Tetrachloroethylene Final Health Assessment Released

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the final health assessment for tetrachloroethylene (also known as perchloroethylene, or perc) to EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database. The assessment replaces the 1988 IRIS assessment for perc and for the first time includes a hazard characterization for cancer effects. Perc is a chemical solvent widely used in the dry cleaning industry. It is also used in the cleaning of metal machinery and to manufacture some consumer products and other chemicals. The final assessment characterizes perc as a “likely human carcinogen.” The assessment provides estimates for both cancer and non-cancer effects associated with exposure to perc over a lifetime.

EPA did not believe that wearing clothes dry cleaned with perc will result in exposures which pose a risk of concern. EPA has already taken several actions to reduce exposure to perc. EPA has clean air standards for dry cleaners that use perc, including requirements that will phase-out the use of perc by dry cleaners in residential buildings by December 21, 2020. EPA also set limits for perc allowed in drinking water and levels for cleaning up perc at Superfund sites throughout the country, which will be updated in light of the final IRIS assessment.

In the future, the toxicity values reported in the perc IRIS assessment will be considered in:

• Establishing cleanup levels at Superfund sites where perc is a contaminant,
• Revising EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for perc in drinking water, and
• Evaluating whether to propose additional limits on air emissions of perc.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Proposed Review of Glymes Under TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to require companies report new uses of chemicals known as glymes in consumer products. EPA’s proposed action is based in part on the agency’s concerns that additional uses of these 14 chemicals in consumer products could lead to harmful reproductive and developmental health effects. Glymes are chemicals used in a wide array of applications including printing ink, paints and coatings, adhesives, household batteries and motor vehicle brake systems.

The proposed regulatory procedure is known as a significant new use rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The SNUR is intended to ensure that, prior to the manufacture, import, or processing of these chemicals for a significant new use, EPA will have 90 days to evaluate potential risks, and prohibit or limit the activity if warranted.

Comments on the proposed SNUR must be received on or before September 9, 2011.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Volatile Organic Compounds and Perchlorate Drinking Water Standards

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the agency’s decision to develop to regulate perchlorate in drinking water. The decision will lead to the development of the first-ever national standard for perchlorate. In a separate action, the agency is also plans to establish a drinking water standard to address a group of up to 16 toxic chemicals that may pose risks to human health.

EPA expects to continue to evaluate potential perchlorate health effects and occurrence in public water systems. The agency will also evaluate the feasibility and affordability of treatment technologies to remove perchlorate and examine the costs and benefits of potential standards.

EPA will also be developing one regulation covering as many as 16 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), includes trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) as well as other regulated and some unregulated contaminants that are discharged from industrial operations. The VOC standard will be developed as part of EPA’s new strategy for drinking water to address contaminants as groups rather than individually in order to provide public health protections more quickly and also allow utilities to more effectively and efficiently plan for improvements.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Testing Requirements For High Production Volume Chemicals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requiring manufacturers of nineteen high production volume (HPV) chemicals to test the health and environmental effects of the chemicals and submit the data to the agency.

The rule follows up on the voluntary HPV Challenge Program Chemical List launched by EPA that included chemicals used in household products such as hobby/craft glues, personal-care products, home cleaning products, home maintenance products, and automotive products. Companies voluntarily supplied data on more than 2,200 HPV chemicals under the voluntary program. However, no health and environmental effects data was provided on the 19 chemicals in the rule. Through this final rule, EPA is now requiring testing be conducted. In 2011, EPA expects to require testing of additional chemicals for which the agency has not received data.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Amendments To National Contingency Plan Approved Dispersant Procedure

EPA is considering proposing revisions to Subpart J of the National Contingency Plan (NCP). The Clean Water Act requires EPA to prepare a schedule of dispersants, other chemicals, and other spill mitigating devices and substances, if any, that may be used in carrying out the NCP.

EPA is considering amendments to clarify and/or change effectiveness and toxicity testing protocols required for adding a product to the Schedule. EPA believes these changes, if finalized, will help ensure protection of the environment when these products are used to clean up and mitigate oil spills (1) into or upon navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, the waters of the contiguous zone, or (2) which may affect natural resources belonging to or under the exclusive management authority of the United States. The agency is also considering proposed changes to 40 CFR 110.4 regarding the use of dispersants.

At present, EPA anticipates publishing a Notice of Preliminary Rule Making (NPRM) in the Federal Register in December 2011

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Lead Based Paint Dust Small Business Review

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses to participate as consultants for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel as the agency considers steps to reduce lead-based paint dust during the renovation, repair, and painting of the exterior of public and commercial buildings. The SBAR panel will include representatives from the Small Business Administration, the Office of Management and Budget and EPA.

The panel will ask a selected group of small entity representatives (SER) to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community or organization to inform the panel about the impacts of a proposed rule on small entities involved in the renovation, repair, and painting of the exterior of public and commercial buildings. SERs may participate by telephone, webinar or in person. EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small businesses, governments and organizations that may be subject to the rule requirements to aid in the selection of SERs. Self-nominations may be submitted through December 3, 2010.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Federal Trade Commission Green Guides Revision

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed revisions to the guidance for marketers to help them avoid making misleading environmental claims. The proposed changes are designed to update the Guides and make them easier for companies to understand and use. The changes to the “Green Guides” include new guidance on marketers’ use of product certifications and seals of approval, “renewable energy” claims, “renewable materials” claims, and “carbon offset” claims. FTC will accept public comments on the proposed changes until December 10, 2010.

