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Thursday, August 30, 2018
Akadema Semi Custom Blem Maple Bats for $44.95!
Friday, August 24, 2018
EPA AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT REACH $365,000 SETTLEMENT WITH CERTAINTEED FOR ALLEGED SAFE DRINKING WAT
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EPA AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT REACH $365,000 SETTLEMENT WITH CERTAINTEED FOR ALLEGED
SAFE DRINKING WATER VIOLATIONS
Media contacts: R6Press@epa.gov or 214 665-2200
DALLAS – (August 24, 2018) Under a settlement announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), CertainTeed Corporation will pay $365,500 in civil penalties to resolve alleged violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) at the CertainTeed Lake Charles Polymer Plant in Westlake, Louisiana. The settlement requires the largest civil penalty payment under the Safe Drinking Water Act by a public water system with respect to drinking water in the state of Louisiana.
"This is an excellent example of EPA and Louisiana working together to ensure compliance with safe drinking water standards," said EPA Region 6 Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Director Cheryl Seager. "We are committed to protecting the public health and will not hesitate to hold companies accountable who refuse to comply with the law."
In a complaint filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. alleges that CertainTeed violated drinking water treatment requirements under the SDWA by failing to correct significant deficiencies identified during a Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) sanitary survey of CertainTeed's public water system located at the Westlake plant. These violations included, among other things, failure to provide approved and permitted drinking water at its facility for its employees and failure to monitor and test for contaminants that can result in adverse health effects. Despite numerous enforcement efforts by both EPA and the state of Louisiana, including letters from LDH, a joint inspection by LDH and EPA, and an EPA administrative order, CertainTeed took over four years to address the significant deficiencies identified in the survey.
As a result of state and federal enforcement efforts, CertainTeed has completed actions to correct the issues alleged in the Complaint and has achieved compliance with the SDWA and the rules to ensure the safety of drinking water served to its employees and facility visitors by public water providers like CertainTeed.
CertainTeed Corporation manufactures exterior and interior building products. CertainTeed Corporation's Westlake, Louisiana facility manufactures polymer products, including vinyl siding.
For more information on the Safe Drinking Water Act: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa
For more information on the Safe Drinking Water Act's Ground Water Rule: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/ground-water-rule
Connect with EPA Region 6:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eparegion6
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAregion6
Activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central
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Environmental Protection Agency, Fountain Place 12th Floor, Suite 1200 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202-2733 United States
Monday, August 20, 2018
EPA Regional Administrator Applauds Appointment of Emily Lindley as Commissioner at the Texas Commis
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EPA Regional Administrator Applauds Appointment of Emily Lindley as Commissioner at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Media contacts: R6Press@epa.gov or 214 665-2200
DALLAS - (August 20, 2018) Today, Governor Greg Abbott announced Emily Lindley to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
"I applaud Governor Abbott's announcement of Emily Lindley's appointment as Commissioner at the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality," said Regional Administrator Anne Idsal. "Emily has been a valuable, well-respected member of the EPA team and we look forward to continuing to work with her in our new capacity with the state of Texas."
After working at the TCEQ for ten years, Emily Lindley joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Chief of Staff to Regional Administrator Anne Idsal in April 2018. Prior to joining EPA, Emily held a variety of key responsibilities with the State of Texas and most recently served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Executive Director. In that role, Emily has played a critical role in helping oversee agency day to day operations. She is also highly experienced in working with Congressional and state legislatures, and working directly with customers regarding environmental programs.
