(San Francisco, Calif. -- 01/07/08) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has notified the Department of Energy that they must immediately resume cleanup activities at its Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, Calif., or face escalating penalties.

Monthly EPA publication to provide "what you can do" information about activities and events that we can use in our homes, communities, and offices.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by the following organization to coordinate water efficiency research: the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the International Code Council, and the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute. Sample projects that might be undertaken include drainline carry research for high efficiency toilets, non-water-using urinals, sizing of water efficient plumbing systems, and safe applications for re-use of water.

A message from the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive As with this past year, we are very pleased to announce that the 2009 Federal Environmental Symposia (FES) will again be held at both East and West venues. Having set a very high standard for excellence and appeal at the Big Sky Resort in 2008, our host - Navy Region Southwest - has selected the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington for this year's Symposium West. And, with continuing generosity, NIH will once again host the Symposium East at their convenient and spacious Natcher Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Both events will occur in June: FES-West: June 2-4, 2009 FES-East: June 16-18, 2009 Registration is scheduled to open in March 2009.

The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE) is now accepting nominations for the 2009 White House Closing the Circle (CTC) Awards. This program recognizes outstanding achievements of Federal employees and their facilities for efforts that resulted in significant contributions to, or have made a significant impact on, promoting environmental stewardship. The awards focus on waste prevention, recycling, green purchasing activities, environmental management systems, high performance/sustainable buildings, electronics stewardship, alterative fuel use and reduced fuel usage under Executive Order 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management." Please note nominations can only be submitted on-line until January, 30, 2009, by going to www.fedcenter.gov/ctcawards .

Quarterly publication of "The Corps Environment" newsletter by the USACE Environmental Community of Practice, covering recent environmental activities conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their partners.

Topics of interest include: Coastal Resource Impacts and Management; Environmental Ethics; Regional Water Resources and Pollution Issues; Climate Change and Coastal Areas; Creative Visions of the Changing Landscape; and the Economics of Sustainability. Abstracts are due May 17, 2009.

EPA and partners are inviting the nation's architects, product developers, educators, environmental leaders, and students to submit innovative designs that minimize waste, reuse materials, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. This free, Web-based competition supports an on-line library of competition entries and green building resources. Designs and ideas must be submitted by August 30, 2009. The two main categories are: building an entire building from foundation to roof or building products or materials

EPA and USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service National Water Program are seeking abstracts. The theme of the conference is "Achieving Results with Tight Budgets." Abstracts are due January 30, 2009.

The U.S. EPA estimates there are more than 20,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths each year in America. The U.S. Surgeon General issued a national health advisory on radon because of this risk. All Americans are urged to test, and if necessary, fix their homes to reduce their risk.

Recognition was awarded in five categories in 2008: Water Utility, Corporate/Industry, Individual, Nongovernmental Organization, and Government. These award winners provide case studies on tools, techniques, and processes to reduce water consumption.

The 2008 Vessel General Permit (VGP) regulates discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels operating in a capacity as a means of transportation. Due to a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, vessel owners and operators who have previously been exempt from Clean Water Act requirements for the last 35 years will now require a permit starting Dec. 19. The ruling revoked 40 CFR 122.3(a)) which concerns the exclusion of discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel as of February 6, 2009. The VGP covers non-recreational vessels 79 ft in length or longer, such as cruise ships or oil and cargo tankers, but excludes fishing vessels of any length, unless they discharge ballast water. The VGP incorporates the Coast Guard's mandatory ballast water management and exchange standards, and provides technology-based and water-quality-based effluent limits for other types of discharges, including deck runoff from rain or cleaning, ballast water used to stabilize ships and "gray water" from showers, sinks and laundry machines. It also establishes specific corrective actions, inspections and monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The Vessels Electronic Notice of Intent (eNOI) system will be available in late Spring 2009. No vessel owner/operator is required to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) until June 19, 2009. more info...

(Washington, D.C. – Dec.22, 2008) EPA has notified 25 governors and 23 tribal leaders that certain areas in their states and tribal lands do not meet the agency's daily standards for fine particle pollution, also known as PM 2.5.

