EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has proposed amendments to the Petroleum Refinery Sector Risk and Technology Review and the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). According to EPA, these technical corrections provide both regulatory clarity for refineries and possible cost savings up to $11.5 million.
After receiving three separate petitions for reconsideration on the final December 1, 2015 Refinery Sector Rule, EPA is taking action to address concerns regarding the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants requiring Maximum Available Control Technology standards, and NSPS for petroleum refineries. The proposed amendments specifically provide technical corrections that clarify the requirements for work practice standards, recordkeeping, and reporting.
New Orleans Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in New Orleans, LA, on April 3-5 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
San Diego Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training
Register for California Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in San Diego, CA, on April 10-12 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
Virginia Beach Hazardous Waste and DOT Hazardous Materials Training
Register for Hazardous Waste Management and DOT Hazardous Materials Training: The Complete Course in Virginia Beach, VA, on April 17-19 and save $100 or receive an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet with electronic versions of both handbooks. To take advantage of this offer, click here or call 800-537-2372.
EPA to Broaden Representation on Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals
The EPA moved to appoint additional members to the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). This will increase the balance of scientific perspectives and add experts with experience in labor, public interest, animal protection, and chemical manufacturing and processing to the committee. The committee is tasked with providing independent advice on science and technical issues to assist EPA in implementing the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
These additional 11 members will supplement the 18 members appointed in January 2017. After further considering the objectives and scope of activities of the committee, EPA decided it was necessary to add to the SACC membership to be consistent with the statutory requirements. The Agency used public comments it received to decide on additional committee members.
Under TSCA, the SACC is required to include representatives from multiple sectors, including: science, government, labor, public health, public interest, animal protection, and industry. It can also include others the EPA Administrator determines to be advisable, including representatives that have specific expertise in the relationship of chemical exposures to women, children and other potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations.
Free New Jersey Air Compliance & Enforcement Training/Outreach Seminar
This free event will provide attendees with information on a variety of topics relating to Air Pollution regulations in New Jersey. Join NJ DEP staff in the morning for a discussion of common issues found with on-line submittals, as well as how to submit penalty payments electronically. There will also be an update on what’s new in the General Permit world, along with a presentation focused on what equipment or processes need an air permit. The morning session will conclude with a discussion on what boiler derating is and how to obtain a permit for it.
The afternoon session will cover the recent Air Rule Adoptions made in 2017, including the rule updates for storage tanks. The session will end with a presentation regarding common control and an opportunity for Q&A/compliance assistance. Come with specific questions that pertain to your facility’s air pollution issues such as process changes, new installations, potential permit/rule violations, etc. The Agency will have staff available to answer your specific questions and/or guide you in resolving your issues.
The Department is providing this free seminar from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at the New Jersey Forensic Science Technology Center 1200 Negron Drive, Hamilton, NJ.
Limited seating, please reserve your seat by completing a registration at this link. For problems with registration, contact ACEacademy@dep.nj.gov.
Owner of Precious Metal Recycler Charged with Unpermitted Storage of Hazardous Waste
United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Marian Walas with storage of hazardous waste without a permit, in violation of the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $50,000 per day of the violation. Walas was arrested in Atlanta on February 14, 2018.
According to the indictment, Walas was the president and manager of Rincat LLC (now defunct), a business that recycled automotive catalytic converters to recover the precious metal catalysts, mostly consisting of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. This recycling process generated hazardous waste, including chloride, sulfuric acid, and various heavy metals. Between August and December 2010, Walas allegedly stored this hazardous, corrosive, and toxic waste at a warehouse in Lakeland for a period more than 90 days without a permit issued by the EPA or the state of Florida, as required by the RCRA.
Specifically, between March and June 2010, Walas/Rincat hired a waste disposal company to remove eight loads (37,150 gallons) of hazardous waste from Rincat’s warehouse. On June 15, 2010, there were at least 21 containers of hazardous waste present. Walas/Rincat were evicted from the warehouse by the property owner on August 24, 2010. The following month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) discovered approximately 38,550 gallons of hazardous waste left behind at the warehouse. Thereafter, the property owner worked with FDEP to properly dispose of the hazardous waste at a total cost of approximately $83,000.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the EPA and the FDEP. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel George and Kelley Howard-Allen.
Read more on EPA Proposal Will Ease Emission Standards for Refineries.
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