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Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution Available for Review

Submit Comments by July 31st EPA recently developed the draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution to shift toward a restorative circular approach to plastics management, with objectives to: Reduce pollution during plastic production Improve post-use materials management Prevent trash and micro/nanoplastics from entering waterways and remove escaped trash from the environment The EPA is seeking comment from organizations engaged in post-consumer materials management and infrastructure. Read the draft strategy and submit your comments by July 31st here.

EPA Proposes Ban on Perchloroethylene (PCE)

Public Webinar July 19th Public Comment Due by August 15th What is the Proposed Rule? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a rule which bans most uses of perchloroethylene (PCE), a chemical commonly used in brake cleaners, adhesives, dry cleaning, and various industrial settings. The ban would apply to consumer uses but allow many industrial and commercial uses to continue under strict workplace controls. Key exceptions include uses related to national security, aviation, critical infrastructure, and efforts to combat climate …

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Washoe County: Draft Ozone Wildfire Mitigation Plan

The Washoe County Health District’s Air Quality Management Division (AQMD has issued a call for public comment on its draft Ozone Wildfire Mitigation Plan. The plan outlines AQMD’s strategies to address high levels of ozone resulting from wildfires and is a requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The 2023 draft plan, open for public input until July 28, 2023, mirrors the previously established Wildfire Mitigation Plan for Particulate Matter (PM) but focuses specifically on ozone. The plan covers various aspects, …

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Proposed Phase Down of Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride is widely used in many industries for paint removing, degreasing, cleaning, manufacturing, and more. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rapid phase-down for its use.  The proposed rule would: Prohibit manufacturing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses Prohibit most industrial and commercial uses of methylene chloride Create strict workplace protections to ensure that for the remaining uses, workers will not be harmed by methylene chloride use. Require manufacturers (including importers), processors, and distributors to notify …

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Take Advantage of BEP’s New Hazardous Waste Management Tools

Weekly Inspection Tools for SQGs and LQGs of Hazardous Waste State and Federal law require small and large quantity hazardous waste generators to inspect their central accumulation areas once per week. BEP’s new comprehensive Weekly Inspection Tools for SQGs and LQGs will help keep your facility in compliance. The tool can be used digitally as a fillable PDF. Have questions on the requirements for your weekly inspections? Contact us for free, confidential assistance. SQG Weekly Inspection Tool LQG Weekly Inspection …

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EPA Proposes Reforms to New Chemical Review Process Under TSCA

Public Comment Due by July 25th The EPA proposed amendments to regulations that govern the review of new chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  Read the Federal Register notice and submit a public comment by July 25.  These amendments would update the regulations to:  Include the five statutory determinations EPA must make for each new chemical submission; Eliminate eligibility exemptions from the full safety review process for PFAS and other persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals; and Make the …

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NEW Hazardous Waste Determination Tool

Identifying whether your waste is hazardous or not can be tricky. BEP’s new Hazardous Waste Determination Tool takes you step by step through the process of evaluating your waste, connects you to relevant regulations, and keeps recordkeeping organized and thorough. Need help with determining your waste? Check out BEP’s Hazardous Waste Determination Factsheet and contact us for free, confidential assistance.

BEP Partners with Washoe County Health Department

Air Quality Assistance Now Available for Washoe County Residents The Nevada Business Environmental Program (BEP) at the University of Nevada, Reno and the Washoe County Health District, Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) are pleased to announce a new partnership to provide air quality compliance and permitting assistance for the Washoe County business community. The main benefits for businesses and residents of this partnership include: Compliance assistance with air quality regulations Air quality permitting and registrations Information on workshops & events Other air …

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Call for Submissions: 

2023 Partner of the Year Awards The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is calling for submissions for the 2023 Partner of the Year Awards. The Awards recognize the leadership contributions of Safer Choice partners and stakeholders who have shown achievement in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of products with safer choice chemicals that furthers outstanding or innovative source reduction. For more information on how to apply, CLICK HERE.

New Requirements for Miscellaneous Coating Manufacturing Operations

The final rule for miscellaneous coating manufacturing, effective February 22, 2023, establishes emission limits and work practice requirements for new and existing operations, including process vessels, storage tanks, wastewater, transfer operations, equipment leaks, and heat exchange systems.  The rule also implements section 112(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) by requiring all major sources to meet hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emission standards reflecting application of the maximum achievable control technology (MACT). The HAPs emitted from miscellaneous coating manufacturing facilities include toluene, xylene, …

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