Starting 2 January 2009, the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive (OFEE) will accept applications for the 2009 White House Closing the Circle (CTC) Awards. This program recognizes outstanding achievements of Federal employees and their facilities for efforts that resulted in significant contributions to, or have made a significant impact on, promoting environmental stewardship. The awards focus on waste prevention, recycling, green purchasing activities, environmental management systems, high performance/sustainable buildings, electronics stewardship, alterative fuel use and reduced fuel usage under Executive Order 13423. Please note nominations can only be submitted on-line from 2-30, January 2009

Under the terms of a consent agreement, GSA will bring the facilities into compliance with federal regulations, either by upgrading or permanently closing and replacing old systems with new ones. In addition, GSA has agreed to voluntarily provide release detection for tanks that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators and pay a $70,000 penalty.

Proposed sessions should reflect the program theme of "Main Street Green: Connect to the Conversation." Proposals are due no later than 16 January 2009.

The objective of the sessions is to increase awareness of Green Procurement business practices and techniques by providing practical solutions, learnings and tools pertaining to such topical areas as Sustainability, Socially Responsible Procurement, incorporating Green Initiatives into a Strategic Plan, Green Supplier Selection, Green Initiative Performance Measurement, etc. Proposals are due December 31, 2009.

The Building Technologies Program (BTP), within DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is seeking submissions from qualified groups for formal recognition as High-Performance Green Building Partnership Consortia. Letters from groups seeking recognition must be received at the address below no later than February 2, 2009.

The SSI Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks Draft 2008 are available for download and public comment. The public comment period closes on January 20, 2009. The new draft contains over 50 proposed prerequisites and credits ranging from site selection to sustainable maintenance practices.

This inaugural 2007 report, "U.S. Air Force Energy, Environment, Safety and Occupational Health: Managing for Operational Sustainability", identifies, compiles and describes existing Air Force Energy, Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health programs, processes and performance information essential to supporting Air Force operations and mission capabilities.

(Washington, D.C. - Dec. 4, 2008) Fiscal year 2008 was a banner year for EPA's enforcement and compliance program, which concluded civil and criminal enforcement actions requiring regulated entities to spend an estimated $11.8 billion on pollution controls, cleanup and environmental projects, a record for EPA.

In 2007 the U.S. GHG emissions were 7,282 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e), an increase of 1.4 percent from the 2006 level according to "Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States 2007", a report released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Since 1990, U.S. GHG emissions have grown at an average annual rate of 0.9 percent.

(Washington, D.C. - Dec. 3, 2008) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army are issuing revised guidance to ensure America's wetlands, streams and other waters are better protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The guidance clarifies the geographic scope of jurisdiction under the CWA. "We are providing improved guidance today to ensure the information is in place to fully protect the nation's streams and wetlands under the Clean Water Act," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA's assistant administrator for water. "The guidance builds upon our experiences and provides consistent direction to our staff and the public." "We are committed to protecting America's aquatic resources as required by the Clean Water Act and in accordance with the Supreme Court decision," said John Paul Woodley Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). "This revised interagency guidance will enable the agencies to make clear, consistent, and predictable jurisdictional determinations within the scope of the Clean Water Act." The revised guidance replaces previous policy issued in June 2007 and clarifies a June 2006 Supreme Court decision in Rapanos v. United States regarding the scope of the agencies' jurisdiction under the CWA. The guidance follows the agencies' evaluation of more than 18,000 jurisdictional determinations and review of more than 66,000 comments. More information: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/CWAwaters.html

(12/01/08) HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued a Finding of Violation to the U.S. Navy Base Guam for permit violations under the federal Clean Water Act. In July, EPA inspectors discovered the violations during inspections covering several different federal environmental statutes and programs. "Department of Defense facilities on Guam must be in compliance with all environmental requirements," said Alexis Strauss, EPA's Water Division director for the Pacific Southwest region. "EPA will work with Guam EPA and DOD to ensure construction and ongoing operations comply fully with environmental requirements to protect and restore Guam's environment."

