Pursuant to a legal settlement agreement with environmental groups, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started to map out a brand new rule that will expand the existing Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) program beyond oil to address other hazardous substances. This rulemaking, which must be finalized by late 2019 under the terms of the consent decree, may impact construction sites and related operations that store any of the hundreds of “hazardous substances” identified in 40 CFR Part 116.4. Some companies may need to develop SPCC plans for the first time. EPA has invited AGC to provide early input at upcoming public stakeholder sessions, which include two virtual meetings this fall.
Mike Clancy, Cynthia Paul, FMI Corporation
Contractors’ get work departments can be like a car with a bad alignment. While everyone is working hard to get where they want to go, some of the effort is being pulled toward the “ditch” of low hit rates, missed opportunities and undeveloped client relationships. All that is needed are a few key adjustments to win your fair share of work.
AGC and the International Erosion Control Association recently teamed up to bring stormwater compliance experts and technical assistance to both of their upcoming conferences. AGC’s senior environmental advisor will speak at the Mid-Atlantic Chapter IECA’s Annual Conference – Sept. 20-22 in Annapolis, MD – on what the construction industry views as the most significant changes to the federal stormwater permitting and enforcement programs. IECA’s award-winning speakers will present at AGC’s Contractors Environmental Conference – Oct. 5-6 in Washington, DC – on process water and how to test and manage these waste streams.
Seemingly Innocuous Requirement is a Sign of More Contractor Mandates to Come
Funds May Help States Struggling to Meet Federal Ozone Standard
Agencies Finalize New Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Trucks
Interested AGC members should apply by Wednesday, October 26, 2016!
On July 26, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced its final process for improving the way it identifies and prioritizes pending Endangered Species Act status reviews, a process the agency uses to determine whether a species warrants federal protection. The agency is legally bound to undertake year-long reviews during which it uses the “best available science” to determine whether a species meets the definition of threatened or endangered.
Public Companies Will Likely Experience Renewed Focus
In comments filed on Aug. 19, AGC questioned the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) authority to measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of its proposal for performance measurements as directed by Congress in the MAP-21 and FAST Act legislation. House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) and 30 members of the committee also sent a letter telling FHWA that the proposal exceeds its authority for this action.