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EPA Announces $3M Each to Missouri and Nebraska to Fund Innovative Projects That Tackle Climate Pollution

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March 27, 2023

LENEXA, KAN. (MARCH 27, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3 million each to Missouri and Nebraska to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies across these states.

Earlier this month, EPA announced the availability of the funds, which are a part of the first allotment of funding from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. All 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are eligible to receive $3 million in CPRG planning grants.

“These $3 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grants will allow Missouri and Nebraska to plan for climate impacts with the speed in which this pressing issue demands,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “We hope that all states will follow their lead in leveraging the historic Inflation Reduction Act funds to protect communities and create jobs.”

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) will participate in this new program that provides flexible planning resources for the states to develop and implement scalable solutions that protect people from pollution and advance environmental justice.

“As we begin planning this effort, we look forward to engaging partners and stakeholders from across Missouri,” said MoDNR Director Dru Buntin. “Missouri’s plan will help industry to finance voluntary projects that will enhance their ability to meet the state’s future energy needs. We will also work to provide new tools and funding opportunities for projects to reduce pollution and improve the environment for all Missourians. Finally, we are committed to improving community engagement efforts so that everyone has a seat at the table.”

MoDNR and NDEE will use these funds to develop a climate action plan in collaboration with municipalities and organizations in their states, and to conduct meaningful engagement, especially with low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Later this year, EPA will launch a $4.6 billion CPRG implementation grant competition to implement projects and initiatives outlined in the climate action plans developed using funding from the CPRG planning grants. Missouri and Nebraska will be eligible to receive funds from this competition, as will the other states that submit their intention to apply prior to the March 31 deadline.

More on Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, tribes, municipalities, and air agencies in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

These climate plans could include:

  • Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
  • Emissions projections and reduction targets.
  • Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
  • Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
  • Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
  • Future government staffing and budget needs.

In program guidance released earlier this month, EPA describes how the Agency intends to award and manage CPRG funds to eligible entities, including states, metropolitan areas, tribes, and territories.

By summer 2023, EPA regional offices expect to award and administer the funding agreements.

Next Steps

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies created by the CPRG planning grants, programs, and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

  • Learn more about Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
  • Read CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidance
  • Sign up for notifications about Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

More on Inflation Reduction Act Funding

President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes historic funding to combat climate change while creating good-paying jobs and advancing environmental justice. Earlier this year, EPA announced $550 million toward the new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program, and $100 million for environmental justice grants to support underserved and overburdened communities. Additionally, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will award nearly $27 billion to leverage private capital for clean energy and clean air investments across the country.

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Filed Under: EPA

EPA Announces Proposal to Improve Public Awareness of Drinking Water Quality

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March 28, 2023

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would strengthen the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Rule making annual drinking water quality reports with important public health information more accessible to residents and businesses across the country. A Consumer Confidence Report, sometimes called an “Annual Drinking Water Quality Report,” summarizes information about the local drinking water for the previous year. EPA’s proposal would support public education by more clearly communicating important information in water quality reports and improving access to the reports.

“It’s crucial that the public has access to the most relevant information about the drinking water coming out of their taps,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “The Consumer Confidence Report is the primary way local water systems communicate with the people they serve, and EPA’s proposed rule would improve the information communities receive, in addition to making it more accessible.”

When finalized, EPA’s proposal would:

  • Improve the readability, clarity, and of water quality reports
  • Enhance risk communication
  • Encourage modern electronic delivery options
  • Clarify information regarding lead levels and efforts to reduce lead in drinking water
  • Provide translation for customers with limited English proficiency
  • Require reports be issued twice a year (for systems that serve 10,000 or more people)

Additionally, EPA’s proposal would require states to submit compliance monitoring data to EPA. While states already collect compliance monitoring data, current EPA regulations limit the data available to the EPA. When final, this action will help EPA identify trends both geographically and demographically, which will improve transparency and accountability, and amplify best practices that maximize direct benefits in communities.

This proposed rule marks a key milestone in revising the Consumer Confidence Report Rule as required by America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA). EPA is seeking comment on this proposal for 45 days. Learn more about EPA’s CCR Rule Revisions and read EPA’s fact sheet that provides more detail on the proposed requirements.



