Clean Air Clips

              US EPA Updates
National Emission Standards Hazardous Air
Pollutants August Update
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) to be
delisted...?
The EPA is proposing to amend the list of hazardous air pollutants (HAP)
contained in section 112(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) by removing
the compound methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) (2-Butanone) (CAS No.
78-93-3). This action is being taken in response to a petition submitted by
the Ketones Panel of the American Chemistry Council (formerly the
Chemical Manufacturers Association) on behalf of MEK producers and
consumers to delete MEK from the HAP list. Petitions to remove a
substance from the HAP list are permitted under section 112(b)(3) of the
CAA.
The proposed rule is based on EPA's evaluation of the available
information concerning the potential hazards and projected exposures to
MEK. US EPA has made an initial determination that there is adequate
data on the health and environmental effects of MEK to determine that
emissions, ambient concentrations, bioaccumulation, or deposition of the
compound may not reasonably be anticipated to cause adverse human
health or environmental effects. This action includes a detailed rationale
for delisting MEK, and US EPA has requested comment on the proposal.
Written comments on the proposed rule must be received by August 28,
2003.
For more information or a copy of the complete proposal, visit the US
EPA’s Web site at: www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/pollutants/fr30my03.html
or contact the Small Business Environmental Assistance Helpline at
800/252-3998 if in-state; if out-of-state, call 217/785-6192 (TDD:
800/785-6055).
DCEO RIM Program Produces Results
In completing the first five years of operation, the DCEO
Recycling Industry Modernization (RIM) Program produced
measurable results that confirmed a solid return on the state’s
investment. The RIM Program proved that the goals of business
and the environment can be compatible as Illinois
manufacturers, their employees, and the environment, each
benefited from RIM activities. The RIM Program assisted Illinois
firms to more efficiently use our natural resources, both raw
“virgin” materials, as well as discarded, yet reusable, materials.
As a result, RIM projects produced environmental benefits by
decreasing the solid waste stream and diverting materials from
landfills. On the business side of the ledger, the RIM Program
had a significant positive impact on the competitiveness and
profitability of participating firms. Companies that implemented
environmentally-friendly practices through RIM projects
confirmed strategic business advantages and bottom-line
improvements.
The RIM Program provided 23 grants of up to $150,000 each
directly to Illinois manufacturing firms for plant modernization
projects. Projects were focused on either increasing the use of
recycled materials as feedstock, or improving a firm’s solid
waste management practices. RIM grant funds were used by
manufacturers for consulting/technical services and/or capital
equipment. For more information on DCEO’s RIM Program,
contact Mike Motor, Program Manager, at 217/785-2638, or by
e-mail at michael_motor@commerce.state.il.us.
SUMMER 2003
Illinois Updates
New and Expanded Environmental Program Fees
The Illinois General Assembly has approved Governor Rod
R. Blagojevich's proposal for new and increased fees for
several types of environmental programs operated by the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to implement
federal and state regulations.
These fees are authorized under Senate Bill 1903 (Public
Act 93-32, signed into law on June 20, 2003). The fee
increases for the Bureau of Water and Bureau of Air were
effective July 1, 2003. Bureau of Land fee increases were
also effective July 1, 2003, with the exception of Hazardous
Waste Permit and Inspection fees changes, which are
effective Jan. 1, 2004.
The fees will impact a wide range of facilities, including
publicly owned and industrial wastewater treatment
facilities, combined sewer overflow communities,
stormwater systems, sewer and water main construction,
landfills, medical facilities generating potentially
infectious medical waste; construction and operation of
facilities required to have air pollution control permits and
asbestos contractors.
There are five new fees: National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System permits issued by the Bureau of Water;
Construction permits for Industrial treatment,
pretreatment, or wastewater sources issued by the Bureau
of Water; Water Quality Certifications issued by the Bureau
of Water; Clean Air Construction permits issued by the
Bureau of Air; and Asbestos fees to the Bureau of Air.
In addition, the fees are increased for the following:
· Bureau of Water: Sewer Permits; Water Main
Permits.
· Bureau of Land: Hazardous Waste Permit and
Inspection Fees; Solid Waste Management Fees;
Subtitle D Management Fees; Manifest Fees;
Potentially Infectious Medical Waste Fees; Tire
Sales Fees.
· Bureau of Air: Non-Title V Operating Permit Fees;
Clean Air Title V Permit Fees.
Notices were sent by Illinois EPA to current permit-holders
specifying their obligations under the new fee schedule
and when new or increased fee payments are due.