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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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US EPA Finalizes Rule Banning Use of Asbestos

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule on March 18, 2024, prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only form currently used in or imported to the United States. This ban is the first under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), aiming to address health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including various cancers.  The rule includes strict compliance deadlines for transitioning away from asbestos use, especially in the chlor-alkali sector. It also bans …

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Nevada Small Business Resource Fair

May 1, 2024, 10am – 2pm Mark your calendars! The 2024 Nevada Small Business Resource Fair, powered by Nevada’s Department of Business & Industry, will be hosted on Wednesday, May 1 from 10AM to 2PM at the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave, Las Vegas. Welcome remarks by Governor Joe Lombardo will be given at 10:30AM. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged here. Don’t miss this opportunity to make new connections and access FREE resources with various exhibitors. Stop …

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USE BEP SERVICES IN 2024!

The BEP team loves helping Nevada businesses achieve compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations by offering free and confidential consultations, facility site-visits, workshops, customized training for your staff, and more.  Confused about how to comply with air quality regulations? From general questions, such as if a generator is small enough to be classified as an insignificant activity, to more complex questions about emissions calculations and permitting requirements, the BEP air team is happy to help.  Working one-on-one, BEP helps businesses come …

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Compliance Resource: ECHO Tool

Have you heard of EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online tool, known as ECHO? You can use ECHO to view a history of your business’s compliance and enforcement data for a variety regulations, including the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). Watch a previously recorded webinar or sign up for an upcoming webinar here to learn how to use this tool.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards Change for Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

On February 7, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule which makes changes to the national air quality health standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). By setting a stricter standard for the amount of PM2.5 allowed in the air at 9.0 micrograms per cubic meter, the EPA aims to improve public health based on the latest scientific evidence.  However, some standards, like those for PM2.5 over a 24-hour period and PM10, remain the same. The EPA also plans to update the Air …

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EPA to Host Webinar on the Five Chemicals Being Prioritized for Risk Evaluation Under TSCA – February 20, 2024 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm EST

There will be an opportunity for participants to share comments. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding a webinar on February 20, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST on the five chemicals currently undergoing prioritization under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The webinar is open to all, but EPA is particularly interested in learning more about how these chemicals are used and how people could potentially be exposed at different points in a chemical’s lifecycle. EPA is …

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Update on Proposed Changes for Commercial Sterilization Facilities and Ethylene Oxide Emissions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed amendments in April, 2023 to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Commercial Sterilization Facilities. The proposed changes include addressing risks and technology reviews, specifically focusing on ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from point sources and room air emissions. Additionally, the EPA wants to correct and clarify regulations related to emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM), proposing work practice standards for SSM periods. The proposal also suggests revisions to monitoring and performance testing requirements …

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Proposed Clarifications to the Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program

On December 13, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule to clarify the relationship between the Clean Air Act (CAA) title V operating permit program and certain types of “applicable requirements” established under different sections of the CAA.  The proposed rule would: (1) ensure that applicable requirements established in different CAA programs are treated consistently in title V permits across the nation; (2) incentivize permitting authorities to offer opportunities for meaningful public involvement in NSR permitting actions; (3) respect the …

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