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Joplin Receives $2.4M for Contaminated Soil Projects

Joplin Receives $2.4M for Contaminated Soil Projects

 

On October 4, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it was providing the city of Joplin, Missouri with $2.4 million to sample and clean up contaminated soils that were displaced in May of 2011 when an EF-5 tornado tore through the city.  The contaminated soil contains lead and cadmium.  
 
On May 22, 2011, the EF-5 tornado touched down in Joplin and killed 161 people while injuring thousands of others.  As the tornado swept through the heart of the city, it destroyed 8,000 structures like homes, schools, churches, businesses, and more.  As the tornado tore up foundations, trees, and the soil itself, it exposed soil from old mine waste areas or fill from the mines that was during construction.  The cleanup efforts are also believe to have exposed contaminated soil.  
 
The new federal funding will allow the city of Joplin to replace soil at approximately 240 homes, parks, playgrounds and other areas over the next three years.  The EPA reports that it has been removing mine and smelter wastes from the city of Joplin since the mid-1990s.  Before the tornado, about 2,600 contaminated yards had been cleared of lead and cadmium.  Now, the EPA estimates that about 1,500 to 2,000 more areas now need soil remediation.  
 
Soil remediation for the cleanup efforts after the tornado began in April of 2012.  Since then, 26 yards have been completed, 21 properties are currently being worked on, and another 28 properties are approved and awaiting cleanup.
 
According to EPA Regional Administrator Karl Brooks, “EPA and the city of Joplin have built a long-term partnership.  For two decades, the Agency has been helping the city provide a clean and healthy environment for its residents.  When EPA’s staff and contractors mobilized within hours of the 2011 tornado to join in the recovery effort, that marked the latest chapter in the continuing story of our excellent relationship.” 
 
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

40 Freight Companies Awarded for Efficiency

40 Freight Companies Awarded for Efficiency

 

On October 9, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency announced 40 freight industry companies were receiving the 2012 SmartWay Excellence Awards.  The achievements go to companies that have worked to move freight efficiently and reduce carbon dioxide emissions at the same time.  
 
The partners under the SmartWay award have generated $6.5 billion in fuel savings since 2004 and saved the United States 55 million barrels of oil as well.  
 
Gina McCarthy, the Assistant Administrator as the Office of Air and Radiation, stated: “Recipients of this year’s SmartWay Excellence Awards are reaping the business benefits and environmental rewards of cutting petroleum use in their transportation operations.  By participating in EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership and working to reduce costs and emissions, these companies are moving our nation forward to a healthier and more secure future.” 
 
The winners of this year’s awards are companies that have reduced the most emissions because of embracing new forms of technology and using other strategies and tools as well.  According to the EPA, “SmartWay’s clean air achievements include reducing 23.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 478,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, and 22,000 tons of particulate matters to better help protect the health and environment of the nation.”  
 
The EPA also reports that SmartWay made some recent changes.  They now help companies upgrade to technology that is capable of tracking the energy and environmental efficiency of the freight operations.  The new technology can be used by shippers and logistical partners to plan routes, selections, and more.  
 
The SmartWay Excellence Award was held at the annual Management Conference & Exhibit by the American Trucking Association in Las Vegas and the annual conference for Supply Chain Management Professionals in Atlanta.  
 
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Cleanup Decision for Woonasquatucket River in RI

Cleanup Decision for Woonasquatucket River in RI

 

On October 10, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has selected a cleanup plan for contaminated soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater for the Centredale Manor Restoration Project Superfund site in North Providence. 
 
The EPA reports that Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyals (PCBs) are the main contaminants at the site.  However, the EPA reports the following contaminants as well: furans, metals, volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, and multiple pesticides.  
 
The cleanup plan includes the following: 
 
• the removal and treatment of off-site buried waste and a RCRA Subtitle C cap over the source area for the contamination
• the excavation of contaminated sediment from the Woonasquatucket river and floodplain soil up to the Allendale and Lyman Mill reaches
• the placement of a soil cover over contamination in Oxbow in order to encourage natural recovery and preserve the habitat
• the enforcement of controls to monitor the cleanup plan and maintain the projects
 
In addition to the cleanup plans above, the EPA will also start a mediation process with numerous parties who are responsible for the contamination.  The cleanup plan is estimated to cost $104 million.  
 