Connect with EPA Region 6:
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eparegion6
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAregion6
Activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central
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Environmental Protection Agency, Fountain Place 12th Floor, Suite 1200 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202-2733 United States
Friday, August 17, 2018
EPA Proposes to Affirm October 2017 Texas Regional Haze Plan
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EPA Proposes to Affirm October 2017 Texas Regional Haze PlanEPA is Seeking Public Input on Aspects of the Texas Regional Haze Plan
Media contacts: R6Press@epa.gov or 214 665-2200 DALLAS - (August 17, 2018) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to affirm portions of our October 2017 Texas Regional Haze final action that addresses certain Clean Air Act regional haze requirements and the requirement to prevent interference with the visibility plans of downwind states. These portions include the aspects of EPA's federal plan we believe can benefit from further public input, such as the Clean Air Act requirements for particulate matter and sulfur dioxide as they relate to Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) for Electric Generating Units. The portions of the October 2017 final action we are not proposing to affirm will not be reopened at this time. The Clean Air Act establishes as a national goal the prevention of any future, and the remedying of any existing, man-made impairment of visibility in 156 national parks and wilderness areas designated as mandatory Class I Federal areas. The Regional Haze rule requires states to make progress toward achieving natural visibility conditions in some of the nation's most treasured areas. In Texas, this includes the Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains Class I areas. States must submit plans for achieving these goals by reducing harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. While EPA maintains that States are in the best position to provide flexibility and protect the environment while maintaining a strong economic engine, the EPA must implement federal plans to address Regional Haze in the absence of a state clean-air plan that fully meets Clean Air Act requirements. We believe certain specific aspects of the October 2017 federal plan can benefit from further public comment. In today's proposal, EPA also invites comment on additional issues that could inform our decision making on particulate matter and sulfur dioxide BART requirements for Texas. Following the publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register, there will be a comment period to provide the public with an opportunity to provide input. On September 26, 2018, there will be a hearing to accept oral comments into the record, after which the comment period will remain open for at least thirty days. We are also holding an information session prior to the hearing to provide additional information and a forum for informal discussion on our proposal. Time: Information Session: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Public hearing: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (including a short break) Location: Joe C. Thompson Conference Center (on the University of Texas Campus) Room 1.110 2405 Robert Dedman Drive Austin, Texas 78712 Once we have carefully reviewed comments, we will take final action on the aspects of the plan we are proposing to affirm. The EPA will continue to work with the state of Texas to ensure that it meets all Regional Haze requirements of the Clean Air Act. Haze forms when sunlight hits tiny particles of air pollution (both naturally occurring and man-made). The particles absorb some light while other light is scattered. The greater the number of pollutant particles, the more light is absorbed and scattered. The haze reduces the clarity and color of what we can see. In addition, pollution that leads to haze can harm people's health and the environment. Exposure to these small particles in the air has been linked to increased respiratory illness, decreased lung function, and even premature death. Connect with EPA Region 6: On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eparegion6 On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAregion6 Activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central
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Environmental Protection Agency, Fountain Place 12th Floor, Suite 1200 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202-2733 United States
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Akadema Sponsorship Fall and Spring
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Thursday, August 2, 2018
GoGreen! The US EPA Newsletter August 2018
GO GREEN!
EPA News You Can Use - August 2018
https://www.epa.gov/newsroom/gogreen
IN THIS ISSUE:
Enviro-Tip of the Month
Recent News
What You Can Do, What You Can Use
En español: Spanish Feature
Multimedia and More
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
About This Newsletter
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ENVIRO-TIP OF THE MONTH
Composting at home. Instead of bagging, leave the cut grass on the lawn to decompose and return to the soil, helping your lawn stay healthy. Get more backyard composting ideas:
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
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RECENT NEWS
Welcome Andrew Wheeler, EPA's Acting Administrator. On July 5, President Trump announced the appointment of Andrew Wheeler as Acting Administrator of EPA, who has dedicated his career to advancing sound environmental policies. "I look forward to working hard alongside EPA employees to continue our collective goal of protecting public health and the environment on behalf of the American people." --Andrew Wheeler
https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epas-acting-administrator
Video of meeting with EPA staff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4GiDkhdbIU
Superfund Task Force Announces One-Year Anniversary Accomplishments. On the one-year anniversary of the Superfund Task Force Report, EPA announced significant progress in carrying out the report's recommendations. The Agency also finalized its plans for completing all 42 recommendations by the end of 2019, which are outlined in a new "2018 Update" to the Superfund Task Force recommendations. "EPA has improved the health, living conditions, and economic opportunity of thousands of people living near Superfund sites over the past year as the Agency worked to implement the Task Force recommendations," said Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/superfund-task-force-announces-one-year-anniversary-accomplishments
Video about the accomplishments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btUramqS7G4
Sorghum Oil Pathways Approved Under RFS. EPA issued a final notice approving a variety of pathways for renewable fuel derived from sorghum, including biodiesel. EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed the final pathway alongside Sens. Jerry Moran and Deb Fisher, Rep. Roger Marshall, the National Sorghum Producers, and the American Farm Bureau Federation. "Today's approval sets the stage for more homegrown fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard and adds diversity to our mix of biofuels in the U.S.," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/acting-epa-administrator-wheeler-approves-sorghum-oil-pathways-under-rfs
Watch the video of the announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsx_hJLiyQg
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WHAT YOU CAN DO, WHAT YOU CAN USE
Summer Vacation - Protect yourself and your family whether you're on vacation or staycation. Here are just a few ideas:
- Drive smart: In hot weather and long trips, save money and fuel by rolling the windows down at low speeds but use the vehicle air conditioner at highway speeds. Also, be sure your car is tuned up and the tires properly inflated.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml - Breathe easy: Going for a hike, bike ride, or working outside? Check your air quality before you go, and know when to take action to protect your health.
