EPA is proposing to promulgate new methods and update the tables of approved methods for the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act requires the EPA to promulgate test procedures for the analysis of pollutants. Promulgating new methods and updating the tables of approved methods increases the quality and consistency of data collected for the purposes of the Clean Water Act. In this rule, the EPA proposes to add new EPA methods for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and add methods previously published by voluntary consensus bodies that industries and municipalities would use for reporting under the EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program. The EPA also proposes to withdraw the seven Aroclor (PCB mixtures) parametersComments must be received on or before 20 February 2025. POC is Adrian Hanley, Engineering and Analysis Division, Office of Water (4303T), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone: 202-564-1564; email: hanley.adrian@epa.gov. (Federal Register 21 January 2025 [Proposed Rule] Pages 6967-7037)

EPA is finalizing amendments to the National Volatile Organic Compound Emission Standards for Aerosol Coatings. This action revises national emission standards for the aerosol coatings (aerosol spray paints) category under the Clean Air Act (CAA), which requires control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from certain categories of consumer and commercial products for purposes of reducing VOC emissions contributing to ozone formation and ozone nonattainment. The regulation employs a relative reactivity-based approach to control aerosol coating products' contribution to ozone formation by encouraging the use of less reactive VOC ingredients in formulations. In this final rule, the EPA is updating coating category product-weighted reactivity (PWR) limits, adding new compounds and reactivity factors, updating existing reactivity factors, revising the rule's default reactivity factor, and amending thresholds for VOC regulated by the rule. The effective date of this final rule is 17 January 2025. POC is Kaye Whitfield, U.S. EPA, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Sector Policies and Programs Division; tele: (919) 541-2509; email: whitfield.kaye@epa.gov. (Federal Register 17 January 2025 [Rule] Pages 5697-5718)

This guide is provided to assist the regulated community in complying with regulations for trichloroethylene (TCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The guide provides an overview of the requirements set by the final rule, including important regulatory deadlines. While the EPA's rule will result in a complete prohibition of TCE, the prohibition will take longer to phase in for certain uses, and the rule sets strict workplace protection requirements for those uses in the interim. It is important for the regulated community to understand these compliance obligations. Being aware of and following these regulations correctly will reduce injuries and long-term illness. This guide is intended for persons who own or operate a business that manufactures (including imports), processes, distributes in commerce, uses or disposes of TCE. This guide may also be of interest to people who may be exposed to TCE in the workplace, as well as consumers, community members or anyone else that may be affected by exposure to TCE.

There are more than 4,500 publicly owned discharging wastewater lagoon systems in the U.S. and these lagoons comprise approximately 24% of all publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). This webinar will discuss how lagoon systems are designed to treat wastewater and common compliance problems operators face. The webinar will also discuss several new tools EPA has developed for lagoon operators including the First Stop Toolbox for Lagoons, a Lagoon Troubleshooting Manual, and two documents providing compliance tips for lagoon operators.

RCRA Compliance Assistance Presentations for Labs Consistent with all other regulated entities, federal labs must comply with regulatory requirements of the environmental statutes, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for solid and hazardous waste management (RCRA-C). EPA's Federal Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO) developed a compliance assistance presentation to help federal labs comply with RCRA-C requirements. (see attached pdf FederalLabCAPresentation.pdf)

Guides on the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) for dry cleaning and energized electrical cleaning to help users and others comply with new regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The guides provide an overview of the requirements set by the final rule, including important regulatory deadlines.

DoD, GSA, and NASA are withdrawing the proposed rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) titled: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk. Executive Order 14030, directed the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to consider amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) require major Federal suppliers to publicly disclose greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risk and to set science-based reduction targets. A proposed rule was published on 14 November 2022. The agencies lack sufficient time during the Biden-Harris Administration to finalize the proposal. In addition, the agencies' analysis of public comments indicates an evolving practices and standards in industry, and an evolving domestic and international regulatory landscape. Accordingly, this proposed rule is withdrawn, and the FAR case is closed. The proposed rule published on 14 November 2022, at 87 FR 68312 is withdrawn as of 13 January 2025. POC is Ms. Jennifer Hawes, Procurement Analyst, at 202-255-9194 or by email at jennifer.hawes@gsa.gov.

This action finalizes the Clean Air Act (CAA) technology review (TR) conducted for the commercial and industrial dry cleaning facilities using perchloroethylene (PCE) as the cleaning solvent (PCE Dry Cleaning) source categories regulated under National Emission Standards for Hazardous air Pollutants (NESHAP). This final rule does not finalize the changes made at proposal and makes no amendments to the current NESHAP given the recently finalized action under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) which has instituted a 10-year phaseout of the use of PCE for dry cleaning. This action is effective on 7 January 2024. POC is Reginald Goodwin, Mail Drop: D243-04, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, RTP, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-5313; and email: goodwin.reginald@epa.gov. (Federal Register 7 January 2025 [Rule] Pages 1041-1048)

EPA has decided not to proceed with the development of a regulation addressing the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This action relates to a citizen petition filed with the Agency in 2009 ("2009 petition"). The 2009 petition, which EPA granted, asked EPA to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to regulate the manufacturing, processing, or distribution in commerce of lead wheel weights. In 2023, the same parties filed a petition for a writ of mandamus ("mandamus petition") that sought to compel EPA to initiate the rulemaking proceeding requested in the 2009 petition. After reviewing the information submitted in response to an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) issued in April 2024 and EPA's technical analysis thereof, EPA has decided not to proceed with the development of a proposed rule. This decision is effective 23 December 2024. POC is Sean Duenser, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; telep: (202) 343-9157; email: duenser.sean@epa.gov. (Federal Register 23 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 104486-104493)

Based on the EPA's review of the air quality criteria for ecological effects and secondary national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for oxides of nitrogen (N oxides), oxides of sulfur (SOX), and particulate matter (PM), the EPA is revising the existing secondary sulfur dioxide (SO2) standard to an annual average, averaged over three consecutive years, with a level of 10 parts per billion (ppb). Additionally, the Agency is retaining the existing secondary standards for N oxides and PM, without revision. The EPA is also finalizing revisions to the data handling requirements for the secondary SO2 NAAQS. This final rule is effective on 27 January 2025. POC is Ms. Ginger Tennant, EPA, Health and Environmental Impacts Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (mail code C539-04), Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; tele: (919) 541-4072; email: tennant.ginger@epa.gov. (Federal Register 27 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 105692-105788)

ACE 2025 will address critical topics such as new regulations and policy, clean technology, sustainable energy futures, environmental and climate justice, PFAS, green transportation solutions, and ESG approaches and reporting. Hot topics include the environmental impact of electric vehicles and battery energy storage, impacts of AI and data centers, the use of satellite data for air quality and emissions assessments, and the future of hydrogen as a fuel.

Environmental professionals from across the country gather each year at the NAEP Annual Conference & Training Symposium to share in the opportunity to learn about new projects, share technical knowledge, network with other industry professionals, engage with leaders in environmental technologies and practice.

