SMG POV
US Supreme Court Invalidates MATS for Power Plants
June 30, 2015
On Monday, June 29, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled 5-4 against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) implementation of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (“MATS” /40 CFR Part 63 Subpart UUUUU ) rule that was promulgated in 2012 for electric utility steam generating utilities (EGUs). SCOTUS said the EPA incorrectly interpreted […]
The Definition of “Waters of the U.S.” is Final
June 29, 2015
Today, June 29, 2015, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published their final rule: Clean Water Rule: Definition of ‘‘Waters of the United States’’. The rule will be effective on August 28, 2015, at which time numerous lawsuits that challenge the rule are anticipated. For a brief summary of the new rule, please […]
Pretreatment Standards
June 29, 2015
In my previous blog we talked about important elements of the pretreatment program. Now let’s take a look at the corresponding pretreatment standards. There are three types of national pretreatment requirements: 1) Prohibited Discharge Standards are designed to protect against pass through and interference generally. These are developed at the federal level (40 CFR 403.5 […]
Audit Policy
June 24, 2015
SMG routinely works with clients to maintain and improve environmental compliance. In cases of potential non-compliance, we work to remedy the issue and work to eliminate or minimize penalties. One tool we evaluate for mitigating potential penalties is voluntary self-disclosure. This option is available with EPA through use of their Audit Policy or Small Business […]
Massive Sewage Leak Highlights the Need for Advance Planning
June 23, 2015
A massive sewage leak in Conaway, Virginia, approximately one mile from the Kentucky border, has officials and residents worried about water quality in Fishtrap Lake, a popular boating and fishing destination near Pikeville. The leak began on March 4, 2015, when a deluge of floodwater from major successive snow melt and rain events forcefully removed […]