On November 17, 2008, the U.S. Army released their first annual sustainability report. The report covers environmental, energy, and fleet sustainability activities and initiatives for the period 2004-2007.

EPA's holiday tips anyone can employ to reduce their impact on the environment this holiday season.

This tool has been created to assist home builders, landscape professionals, and irrigation partners in meeting the outdoor criteria of a future WaterSense specification for new homes. The tool will help guide user through the water budget calculations of the draft specification for water-efficient, single-family new homes, including: the amount of water the designed landscape is allowed (budgeted) based on EPA criteria; how much water the designed landscape requires based on climate, plant type, and irrigation system efficiency; whether the designed landscape meets the budgeted amount. The public comment period ends 19 December 2008.

The EPA Docket contains information reported to EPA by Federal facilities that manage hazardous waste or from which a reportable quantity of hazardous substances has been released. The Docket is used to identify Federal facilities that should be evaluated to determine if they pose a threat to public health or welfare and the environment and to provide a mechanism to make this information available to the public. 33 Federal facilities are being added to the Docket, including facilities in USDA, DOI, DHS, USACE, Navy, Air Force, Army, VA, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and DOJ. 53 Federal facilities are being deleted from the Docket., including facilities in DOJ, DHHS, DOI, USDA, Army, Air Force, DLA, Navy, USACE, Federal Reserve, GSA, EPA, USPS, and DHS (Federal Register: November 25, 2008 [Notices], Page 71644-71653).

Topics of the conference include, but are not limited to: integrating building materials salvage, reuse, and recycling within the broader sustainability and green building fields; engaging design, construction, and demolition professionals in deconstruction, reuse & recycling activities; urban policies; obstacles and opportunities for material reuse and recycling. The call for presentations is open until January 15, 2009. The Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to facilitate building deconstruction and the reuse/recycling of recovered building materials.

The National Environmental Partnership Summit has a call for speakers for its annual summit that will be held at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco on May 4 - 8, 2009. The summit will focus on pollution prevention and environmental assistance, including greening your business, research and new clean technologies, regulatory updates, resource efficiency, and community engagement success stories, with sustainability as an underlying common thread in all tracks. The call for speakers is out now through December 5, 2008.

EPA and 14 national organizations have signed an MOU pledging to work together to improve management of septic wastewater systems by exchanging information and providing technical assistance to their members, states and local municipalities.

The National Partnership for Environmental Priorities program, the U.S. EPA has honored the Pacific Area of the U.S. Postal Service for its commitment to voluntarily replace all lead wheel weights for approximately 31,000 fleet delivery vehicles -- removing more than 8,000 pounds of lead from its workplace operations and potential deposition into the environment.

This updated action plan outlines strategies to help lower the growth in energy demand across the country by more than 50 percent, and shows ways to save more than $500 billion in net savings over the next 20 years. These actions may help to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 90 million vehicles. The National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency is directed by a leadership group of 30 electric and gas utilities, 20 state agencies and 12 other organizations. This state driven initiative is designed to help electric and natural gas ratepayers increase energy efficiency while saving money.

(11/17/08) HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, working with Guam Environmental Protection Agency staff, inspected 19 petroleum underground storage tank facilities and issued citations at two facilities for underground storage tank violations.

A new report has been released that describes EPA's environmental and financial progress over the past year. The Performance and Accountability report highlights the agency's efforts to dramatically reduce air pollution, improve water quality, make significant strides in cleaning up Superfund sites, increase health and environmental safety through pesticide and chemical evaluation, and avoid pollution through strong enforcement actions in fiscal year 2008. Click here for the report.

Promoted by the National Recycling Coalition, their website helps you find America Recycles Day events in your local area.

The database contains information on: mercury-containing equipment, devices, supplies and laboratory chemicals and coatings; non-mercury alternative products; companies that manufacture or distribute the products. Whenever possible, information is also provided on: product use; approximate mercury content; and contact information for companies.

This edition focuses on greening travel, meetings, and conferences.

