Blumenthal reached the settlement in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which has announced a plea and conviction of the company in a related criminal prosecution.
Blumenthal said, “This settlement punishes Phoenix Products for endangering human health and the environment by failing for nearly a decade to safely store and dispose of hazard waste. The company illegally dumped dangerous toxins down the drain, imperiling its workers and the public.
“The company’s haphazard storage and intentionally illegal disposal of hazard materials are unconscionable and unforgiveable, creating an accident waiting to happen. Phoenix’s actions demonstrated downright disregard for the permitting process vital to public safety and the environment, and now it must pay the price. The company’s dire financial straits should not give it a pass.
A DEP, federal, and town of Plymouth investigation revealed that the company illegally dumped highly corrosive chemicals into Plymouth’s sewage treatment system in September of 2008. The dumping hindered the functioning of the Plymouth waste water plant, costing the town about $10,000. The company has reimbursed the town.
Subsequent investigation showed that for eight years the company broke the law by storing and disposing without required permits hazardous waste—including waste epoxy paint, amkote epoxy paint solid, and methyl ethyl ketone. It also violated the law by transporting the materials to an unpermitted facility.
The company will pay the state a total of $75,000 in quarterly installments for three years. The state will also receive $25,000 of an additional $75,000 the company will pay the federal government in a related settlement.
Pennsylvania DEP Fines Atlas Resources $85,000 for Violations at 13 Well Sites
Pennsylvania’s DEP has announced that it has fined Atlas Resources, LLC $85,000 for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Clean Streams Law; and the Solid Waste Management Act at 13 well sites in Fayette, Washington, and Greene counties.
“Development of Pennsylvania’s natural gas resource is important to the state’s economy. However, that development need not—and will not—come at the expense of our environment,” said Southwest Regional Director George Jugovic, Jr. “DEP will ensure that Pennsylvania’s gas resources are developed in an environmentally sound manner, consistent with the law.”
The violations, which occurred between December 8, 2008, and July 31, 2009, fall into three categories:
- Atlas failed to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures to prevent off-site discharges of silt-laden runoff onto the ground at six well sites;
- Atlas failed to restore two well sites by establishing the appropriate perennial vegetative cover within nine months of completion of drilling; and
- Atlas discharged residual and industrial waste, including diesel fuel and production fluids, onto the ground at seven of the 13 well sites.
For more information, call 412-442-4000.
EPA Requests Grant Applications for Methane Reduction and Use Projects
The grants will be issued through the Methane to Markets Partnership, a public-private partnership that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution by promoting the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane, a GHG that is more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Methane capture and use projects supported by the partnership through grants and other means are currently reducing emissions by more than 27.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually—equivalent to the annual emissions from 5 million passenger vehicles.
Non-profit or government organizations in any country may apply for grant funding, but projects should take place in the following Methane to Markets Partner countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam. If an organization wishes to submit an application for a project in a developing country or a country with an economy in transition that is not listed above, the country must first apply to the Methane to Markets Partnership before the project can be considered for funding.
Grant proposals should support feasibility studies, technology transfer, deployment of technology, training, methane emissions inventories, and other activities that promote methane capture and use. The agency expects to award up to 35 cooperative assistance agreements ranging from approximately $100,000 to $750,000.
Proposals are due by April 15, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. EST. EPA estimates that awards would be made at the end of 2010.
Since the launch of the partnership in 2004, EPA has provided almost $13 million for nearly 70 grants to build capacity and promote international capture and use of methane. This work will be highlighted in 2010 when EPA, the Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry host the 2nd Methane to Markets Partnership Expo on March 2-5, 2010 in Delhi, India. The expo will bring together approximately 1,000 partners and methane experts from around the world to showcase project opportunities and technologies related to the capture and use of methane.
Pennsylvania DEP Fines Steel Management Systems for Air Quality Violations
Pennsylvania DEP has announced that Steel Management Systems has been fined $58,297 for violations of the department’s air quality regulations dating back to 2001.
“We have emphasized the need for this company to operate in compliance and this penalty reflects that effort,” said Bedrin.
Steel Management Systems, LLC (SMS) operates a steel finishing facility in Upper Nazareth Township, Pennyslvania. The company, when it was known as Encor Coatings Inc., failed to pay emissions fees to the department in a timely manner, had record keeping violations for hazardous air emissions and coatings used, and other air quality violations.
DEP issued a $22,324 penalty to Encor in 2002 for those violations, which the company agreed to pay. However, two checks for the penalty payments bounced and the department filed an action to recover payment. The company made good on those checks but did not pay nearly $13,000 of its remaining fines.
Subsequently, ownership of the company changed from Encor to SMS. The department determined the company had not submitted a change of ownership notification or renewed the Title V air quality permit. SMS also installed and operated a new air source at the facility without a permit, known as a plan approval, and had other reporting and emission fee violations.
The company was informed that they would be required to shut down if they did not obtain these permits and come into compliance. The company retained consultants and submitted the necessary applications to DEP. The Title V permit was issued on April 30, 2009 and the plan approval was issued in September.
“DEP is continuing to evaluate the company’s air quality and waste handling and storage practices, and may take additional enforcement action in the future,” Bedrin said. “They now need to pay this penalty and continue to cooperate as we conclude our evaluation of their overall operations.”
