Hazardous Waste

On April 25, the US EPA announced a set of final rules attempting to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants and protect communities and improve public health without compromising reliable electricity delivery. These rules, established under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, aim to cut climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector. The rules include: To read more about these rules please visit the US EPA website here.

On April 30, 2024, US EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, due to concerns that the chemical can cause cancer, neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death. Methylene chloride is used by consumers for aerosol degreasing and paint and coating brush cleaners, in commercial applications such as adhesives and sealants, and in industrial settings for making other chemicals.  EPA’s final risk management rule requires companies to rapidly phase down manufacturing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer …

Read MoreUS EPA Finalizes Ban on Most Uses of Methylene Chloride

On March 20, 2024 the US Envirormental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed changes that would amend the standards for facilities that use open burning and open detonation to treat waste explosives. In response to requests for additional time, US EPA extended the comment period through June 20, 2024. Learn about this proposed rule and submit comments here.  If you are interested in learning more about where these facilities are located, check out US EPA’s new map publishing the location, identification numbers, permitting statuses, and …

Read MoreUS EPA Extends Comment Period for Revisions of Open Burning/Open Detonation of Hazardous Waste Explosives Proposal; New Map Published

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new website, epa.gov/permits, a centralized web-based platform for information about federal environmental permitting. It highlights EPA’s permitting and environmental review programs and shares information on related statutes and environmental justice initiatives.  EPA’s goal is to provide another tool for stakeholders to access information on the US EPA’s permitting processes.  To view new permitting website, click here.

Upcoming US EPA Webinar; Public Comment Period Open On March 20, 2024, US EPA proposed changes that would amend the standards for facilities to use open burning/open detonation (OB/OD) to treat waste explosives. The proposed revisions would reduce OB/OD of waste explosives and increase control of air emissions through improved implementation of existing requirements that facilities must evaluate and use safe and available alternative technologies in lieu of OB/OD.  US EPA will host a webinar on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 10AM …

Read MoreRevisions to Standards for the Open Burning/Open Detonation of Waste Explosives