Coal Ash group counters EPA’s sprawling definition of beneficial CCR use

Sources: American Coal Ash Association, Farmington Hills, Mich.; CP staff

American Coal Ash Association (ACAA) representatives are preparing to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency’s move to expand the definition of beneficial uses of coal combustion residuals (CCR) during an early-October public hearing in Washington, D.C.

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EPA determination spares admixtures, coloring agents from SPCC regulation

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After more than three years of the Environmental Protection Agency soliciting expert advice and public comment on issuing a proposed rulemaking potentially expanding the petroleum product spill prevention, control and countermeasure (SPCC) terms typical of concrete plant environmental permits, Administrator Andrew Wheeler has signed a final action establishing no new regulatory requirements under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

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Feds settle with emissions control-defeating device purveyor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Under an agreement with EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Performance Diesel Inc. of St. George, Utah, will continue to refrain from selling products the agencies allege violate the Clean Air Act by defeating heavy-duty diesel engine emissions control systems, while paying a $1.1 million fine. 

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EPA, Corps’ Waters rule withdrawal signals clear regulatory scheme

Source: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, Va.

NRMCA Compliance & Operations staff calls the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ full withdrawal of the Obama Administration’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule “another win for the concrete industry” and “a welcome step toward finalizing a balanced, consistent and clear regulatory scheme for determining federal jurisdiction” over natural resources. 

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EPA leaves sound regulations underpinning SPCC plans alone

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency; National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.; CP staff

After more than three years of soliciting expert advice and public comment on issuing a proposed rulemaking potentially expanding the petroleum product spill prevention, control and countermeasure (SPCC) terms typical of concrete plant environmental permits, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a final action establishing no new regulatory requirements under the Clean Water Act (CWA). 

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EPA taps public, private channel toward Water Reuse Action Plan

A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiative aims to leverage industry and government expertise to ensure the effective use of the nation’s water resources. “[They] are the lifeblood of our communities, and the federal government has the responsibility to ensure all Americans have access to reliable sources of clean and safe water,” says Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross. “There is innovative work happening across the sector to advance water reuse, and the EPA wants to accelerate that work through coordinated federal leadership.”

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EPA chief cites prospects for $6B in water infrastructure loans

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

EPA has announced a new round of funding to spur an estimated $6 billion in Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) credit assistance in 2019. Combined with other sources, he notes, “This could support $12 billion in water infrastructure projects and create more than 180,000 jobs. We are prioritizing construction-ready projects in water reuse and recycling, reducing exposure to lead and addressing emerging contaminants, and updating aging infrastructure,” notes EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

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EPA taps public, private channel toward Water Reuse Action Plan

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

A new EPA initiative aims to leverage industry and government expertise to ensure the effective use of the nation’s water resources. “[They] are the lifeblood of our communities, and the federal government has the responsibility to ensure all Americans have access to reliable sources of clean and safe water,” says Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross. “There is innovative work happening across the sector to advance water reuse, and the EPA wants to accelerate that work through coordinated federal leadership.”

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