Environment Management

Ohio Manufacturers Recognized for Environmental Excellence

OMA members Kenworth Truck Company, Scott’s Miracle-Gro, Honda Development and Manufacturing of America LLC, and other manufacturers were recently presented the Ohio EPA’s Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) stewardship award.

According to reports, Kenworth was awarded the platinum-level E3 award for the company’s zero-waste facility in Chillicothe. Scott’s Miracle-Gro received the platinum award for, among other actions, diverting more than 118 tons of waste from landfills over the past six years. Honda received the gold-level award after three of its plants sent at least 98% of their waste materials to recycling and waste-to-energy facilities. 10/11/2021

U.S. EPA Working to Finalize New PFAS Reporting Rule

The U.S. EPA’s latest proposal for additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulation is currently under agency review for finalization after the comment period closed last week. According to OMA Connections Partner Vorys, the proposed rule calls for a one-time report of PFAS manufacture, use, and disposal practices since 2011 — meaning it would apply to every entity that manufactures, produces, or imports PFAS or PFAS-containing articles.

On Oct. 19, Vorys is offering a free webinar titled, “Current State of PFAS Litigation and Regulation: What You Need to Know.” Register here. 10/7/2021

Ohio EPA Webinars to Address Spill Prevention, NPDES Permitting

The Ohio EPA will host two webinars this month that may be of interest to manufacturers. At 2 p.m. Oct. 14, the agency will address spill prevention, control, and countermeasure requirements.

At 10 a.m. Oct. 21, Ohio EPA staff members will highlight new and proposed rules, as well as upcoming regulations that could impact your non-stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. 10/6/2021

OMA Environment Committee Briefed on Ohio EPA Activity, Storm Water Permitting

The OMA Environment Committee met virtually this week for its third meeting of 2021. Meeting highlights included an update from Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson, who briefed members on agency priorities, including H2Ohio and the state’s PFAS action plan. The group also heard from Tim Ling, corporate environmental director at Plaskolite, who presented this overview of Ohio EPA’s industrial storm water permitting program.

Make sure you are subscribed to the OMA Environment Community so you receive meeting invitations and committee materials. 9/29/2021

Bill Would Ban Cities From Discharging Wastewater in Western Basin

This week, the House heard testimony on House Bill 385, aimed at prohibiting municipal corporations in the Western Lake Erie Basin watershed from polluting any Ohio waters.

The bill would also prohibit a municipal corporation from keeping or obtaining an National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit — meaning cities would no longer have the ability to operate a treatment or sewage system that disposes waste into or around Lake Erie. This would be problematic for many manufacturers that indirectly discharge into municipal wastewater systems in the region. 9/30/2021

OMA Comments on Consumer Product VOCs

Earlier this month, the OMA sent comments to Ohio EPA in response to its early stakeholder outreach regarding potential rule changes affecting manufacturers of consumer products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ohio EPA is considering updating these rules to incorporate more recent versions of the Ozone Transport Commission’s model rule for consumer products.

The OMA will remain engaged on this issue and its impact on ozone regulations since parts of Ohio are currently in non-attainment. 9/23/2021

OMA Provides Comments on Industrial Storm Water

Last week, the OMA provided early stakeholder outreach comments on the renewal of Ohio’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) multi-sector general permit for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. The OMA highlighted significant areas of new concern with the federal guidance, and pointed out that the current Ohio permit is very workable for manufacturers.

The OMA has been heavily involved with similar efforts in the past and will remain engaged to ensure the best outcome possible for manufacturers. 9/23/2021

Ohio EPA Will Hold Oct. 6 Meeting to Discuss WOTUS Permits

Ohio EPA has announced it will hold a public meeting at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 6 to discuss the proposed re-issuance of 41 nationwide permits and the state’s certification of those activities. Anyone who wishes to discharge dredged or fill material into the waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) — regardless of whether on private or public property — must obtain a Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the state. More details are available here. 9/23/2021

China’s Commitment to Stop Building Coal Plants Overseas Raises Questions

China this week announced it would stop building overseas coal projects. But according to reports, China’s pledge is “vague and incomplete.” Meanwhile, experts say China’s focus on international coal finance suggests Beijing is not ready to curb its own use, as China is easily the world’s top consumer of coal and largest greenhouse gas emitter. 9/23/2021

OMA Environment Committee to Meet Sept. 29

The OMA Environment Committee will meet virtually Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. until noon. Open to all OMA members, this meeting will cover the latest federal and state regulatory developments of importance to Ohio manufacturers. Special guest presenter will be Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson. Register here. 9/15/2021