New York City Department of Investigation’s Post

European Dam Day - Reservoir Safety Reform in the UK The Reservoir Safety Reform Programme will be delivered in a phased way over several years, by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency (EA). It is being delivered in in response to the recommendations set out in the Independent Reservoir Safety Review Report (https://lnkd.in/gchKweak) In a Written Ministerial Statement (https://lnkd.in/guYz_b39) in July 2022 the Government set out its intention to reform reservoir safety management practices and modernise the Reservoirs Act 1975. The vision for the reform is to ensure there is safety regime for reservoir dams in England which protects our communities, by making us ready for and resilient to climate change – today, tomorrow and the future. Aims:  ❖ Strengthening roles and responsibilities for reservoir owners, operators, engineers, and the regulator. ❖ Improving safety practice and culture, through a programme of continuous development of skills, capacity and training across the reservoir community. ❖ Modernising legislation and safety management practice to ensure a robust, proportionate safety regime that is fit for the future. ❖ Engaging with stakeholders to help shape our approach and deliver reforms. More information can be found on the following links and contact details below if you have any questions on the programme (RSR_Programme@environment-agency.gov.uk ). Reservoir Safety Reform Programme Information Page - Environment Agency - Citizen Space (https://lnkd.in/gdFiE-_7) Reservoir safety reform programme update - https://lnkd.in/gfTjVFjB)

Are you compliant with the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) and Specified Generator (SG) regulations? The MCP regulations apply to any Medium Combustion Plant (MCP) with a capacity more than or equal to 1 MWth and less than 50MWth, burning any fuel. They can include boilers and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The SG regulations extend the scope of the MCPD, and applies to combustion plants which are used to generate electricity e.g. backup generators. The Environment Agency (EA) have recently released their latest Briefing Note in relation to MCP and SG guidance (applicable in England only): https://lnkd.in/dmtx3KnY This briefing note emphasises the need for operators to apply for a permit “as soon as possible” in order to comply with Schedule 25A & 25B of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR), and in order to avoid any potential enforcement action. The guidance also provides clarification on the requirement for backup generators (operated for less than 50 hours per year for testing), which are also MCP, to be permitted (at the relevant date), as well as an update on the EA’s Online environmental permissions service. At Logika Group, our environmental permitting experts are on hand to help you navigate all MCP & SG regulations. Please get in touch if we can help support your permitting and compliance requirements.  

EPA issues new rules to prevent chemical disasters; DEP to strengthen its legal safeguards   State of New Jersey will be upgrading its state chemical safety regulation to implement the new, stronger federal protections against chemical releases, fires and explosions.   The news comes after the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a new national rule on March 1, Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention.   The (New Jersey) NJ Department of Environmental Protection implements and enforces the federal rules and must adopt the new EPA rules, known as the “Risk Management Program,” if stronger than existing state law.   The rules cover approximately 90 New Jersey facilities across the state that use extraordinarily hazardous substances above specified quantities.   Debra Coyle, executive director of the New Jersey Work Environment Council, said, “The New Jersey Work Environment Council, along with state and national labor, environmental and environmental justice organizations, has advocated for decades that U.S. EPA strengthen its safeguards to prevent chemical disasters, and we are pleased that the (President Joe) Biden administration took meaningful action.”   Read the Full Article: https://lnkd.in/g6xZh2Vr   ChlorTainer is an innovative and industry leading solution to help prevent chemical disasters. With its superior proactive approach to chemical safety, ChlorTainer's total containment system ensures toxic chemicals are contained within the vessel and no material is released. This technology meets and exceeds regulatory standards and enables RMP compliance, ensuring operators and their communities are kept safe from the risk of accidental chemical leaks. Learn about ChlorTainer’s innovative chemical safety capabilities: https://lnkd.in/gv7CPs25   Follow #ChlorTainer for more Water Industry & Chemical Industry content.   #ChemicalIndustry #ChemicalProcessing #SafetyFirst #PlantOperator #ChemicalSafety

EPA issues new rules to prevent chemical disasters; DEP to strengthen its legal safeguards   State of New Jersey will be upgrading its state chemical safety regulation to implement the new, stronger federal protections against chemical releases, fires and explosions.   The news comes after the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a new national rule on March 1, Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention.   The (New Jersey) NJ Department of Environmental Protection implements and enforces the federal rules and must adopt the new EPA rules, known as the “Risk Management Program,” if stronger than existing state law.   The rules cover approximately 90 New Jersey facilities across the state that use extraordinarily hazardous substances above specified quantities.   Debra Coyle, executive director of the New Jersey Work Environment Council, said, “The New Jersey Work Environment Council, along with state and national labor, environmental and environmental justice organizations, has advocated for decades that U.S. EPA strengthen its safeguards to prevent chemical disasters, and we are pleased that the (President Joe) Biden administration took meaningful action.”   Read the Full Article: https://lnkd.in/g6xZh2Vr   ChlorTainer is an innovative and industry leading solution to help prevent chemical disasters. With its superior proactive approach to chemical safety, ChlorTainer's total containment system ensures toxic chemicals are contained within the vessel and no material is released. This technology meets and exceeds regulatory standards and enables RMP compliance, ensuring operators and their communities are kept safe from the risk of accidental chemical leaks. Learn about ChlorTainer’s innovative chemical safety capabilities: https://lnkd.in/gv7CPs25   Follow #ChlorTainer for more Water Industry & Chemical Industry content.   #ChemicalIndustry #ChemicalProcessing #SafetyFirst #PlantOperator #ChemicalSafety

