Article | July 5, 2011
Water Online's EPA Update: July 5, 2011
Welcome to Water Online's review of the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, resources, and activities related to the water, wastewater, and stormwater industries. EPA offices and programs covered in this installment are listed below. Click on an office or program name to go directly to that section of the article. Office of Water (OW) EPA Releases New Online Training Module On Water Quality Standards
Office Of Water's Acting Assistant Administrator Blogs On Bristol Bay, Alaska
Federal Agencies Partner To Revitalize Urban Waterways In Communities Across The U.S.
Update On Waters Of The U.S. Draft Guidance
New Tool To Support Community-Based Water Resiliency Initiative "Sustainable Communities, Healthy Watersheds" 2010 Annual Report Available Online
U.S. EPA, NOAA Increase Protection Of Public, Property In Coastal Communities Through New Partnership As part of the agreement, EPA and NOAA will:
This agreement builds on a 2005-2010 EPA-NOAA partnership which provided training on resilience and smart growth to over 400 coastal community officials and developed the publication
Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities. For more information about the new agreement, please visit
www.csc.noaa.gov/publications/2011-EPA-NOAA-MOA.pdf
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
(NRMRL) A Life Cycle Assessment To Compare Paper And Electronic U.C. Annual Reports Applying LCA Results The reductions occurred primarily in the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the paper production and printing stages. The distribution stage for the electronic report showed fewer emissions than for paper distribution, and the disposal stages were completely eliminated for the electronic report. Only in the use (reading) stage did the electronic report show greater emissions than for the print report, but the increase was small in comparison to greenhouse gas emissions in other categories. Because the majority of toxic substances are associated with paper production and printing, the electronic profile showed significantly reduced toxic releases. Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program ETV Verified Technologies
Vendor Solicitations
Upcoming Conferences and Meetings
For more information on the ETV, visit www.epa.gov/etv. Other EPA News EPA, Coast Guard Announce Agreement To Enforce Air Pollution Requirements For Vessels Operating In U.S. Waters
EPA Seeks Input From Small Entities On Revisions For The Lead And Copper Rule
EPA Improves Access To Information On Hundreds Of Chemicals
EPA Administrator Tours WaterSense Manufacturing Facility To Highlight Products That Conserve Water Launched in 2006, WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by EPA that seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water efficient products, new homes and services. More than 2,300 partners have produced and promoted 3,700 different models of WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets, showerheads, flushing urinals, and new homes. Nearly 53 million products have earned the WaterSense label to date.
SOURCE: EPA
A new online training module intended to encourage and facilitate public involvement in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Water Quality Standards program is now available on EPA's website. "How to Develop and Implement Public Involvement Programs and Practices" outlines the requirements of public involvement and highlights good practices for creating an effective public participation process in decisions that affect water quality. Links to EPA policy, resources and tools are provided throughout the module and compiled at the end of the presentation for further development of a tailored public involvement process. To experience the new module go to:
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/academy/special/public/player.html
More on EPA's Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters and related information:
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/index.cfm
Acting Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water, Nancy Stoner, recently posted a blog on her trip to Bristol Bay, Alaska. In the blog, Ms. Stoner shares her experience visiting the communities and the ecosystem in which they live. To read the blog visit:
http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2011/06/30/bristol-bay-alaska/
U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, White House Domestic Policy Council Director Melody Barnes, Council for Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley and representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a new federal partnership along the Patapsco River in Baltimore where they participated in environmental education activities with Baltimore students. The partnership aims to stimulate regional and local economies, create local jobs, improve quality of life, and protect Americans' health by revitalizing urban waterways in under-served communities across the country.
The Urban Waters Federal Partnership (UWFP), an innovative federal union comprised of 11 agencies, will focus its initial efforts on seven pilot locations: the Patapsco Watershed (Maryland), the Anacostia Watershed (Washington DC/Maryland), the Bronx & Harlem River Watersheds (New York), the South Platte River in Denver (Colorado), the Los Angeles River Watershed (California), the Lake Pontchartrain Area (New Orleans, LA), and the Northwest Indiana Area. Each of the pilot locations already has a strong restoration effort underway, spearheaded by local governments and community organizations. Lessons learned from these pilot locations will be transferred to other cities in the country.