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Filed Under: EPA

EPA Announces New England Virtual Listening Session on PFAS Strategic Roadmap

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March 28, 2023

BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England Regional Office is announcing an upcoming virtual listening session for New England communities to learn about and share feedback on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The virtual listening session will be held on April 11, 2023. Members of the public are invited to attend and to speak.

This engagement session will provide information about EPA’s ongoing work under the PFAS Strategic Roadmap and what it means for New England citizens. The session will provide opportunities for communities to share feedback directly with EPA regional and program leaders to inform the implementation of the actions described in the Strategic Roadmap. This listening session is one of 10 announced by EPA in November 2022 to offer a series of virtual regional community engagement sessions in 2023 across the country. This fulfills a key commitment outlined in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap.

“EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap outlines specific commitments the Agency is taking to address the risks posed by forever chemicals to people’s health,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash, who is also the co-chair of EPA’s national PFAS Task Force. “This listening session will give New England community members and stakeholders a chance to hear about the progress we are making, and most importantly it will give people an opportunity to give EPA feedback on actions we should take moving forward. EPA is very interested in hearing from all concerned people, including Tribal communities and communities with environmental justice concerns.”

EPA Region 1’s virtual regional community engagement session will be held via Zoom on April 11, 2023, from 6:00 pm-8:00 p.m. EDT. The public can register to participate in the community engagement session.

Background

In October 2021, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap—laying out a whole-of-agency approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The Roadmap sets timelines by which EPA plans to take specific actions and commits to bolder new policies to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. The actions described in the PFAS Roadmap each represent important and meaningful steps to safeguard communities from PFAS contamination. Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions.

In November 2022, EPA released “A Year of Progress Under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap,” which underscores key actions taken by the agency during the first year of implementing the PFAS Roadmap. EPA continues to implement a whole-of-agency approach, advancing science, and following the law to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. Concurrently with this one-year progress report, EPA announced that it will hold virtual community engagement events in each EPA Region in 2023, which EPA Region Y is announcing today.

These engagements align with recommendations from the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and EPA’s Roadmap commitment to engage directly with stakeholders. Recognizing the unique and pervasive impacts of PFAS on Tribal communities, EPA is also planning to hold a session specifically designed to hear from our Tribal partners.

More information:



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Filed Under: EPA

EPA and HHS Encourage States to Utilize Federal Resources for Lead Detection and Mitigation in Early Care and Education Settings

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March 28, 2023

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a joint letter to governors to encourage state and local governments to use federal funding to take actions to reduce and remove lead in drinking water in early care and education settings, like elementary schools and daycare facilities.

“The science is clear: there is no safe level of lead of exposure to lead — especially for our children,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The Biden-Harris Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach towards reducing lead exposure, especially in the environments our youth learn and grow. We are encouraging our state and local partners to join us in this critical effort and leverage the unprecedented levels of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to reduce childhood lead exposure.”

“Children are our future,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to protecting children and the communities they live in by taking action to deliver clean drinking water, replace lead pipes, and remove lead paint. This collaboration between HHS and EPA will continue to advance lead remediation in elementary schools and child care facilities, protecting the health and well-being of future generations.”

EPA and HHS are delivering on the White House’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan by encouraging federal, state, and local governments to use every tool to deliver clean drinking water, replace lead pipes, and remediate lead paint. Funding for this collaborative initiative can come from both the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, among other federal resources. It is especially critical to make improvements to places where children spend significant time such as child care centers, family child care homes, preschools, and Head Start programs. Together, these historic federal investments have the potential to be transformative and to act as a catalyst to achieve lead-free water for all, especially for children who are most susceptible to the health impacts from lead exposure.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is dedicating an unprecedented $15 billion to removing lead from drinking water including in early child care settings. In the coming days, EPA will be announcing this year’s drinking water funding supporting states, Tribes, and territories in upgrading critical infrastructure and improving access to safe drinking water across the nation. This funding builds on President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to deliver clean water and protect public health for all people, especially disadvantaged communities.

States can also take administrative measures to support the health and safety of children in early care and education settings by establishing or strengthening licensing and monitoring requirements or improving blood lead screening programs. In addition, states can provide technical assistance and resources to meet lead testing and remediation requirements, including use of the EPA 3Ts (Training, Testing, and Taking Action) voluntary program to help schools and child care facilities make progress on reducing lead in drinking water. 

