EPA Marks 25th Anniversary of EPCRA

CONTACTS:


Stacy Kika (News Media Only)
Kika.stacy@epa.gov
202-564-0906
202-564-4355
Latisha Petteway (News Media Only)

petteway.latisha@epa.gov
202-564-3191
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2011
EPA Marks 25th Anniversary of EPCRA
WASHINGTON - This year marks 25 years since the passage of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The act was passed in 1986 as a part of the reauthorization for Superfund. EPCRA has played a significant role in protecting people’s health and the environment by providing communities and emergency planners with area-specific information on toxic chemical releases.

“This law is important to safeguarding our communities from chemical emergencies,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Twenty-five years after EPCRA was made into law, EPA continues to improve and advance our community right-to-know programs, so that we can ensure the best possible chemical safety protection for every community across the country.”

Public demand for information about chemical releases skyrocketed in the mid-1980s after a deadly cloud of highly toxic pesticide killed thousands of people in Bhopal, India. Shortly thereafter, a serious chemical release at a plant in West Virginia hospitalized 100 people. These events led to the implementation of EPCRA in 1986.

Under EPCRA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collects information on toxic releases through the Toxic Release Inventory program (TRI), a public database containing information regarding the industrial releases of over 600 toxic chemicals from more than 20,000 facilities throughout the nation. TRI was the first publicly available database in the world that contained information on pollutant releases. Many other countries have since followed EPA’s lead, recognizing the value of making toxic chemical data readily available to the public. TRI information enables every American to make informed decisions on the consequences of toxic releases and empowers communities to take action.

EPCRA has made the lives of every American safer from toxic emergencies by establishing emergency planning groups at the state, tribal, and local levels. EPCRA brings together emergency responders from fire and police departments, medical personnel, emergency planners, elected officials, environmental group representatives and local citizens to develop plans to respond to chemical emergencies.

More information on EPCRA and the 25th anniversary: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/epcra/epcra25.htm



My Right-to-Know mobile application for easily accessible TRI data: http://www.epa.gov/tri/myrtk/

Washington University to Pay Fine for Hazardous Issues

Posted 27 Sep 2010

Washington University in St. Louis is paying a $15,000 civil penalty over what the federal government calls "hazardous waste management issues."

The school also will spend at least $45,000 on a supplemental project to help clean local high school laboratories of hazardous waste, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said.

Washington University’s hazardous waste problems at the school’s Danforth and School of Medicine campuses were uncovered through inspections conducted in April 2008.

Inspections found violations for failure to make hazardous waste determinations and for operating a treatment, storage and disposal facility without a proper permit. There also were "issues related to the storage of hazardous waste beyond legal time limits," failure to properly label hazardous waste storage containers, and failure to manage waste lamps among the problems, the EPA said.

As part of a settlement, the school will spend a minimum of $45,000 on a supplemental environmental project to address hazardous waste issues in 12 high schools within the St. Louis Public Schools District.

The university agreed to conduct ongoing clean-out operations at laboratories at the two campuses, the EPA said.

*For more information on news about waste and recycling go to www.wasterecyclingnews.com

From: http://veoliaes-ts.com/buzz-newsletters/September2010/3

EPA Proposes New Permit Requirements for Pesticide Discharges

Action would reduce amount of pesticides discharged and protect America’s waters

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new permit requirement that would decrease the amount of pesticides discharged to our nation's waters and protect human health and the environment. This action is in response to an April 9, 2009 court decision that found that pesticide discharges to U.S. waters were pollutants, thus requiring a permit.

(More....)

Air News (Region 5): EPA: Manitowoc and Door Counties in Wisconsin Now Meet Smog Standards‏

EPA: Manitowoc and Door Counties in Wisconsin Now Meet Smog Standards

CHICAGO (May 7, 2010) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 plans to approve requests from the state of Wisconsin to redesignate the Manitowoc County and Door County areas to attainment of the national health-based eight-hour outdoor standard for ozone. Ozone is commonly referred to as smog.

EPA said three years of complete, quality-assured, outdoor air monitoring data for 2006, 2007 and 2008 show that the areas meet the standard. Complete quality-assured monitoring data for 2009 show that the areas continue to meet the standard.