EPA is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by carbon tetrachloride (CTC) under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will establish workplace safety requirements for most conditions of use, including the condition of use related to the making of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs); prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing, distribution in commerce, and industrial/commercial use of CTC for conditions of use where information indicates use of CTC has ceased; and establish recordkeeping and downstream notification requirements. This final rule is effective on 17 January 2025. POC is Emilia Echeveste Briseño, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 566-0543; email: CarbonTetrachlorideTSCA@epa.gov. (Federal Register 18 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 103512-103558)

EPA is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by perchloroethylene (PCE) under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will, among other things, prevent serious illness associated with uncontrolled exposures to the chemical by preventing consumer access to the chemical, restricting the industrial and commercial use of the chemical while also allowing for a reasonable transition period where the industrial and commercial use of the chemical is being prohibited. This final rule is effective on 17 January 2025.POC is Kelly Summers, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (202) 564-2201; email address: pce.tsca@epa.gov. (Federal Register 18 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 103560-103616)

EPA is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by trichloroethylene (TCE) under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will, among other things, prevent serious illness associated with uncontrolled exposures to the chemical by preventing consumer access to the chemical, restricting the industrial and commercial use of the chemical while also allowing for a reasonable transition period with interim worker protections in place where an industrial and commercial use of the chemical is being prohibited, and provide time-limited exemptions for critical or essential uses of TCE for which no technically and economically feasible safer alternatives are available. This final rule is effective on 16 January 2025. POC is Gabriela Rossner, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 565-2426; email: TCE.TSCA@epa.gov. (Federal Register 17 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 102568-102635)

This year's theme for the Symposium "Supporting the Mission Through Environmental Compliance" focuses on the sharing of best practices, success stories, partnerships, and challenges and achievements of the federal practitioner community as they apply to your Agency's mission. The symposium is also expected to bring together federal agencies and their partnering organizations to provide existing and relevant environmental policy perspectives.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making corrections to a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of 12 November 2024, that finalized several revisions to EPA's lead-based paint (LBP) regulations. Subsequent to publication, the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) informed the Agency that there were errors in the amendatory instructions that describe specific revisions for two sections of the regulation. The corrections to the amendatory instructions will allow for the proper revisions to be incorporated into the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This final rule correction is effective 13 January 2025. POC is Claire Brisse, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 564-9004; email: brisse.claire@epa.gov. (Federal Register 16 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 101489-101490)

Beginning January 22, 2025, Large and Small Quantity Generators (LQGs and SQGs) are required to register and maintain an account in RCRAInfo (https://rcrainfo.epa.gov/rcrainfoprod/action/secured/login) to meet the new regulatory changes made by the e-Manifest Third Final Rule. For instructions on how to register visit the e-Manifest User Registration webpage (https://www.epa.gov/e-manifest/e-manifest-user-registration) For a list of LQGs and SQGs without a Site Manager or Certifier, please visit the e-Manifest Third Rule Compliance Check (https://rcrapublic.epa.gov/rcra-public-export/?outputType=CSV) to download the list. https://www.epa.gov/e-manifest/final-rule-integrating-e-manifest-exports-and-other-manifest-related-reports-pcb

EPA is finalizing the Health and Safety Reporting Rule under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) to require manufacturers (including importers) of the sixteen chemical substances identified in this rulemaking to submit copies and lists of certain unpublished health and safety studies to EPA. Health and safety studies sought by this action will inform EPA actions in carrying out its responsibilities pursuant to TSCA, including prioritization, risk evaluation, and risk management. This rule is effective on 13 January 2025. POC is Lameka Smith, Data Gathering, Management, and Policy Division (7406M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 564-1629; email: smith.lameka@epa.gov. (Federal Register 13 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 100756-100763)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a narrow modification to its 2022 CGP to expand the list of areas eligible for coverage to include construction projects in Lands of Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction. This modification is necessary because the EPA is the permitting authority in Lands of Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction, and when the CGP was issued on 17 February 2022, the permit did not specifically provide eligibility for all of these areas. The proposed modification would also clarify the CGP requirements that apply to projects that discharge to receiving waters within Lands of Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction. The EPA seeks comment only on the proposed permit revisions and the accompanying fact sheet. The fact sheet and proposed permit modification can be found at https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-construction-activities. Comments on the proposed permit modification must be received on or before 13 January 2025. POC is Greg Schaner, EPA Headquarters, Office of Water, Office of Wastewater Management at (202) 564-0721 or by email at schaner.greg@epa.gov. (Federal Register 13 December 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 100929-100934)

EPA is proposing amendments to the Standards of Performance for new, modified, and reconstructed stationary combustion turbines and stationary gas turbines. These amendments are based on a review of available control technologies aimed at limiting emissions of criteria air pollutants. The review of the NSPS is mandated by the CAA. As part of this review, the EPA proposes to create size-based subcategories for new, modified, and reconstructed stationary combustion turbines. These subcategories will also recognize differences in turbines that operate at varying loads or capacity factors and those using natural gas or non-natural gas fuels. The EPA proposes that the BSER for limiting NOX emissions from these turbines is the use of combustion controls along with post-combustion SCR, with some limited exceptions. Based on this BSER and updates in technical information, the EPA aims to lower the NOX standards for most stationary combustion turbines in this source category. Finally, the Agency is proposing amendments to address specific technical and editorial issues to clarify existing regulations. Comments must be received on or before 13 March 2025. POC is John Ashley tele: (919) 541-1458; and email: ashley.john@epa.gov. (Federal Register 13 December 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 101306-101356)

This action finalizes the Federal plan for existing commercial and industrial solid waste incineration units (CISWI). This final action implements the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) emission guidelines adopted on 7 February 2013, as amended on 23 June 2016, and on 16 April 2019, in states that do not have an approved state plan implementing the emission guidelines in place by the effective date of this Federal plan. The implementation of the emission guidelines will result in emissions reductions of the regulated pollutants including cadmium, hydrogen chloride, lead, mercury, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide from the affected CISWI. This final action is also revising the definition of "small, remote incinerator" to reflect new statutory prohibitions on the implementation of CISWI standards to units in the State of Alaska. This final rule is effective 10 January 2025. POC is Dr. Felica Davis, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E14305), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, EPA, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-4857; and email: davis.felica@epa.gov. (Federal Register 11 December 2024 [Rule] Pages 100092-100136)

EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) website has implemented a new feature responding to frequent requests that Clean Air Act activities be presented showing associations between compliance monitoring, violations, and enforcement. Historically, ECHO organized data in the Detailed Facility Report (DFR) by activity type, listing compliance monitoring activities, violations, and formal and informal enforcement actions in separate tables. Now, an additional "pipeline view" will help users understand how Clean Air Act violations relate to compliance monitoring (i.e., what was the violation discovery activity?) and enforcement (i.e., what violations did enforcement actions address?). To see this new view, navigate to the Enforcement and Compliance section of a Detailed Facility Report for any Clean Air Act permitted facility with past or current violations.

