Environment Management

America Recycles Day Is Nov. 15

Monday, Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day — especially noteworthy since the manufacturing sector leads the Buckeye State in solid waste reduction and recycling. (See page 22 of “Ohio Manufacturing Counts.”)

If you haven’t already, check out the Ohio EPA’s Materials Marketplace — a free online tool that allows participating companies to easily post available or wanted materials, identify reuse opportunities, and exchange underutilized materials. 11/11/2021

U.S. EPA Unveils PFAS Strategic Roadmap

On October 18, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA’s Commitments to Action 2021-2024, which highlights its commitment to taking a broad range of PFAS-related actions for the remainder of the Biden administration.

OMA Connections Partner Thompson Hine writes that the strategic roadmap is based on three central directives: increasing investments in research, pursuing a comprehensive approach to restrict PFAS releases into the environment, and accelerating remediation of PFAS contamination. Read more from Thompson Hine. 10/29/2021

OMA Provides Comments on Maumee River Watershed TMDL Plan

Last week, the OMA submitted comments on the Maumee River Watershed TMDL Drafting Loading Analysis Plan. The OMA stressed that point sources, such as manufacturers, comprise a fraction of the total phosphorus load in the watershed, and that any successful TMDL must be geared towards non-point sources.

The OMA participated in a meeting earlier this week with Ohio EPA staff to discuss point sources and the role they will play in any potential final TMDL plan. If your company is either a direct or indirect discharger in northwest Ohio, you may be impacted by the TMDL. To engage on this issue or learn more, contact the OMA’s Rob Brundrett. 10/28/2021

OMA Comments on Architectural and Industrial Maintenance Coatings Rules

The OMA this week submitted comments on the Ohio EPA’s architectural and industrial maintenance (AIM) coatings rules. The OMA highlighted the agency’s potential adoption of the 2011 Phase II version of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) model rule, which would significantly impact smaller, more regional paint and coatings manufacturers.

Under the rule, Ohio’s standards would be stricter (with lower VOC limitations) than those of 43 other states, putting smaller manufacturers at a significant competitive disadvantage when doing business in states that have not adopted this version of the OTC model rule. The OMA urges any coatings company to contact Rob Brundrett with questions or input. 10/28/2021

Recycling Ohio Grant Webinar Is Next Week

The Ohio EPA is hosting a Nov. 3 webinar to discuss the agency’s 2022 Recycling and Litter Prevention Grant application process, funding opportunities, and eligible project activities. This competitive grant program provides manufacturers with recycling market development opportunities. Register now to learn more. (Note that the application deadline is Feb. 4.) 10/27/2021

U.S. EPA Chief Announces PFAS Plan

The Biden administration this week announced it has a strategy to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Michael Regan, U.S. EPA administrator, told the press the plan is intended to restrict PFAS from being released into the environment, while accelerating clean-up of contaminated sites and ensuring that “the polluter pays.”

A proposed rule addressing PFAS in drinking water is expected by 2023, according to an AP story.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) says reporting is the first thing that will impact manufacturers, and that the NAM advised the EPA on how to thoughtfully tailor the reporting requirements. 10/18/2021

U.S. Steelmakers Investing in Low-Carbon Production, Continue Recycling Practices

According to reports, U.S. steel companies are injecting billions of dollars into new low-carbon steel production as emissions standards tighten worldwide. Recent announcements indicate more steel manufacturers plan to expand production into mini-mills that use electric arc furnaces instead of coal-fired furnaces.

Meanwhile, two-thirds of the iron and steel produced in the U.S. is made from recycled scrap, rather than iron ore. According to steel.org, North American steel-making furnaces “consume nearly 70 million tons of domestic steel scrap in the production of new steel” — and for every ton of steel recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone are conserved. 10/20/2021

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