Industry Trends


EPA Proposes Stronger Emissions Standards for Secondary Lead Smelters

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing stronger air toxics standards for secondary lead smelters, which would improve air quality and protect people’s health in communities where the smelters are located.

NIST Prototypes Framework for Evaluating Sustainability Standards

NIST researchers have prototyped a framework to help organizations sort through the welter of choices and evaluate and implement sustainability standards most appropriate for their operations and interests.

Research Aims to Improve Natural Gas Extraction From Shale Formations

Researchers will study shale and tight-sand formations at the molecular level to understand how it moves through pores a few nanometers in size.

EPA Fines Oregon Freeze Dry for Failing to Report Ammonia Release

Oregon Freeze Dry Inc. will pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $3,323 for its failure to report an estimated 422 pounds of anhydrous ammonia released at its food freeze dryer facility in Albany, Ore.

Window World of Omaha to Pay $3,976 Penalty for Failure to Notify Owners, Residents of Lead Risks

The company failed to notify owners and occupants of at least eight Omaha residential properties built before 1978 of lead-based paint risks before performing renovation work at those locations.

'Flight Simulator for Biorefineries Teaches Biofuels Management

Iowa State has developed a biorefinery simulator designed to help students in its biorenewable resources and technology program learn about biofuel production.

EPA Releases MDI, TDI Action Plans to Protect Consumers

Do-it-yourselfers may be exposed to methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and toluene diisocyanate from spray foam insulation or sealing concrete applications.

Working in the environment can have its own rewards.

A Little Good News in the Job Sector

Environmental Protection's 2010 Salary Survey results leave the impression that professionals are holding their own in a still-uncertain economy.



manufacturing machinery

The Case for Solvent Recycling (With Video)

Recycling, and to a greater extent tolling, decouples used solvent generators from the high cost and volatility of virgin solvent prices.

Cascades Fine Papers Earns Updated EcoLogo Certification

Manufactured in Canada, the fibers are de-inked without the use of chlorine and the paper is made using renewable biogas energy.

CareFusion Acquires Pharmaceutical Waste Sorting System

The company says Pyxis EcoStation can help hospitals reduce cost and improve environmental compliance.

Benefits Top Costs in EPRI Smart Grid Analysis

The project team analyzed projected costs over the next 20 years, looking at core smart grid technologies in transmission, substation, distribution, and customer interface.

Deadlines for rules covering manufacturers that use fabrication and finishing processes are closing in.

Preparing for 2011 Fabrication and Finishing Rules

Manufacturers that use welding in their operations should get ready to meet this year's notification deadlines for Clean Air Act emission regulation.

Oregon Fines Two Companies for Asbestos Mishandling

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has placed penalties on Cascade Paving and Oregon Employees Federal Credit Union for improper removal of asbestos from the demolition of a 90-year-old house in Salem.

Fisher Sand & Gravel to Pay Fine, Implement EMS in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality settled air and water quality violations with the company at a cost of $312,000, part of which will pay for the company's environmental management system.

Who's Doing What?

Here's a snapshot of personnel moves, recognition, contracts awards, partnerships, and new company names that were announced in March.

New York No Longer Tolerates Lead Wheel Weights

Those who violate the ban can face stiff penalties, including fines up to $1,000 per violation and an additional $1,000 per day the violation occurs.

NESCAUM Reports Coal Plants Can Comply with New Clean Air Rules

The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management has released a report that claims pollution control technologies are available and already at work in many plants.

Oil skimmers can help facilities meet wastewater discharge regulations.

Case Study: Tank Washing Facility Installs Oil Recovery System

Food Express cleans up its wastewater with an oil skimmer attached to a separation tank designed by the company's president.

Proposed Cooling Water Rules Seek Best Technology to Safeguard Fish

In response to an agreement with Riverkeeper, EPA is seeking comment on its proposed regulations to minimize fish impingement and entrainment in cooling water systems.