EPA also proposes to approve Wisconsin’s plans to continue to meet the eight-hour health-based ozone standard in the areas through 2020 and to approve motor vehicle emission budgets for Manitowoc and Door counties.

The actions were published on Tuesday, April 27 in the Federal Register. The public has 30 days to comment. Comments may be entered at http://www.regulations.gov/. Refer to dockets ID No. EPA-R05-OAR-2009-0730 and follow online instructions for submitting comments.

Comments may also be e-mailed to bortzer.jay@epa.gov or faxed to 312-692-2054.

Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. The pollutants are released from cars, factories and a wide variety of other sources. Smog can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain.
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EPA Launches New Web Tools to Inform the Public About Clean Water Enforcement

Interactive Web tool allows the public to check water violations in their communities

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new set of web tools, data, and interactive maps to inform the public about serious Clean Water Act violations in their communities. Improving water quality is one of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s priorities and in 2009, Administrator Jackson directed the agency to develop concrete steps to improve water quality, to better enforce the Clean Water Act and to use 21st Century technology to transform the collection, use and availability of EPA data. The web tools announced today is part of EPA’s Clean Water Act Action Plan to work with states in ensuring that facilities comply with standards that keep our water clean.

"EPA is taking another important step to increase transparency and keep Americans informed about the safety of their local waters," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Making this information more accessible and understandable empowers millions of people to press for better compliance and enforcement in their communities."

The new web page provides interactive information from EPA’s 2008 Annual Noncompliance Report, which pertains to about 40,000 permitted Clean Water Act dischargers across the country. The report lists state-by-state summary data of violations and enforcement responses taken by the states for smaller facilities. The new web page also makes it easy to compare states by compliance rates and enforcement actions taken and provides access to updated State Review Framework (SRF) reports.

Interactive Map for Clean Water Act Annual Noncompliance Report:
http://www.epa-echo.gov/echo/ancr/us/

State Review Framework: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/state/srf/index.html

Enforcement and Compliance History Online: http://www.epa-echo.gov/echo

News Release (Region 5) [RESEND]: EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 5‏

MEDIA CONTACT: Anne Rowan, 312-353-9391, rowan.anne@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No.10-OPA042

EPA Announces Regional Administrator for Region 5

Regional Agency Headquarters in Chicago
(CHICAGO - April 21, 2010) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama's selection of Susan Hedman to be the Agency's Regional Administrator for EPA's Region 5. This region encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and 35 Tribal Nations.

"I look forward to working closely with Susan Hedman on the range of urgent environmental issues we face, in Region 5 and across the nation," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "At this moment of great challenge and even greater opportunity, I'm thrilled that Susan will be part of our leadership team at EPA. She will certainly play an instrumental role in our Agency's mission to protect our health and the environment."

Regional Administrators are responsible for managing the Agency's regional activities under the direction of the EPA Administrator. They promote state and local environmental protection efforts and serve as a liaison to state and local government officials. Regional Administrators are tasked with ensuring EPA's efforts to address the environmental crises of today are rooted in three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule of law, and transparency.

Susan Hedman has extensive experience in the environmental protection field dating back to the early 1980's when she taught environmental policy courses at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. Since 2005, she has served as Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's Environmental Counsel and Senior Assistant Attorney General, playing a role as chief negotiator for litigation and legislation relating to environmental protection, energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture technology and associated consumer issues. Prior to that, she held numerous positions in environmental law and policy including senior policy advisor on energy and recycling at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; staff attorney for the Environmental Law and Policy Center with cases focused on facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.; First Legal Officer for the United Nations Security Council team charged with analyzing environmental damage from oil fires in Kuwait; and as research director for the Center for Global Change at the University of Maryland. Dr. Hedman earned her B.A. in Politics and Government from Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin before earning her M.A. from the La Follette Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1979. She obtained her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1987 before earning a Ph.D. from the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies in Madison, Wisconsin two years later.

