Patricia A. Mason, P.E.
SMG HELPS MANAGE CHANGE
-October 28, 2014
I’ve recently updated my cell phone and am going through the pain of adjusting to the new OS, apps and widgets. Managing change is painful at times and always involves some adjustments. One of the many parts of my job is helping clients manage change. When process changes are planned, there are typically multiple regulations […]
SMG attends MSD Stormwater Training
-August 12, 2014
I had the pleasure of attending Construction Field Day training presented by Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) this week. Sessions focused on topics such as industrial stormwater inspections, hazardous materials use and spill prevention planning (HMPC Plans), Louisville’s consent decree and MS4 permit compliance requirements, green best management practices (BMPs), the qualified post construction […]
Burn Ban Advice
-May 23, 2014
This week’s storm littered my property with fallen limbs. That in addition to routine spring yard cleanup can generate a large brush pile. Prior to lighting that pile, beware about restrictions to open burning. Burning yard waste is permitted in some areas, but seasonal restrictions kick in for many area counties beginning May 1 and […]
TRI Reporting
-April 23, 2014
EPCRA Section 313 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting season is approaching. For those companies who have to report, reports are due annually no later than July 1 for the prior calendar year. Each year I encounter small businesses which struggle to understand applicability of this regulation to their facilities and to chemicals they use, import, […]
Energy Efficiency Webinar
-March 24, 2014
I am always on the lookout for good energy efficiency resources. The upcoming webinar below by DOE’s Clean Cities program caught my eye. The Clean Cities national network brings together stakeholders in the public and private sectors to deploy alternative and renewable fuels, idle-reduction measures, fuel economy improvements, and emerging transportation technologies. The Clean […]
EPCRA, air, and hazardous waste March 1 reporting deadlines are quickly approaching
-February 10, 2014
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 […]
Tier 2 Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting
-January 8, 2014
Tier 2 Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting Season is here. Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) has released an updated version of the Commonwealth of Kentucky EPCRA “How to Comply” Packet. This document is a great reference for Kentucky facilities subject to Tier 2 reporting. Tier 2 Reporting opens January 1st and must be completed no later than […]
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 […]
NSPS for Oil and Natural Gas Storage Vessels
-September 26, 2013
Engineers at Smith Management Group are prepared to assist our clients in complying with New Source Performance Standards (NSPSs) for the Oil and Natural Gas Sector. Storage tanks used in oil or natural gas production and transmission are subject to EPA’s 2012 NSPS for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) if they have the potential to emit […]
DEP WEBSITE ACCESS UPDATE – It’s Time to Celebrate!
-August 21, 2013
The Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) and Kentucky Public Protection (PPC) websites were down over the past week. The Cabinet worked hard to correct the issue, and the issue has been resolved as of today. The difficulty with web access experienced over the past week impacts us and many of our clients who routinely […]