https://airnow.gov - Hook, line, and sinker: Check if there are any fish consumption advisories where you live or go fishing.
https://fishadvisoryonline.epa.gov - Avoid getting bitten: Always follow label directions when using insect repellants and pesticides. At home, remove places where bugs can live and breed.
https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/tips-prevent-mosquito-bites - Sun safety: Learn how to protect yourself and your family from overexposure to the sun's rays.
https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/action-steps-sun-safety
2018 Air Trends Report. EPA's annual report "Our Nation's Air: Status and Trends Through 2017" shows our nation's progress in improving air quality since the passage of the Clean Air Act. The U.S. leads the world in having clean air and a strong economy due to implementation of the Clean Air Act and technological advancements from American innovators. EPA and our partners at the state, tribal and local levels will continue to work to address the complex air quality problems we face. Read more about the online report and the air quality trends:
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/air-pollution-trends-show-cleaner-air-growing-economy
Explore the report: https://gisdev5.rtpnc.epa.gov/etrends_2018/
Danger: Recharge Air Conditioners Properly. If your home or vehicle air conditioner needs to be recharged, be sure to use correct, approved refrigerants. Avoid recharging with unacceptable substitute refrigerants which may pose health or environmental risks, including toxicity, flammability, ozone depletion potential, and more. Learn more:
https://www.epa.gov/snap/unacceptable-substitute-refrigerants
Bee Safe with Pesticides. It's summer and the bees are out! If you use pesticides where bees or other pollinators are present, always READ THE LABEL and follow the directions. Use pesticides only when necessary, and store or dispose of pesticides properly. Learn more about protecting bees and other pollinators.
https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection
Subscribe to EPA's State and Local Energy Newsletter. Interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy policy at the state and local level? Subscribe to this newsletter and receive a weekly message highlighting new reports, tools, upcoming webinars, and funding opportunities of interest to state, local, and tribal government staff. For more information and how to subscribe:
https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/forms/state-and-local-energy-newsletter
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EN ESPAÑOL: SPANISH FEATURE
¡Las chinches, los mosquitos y otras plagas son una molestia! Aprenda lo que puede hacer para protegerse y a su familia.
https://espanol.epa.gov/control-de-plagas
- Similar information in English: https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/got-pests-control-them-safely
Nuevo contenido en español. Vea alguna de las áreas que añadimos recientemente con información sobre cómo proteger su salud y el medioambiente:
- Arrecifes de coral
https://espanol.epa.gov/espanol/la-importancia-de-los-arrecifes-de-coral - Aguas libres de basura
https://espanol.epa.gov/espanol/aguas-libres-de-basura - El humo de los incendios forestales y su salud
https://espanol.epa.gov/espanol/como-puede-afectar-la-salud-el-humo-de-los-incendios - El material particulado
https://espanol.epa.gov/espanol/conceptos-basicos-sobre-el-material-particulado-pm-por-sus-siglas-en-ingles - Protéjase de la radiación y las emergencias radiológicas
https://espanol.epa.gov/espanol/proteccion-contra-la-radiacion-y-emergencias-radiologicas- Cómo calcular su dosis de radiación
https://espanol.epa.gov/espanol/calculo-de-sus-dosis-de-radiacion
- Cómo calcular su dosis de radiación
- Items recently added to EPA's Spanish portal, translated from English content: Coral reefs; Trash-free waters; Wildfire smoke and your health; Particulate matter; Protecting yourself from radiation and radiological emergencies; How to calculate your dose of radiation.
Página principle en español: https://espanol.epa.gov
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MULTIMEDIA & MORE
VIDEOS - JULY RELEASES
EPA's Superfund Task Force: Year 1 Accomplishments. Learn about first-year accomplishments to streamline and improve the Superfund program.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btUramqS7G4
Read the news release: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/superfund-task-force-announces-one-year-anniversary-accomplishments
How a Superfund site gets cleaned up: Fletcher's Paint Superfund Site Case Study. the Superfund cleanup process at a site in Milford, NH.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56kthJgkYYo
More EPA videos: https://www.youtube.com/epagov
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
August
National Water Quality Month
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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
Americans want to help protect and improve the nation's land, water, and air. GoGreen! is a monthly newsletter from the US EPA summarizing recent news and info you can use to make a difference in your home, community, and workplace.
Want more news? Read EPA news releases on topics that interest you.
https://www.epa.gov/newsroom
Read our blogs: https://blog.epa.gov
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPA
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPA
Follow us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/epagov
Recent additions to EPA's web site: https://www.epa.gov/home/recent-additions-epas-website
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States