The purpose of this document is to develop a commonly accepted set of R2 practices for the electronics recycling industry. Accredited certification programs--by verifying an electronics recycler adheres to these R2 practices--will enable customers to make better informed decisions and have increased confidence that their end-of-life electronic equipment will be dealt with in a responsible manner. The R2 practices set forth herein are not legal requirements and do not replace electronics recyclers' legal obligations.

The 21 winners in seven categories was announced October 29, 2008, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The seven categories are: Business, Civic/Non-Profit Organization, Partnerships, Youth/Education, Individual, Government, and Bi-National.

Co-sponsors Environmental Council of States (ECOS) and U.S. EPA's TRI Program are calling for submissions for the conference on "Increasing Effective Use of TRI Information" as it relates to studies and tools that make TRI an effective program. The will be held conference on March 31 – April 1, 2009 in Bethesda, MD. Submit proposals to Lia Parisien of ECOS at lparisie@sso.org by December 1, 2008.

EPA is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. These awards recognize innovative chemical technologies that incorporate green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture and use, and that have broad applications in industry.

The conference, held January 22 – 23, 2009 in Lake Buena Vista, FL is requesting abstracts be submitted no later than November 21, 2008. Featured topics are: Biomass/Waste to Energy and also Biofuel.

This effort has released two interim guidance documents on drinking water contamination warning systems. The Interim Guidance on Developing an Operational Strategy for Contamination Warning Systems will assist utilities with developing standard operating procedures for the monitoring and surveillance components of a contamination warning system. The Interim Guidance on Developing Consequence Management Plans for Drinking Water Utilities will aid utilities with developing plans for validating, responding to, and recovering from a contamination incident in the drinking water distribution system.

The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) is seeking nominations for their annual National Environmental Excellence Awards. They are requesting nominations from you, your company, or agency describing outstanding environmental contributions from applicable projects and programs. It is not necessary for you or your organization to be a member of NAEP and nominations may include projects or programs recognized by others. The Environmental Excellence Award nomination(s) are to be submitted to the NAEP Awards Review Committee and must be received by November 1, 2008. Each selected Award Winner will receive a beautiful award plaque and an invitation to briefly address participants at the Annual NAEP National Conference. This year's conference will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona on May 3-6, 2009. Award winners are required to prepare a poster for display during the entire conference. Award winners may also be asked to present their program or project in one of the technical sessions scheduled throughout the conference (optional). The nomination form and instructions are attached below.

USDA and U.S. DOE have released the National Biofuels Action Plan (NBAP), an interagency plan detailing the collaborative efforts of federal agencies to accelerate the development of a sustainable biofuels industry. The NBAP was developed and is being implemented by the Biomass Research and Development Board. Co-chaired by USDA and DOE officials, the Board was created to coordinate the activities of federal agencies involved in biomass research and development.

This report contains information on federal government agencies regarding compliance with federal environmental laws, cleanup enforcement, administrative enforcement, inspections and compliance assistance. Environmental compliance information from 1993 to 2007 is presented so trends can be observed, but this report does not attempt to analyze the underlying causes of noncompliance. Progress of EPA's federal facilities enforcement and compliance programs from 2005 to 2007 is also presented.

(Boston, Mass. – October 28, 2008) – An EPA Administrative Complaint alleges multiple violations of federal hazardous waste laws by the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, based in Hanover, N.H. The facility may be subject to penalties of nearly $113,000 for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

This plan, dated October 2008, describes a series of specific actions, new tools, and expanded partnership efforts EPA will launch over the next three years. In the plan, EPA identifies four strategic initiatives and activities to return abandoned petroleum brownfields sites to productive use.

The City of Houston, Texas is sponsoring a nationwide recycling contest to gather ideas on how best to use the estimated 5.6 million cubic yards of tree debris generated by Hurricane Ike. The contest is offering prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 for the top three ideas.

This EPA reference manual will help municipal utility owners and operators, state permit writers and regulators plan cost-effective nutrient removal projects for municipal wastewater treatment facilities. This document presents detailed technical and cost information about existing nutrient removal technologies and information on emerging technologies. This document includes detailed process descriptions, performance and reliability data, and operating factors for processes that can remove nitrogen, phosphorus, or both from municipal wastewater.

