Environment Management

Ohio EPA Director Brings Good News to OMA Environment Committee

On Wednesday, Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler visited the OMA Environment Committee to discuss members’ issues of concern. 

He brought good news:  Both the Industrial Storm Water Permit and the new Universal Waste Rules should be coming out in the very near future.  Members of the committee, and staff, have worked hard on these issues for months.

The director talked about other agency priorities, including the continuing fight against algal blooms on Ohio’s surface water, most importantly Lake Erie, and continuing to lead the charge against the Army Corps of Engineers on Port of Cleveland dredging, which is vital to Ohio’s manufacturers.  10/20/2016

Pictured:  Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler at OMA

Ohio EPA Taking Applications for Recycling Grants

Ohio EPA is now accepting applications for four types of recycling related grants to be awarded in 2017.  Grant applications for all programs are due February 3, 2017.

To assist potential applicants, Ohio EPA will host an informational meeting on Thursday, October 26, 2016, to explain eligibility requirements and the grant application process.  In addition, Ohio EPA will also hold an informational webinar on November 16, 2016.

Through its Recycling and Litter Prevention Grant program, Ohio EPA administers grants that support statewide source reduction, recycling, market development, litter prevention and scrap tire recycling efforts.  Read more here.  10/17/2016

Last Call for Fall Region 5 Environmental Compliance Conference

We know of no better forum to gather knowledge about environmental compliance, permitting, enforcement, and other critical environmental issues that impact Ohio facilities than the Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference.

The event is hosted by state business and manufacturing associations, including the OMA, and supported by EPA and state agencies.

Use registration code ‘OMA’ to receive your discount.  Register here.

OMA Environment Committee Meeting/Call Next Week

The last scheduled OMA Environment Committee meeting for 2016 is on Wednesday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the OMA offices (with a nice lunch provided by OMA).

A call in option is also available.  All members are welcome!

• We will be joined by Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler.
• OMA member, Navistar, Inc., will present “how to prepare for an environmental audit.”
• We’ll preview the post-election lame duck session.
• And we’ll have updates on Ohio EPA Industrial Storm Water permitting and the federal Clean Power Plan.

D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Hears Arguments on Clean Power Plan

This week the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit heard oral arguments on the federal Clean Power Plan (CPP) proposed by U.S. EPA.

Ross Eisenberg, Vice President, Energy and Resources Policy, National Association of Manufacturers, commented:  ” … The Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action, joined by a manufacturing coalition of more than a dozen other national trade groups, argued that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) imposed regulations on electric utility companies that is not authorized by, and contradicts specific provisions of the Clean Air Act. Manufacturers’ primary concerns with the CPP are its potential impacts to energy costs and the precedent the rule would have on the future regulation of other manufacturing sectors.

“While the D.C. Circuit Court’s ultimate decision will be of great importance, it will likely not be the end of the litigation road for the CPP. As NAM Deputy General Counsel Quentin Riegel noted, “this case has all the earmarks of a major case that will wind up in the Supreme Court, probably in the fall of 2017.””  Stay tuned.  9/29/2016

OMA Members Win Ohio EPA E3 Awards

The latest round of Ohio EPA’s Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) award winners announced August 31 included OMA members: JLG Industries, Orrville; PPG Industries, Delaware; Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., Marysville; and 3M Company, Elyria.  The E3 program recognizes an organization’s exceptional achievements in environmental stewardship.  Congratulations!

The 2017 award applications are requested by October 14, 2016.  More here. 9/29/2016

Ohio EPA Webinars on NPDES Permits

On October 4, Ohio EPA will hold a series of webinars regarding National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.  The webinars will focus on General Permit Notice of Intent/Notice of Termination, indirect discharge permit applications, and individual permit applications.  Register here.  9/29/2016

Comprehensive Environmental Compliance Conference for Region 5

The second annual Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference, Chicago has another great agenda of speakers and topics.

The keynote address is Next Generation Compliance by David Hindin, U.S. EPA, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.  Sessions include the following and much more:

• Flint Fallout — Beyond Drinking Water
• Environmental Justice at Federal and State Levels
• Regional Panels on Air, Water, and Enforcement
• RCRA Recent Developments
• Nexus Between EHS and Sustainability
• TSCA Legislative and Regulatory Update
• What Regulatory Reform Means in the new Electronic Age

The registration deadline for early bird pricing is September 30.  Also, use code “OMA” to secure your $50 member discount.  Learn more here.  9/8/2016

Enter Your Environmental Stewardship Success in Ohio EPA’s Award Program

Each year Ohio EPA recognizes organizations in the Buckeye State for exceptional achievements in environmental stewardship through the Ohio EPA’s Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Program.  Any business can be recognized for its commitment to environmental excellence.

EPA’s Division of Environmental & Financial Assistance is offering a free webinar on September 21, 2016, about the 2017 E3 application process.  The application deadline for the 2017 awards is October 14, 2016.

Here’s more information about the E3 program.  8/19/2016

OMA Files Comments with U.S. EPA to Preserve Title V Affirmative Defense

This week the OMA and business allies filed comments and recommendations with the U.S. EPA in response to the agency’s proposed removal of the emergency affirmative defense provision in the Title V permit program rules.

In some cases properly designed and maintained equipment fails due to reasons beyond the control of a manufacturer.  Previously U.S. EPA allowed for emergency malfunctions to fall in the affirmative defense category.  U.S. EPA is now proposing to remove the affirmative defense for emergencies from the Title V operating program rules.