Compliance Alert

For more information on these topics, contact Ken Webb via email: kwebb@blackshare-env.com or
(918) 388-0970.

August 23, 2010 - - The EPA is proposing to extend the deadline to comply with the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule for some facilities. Currently, companies must write and submit facility response plans for oil spills by November 10,2010.

Under a newly proposed amendment, some facilites can apply for one-year extensions.
Facilities eligible for extension: Oil production, fams, elecric utility plants, petroleum refining, food and chemical manufacturing, accommodation and food services, and more.

Facilities NOT eligible for extension: Offshore and onshore drilling, production or work-over facilities.

EPA is seeking comments on the proposed amendment.

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February 5, 2010 - - EPA's top priorites: Where to focus your compliance efforts:
~ Meet new source review and prevention of significant deterioration permit requirements
~ Comply with hundreds of hazardous waste regulations
~ Control air toxic emissions
~ Control and manage stormwater runoff
~ Obtain insurance to pary for cleanups of hazardous waste sites
~ Protect from exposure to hazardous chemical releases
~ Control discharges from surface impoundments
~ Protect wetlands by obtaining and meeting dredge-and-fill permit requirements

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January 4, 2010 - - Three new greenhouse gas (GHG) rules are coming from EPA that will transform how companies do business in a carbon-regulated world. EPA is regulating GHG emissions, starting with the largest facilities, those emitting more than 25,000 metric tons (mt) of GHGs. GHG regulations requires annual reporting of emissions released by: fossil fuel suppliers; industrial gas suppliers; direct ghg emitters, and manufacturers of vehicles and medium- & heavy-duty engines.

If these facilities release more than 25,000 mt threshold, they have to track actual GHG emissions in 2010 and report total releases in 2011. To do this, they need to track how much energy from fossil fuels they're consuming or producing, whether it's natural gas, coal or oil. EPA's GHG rules are based on actual emissions, not the usual potential-to-emit calculation.

The final EPA GHG report rule in the December 29th Federal Register exempts: electronics manufacturers, ethanol refiners, fluorinated GHG producers, food processors, industrial landfills, and magnesium producers.