(New York, N.Y. -- October 20, 2008) With the goal of going above and beyond their legal environmental requirements, five U.S. Postal Service facilities in New York have joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Environmental Performance Track program. The facilities include processing and distribution centers in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester and Utica.

Save the dates for the 8th Annual Federal Environmental Symposia! The symposia will be held in two locations in 2009: the first will be Symposium West, June 2-4, 2009, at Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound, Washingtion, and then Symposium East, June 16-18, 2009, at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Please mark your calendars today! A Save the Date flyer for distribution is attached.

Nominations for the FY08 Secretary of the Army Environmental Awards program are due (electronically) by Nov. 21, 2008. All Army installation and activity commanders are encouraged to submit nominations so that their outstanding performance and excellence in environmental stewardship can be recognized. Winners will represent the Army in the 2009 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards competition.

October 16, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released the report, "Energy Efficiency in Data Centers: Recommendations for Government-Industry Coordination," which details the discussions and recommendations covered during a national strategy workshop on July 8, 2008. The workshop, convened by DOE and EPA, gathered representatives from industry, utilities, associations, and NGOs to identify the next steps for public and private collaboration toward advancing toward the goal of improved energy efficiency in data centers.

The Fall 2008 edition of Environmental Update is now available online at: http://aec.army.mil/usaec/newsroom/update/fall08/fall08.html. Or go to http://aec.army.mil and click "Environmental Update Fall 2008" under Hot Topics.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard have settled alleged violations of hazardous waste and Clean Air Act regulations at the Coast Guard's Integrated Support Command facility in Portsmouth, Va. In addition to a $9,280 civil penalty, the Coast Guard has agreed to spend $89,290 on a project that will provide environmental and public health benefits. The Coast Guard will purchase a new digital x-ray machine for its dental clinic. The new digital machine will replace an x-ray machine that uses solutions that generate hazardous waste. This project will eliminate 906 pounds of hazardous waste annually.

US EPA Region 10 has announced the 2 facilities and programs that Region 10 has selected for the 2008 Champions of Environmental Leadership and Green Government Award Program. Click on the attachments below for the Champion's announcement and to read about the award winning programs presented by 1) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (WWFWO), for their WASTE reduction program, and 2) U.S. National Park Service, Kenai Fjords National Park for their ENERGY reduction programs and their overall Environmental Leadership.

EPA recently released this document to assist states in developing TMDLs for mercury-impaired waters under Clean Water Act section 303(d). This document describes considerations when developing mercury total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) in order to address the required and recommended TMDL elements discussed in existing guidance. The document (also referred to as a mercury TMDL checklist) includes factors to consider when addressing TMDL elements on different geographic scales, such as waterbody, regional, and multi-state. The "checklist" builds on approaches in approved mercury TMDLs.

Beginning Wednesday, October 8, 2008, EPA R10 will kick off its FREE sustainability webinar series for federal employees. Join R10 in the first of a series of free webinars designed specifically for the federal audience on how to minimize your carbon footprint. Register for the whole series at: (if you plan on attending one or more events, sign up so you get reminders and the login information) http://www.trainex.org/greenweb Instructions on how to log-in will be sent to you after you register and prior to each session. Session 1: Sustainability: Making it Real October 8th, 10:00-11:30am, PDT Join us and learn how others have made sustainability real in their work, and how you can do the same. More information at: http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ECOCOMM.NSF/Federal+Green+Challenge/FedGreenAcademy/

Developed by the Office of Water Releases Final Climate Change Strategy, this strategy provides an overview of the likely effects of climate change on water resources and the nation's clean water and safe drinking water programs. This final strategy also describes 40 specific actions the National Water Program intends to take to adapt program implementation in light of climate change.

Quarterly publication of "The Corps Environment" newsletter by the USACE Environmental Community of Practice, covering recent environmental activities conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their partners.

The plan sets forth USGBC's vision for the next 5 yr. Included in the plan is a summary of key strategic issues facing the green building community in general and USGBC in particular; an update to USGBC's Guiding Principles; and the agenda, program goals and implementation strategy for transformation

This document presents some of the key findings from the more comprehensive technical report, EPA's 2008 Report on the Environment (ROE ) in an easy to understand format. Together the two reports present national environmental trends and inform EPA's strategic planning process with the best available, scientifically sound information.