EPA Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) connects communities to experts who help assess and implement solutions for their drinking water, sewage, and stormwater needs. EPA's free water technical assistance initiatives help communities identify their water challenges, develop plans, build capacity, and develop their application materials to access federal funding. The Tackling Emerging Contaminants initiative builds on EPA's robust suite of technical assistance programs and includes diagnostic water quality sampling and analysis, source water assessment, preliminary treatment design and evaluations, operational and sampling training, and identifying solutions to address emerging contaminants and PFAS contamination including community engagement and outreach support.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating a regulation to facilitate compliance with the requirements of the Waste Emissions Charge in the Clean Air Act's (CAA) Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP). Enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), this program requires the EPA to impose and collect an annual charge on methane emissions that exceed waste emissions thresholds specified by Congress. This final rule is effective 17 January 2025. POC is Jennifer Bohman, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (MC-6207A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 343-9548; email: merp@epa.gov. (Federal Register 18 November 2024 [Rule] Pages 91094-91195)

EPA is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register (FR) on 17 April 2024. The EPA finalized the Other Solid Waste Incinerators (OSWI); Title V Permitting Provisions rule which removed title V permitting requirements for air curtain incinerators that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste, or a mixture of these three types of waste. Following publication of this final rule, the EPA discovered inadvertent errors in the regulatory text and is correcting them in this action. The final rule is effective on 14 November 2024. POC is Dr. Felica Davis, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143-05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, EPA, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-4857; and email: davis.felica@epa.gov. (Federal Register 14 November 2024 [Rule] Pages 89928-89933)

As part of EPA's efforts to reduce childhood lead exposure EPA is finalizing its proposal to lower the dust-lead hazard standards to any reportable level as analyzed by a laboratory recognized by EPA's NLLAP. EPA's LBP regulations do not compel property owners or occupants to evaluate their property for LBP hazards or to take control actions, but if a LBP activity such as an abatement is performed, then EPA's regulations set requirements for doing so. EPA is also finalizing changes to lower the post-abatement dust-lead clearance levels to 5 micrograms per square foot (µg/ft2), 40 µg/ft2, and 100 µg/ft2 for floors, window sills and troughs respectively. Due to feedback from public comments, EPA is also finalizing changes to adopt the terms dust-lead reportable levels (DLRL) and dust-lead action levels (DLAL). Given the decoupling of the action levels from the reportable levels, EPA is finalizing revisions to the definition of abatement so that the recommendation for action based on dust-lead applies when dust-lead loadings are at or above the action levels, rather than the hazard standards. The dust-lead hazard standards will be described as DLRL moving forward and the dust-lead clearance levels will be described as DLAL. This final rule is effective 13 January 2025. POC is Claire Brisse tele: (202) 564-9004; email: brisse.claire@epa.gov. (Federal Register 12 November 2024 [Rule] Pages 89416-89461)

In December 2023, the EPA requested comment on the proposed the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which informed the revisions to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for lead and copper. After consideration of public comment on the LCRI, and consistent with the provisions set forth under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA is finalizing revisions to the NPDWR for lead and copper. In this rule, the agency is finalizing requirements for drinking water systems to replace lead and certain galvanized service lines. The final rule also removes the lead trigger level, reduces the lead action level to 0.010 mg/L, and strengthens tap sampling procedures to improve public health protection and simplify implementation relative to the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The final rule will significantly reduce the adverse human health impacts of exposure to toxic lead in drinking water. This final rule is effective on 30 December 2024. POC is Michael Goldberg, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Standards and Risk Management Division (Mail Code 4607M), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-1379; email: LCRI@epa.gov. (Federal Register 30 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 86418-86667)

This conference will be hosted by the Water Environment Federation in cooperation with the Chesapeake Water Environment Association.

NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. The Association's unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all member utilities, and ensures they have the tools necessary to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.

Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the cancellation of all products containing the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). In making this decision, EPA relied on the best available science, which included robust studies demonstrating thyroid toxicity. Unborn babies whose pregnant mothers are exposed to DCPA from handling, entering or working in areas where DCPA has already been applied, could experience changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels. These changes are generally linked to low birth weight, impaired brain development, decreased IQ, and impaired motor skills later in life, some of which may be irreversible. The final cancellation prohibits anyone from distributing, selling or carrying out other similar activities for the remaining pesticide products containing DCPA. It also means that no person can continue using existing stocks of those products. AMVAC has developed a voluntary return program for existing DCPA products. In advance of the cancellation order, AMVAC implemented a plan to identify existing stocks and coordinated a collection process. When the return program concludes in the fall of 2024, EPA will continue monitoring this process to ensure that the collected DCPA products are disposed in a manner in accordance with applicable laws. EPA plans to release additional information about any remaining stocks in the coming months.

On 11 October 2024, EPA finalized a rule on the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This Act directs the EPA to establish regulations to maximize reclamation and minimize releases of hydrofluorocarbons and their substitutes, as well as ensure the safety of technicians and consumers. In this rule, EPA also finalized alternative recycling criteria for ignitable used refrigerants, including some hydrofluorocarbons and their equivalents under RCRA authority. These final RCRA alternatives largely defer to existing Clean Air Act standards for refrigerant recovery equipment and reclaimer certification. They also include a prohibition on speculative accumulation and requirements for emergency preparedness and response for refrigerant reclaimers. These final changes to the hazardous waste regulations aim to decrease emissions and support safe recycling of used refrigerants. EPA has provided a series of questions and answers about the RCRA refrigerant recycling alternative standards.

On 7 October 2024, EPA published several new frequent questions about managing end-of-life solar panels under RCRA. Find out how to use knowledge or analytical testing to make a hazardous waste determination on solar panels, how the RCRA regulations apply to solar panels that are reused and recycled, how solar panels can be recycled, and more on our website.

EPA is finalizing amendments to the NSPS for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels (Including Petroleum Liquid Storage Vessels) pursuant to the review required by the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA is finalizing revisions to the NSPS that are applicable to volatile organic liquid (VOL) storage vessels that commence construction, reconstruction, or modification after October 4, 2023, under a new NSPS subpart, as well as amendments to an existing subpart. In the new NSPS subpart Kc, the EPA is finalizing requirements to reduce the vapor pressure applicability thresholds and revise the volatile organic compound (VOC) standards to reflect the best system of emission reduction (BSER) for affected storage vessels. In addition, the EPA is finalizing degassing emission controls; clarification of startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) requirements; additional monitoring requirements; and other technical improvements. This final rule is effective on 15 October 2024. POC is Mr. Michael Cantoni III, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143-01), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; telephone number: (919) 541-5593; and email address: cantoni.michael@epa.gov. (Federal Register 15 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 83296-83336)

EPA is issuing regulations to implement certain provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This rulemaking establishes an emissions reduction and reclamation program for the management of hydrofluorocarbons that includes requirements for leak repair and installation and use of automatic leak detection systems for certain equipment using refrigerants containing hydrofluorocarbons and certain substitutes; the servicing and/or repair of certain refrigerant-containing equipment to be done with reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons; the initial installation and servicing and/or repair of fire suppression equipment to be done with recycled hydrofluorocarbons, technician training, and recycling of hydrofluorocarbons prior to the disposal of fire suppression equipment containing hydrofluorocarbons. In addition, EPA is establishing alternative Resource Conservation and Recovery Act standards for certain ignitable spent refrigerants being recycled for reuse. This rule is effective 10 December 2024. POC is Christian Wisniewski, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (Mail Code 6205A), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-0417; email: wisniewski.christian@epa.gov. (Federal Register 11 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 82682-82872)

OSHA is correcting several inadvertent errors in its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) which were published in the Federal Register on 20 May 2024. The agency has identified several errors in the regulatory text and appendices to the HCS which pertain to the classification of hazardous chemicals and information presented on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). The agency believes these errors, although minor and primarily typographical in nature, should be addressed expeditiously to avoid confusion or unnecessary costs in the regulated community due to incorporation of errors on labels and SDSs. OSHA is continuing its review of the regulatory text and will issue another correction document to address additional minor errors at a later date. The effective date of this rule is 9 October 2024. POC is Mr. Frank Meilinger, Director, OSHA Office of Communications, U.S. Department of Labor; telephone: (202) 693-1999; email: meilinger.francis2@dol.gov. (Federal Register 9 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 81829-81836)