The EPA reports that they will start to contact property owners along the Allendale and Lyman Mill Ponds in North Providence in the next couple of months.  The EPA will tell property owners how they can protect themselves and limit their exposure to the contaminated soil.
 
Property owners are not the only people at risk of exposure.  The EPA states that recreational visitors like anglers and construction workers may be exposed to the contamination.  A large amount of wildlife is also at risk of exposure.  
 
The cleanup plan will address which parts of the Woonasquatucket River are not safe for recreational use, prevent more contaminants from entering the river, protect wildlife, and reduce water contamination to federal drinking water standards.  
 
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

$1.2 Million Issued to Improve Indoor Air Quality

$1.2 Million Issued to Improve Indoor Air Quality

 

On October 10, 2012, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced that it was awarding $1.2 million to 32 different state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and tribes.  The EPA is certain the support to the governments and organizations will lead to better air quality in classrooms, communities, and even private homes.  
 
A large amount of the funding is going to education and training opportunities that address the risks of indoor contaminants like radon and other particles that can cause asthma.  The projects are geared to children, families, and governments.  For example, some of the funds will allow speakers to educate parents about asthma triggers, and other funds will help school districts create and implement management plans for air quality.  
 
Some of the projects are directed toward low income families as well because these families are usually the most affected by bad air quality indoors.  
 
Gina McCarthy, the assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, stated, “EPA is proud to be working with our awardees across the nation to improve the air we breathe at school, work and home.  American communities face serious health and environmental challenges from air pollution.  This effort gives us an opportunity to improve indoor air quality by increasing awareness of environmental health risks.”  
 
The EPA reports that air pollutants in buildings can cause symptoms like a burning nose and throat, sore eyes, headaches, and even fatigue.  Serious complications can even occur such as respiratory illness and, in some cases, cancer.  
 
The projects will mainly address air quality awareness and reduce contaminants in the following ways: 
 
• increasing air quality controls in all levels of the community
• encouraging air management practices in schools
• increasing the testing of homes for radon and increasing the number of homes built with resistant features for radon
• increasing awareness of asthma triggers 
 
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

$30 Million Awarded for Clean Diesel Projects

$30 Million Awarded for Clean Diesel Projects

 

On October 11, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it was awarding $30 million to go to clean diesel projects.  The funds are part of a continuing campaign that is trying to reduce the amount of harmful diesel exhaust—which is a main factor in asthma attacks, respiratory disease, and even premature deaths.  
 
The ongoing campaign is called the Diesel Emission Reduction Program, or DERA.  The program aims to “replace, retrofit or repower older diesel-powered engines like marine vessels, locomotives, trucks and busses.”  
 
The EPA admits that diesel-powered engines last a long time, are fuel-efficient and stand as a major component in transportation and manufacturing for the United States’ economy.  Yet, unlike newer diesel engines, older diesel engines are taking a toll on the environment and human health.  The EPA states that older diesel engines can release harmful air pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).  These air pollutants are direct causes of serious health problems like asthma, lung disease, heart disease, and premature death.  
 
The project’s funds are centering on the 11 million older diesel engines that are still in operation and continue to emit large amounts of pollution.  The winners of this year’s awards initially submitted proposals for increasing health and the environment in specific areas with current air quality problems.  By targeting these areas, the recipients of the awards and the EPA hope that these communities will have cleaner air and higher levels of health.  
 
This is the first year that the EPA is targeting large engines like those used for marine vessels and locomotives.  The EPA is capable of addressing these larger engines because of increased funding. 
 
The DERA project was started in 2005 and it was first funded by the EPA in 2008.  Since then, the EPA has awarded more than 500 grants across the nation.  
 
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Missouri Veterinary Products Company to Pay Fine and Build Waste Storage Facility

Missouri Veterinary Products Company to Pay Fine and Build Waste Storage Facility

On September 24, 2012, a veterinary health products company called Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. settled with the US Environmental Protection Agency and agreed to pay a $68,475 civil penalty.  The penalty will be paid to the United States because of violations within the Resource Conservation Recovery Act.  According to the EPA, the company “mishandled” mercury waste in St. Joseph, MO. 

