Environmental Health and Safety


Changing Appeals Process Distances Populations from Polluters

Changing Appeals Process Distances Populations from Polluters

Earlier this year, the EPA announced that it is changing the ways citizens can appeal EPA-issued pollution permits. Now, citizens may not be able to appeal at all.

Is The Newark Water Crisis the New Flint?

Is The Newark Water Crisis the New Flint?

Like the case in Flint, Mich., residents of Newark, NJ, cannot trust their tap water sources for fear of lead poisoning, and the city has been asked to provide—first filters, now bottles of water.

First Female Director Appointed to Head Iowa DNR

Kayla Lyon has been appointed director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, effective July 8. She will replace Bruce Trautman, who has served as the agency's acting director since May 2018, and is DNR's first female director.

BSEE Increases Maximum Civil Penalty Amounts for Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Violations

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement announced Wednesday that the maximum civil penalty rate for violations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act will increase from $42,704 to $43,576 a day for each violation.

Canadian Coast Guard Seeks Proposals for Bulk Oil Removal from Wrecked Freighter

Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays – Central – Notre Dame, announced Wednesday that in the coming months the Canadian Coast Guard will be seeking proposals from qualified marine salvage companies for bulk oil removal from the wreck of the Manolis L.

Chile, Oman, Sri Lanka, and South Africa join Campaign Against Ocean Pollution

Four Countries Join Campaign Against Ocean Pollution

Chile, Oman, Sri Lanka, and South Africa have joined UN Environment's CleanSeas campaign against marine litter and ocean pollution, announcing measures including new marine reserves, plastic bag bans, and drives to increase recycling.

British Nurseries Ban Glitter Due to Environmental Impact

British Nurseries Ban Glitter Due to Environmental Impact

A group of nurseries in southern England has banned the use of glitter at their facilities in light of scientists drawing attention to the detrimental effects of microplastics like glitter on the environment.

UK Residents Start Monitoring Air Pollution

UK Residents Start Monitoring Air Pollution

Environmental charity Friends of the Earth said 70 groups in the United Kingdom are using testing kits to monitor pollution levels in the air they breathe, adding to a growing number of persons taking pollution monitoring into their own hands.



Environmental Impact of Harvey Still Unknown, Expected to be "Dire"

Environmental Impact of Harvey Still Unknown, Expected to be "Dire"

At best, experts said that the long-term environmental health consequences of the storm will be “dire.”

Chemical Plant Suffers Two Explosions Due to Flooding

Chemical Plant Suffers Two Explosions Due to Flooding

Early Thursday morning, two explosions generating billows of thick black smoke were reported at a flooded chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, just 30 miles northeast of downtown Houston

Senate Votes against Revoking Rule that Limits Methane Emissions

Senate Votes against Revoking Rule that Limits Methane Emissions

Senate blocks move to overturn Obama-era rule on drilling.

Medgate Acquires Software Provider regAction

The company said the deal accelerates its environmental market expansion and roadmap for next-generation EHS solutions.

California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Director Selected

California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Dec. 6 appointed Lauren Zeise director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Brown also appointed Lars Seifert, 42, of Imperial, to the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board.

EPA's McCarthy Leading Delegation to Rio Closing Ceremony

The delegation will be headed by Gina McCarthy, adminstrator of EPA, and its members will attend athletic events and meet with U.S. athletes while there.

Canada Cancels Some Uses of Boric Acid Pesticides

There are a total of 110 pesticide products registered for use in Canada containing boric acid, and 25 of those will have their registrations cancelled while the remaining 85 will have to meet new labeling requirements within the next two years.

ANA defines a Culture of Safety as one in which a health care organization

Lighting the Way to a Clean Future with Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes

The health care market holds enormous potential for the deployment of UV-C LEDs. UV-C LED solutions also enable point-of-use water treatment for consumers: Imagine being able to purify your water with a light the size of a pencil eraser in your kitchen or in a portable water bottle, with water from any faucet.

EPA recognizes DFW Airport for its leadership in Greenhouse Gas Management.

DFW Airport Becomes First U.S. Airport to Receive EPA Climate Leadership Award

EPA recognizes DFW Airport for its leadership in Greenhouse Gas Management.

Flint Michigan Files Negligence Claim Against EPA

Flint, Michigan Files Negligence Claim Against EPA

The city of Flint, Michigan, with a population of nearly 100,000, has filed a claim against the EPA, stating that the agency is responsible for the city's lead-contaminated water. Flint residents, 513 of whom made the claim, are demanding $220 million from the EPA.

greenwashed?

A CEO's Seven Personal Inputs for Making an Environmentally Sustainable Business

Employees need a leader who integrates sustainable solutions into the company's mindset, focus, and strategy and every-day culture with consistent, coherent actions. Staff members want to work for a leader with a personal commitment to making the company eco-friendly.

Spend a day in a data center and you will come away with a deep appreciation that indoor noise exposure is a priority safety consideration. (Digital Realty Trust, Inc. photo)

Data Center EH&S 101

Stakeholders' concerns range from asbestos and lead-based paint typically found in older and/or legacy data centers to fire-resistant clothing, contractor and construction management, elevated work such as portable and fixed ladders, and rooftop maintenance.

This article originally appeared in the April 2016 issue of Environmental Protection.

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