The Green Guides were first issued in 1992 and then revised in 1996 and 1998. The guidance they provide includes: 1) general principles that apply to all environmental marketing claims; 2) how consumers are likely to interpret particular claims and how marketers can substantiate these claims; and 3) how marketers can qualify their claims to avoid deceiving consumers.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Environmental Assessment Environmental Review in IL, WI, IA, MN, NE, ND, SD

A Phase I ESA conducted using ASTM E 1527-05 is intended to identify “Recognized Environmental Conditions” (or RECs) associated with a property. Recognized Environmental Conditions are defined as “the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a [future] release”. In short, a Phase I ESA addresses releases hazardous substances and petroleum products.

Caltha offers Phase 1 ESA services at a very competitive cost for any site in any State. We also offer Rapid Response Phase I Environmental Assessments over selected geographic areas, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska & Illinois.

Click on a State below to request a quote:

Phase I Environmental Assessment – Environmental Review in Illinois
Phase I Environmental Assessment – Environmental Review in Iowa
Phase I Environmental Assessment – Environmental Review in Minnesota
Phase I Environmental Assessment – Environmental Review in Nebraska
Phase I Environmental Assessment – Environmental Review in North Dakota
Phase I Environmental Assessment – Environmental Review in South Dakota
Phase I Environmental Assessment – Environmental Review in Wisconsin

Caltha LLP assists Sellers, prospective Buyers and their Lenders in meeting Due Diligence, Environmental Site Assessment and Environmental Review requirements.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Endosulfan Phaseout Under FIFRA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to end all uses of the insecticide endosulfan in the United States. Endosulfan, which is used on vegetables, fruits, and cotton, was determined to pose unacceptable neurological and reproductive risks to farmworkers and wildlife and can persist in the environment. EPA is currently working out the details of the decision that will eliminate all endosulfan uses, while incorporating consideration of the needs for growers to timely move to lower-risk pest control practices.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

ASTM Phase I Environmental Review For Undeveloped Properties

Conducting a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for a large, predominately undeveloped property presents special challenges when using the ASTM Standard Method E 1527 (Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process). A different ASTM Standard, E 2247 – 08 (Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property) was developed to address these issues. The purpose of E 2247 – 08 standard is to define good procedures for conducting a Phase I environmental site assessment of forestland or rural properties. To qualify for use of the ASTM standard, the property needs to meet certain criteria relating to size and land uses.

Like other ASTM standard practices, a valid ESA must be conduct by professionals meeting specific qualification requirements.

As with other ASTM standards for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, the standard only addresses 1) contaminants within the scope of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and 2) petroleum products. Persons using the ESA report might want to consider additional issues which are outside the scope of the Phase I ESA, including:

• Asbestos-Containing Building Materials,
• Best Management Practices,
• Radon,
• Lead-Based Paint,
• Lead in Drinking Water,
• Wetlands,
• Regulatory compliance,
• Cultural and historic resources,
• Industrial hygiene,
• Health and safety,
• Ecological resources,
• Endangered species,
• Indoor air quality,
• Biological agents, and
• Mold.
  

Caltha LLP assists prospective Buyers and their Lenders in meeting Due Diligence, Environmental Site Assessment and Environmental Review requirements.

To request a quote on-line, go to Caltha Environmental Assessment Quote Web Page.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at

info@calthacompany.com

or

Caltha LLP Website

Environmental Review for HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program

For a single family home that is being demolished and rebuilt, what type of environmental review will be required under Neighborhood Stabilization Program?

According to the Housing & Urban Development (HUD) , the level of environmental review required depends upon the program design and project description. The responsible entity needs to consider the use of the categorical exclusion:

§58.35 Categorical exclusions.
Categorical exclusion refers to a category of activities for which no environmental impact statement or environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact under NEPA is required, except in extraordinary circumstances (see §58.2(a)(3)) in which a normally excluded activity may have a significant impact. Compliance with the other applicable Federal environmental laws and authorities listed in §58.5 is required for any categorical exclusion listed in paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) Categorical exclusions subject to §58.5. The following activities are categorically excluded under NEPA, but may be subject to review under authorities listed in §58.5:
(4)(i) An individual action on up to four dwelling units where there is a maximum of four units on any one site. The units can be four one-unit buildings or one four-unit building or any combination in between; or
(ii) An individual action on a project of five or more housing units developed on scattered sites when the sites are more than 2,000 feet apart and there are not more than four housing units on any one site.
(iii) Paragraphs (a)(4)(i) and (ii) of this section do not apply to rehabilitation of a building for residential use (with one to four units) (see paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section).

“Individual action” as used in §58.35(a) refers to an individual approval action about the particular dwelling unit(s) and may include new construction, demolition, and/or reconstruction (demolition and new construction). However, note that this categorical exclusion does not apply to rehabilitation of a building for residential use.

A responsible entity (RE) may apply the categorical exclusion at §58.35(a) on an individual application basis, allowing the RE to use this categorical exclusion when an individual applicant is submitting an application for construction, demolition and/or reconstruction of dwelling units. If the RE designs a program where individual applicants will be submitting applications for new construction of up to four dwelling units, then each individual application may be considered to be categorically excluded per §58.35(a)(4)(i). If the RE designs a program where individual applicants will be submitting applications for a project of five more housing units on scattered sites when the sites are more than 2,000 feet apart and there are not more than four housing units on any one site, then each individual application may be considered to be categorically excluded per §58.35(a)(4)(ii).

If the Neighborhood Stabilization Program is clearly designed and intended to develop a specific block/neighborhood or other limited geographic area, then an environmental assessment for the program/area will be required.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Illinois to conduct environmental review, NEPA compliance, and to to conduct on-site environmental assessments.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Environmental Impact Assessment Services