Americans use urban waterways like the Patapsco River as sources of drinking water and for a variety of activities including boating, fishing and swimming. Cleaning up and restoring these water resources is essential to protecting Americans' health and improving their overall quality of life. Revitalizing these urban waterways will also reconnect citizens to open spaces, and will have a positive economic impact on local businesses, tourism and property values, as well as spur private investment and job creation in these communities.
For more information, visit www.urbanwaters.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have extended the public comment period by 30 days for the draft guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act. In response to requests from state and local officials, as well as other stakeholders, EPA and the Corps will take additional comment until July 31, 2011 on this important draft guidance that aims to protect U.S. waters. These waters are critical for the health of the American people, the economy and ecosystems in communities across the country.
This change in the public comment period will not impact the schedule for finalizing the guidance or alter the intent to proceed with a rulemaking.
Public input received will be carefully considered as the agencies make final decisions regarding the guidance. These comments will also be very helpful as the agencies prepare a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The original 60-day public comment period was originally set to expire on July 1, 2011. The agencies will be publishing a notice of this 30-day extension in the Federal Register.
More information:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/wetlands/CWAwaters.cfm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a new tool to support the Agency's Community-Based Water Resiliency initiative. The tool will raise awareness of drinking water and wastewater (water sector) interdependencies with other community services to support emergency preparedness and response efforts. Critical infrastructure sectors have interdependencies with drinking water and/or wastewater services. Many community services fall under these sectors (such as hospitals and power plants), and their operations could be severely affected by a water service disruption.
The tool will assist water utilities and all community stakeholders in increasing their preparedness for all-hazards impacting the water sector and their ability to respond to and recover from water service interruptions. The electronic tool has a self-assessment feature which enables stakeholders to assess the strengths and weaknesses of current resiliency efforts, and provides a summary report with tailored recommendations for using resources within the tool that would aid in enhancing resiliency. Individual modules have been developed for water utility owners and operators; the healthcare and public health sector; the emergency services sector; state or tribal drinking water primacy agencies; elected officials; community members, and other non-water sector entities.
To access more information about the initiative and to download the new tool, go to:
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/communities/index.cfm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) has released its 2010 Annual Report titled "Sustainable Communities, Healthy Watersheds." Sustainable Communities and Healthy Watersheds are two major themes for EPA's national water program.
The report contains information about EPA's work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the development of new draft guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act (also known as the Waters of the U.S. Draft Guidance), progress in better protection of water quality in Appalachia from the harmful effects of surface coal mining operations, and advancement in the work of the National Ocean Council. The report also includes information about OWOW's response to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill through data monitoring evaluation, design monitoring plans and other efforts. Information about efforts to address nitrogen and phosphorus pollution through the development of a recommended Framework for states as well as a new guidance that addresses polluted runoff from federal land management activity in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are also included in this publication
The report can be viewed at: http://water.epa.gov/aboutow/owow/upload/owowannualreport2010.pdf
For information about the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds: http://water.epa.gov/aboutow/owow/
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a joint agreement that will protect the safety, health and property of people living in or visiting coastal communities around the nation. Under the agreement, the two agencies will partner with local governmental entities to improve the sustainability of waterfront communities and protect coastal ecosystems, including anticipating and reducing impacts of climate change.
The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Cincinnati recently partnered with EPA researchers to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of the college's new electronic annual report compared to the previous printed version. Using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, the study found significant reductions in costs and environmental impacts for the electronic version.
Background
In 2010, the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Sciences created a new electronic format for its annual report that could be distributed through the college website. To compare the environmental and economic costs of the new electronic format with the prior print version, the college collaborated with EPA sustainable technology researchers to apply a technique called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This cradle-to-grave approach locates a product or process in a broader context than conventional cost analysis methods. Using the LCA tool, print-versus-electronic profiles of the annual report were evaluated in stages — beginning with raw-material extraction, through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, and final disposal. Through this multi-stage approach, LCA can help reveal the sometimes hidden or overlooked impacts of product design and development.