The training addresses each component of the federal green-purchasing program, including compliance with legal requirements and Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions. Students will learn different strategies on how to incorporate green principles into the procurement cycle, including acquisition, contract language, and existing product resources and standards (i.e., LEED). Green accounting principles, as well as available tools will be discussed. The course will cover implementation of a green procurement program, including success stories and challenges, goals, and metrics. The training is being offered November 5-6, 2008, at DOI University in Washington, D.C.

The US EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) has developed this Compliance Assurance Resources Compendium which contains over 400 Web links to various types of resources - policies, guidance training, guidebooks, Web sites, fact sheets, etc. to help Regions, states and tribes in implementing the performance-based strategies for each of the national enforcement and compliance priorities for FY2008-2010.

This is a final reminder for the federal community that the annual FedCenter User Survey comment period is coming to a close. Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback on how helpful FedCenter has been to you, what can be improved, and what additional information or services you think would be helpful to have. If you have not already done so, please complete our online survey by October 1, 2008. The survey is at http://www.fedcenter.gov/survey/, and should only take a small amount of your time to complete. This annual survey is our best opportunity to measure the success we've had in serving your environmental compliance needs, so please respond today.

Barksdale Air Force Base is among the 42 new Performance Track members setting goals to go above and beyond environmental requirements. As part of Performance Track, Barksdale has committed to reduce its energy use, air emissions, and hazardous material use.

The theme of the conference is "Creating Healing Environments." Conference topics include: green buildings, renewable energy, clean energy, waste management and recycling, sustainability, and dealing effectively with change management issues. Submissions due Nov 3, 2008

Green Seal has published a new and updated environmental standard for industrial and institutional cleaners (GS-37). This Fourth Edition of the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners GS-37 was issued August 29, 2008.

Corporate, academic, nonprofit, and political entities and organizations are encouraged to share and present new ideas, technologies, strategies, practical outcomes, research and case studies in line with conference themes by submitting session abstract proposals by October 31, 2008. The 4 tracks around which the conference is organized are: carbon reduction; infrastructure and real estate; transportation, and information technology.

Researchers, educators, government officials, consultants, managers, community leaders and others with an interest in solid waste are invited to submit papers for oral presentation or poster session at the Conference. Papers related to all aspects of solid waste technology and management are of interest, including, but not limited to: municipal wastes, sludge, innovative technologies, construction and demolition wastes, waste collection, scrap tires, household hazardous wastes, as well as composting and biological treatment. Submission deadline is October 31, 2008.

Quarterly publication from the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive promoting sustainable environmental stewardship throughout the federal government. The Summer 2008 edition highlights fourteen facilities and agencies that, over the past year, have met stewardship challenges and have gone beyond the call of duty to become national environmental leaders.

On 15 September 2008 Joe Cascio, the Federal Environmental Executive, sent an email to all Senior Agency Officials reminding them of the annual data call due 31 December 2008. Accompanying the email is guidance for accomplishing the 2008 report (see Enclosure 1); an agency-level EMS report template (Attachment A), a facility/organization-level data template (Attachment B) and the FY08 EMS metrics (Attachment C). Also included are the proposed FY09 metrics (Enclosure 2), for comment.

On September 20th EPA and NOAA are joining Ocean Conservancy in the International Coastal Cleanup. Since 1986, the International Coastal Cleanup has gathered six million volunteers to remove more than 100 million pounds of marine litter from 170,000 miles of beaches and inland waterways. Through data collection, the International Coastal Cleanup teaches us the behaviors that cause the problem in the first place. Each year, volunteers gather data on the types of debris collected. The resulting annual report helps the public, industry, and government officials understand the issue, and helps spread the message about how to best address litter issues at the source.

September 18th, 2008 is the kick off the 5th Annual World Water Monitoring Day, a month-long effort. World Water Monitoring Day(tm) is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies.