Learn more by visiting EPA WIIN Grant: Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program and HHS Strategy Resources to Support Access to Safe and Healthy Early Care and Education Facilities.

Background

The EPA and HHS are working together to reduce children’s exposure to lead as signatories on a Memorandum of Understanding on Reducing Lead Levels in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities, and together co-chair the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, comprised of 17 federal agencies and White House offices. Together, these initiatives highlight the federal government’s dedication to taking action to reduce their risk of disease and impairment by lowering children’s exposure to lead using federal and state resources and initiatives.

Children are especially vulnerable to lead effects because their bodies are still developing. Infants and young children are at the highest risk for life-long health problems from lead exposure. Lead poisoning can have both physical and psychological repercussions. Exposure to even low amounts of lead in children can cause anemia, behavioral and learning issues, and other problems. Therefore, states must coordinate their efforts to address lead in early care and education settings, where most American children spend a significant amount of time.



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Filed Under: EPA

Clean Air Engineering-Maritime Earns CARB Approval for Shore-Based System in Ports

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Clean Air Engineering-Maritime

ShoreKat’s Highly Efficient Air Pollution Control System Expands Options for Reducing Emissions from Ships and other Marine Vessels

ShoreKat’s Highly Efficient Air Pollution Control System Expands Options for Reducing Emissions from Ships and other Marine Vessels

The ShoreKat technology is a highly efficient air pollution control system that removes particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and other harmful pollutants from exhaust gasses produced by ships and other marine vessels. The technology uses ceramic filters as part of its process to capture and treat pollutants from exhaust gas before it is released as clean air into the atmosphere.

The ShoreKat technology is a highly efficient air pollution control system that removes particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and other harmful pollutants from exhaust gasses produced by ships and other marine vessels. The technology uses ceramic filters as part of its process to capture and treat pollutants from exhaust gas before it is released as clean air into the atmosphere.

Clean Air Engineering-Maritime, Inc.

Clean Air Engineering–Maritime (CAE-M), founded in 2010, is at the forefront of environmental technology for the shipping industry, both developing and operating systems that remove diesel emissions from the auxiliary engines and boilers of ocean-going vessels while at berth or anchor. Backed by years of experience, CAE-M provides capture and control systems with customizable mobility options that can service container, bulk, railroad, and tanker vessels of all sizes at berth or at anchor. These systems can be delivered to any port in the world and can be customized to accommodate any vessel type or berth configuration. Based in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, CAE-M is committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the environmental challenges facing the maritime industry and the communities it serves.

Clean Air Engineering–Maritime (CAE-M), founded in 2010, is at the forefront of environmental technology for the shipping industry, both developing and operating systems that remove diesel emissions from the auxiliary engines and boilers of ocean-going vessels while at berth or anchor. Backed by years of experience, CAE-M provides capture and control systems with customizable mobility options that can service container, bulk, railroad, and tanker vessels of all sizes at berth or at anchor. These systems can be delivered to any port in the world and can be customized to accommodate any vessel type or berth configuration. Based in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, CAE-M is committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the environmental challenges facing the maritime industry and the communities it serves.

SAN PEDRO, Calif., March 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clean Air Engineering–Maritime, Inc. (CAE-M) has received an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) granting approval for its latest vessel stack exhaust capture and treatment system, the “ShoreKat.” This cutting-edge shore-based technology is designed to reduce emissions while minimizing the impact on vessel performance and operating costs. The ShoreKat CARB Executive Order successfully concludes a CARB sponsored grant project issued to Pasha Terminals LP as part of the “Green Omni Terminal Project” in the Port of Los Angeles.

The ShoreKat technology is a highly efficient air pollution control system that removes particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and other harmful pollutants from exhaust gasses produced by ships and other marine vessels. The technology uses ceramic filters as part of its process to capture and treat pollutants from exhaust gas before it is released as clean air into the atmosphere.