This action establishes recordkeeping and reporting requirements for uses of ozone-depleting substances as process agents and updates related definitions. Codified recordkeeping and reporting requirements will provide clear notice of information the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency collects, aggregates, and reports each year on behalf of the United States as a party to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer; effectively monitor these narrow uses in a more routine and consistent manner under the Clean Air Act; and enhance understanding of emissions of substances harmful to the stratospheric ozone layer. This final rule is effective on 12 November 2024. POC is John Feather, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (Mail Code 6205A), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-1230; or email:feather.john@epa.gov. (Federal Register 10 October 2024 [Final] Pages 82414-82451)

EPA is promulgating a regulation under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act that establishes Federal standards of performance for marine pollution control devices for discharges incidental to the normal operation of primarily non-Armed Forces and non-recreational vessels 79 feet in length and above into the waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone. The final standards, once made final, effective, and enforceable through corresponding USCG regulations addressing implementation, compliance, and enforcement, will control the discharge of pollutants from vessels described above and repeal certain existing Federal, State, and local vessel discharge requirements, thus streamlining regulation of such vessel incidental discharges. EPA is also promulgating procedures states must follow if they choose to petition EPA to require the use of an emergency best management practice to address aquatic nuisance species (ANS) or water quality concerns ("emergency order"), to review any standard of performance, regulation, or policy. The effective date of this rule is 8 November 2024. POC is Jack Faulk, Oceans, Wetlands, and Communities Division, Office of Water (4504T), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 564-0768; email: faulk.jack@epa.gov. (Federal Register 9 October 2024 [Rule] Pages 82074-82158)

EPA is announcing a final rule to restore the pesticide Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements under the 2015 Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The AEZ is an area surrounding outdoor pesticide application equipment where people are prohibited while pesticides are applied. This rule finalizes the agency's 2023 proposed rule without change and advances the Administration's commitment to environmental justice, protecting farmworkers, pesticide handlers, their families and agricultural communities. It reinstates AEZ protections, extends protections for neighboring communities, makes requirements easier to understand, and provides flexibilities for family farms without compromising protections. These changes are a critical part of EPA's efforts to protect the health of farmworkers and support the agency's priority to advance equity and justice for all communities. Learn more about EPA's extensive efforts to train, support and enhance safe working conditions for agricultural workers at local, state and national levels on EPA's website.

EPA issued two enforcement alerts addressing regulatory requirements and associated compliance issues at municipal solid waste landfills (MSW landfills). The alerts address Clean Air Act requirements that control the release of landfill gases (LFG), particularly methane, a climate super pollutant from MSW landfills. The alerts provide an overview of the Clean Air Act regulatory requirements related to landfill air emissions and are intended to help address the climate crisis and ensure that landfill owners, operators, and contractors comply with the law and take the necessary steps to avoid potential EPA enforcement actions.

These standards, issued through EPA's Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance final rule, address discharges that occur with normal operation of large vessels. EPA's final rule will help address harmful pollutants, including bacteria, pathogens, oil, grease, and metals while reducing the spread of invasive species that can damage ecosystems and infrastructure. EPA's Vessel Incidental Discharge National Standards of Performance final rule applies primarily to non-recreational, non-Armed Forces vessels 79 feet or longer (such as commercial, research and emergency rescue vessels) and ballast water from fishing vessels and non-recreational, non-Armed Forces vessels less than 79 feet long. Discharges can happen during normal operation of these vessels while operating equipment and systems onboard, such as oil from machinery and wastewater from showers and sinks. Through best management practices and treatment standards, the EPA's final rule addresses 20 discharges and their associated pollutants.

New mapping tool allows users to analyze water data and identify pollution problems in their communities including the potential polluters. Environmental Protection Agency released the Water Quality Indicators (WQI) tool, the first EPA interface that allows users to compare millions of data records from water monitoring stations. Facilitated by a mapping tool, the WQI makes it easy to explore nutrient and pathogen data and identify the potential sources that are contributing to water quality problems. The WQI allows users to see pollutant level trends from nearby monitoring stations and compare to other stations across the country. The tool provides data on facilities including compliance records and as well as environmental justice indicators gathered through EJScreen, EPA's environmental justice screening and mapping tool.

EPA is undertaking this rulemaking to assess the eligibility of six applications to receive priority access to allowances allocated pursuant to the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020. This rulemaking proposes the framework for how EPA will assess whether to renew the eligibility of applications to receive application-specific allowances; decisions to renew or not renew each of the six applications that currently receive application-specific allowances; revisions to the Technology Transitions regulations as relevant to the specific applications under review; a procedural process for submitting a petition to designate a new application as eligible for priority access to allowances; narrow revisions to the methodology used to allocate allowances to application-specific allowance holders for calendar years 2026 and beyond; and limited revisions to existing regulations. EPA is also proposing to authorize an entity to produce regulated substances for export. Lastly, EPA is proposing certain confidentiality determinations for newly reported information if this rulemaking is finalized as proposed. Comments must be received on or before 31 October 2024. POC is Michelle Graff, EPA, Stratospheric Protection Division, tele: 202-564-5387; or email: graff.michelle@epa.gov. (Federal Register 16 September 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 75898-75943).

EPA announced a direct final rule to delay the reporting period for the October 2023 final rule requiring companies to report on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The reporting period was scheduled to begin on 12 November 2024, but the final rule delays the beginning of the reporting period until July 2025 due to resource constraints. The reporting rule under section 8(a)(7) of TSCA is a statutory requirement established by the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act that requires all manufacturers (including importers) of PFAS and PFAS-containing articles in any year since 2011 to report information related to chemical identity, uses, volumes made and processed, byproducts, environmental and health effects, worker exposure, and disposal to EPA.

The EPA is finalizing amendments to the NESHAP for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE), the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Stationary Compression Ignition (CI) Internal Combustion Engines, and the NSPS for Stationary Spark Ignition (SI) Internal Combustion Engines, to add electronic reporting provisions. The addition of electronic reporting provisions will provide for simplified reporting by sources and enhance availability of data on sources to the EPA and the public. In addition, a small number of clarifications and corrections to these rules are being finalized to provide clarification and correct inadvertent and other minor errors in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), particularly related to tables. This final rule is effective on 30 August 2024. POC is Christopher Werner, tele: (919) 541-5133; and email: werner.christopher@epa.gov. (Federal Register 30 August 2024 [Rule] Pages 70505-70525)

EPA , HUD, and HHS announced two complementary agreements to further their "whole of government" approach to strengthen these agencies' shared work in ensuring that children, especially those at high risk, are not exposed to human health risks from lead hazards. These two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) support commitments made in the Lead and Paint Action Plan, EPA's Strategic Plan , HUD's Strategic Plan, and HHS's Strategic Plan, which seek to reduce lead exposures locally with a focus on underserved communities and promote environmental justice through a whole of government approach. The first MOU expands, updates and reaffirms a 1997 agreement between EPA and HUD to coordinate their enforcement efforts addressing lead-based paint hazards in housing.

This action proposes revisions, updates, and corrections to EPA's streamlined fuel quality regulations. This action does not propose to change the stringency of the existing fuel quality standards. Comments must be received on or before 15 October 2024. (Federal Register 28 August 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 70046-70093) POC is Nick Parsons, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Assessment and Standards Division, EPA, 2000 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; tele: 734-214-4479; email:parsons.nick@epa.gov.