EPA's new system for responding to public emails about pesticides relies on a database of questions that provide possible responses to the individual's query, allowing the person to decide if enough information has been provided.

This is the 5th annual Electronic Facility Data Release (e-FDR) and displays the TRI data exactly as received by EPA from the facilities - one form for each chemical at a facility.

This notice presents EPA's 2008 review of existing effluent guidelines and pretreatment standards as well as EPA's evaluation of indirect dischargers without categorical pretreatment standards to identify potential new categories for pretreatment standards. This notice also presents the final 2008 Effluent Guidelines Program Plan which identifies any new or existing industrial categories selected for effluent guidelines rulemaking and provides a schedule for rulemaking. This notice also provides EPA's preliminary thoughts concerning its 2009 annual reviews and solicits comments, data and information to assist EPA in performing these reviews. EPA is also soliciting public comment to identify industry sectors and facilities that use water efficiency practices that promote water efficiency, re-use, and recycling because such practices can be related to reducing overall pollutant discharges.

Pollution Prevention or P2 means not creating pollution in the first place. P2 focuses on reducing waste at its source, reusing what can't be reduced and recycling what otherwise would be thrown away. The keys to P2 are the three R's – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

Abstracts are being solicited for the May 2009 National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) conference "Making Sustainability Happen: Goals, Practices, and Challenges." Abstracts are due 30 September 2008.

The Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System has agreed to pay a $32,544 penalty for violations of federal environmental regulations at its Palo Alto, CA teaching hospital. The facility was inspected on March 21, 2007 and charged with the following counts: * Storage of hazardous waste without a permit, * Open containers, * Inadequate facility maintenance, * Ignitable waste within 50' of property line, * Failure to make a hazardous waste determination.

The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive has released implementation guidance for use in preparing and deploying a Hierarchical, Organization-focused Environment Safety and Health Management System (ESHMS). The guidance includes sample templates while outlining key steps for agencies to follow to implement a hierarchical, organizational-level, enterprise ESHMS, from headquarters down to facilities. The templates may also be used for the development of a system that addresses environment only (i.e. EMS) or for a system that is implemented at only one level of the organization.

Wheel weights are clipped to the rims of every automobile wheel in the United States in order to balance the tires. These weights often come loose and fall off. They are either washed into storm sewers and end up in waterways or are gathered during street cleaning and placed in municipal landfills. Under the NLFWWI EPA is encourageing the phase-out of the sale and installation of lead wheel weights. The U.S. Air Force, Postal Service, and General Services Administration have joined this initiative.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) has developed a new Certification Program for stormwater managers. The purpose of the program is to promote excellence in the profession by advancing knowledge and practices in stormwater management. A Certified Stormwater Manager will have understanding and experience in the administration of a stormwater program, use of best practices, hydrology, maintenance and other related areas.

The FedCenter staff and advisory board would like to ask all FedCenter members to please take a few minutes to give us your feedback on how helpful FedCenter has been to you, what can be improved, and what additional information or services you think would be helpful to have. If you have not already done so, please complete our online survey by August 31, 2008. The survey is at http://www.fedcenter.gov/survey/, and should only take a small amount of your time to complete. This annual survey is our best opportunity to measure the success we've had in serving your environmental compliance needs, so please respond today. Thanks, Steve Luzzi FedCenter Manager

Release date: 08/12/2008 Contact Information: Mary Simms, (415) 760-5419, simms.mary@epa.gov $100 Million Privatized Cleanup Effort Will Address Dangerous Munitions and Explosives Simultaneously During Redevelopment
WHAT: No longer an infantry training area, Northern California's Fort Ord Army post has quickly become a national model for how to expedite cleanup and reuse activities. An innovative legal framework coupled with an aggressive cleanup strategy will allow for rapid cleanup and redevelopment of the Fort Ord area, in Monterey Calif. Through its pioneering cleanup approach, extensive public involvement program, and close regulatory interface, the program will save millions of dollars while continuing to advance property reuse.

WHY: With Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's concurrence on the early transfer package, an event this evening will celebrate and mark the transfer of the final 3,337 acres to the local community at this closing 28,000 acre installation.