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EPA Proposes Adding More Chemicals to Toxics Release Inventory List

First program chemical expansion in more than a decade

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add 16 chemicals to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list of reportable chemicals, the first expansion of the program in more than a decade. Established as part of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), TRI is a publicly available EPA database that contains information on toxic chemical releases and waste management activities reported annually by certain industries as well as federal facilities. The proposal is part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s ongoing efforts to provide communities with more complete information on chemicals.

EPA has concluded, based on a review of available studies, that these chemicals could cause cancer in people. The purpose of the proposed addition to TRI reporting requirements is to inform the public about chemical releases in their communities and to provide the government with information for research and potential development of regulations.

Four of the chemicals are being proposed for addition to TRI under the polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) category. The PACs category includes chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic (PBT) and are likely to remain in the environment for a very long time. These chemicals are not readily destroyed and may build up or accumulate in body tissue.

The TRI, established as part of the EPCRA of 1986, contains information on nearly 650 chemicals and chemical groups from about 22,000 industrial facilities in the U.S. Congress enacted EPCRA to provide the public with additional information on toxic chemicals in their communities.

EPA will accept public comments on the proposal for 60 days after it appears in the Federal Register.

For a list of the 16 chemicals: http://www.epa.gov/tri/lawsandregs/ntp_chemicals/index.html

More information on TRI: http://www.epa.gov/tri

R103
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EPA Announces Agreement With the City of New York on PCBs in School Caulk—01/19/2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced an agreement with the City of New York to address the risks posed by PCBs in caulk found in some city schools. The agreement is intended to result in a city-wide approach to assessing and reducing potential exposures to PCBs in caulk in schools.

“The work that the City of New York has agreed to do will go a long way toward helping us better understand the potential risks posed by PCBs in caulk, and our work to reduce the exposure of school children, teachers and others who work in New York City public schools,” said Judith Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “New York City’s 1,600 public schools make it the largest school system in the nation, and we believe that the program outlined in this agreement, along with general EPA guidance on managing the issue, will serve as a model for school systems across the country.”

The agreement announced today requires the city to conduct a study in five schools to determine the most effective strategies for assessing and reducing potential exposures to PCBs in caulk. The city will then produce a proposed plan for any cleanups needed in the five schools and use this information to develop a recommended city-wide approach. EPA is also requiring the city to develop and submit for approval best management practices for reducing exposure to PCBs in caulk in school buildings. These may include cleaning the schools, improving ventilation, and addressing deteriorating caulk.

Although Congress banned the manufacture and most uses of PCBs in 1976 and they were phased out in 1978, there is evidence that many buildings across the country constructed or renovated from 1950 to 1978 may have PCBs at high levels in the caulk around windows and door frames, between masonry columns and in other masonry building materials. Exposure to these PCBs may occur as a result of their release from the caulk into the air, dust, surrounding surfaces and soil, and through direct contact. In September 2009, EPA provided new guidance to communities and announced additional research to address PCBs that may be found in the caulk in many older buildings, including schools. Today’s agreement complements EPA’s national efforts by helping building owners and managers facing serious PCB problems develop practical approaches to reduce exposures and prioritize the removal of PCB caulk.

The legally binding agreement announced today settles potential violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act by the city for having caulk that contains PCBs above allowable levels in some schools. As part of the study of the five yet to be determined schools, the city will sample extensively in them, and will ensure that any PCB waste is properly removed. Once the study is concluded the city will work with EPA to develop and implement a plan to identify, prioritize, and address the presence of PCBs within the New York City school system. In addition, the agreement calls for the development of a citizens’ participation plan to ensure that school administrators, parents, teachers, students, and members of the public are kept fully informed throughout the process.

PCBs are man-made chemicals that persist in the environment and were widely used in construction materials and electrical products prior to 1978. PCBs can affect the immune, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems and are potentially cancer-causing if they build up in the body over long periods of time. The greatest risks from PCBs involve sustained long-term exposure to high levels of PCBs.

EPA is currently conducting research to better understand the relationship between PCBs in caulk and PCB concentrations in caulk, air and dust. The Agency is doing research to determine the sources and levels of PCBs in buildings in the U.S. and to evaluate different strategies to reduce exposures.