EPA is issuing an Emergency Order directing the suspension of all registrations issued under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for pesticide products containing the active ingredient dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), also marketed under the trade name Dacthal. EPA has determined that continued sale, distribution, or use of DCPA products during the time required to cancel such products would pose an imminent hazard and that an emergency exists that does not permit EPA to hold a hearing before suspending such products. These determinations are based primarily on a risk of thyroid hormone perturbations in the fetuses of female bystanders and workers who apply DCPA or who enter treated fields after application. This Emergency Order is issued and effective immediately upon signature. POC is Jean Overstreet, Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division (7508P), Office of Pesticide Programs; tele: 202-566-2425; email: overstreet.anne@epa.gov. (Federal Register 7 August 2024 [Notice] Pages 64445-64458)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General is issuing a fraud alert to highlight an increasingly common phishing scam involving fraudulent EPA Notice of Violation letters. In this scam, a fraudster sends a falsified EPA Notice of Violation letter to a target business and requests that the business respond by phone or email.

A slide deck presented to Veteran Affairs Administration discussing general lead paint awareness, and a video recording on lead paint. The topics also include the lead disclosure rule, renovation, repair, and painting rule, and lead activities rule. (see attached pdf and video)

EPA published preliminary Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data about chemical releases, waste management and pollution prevention activities that took place during 2023 at more than 20,000 federal and industrial facilities across the country. For 2023, 21 chemicals were added to the TRI list, and facilities were required to report on these if the reporting thresholds for each were met. The chemicals included nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) added to the TRI chemical list per the requirements of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

EPA proposed to designate five chemicals as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation under the nation's chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If EPA finalizes these designations as proposed, the agency would immediately move forward with the risk evaluation process. This step is consistent with a commitment from the Administration to understand and address environmental and toxic exposures to ensure that every community has access to clean air and water, supports the Cancer Moonshot's mission to end cancer as we know it, and bolsters the Administration's efforts to make progress on delivering environmental justice and tackling plastic pollution. The five chemical substances EPA is proposing to designate as High-Priority Substances are: Vinyl Chloride (CASRN 75-01-4), Acetaldehyde (CASRN 75-07-0), Acrylonitrile (CASRN 107-13-1), Benzenamine (CASRN 62-53-3), and 4,4'-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) (CASRN 101-14-4).

The All-Hazards Waste Management Planning Tool is an interactive tool to assist emergency managers and planners for all communities (state, local, Tribal, and territorial), and large industrial and municipal facilities, such as airports and stadiums. The tool helps these parties create or update a comprehensive pre-incident plan for managing materials and wastes generated from manmade and natural disasters.

The EPA released a compliance guide for the 2024 methylene chloride risk management rule issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The compliance guide will help industry, workers and other interested stakeholders understand and comply with the new regulations to prevent injuries, long-term illnesses and deaths. In April 2024, EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a dangerous chemical known to cause liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cancer of the blood, and cancer of the central nervous system, as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death. This regulation will protect people from health risks while allowing key uses to continue safely with a robust Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP).

This rule amends certain aspects of the hazardous waste manifest regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, specifically about the e-Manifest system. A manifest accompanies shipments of hazardous waste. This rule is intended to reduce the reporting burden on industry and states, increase information availability, improve compliance monitoring, and prepare for future potential integration with biennial reporting requirements. EPA aims to modernize and streamline the manifest process, increasing expected benefits of the e-Manifest system and encouraging further adoption of electronic manifests through increased utility of the system

EPA issued a memorandum that provides guidance to EPA Regions, states, and territories on when and how to consider potential adverse climate change impacts in the hazardous waste permitting process under the RCRA. This guidance includes recommendations for conducting climate change vulnerability screenings and assessments for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to determine whether there are climate vulnerabilities that hazardous waste permits should address.

Pursuant to the EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy program, this action lists several substitutes as acceptable, subject to use conditions, for retail food refrigeration, commercial ice machines, industrial process refrigeration, cold storage warehouses, and ice skating rinks. Through this action, EPA is incorporating by reference standards which establish requirements for commercial refrigerating appliances and commercial ice machines, safe use of flammable refrigerants, and safe design, construction, installation, and operation of refrigeration systems. This action also exempts propane, in the refrigerated food processing and dispensing end-use, from the prohibition under the Clean Air Act (CAA) on knowingly venting, releasing, or disposing of substitute refrigerants in the course of maintaining, servicing, repairing or disposing of an appliance or industrial process refrigeration, as the Administrator is determining, on the basis of existing evidence, that such venting, release, or disposal of this substance in this end-use does not pose a threat to the environment. Effective on 15 July 2024. POC is Perrin Krisko, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Protection (Mail Code 6205A), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-2328; email: krisko.claudia@epa.gov. (Federal Register 13 June 2024 [Rule] Pages 50410-50497)

A slide deck presented to Veteran Affairs Administration discussing general lead paint awareness. The topics also include the lead disclosure rule, renovation, repair, and painting rule, and lead activities rule. (see attached pdf)

EPA is proposing a regulatory framework for states and public water systems (PWSs) to identify and assess restructuring alternatives to ensure that every community receives safe, affordable, and reliable drinking water. The proposed regulations would: establish a new mandatory restructuring assessment authority for states; require states with primary enforcement authority (primacy) to develop mandatory restructuring assessment programs and submit primacy revisions for EPA review and approval; establish requirements for states and PWSs that implement system-specific mandatory restructuring assessments; and establish eligibility requirements and limitations for restructuring incentives under state-approved restructuring plans. This proposed rulemaking is required under amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). By taking this action, the EPA intends to strengthen the ongoing efforts of states and PWSs to protect public health. Comments must be received on or before 29 July 2024. POC is Will Bowman, Drinking Water Capacity & Compliance Assistance Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (MC-4606M) Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 564-3782; email: bowman.will@epa.gov. (Federal Register 30 May 2024 [Proposed Rule] Pages 46998-47026)

EPA is revising the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Rule in accordance with America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 (United States, 2018) and is requiring States, territories, and Tribes with primary enforcement responsibility to report compliance monitoring data (CMD) to the EPA. The revisions will improve the readability, clarity, and understandability of CCRs as well as the accuracy of the information presented, improve risk communication in CCRs, incorporate electronic delivery options, provide supplemental information regarding lead levels and control efforts, and require systems who serve 10,000 or more persons to provide CCRs to customers biannually (twice per year). The final rule requirements for States to submit to the EPA CMD for all National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) will improve the EPA's ability to fulfill oversight responsibilities under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This final rule is effective on 24 June 2024. Sarah Bradbury, Drinking Water Capacity and Compliance Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele:(202) 564-3116; email: bradbury.sarah@epa.gov. (Federal Register 24 May 2024 [Rule] Pages 45980-46014)

OSHA is amending the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to conform to the United Nations' GHS, primarily Revision 7, address issues that arose during the implementation of the 2012 update to the HCS, and provide better alignment with other U.S. agencies and international trading partners. Consistent with E.O. 13563 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which call for assessment and modification and improvement of existing rules, OSHA has reviewed the existing HCS. The agency has determined that the revisions in this final rule will enhance the effectiveness of the HCS by ensuring employees are appropriately apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, thus reducing the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries. The modifications to the standard include revised criteria for classification of certain health and physical hazards, revised provisions for updating labels, labeling small containers, new provisions related to trade secrets, technical amendments related to the contents of safety data sheets (SDSs), and related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard. This final rule is effective 19 July 2024. POC is Tiffany DeFoe, Director, Office of Chemical Hazards--Metals, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor; tele: (202) 693-1950; email: defoe.tiffany@dol.gov. (Federal Register 20 May 2024 [Rule] Pages 44144-44461)

