Save the date and register for a free webinar this June that will provide an overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) rules for stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE), as well as an update on proposed revisions to those rules. RICE are used to produce electric power, pump water, and operate compressors on construction sites.  Owners and operators of RICE must meet new national emission standards and operating limits by the May 2013 compliance deadline.  Be aware that an “Initial Notification” requirement is currently in effect for certain engine horsepower ranges – Sample Initial Notification- Compression Ignition.

A noteworthy federal district court decision will force a state agency to reimburse the United States for almost $9.36 million in clean-up and related costs because the state’s highways discharged hazardous substances to the environment. This landmark decision opens the door for “Superfund” (officially the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act or CERCLA) liability to both public and private parties that design and operate stormwater drainage systems. AGC has been monitoring the impact of this court case on contractors engaged in design-build roadway projects.

At the Annual Convention in Hawaii this past March, AGC announced the winners of the 2012 Alliant Build America Awards, including a winner within the Environmental construction category.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has made available the newest draft of its green building rating system for public comment until May 28, 2012.  The 2012 version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) up for review contains changes pertinent to contractors, specialty contractors and manufacturers of building materials—such as a new credit addressing “chemicals of concern”.

Now is the key time to tell your Members of Congress that the forthcoming final guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is bad for your business and the construction industry as a whole. The final guidance document – which describes EPA and the Corps’ view of their authority to regulate all waters and wetlands — significantly changes and expands what water features are subject to federal jurisdiction and permit requirements under the Clean Water Act (CWA). 

The 2012 AGC Contractors Environmental Conference, June 7-8, 2012, in Arlington, Virginia, is your chance to network with your peers and learn from more than 30 speakers the latest environmental strategies that are saving contractors money, improving operations and taking firms to the next level. 

The House Appropriations Committee approved a $32.1 billion energy and water FY 2013 spending bill Wednesday after adding a policy rider that would bar the Army Corps of Engineers from implementing their guidance that clarifies which U.S. waters fall under federal protection via the Clean Water Act. The amendment was introduced by Rep. Dennis Rehberg (R-Mont.) and passed by a vote of 29-20.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are moving ahead to finalize their guidance on “Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act”, despite industry’s objections, while they prepare to initiate rulemaking on the definition of “waters of the United States.” The final guidance document – which describes EPA and the Corps’ view of their authority to regulate all waters and wetlands — significantly changes and expands what water features are subject to federal jurisdiction and permit requirements under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Looking ahead, a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA will provide useful support for property owners and others seeking to challenge CWA jurisdictional determinations made by the agencies outside the context of a compliance order.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently designated the entire nation as “unclassifiable/attainment” for the new 2010 nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air quality standards, based on the most recent air monitoring data (2008-2010). However, EPA expects to redesignate areas after it has received three years of data from a new roadside air quality monitoring network, to be in place by 2013.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) recently reissued 48 nationwide permits (NWPs) and issued two new ones to authorize a variety of construction operations that have minimal impact on waters and wetlands. Most of the reissued nationwide permits have no major changes from 2007, the last time they were authorized. The 2012 NWPs took effect March 19 and are valid for five years.