SMG POV
Floodplain mapping and flood insurance rates
December 13, 2013
The federal government has requested that flood insurance be self-sufficient. New changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will increase insurance rates as much as 25% per year. Houses built in a floodplain and constructed before 1978 are subject to the federal insurance policies. These changes are the result of the Biggert-Waters Flood Reform […]
DAQ Announces an Electronic Reporting Option
December 12, 2013
On December 12, 2013 the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (DAQ) announced that the DAQ’s Field Operations Branch is now accepting Compliance Report Submittals on a new eForm webpage. The DAQ is requesting regulated facilities to submit documents through the eForms site. DAQ states a receipt will be issued to those who submit. It will […]
US set to become world’s largest oil producer
December 9, 2013
The International Energy Agency is forecasting that the United States will surpass Russia and Saudi Arabia to become the world’s largest oil producer in 2015 and could be energy self-sufficient within 20 years. United States energy production is currently led by Texas and North Dakota, as oil companies use the techniques of hydraulic fracturing and […]
LEED vs. Green Globes
December 6, 2013
A recent article from News daily.com looked at an emerging green building rating system that is emerging as an alternative to the LEED certification. In October, The U.S. General Services Administration recommended that Green Globes can be used alongside LEED for new construction and renovation projects. You can read more about both systems from their […]
Transitioning to Safer Chemicals and Reduced Compliance Costs
December 5, 2013
The most effective method to eliminate or reduce potential health and safety risks in the workplace is to eliminate hazards at the source. This eliminates the need for engineering, administrative or workplace controls and for personal protective equipment. Additionally, many required environmental reports and permits can be eliminated or simplified by making smart choices in […]