Comment on Massive Expansion of Federal Jurisdiction in “Waters of the U.S.” Proposed Rule Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) released their notice of proposed rulemaking redefining “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This rule expansively defines waters - claiming traditionally navigable waters, tributaries (including ditches), impoundments, adjacent waters (including waters in the floodplain or riparian areas), and “other waters” all as federally jurisdictional. More projects will have to obtain Section 404 permits, increasing the time and cost of performing construction services. 

Are you looking for a tool to help your company manage environmental requirements? Check out the free resources on AGC’s EMS Toolkit. AGC now provides construction companies with a new online toolkit with resources for developing an environmental program or an environmental management system (EMS) that supports environmental compliance and the achievement of company objectives or environmental goals.

The Stormwater Inspection Reports for Contractors mobile app was developed by AGC to provide contractors an electronic documentation tool to quickly and easily prepare their stormwater inspection and corrective action reports right from their iPad®.

On June 12, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued an interim final rule that increases a number of construction industry small business size standards to account for inflation since 2008.

AGC's third Contractors Environmental Conference (CEC), held last week on June 12-13, had resources and tools for construction professionals, whether they are managing compliance or sustainability projects.  A dozen federal regulators from different program offices were in attendance to give the latest updates on the agencies' regulatory agenda, covering the gamut from lead-based paint to Clean Water Act requirements. 

AGC is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members and three associate members to serve on its Environmental Forum Steering Committee through the AGC Convention in 2017.  Members of the Steering Committee have direct access to federal regulatory officials, influence over AGC’s environmental agenda, and a means to exchange valuable information with one another and industry peers.  AGC also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of those members who recently completed their terms on the Steering Committee.

A new report released this week is sharply critical of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) estimates of probable costs and benefits associated with the proposed rule on “Waters of the United States,” and finds that EPA significantly underestimates the economic impacts the rule will have on local communities and businesses.  The rule would re-defining the scope of waters and other wet areas regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA), and trigger the need for permits to discharge dredged or fill material or other pollutants, reporting hazardous substances releases and oil spill control planning.

The 2014 CEC Provides Resources for Sustainability and Compliance ManagersAs AGC members, you are a diverse group and the agenda for the 2014 AGC Contractors Environmental Conference reflects this fact.  Whether you are a compliance manager for a highway construction firm or the sustainability manager for a builder, you will gain tips and knowledge at the 2014 CEC to excel in your position.  Find out how we accomplish this task below.  And join us on June 12-13, 2014, in Arlington, Virginia.  Register online today at www.agc.org/enviroconf2014.Promoting Universal Strategies for Leadership and ManagementEnvironmental leadership and management are the themes for the 2014 CEC.  The skills and strategies that help you achieve these goals are universal.  Management programs can just as effectively manage stormwater as the green requirements on a jobsite.  Managing costs, exploring new technologies as well as training and communicating goals to the project team are important across the vertical and horizontal construction markets.  The 2014 CEC covers these issues through case studies and presentations; but best yet, it is the forum to share and hear from your peers what programs and technologies are working – or not working – in the field.Providing Just the Right Amount of Information in the Plenary SessionsCompliance is the foundation for green construction; however, sustainability managers at construction firms often specialize in “green” and not in “compliance” – and vice versa for compliance managers.  Recognizing this, the plenary sessions on compliance and sustainability give only the most current developments.  More experienced attendees do not have to sit through the basic information; whereas, professionals newer to the field are given a solid base from which to expand their knowledge.  This strategy enables you, the attendee, to benefit from the sessions no matter what your prior knowledge level --- and provides you a more complete view of the environmental issues that affect the business of construction.Digging-in during the Breakout SessionsThe breakout sessions are where you will be able to find more in-depth information on the topics that are most relevant to your field.  The 2014 CEC provides eight (8) breakout sessions where you can truly get to the heart of the issues addressed; whether your interest is in stormwater, recycling/reuse of materials, suspicious materials on a jobsite, net-zero energy buildings, alternative and renewable fuels, or more.We hope to see there!  For more information or to register, go to www.agc.org/enviroconf2014 or contact AGC’s Melinda Tomaino at tomainom@agc.org or 703-837-5415.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for input on its newly released “Framework for Identifying and Evaluating Lead-Based Paint Hazards from Renovation, Repair, and Painting Activities in Public and Commercial Buildings.” The purpose of this Framework document is to allow EPA to determine if renovation, repair and painting activities in public and commercial (P&C) buildings do, in fact, create a lead-based paint hazard.  If EPA’s analysis indicates that hazards are created, then the agency would propose appropriate regulatory controls to reduce or prevent exposure to the general population.

In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced opportunities for brownfields investment grants and for the recipients of environmental training grants.  Altogether, 171 communities will receive 264 grants totaling $67 million in brownfields funding to clean and redevelop contaminated properties, boost local economies and leverage jobs.  In addition, $3.6 Million in Fiscal Year 2014 will be distributed to 18 grantees for Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) that provide under- and un-employed residents with training for job opportunities in many fields of interest for construction firms.