SMG POV


EPA Issues a Significant New Use Rule under TSCA for Five Chemicals



Sarah Carty

A final rule was issued in the Federal Register on February 4, 2014, that will allow the EPA under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) to monitor the use of five chemicals generally referred to as “complex strontium aluminate, rare earth doped.” This rule will require any person who intends to manufacture, import or process […]


Grant Funding Offered for Agricultural Conservation Approaches and Technologies



NRCS is offering a funding opportunity to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies, while leveraging the Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection in conjunction with agricultural production. The funding opportunity is now available. The application period will close on March 7, 2014. A webinar for potential applicants will be […]


The Secret Science Reform Act of 2014



The bill prohibits EPA “from proposing, finalizing or disseminating regulations or assessments based upon science that is not transparent or reproducible.”  A hearing was held yesterday by the yesterday, February 11th to discuss the bill.  More information will follow. For a text of this bill, follow the link below: http://docs.house.gov/meetings/SY/SY18/20140211/101743/BILLS-113HR4012ih-SecretScienceReformActof2014.pdf


EPA Declares Coal Ash “Non-Hazardous”



Josiah Frey

On Friday, February 7th, the EPA announced a long-awaited decision to label coal ash as “non-hazardous.”  The agency had opened the door to labeling the industrial byproduct as “hazardous” as recently as 2010, but eventually decided against that approach.  This decision opens the door for increased use of the product in concrete, wallboard, and other building […]


EPCRA, air, and hazardous waste March 1 reporting deadlines are quickly approaching



Patricia A. Mason, P.E.

It’s a busy time of year for environmental managers. Several common environmental reports have March 1 reporting deadlines. Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Sections 311-312 inventory reports are due March 1.  US EPA has a lot of useful information and references at its EPCRA Sections 311-312 webpage. Additionally, Kentucky has published a 2014 […]

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