Evonik Degussa to Pay Penalty for Violating Air Pollution Control Laws
Evonik Degussa Engineering Carbons Corporation has agreed to pay Ohio EPA $34,310 for violating state and federal air pollution control laws at its Belpre, Ohio facility. The facility processes feedstock into carbon black, a material produced from heavy petroleum products such as coal tar and used as a pigment and reinforcement in plastic and rubber products, especially tires.
The company owns and operates four carbon black production emissions units and several additional units for storing, collecting, transferring and loading the material. Each unit is considered an air contaminant source. The company’s 2002 air permit establishes emission limits and monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements for all the facility’s emissions units. The terms of the permit remain in effect while Ohio EPA continues to review the company’s permit renewal application.
In November 2007, the Agency issued the company an air permit-to-install modification to increase the sulfur content of the feedstock oil and establish emission rates for nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds for certain units. Ohio EPA determined that between January and May 2008, the company failed to comply with its established limits for nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. However, a test in May 2008 demonstrated a return to compliance.
Ohio EPA also determined that on several occasions in 2008, the company failed to maintain the combustion temperature of the facility’s thermal incinerator within the required range. A follow-up test in March 2009 demonstrated compliance. Additionally, Ohio EPA determined the company failed to immediately report five malfunctions that occurred in October and November 2008. By January 2009, the company notified Ohio EPA of the malfunctions.
The Agency issued the company several notices of violation and then pursued an enforcement case to settle the matter.
Michigan DEQ Fines Smith Paving, Inc. $28,065 for Water Resource Protection Violations
The Department of Environmental Quality has entered into an Administrative Consent Order with Smith Paving of Marquette to resolve water resources protection violations, including discharges of soil and sediment to waters of the state resulting from construction activity at the Smith Paving construction site off of U.S. 41 in Marquette Township dating back to 1999.
“It is the responsibility of the property owner to prevent soil erosion from flowing offsite and discharging to Michigan’s water resources,” said DEQ Interim Director Jim Sygo. “When a discharge like this does occur, the DEQ will take appropriate action to protect the environment and natural resources.”
As part of the compliance program contained in the Consent Order, Smith Paving has improved its soil erosion and sedimentation control measures, and has agreed to fully stabilize the construction site. The Consent Order also requires Smith Paving to pay a civil fine in the amount of $28,065 and to reimburse the DEQ for the costs of its investigation and enforcement.
Ormet Primary Aluminum Corporation Will Pay Ohio EPA $12,118 to Settle Water Pollution Control Violations
In a settlement with Ohio EPA, Ormet Primary Aluminum Corporation (Hannibal Reduction Division) has agreed to pay a $12,118 penalty to settle water pollution control violations.
Ormet owns and operates a primary aluminum reduction facility on State Route 7 in Hannibal, Ohio. The company also operates sanitary and industrial wastewater treatment plants.
Ohio EPA inspected the facility several times and determined that the company violated terms and conditions of its wastewater discharge permit on numerous occasions from July 2004 to June 2009. These violations included exceedances of the permitted limits for certain parameters (e.g., pH, chlorine, aluminum, fecal coliform) in the wastewater discharged to the Ohio River. While improvements at the facility have been noted over the years, violations of the company’s wastewater discharge limits have persisted.
As part of the settlement, Ormet agreed to submit a detailed compliance plan within the month to Ohio EPA for review and approval. Ormet also agreed to achieve compliance with its permit in accordance with the plan once it is approved by Ohio EPA. Lastly, Ormet agreed to hire a certified operator to oversee operation of the company’s wastewater treatment plants, as required by law.
Ingersoll-Rand will Pay $5,750 Fine for Air Pollution Violations
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services announced the execution of an Administrative Fine by Consent Agreement with Ingersoll-Rand Energy Systems Corporation of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The Agreement resolves alleged violations of the State’s Air Pollution Control Act that occurred at the facility.
Under the terms of the agreement, the company has not admitted liability for the alleged violations but will pay administrative fines totaling $5,750 to DES. The fines resolve allegations that the company exceeded permit limits for carbon monoxide and volatile organic compound emissions in 2007, failed to notify DES of these exceedances within 24 hours of their discovery, failed to renew its air permit in a timely manner, and failed to submit the annual emissions report for calendar year 2007 by April 15, 2008.
“The DES air program was established to control the emissions of air pollutants that might harm the health of the state’s residents,” said DES Commissioner Burack. “Permit limits are established with that in mind, which is why it is very important that companies keep their air permits current and comply with their requirements.”
Green Up Your Mailbox for the New Year
If you have resolved to be more green in the New Year can get a jump start by removing your name from junk mail lists. According to EPA, US residents throw away some 5.8 million tons of unsolicited mail in a typical year.
Opting out of credit card offers reduces opportunities for identity theft as well as reducing waste. The national credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables you to opt-out of all pre-approved credit offers with just one phone call. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) for more information.
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Trivia Question of the Week
According to EPA, the amount of e-waste collected for recycling compared to the amount disposed of is:
a. 50% recycled and 50% disposed of
b. 62% recycled and 38% disposed of
c. 18% recycled and 82% disposed of
d. 82% recycled and 18% disposed of