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Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory

Did you know that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of all “existing” chemicals called the Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory? This is a requirement of Section 8(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Why is this important? If you plan to manufacture a chemical you must first check the TSCA Inventory to see if the chemical exists and if there are any importing or manufacturing restrictions. If the chemical does not exist, you must follow EPA’s review …

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Beware of Unsafe or Ineffective Antimicrobial Products

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced violations by a Southern California company that was selling unregistered antimicrobial products that resulted in a $150,000 fine for the company. The company claimed their product could kill or repel microbes through a water filtration system that had not been tested or approved by the EPA. The danger to purchasers lies in the potential ineffectiveness of the product and/or harm to the user. Antimicrobial products that claim to kill or repel bacteria …

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Episodic Events in Nevada

Information Now Available on BEP’s Website What happens when a very small quantity generator (VSQG) or small quantity generator (SQG) goes over the limit for their generator status and generates more hazardous waste for just a month due to something like a planned annual clean-out or cleaning up an accidental spill? Does the business move up in generator status and need to follow all the rules that apply to the higher generator category? Not necessarily! The State of Nevada adopted the Subpart L – …

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US EPA Pollution Prevention Week September 20-26

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is celebrating 30 years of pollution prevention (P2) with Pollution Prevention Week, from September 20 – 26, 2021. The 1990 Pollution Prevention Act established the P2 program to help reduce or eliminate waste at the source by modifying production processes. P2 strategies also promote using nontoxic or less toxic substances, implementing conservation techniques, and reusing materials rather than putting them into the waste stream. For help determining how your operation could become more environmentally sustainable by integrating …

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NDEP Air Quality Staffing Updates

If you hold an Air Quality Permit through the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) there are some internal changes you may want to know about. Jennifer Schumacher was recently appointed as the Chief of the Bureau of Air Pollution Control. Before assuming her new position, Ms. Schumacher was the Supervisor for Class I Air Quality Permitting. Her contact information remains the same, email jschumacher@ndep.nv.gov. Travis Osterhout recently departed the Bureau of Air Pollution Control where he served as the Compliance …

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Trend Analysis of Hazardous Waste Generation in Nevada

Large quantity generators (LQGs) of hazardous waste are required every other year to report to the State of Nevada and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on their generation activities. US EPA aggregates this information and allows website users to view trends of the data in several different ways. By looking at all Nevada LQGs included in the National Biennial Report (see above chart), we can see that hazardous waste generation by LQGs has fluctuated quite a bit between reporting periods but the overall trend …

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Save the Dates: Pollution Prevention Roundtable – October 20, 21, 27, 28

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS! SUBMIT BY AUGUST 18TH The Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) is sponsoring a virtual pollution prevention (P2) roundtable, P2 West: Inspiration, Innovation, and Implementation on Oct 20, 21, 27, and 28 from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm PT each day. This event is intended for P2 technical assistance providers, green business programs, sustainability experts, and zero waste and pretreatment professionals working with small businesses and industry to reduce pollution. PPRC is currently calling for presentations. Preferred presentations will …

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EPA Four-Part Webinar Series: How to Manage Asbestos in School Buildings

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a four-part webinar training series to help Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) designated persons understand their responsibilities to help local education agencies comply with federal asbestos in schools regulations.  The asbestos training will include: Part 1: Introduction to Asbestos, August 13, 2021 Part 2: Local Education Agency/Designated Person Requirements, August 16, 2021 Part 3: The AHERA Inspection and Surveillance, August 26, 2021 Part 4: AHERA Operation and Maintenance Program, September 2, 2021 For …

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Washoe County Health District Seeks Feedback on Permitting Program – Listening Sessions: August 17th and 19th

The Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) of the Washoe County Health District is reevaluating their permitting program and seeking public input. AQMD is considering revising the following aspects of the permitting program: Emission thresholds above which permitting through the AQMD would be required Annual actual emissions data reporting by the facility Regular, comprehensive review of AQMD operating permits every 5 years Who is potentially affected and should participate? Current AQMD operating permit holders Consultants with clients who have, or may …

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New Sustainable Nation Podcast: Erin Meezan from Interface

In the latest Sustainable Nation podcast hosted by Josh Prigge, Erin Meezan, Interface’s Chief Sustainability Officer, discusses creating carbon negative carpet tile and resilient flooring products (without offsets), how to balance sustainability with performance and cost, using the Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) as a tool for making better choices in building, and Interface’s Net-Works Program and other innovative waste diversion programs. LISTEN NOW Be sure to also check out the full library of podcasts. The Sustainable Nation Podcast is made available …

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