Industry Trends


Ryerson Model Predicts Water-Sector Company Success

Using stock market data and advanced system modeling, a graduate of Ryerson University found a distinct difference between companies that focus on people and the planet as well as profits and those that were likely to "die."

Judge Dismisses Superfund Suit against Pyro Spectaculars

Federal court Judge Philip Gutierrez's decision makes the distinction that all parties ─ even the U.S. government ─ are to be treated the same in a CERCLA lawsuit.

Agency Proposes Requiring More TSCA Chemical Data More Often

Chemical manufacturers would need to provide production volume, facility data, and product uses information under EPA's Inventory Update Reporting Rule.

Analysis Supports Continuing N.Y. Nuclear Waste Disposal Site

A New York State Energy Research and Development Agency study developed tools to better predict, assess and manage disposal decisions.

Who is doing what

Who's Doing What

See who's moving and shaking in the water arena this week.



EPA Releases Nanoscale Silver Draft Report

The agency said this is a starting point to identify and prioritize research directions for future research.

EPA Proposes Rules to Ensure State Permits Cover Greenhouse Gases

Since EPA finalized the GHG Tailoring Rule, states may need to modify their air permit implementation plans.

New Absorbent Repels Water, Keeps the Oil, Company Says

Eco>Absorb Oil Only, a reformulation of Eco-Absorbent Technologies' super absorbent, repels water while absorbing oil, allowing the product to float on the surface of the water until it can be picked up.

Carbon Capture and Storage is Viable, Task Force Reports

The Interagency Task Force on CCS told President Obama that there are no insurmountable technical, legal, institutional, or other barriers to the deployment of this technology.

Dow to Lead R&D for Home Energy Retrofit Solutions

The Energy Department's retrofit project is part of a broader effort to reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and establish national guidelines and standards for retrofit methods, materials and practices.

AHAM Teams with CSA Standards, UL Environment

The three groups will develop sustainability standards for home appliances, including energy and lifecycle approaches.

EPA Sets National Limits on HAPs from Cement Plants

Existing and new manufacturing facilities may need to install controls such as activated carbon injection to address mercury emissions and comply with Clean Air Act regulations.

Groups Call for Inquiry into Possible Illegal Diesel Injection

The organizations want to know where and when Halliburton, B.J. Services and Schlumberger may have injected diesel during hydraulic fracking activities.

Corrosion a Problem, Plains Pipeline to Upgrade 10,000 Miles of Line

To resolve Clean Water Act issues related to 10 crude oil spills in four states, Houston-based Plains Pipeline will pay a $3.25 million penalty and install controls or new pipe to prevent future spills.

Most people infected with dengue fever experience no symptoms at all or only a mild fever.

Human Clinical Trial of Dengue Vaccine Begins

“Controlling the mosquito vector can work, but it is very expensive and difficult to sustain,” says Anna Durbin, M.D., who is leading the study at Johns Hopkins. “In the long run, vaccination would be a more efficient and cost-effective approach.”

Investors Ask Companies with Deep Water Wells for SPCC Plans

Fifty-eight investors with assets totaling $2.5 trillion are asking oil and gas companies and insurance companies to disclose their risk management plans by Nov. 1.

umbrellas for a rainy day

Think Like an Underwriter

If you assess your risk from an underwriter's point of view, you should be able to secure some of the best possible terms and conditions for your environmental insurance.