The EPA is finalizing multiple actions under section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). First, the EPA is finalizing the repeal of the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule. Second, the EPA is finalizing emission guidelines for GHG emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired steam generating EGUs. Third, the EPA is finalizing revisions to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for GHG emissions from new and reconstructed fossil fuel-fired stationary combustion turbine EGUs. Fourth, the EPA is finalizing revisions to the NSPS for GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired steam generating units that undertake a large modification, based upon the 8-year review required by the CAA. The EPA is not finalizing emission guidelines for GHG emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired stationary combustion turbines at this time; instead, the EPA intends to take further action on the proposed emission guidelines at a later date. This final rule is effective on 8 July 2024. POC is Lisa Thompson (she/her), Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243-02), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. EPA, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; telephone number: (919) 541-5158; and email address: thompson.lisa@epa.gov. (Federal Register 9 May 2024 [Rule] Pages 39798-40064)

EPA is finalizing a rule to address the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by methylene chloride under its conditions of use. TSCA requires that EPA address by rule any unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment identified in a TSCA risk evaluation and apply requirements to the extent necessary so that the chemical no longer presents unreasonable risk. EPA's final rule will, among other things, prevent serious illness and death associated with uncontrolled exposures to the chemical by preventing consumer access to the chemical, restricting the industrial and commercial use of the chemical while also allowing for a reasonable transition period where an industrial and commercial use of the chemical is being prohibited, provide a time-limited exemption for a critical or essential use of methylene chloride for which no technically and economically feasible safer alternative is available, and protect workers from the unreasonable risk of methylene chloride while on the job. This final rule is effective on 8 July 2024. POC is Ingrid Feustel, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 564-3199; email: MethyleneChlorideTSCA@epa.gov. (Federal Register 8 May 2024 [Rule] Page 39254-39302)

This action finalizes amendments to the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for the Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units (EGUs) source category. These final amendments are the result of the EPA's review of the 2020 Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR). The changes, which were proposed under the technology review in April 2023, include amending the filterable particulate matter (fPM) surrogate emission standard for non-mercury metal hazardous air pollutants (HAP) for existing coal-fired EGUs, the fPM emission standard compliance demonstration requirements, and the mercury (Hg) emission standard for lignite-fired EGUs. Additionally, the EPA is finalizing a change to the definition of "startup." The EPA did not propose, and is not finalizing, any changes to the 2020 Residual Risk Review. This final rule is effective on 8 July 2024. POC is Sarah Benish, Sector Policies and Programs Division (D243-01), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, EPA, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-5620; and email:benish.sarah@epa.gov. (Federal Register 7 May 2024 [Rule] Pages 38508-38593)

EPA is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on 14 July 2023, which added a diisononyl phthalates (DINP) category to the list of toxic chemicals subject to the reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). However, the amendment could not be incorporated into the regulation due to an inaccurate amendatory instruction. This document corrects the amendatory instructions. Effective on 2 May 2024. POC is Rachel Dean, Data Collection Branch, Data Gathering, Management, and Policy Division (Mail code: 7406M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 566-1303; email:dean.rachel@epa.gov. (Federal Register 2 May 2024 [Rule] Pages 35748-35754)

EPA finalized a ban on most uses of methylene chloride, a dangerous chemical known to cause liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, cancer of the blood, and cancer of the central nervous system, as well as neurotoxicity, liver harm and even death. Ending most uses of methylene chloride will save lives and complements the President's Cancer Moonshot, a whole-of-government initiative to end cancer as we know it. EPA's final action, also known as a risk management rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will protect people from health risks while allowing key uses to continue safely with a robust new worker protection program. This is the second risk management rule to be finalized using the process created by the 2016 TSCA amendments.

EPA announced a suite of final rules to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants in order to protect all communities from pollution and improve public health without disrupting the delivery of reliable electricity. These rules, finalized under separate authorities including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, will significantly reduce climate, air, water, and land pollution from the power sector, delivering on the Administration's commitment to protect public health, advance environmental justice, and confront the climate crisis.

In March 2023, EPA proposed and requested comment on the NPDWR and health-based Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals, and PFBS. The EPA is finalizing NPDWRs for these six PFAS. Through this action, the EPA is finalizing MCLGs for PFOA and PFOS at zero. Considering feasibility, the EPA is promulgating individual Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4.0 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or parts per trillion (ppt). The EPA is also finalizing individual MCLGs and is promulgating individual MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA at 10 ng/L. In addition to the individual MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, in consideration of the known toxic effects, dose additive health concerns and occurrence and likely co-occurrence in drinking water of these three PFAS, as well as PFBS, the EPA is finalizing a Hazard Index (HI) of 1 (unitless) as the MCLG and MCL for any mixture containing two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. Once fully implemented, the EPA estimates that the rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. This final rule is effective on 25 June 2024. POC is Alexis Lan, tele 202-564-0841; email: PFASNPDWR@epa.gov. (Federal Register 26 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 32532-32757)

The EPA is amending specific provisions in the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule to improve data quality and consistency. This action updates the General Provisions to reflect revised global warming potentials; expands reporting to additional sectors; improves the calculation, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements by updating existing methodologies; improves data verifications; and provides for collection of additional data to better inform and be relevant to a wide variety of Clean Air Act provisions that the EPA carries out. This action adds greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting for five source categories. These revisions also include changes that will improve implementation of the rule such as updates to applicability estimation methodologies, simplifying calculation and monitoring methodologies, streamlining recordkeeping and reporting, and other minor technical corrections or clarifications. This rule is effective 1 January 2025. POC is Jennifer Bohman, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs (MC-6207A), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: (202) 343-9548; email: GHGReporting@epa.gov. (Federal Register 25 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 31802-31959)

On 31 August 2020, in accordance with requirements under the CAA, EPA performed a 5-year review of the Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources: Other Solid Waste Incineration (OSWI) Units, which includes certain very small municipal waste combustion (VSMWC) and institutional waste incineration (IWI) units. In the same action, the EPA proposed to remove the title V permitting requirements for air curtain incinerators (ACI) that burn only wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste, or a mixture of these three types of waste. In response to supportive comments received on the August 2020 proposal, this action is finalizing, as proposed, to remove the title V permitting requirements for ACIs that only burn wood waste, clean lumber, yard waste, or a mixture of those, and are not located at title V major sources or subject to title V for other reasons. The EPA is finalizing this proposed action now to simplify the compliance obligations for owners and operators of these types of units. The effective date of this rule is 17 April 2024. POC is Noel Cope, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, EPA, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-2128; email: cope.noel@epa.gov. (Federal Register 17 April 2024 [Rule] pages 27392-27397)

EPA is finalizing changes to its test procedures required to be used by industries and municipalities when analyzing the chemical, physical, and biological properties of wastewater and other samples for reporting under the EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program. The Clean Water Act requires the EPA to promulgate these test procedures (analytical methods) for analysis of pollutants. The EPA anticipates that these changes will provide increased flexibility for the regulated community in meeting monitoring requirements while improving data quality. In addition, this update to the CWA methods will incorporate technological advances in analytical technology and make a series of minor changes and corrections to existing approved methods. As such, the EPA expects that these changes will not result in any negative economic impacts. This final rule is effective on 17 June 2024. POC is Tracy Bone, Engineering and Analysis Division, Office of Water (4303T), EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: 202-564-5257; email: bone.tracy@epa.gov. (Federal Register 16 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 27288-27327)

