ż recently commented on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed “Framework” for identifying, evaluating, and regulating lead-based paint (LBP) hazards from renovation, repair and painting activities in public and commercial (P&C) buildings. This proposed framework relies on a scenario-specific approach for determining when such renovations create adverse health impacts. EPA is also currently looking for scientific experts to peer review its draft “Technical Document,” which will outline the results of the modeled renovation scenarios, including the data sources and incremental health effects associated with any lead exposure. ż continues to press EPA to document a problem and all potential costs before taking any action to expand the controversial Lead Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting public comment on its proposal to eliminate the dual standard for compliance with the “All Appropriate Inquiries” (AAI) requirement under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Parties purchasing potentially contaminated property must undertake AAI into prior ownership and prior uses of the property at issue – prior to its purchase – in order to qualify for protection from CERCLA liability. A copy of the proposed rule is available here.
Learn More about Recent Developments with Green Construction Rating Systems and Standards
Spring 2014 was a period of great activity in the development of green construction rating systems and standards. Organizations issued new versions of prior standards and programs or debuted new programs altogether. Below is a summary of a handful of these developments. In addition, states and cities are adopting green communities and green streets programs such as multimodal urban street design programs, ecodistricts, and “complete streets” initiatives.
Comment on Massive Expansion of Federal Jurisdiction in “Waters of the U.S.” Proposed Rule
Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) released their notice of proposed rulemaking redefining “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This rule expansively defines waters - claiming traditionally navigable waters, tributaries (including ditches), impoundments, adjacent waters (including waters in the floodplain or riparian areas), and “other waters” all as federally jurisdictional. More projects will have to obtain Section 404 permits, increasing the time and cost of performing construction services.
Are you looking for a tool to help your company manage environmental requirements? Check out the free resources on ż’s EMS Toolkit. ż now provides construction companies with a new online toolkit with resources for developing an environmental program or an environmental management system (EMS) that supports environmental compliance and the achievement of company objectives or environmental goals.
The Stormwater Inspection Reports for Contractors mobile app was developed by ż to provide contractors an electronic documentation tool to quickly and easily prepare their stormwater inspection and corrective action reports right from their iPad®.
On June 12, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued an interim final rule that increases a number of construction industry small business size standards to account for inflation since 2008.
ż's third Contractors Environmental Conference (CEC), held last week on June 12-13, had resources and tools for construction professionals, whether they are managing compliance or sustainability projects. A dozen federal regulators from different program offices were in attendance to give the latest updates on the agencies' regulatory agenda, covering the gamut from lead-based paint to Clean Water Act requirements.
ż is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members and three associate members to serve on its Environmental Forum Steering Committee through the ż Convention in 2017. Members of the Steering Committee have direct access to federal regulatory officials, influence over ż’s environmental agenda, and a means to exchange valuable information with one another and industry peers. ż also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of those members who recently completed their terms on the Steering Committee.
A new report released this week is sharply critical of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) estimates of probable costs and benefits associated with the proposed rule on “Waters of the United States,” and finds that EPA significantly underestimates the economic impacts the rule will have on local communities and businesses. The rule would re-defining the scope of waters and other wet areas regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA), and trigger the need for permits to discharge dredged or fill material or other pollutants, reporting hazardous substances releases and oil spill control planning.