The standalone and self-powered system can be customized and modified to fit any ship’s funnel. As a mobile shore-based system, it can be placed into position to avoid interfering with ship assist, bunkering, or cargo handling. It can be placed before a vessel arrives and begin service immediately, operating the entire time the vessel is in port, removing tons of harmful toxins from communities surrounding port complexes.

“Companies that operate large commercial vessels have a regulatory responsibility pursuant to CARB’s amended At-Berth Regulation to reduce and eliminate emissions while at berth,” said Nick Tonsich, president of CAE-M. “The ShoreKat, along with our existing barge-based Marine Exhaust Treatment System (“METS”), provide a safe, reliable, and affordable solution for these ships.”

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In 2012, CARB set regulations requiring ocean-going vessels to eliminate diesel emissions while at birth, with capture and control technology as an option for compliance. In June 2015, CAE-M was the first company to receive CARB certification of its METS unit which has since serviced over 400 vessels with over 25,000 hours of commercial, incident-free, stack exhaust treatment services. After receiving its Executive Order in December of last year, the ShoreKat is the only CARB-approved shore-based system, solidifying CAE-M as an industry leader in developing emissions-reducing technologies for large ships while at berth or anchor. CAE-M is now the only company to hold two CARB executive orders.

“Diesel exhaust is known to be one of the most harmful emissions in the world, and we’re working diligently here in Southern California – home to two of the world’s largest ports – to reduce and eliminate these emissions for our industry and our communities,” Tonsich said. “We remain focused on our goal to support ports globally in controlling and reducing emissions.”

Improving air quality through the reduction of emissions with safe and reliable systems, CAE-M has been the leader in exhaust capture and control services since 2010. CAE-M has successfully treated hundreds of vessels over tens of thousands of operational hours.

Watch this CAE-M video for an overview of the technology and service, and this video to learn more about the ShoreKat.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit https://caemaritime.com/.

ABOUT CAE-M and THE GREEN OMNI TERMINAL PROJECT
In 2016, CAE-M joined the Green Omni Terminal Project, which facilitated the development and demonstration of clean technologies in the Port of LA, including the METS-1 and ShoreKat systems. The Project at one point led to litigation between CAE-M, Tonsich and Pasha Terminals with court records revealing allegations made by Pasha against Tonsich were subsequently stricken and dismissed by the Los Angeles Superior Court and ultimately concluded with Pasha paying a seven-figure settlement to Tonsich’s corporate entities, including Clean Air Engineering – Maritime, Inc. With the CARB approval of ShoreKat, the project has successfully been concluded.

ABOUT CLEAN AIR ENGINEERING–MARITIME, INC.
Clean Air Engineering–Maritime (CAE-M), founded in 2010, is at the forefront of environmental technology for the shipping industry, both developing and operating systems that remove diesel emissions from the auxiliary engines and boilers of ocean-going vessels while at berth or anchor.

Backed by years of experience, CAE-M provides capture and control systems with customizable mobility options that can service container, bulk, railroad, and tanker vessels of all sizes at berth or at anchor. These systems can be delivered to any port in the world and can be customized to accommodate any vessel type or berth configuration.

Based in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, CAE-M is committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the environmental challenges facing the maritime industry and the communities it serves.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/445e659a-7c18-4744-a521-187e1075f7b4

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a9a25f3-68d8-4ac5-8d60-a29ef1aab91a

CONTACT: Tyler Hutt [email protected]


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Air Duct Cleaning Houston | Professional Services By Speed Dry USA

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Speed Dry USA’s Complete Guide on Cleaning Air Ducts in Houston

You’ve found the best source for Houston air duct cleaning services available today. Speed Dry USA serves the commercial and residential communities of Houston and its surrounding areas with expert air duct cleaning services.

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleaning is the process of removing dust, filth, and other material from the HVAC system’s ducting. A variety of health problems, including allergies, respiratory troubles, and more, can be brought on by the gradual accumulation of these toxins in the air ducts.

What are the Benefits of a Clean Air Duct System?

