The EnviroBlog

 The US EPA has increased its maximum civil penalties with publishing the Final Rule on December 23, 2020. Below is a table showing the increases (Note: Penalties are assessed on a per day, per infraction basis). Program Previous Current Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ( RCRA ) $75,867 $76,764 Clean Air Act ( CAA ) $101,439 $102,638 Clean Water Act ( CWA ) $55,800 $56,460 Comprehensive Env. Response... Act ( CERCLA ) $58,328 $59,017 Emergency Planning/ Right-to-Know Act ( EPCRA ) $58,328 $59,017 Fed Insecticide, Fungicide/Rodenticide Act ( FIFRA ) $20,288 $20,528 Safe Drinking Water Act ( SDWA ) $58,328 $59,017 Toxic Substances Control Act ( TSCA ) $40,576 $41,056 The above table d...

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a temporary enforcement policy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the policy the EPA was inundated with questions about how to handle current situations where COVID-19 imposed restrictions prevented enforcement tasks from being completed. The Agency recognizes that work shortages, travel restrictions, and social distancing caused by the pandemic will have an impact on ability to enforce compliance with federal environmental regulations. In response to these projections the EPA has issued a temporary policy that outlines how they intend to "exercise enforcement discretion" with respect to certain compliance situations. On April 2, 2020 The US EPA sent a letter to members of congress clarifying the temporary enforcement policy. This letter aimed to reassure federal lawmakers and the regulated community that EPA's enforcement activities will remain active and to address concerns caused by the release of...

Neither The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nor most states specifically define trace chemotherapy (often shortened to “chemo”). EPA has recently recognized trace chemo waste as empty IV bags, tubings, vials, gowns, gloves and other items that are contaminated with residual chemo pharmaceuticals.  To add to the overall confusion, EPA lists only nine chemo agents, but we must consider that the regulations were written years ago and have not been updated since the approval of numerous new drugs now on the market. What is Trace Chemotherapy Waste? All chemo paraphernalia should be managed as trace chemo waste if there is any risk exposure to chemo contamination. Trace chemo waste includes: RCRA empty vials, syringes, IV bags, tubing, gowns, gloves, wipes other paraphernalia associated with routine handling, preparation, and administration of chemo wipes and other materials used during routine cleaning and decontamination of a biological safety cabinet or glove box ...

Are you on track to complete your TRI report on time? What are TRI toxic chemicals? Every year on July 1, Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reports are due as required by EPCRA Section 313.   Section 313 contains a list of specific chemicals and chemical categories and requires facilities to file a TRI report annually for each “Section 313” chemical exceeding an activity threshold. Who needs to report?   If you meet all three of these criteria you are required to report: 1.        10 or more full-time employees or the equivalent 2.        Are in a TRI-covered industry sector (ie. NAICS codes are listed) 3.        At least one TRI-listed chemical meets minimum threshold during the calendar year Is this the same as Tier II? Although both are mandated regulatory reports and deal with chemical inventory, there are basic differences that make them distinct from one another...

Every business generates waste. For some, it may be only office paper; for others, it may be hazardous or toxic waste that requires special handling and disposal. Although waste minimization plans were originally developed to concentrate on the reduction of hazardous waste, a more comprehensive plan will continually and systematically reduce all wastes. Instituting a Waste Minimization Plan is a matter of good, sound business practice. The Plan formalizes the business goal to reduce waste, facilitates compliance with environmental regulations, outlines the structure for managing a waste minimization program, and helps personnel manage a waste minimization program. Nationally, waste minimization programs have contributed positively to the bottom line of those companies that have chosen to implement them. In summary, the Plan will: Reduce environmental impacts Promote environmental stewardship Increase company profitability Please contact us today for more information on dev...

As Thanksgiving approaches, we might find ourselves thinking about all the things we are thankful for. Lets not forget to thank Mother Earth.  There are a lot of good ideas to celebrate a green, eco-friendly Thanksgiving.  It's not as hard you might think.  Here re just a few ideas we'd like to share to help you lessen your carbon footprint: Use public transportation, walk, carpool or bike to your local grocery store and to Thanksgiving dinner Shop locally (avoid travelling long distances or shopping online) Buy sustainable food products Consider having a vegetarian Thanksgiving Avoid using throwaway dishware or utensils Avoid cooking too much food to minimize food waste Invite guests to bring containers if they want to take leftovers home Donate leftovers to your local homeless shelter or to someone in need What better way to share our gratitude with each other and Mother Earth than by participating in this effort and becoming environmental stewards. ...

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Halloween!

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: Ensure all appliances and lighting are off when you leave your home. (Not only does it reduce pollution, it saves you money $$ :-)) Avoid leaving your vehicle idle for more than 3 minutes. (Another money saver :-)) Carpool or take public transportation t...