Administrator

US EPA Finalizes “Commonsense” Standards for Gasoline Distribution Facilities

On March 14, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was implementing new standards to reduce toxic air pollution from gasoline distribution facilities, excluding gas stations. These rules target storage tanks, loading operations, and equipment leaks, aiming to cut emissions of air toxics and volatile organic compounds significantly. The regulations consider public input and include adjustments to enhance environmental protection while minimizing impacts on small businesses and gas prices.  Gasoline distribution facilities are required to adopt cost-effective practices …

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US EPA Finalizes Rule Banning Use of Asbestos

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule on March 18, 2024, prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form currently used in or imported to the United States. This ban is the first under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), aiming to address health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including various cancers.  The rule includes strict compliance deadlines for transitioning away from asbestos use, especially in the chlor-alkali sector. It also bans …

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Update on Proposed Changes for Commercial Sterilization Facilities and Ethylene Oxide Emissions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed amendments in April, 2023 to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Commercial Sterilization Facilities. The proposed changes include addressing risks and technology reviews, specifically focusing on ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from point sources and room air emissions. Additionally, the EPA wants to correct and clarify regulations related to emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM), proposing work practice standards for SSM periods. The proposal also suggests revisions to monitoring and performance testing requirements …

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Proposed Clarifications to the Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program

On December 13, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule to clarify the relationship between the Clean Air Act (CAA) title V operating permit program and certain types of “applicable requirements” established under different sections of the CAA.  The proposed rule would: (1) ensure that applicable requirements established in different CAA programs are treated consistently in title V permits across the nation; (2) incentivize permitting authorities to offer opportunities for meaningful public involvement in NSR permitting actions; (3) respect the …

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Partial Withdraw of Technical Corrections made to RCRA Regulations

As referenced in our September 2023 Newsletter the EPA issued a rule correcting typographical errors and citations, and clarifying ambiguous language in approximately 50 sections of the federal hazardous waste regulations. As of December 6, 2023, 8 amendments were withdrawn due to adverse comments received on the rule. Read the withdrawn amendments in the Federal Register here. Please note that the issued rule will not be recognized in the State of Nevada until the State completes an update to its adoption by reference …

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2024 Compliance Calendars Now Available

Download our 2024 Hazardous Waste Compliance Calendar! The calendar includes space for your facility to document weekly inspections, staff training, waste determinations, and more. The calendar also contains compliance tips and QR codes to helpful resources to keep your facility in compliance with hazardous waste regulations. Download the calendar here. The 2024 Dry Cleaner Calendar is also available for download here.

Wood Burning Device Workshop

January 8th, 2024 at UNR Redfield Campus UNR’s Business Environmental Program (BEP) is hosting a Workshop on Wood-Burning Devices located in Washoe County on January 8, 2024 at 10am at the Redfield Campus. Who Should Attend: If you own a wood-burning device, are planning to purchase one, or install or sell them in Washoe County, this workshop is for you. Why Attend: This workshop will cover the rules and regulations pertaining to owning, selling, or installing wood-burning devices, as well …

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Biennial Reporting Workshops

Reno: January 9th, Las Vegas: January 11th The Biennial Reporting Workshops scheduled for Reno on Tuesday, January 9 and for Las Vegas on Thursday, January 11 are currently full. Join the waitlists for the workshops today by emailing Kat Olson at katolson@unr.edu. Additional courses may be added based on demand. If you generated at a large quantity generator (LQG) status (greater than 2,200 lbs of hazardous waste in a calendar month) for any month during 2023, you must complete a …

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NNPH Proposes Revisions to Fees

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH, formerly Washoe County Health District) is proposing revisions to Environmental Health Services and Air Quality Management fees, due to higher costs to perform these services. Review the proposed changes: Air quality management fee revisions EHS fee revisions Comments on business impacts from the proposed fee increases can be submitted by filling out this survey by November 30th. CLICK HERE for the latest information from NNPH.  You can review an online recording of a previous workshop on the fee changes here.