There are a number of reasons why air duct cleaning is so important:

  • Enhancing Indoor Air Quality: Dirty air ducts can spread contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen throughout your house or business, leading to poor indoor air quality. If you get your air ducts cleaned regularly, you won’t have to worry about breathing in any harmful particles.
  • Cleaning your HVAC system regularly can increase its efficiency and help you save money on your monthly energy costs.
  • Keeping Your HVAC Running Longer: Maintaining clean air ducts on a regular basis will assist avoid expensive repairs to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
  • Getting Rid of Unpleasant Scents: Debris like dust, filth, and other dust can build up in your air ducts and cause a musty smell throughout your house or office. Cleaning your air ducts is an easy way to get rid of unpleasant odors throughout your home.

When it comes to air duct cleaning, how often is ideal?

The frequency of air duct cleaning depends on several factors, such as:

  • The sum of the building’s occupants, whether they are residents or employees
  • Possession of animals
  • Smokers are present
  • Due to the large quantity of dirt and rubble present,

Air ducts should be professionally cleaned every three to five years. The frequency with which you get your air ducts cleaned may, however, increase if you have pets, smokers, or a lot of dust and dirt in your house or workplace.

In what way does air duct cleaning function?

When you use Speed Dry USA, your air ducts will be cleaned by professionals using cutting-edge tools and methods. This is what we do:

  • The first step is an inspection of your HVAC and ductwork to establish the level of cleaning needed.
  • Cleaning: We utilize high-powered vacuums and rotating brushes to loosen and remove debris from your air ducts.
  • After we’re done cleaning, we’ll sterilize your air ducts to eliminate any lingering mold or mildew.

Why You Should Use Speed Dry USA to Clean Your Air Ducts

Here at Speed Dry USA, we are pleased to boast that our air duct cleaning services are unrivaled in Houston. When you hire us to clean your air ducts, here’s what you can anticipate:

  • Our professionals are well-trained and knowledgeable in all facets of air duct cleaning, guaranteeing you the highest quality service.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Your air ducts will be spotless after we’re done with our comprehensive cleaning using cutting-edge technology and methods.
  • Cost-Effective: You won’t have to empty your bank account to pay for our air duct cleaning services, as we provide some of the most affordable rates in the industry.
  • We’re confident in the quality of our air duct cleaning services and provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If you need help cleaning your air ducts, call Speed Dry USA today.

Quick Dry USA is the only company to call if you need your air ducts cleaned in Houston. To see the impact our professional air duct cleaning services can make in the quality of your indoor air and the performance of your HVAC system, give us a call today to set up an appointment.

Conclusion

Cleaning your air ducts is an important step in preserving the health of the air within your house or place of business. Cleaning your air ducts can not only improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe, but it will also help your HVAC unit run more efficiently and last longer. Speed Dry USA is Houston and the surrounding area’s premier air duct cleaning company. To take advantage of clean air ducts, contact us today to set up an appointment.

FAQs

How much do professional duct cleaners charge?
Several factors influence how much it will cost to have your air ducts cleaned, including the square footage of your house or business, the number of ducts, and the level of dirt and debris embedded in the ductwork. At Speed Dry USA, we provide affordable pricing on all of our air duct cleaning services, and we can give you with a thorough quote before beginning any work.

When should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Several factors, like the size of your home or office and the level of cleaning necessary, will determine how long it will take to clean your air ducts. The time required to clean air ducts often ranges from two hours up to six hours. At Speed Dry USA, we prioritize speed and thoroughness when cleaning your air ducts.

Do you think cleaning my air ducts will make my HVAC system more efficient?
By removing debris like dirt and dust from the air ducts, air duct cleaning can indeed increase the performance of your HVAC system. If these impurities are removed, your HVAC system will run more smoothly and efficiently, resulting in lower energy use and costs.

When was the last time you changed your air filters?
The frequency of air filter changes depends on numerous factors, such as the type of air filter, the number of people living or working in the building, and the presence of pets or smokers. Air filters should be replaced every three months as a rule, but more regular replacement may be necessary if dogs or smokers are present.

Can air duct cleaning help reduce allergies?
Cleaning your air ducts can help cut down on allergy symptoms by getting rid of irritants like dust, pet dander, and pollen. The elimination of these pollutants results in cleaner air, making it easier to breathe and lessening the risk of allergies and other respiratory issues.

Kashif Raza

Kashif Raza is a graduate of New Jersey, where he played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zubuz’s health, entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, he enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.



