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All-Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool

New Resource Now Available The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed and launched the All-Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool to assist emergency managers and planners for all communities (state, local, Tribal, and territorial), and large industrial and municipal facilities. The tool guides users through the process of creating or updating a comprehensive pre-incident plan for managing materials and wastes generated from manmade and natural disasters, and preparing for plan implementation post-incident.  This tool is intended to encourage communities to begin planning for …

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BEP Interview: RTC Vanpool Q&A

Washoe RTC Vanpool Program A potential benefit to employers and employees in Washoe County Did you know that Washoe RTC offers a subsidized Vanpool program that employers can further subsidize as a benefit to employees who commute to work? If you are looking to support your employees’ transportation needs and reduce your carbon footprint, offering employees a means to vanpool can cut commuting costs, reduce employee commuting miles traveled, and help maintain good local air quality. There are several compelling …

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AirToxScreen Tool Updates

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released the fourth edition of AirToxScreen, a national screening assessment that estimates cancer and noncancer health risks from air toxics using 2020 data. This tool provides broad estimates of potential health risks and helps identify areas with potential air toxics issues for further assessment in areas around the Country. Key updates in this edition include: This update aims to improve understanding of local air toxics issues and guide further risk assessments. For more …

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US EPA Signs Proposal to Remove “Affirmative Defense” from Several Standards

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently signed a proposal to remove “affirmative defense” provisions from 18 rules in the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) under the Clean Air Act. These provisions had previously protected sources from civil penalties for emission standard violations during malfunctions if specific actions were followed. The move follows a 2014 D.C. Circuit court decision (NRDC v. EPA) that vacated such provisions in one EPA regulation. This …

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Final Memo Issued: Climate Resilience in Hazardous Waste Permitting

On June 5, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final memorandum that provides guidance to EPA Regions, states, and territories on when and how to consider potential adverse climate change impacts in the hazardous waste permitting process under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This guidance includes recommendations for conducting climate change vulnerability screenings and assessments for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to determine whether there are climate vulnerabilities that hazardous waste permits should address.  Read the …

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US EPA Finalizes Rule for Oil and Natural Gas Operations

The US EPA has issued a final rule, effective May 7, 2024, intended to significantly reduce methane and other emissions from oil and natural gas operations, including existing sources nationwide. The rule includes New Source Performance Standards for new, modified, and reconstructed sources, and Emissions Guidelines for states to develop plans to limit methane from existing sources. Methane is regarded as a potent climate pollutant contributing to global warming. US EPA has indicated that cutting methane emissions can provide immediate …

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US EPA Rule Update Regarding Fossil Fuel Fired Power Plants

On April 25, the US EPA announced a set of final rules attempting to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants and protect communities and improve public health without compromising reliable electricity delivery. These rules, established under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, aim to cut climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector. The rules include: To read more about these rules please visit the US EPA website here.

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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