After defining the function of the annual report as the reading of its 34,000 copies, whether in print or online, the study then identified the life cycle stages of the two formats. Both included a design stage, a distribution stage (U.S. mail for print and e-mail for electronic), and a use (reading) stage. The paper version included three additional production stages: tree farming, paper making, and printing, as well as a final disposal or recycling stage.
Data inputs for the study were based on the U.S. Economic Input-Output LCA model, which relates the purchases associated with each stage to the supply-chain economic activity and associated environmental consequences throughout the U.S. economy. Metrics were used for carbon footprint (greenhouse gases), energy use, water use, and release of pollutants harmful to humans and the environment.
The findings of the study showed that the electronic report offered significant reductions in economic costs and environmental impacts when compared to the printed report. The economic costs shared by all parties were reduced by about $41,000 over the life cycle. Environmental reductions included savings of approximately:
This analysis assumed that readers of the electronic report did not print out the report at home, which could potentially offset the reductions of environmental impacts. Recipients could further reduce the environmental impacts by reading the report on an electronic device that consumes less electricity than a desktop computer, such as a notebook computer or e-reader.
The study revealed that the college and the annual report recipients, along with other parties directly or indirectly involved in the product life cycle, all have a role in the environmental impacts and, thus, can each work to reduce their respective impacts to improve the sustainability of the report in the future.
The ETV Program has verified the performance of 449 innovative environmental
technologies that can be used to monitor, prevent, control, and clean up
pollution. For a full list of ETV verifications, visit
http://www.epa.gov/etv/verifiedtechnologies.html.
ETV centers issue periodic solicitations for vendors and collaborators
interested in verification. For a list of active ETV vendor solicitations,
please visit www.epa.gov/etv/vendorswanted.html,
or contact the appropriate ETV center (see www.epa.gov/etv/contacts.html).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) recently announced an agreement to jointly enforce U.S. and international air pollution requirements for vessels operating in U.S. waters. The requirements establish limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and require the use of fuel with lower sulfur content, protecting people's health and the environment by reducing ozone-producing pollution, which can cause smog and aggravate asthma. The most stringent requirements apply to ships operating within 200 nautical miles of the coast of North America.
"Today's agreement forges a strong partnership between EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, advancing our shared commitment to enforce air emissions standards for ships operating in U.S. waters," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Reducing harmful air pollution is a priority for EPA and by working with the Coast Guard we will ensure that the ships moving through our waters meet their environmental obligations, protecting our nation's air quality and the health of our coastal communities."
"This agreement demonstrates the Coast Guard's long-standing commitment to protecting our nation's marine environment," said Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, director of Prevention Policy for the U.S. Coast Guard. "Aligning our capabilities with EPA enhances our commitment to the marine environment while minimizing the impact on shipping."
The large marine diesel engines that provide propulsion and auxiliary power on many ocean-going vessels emit significant amounts of pollution. Without further action, EPA estimates that by 2030, NOx emissions from ships will more than double, growing to 2.1 million tons per year. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by EPA and the USCG outlines the agencies' commitment to jointly enforce federal and international laws that EPA projects could prevent 12,000-31,000 premature deaths annually by 2030. Under the MOU, both the USCG and EPA will perform inspections and investigations, and will take appropriate enforcement actions if a violation is detected.
A letter to industry was also signed by USCG and EPA to provide the regulated community with notice that USCG and EPA will be taking measures to promote compliance with federal and international air pollution requirements and will be actively pursuing violations.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a United Nations agency which deals with maritime safety, security and the prevention of marine pollution from ships across the globe. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), developed through the IMO, is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships. MARPOL Annex VI addresses air pollution from ships through the use of both engine-based and fuel-based standards. Additionally, MARPOL Annex VI requires ships operated in designated geographical areas, known as emission control areas or ECAs, to meet the most advanced standards for NOx emissions and fuel sulfur limits. The United States became a party to MARPOL Annex VI in 2008 and the treaty is implemented in the United States through the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS).
Read the MOU: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/caaenfprog.html#mou
Learn about EPA's Ocean Vessels and Large Ships program: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. The panel will focus on the agency's development of a rule that proposes revisions to the lead and copper rule.
