Effective Immediately: The restriction on the use of uncertified wood heating devices is now lifted, due to improved weather conditions allowing for greater dispersion of air pollutants. The ban on outdoor burning is also lifted.
Although the burn ban has been lifted, there are program requirements that must be followed at all times:
The Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule (Rule), finalized on November 28, 2016, will require hazardous waste large quantity generators (LQGs) and small quantity generators (SQGs) to make many changes as to how they manage their hazardous waste.
Pretransport Marking – The Rule requires generators to mark the applicable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hazardous waste numbers (i.e., EPA hazardous waste codes) on each container before transporting them off-site.
Satellite Accumulation Area Containers Marking – A container holding hazardous waste in a satellite accumulation area must be marked with the words “Hazardous Waste,” and an indication of the hazards of the contents (e.g. DOT labels or placards, an OSHA hazard statement or pictogram, or an NFPA 704 diamond).
VSQGs – Under the new rule, industrial entities previously called conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQCs), are now termed very small quantity generators (VSQGs). This change reflects the actual regulatory language since the other two generator categories—small quantity generators (SQGs) and large quantity generators (LQGs)—are also conditionally exempt from some requirements. VSQGs are potentially affected by only two of the new provisions: (1) VSQGs may send hazardous waste to LQGs under the control of the same person; and (2) QGs may also maintain their existing regulatory status if they have an episodic event that generates additional amounts of hazardous waste that would have resulted in them moving into a higher generator category for a short period of time.
Miscellaneous Other Provisions – Other revisions and new provisions in the rule affect disposal of liquid hazardous waste in a landfill, clarify generator waste counting, clarification of what is acceptable knowledge for hazardous waste determinations, requirement that SQCs notify EPA every 4 years of generator status, and the LQCs attempt to make arrangements with the local police department, fire department, and other emergency response teams; emergency response contractors; equipment suppliers; and local hospitals.
The federal Hazardous Waste Generator Improvements Rule becomes effective May 30, 2017.
A ban on the use of uncertified stoves, inserts and fireplaces begins at 3 p.m. today, January 11, 2017, in the Spokane County Smoke Control Zone until further notice.
Spokane Clean Air is issuing the Stage 1 / “Yellow” burn ban because weather conditions are contributing to a build-up of wood smoke. Under a Stage 1 “yellow” burn restriction:
This temporary restriction is due to increasing levels of smoke and stagnant weather conditions expected over the next several days.
*If you don’t have an adequate source of heat, contact Spokane Clean Air for an exemption. Click here for details.
A ban on outdoor burning and the use of uncertified stoves, inserts and fireplaces begins at 3 p.m. today (December 16, 2016) in the Spokane County Smoke Control Zone until further notice.
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency is calling the Stage 1, condition “Yellow” temporary burn ban due to increasing levels of smoke and stagnant weather conditions expected over the next couple of days
Under a Stage 1 “yellow” burn restriction:
If you don’t have an adequate source of heat, contact Spokane Clean Air for an exemption. Click here for details.
Along with the holidays can come unwelcome guests — stress and depression. Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic (plus some) for dealing with the stress so that you can face the upcoming holidays with more “Ho Ho Ho!” than “Oh No!”
The holidays do not have to be perfect or the same as last year. Families grow and change. Be open to creating new traditions.
Try to accept family and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to your expectations. Be understanding if others get upset when something goes awry
See Mayo Clinic Tips for Holiday for the remaining 9 tips.
In an effort to help emergency responders buy oil spill response equipment, the Washington Department of Ecology is offering $777,000 in grants to public agencies and tribal governments starting Oct. 1. The grant program will help first responders purchase oil spill, hazardous materials response, and firefighting equipment they could not otherwise afford. To apply for a grant, attend a workshop, or learn more about the program, visit the website at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/OilMovement/EquipCacheGrant.html.
The city of Spokane Fire Department said it has lifted a burn-ban restriction within the city limits that had been put in place on July 29. Burning still might be restricted temporarily at times by the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency due to increased fine particle levels and air stagnation.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/hwtr/shoptalkonline/current_issue/story_seven.html
This poster highlights the most common reports required from Ecology, and is illustrated to help businesses understand what to report, why they must report, and when reports are due. You can order free copies from us or you can print your own. If your facility has several reports to submit, this poster is for you!
The three year implementation period for OSHA’s Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is coming to an end on June 1, 2016. What does this mean? It means that all employees potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals should be trained under the new GHS standard, old MSDS must be replaced by the new SDS, and new labels should be instituted by manufacturers and distributors. Check out this summary article.
This is a reminder that the deadlines to submit 2015 emissions year GHG reports to Ecology are:
Please let us know if you have questions or would like assistance.