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EPA Takes Action Against Connecticut Company for Clean Air Act Violations in New Haven

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Community of New Haven breathes easier due to EPA’s enforcement action

March 27, 2023

NEW HAVEN, CONN. (March 27, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently reached a settlement with Trelleborg Coated Systems US, Inc., located in New Haven, Conn., for allegedly violating the federal Clean Air Act. The company has agreed to pay a penalty of $305,305 under the terms of the settlement and come into compliance or permanently shut down all of its coating operations at their New Haven facility by July 1, 2023.

“This settlement will result in improved air quality for the people of New Haven, a community that has historically been overburdened by environmental pollution,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “No one should be worried that the air that they breathe has been compromised due to a company’s alleged failure to follow federal laws, and I’m glad to say the community of New Haven is now better protected as a result of EPA’s action.”

Trelleborg Coated Systems US, Inc. is a manufacturing facility that primarily performs urethane coating and laminating processes on various fabrics to achieve water and chemical repellant and flame-retardant properties for fabrics used for products such as escape slides for aircrafts, blood pressure cuffs, mattresses, and protective clothing.

EPA, along with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), conducted a comprehensive inspection of Trelleborg’s facility. As a result of the inspection EPA alleged that Trelleborg had various violations of its New Source Review Permit to Construct and Operate a Stationary Source. The alleged violations involve the operation of six coating lines and two laminating lines, the associated capture systems (e.g., permanent total enclosures or “PTEs”) and the control system.

EPA discovered additional alleged violations after the facility performed stack testing to evaluate whether the facility’s oxidizer, used to minimize and control Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from the coating lines, and the PTEs, used to capture and direct VOC emissions to the oxidizer, were functioning properly. The stack testing results indicated that Trelleborg was not achieving the required destruction efficiency for VOCs and therefore was emitting hazardous air pollutants. In addition, the facility had not been achieving the required capture efficiency until late October 2021 and was not maintaining all required VOC usage records.

Background Information

VOCs include a variety of chemicals that may produce adverse health effects such as eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; nausea; and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Moreover, emissions of VOCs contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, which is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and VOCs in the presence of sunlight. Ground level ozone can trigger various respiratory problems and can also harm sensitive vegetation and ecosystems.

EPA brought a similar action against Trelleborg’s affiliated entity in North Smithfield, Rhode Island a few years ago. In that case, EPA found that the capture system associated with the one coating line maintained by that facility was not meeting the required capture efficiency and that the oxidizer was not correctly sized to accommodate all VOC emissions generated by the line, had the line been properly capturing VOC emissions.  

More information:

EPA Clean Air Act Enforcement



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Filed Under: EPA

Clean air advocate and university prof adds voice for incentivizing EVs for Filipinos

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A CLEAN air advocate and university general science instructress has backed the move to incentivize the use of electric vehicles to help mainstream their use among Filipinos.

Chemist and university professor Abigail Arillaga said that while the adoption of EVs has pros and cons, its introduction to the country can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses which are harmful to the environment.

“In the Philippines, sad to say kung hindi natin mai-incentivize, it will be difficult to persuade others to patronize this product over the traditional one or over the other,” Arilaga said in an interview.

The government in January released Executive Order No. 12 series of 2023 which aims to lower the tariff rates for electric vehicles and their components to help mainstream EV usage in the country and help reduce carbon emissions.

While the move was earlier praised for promoting sustainable environment, different stakeholders have expressed their dismay and criticized the said EO because it did not cover electric motorcycles and other 2-wheeled electric vehicles.

One of them is Stratbase ADR Institute President Victor Andres Manhit who has pushed for inclusivity in the tax relief and has since urged for the EO’s revision.

Motorcycles hold the majority of numbers among motorists in the country as the Land Transportation Office recorded around eight million registered motorcycles to the agency.

EO12 aims to complement the Republic Act No. 11697 or the law Providing for the Development of the Electric Vehicle Industry in the country.

To date, e-motorcycles and other two-wheel electric vehicles are still subject to a 30 percent import duty.

Support for tax breaks

Arillaga said that it will be harder to shift to EVs unless the government rolls out monetary incentives for its use along with an awareness campaign of its benefits and comprehensive research on its effectiveness.

