Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Solid Waste and Recycling Legislative Update

The Wisconsin Legislature has wrapped up its fall floor session after taking action on several bills related to recycling and solid waste. Most notably the Legislature adopted bills related to used electronics, oil filters & oil absorbents and mercury containing products. Below are some of the bills that have been introduced during the current session that may impact solid waste and recycling programs across the state. Continue reading on SHWEC’s blog.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Report on university housing fires


The US Fire Administration recently published a report on university housing fires (fires in college and university residential buildings that include dormitories and fraternity and sorority houses).

A summary of the findings:

  • An estimated 3,800 university housing fires occur each year in the United States.
  • Eighty-three percent of university housing fires are cooking fires. Small, confined cooking fires account for 77 percent of university housing fires. Cooking fires account for 6 percent of all non-confined university housing fires.
  • University housing fires peak in September and October; this peak accounts for 23 percent of fires.
  • The three main causes of non-confined university housing fires are intentionally set fires (17 percent), open flames (15 percent), and other unintentional causes (12 percent).
  • One-fifth of non-confined university housing fires in bedrooms are started by candles.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/tfrs/v10i1.pdf

Friday, November 13, 2009

Small Business Panel to Reconsider Regulatory Exemptions for Insect Repellents


(Insect repellents make Ralph nervous........)


WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking recommendations from small business on whether insect repellents applied to the skin should continue to be exempt from federal pesticide regulation. In another sign of transparency, the agency is also taking a new approach to obtaining small business views on this matter. EPA’s reconsideration of the current exemption is based on concern that some exempted pesticide products may not perform effectively. The changes under consideration are intended to safeguard public health by assuring that minimum risk skin-applied insect repellent products perform effectively, and users receive protection from insects or ticks that may transmit serious diseases.


Currently, pesticide products that pose minimum risks to humans and the environment are exempt from federal regulation under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, provided that the products are composed of certain ingredients and are labeled according to very specific criteria under the Act. Exempted products are not evaluated by EPA and, therefore, the agency is unable to verify the accuracy of the efficacy information on the labels of these minimum risk skin-applied repellents.


EPA is seeking small business input through a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel. The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires EPA to convene such a panel for a proposed rule unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The panel process offers an opportunity for small entities that are directly affected by a proposed rule to provide input into the rulemaking process. This action is the first time EPA has invited small businesses to self-nominate for participation in the panel process. Historically, EPA, in consultation with the Small Business Administration, has made the selections without providing an opportunity for interested small businesses to request participation. More information about minimum risk pesticides: http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTYzMTc2MCZtZXNzYWdlaWQ9UFJELUJVTC02MzE3NjAmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xMjE1NjA0NTUwJmVtYWlsaWQ9cm9ydHZlZHRAaG90bWFpbC5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXJvcnR2ZWR0QGhvdG1haWwuY29tJmV4dHJhPSYmJg==&&&100&&&http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/biopesticides/regtools/25b_list.htm More information about participating on the panel: http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTYzMTc2MCZtZXNzYWdlaWQ9UFJELUJVTC02MzE3NjAmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xMjE1NjA0NTUwJmVtYWlsaWQ9cm9ydHZlZHRAaG90bWFpbC5jb20mdXNlcmlkPXJvcnR2ZWR0QGhvdG1haWwuY29tJmV4dHJhPSYmJg==&&&101&&&http://www.epa.gov/sbrefa/insectrepellent.htm

Toxics, Partnerships and Stewardship News (Region 5): Wisconsin is first state with lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting program‏


MEDIA CONTACT: Kären Thompson, 312-353-8547, thompson.karen@epa.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 09-OPA225


Wisconsin is first state with lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting program
(CHICAGO - Nov. 12, 2009) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has announced that two of Wisconsin’s lead-based paint programs have been federally authorized. They are the Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting program, and the Pre-Renovation Education program.


Wisconsin is the first state authorized to administer and enforce the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule which mandates training and licensing in lead-safe work practices for construction contractors, property managers and others that work in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. Gov. James E. Doyle has certified that the Wisconsin programs, to be administered by the division of public health, are at least as protective as EPA’s and provide adequate enforcement.


The Lead-based Paint Pre-Renovation Education program requires construction contractors, property managers and others that perform renovations for compensation to distribute the lead pamphlet “Renovate Right; Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools” to owners and occupants before starting renovation work. “We commend Wisconsin for taking the initiative to prevent further lead poisoning by ensuring that work that disturbs paint is done in a lead-safe manner,” said Bharat Mathur, acting administrator for EPA Region 5.


“We are very pleased to be implementing these lead-safe renovation programs in Wisconsin,” said Karen Timberlake, Wisconsin Department of Public Health secretary. “Renovators and rental property owners play a big part in protecting children from lead-based paint hazards in their homes. With the training and lead-safe work practices implemented with these programs, they will make even more, older Wisconsin homes safe for children.”


Lead contaminated dust is the most significant source of lead exposure for children. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, development delays and behavioral problems in young children.


You can learn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint and EPA’s lead program at http://www.epa.gov/lead or by contacting the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD (5323).


For more information about Wisconsin’s new program, including information on applying for certification or locating training, contact the Wisconsin Lead Program at 608-261-6876, or visit the state Web site at http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead.

Contact information


Office of Safety and Loss Prevention
University of Wisconsin System Administration
(608) 262-4792
 
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