Joe Sandman
Alleged Permit Violations at LG&E
-March 27, 2014
Keep your eye on this one! A recent article in The Courier-Journal, reports that the Sierra Club and Earthjustice are alleging that LG&E’s Mill Creek Power plant is violating its KPDES discharge permit and is threating a lawsuit if the discharges are not halted. But wait – the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection […]
Algae to Oil?
-February 25, 2014
Algae converted to oil in one HOUR!!!!! It appears that the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a Department of Energy lab, has developed a new innovative process to convert algae to oil. Their process claims to be less energy intensive resulting in cheaper cost to convert. The biofuels company Genifuel has licensed the technology and is […]
Designated Compliance Manager for UST Owners
-January 29, 2014
As a reminder to UST owners please be aware the Kentucky UST Branch initiated the Designated Compliance Manager (DCM) training program last fall. Owners will be contacted by the UST Branch and supplied a Personal Identification Number so their DCM can access the web based training outlined in 401 KAR 42:020 Section 7. The DCM […]
DAQ Announces an Electronic Reporting Option
-December 12, 2013
On December 12, 2013 the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (DAQ) announced that the DAQ’s Field Operations Branch is now accepting Compliance Report Submittals on a new eForm webpage. The DAQ is requesting regulated facilities to submit documents through the eForms site. DAQ states a receipt will be issued to those who submit. It will […]
New Rule – TRI Electronic Release Inventory (TRI) Program
-September 5, 2013
EPA has issued a new rule regarding Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) requirements. The new rule requires companies that are required to file annual TRI reports to submit them through a new digital reporting tool called TRI-MEweb The new reporting rule takes effect on January 14, 2014 with report submittals due July 1 of each year.
The Cost of Obama’s Climate Plan
-July 31, 2013
There has been lots of talk lately about climate change and President Obama’s plan to address the issue. For more on Obama’s Climate Change plan, click here. That’s led me to think about how we are funding this plan—and the answer is of course, taxes! So, are we headed down the wrong path in our […]
Correlation between lead exposure and violent crime
-June 7, 2013
With all the discussions about guns and gun violence a gentleman by the name of Rick Nevin has made an interesting correlation that I believe should be studied further. What he found was a correlation between lead exposure and violent crime. Who would have thought. Follow the link to read more. http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/01/lead-crime-link-gasoline?page=1
Clean Air Act Risk Management Gets Big Headlines and Big Penalties
-May 9, 2013
Tyson Foods Inc. has agreed to a settlement with EPA for violations of Section 112(r) of the CAA’s Accidental Release Prevention & Risk Management Plan rule. Under the settlement Tyson has agreed to a $3,950,000 penalty. In addition, Tyson will allow third party audits of the CAAs Risk Management Program and is required to spend […]
Extensions Granted for Three UST Deadlines
-April 10, 2013
In the latest Kentucky legislative session (2013), three extension deadlines were granted to UST owners. First, registration of USTs that are currently existing or removed from the ground after January 1, 1974 must be registered prior to July 15, 2016. The second extension dealt with one of the funds assisting UST owners – the Small Owners Tank Removal Account (SORTA). SORTA remains […]
New Hope for Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
-March 5, 2013
The Courier Journal reported Monday February 25, 2012 that the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion plant, scheduled to close in May 2013, may remain open. GE-Hitachi has submitted a proposal to the Department of Energy to construct a laser-based uranium enrichment plant at the site. It appears that GE-Hitachi may partner with Silex Systems Limited. Silex was […]