This action finalizes the residual RTR conducted for the Commercial Sterilization Facilities source category regulated under NESHAP under the CAA. The EPA is finalizing decisions concerning the RTR, including definitions for affected sources, emission standards for previously unregulated sources, amendments pursuant to the risk review to address ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from certain sterilization chamber vents (SCVs), aeration room vents (ARVs), chamber exhaust vents (CEVs), and room air emissions, and amendments pursuant to the technology review for certain SCVs and ARVs. In addition, we are taking final action to correct and clarify regulatory provisions related to emissions during periods of SSM, including removing exemptions for periods of SSM. We are also taking final action to require owners and operators to demonstrate compliance through the use of EtO CEMS, with exceptions for very small users of EtO; add provisions for electronic reporting of performance test results and other reports; and include other technical revisions to improve consistency and clarity. We estimate that these final amendments will reduce EtO emissions from this source category by approximately 21 tons per year (tpy). This final rule is effective on 5 April 2024. POC is Jonathan Witt, tele: (919) 541-5645 and email:witt.jon@epa.gov. (Federal Register 5 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 24090-24203)

EPA finalized the residual risk and technology review (RTR) conducted for the Ethylene Production source category, which is part of the Generic Maximum Achievable Control Technology Standards NESHAP. Amendments to the Petroleum Refinery Sector NESHAP were most recently finalized on 4 February 2020. Subsequently, the EPA received and granted various petitions for reconsideration on these NESHAP for, among other things, the provisions related to the work practice standards for pressure relief devices (PRDs), emergency flaring, and degassing of floating roof storage vessels. This action finalizes proposed amendments to remove the force majeure exemption for PRDs and emergency flaring, incorporate clarifications for the degassing requirements for floating roof storage vessels, and address other corrections and clarifications. This final action is effective on 4 April 2024. POC is Michael Cantoni, Sector Policies and Programs Division, Mail Drop: E143-01, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, P.O. Box 12055, RTP, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541-5593; and email: cantoni.michael@epa.gov. (Federal Register 4 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 23840-23873)

EPA is announcing the launch of a new website, epa.gov/permits, a centralized web-based platform for information about federal environmental permitting. It highlights EPA's permitting and environmental review programs and shares information on related statutes and environmental justice initiatives. In support of EPA's commitments under Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41), it also displays the status of EPA permits for large scale infrastructure projects covered by this statute. The website is a resource for the public, permit applicants and federal agency partners.

A centralized web-based platform for information about federal environmental permitting. It highlights EPA's permitting and environmental review programs and shares information on related statutes and environmental justice initiatives. The website is a resource for the public, permit applicants, and federal agency partners.

EPA is requesting comments to assist in the potential development of regulations for the manufacture (including importing), processing, and distribution in commerce of lead for wheel-balancing weights ("lead wheel weights") under the TSCA. To inform this consideration, EPA is requesting comment from all stakeholders on the use and exposure to lead from the manufacture (including importing), processing (including recycling), distribution, use, and disposal of lead wheel weights, as well as information on their substitutes, to help determine if there is unreasonable risk to human health and the environment associated with this use. This action is relevant to a petition for a writ of mandamus filed in August 2023, by the Ecology Center, Center for Environmental Health, United Parents Against Lead & Other Environmental Hazards, and Sierra Club in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit requesting the court to direct EPA to conduct a rulemaking regulating lead wheel weights under TSCA. This final rule is effective 3 May 2024. POC is Sofie Sonner, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7404M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 565-2414; email: sonner.sofie@epa.gov. (Federal Register 3 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 22972-22974) (Federal Register 3 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 22972-22974)

This final rule makes non-substantive, technical, organizational, and conforming amendments to existing Coast Guard regulations. This final rule is a continuation of our practice of periodically issuing rules to keep our regulations up-to-date and accurate. This final rule will have no substantive effect on the regulated public. This final rule is effective 3 April 2024. POC is Dale Murad, Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-3747, email Dale.Murad@uscg.mil. (Federal Register 3 April 2024 [Rule] Pages 22942-22949)

The EPA is finalizing facility response plan requirements for worst case discharges of CWA hazardous substances for onshore non-transportation-related facilities that could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging a CWA hazardous substance into or on the navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or exclusive economic zone. This final rule is effective on 28 May 2024. POC is Rebecca Broussard, Office of Emergency Management, Mail Code 5104A, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460; tele: 202-564-6706; email: broussard.rebecca@epa.gov. (Federal Register 28 March 2024 [Rule] Pages 21924-24967)

The EPA is issuing this final rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address to the extent necessary the unreasonable risk of injury to health presented by chrysotile asbestos based on the risks posed by certain conditions of use. The injuries to human health include mesothelioma and lung, ovarian, and laryngeal cancers resulting from chronic inhalation exposure to chrysotile asbestos. This final rule is effective on 28 May 2024. POC is Peter Gimlin, Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; tele: (202) 566-0515; email: gimlin.peter@epa.gov. (Federal Register 28 March 2024 [Rule] Pages 21970-22010)

EPA announced a final rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently used in or imported to the United States. The ban on ongoing uses of asbestos is the first rule to be finalized under the 2016 amendments to the nation's chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which received near-unanimous support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The action marks a major milestone for chemical safety after more than three decades of inadequate protections and serious delays during the previous administration to implement the 2016 amendments. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, and it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

On March 12, 2024, EPA announced proposed amendments to the regulations for the open burning and open detonation of waste explosives. The proposed rule would improve implementation of requirements for how facilities must evaluate and use alternative technologies determined to be safe and available for treating waste explosives in lieu of OB/OD. EPA is also proposing changes to the OB/OD requirements for: • Waste analysis and characterization. • Wastes prohibited from OB/OD. • Minimum technical standards for OB/OD units. • Potential de minimis exemption to evaluating and implementing alternative treatment technologies. • Delay of closure applicability to OB/OD units. • Applicability to emergencies. • Timelines for implementing alternative treatment technologies. • Permitting of mobile treatment units. EPA will be taking public comment for 60 days once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register. During the comment period, EPA will host a public webinar about this proposal and will post that information on this webpage.

Based on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) reconsideration of the air quality criteria and the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM), the EPA is revising the primary annual PM2.5 standard by lowering the level from 12.0 µg/m3 to 9.0 µg/m3. The Agency is retaining the current primary 24-hour PM2.5 standard and the primary 24-hour PM10 standard. The Agency also is not changing the secondary 24-hour PM2.5 standard, secondary annual PM2.5 standard, and secondary 24-hour PM10 standard at this time. The EPA is also finalizing revisions to other key aspects related to the PM NAAQS, including revisions to the Air Quality Index (AQI) and monitoring requirements for the PM NAAQS. This final rule is effective 6 May 2024. POC is Dr. Lars Perlmutt, Health and Environmental Impacts Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, U.S. EPA, Mail Code C539–04, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; tele: (919) 541–3037; email: perlmutt.lars@epa.gov. (Federal Register 6 March 2024 [Rule] Pages 16202-16406)

PHMSA amends the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to update, clarify, improve the safety of, or streamline various regulatory requirements. Specifically, this rulemaking responds to 18 petitions for rulemaking submitted by the regulated community between May 2018 and October 2020 that requests PHMSA address a variety of provisions, including but not limited to those addressing packaging, hazard communication, and the incorporation by reference of certain documents. These revisions maintain or enhance the existing high level of safety under the HMR while providing clarity and appropriate regulatory flexibility in the transport of hazardous materials. This final rule is effective on 3 April 2024. POC is Steven Andrews, 202–366–8553, Office of Hazardous Materials Standards, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, East Building, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. (Federal Register 4 March 2024 [Rule] Pages 15636-15668)

The Department of Defense's National Defense Center for Energy and Environment (NDCEE) is excited to announce the opening of proposals for demonstrations of environmental, safety, occupational health, and energy technologies from March 1st to April 1st. They welcome submissions from all DoD Services, inviting innovative technologies, processes, and strategies that enhance energy security, Warfighter protection, military operations efficiency, or reduce environmental impacts. NDCEE wants your help shaping the future of defense through initiatives that bolster national security, safeguard our planet, and contribute to a more robust, greener, and secure tomorrow.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has published a new compliance advisory titled Federal Facility Compliance with the Asbestos NESHAP. The Asbestos NESHAP requirements protect the public by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers during building renovations and demolitions. This compliance advisory reminds federal facilities of their compliance obligations under the Asbestos NESHAP and the Clean Air Act during building renovations and demolitions, even when those activities are performed by contractors.

