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Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending March 5, 2010
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS HOW ENERGY STAR/LEED PROGRAMS COMBINE TO CERTIFY "GREENER" BUILDINGS
A March 3 Temple University workshop sponsored by the Institute of Real Estate Mgt. and the Delaware Valley Green Building Council included a demonstration on how EPA's Energy Star and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programs can be combined to greatly reduce a building's environmental footprint. EPA Region 3 staff provided information at the workshop on how the selection of Energy Star certified products and online free tools such as Energy Star Portfolio Manager can improve a LEED-certified building's environmental performance by greatly reducing energy costs and improving energy efficiency. For more information, go to http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=about.ab_index
REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS ARE NOW OPEN FOR 2010 POLLUTION PREVENTION (P2) GRANTS
EPA anticipates it will award approximately $4.1 million in Pollution Prevention (P2) Grants during Fiscal Year 2010. These grants and/or cooperative agreements help businesses identify better environmental strategies and solutions for reducing or eliminating waste at the source, including the conservation of water and energy. EPA's Regional Pollution Prevention Program Offices will accept proposals on or before Tuesday, April 6, 2010. The Request for Proposals can be found at https://www.epa.gov/p2/pubs/grants/ppis/2010rfpp2grant.pdf
NEW EPA LEAD SAFE RULES TAKE EFFECT APRIL 22
EPA's new lead renovation, repair and painting rule goes into effect on April 22 to better protect public health from dust disturbed through renovation. Any contractor disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 built housing and child occupied facilities after that date must follow the new lead safe work practices, be legitimately certified, follow recordkeeping requirements, and provide tenants with a "renovate right" booklet prior to beginning work. (Violations are subject to a maximum penalty of $37,500 per day, per violation). To read the pamphlet, go to Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (20 pp, 3.3MB). en español (PDF) (20 pp, 3.3MB)
THREE REGION 3 COMMUNITIES IN MD, VA, AND PA AWARDED CLIMATE SHOWCASE COMMUNITIES GRANTS
Last week, EPA announced the first 20 recipients of the 2009 Climate Showcase Communities grants which assist local governments in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Three local communities were among these: the City of Baltimore, Md. (for benchmarking building energy use in the nonprofit sector), James City County, Va. (for its affordable housing energy efficiency program) and the West Chester (Pa.) Area School District (for a student conservation corps outreach to the local business community). Program Information and funding for 2010 is available at: https://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/local/showcase A podcast on Baltimore's grant is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/region03.
ENTRIES DUE APRIL 8 FOR EPA'S ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE VIDEO CONTEST
EPA is inviting filmmakers (professional or otherwise) to enter its "Faces of the Grassroots" environmental justice video contest. Contestants may submit creative videos on environmental justice activities, issues, or topics that in connecting with others, raise awareness of the movement. For example: a music video or video recording about a successful environmental justice project that has improved the health and well-being of a community may do. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, April 8. For information on How to Enter , Rules and Eligibility, Prizes and general information, go to https://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/events/video-contest.html
EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DRAFT REPORT TO REGULATE INCIDENTAL DISCHARGES FROM MARINE VESSELS
EPA is seeking public comments on its vessel water discharges draft report which when completed will provide Congress with information to regulate deck run-off, gray water and other types of incidental discharges considered potentially harmful to water quality and human health. This includes discharges from fishing vessels, tugboats, water taxis, tour boats, towing and salvage vessels, small research vessels, a fire boat and a supply boat. Public comments will be accepted through April 7, 2010. EPA will then consider the comments and finalize the report for submission to Congress. For more information, go to http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/vessels/reportcongress.cfm
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