NEWS 📄 [USA] The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalised a $1.4 million settlement with a global chemicals and energy company over alleged violations of the chemical accident prevention provisions of the Clean Air Act at their Louisiana facility. Read more about this settlement here: https://lnkd.in/eDd7br_Q #Settlement #Chemicals #Energy #CleanAirAct #Accident #Prevention #HealthAndSafety #Environment #EPA #EnvironmentalProtection

The EPA has finalized new reporting and recordkeeping requirements, but why is asbestos still legal here? Learn more about the history of asbestos regulation and the ongoing efforts to ban it. Dive into the details in our latest blog. #AsbestosRegulation #EPA #BanAsbestos https://lnkd.in/gBQTviHQ

This will be Interesting to watch

MEPC.1/Circ.883/Rev.1 – (adopted on 15 December 2021) – Guidance on indication of ongoing compliance in the case of the failure of a single monitoring instrument, and recommended actions to take if the exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) fails to meet the provisions of the EGCS guidelines.   1. The Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its seventy-fourth session (13 to 17 May 2019), approved the Guidance on indication of ongoing compliance in the case of the failure of a single monitoring instrument, and recommended actions to take if the exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) fails to meet the provisions of the 2015 EGCS Guidelines (resolution MEPC.259(68)) (MEPC.1/Circ.883). 2. The Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its seventy-seventh session (22 to 26 November 2021), adopted resolution MEPC.340(77) on 2021 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (2021 EGCS Guidelines). 3. Recognizing the need to extend the scope of MEPC.1/Circ.883 to also include the EGCS installed in accordance with resolution MEPC.184(59), the 2009 EGCS Guidelines, and resolution MEPC.340(77), the 2021 EGCS Guidelines, MEPC 77 approved the Guidance on indication of ongoing compliance in the case of the failure of a single monitoring instrument, and recommended actions to take if the exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) fails to meet the provisions of the EGCS Guidelines, set out in the annex. 4. Member Governments are invited to bring the annexed Guidance to the attention of Administrations, port State control authorities, industry, relevant shipping organizations, shipping companies and other stakeholders concerned. 5. This circular revokes MEPC.1/Circ.883.

Folks, the EPA isn’t messing around. Almost $250 million worth of penalties, supplementals, controls, and changes in process operations for one refinery. “On August 9, 2023, a court in the Northern District of Indiana entered a settlement between the United States and Indiana with BPP. The settlement requires BPP to pay a total of $40 million in penalties, implement a $5 million supplemental environmental project, and invest an estimated $197 million in controls and changes to its operations. As part of the settlement, BPP will install temporary and permanent benzene strippers to reduce the benzene load to its wastewater treatment plant.” #benzene #VOC #EPA #enforcement

🚨 **The EPA's Recent Asbestos Ban: Navigating the Legal and Health Implications** 🚨 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent approval of a total asbestos ban marks a significant milestone in public health protection. This long-awaited regulation may face court challenges, but its potential impact on safety and industry standards could be transformative. **Historical Context and Current Challenges** Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once celebrated for its insulating properties, has a notorious legacy. Known for its resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion, asbestos was extensively used across various industries. However, its health risks have been evident since ancient times, contributing to serious diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Despite its known dangers, the road to banning asbestos has been fraught with regulatory hurdles. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has struggled to maintain safe exposure levels, often compromised by the need to balance industry interests with public health. **Legal Landscape and Asbestos Litigation** Asbestos lawyers have played a crucial role in protecting public health by holding companies accountable for negligence. The compensation facilitated by legal experts has provided relief for countless families affected by asbestos-related diseases. **Implications of the Asbestos Ban** The ban could potentially reduce future asbestos-related illnesses as older buildings deteriorate and pose increased risks. However, the immediate effects of the ban might exacerbate problems, as the disturbance of existing asbestos can lead to airborne fibers, which are hazardous. For industries and legal professionals, the ban presents both challenges and opportunities. It necessitates compliance with stricter safety standards and may lead to an increase in asbestos remediation projects. Legal experts will need to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape to advocate effectively for affected individuals. **Forward Path** As we anticipate potential legal battles and regulatory adjustments, the focus must remain on safeguarding public health and ensuring that the lessons learned from past exposures guide future actions. The EPA's decision, while a significant step, is just one part of the broader effort to manage asbestos risks responsibly. For ongoing insights into asbestos litigation and safety regulations, stay connected. Your awareness and advocacy are vital as we navigate these changes together. #AsbestosBan #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalLaw #SafetyRegulation #MesotheliomaAwareness #AsbestosAwareness #LegalExpertise #EPA