Regulatory Updates

US EPA Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS Pollution

On April 10, 2024, US EPA issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard intended to protect communities from exposure to harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals” that are potentially linked to cancer.  EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to this rule may have to take action to reduce PFAS to meet these new standards. All public water systems have three years to complete …

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US EPA Finalizes Ban on Most Uses of Methylene Chloride

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 …

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

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 …

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Dust Control Permitting Requirements in Nevada

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 …

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Draft Environmental Justice Strategic Plan

Feedback Due July 8, 2024 The US Department of Justice is seeking input to improve the draft US Environmental Justice Strategic Plan. The public may provide comments via virtual and in-person listening sessions or provide written comments to OEJ@usdoj.gov, by online survey, or postal mail to Office of Environmental Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611. All written comments must be submitted or postmarked by Monday, July 8, 2024.

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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