Air


Micro Air Vehicles May Someday Detect Environmental Hazards

Robotic, insect-scale devices may one day monitor and explore hazardous environments, such as collapsed structures, caves and chemical spills.

U.S. Chamber Challenges EPA Action on Texas' Air Authority

A U.S. Chamber of Commerce spokesman said that the federal agency is trying to fix flexible permitting, but the process was not broken.

Organic waste for compost

Good Compost Neighbor Uses Robust Odor Control

One company minimizes odors from the start by quickly processing organic materials into the composting cell and employing covered aerated static pile technology.

Agency Marks Clean Air Act Anniversary with Live Webcast

Set your calendar for 11:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 14.

Parts of Texas' Air Permitting Program Not Up to Code, EPA Says

In one example, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality did not allow adequate review of impacts on total air pollution levels should changes in the Pollution Control Project Standard Permit be approved, the federal agency reported.

New Jersey Gives Fuel Oil Industry 6 Years to Meet Sulfur Standard

By 2016, the state will require refiners to produce oil with a maximum sulfur content standard of 15 parts per million; the current standard is 2,000 to 3,000 parts per million.

New Fuel Economy Labels to Take GHG Emissions into Account

The Department of Transportation and EPA are offering two proposals for public comment: a letter grade to communicate a vehicle’s overall fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions performance or a label similar to the current one that uses miles per gallon but adds comparison data on fuel economy and emissions.

SOCMA: Inconsistencies in Boiler MACT Proposal Create Uncertainties

Some members of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates say the EPA's proposed emission limits are unachievable.



Arch Coal Selects Enviance to Manage Environmental Data, Performance

CH2M Hill to implement the technology for the second largest U.S. coal producer.

Chemtura OKs $26M Bankruptcy Settlement for CERCLA Liabilities

The specialty chemicals producer last year filed for bankruptcy and, at that time, was potentially responsible for cleanups at Superfund sites in 14 states.

Forest fires affect the organic content of soil.

Studies to Investigate Fire Effects, Mercury and Water Links

"We're trying to learn how biochemical molecules that microorganisms produce can attack mercury that is bound to natural organic matter and minerals, and release it back to the water," explained Kathryn Nagy, a University of Illinois professor.

EPA Outlines Six Priorities for International Pollution Control Strategy

These priorities will guide the agency's collaboration with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and other international partners.

United States Amends Complaint on 2006 Explosion at Massachusetts Plant

In addition to recouping $2.7 million in cleanup costs, the complaint includes claims against C.A.I Inc. and Arnel Company, and two related owners of Clean Air Act General Duty Clause violations.

Hearings Set on Rule to Reduce Interstate Transport of Ozone

The Transport Rule would cut power plant pollution, including fine particulates, which draft across the borders of 31 eastern states and the District of Columbia.

N.J. Landfill Gas to Energy Project Must Comply with CAA Rules, Too

The owners of Middlesex County and Edgeboro landfills in New Jersey agreed to enhance environmental controls and conduct regular monitoring in a settlement this week.

EPA Sets National Limits on HAPs from Cement Plants

Existing and new manufacturing facilities may need to install controls such as activated carbon injection to address mercury emissions and comply with Clean Air Act regulations.

CF Industries Will Pay $12 M to Manage Fertilizer Plant Wastes

In the first enforcement case concluded against the mining and mineral processing industry, EPA is requiring the company to implement comprehensive waste containment and spill prevention measures, reconfigure scrubbers and construct a treatment system for hazardous wastes generated in fertilizer operations.

MBTA Greenbush

Excessive Idling Lands MBTA in $2 M Clean Air Act Settlement

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company will have to install anti-idling equipment at all of its end-of-line stations and maintenance facilities.

Silent Spring Study: Residential Indoor Air Has High Levels of EDCs

Samples from high- and low-income areas of San Francisco showed that 32 chemical compounds, some of them suspected or known endocrine disruptors, were more prevalent in indoor air than outdoor air.

EPA Proposes 1 Year's Grace for Some on Amended SPCC Rule

Exempt from the extension would be facilities involved in drilling, production or workover offshore, or onshore facilities that must submit facility response plans.