To reduce the rate of significant noncompliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits at lagoon facilities, improve water quality, and protect environmental and public health, the EPA has developed this troubleshooting manual. Specifically, this manual is designed to help operators at small wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) lagoons, also called wastewater stabilization ponds, identify causes of lagoon upset conditions and the corresponding troubleshooting steps.

Facilities that need to submit SDSs or the list of hazardous chemicals under Section 311, also need to submit an annual inventory report for the same chemicals (EPCRA Section 312). This inventory report must be submitted to the State or Tribal Emergency Response Commission (SERC or TERC), Local or Tribal Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC or TEPC), and the local fire department by March 1 of each year. Most States require the Tier II form. Tier II forms require basic facility identification information, employee contact information for both emergencies and non-emergencies, information about chemicals stored or used at the facility, and additional data elements which would be useful to local planners and responders.

This portal is intended to help generators find hazardous waste compliance assistance resources. The portal includes both federal and state information and it covers most industrial and commercial business sectors. The portal catalogs over 800 hazardous waste compliance resources, including guidebooks, fact sheets, reports, checklists, web sites, contacts, and regulations. Various features are available to assist users in finding the best guidance materials and answers to specific questions.

This action announces the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) approval of alternative testing methods for use in measuring the levels of contaminants in drinking water to determine compliance with national primary drinking water regulations. The Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes EPA to approve the use of alternative testing methods through publication in the Federal Register. EPA is using this streamlined authority to make 93 additional methods available for analyzing drinking water samples. This expedited approach provides public water systems, laboratories, and primacy agencies with more timely access to new measurement techniques and greater flexibility in the selection of analytical methods, thereby reducing monitoring costs while maintaining public health protection. This action is effective 30 January 2024. POC is Teresa Wells, Technical Support Branch, Standards and Risk Management Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (MS 140), Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268; tele: (513) 569–7128; email: wells.teresa@epa.gov. (Federal Register 30 January 2024 [Rule] Pages 5773-5794)

The EPA is proposing amendments to the new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines (EG) for large municipal waste combustion (MWC) units. These proposed amendments reflect the results from a reevaluation of the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) floor levels, a 5-year review, and the removal of startup, shutdown and malfunction exclusions and exceptions. These proposed amendments also streamline regulatory language, revise recordkeeping and electronic notification and reporting requirements, re-establish new and existing source applicability dates, clarify requirements for certain air curtain incinerators, close a 2007 proposed reconsideration action, correct certain typographical errors, make certain technical corrections, and clarify certain provisions in the NSPS and EG. These proposed amendments would revise all emission limits in the EG, except for carbon monoxide (CO) limits for two subcategories of combustors, and all nine emission limits in the NSPS.. Comments must be received on or before 25 March 2024. POC is Charlene E. Spells, Sector Policies and Programs Division (E143–05), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, EPA, Research Triangle Park, P.O. Box 12055, North Carolina 27711; tele: (919) 541–5255; email:spells.charlene@epa.gov. (Federal Register 23 January 2024 [Proposed Rule] pages 4243-4268)

In alignment with Executive Order (EO) 14008, the EPA Administrator has underscored the importance of integrating climate action goals into the EPA's broader Strategic Plan. This memorandum serves as a directive to all EPA enforcement and compliance offices, urging them to proactively incorporate measures to combat climate change in all matters within their respective jurisdictions.

EPA published the 2023 Mercury Inventory Report on the supply, use, and trade of mercury in the U.S. This is the second inventory report published after finalizing the 2018 mercury inventory reporting rule, adding to the suite of completed mandates related to elemental mercury and mercury compounds per the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The 2023 report is the first report that reflects the January 1, 2020, effective date of the 2016 TSCA amendment to prohibit the export of five mercury compounds. The data in the 2023 report will further assist the U.S. in its implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. High exposure to mercury can cause kidney damage, respiratory failure, and death. Other health effects include difficulty breathing, headaches, muscle weakness, memory loss, and mood swings. Additionally, mercury does not biodegrade and can build up in the environment.

On November 9, 2023, EPA hosted a webinar about the "Alternate PCB Extraction Methods and Amendments to PCB Cleanup and Disposal Regulations" final rule. For those who missed it, you can now access the webinar recording and presentation slides on our website.

This compendium draws on information from several sources, including completed alternative technology evaluations and RCRA permits for alternative technologies. It serves as a technical resource for permit agencies, facility owners and operators, and others when evaluating potential alternative treatment options for explosive hazardous wastes.

EPA issued a draft memorandum for public comment that communicates EPA's approach on when and how to consider potential adverse climate change impacts in the PCB approval process under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This memorandum would clarify that, for PCB cleanup, storage, and disposal approvals, our determination of no unreasonable risk is to be inclusive of not only current but future conditions at sites and facilities vulnerable to potential adverse climate change impacts. We identify measures that strengthen the resilience of PCB cleanup, storage, and disposal controls to climate change impacts, ensuring the protection of human health and the environment over time. EPA welcomes comment on the memorandum through 26 January 2024.?

EPA issued for public comment a draft memorandum that would provide guidance to EPA Regions, states, and territories on when and how to consider potential adverse climate change impacts in the hazardous waste permitting process under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This draft guidance includes expectations for conducting climate change vulnerability screenings and assessments for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities to determine whether there are climate vulnerabilities that hazardous waste permits should address. The memo's recommendations would ensure that controls provide long-term effectiveness through resilience to adverse climate change impacts into the future. EPA welcomes comment on the memorandum through 26 January 2024.?? ?

Because the EPA received adverse comment on eight amendments in the direct final rule published on 9 August 2023, we are withdrawing amendments to specific provisions through correction to the direct final rule. This correction is effective 7 December 2023. POC is Brian Knieser, EPA, Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery, (MC: 5304T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460, (202) 566–0516, (knieser.brian@epa.gov). (Federal Register 6 December 2023 [Rule] Pages 84710-84713)

EPA announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. EPA is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols utilized by water systems. The Administration is using every tool available to help communities and water systems Get the Lead Out--including investing a historic $15 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines, providing technical assistance to communities, and supporting the development of a national inventory of lead service lines. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are central to the whole of government approach detailed in the Administration's Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. Once the proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, EPA will accept comments for 60 days. The agency will also hold a virtual public hearing on 16 January 2024, at which time the public will be invited to provide EPA with verbal comments. For more information about the proposed rule visit the proposed rule webpage.