Air Quality Newsletter

PFAS Added to Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting Requirements

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of 5,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used in manufacturing since the 1940s and can be found in many consumer products like cookware, food packaging, and stain repellants. PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, airports, and military installations that use firefighting foams are some of the main sources of PFAS. PFOA and PFOS have been voluntarily phased out by industry but are still persistent in the environment. There are still many other PFAS chemicals including GenX chemicals and PFBS in use throughout United States. Many of these PFAS chemicals may bioaccumulate and are believed to lead to adverse health effects.

Congratulations to Katie Milk for Becoming a Certified Environmental Auditor

Congratulations to Katie Milk for becoming a Certified Environmental Auditor (CEA)! The CEA is a specialty certification program intended for professionals conducting environmental compliance and risk audits of operating facilities, related equipment, and on-going procedures. The certification is issued by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) to those who pass a written exam and have the required education, training, and experience. The CEA is recognized by the U.S. Air Force and many other governmental agencies.

GT Presenting at the July MEC Conference

On July 26 at 10:30 am, GT Environmental’s Katie Milk will be leading Workshop I, titled “Advanced Air & NPDES Permits … Best Practices & Succeeding in the Process to Obtain the Best Possible Permit.”

Welcome Veena Raman to Our Team!

We are pleased to announce the newest member of our Air Business Unit!

Ohio EPA Adopts New Universal Waste Rules

Ohio EPA has adopted new Ohio-specific Universal Waste Rules, adding three new types of universal waste to the existing rules. The new rules allow hazardous non-empty aerosol containers, hazardous paint and paint-related wastes, and hazardous antifreeze to be classified and managed as universal waste under OAC Chapter 3745-273. The new rules became effective on December 21, 2017.

US EPA Withdraws "Once In, Always In" Policy

In a guidance memorandum dated January 25, 2018, US EPA withdrew its “once in, always in” policy for the classification of “major sources” of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) under section 112 of the Clean Air Act.

Ohio SARA 312 Tier 2 Reporting Update

Effective January 15, 2018, Ohio EPA has adopted amendments to OAC rule 2750-30-25, which changes the definition of “hazardous chemicals.”

Ohio EPA’s Draft Startup, Shutdown or Malfunction and Scheduled Maintenance Rules

Ohio EPA is soliciting comments on the draft Startup, Shutdown or Malfunction and Scheduled Maintenance (SSM & SM) Rules contained in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Rules 3745-14-11, 3745-15-01, 3745-15-06, and 3745-17-07.

Beneficial Use Rules to Become Effective March 2017

On March 31, 2017, the long-awaited beneficial use rules will become effective for Ohio. 

US EPA’s Startup, Shutdown and Malfunction Rule SIP Call

Just a reminder, as part of Ohio EPA’s early stakeholders outreach, Ohio EPA is soliciting comments on the Startup, Shutdown and Malfunction and Scheduled Maintenance (SSM & SM) State Implementation Plan (SIP) call until July 28, 2016.