Air Quality

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released the fourth edition of AirToxScreen, a national screening assessment that estimates cancer and noncancer health risks from air toxics using 2020 data. This tool provides broad estimates of potential health risks and helps identify areas with potential air toxics issues for further assessment in areas around the Country. Key updates in this edition include: This update aims to improve understanding of local air toxics issues and guide further risk assessments. For more …

Read MoreAirToxScreen Tool Updates

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently signed a proposal to remove “affirmative defense” provisions from 18 rules in the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) under the Clean Air Act. These provisions had previously protected sources from civil penalties for emission standard violations during malfunctions if specific actions were followed. The move follows a 2014 D.C. Circuit court decision (NRDC v. EPA) that vacated such provisions in one EPA regulation. This …

Read MoreUS EPA Signs Proposal to Remove “Affirmative Defense” from Several Standards

The US EPA has issued a final rule, effective May 7, 2024, intended to significantly reduce methane and other emissions from oil and natural gas operations, including existing sources nationwide. The rule includes New Source Performance Standards for new, modified, and reconstructed sources, and Emissions Guidelines for states to develop plans to limit methane from existing sources. Methane is regarded as a potent climate pollutant contributing to global warming. US EPA has indicated that cutting methane emissions can provide immediate …

Read MoreUS EPA Finalizes Rule for Oil and Natural Gas Operations

As the building season is ramping up, now is the time to ensure you meet all requirements for minimizing fugitive dust at your site. If your site is inside Washoe County and you are disturbing one (1) acre or more, you must apply for a Dust Control Permit with Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) before beginning operations. If your site is outside of Washoe and Clark counties, and you are disturbing five (5) acres or more, you are required to apply for …

Read MoreDust Control Permitting Requirements in Nevada

In August 2020, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a 5-year review of the Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources concerning certain solid waste incineration units. As part of this review, it was proposed to remove title V permitting requirements for air curtain incinerators (ACIs) that burn specific types of waste materials.  Following supportive feedback on the proposal, the EPA has finalized the decision to remove these permitting requirements for ACIs burning …

Read MoreUS EPA Update on Air Curtain Incinerators Requirements