Industry Trends


EPA Voids Import Certificates for Small Recreational Vehicles

The agency said its suspects that MotorScience Enterprise intentionally submitted false or incomplete emissions information on gas-powered off road motorcycles and all terrain vehicles.

Reusable Grocery Bags Breed Bacteria, Research Says

A University of Arizona and Loma Linda University study found that consumers were unaware that they need to regularly wash reusable grocery bags.

Ontario Proposes Rules for Offshore Wind Turbines

The rules would keep wind turbines at least 5 kilometers from the shorelines of lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.

EPA Finalizing GHG Reporting Rules for 4 Emissions Sources

The proposed rules, which also cover confidential business information, would require underground coal mines, industrial wastewater treatment systems, industrial waste landfills and magnesium production facilities to report their GHG emissions by the end of March 2012.

Scientists in China Create New Tool for Loss Prediction from Disasters

Bayesian network approach enables emergency planners to better predict, assess and manage natural and man-made catastrophes, according to developers.

Manufacturers in Oregon Must Collect Unused Paint

The Department of Environmental Quality has approved the pilot take-back program, which begins today.

Manchester Authority Buys Odor Control System for Waste Disposal

MEGTEC and HAASE Energietechnik AG provide VOCSIDIZER technology to help the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority meet low odor control limits.

Failure to Report Ammonia Release Quickly Results in $35,000 Fine

The leak at Pacific Seafood Group's warehouse and distribution center apparently was caused by an incorrect setting on a pressure relief valve.



Agency Delays Enforcement on Lead Paint Certification

EPA is giving remodelers and contractors more time to get trained; the new enforcement deadline is Oct. 1.

Texas Air Program Does Not Meet CAA Requirements. EPA Says

The agency has rejected the Texas Council on Environmental Quality's flexible permit program.

Chlorine Distributor Settles Risk Management Program Issues

Oxarc, which has agreed to pay more than $19,000, did not update its Risk Management Program, according to EPA.

EPA to Include Employees in Chemical Safety Inspections

In new interim guidance, the agency is encouraging employees to be involved during Risk Management Program inspections.

Missouri Scientists: EPA's GHG Estimates for Manure Lagoons May be Off

The team reviewed the method used by EPA for calculating possible greenhouse gas releases from agricultural anaerobic lagoons and found that the estimates of methane may be underestimated by as much as 65 percent.

Dow, Merck, Clarke Win Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

EPA recognizes pioneering chemical technologies that produce alcohols from carbon dioxide as well as processes for producing propylene oxide, sitagliptin and expanding the application of spinosad

SOCMA Partners with DHS for July Security Summit

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is the keynote speaker of the July 7-8 event in Baltimore.

Hyflux Membrane Earns First Cryptosporidium Removal Certification

NSF International said the achievement demonstrates compliance with EPA's Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

USGS Upgrades Streamgage Network Using Stimulus Funds

The U.S. Geological Survey has purchased $3.4 million of high tech electro-acoustic instruments from SonTek/YSI.

ASTM Air Quality Committee OKs Plume Opacity Standard

Digital photography can replace certified smoke readers to measure opacity.