National Air Quality Awareness Week

It's that time of year!  April 30 - May 4 marks Air Quality Awareness Week.  One of the essential parts of environmental sustainability is air quality.  At Environmental Management Services, Inc. we pride ourselves in providing Environmental Services and proper disposal of hazardous materials that would otherwise potentially contaminate the environment or provide public health hazards.  We also actively implement waste minimization programs with all of our clients and are strong advocates of maintaining and improving the quality of life for ourselves and generations to follow.  In recognition to Air Quality Awareness Week, we would like to share some helpful tips to reduce air pollution contribution:
  1. Ensure all appliances and lighting are off when you leave your home. (Not only does it reduce pollution, it saves you money $$ :-))
  2. Avoid leaving your vehicle idle for more than 3 minutes. (Another money saver :-))
  3. Carpool or take public transportation to work at least 2 times a week.  Or, if you live close to work try walking or riding a bike.
  4. Ask your employer about flexible work schedules or telecommuting options.
  5. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees on hot days and 68 degrees on cold days.
  6. Buy rechargeable batteries and reusable canvas shopping bags.
  7. Avoid using household products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which release pollutants in the air that remain in the air long after the chemicals are used. Water based paints, stains and finishes are more environmentally friendly.
Ultimately, anything that can be done to conserve energy, in turn reduces production emissions from generation facilities.  We believe that environmental and air quality awareness are pivotal to reducing air pollution.  Join us in our efforts to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle to perpetuate environmental sustainability and improved quality of life.  For more information visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ways to reduce air pollution, website.

Posted by: Douglas Brown Kongaika
Location: Rockville, MD, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for your comments, they will be reviewed and approved accordingly.

Popular posts from this blog

Tech Corner: Know your hazardous waste accumulation & storage rules

Image
One notable change triggered by the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement rule is the marking and label requirements on hazardous waste accumulation containers while in satellite waste accumulation and in central waste storage.   Previous RCRA labeling regulations did not require generators to identify and indicate the specific hazards of the hazardous waste accumulated in containers, tanks, drip pads and containment buildings.   This resulted in a failure to communicate risks associated with wastes being accumulated or stored in different locations. Another risk associated with marking and labels was the Treatment Storage Disposal Facility (TSDF) not knowing how to treat the waste to meet land disposal restriction requirements because generators did not always identify the specific RCRA waste codes associated with the waste. To avoid these risks the following changes to hazardous waste management regulations have been applied: 1.        Satellite accumulation – Containers and
Read more

HWGI rule - Summary of important points

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Hazardous Waste Generator Improvement (HWGI) rule has been in effect since May 30, 2017.  Regardless of generator status designation, there are some important tasks generators must complete.  Here is a summary of the most important of those requirements. ·         Episodic events – Generators can exceed their designated generator status threshold once per year.  Additionally, they can petition for an additional “unplanned” event within the same year.  Generators must have an EPA ID and advise the EPA at least 30 days prior to the event.  In the case of an “unplanned” emergency, the generator must advise the EPA with 72 hours. (§262 subpart L ) ·         Re-notification – SQGs are required to re-notify of waste activities using Form 8700-12 every four years starting in 2021.  LQGs continue current system of re-notification as part of its biennial reporting requirement. (§262.18(d) ) ·         Pre-transport marking & labeling – Gener
Read more

Tech Corner: More states institute COVID-19 Standards

Image
  Credit: Simon Davis/DFID 14 states have instituted COVID-19 safety standards for the work place so far. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in the US, the concern for worker safety and health has all but subsided and the need to institute COVID-19 safety standards has become very apparent. In the absence of federal leadership in establishing these standards, some governors and state health departments have stepped up to expand worker protections. Virginia was the first state to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard to protect workers during the COVID-19 pandemic along with Oregon and Michigan shortly following. Other states have issued guidelines, some of which are tied to enforcement efforts. Additional some cites also have issued ordinances geared toward protecting their local workers. Below is partial list of states along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions that have adopted COVID-19 safety standards (with links to more information) Massachusetts - Safety standards f
Read more