The agreement and more information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/region2. To learn more about PCBs in caulk go to http://www.epa.gov/pcbsincaulk.
Anyone seeking technical guidance should contact the EPA at: 1-888-835-5372.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency. "EPA Announces Agreement with the City of New York On PCBs in School Caulk." [http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d10ed0d99d826b068525735900400c2a/ac512237be18e863852576b00060bec0!OpenDocument] 01/19/2010

EPA to Develop TSCA Chemicals of Concern List

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intends to establish a “Chemicals of Concern” list and is beginning a process that may lead to regulations requiring significant risk reduction measures to protect human health and the environment. "

The agency’s actions represent its determination to use its authority under the existing Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to the fullest extent possible, recognizing EPA’s strong belief that the 1976 law is both outdated and in need of reform. (More..........)

Final Effluent Guidelines

On December 1, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) and new source performance standards (NSPS) to control the discharge of pollutants from construction sites.

The regulation is effective on February 1, 2010. After this date, all permits issued by EPA or states must incorporate the final rule requirements. All construction sites required to obtain permit coverage must implement a range of erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention measures. Beginning on August 1, 2011 all sites that disturb 20 or more acres of land at one time are required to comply with the turbidity limitation. On February 2, 2014 the limitation applies to all construction sites disturbing 10 or more acres of land at one time. These sites must sample stormwater discharges and comply with a numeric limitation for turbidity. The limitation is 280 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units). (More....)

EPA News Release (HQ): Limited EPA Study Finds Low Level of Concern in Samples of Recycled Tires from Ballfield and Playground Surfaces‏

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released results of a limited field monitoring study of artificial-turf playing fields and playgrounds constructed with recycled tire material or tire crumb. The study was intended to gain experience conducting field monitoring of recreational surfaces that contain tire crumb. EPA will use the information to help determine possible next steps to address questions regarding the safety of tire crumb infill in recreational fields.

“The limited data EPA collected during this study, which do not point to a concern, represent an important addition to the information gathered by various government agencies,” said Peter Grevatt, director of EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection. “The study will help set the stage for a meeting this spring, where EPA will bring together officials from states and federal agencies to evaluate the existing body of science on this topic and determine what additional steps should be taken to ensure the safety of kids who play on these surfaces.”

Recycled tire material, or “tire crumb,” is used in many applications, including as a component in synthetic turf fields and playground installations. In response to concerns raised by the public, EPA conducted a limited “scoping study” of tire crumb, which consisted of collecting air and wipe samples at three locations near EPA laboratories at Raleigh, N.C., Athens, Ga., and Cincinnati, Ohio. Sampling also was conducted in the Washington, D.C. area.

The limited study, conducted in August through October 2008, found that the concentrations of materials that made up tire crumb were below levels considered harmful. However, given the limited nature of the study (limited number of constituents monitored, sample sites, and samples taken at each site) and the wide diversity of tire crumb material, it is not possible, without additional data, to extend the results beyond the four study sites to reach more comprehensive conclusions.

The study confirmed that most of the methods tested were accurate, reproducible and appropriate for measuring concentrations of tire crumb constituents and therefore can be used in future studies.

Study findings
Particulate matter, metals and volatile organic compound concentrations were measured in the air samples and compared with areas away from the turf fields (background levels). The levels found in air samples from the artificial turf were similar to background levels.
No tire-related fibers were observed in the air samples.
All air concentrations of particulate matter and lead were well below levels of concern.
More than 90 percent of the lead in the tire crumb material was tightly bound and unavailable for absorption by users of the turf fields.
Zinc, which is a known additive in tires, was found in tire crumb samples. However, air and surface wipe monitoring levels of zinc were found to be below levels of concern.

EPA is aware that studies by other agencies were undertaken or completed while this survey was under way. EPA is planning a 2010 meeting with federal and state agencies to review all new study data and determine next steps.

More information on artificial turf: http://www.epa.gov/nerl/features/tire_crumbs.html Note:

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Jackson Says GHG Rules Will be Issued under CAA

By L.K. Williams
Dec 07, 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed finding of endangerment from greenhouse gases (GHGs) released in April became final today despite efforts to delay the action.

