Regulatory Updates

US EPA Update on Air Curtain Incinerators Requirements

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 …

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US EPA Launches New Website For Environmental Permitting

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.

Southern Nevada Clean Cities Coalition

Southern Nevada Clean Cities Coalition has recently reached apprenticeship status with the US Department of Energy’s Clean Cities and Communities network and is working toward reaching full coalition status by the end of this year. Clean Cities and Communities is a national network dedicated to the economic, environmental, and energy security of the country and works with coordinators at the local level to promote petroleum fuel reducing methods in their communities. Chris Lynch, BEP’s director, serves on the advisory board. Do you own …

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Northern Nevada Public Health Seeking Feedback on Second 10 year Maintenance Plan for PM10 

Public Comments Due May 5th The Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) is seeking public feedback on its Second 10-Year Maintenance Plan for the Truckee Meadows 24-Hour PM10 Maintenance Area. This plan addresses air quality in Washoe County’s southern portion, designated as Serious Nonattainment for PM10 in 2001 by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since then, the US EPA has redesignated the area to be in attainment for PM10 and approved the first 10-Year maintenance …

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State of Nevada Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP)

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop plans to reduce Nevada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) is the first of two plans funded by this grant. The main goal is to identify and prioritize near-term measures for GHG reduction, aiming for eligibility for further funding.  The PCAP includes a GHG inventory, emission projections, and priority measures across six focus areas, each accompanied by …

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US EPA Finalizes Stronger Clean Air Standards for Chemical Plants

On April 9, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final action to provide crucial health protections to communities near chemical plants. The action aims to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including chloroprene and ethylene oxide (EtO), while also decreasing pollution contributing to smog. This rule implements sections 111 and 112 of the Clean Air Act, strengthening regulations for various equipment and processes used in chemical plants, including those producing synthetic organic chemicals, polymers, and resins like …

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Revisions to Standards for the Open Burning/Open Detonation of Waste Explosives

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 …

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Resources for Household Wastes: e-Cigarette Disposal Fact Sheet and Household Medication Disposal Website

On February 23, 2024, US EPA published a new fact sheet on how individual consumers can dispose of e-cigarettes safely. Individuals should dispose of e-cigarettes as a household hazardous waste and not put them in household trash or recycling bins. The lithium batteries inside e-cigarettes can become damaged and cause fires; and the nicotine inside the devices is toxic, posing a risk to both workers and the environment. Access the new fact sheet here. On February 26, 2024 US EPA launched …

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US EPA Issues Final Rule for Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Facilities

On March 14, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final decisions regarding the regulation of Commercial Sterilization Facilities under the Clean Air Act. This includes defining affected sources, establishing emission standards for previously unregulated sources, and making amendments to address ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from various vents and room air emissions. Additionally, the EPA is correcting and clarifying regulations related to emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction periods, removing exemptions for these periods.  Owners and operators will now …

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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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