Are you looking to update your spray painters training.  See Ecology’s Shoptalk article http://1.usa.gov/1Qejf42, IWRC video http://bit.ly/1UllDYp and PPRC STAR website http://bit.ly/1H8JUXZ for information on the STAR program. 

OSHA’s fall 2015 semiannual regulatory agenda projects that the final rule for occupational exposure to crystalline silica, which has been in development for more than 15 years, will be completed in February 2016. The agency’s proposed rule, which was published in September 2013, would set a new permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air calculated as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA), down from about 100 micrograms for general industry and 250 micrograms for construction and shipyards. OSHA received more than 1,700 comments on the proposed rule and heard testimony from more than 200 stakeholders during public hearings on the proposal. The agency is currently reviewing and considering the evidence in the rulemaking record.  See http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=201510&RIN=1218-AB70 for more information.

Spring Environmental will be CLOSED on Friday December 25 for Christmas Day and Friday January 1 for New Year’s Day. December 21 through 24, and December 28 through 31 we will have limited staffing but we will be open our normal business hours of 8 am to 5 pm.

Spring Environmental prides itself on providing proactive technical services to our clients while supporting our employees’ professional goals.  We have been serving the Pacific Northwest since 1997 and have an opportunity to welcome at least one additional engineer to our team.  We are posting for both an Associate EH&S Engineer and a Senior EH&S Engineer depending on applicants’ current skills.  See https://springenvironmental.comabout-us/employment-opportunities/ for more information on the position and application requirements.  Initial screening will commence May 4, 2015.

The City of Spokane today is recognizing businesses that have excelled in the management of wastewater generated as part of their processes.

“We want to recognize these businesses for being good stewards of the environment and helping the City operate its wastewater treatment system efficiently,” says Rick Romero, the City’s Utilities Division Director.  “We appreciate all the work that has been invested in these efforts.”

The recognized businesses achieved 100 percent compliance with requirements in their industrial wastewater discharge permits for 2014. Businesses are required to have such permits either because they produce a large volume of wastewater or because they discharge pollutants that can disrupt wastewater treatment processes.

The outstanding organizations include:

• Alsco-Steiner Corp./American Linen Division
• Dash Connector Technology, Inc.
• EZ Loader Boat Trailers, Inc.
• Fairchild Air Force Base
• Global Metal Technologies, LLC
• Spokane Metal Finishing
• Triumph Composite Systems

The City processes about 34 million gallons of wastewater daily.  The City actively works with businesses to prevent harmful or damaging substances from being discharged into the sewer system, everything from restaurant grease that can clog pipes to used solvents.

Marlene Feist, Utilities Communications Manager, (509) 625-6505

ETA – Eastern Technical Associates (www.eta-is-opacity.com)

• Session: Registration: 8:00 am – 8:30 am; Recertification: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm; Classroom lecture: 8:30 pm – 4:00 pm
• Registration available on-line: yes
• Recertification Cost: $265 pp pre-registered; $290 pp on-site
• Initial Lecture & Certification Cost: $415 pp pre-registered; $440 pp on-site

NOC – Northwest Opacity Certification (www.yakimacleanair.org/northwest_opacity_certification.htm)

• Session: Registration: 8:00 am – 9:00 am; Recertification: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm; Classroom lecture: 8:00 am – ??
• Registration available on-line: no (phone, fax, mail or e-mail)
• Recertification Cost: $225 pre-registered or on-site
• Initial Certification Cost: $350 pre-registered or on-site

SSI – Smoke School Inc. (www.smokeschoolinc.com)

• Session: Registration: 7:45 am – 8:30 am; Recertification: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm; Classroom lecture: 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
• Registration available on-line: yes
• Recertification Cost: $190 pp pre-registered or on-site
• Initial Certification Cost: $310 pp pre-registered or on-site

Washington Dept. of Ecology Reissues Industrial Stormwater General Permit

The 2015 ISGP is effective January 2, 2015. The draft ISGP was available for review and public comment from May 7 through July 11, 2014. Ecology held six informational workshops and two public hearings on the draft permit.  Facilities covered under the new ISGP must update their SWPPP by January 30, 2015.  Ecology’s ISGP website  is located at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/industrial/index.html.

New OSHA Reporting Requirements effective January 1, 2015!

All employers must report all work-related fatalities to OSHA within 8-hours.  All employers must report inpatient hospitalizations, amputations, or losses or an eye to OSHA within 24 hours.  To report to OSHA, call 1-800-321-OSHA or call your nearest area office during normal business hours.  More information is available on OSHA’s reporting rule at https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014/index.html.

Establishments in a state with a state-authorized OSHA program should contact their state plan for the implementation date.  In Washington State, all employers must report all work-related fatalities or inpatient hospitalizations to DOSH within 8-hours.  To report to DOSH, call 1-800-423-72331-800-423-7233 or visit an L&I office.  More information is available on Washington’s reporting rule at  http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/TrainingPrevention/FatalitiesInjuries/default.asp.