Environment Management

Ohio EPA Webinars Will Cover Recycling, Universal Waste

Ohio EPA has two upcoming educational events that may be of interest to manufacturers.

The agency’s Jan. 8 webinar will detail its 2020 Recycling & Litter Prevention Grant application process and those activities targeted by this grant program. A Feb. 13 webinar will cover Ohio’s universal waste rules, which are intended to promote recycling as well as proper disposal by easing certain regulatory requirements. 12/18/2019

OMA Submits Comments on State Implementation Plan for Non-EGUs

Late last month, the OMA submitted comments regarding Ohio’s State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions to approve alternative monitoring for non-existing electric utility generating units (EGUs).

In its comments, the OMA stated: “U.S. EPA’s proposed rule would provide much-needed regulatory relief to large non-EGU boilers and turbines.” Read the OMA’s full comments. 12/12/2019

House Passes Pre-Emption Bill Addressing Auxiliary Containers

This week, on a 57-35 vote, the Ohio House passed House Bill 242. The bill would pre-empt local governments from placing taxes or outright bans on auxiliary containers — such as bottles, cans or bags. HB 242 is supported by the OMA.

The legislation has become a political flashpoint in recent weeks — not only in Ohio, but across the country. The Senate continues to debate HB 242’s companion bill (Senate Bill 222), and will now have the House version to consider, as well. The governor recently weighed in on the issue, stating he did not want to see the legislation passed in the House.

During the last General Assembly, the House also passed a version of the pre-emption legislation, but it failed to get Senate approval. The OMA will continue working to get this proposal enacted in 2020. 12/12/2019

State Officials Send Mixed Messages on Auxiliary Container Bill

This week, the Ohio Senate held its third hearing on Senate Bill 222 — an OMA-supported bill that would pre-empt local governments from enacting taxes or bans on auxiliary packaging such as bags and containers. A litany of opponents testified on Tuesday, including the mayor of Bexley, whose city recently enacted a law to ban plastic bags.

Speaker Larry Householder announced Tuesday that he would like to get his chamber’s version of the bill, House Bill 242, passed prior to year’s end. But a day later, Gov. Mike DeWine was quoted as saying he does not support the legislation, adding that its passage would be “a mistake.”

The Senate will continue its consideration of SB 222. More to come as this issue continues to play out. 12/5/2019

Register Now for Ohio EPA Compliance Assistance Conference

Registration is open for Ohio EPA’s annual Compliance Assistance Conference, set for March 31 – April 1, 2020 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The conference offers valuable information and contacts that will help your company comply with state and federal environmental standards. Ohio EPA Director Laurie Stevenson and U.S. EPA Region V Administrator Cathy Stepp are both scheduled to address the conference. 12/3/2019

Gov. DeWine Announces PFAS Testing Plan

This week, Gov. Mike DeWine announced the state’s action plan for testing for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in Ohio’s public water systems.

The plan, released in conjunction with Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health, would coordinate testing for nearly 1,500 public water systems that supply water to roughly 90% of Ohio’s population. If PFAS chemicals are detected, the state will work with local health departments to provide information to the system owners. This information will range from how to get additional testing, reducing exposure, and point-of-use treatment. The water sampling is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. A website has been developed to keep Ohioans informed.

The OMA has created a working group to work to address PFAS-related issues and possible impacts to Ohio manufacturers. If you would like to learn more or participate, contact Rob Brundrett at the OMA. 12/5/2019

First Wave Of H2Ohio Projects Announced

The DeWine Administration has unveiled the first wave of wetland projects aimed at improving water quality in Lake Erie and throughout Ohio as part of the H2Ohio initiative. This first wave of H2Ohio projects are:

• Oak Openings Preserve coordinated by Metroparks Toledo on the Maumee River watershed in Lucas County;
• Sandusky Redhorse Bend coordinated by the Black Swamp Conservancy on the Sandusky River watershed in Sandusky County;
• Maumee Bay State Park Wetland coordinated by several parties on Lake Erie in Lucas County;
• Grassy Island and Cullen Park Wetland Restoration Projects coordinated by TLCPA and the City of Toledo on the Maumee River watershed in Lucas County; and
• Forder Bridge coordinated by the Black Swamp Conservancy on the Maumee River watershed in Paulding County.

The aim of the projects is to create wetland vegetation to absorb phosphorus and other pollutants that would otherwise enter waterways including Lake Erie and fuel harmful algal blooms. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has more details. 11/25/2019

OMA Members Meet with EPA Officials in Chicago

The OMA, along with the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson, this week hosted a manufacturers’ meeting at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region V headquarters in Chicago.

More than 45 industry members met with senior leaders from Region V and Ohio EPA. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for OMA members to learn more about EPA policies and practices, while building relationships with agency officials. 11/20/2019

OMA Supports Container Bill

This week, the OMA provided proponent testimony on Senate Bill 222. The bill would allow the state to pre-empt local government ordinances on packaging and auxiliary containers.

In its testimony, the OMA made the case for manufacturers of these products, stating: “When local jurisdictions in our state enact restrictions or outright bans on certain products or product content; or impose mandates to label certain products; or place a tax on certain products, it makes it very difficult for Ohio manufacturers to comply here at home, much less in the global economy.”

The bill is expected to have at least two more hearings in the Senate committee. 11/14/2019

Gov. DeWine Announces H2Ohio Water Quality Plan

Gov. Mike DeWine has presented specific details regarding his H2Ohio initiative, aimed at reducing harmful algal blooms, improving wastewater infrastructure, and preventing lead contamination. In a speech at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, the governor said the plan would address “the causes of Ohio’s water problems, not just the symptoms.”

Earlier this year, as part of the state budget (HB 166), lawmakers dedicated $172 million over two years for H2Ohio’s efforts. The governor’s press release says H2Ohio “will invest substantially to help farmers reduce phosphorus runoff from commercial fertilizer and manure to prevent harmful algal blooms” — focusing initially on reducing runoff into the Maumee River Watershed and Lake Erie. 11/14/2019