This pilot program allows regulated entities nationwide to electronically self-report violations of the Environmental Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Facilities located in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas will be able to disclose violations of all environmental laws electronically. EPA said it would consider expanding that program nationwide pending the results of the pilot project.

The focus of the proposed LEED credit language changes is on transparency, setting forth a clear set of metrics, proposed as the USGBC Forest Certification System Benchmark, that any forest certification system must meet in order to be recognized within LEED. Currently, only wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council are eligible for LEED points. The Public Comment Period is open Friday, August 8 through Sunday, September 7, 5:00 PDT.

EPA established the Clean Air Excellence Awards Program in February, 2000. This is an annual awards program to recognize outstanding and innovative efforts that support progress in achieving clean air. This notice announces the competition for the Year 2008 program. All submission of entries for the Clean Air Excellence Awards Program must be postmarked by September 19, 2008. POC is Mr. Pat Childers, U.S. EPA at 202-564-1082 or 202-564-1352 Fax, mailing address: Office of Air and Radiation (6102A), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20004 (Federal Register: August 6, 2008 [Notices], Page 45768-45769).

A DOE initiative, the goal is to beyond "green" by comprehensively integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy into hospital design, construction, and operations and maintenance. The website provide information financial opportunities, technologies, sources of information, and opportunities for energy and cost savings.

PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) is requesting each operator of a rural low-stress hazardous liquid pipeline to complete a voluntary survey to gather information concerning the mileage and characteristics of these pipelines to assess the costs of subjecting rural low-stress pipeline mileage to the pipeline safety standards and regulations pursuant to the PIPES Act. It is requested that the voluntary survey be completed by September 15, 2008.

(Los Angeles – July 28, 2008) Under the terms of a recently signed interagency agreement, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will perform a radiological background study at the Santa Susana Field Lab, located near Los Angeles, Calif., using $1.5 million provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition to the radiological study, the EPA will develop a scope of work, schedule, and cost estimate for a radiological survey of a 290 acre portion of the site referred to as Area IV and the adjacent buffer zone.

EPA is announcing the final report entitled, Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.6: Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems . This Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.6 (SAP 4.6) focuses on impacts of global climate change, especially impacts on three broad dimensions of the human condition: human health, human settlements, and human welfare.

EPA announced its final determinations for 11 contaminants listed on the second contaminant candidate list (CCL). EPA had sufficient health and occurrence information to make determinations on these contaminants. Based on the analysis of available information, EPA has determined not to regulate boron; the dacthal mono- and di-acid degradates; 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE); 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone); 2,4-dinitrotoluene; 2,6-dinitrotoluene; s-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC); fonofos; terbacil; or 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane.

Abstracts are accepted until September 15, 2008. Session topics include: distribution, plant operations, and maintenance; engineering, design, and construction; government affairs; regulatory issues; research; water conservation, water resources/reuse; security; and small systems.

This report discusses the potential impacts of climate change on human health, human welfare, and communities in the U.S. as well as identifying adaptation strategies to help respond to the challenges of a changing climate and identifies near- and long-term research goals for addressing data and knowledge gaps.

The Quick Reference Guide provides a simple and straight-forward description of the rule, critical deadlines, requirements for drinking water systems and states, and information on monitoring requirements.

ISO issued a new global criterion July 7, 2008 for selecting methods and processes for recycling and reusing plastics that includes warning notes about the hazards of contaminants and advises against manually sorting plastic wastes. The standard, ISO 15270:2008, Plastics: Guidelines for the Recovery and Recycling of Plastics Waste, was developed to promote sustainable global infrastructure and markets for plastics recovery and recycling. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of some 157 countries, with a Geneva-based secretariat that coordinates the system. The standards it develops are voluntary, although they can be implemented by its member organizations.

This draft report (EPA/600/R-07/094), subtitled "A Preliminary Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on O3" is available for comment until August 25, 2008. POC is Brooke L. Hemming, PhD, National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA); telephone: 919-541-5668; e-mail: hemming.brooke@epamail.epa.gov (Federal Register: July 10, 2008 [Notices], Page 39695-39696).