EPA's reconsideration of the current rule is based on a national review of the implementation of the lead and copper rule. The review identified several areas of concern about the effectiveness of the existing regulations. The changes under consideration are intended to improve the effectiveness of the measures to safeguard public health to control lead and copper in drinking water.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires EPA to establish an SBAR Panel for rules that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The panel will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration, the Office of Management and Budget, and EPA. The panel asks a selected group of SERs to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to inform the panel about the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities.
EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.
Self-nominations may be submitted through the link below and must be received by July 12, 2011.
Submit online at: http://www.epa.gov/sbrefa/leadandcopper.htm
Information about the lead and copper rule: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/lcr/index.cfm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making it easier to find data about chemicals. EPA is releasing two databases — the Toxicity Forecaster database (ToxCastDB) and a database of chemical exposure studies (ExpoCastDB) — that scientists and the public can use to access chemical toxicity and exposure data. Improved access supports EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's priorities of protecting Americans' health by assuring the safety of chemicals and expanding the conversation on environmentalism.
"Chemical safety is a major priority of EPA and its research," said Dr. Paul Anastas, assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Research and Development. "These databases provide the public access to chemical information, data and results that we can use to make better-informed and timelier decisions about chemicals to better protect people's health."
ToxCastDB users can search and download data from over 500 rapid chemical tests conducted on more than 300 environmental chemicals. ToxCast uses advanced scientific tools to predict the potential toxicity of chemicals and to provide a cost-effective approach to prioritizing which chemicals of the thousands in use require further testing. ToxCast is currently screening 700 additional chemicals, and the data will be available in 2012.
ExpoCastDB consolidates human exposure data from studies that have collected chemical measurements from homes and child care centers. Data include the amounts of chemicals found in food, drinking water, air, dust, indoor surfaces and urine. ExpoCastDB users can obtain summary statistics of exposure data and download datasets. EPA will continue to add internal and external chemical exposure data and advanced user interface features to ExpoCastDB.
The new databases link together two important pieces of chemical research — exposure and toxicity data — both of which are required when considering potential risks posed by chemicals. The databases are connected through EPA's Aggregated Computational Toxicology Resource (ACToR), an online data warehouse that collects data on over 500,000 chemicals from over 500 public sources.
Users can now access 30 years worth of animal chemical toxicity studies that were previously only found in paper documents, data from rapid chemical testing, and various chemical exposure measurements through one online resource. The ability to link and compare these different types of data better informs EPA's decisions about chemical safety.
More information about the databases:
ToxCastDB: http://actor.epa.gov/actor/faces/ToxCastDB/Home.jsp
ExpoCastDB: http://actor.epa.gov/actor/faces/ExpoCastDB/Home.jsp
ACToR: http://actor.epa.gov
Last month, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson toured the Moen Incorporated facility in North Olmsted, Ohio to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the WaterSense program. Moen is the 2010 WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year. During the visit, Administrator Jackson joined by Mike Bauer, President of U.S. Businesses, and Ed Fitzgerald, County Executive of Cuyahoga County spoke with laboratory employees and viewed the lab where Moen's WaterSense labeled products are designed and tested to ensure plumbing appliances save consumers water and money.
"Americans want to conserve and protect our nation's waters, which is clear not just in the priorities they express to the EPA and elected officials, but also through the products they buy and the decisions they make as consumers," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "For five years, EPA's WaterSense program has empowered consumers to save money and conserve valuable water resources. We're proud to see companies like Moen leading the way, creating jobs for American workers across the country at the same time they're helping American families save money and protect the environment."
EPA and its WaterSense partners have helped Americans save 125 billion gallons of water and more than $2 billion in water and energy bills. By reducing water consumption, the program has reduced 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, protecting the health of Americans.
WaterSense brings together local water utilities, governments, product manufacturers, and retailers to promote water efficiency, and enhance the market through innovation and product design for water efficient products, programs, and practices. The program provides consumers with simple ways to save water and identify products that use at least 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.
Water saving tips:
More information about WaterSense: http://www.epa.gov/watersense
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