Environment Management

Ohio EPA Hearing Will Address NOx Rules

At 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, Ohio EPA will hold an in-person and virtual public hearing regarding amended rules addressing Nitrogen Oxides Reasonable Available Control Technology (NOx RACT).

Because the Cleveland and Cincinnati areas have failed to meet the ozone standard during the 2018-2020 monitoring seasons, Ohio EPA anticipates the areas will be reclassified as “moderate non-attainment” by the U.S. EPA in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA). This would trigger additional CAA requirements, including NOx RACT requirements.

If participating virtually in this hearing, comments may be submitted electronically. To attend virtually, register here. Comments may be submitted verbally if participating in person. The hearing will be held at Ohio EPA, Suite 700, 50 W. Town Street in Columbus. Email Ohio EPA if you plan to attend in person. 12/21/2021

Ohio Unveils New Brownfield Remediation Program

Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted this week announced a new grant program to help communities clean brownfield sites. The program will provide nearly $350 million to address industrial, commercial, and institutional brownfield sites that have been abandoned, idled, or underutilized due to a known or potential release of hazardous substances or petroleum. 12/15/2021

Ohio EPA Releases Early Stakeholder Outreach for Solid Waste

Ohio EPA recently initiated an early stakeholder outreach (ESO) regarding its hazardous waste management program and the agency’s intent to address the federal definition of solid waste (DSW) rules.

The rules addressed by this ESO regulate all facets of the hazardous waste management program, including permitting; identification and listing of hazardous waste; transporter standards; generator standards; treatment, storage, and disposal standards; land disposal restrictions; universal waste management; and used oil management.

Contact Rob Brundrett if you are interested in commenting. Comments are due by Jan. 10. 12/16/2021

Ohio EPA Unveils Redesigned Website

OMA members should be aware that Ohio EPA’s website has been completely redesigned. While the site’s URL remains the same, you’ll need to update your bookmarks within the site. Of particular interest is the new site’s “Stay Compliant” and “eBusiness Center” sections. 12/9/2021

Maumee Watershed TMDL Project Webinar Is Dec. 14

The Maumee Watershed Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Project has a goal to reduce harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie and its Western Basin. At 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, Ohio EPA will begin holding monthly webinars to provide updates on the project development leading up to the release of the draft preliminary modeling results by the end of March 2022. Register for the webinar. 12/6/2021

Ohio EPA Seeks Input on Manufacturers’ Recycling Needs

Ohio EPA wants to hear from manufacturers. The agency is asking businesses to complete a short survey regarding their recycling needs, including what recycling assistance they would find useful. To take the survey, click here. 12/1/2021

‘Materials Marketplace’ Briefing Set for Dec. 16

The OMA has regularly promoted Ohio EPA’s Materials Marketplace, a free online tool that allows participating companies to post available or needed materials, identify re-use opportunities, and exchange underutilized materials.

OMA members can learn more about this platform and other sustainable materials management programs via a Dec. 16 webinar offered by the Ohio EPA. Attendees will also be briefed on the U.S. EPA’s national recycling strategy. 11/30/2021

U.S. EPA Issues Revised WOTUS Definition

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced a proposed rule to revise the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The proposed rule would restore the pre-2015 definition of WOTUS, with updates to reflect recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

According to this insight by Bricker & Eckler, the OMA’s general counsel, litigation over key provisions of the proposed rule is likely. The public comment period will extend 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. 12/1/2021

NAM: We Can Tackle Climate Change While Strengthening Our Global Competitiveness

The Biden administration has submitted to the U.S. Senate the Kigali Amendment — initiating the process to approve the international treaty to phase down a powerful class of greenhouse gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), used widely in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released this statement from NAM Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy Rachel Jones, who said manufacturers “can tackle climate change while strengthening our global competitiveness as we transition to next-generation technologies.” 11/18/2021

Ohio Provides $7.5 Million in Grants to Improve Air Quality

Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson recently announced that $7.5 million in grants will be awarded to seven businesses and organizations to reduce diesel-related nitrogen oxide emissions, which contribute to ozone pollution. The next opportunity for businesses to submit grant applications for this program to replace aging diesel engine fleets will come in June 2022. 11/11/2021