Citing "decades of sound, peer-reviewed, extensively evaluated scientific data … from around the world and from our own U.S. scientists," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson enumerated several examples of evidence of climate change:

• polar ice caps crumbling into the oceans,
• changing migratory patterns of animals,
• broader ranges for deadly diseases,
• historic droughts,
• more powerful storms, and
• disappearing coastlines.

more

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.

Storm water catch basin waste

Thanks to John Soucy with Gordon College, who pointed out that the EPA has a document that relates to management of that "stuff" that collects in storm water catch basins. It is:

• EPA 832-F-99-011 "Storm Water O&M Fact Sheet:Catch Basin Cleaning."

Frequent Questions Database

On September 9, 2009, EPA launched the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Frequent Questions Database. In the OEM Frequent Questions Database, you can browse and search frequently asked questions about EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Pollution Prevention (which includes oil discharge regulations, SPCC, and FRP). In addition, you can submit your own question if you do not find a similar one in the Database.

A link to the tool is available on the OEM Contact Us Web site, under the heading View Frequent Questions / Ask a Question, at the following URL:

www.epa.gov/emergencies/contact_us.htm

EPA?s Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP & Oil Information Center remains available to answer questions via telephone about any of OEM?s programs. You can contact the Information Center at:

(800) 424-9346 -- Toll Free
(703) 412-9810 -- Metropolitan DC area and international calls
(800) 553-7672 -- Toll Free TDD
(703) 412-3323 -- Metropolitan DC area and international TDD

To speak with an Information Specialist, please call between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM (EST), Monday through Thursday. Information Specialists are available between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday during May, June, and July.

EPA Finalizes GHG Reporting Rule

On Tuesday, September 22, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson signed the final rule for mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Record keeping requirements begin on January 1, 2010 and the first reports are due in 2011.

http://eponline.com/articles/2009/09/23/large-ghg-emitters-must-collect-data-on-jan.-1.aspx

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html

Emissions Rules Tighten for Medical Waste Incinerators

Sep 21, 2009
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new limits on air emissions will affect most existing hospital, medical, and infectious waste incinerators (HMIWI).
This final action will reduce about 390,000 pounds of several pollutants each year including acid gases, nitrogen oxides, and metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.

The agency also is finalizing additional testing, monitoring, and inspection requirements. This final action revises the September 1997 New Source Performance Renew (NSPR) standards and emission guidelines for these incinerators and responds to the court remand of the regulations. It also satisfies the Clean Air Act requirement to conduct a review of the standards every five years. (More...)

Federal Register Website Redirect

Beginning November 1, 2009, users of EPA's Federal Register Web site will be redirected to Regulations.gov (http://www.regulations.gov/) for all Federal Register information. The Federal Register List Serve will continue for a period after the transition, but will no longer be available after December 31, 2009. List serve subscribers will receive e-mails containing links and bookmarks to Regulations.gov (http://www.regulations.gov/) based on one of the twelve topical list serves they have subscribed to.List Serve users will be able to subscribe to an RSS feed to receive notifications on frequently updated content on Regulations.gov (http://www.regulations.gov/). Regulations.gov (http://www.regulations.gov/) allows subscribers to receive alerts when changes or additions occur in a docket folder. Users will able to select how frequently they would like to receive emails (daily, weekly or monthly).

EPA Seeks Public Input on National Enforcement Priorities Through Online Forum

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched an online discussion forum to receive public input on the future priorities for EPA’s national enforcement program. The public will be able to provide feedback through the EPA Web site until December 1, giving them a forum to submit ideas for EPA to consider for new areas of enforcement focus. All ideas will be evaluated and considered for recommendation to the EPA administrator about the future direction of EPA’s national enforcement and compliance priorities. The current enforcement priorities through 2010 focus on significant environmental problems, including pollution from stormwater runoff, air toxics, concentrated animal feeding operations, and mineral processing. To submit suggestions for potential priorities:
http://blog.epa.gov/enforcementnationalpriority/

Information on the enforcement priorities:

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/data/planning/priorities/index.html R237