Category: Special Topics in Environmental Management

One E-Reporting System Proposed for MATS

Responding to recommendations from owners and operators (O/Os) of electric power plants subject to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), the EPA is proposing final regulations to require the submission of compliance data through a single electric reporting system rather than through two systems as established by the original MATS (February 16, 2012, FR). […]

Clean Power Plan Now in the Hands of D.C. Circuit

On September 27, 10 justices of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments from 16 attorneys divided over the legality of EPA’s Clean Power Plan (CPP). The hearing comprised a morning session that addressed whether authority for the EPA to promulgate the CCP exists in the Clean Air Act (CAA) […]

Water Bill Passes Senate

On September 15, 2016, the Senate passed S. 2848, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA), by a vote of 95 to 3. While a great deal of the bill is directed at improving the ability of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake navigation, flood management, and ecosystem restoration projects, the bill […]

Amendments Issued for Area Source Boiler NESHAP

In response to two petitions for reconsideration from industry and one from an environmental group, the EPA has again amended its March 2011 National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for area source industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers. The petitions specifically addressed aspects of previous amendments to the NESHAP, which the Agency promulgated in […]

Communication: Tips for (Construction Stormwater) Compliance

At the most recent 2016 StormCon conference, thousands of stormwater enthusiasts infiltrated the city of Indianapolis eager to learn the tricks of the trade. Stormwater professionals from construction, industry, and municipalities all sought information on how to better their respective stormwater programs and to teach others the hard lessons learned.

EHS on Tap Episode 8: EPA’s Recent Proposal to Rein in Vapor Intrusion

Subsurface areas such as basements are hidden harbors for silent and toxic intrusion of vapors that can lead to detrimental health effects. The Environmental Protection Agency has always had an interest in vapor intrusion, but now, rousing recent interest the agency has made a stark move. It has proposed to add vapor intrusion as a […]

SPCC Plans and Secondary Containment Options for Mobile Tanks

Q. If we have an independent contractor come to our facility for 60 days each year with a 4000-gallon diesel tank, will we need to add their tank to our plan or have them develop a plan? What options do we have for secondary containment for mobile tanks?