She noted that while EVs are being explored, the shift to the new mode of transport should be gradual as the country still relies on non-renewable energy sources.

According to the Statista Research Department, the power production in the Philippines is still dominated by coal at 47.6 percent, other fossils at 18 percent, and gas at 10.7 percent, which totals 76.3 percent.

Various types of renewable energy like wind, solar, bioenergy, hydro, and other renewables share 23.7 percent of the country’s total power source.

“Mahirap din kasi mag-shift sa bago, halimbawa, may motorcycle ka na so ngayon implement ito so first of all, dun po kasi monetary reasons di ba ang hirap unless may incentives, monetary incentives or kailangan may big sector or nasa government yung policy or control with regards to that,” Arillaga said.

Different groups have been pushing for the shift to electric vehicles to help reduce carbon emissions in the country as transport is the main source of air pollution and other issues relating to global warming.

The transportation sector, alone, in the country, is responsible for emitting 31.54 million tons of carbon dioxide which contributes to climate change.

As stated by IQAir, the rate of PM2.5 pollutants in Manila is twice the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline value.

WHO stated that achieving the right air quality guideline value is vital to minimize the health risk from pollutant exposure.

The Philippines aims to go full-on electric vehicles by 2040. It is set to limit the sale of internal engine combustion cars as part of its comprehensive plan to transition to what environmentalists foresee as ‘green traffic,’ or a decarbonized road network in the country.

Image credits: Cesar Baciero/Pexels



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Camfil Air Quality Professionals Explain the Role of Air Filters in Reducing Spread of Colds and Airborne Illnesses

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In a new resource, air quality experts explain how ventilation and air filtration can be used to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses in indoor spaces, where they are most likely to spread.

Riverdale, NJ, March 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The average American adult catches between two and four colds each year; as a whole, the United States experiences one billion colds annually, with the spread of these illnesses particularly concentrated during winter months. Colds are more likely to spread during the winter because immune systems are less efficient during colder weather and because more people congregate indoors for longer periods, allowing airborne pathogens to spread via stagnant indoor air.

Camfil Air Filtration 

In a new resource, air quality experts explain how ventilation and air filtration can be used to prevent the spread of airborne illnesses in indoor spaces, where they are most likely to spread.

“As masks are no longer mandated in many buildings, a greater number of respiratory droplets from sneezes and coughs will be in the breathing zone and more likely to be inhaled. ,” says Mark Davidson, Manager of Marketing and Technical Materials at Camfil, “The right mix of ventilation, filtration, and air purifiers in a building can reduce the concentration of potentially harmful particles within indoor environments to improve air quality and reduce the risk of illnesses.”

The resource covers:

  • How do airborne illnesses work?

  • How can you prevent airborne pathogens from spreading?

  • How ventilation can help prevent the spread of airborne illnesses

  • How air filtration can help prevent the spread of airborne illnesses

  • Why is air filtration so important?

  • MERV ratings explained

  • How to choose the right air filter or air purifier

  • How to create a clean air strategy

Read the full article on reducing the spread of airborne illnesses with air filtration here.

About Camfil Clean Air Solutions

For more than half a century, Camfil has been helping people breathe cleaner air. As a leading manufacturer of premium clean air solutions, we provide commercial and industrial systems for air filtration and air pollution control that improve worker and equipment productivity, minimize energy use, and benefit human health and the environment. We firmly believe that the best solutions for our customers are the best solutions for our planet, too. That’s why every step of the way – from design to delivery and across the product life cycle – we consider the impact of what we do on people and on the world around us. Through a fresh approach to problem-solving, innovative design, precise process control, and a strong customer focus we aim to conserve more, use less, and find better ways – so we can all breathe easier.

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The Camfil Group is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has 31​ manufacturing sites, six R&D centers, local sales offices in 35+ countries, and about 5,200 employees and growing. We proudly serve and support customers in a wide variety of industries and in communities across the world. To discover how Camfil USA can help you to protect people, processes, and the environment, visit us at www.camfil.us/

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Media Contact:

Lynne Laake

Camfil USA Air Filters

T: 888.599.6620

E: [email protected]

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Originally Appeared Here

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The Upsell: Why Indoor Air Quality Products Are About the Customer, Not the Company | ACHR News

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