The EPA reports the following specific violations:

·  the failure to determine hazardous waste levels in various streams

·  the storage of hazardous waste without a RCRA permit

·  failure to meet generator requirements

·  sending waste containing mercury to non-authorized sites

·  the transportation of hazardous waste without proper license of manifest

·  failing to meet waste lamp requirements

·  failing to meet recycled oil use requirements

EPA representatives went to inspect the facilities at the St. Joseph location in May of 2010 and found the above violations under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act—the main Act controlling the use of hazardous waste. 

The EPA indicates that the veterinary health products company produces mercury within its vaccine production process. 

In addition to the civil penalty, the veterinary company is also required to build an innovative $300,000 hazardous waste storage facility.  After agreeing to the settlement, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is now certified under all RCRA regulations. 

Karl Brooks, the EPA Region 7 Administrator, states, “The proper handling and management of hazardous waste is an integral part of protecting human health and the environment.  In the event of an accidental release on site or while in transport, proper labeling, storing, and management practices can help reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous material by response personnel as well as reduce risk to public health by identifying the necessary and proper cleanup methods.”

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

Effective Management of Used Electronics

Effective Management of Used Electronics

 

On September 20, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the launch of the Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Challenge (SMM).  The initiate encourages manufacturers and retailers to make recycling and refurbishing a standard within the electronics industry. 

During the announcement, Lisa Feldt, the EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response, was joined by major leaders like Best Buy, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, and Staples.  The announcement occurred at the Vintage Tech Recyclers in Romeoville, Illinois. 

The companies participating in SMM have agreed to send 100 percent of all use electronics to third-party refurbishers and recycling centers.  The companies will also increase efforts to collect more use electronics from consumers. 

In order for a recycler to become certified, they need to undergo an audit that checks to see if recycling and management of the used electronics meets industry standards.  Many of the certified recyclers are growing.  For example, Vintage Tech Recyclers devoted 80 percent of all new jobs to third-party certification. 

EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson stated, “Already, the United States generates almost 2.5 million tons of electronic waste per year—and that number will only grow.  Used electronics have materials in them that can be recovered and recycled, reducing the economic costs and environmental impacts of securing and processing new materials for new products.”

The EPA makes clear that reliability on electronics increases the importance of recycling precious materials in the devices.  Electronics contain rare-earth metals, copper, plastic and glass, all of which can be recycled.  The mining of manufacturing of these materials uses energy and releases greenhouse gases, but by recycling the materials, the carbon footprint is reduced and industry prices slow. 

Dell, Sony, and Sprint have also agreed to work with the EPA to manage their used electronics. 

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

MS Operator Falsified Industrial Wastewater Records

MS Operator Falsified Industrial Wastewater Records


On November 9, 2012, the Department of Justice announced that the owner and operator of an environmental laboratory in Mississippi was charged for falsifying records about industrial wastewater and then obstructing an investigation by federal authorities.  The defendant, Teenie White, was charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.  


White is the owner and operator of Mississippi Environmental Analytical Laboratories, Inc.  She faces three charges.  Two of the charges are for making false statements and the third charge is for obstructing justice.  


The indictment states that White was hired by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to test waste water sample at various industrial manufacturers throughout the state.  White was required to compile month reports of discharge from the manufacturers and submit the results to the MDEQ.  


The indictment indicates that White falsely created three different discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) for testing that was never done in the first place.  She also created a false laboratory report and presented it to a client in order to prepare another DMR.  The false reporting occurred from February to August of 2009.  White lied to authorities she was approached by a federal agent who was investigating the information in the reports.  


White is subject to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of false statements.  She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for obstruction.  She is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  


The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Richard J. Powers with the Environmental Crimes Section under the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Gaine Cleveland with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.  


Source: U.S. Department of Justice

China is the Top Buyer and Exporter of Illegal Timber

China is the Top Buyer and Exporter of Illegal Timber

 

On November 29, 2012, the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) released a new report, titled Appetite for Destruction: China’s Trade in Illegal Timber.  The report reveals China is the largest importer, exporter, and consumer of illegal timber in the world, all the while emphasizing how policies in China (and the world’s largest importers from China) add to deforestation in Southeast Asia. 

