EPA Issues Final Construction General Permit to Reduce Stormwater Pollution
EPA has issued the final 2017 Construction General Permit (CGP), a permit that will continue to reduce pollution to the nation’s waterways by requiring controls for stormwater discharges from construction sites. Stormwater discharges during construction activities can contain sediment and other pollutants that harm aquatic ecosystems, increase drinking water treatment costs, and pollute waters that people use for fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities.
The 2017 CGP is similar to the 2012 CGP, it replaces and includes discharge limitations and requirements for self-inspections, corrective actions, staff training, and development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. It also includes several new features such as requiring waste containers to have lids or cover when not in use or at the end of the business day, requiring controls to minimize exposure of building materials containing PCBs to precipitation and stormwater, and requiring large disturbances to be stabilized faster. The 2017 CGP will take effect February 17, 2017 and will last for five years. More information.
EPA Finalizes Nationwide Electronic Reporting Rule for Stormwater Permits. In September, 2015 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a nationwide rule that requires construction site operators to submit certain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit documentation to their permitting authorities using an electronic reporting tool, instead of filing paper. The new rule requires states to share these data with EPA, along with government-administered inspection and enforcement results. You can find more information here.
EPA Announces Availability of $26 Million to Clean Up Diesel Engines Nationwide
EPA announced the availability of $26 million in grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation's existing fleet of diesel engines. Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. For more information and to access the Request for Proposals, visit http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants.
EPA Issues Draft Risk Assessment for Chemical used in Spray Adhesives, Dry Cleaning and Degreasing
EPA released for public comment and peer review a draft risk assessment for 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) used in spray adhesives, dry cleaning (including spot cleaners) applications, and degreasing uses. Additional information on the 1-BP draft Risk Assessment and other Work Plan Chemicals can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/assessments-tsca-work-plan-chemicals
EPA Releases Small Lot Tool for Construction General Permit. EPA recently released a new tool to assist small residential lot builders in developing their required stormwater pollution prevention plan, or SWPPP document, for EPA's Construction General Permit (CGP). Learn more: http://www2.epa.gov/national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdes/stormwater-discharges-construction-activities#overview
Free Green Building Safety Curriculum and Mobile App for Tool Box Talks Available. CICA is pleased to announce the addition of two educational resources promoting safety on green buildings. The curriculum gives safety professionals the opportunity to learn about the what, when, where and why of green building systems, supporting stronger preventative action when setting up site safety plans. Developed by a grant, these resources are available for free. Click here to check them out on CICA’s Safety and Health page.
REMINDER: Re-certify your RRP firm. Under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, if it’s been five years since you last certified your firm, it’s time to re-certify your firm. To complete the certification application and to pay online, click here. The firm certification is separate from renovator certification. You can find more information here.
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