Environment Management

Ohio’s NOx Rules Up for Comment

Ohio EPA has revised rules contained in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-110, which addresses nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from Ohio sources. The chapter includes provisions on limits, testing, and record keeping.

Ohio EPA determined that certain changes to the current regulations were needed, primarily because OAC rule 3745-110-03 contains site-specific facility rules that must be updated as the need arises. In addition, a new compliance methodology for the use of a temporary continuous-emissions monitor is being added to OAC rule 3745-110-05.

Please see the rule synopsis for a complete summary of the proposed rule amendments. Comment deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019. Comments must be submitted by either emailing Paul Braun at Ohio EPA or sending comments via U.S. Mail to: Paul Braun, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, DAPC, Lazarus Government Center, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049. 9/12/2019

Columbus is First Non-Attainment Area in U.S. to Meet Ozone Standard

OMA Connections Partner Bricker & Eckler LLP reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Ohio EPA recently announced that “the Columbus area is the first non-attainment area in the nation to meet the most recent federal air quality standard for ozone.”

Now that the Columbus area meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone, businesses in the area “will face fewer air permitting restrictions, paving the way for infrastructure investment and economic development that will create jobs,” according to the report. 9/3/2019

Aug. 21 Webinar Will Address New Rules on Hazardous Waste

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule. The main objectives of the rule-making are to update the generator regulations, provide flexibility in hazardous waste management, and close regulatory gaps. On Aug. 21, the Ohio EPA will host a webinar for manufacturers and others to learn about where this regulatory change is in the Ohio rule-making procedure and how the new provisions apply to generators. 8/15/2019

Reminder: ‘Manufacturers Only’ Meeting with EPA Officials Set for Oct. 10 in Chicago

This is a reminder that the OMA has partnered with the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson to host a manufacturers meeting with senior management of U.S. EPA Region V and Ohio EPA. The meeting — set for Oct. 10 at the U.S. EPA offices in Chicago — will feature updates on all major program areas, followed by a Q&A session. All OMA manufacturing members are welcome, but due to security and limited seating, you need to reserve your spot early. Please contact the OMA’s Rob Brundrett to save your spot. You must RSVP to be admitted. 8/8/2019

Budget Halts Enforcement of Lake Erie Bill of Rights

In early 2019, Toledo’s voters passed the Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR) — an amendment to the city charter that declares Lake Erie and its watershed have enforceable legal rights to “exist, flourish and naturally evolve.” It prohibits any corporation (defined to include any business) or government from violating these rights, and it allows the city or any resident of the city to sue in state court to enforce these rights and prohibition.

The LEBOR initiative is similar to other community proposals seeking to establish legally enforceable rights for natural resources. Many corporations or entities could be impacted by the LEBOR’s enactment — especially businesses that have an Ohio EPA-issued water discharge permit authorizing them to conduct operations within the Lake Erie watershed.

The OMA was able to help secure an amendment in the recently enacted state budget to declare that “nature or any ecosystem does not have standing to participate or bring an action in any court.” The amendment also prohibits any person on behalf of nature or an ecosystem from bringing an action in court. The inclusion of this language in the final budget is a big win, especially for any permit-holding manufacturer in the Lake Erie basin. 8/1/2019

OMA, Business Allies Work Together on Air Regulations

As reported last week, the OMA recently submitted comments in response to Ohio EPA’s Early Stakeholder Outreach on the agency’s five-year rule review of air pollution regulations. The OMA also teamed up with some business allies to ensure the agency was aware of the broad-based support for specific suggestions to the current regulations. The OMA will continue to work with Ohio EPA as changes to the rules are developed. 8/1/2019

At a Glance: H2Ohio Fund

The State of Ohio’s new main operating budget (House Bill 166) — passed and signed last week — created a $172 million “H₂Ohio fund,” aimed at protecting Lake Erie, other state waterways, and community water projects. The fund is a priority of Gov. Mike DeWine, whose administration has begun to form a strategy on how best to administer the dollars, while promising “more public discussions in the next few weeks.”

Approximately $46 million of the fund will be dedicated to wetland restoration to help to prevent nutrient run-off that contributes to algal blooms. The budget requires the Lake Erie Commission to coordinate with state agencies and boards to submit an annual report to the governor and legislature on H₂Ohio spending during the prior fiscal year.

Learn more at the administration’s H₂Ohio website. 7/24/2019

Manufacturers Only: Oct. 10 Meeting with EPA Officials

Again this year, the OMA has partnered with the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson to host a manufacturers’ meeting with senior management of U.S. EPA Region V and Ohio EPA. The meeting — set for Thursday, Oct. 10, at the U.S. EPA offices in Chicago — will feature updates on all major program areas, followed by a Q&A session.

Attendees of last year’s meeting found it valuable in terms of learning more about EPA policies and practices, while building relationships with agency management and staff. All OMA manufacturing members are welcome; however, due to security and limited seating, you need to reserve your spot early. Please contact the OMA’s Rob Brundrett to save your spot. Only those who RSVP can be admitted. 7/24/2019

OMA: Air Pollution Rules Need Clarity

Late last week, the OMA submitted comments in response to the Ohio EPA’s air pollution rules. The comments were made as part of the agency’s Early Stakeholder Outreach program.

The OMA used the opportunity to share its concern over ambiguity in the current air pollution rules, and suggested the need for more clarity — specifically regarding the attainment and maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Because of the significant impact that air pollution regulations can have on manufacturers, the OMA requested that the association “be included in any work groups or future discussions on amendments to these rules.” 7/23/2019

OMA Files Comments on NY Ozone Air Quality Case

On March 12, 2018, the State of New York filed a petition under Section 126 of the federal Clean Air Act naming approximately 350 sources of nitrogen oxides emissions in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia as contributing to violations of the ozone air quality standards in New York. On May 20, 2019, U.S. EPA proposed to deny the petition. The OMA filed comments at U.S. EPA supporting the denial of the petition. 7/17/2019