The EIA estimates, conservatively, that China imported 18.5 million cubic meters of illegal timber in 2011 alone.  Such estimates are worth $3.7 billion. 

The largest timber consumers in the world—the United States, the European Union, and Australia—have passed legislation in the last decade to help protect shrinking forests and particularly rainforests.  The largest producing countries like Indonesia have also increased enforcement efforts to deter illegal logging. 

Still, China proceeds to import and export a massive amount of illegal timber. 

Faith Doherty, head of the EIA’s Forests Campaign, paints a clear picture of China’s illegal timber campaign: “China is now effectively exporting deforestation around the world.” 

The true extent of China’s illegal timber campaign has been investigated by EIA field investigators since 2004 in places like China itself, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Far East Russia, and Vietnam. 

Doherty stresses that further legislation and enforcement need to immediately target illegal timber trading in East Asia before it’s too late.  She states, “Any further meaningful progress to safeguard the forests of the world is being undermined unless the Chinese Government acts swiftly and decisively to significantly strengthen its enforcement and ensure that illegal timber is barred from its markets.” 

The report goes as far to say “China’s Government has done virtually nothing to curb illegal imports” while ensuring current policies create a steady supply from illegal logging areas. 

Currently, the US Lacey Act and the EU Timber Regulation target illegal wood products from China, but the EIA states that such regulations need increasingly enforced. 

The EIA’s report states China needs to take the following legislative and industrial steps:

·  create clear prohibitions against imports on illegal logs

·  let the Commerce and Foreign Ministries and the State Forest Administration (SFA) help stop illegal logging

·  know the specific laws on timber production and trade from all other countries

·  help protect threatened tree species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

·  work with Chinese companies overseas to make revised policies mandatory

·  mandate laws that criminalize Chinese companies that bribe foreign officials

·  stop the influence of state-owned enterprises that export illegal timber to China

Source: Environmental Investigation Agency

Lesser Prairie Chicken Listed as Threatened, Habitat Exchanges to Occur

Lesser Prairie Chicken Listed as Threatened, Habitat Exchanges to Occur

 

On November 30, 2012, the Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the prairie chicken is now considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  According to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the decision by the Fish and Wildlife Service will likely cause state and federal wildlife agencies to issues stricter permits and operations of energy developers and ranchers in the bird’s habitat. 

The bird is mainly found in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado—states that all have large farming and ranching industries as well as large amounts of oil, gas, and wind energy development. 

David Festa, the Vice President of the Land, Water and Wildlife program for the EDF, states: “In the past, these kinds of ESA listing decisions have led to years of litigation and conflict.  Now, with the lesser prairie chicken, we’re working with land users to set up Wildlife Habitat Exchanges that provide cooperative, cost-effective habitat conservation.”  

After the listing of the lesser prairie chicken under the ESA, the EDF is going to work with landowners, developers, and companies that will help protect the chicken’s habitat at the lowest cost possible while letting industry continue in the areas without debate and litigation.  The Wildlife Habitat Exchanges will recruit private landowners—such as farmers and ranchers—to maintain the habitat of the chicken, and the land can then be leased to energy companies and other developers so the companies can meet obligations under the ESA to protect wildlife. 

Steve Swaffar with the Kansas Farm Bureau states: “Habitat Exchanges are a smart solution for threatened species such as the lesser prairie chicken.  Exchanges deliver quantifiable measures of habitat and resources, at the same time giving private landowners an opportunity to derive income by providing for the specific needs of the species, and continue to use their property for agriculture production.” 

The EDF reports that about 90 percent of the bird’s habitat is on private land.  Other states have used Habitat Exchanges in the past and the initiatives have proven extremely successful.  For example, Texas used Habitat Exchanges to protect the golden checked warbler and increase the bird’s numbers. 

The Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing was only an initial decision, and it has a year to make the final listing decision. 

David Festa remained optimistic about Wildlife Habitat Exchanges: “EDF supports Wildlife Habitat Exchanges as a proven model that could change the trajectory of the lesser prairie chicken.  It can bring the species back from the brink and put it on a path toward recovery before the final listing decision is made.” 

Source: Environmental Defense Fund

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