EPA seeks public input about these external review drafts which will be open for public comment until May 24, 2013.

For additional information, click here: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-RCRA-2002-0033-0090.  Use the keywords Vapor Intrusion Guidance to view the original memo and make comments.

The two documents released for public comment are:

1. OSWER Final Guidance For Assessing And Mitigating The Vapor Intrusion Pathway From Subsurface Sources To Indoor Air — External Review Draft (PDF)

http://www.epa.gov/oswer/vaporintrusion/documents/vaporIntrusion-final-guidance-20130411-reviewdraft.pdf

1. Guidance For Addressing Petroleum Vapor Intrusion At Leaking Underground Storage Tank Sites – External Draft Review (PDF)

http://www.epa.gov/oust/cat/pvi/petroleum-vapor-intrusion-review-draft-04092013.pdf

The comment period has been extended through close of business on May 31, 2013.  Comments should be submitted electronically to Mr. George Bridgers of EPA’s Air Quality Modeling Group at bridgers.george@epa.gov.

To read more on the guidance, see below:

DRAFT PM2 5 Guidance

Click here for an agenda and registration form: 4-17-13EnvRegUpdate

The HAZWOPER standard applies to five groups of employers and their employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances, including hazardous waste,  and are engaged in:

1. Mandatory clean-up operations required by the government involving hazardous substances at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
2. Corrective actions involving clean-up operations at RCRA sites
3. Voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by the government as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
4. Operations involving hazardous wastes that are conducted at treatment, storage, and disposal (TSDF) facilities
5. Emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of releases of, hazardous substances

If you or your employer are or have the potential to be covered by these groups, you should attend this annual refresher training. Registration information by clicking here.

The final revised rule will reduce the capital and annual costs of the original 2010 rules while reducing harmful pollutants.  The final amendments to the 2010 “National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE)” reflect new technical information submitted by stakeholders after the 2010 standards were issued. The updates will ensure that the standards are cost-effective, achievable, and protective, while continuing to provide significant emission reductions.

For more information: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/rice/ricepg.html

Along with the rise of sand mining in West Central Wisconsin comes the need for operators of sand processing facilities and sand mines to be in compliance and to stay in compliance with a number of environmental regulations. The Western Wisconsin chapter of FET is excited to host the upcoming seminar “Environmental Compliance at Industrial Sand Mines and Processing Facilities.” The seminar will bring together regulators, consultants and representatives from the sand industry for a day of educational and networking opportunities. Networking is a great way to learn about challenges facing other mines and processing facilities, and to discuss solutions to those challenges.

Those attending the seminar will learn about air and water permit compliance requirements and will likely pick up tips on how to better manage compliance activities. Attendees will be updated on the ambient air monitoring that is being conducted at several sand mines and processing plants in the area, and will hear about methods for modifying air permits at mines and processing plants. An attorney with Spangler, Nodolf, Bruder & Klinkhammer, LLC will discuss the implications of Wisconsin’s Mining Bill as well as legal issues related to sand mining and processing in the State.

–Kevin Accola, Western WI Chapter President

Tuesday, October 29th will feature a number of Professional Development courses and Wednesday and Thursday will be the regular 2-day Conference and Exhibition.  More details on the 2013 event will be posted on our website and in the newsletter as they are finalized.