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EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending June 26, 2009

EPA URGES PROPER RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL OF TV AND COMPUTER MONITORS

EPA hosted a June 23 public Webinar on the Agency's Cathode Ray Tube Rule (CRT) requirements and the importance of increasing the collection, reuse and recycling of CRTs, and CRT glass to reduce their disposal in landfills. Safely recycling CRTs saves energy and conserves resources, allows for lead removal from older TVs, removing this source of lead in landfills from contaminating the groundwater supply. Exporters of used CRTs must notify EPA of their intent and receive consent from the receiving country or face fines of up to $37,500 per day per violation. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/recycling/electron/index.htm#crts

WINNER DECLARED IN THE FIRST "GREENSYLVANIA" PILOT COMPETITION

The area's first GreenSylvania recycling competition was sponsored by the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, EPA Region 3 and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Out of the four high schools that participated in the Centre County, Pa. 4-week GreenSylvania competition, Bellefonte High School merited the grand prize of $500 which will be used towards their environmental or conservation group's projects. For their outstanding recycling efforts (of all of their paper, plastic, metal and cardboard), each school will be rewarded with a plaque displaying their individual efforts. The four participating schools were: Bald Eagle High School, Bellefonte High School, Penn Valley High School and Phillipsburg-Osceola High School. For more detailed information, go to http://www.greensylvania.org/

REGION 3 INFORMS CENTRAL PA. BUILDERS ON NEW LEAD REQUIREMENTS AND AMENDMENTS

On June 23, an EPA representative provided the Central Pennsylvania Builders Association in State College, Pa., an updated overview of the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule Program which requires contractors and construction professionals that work in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities to follow lead-safe work practice standards. EPA provided information on training, certification, and work practice requirements for contractors and the accreditation requirements for training providers which will become fully effective on April 22, 2010. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm and Lead; Minor Amendments to the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (April 22, 2009)

EPA RELEASES NATIONAL AIR TOXICS ASSESSMENT (NATA) REPORT

EPA released its latest National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) report based on 2002 air emissions data which assesses 180 air toxics plus diesel particulate matter from stationary sources of all sizes and from mobile sources such as cars, trucks, buses and construction equipment. The report will increase understanding of the health risks posed by air toxics and provide the public with information regarding the levels which may cause cancer and other serious health problems, including birth defects. The NATA report results should be used to prioritize pollutants and areas for further study, and not as the sole basis for regulation or risk reduction activities. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/nata/ or www.epa.gov/nata2002 Information on air toxics: www.epa.gov/oar/toxicair/newtoxics.html

EPA TO AWARD $10 MILLION IN NEW CLIMATE CHANGE GRANTS TO COMMUNITIES

EPA announced the availability of up to $10 million in Climate Showcase Communities grants to help communities implement climate change initiatives to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agency expects to award approximately 20-30 cooperative agreements, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 each, with five percent of the funds ($500,000) set aside for tribal governments. Eligibility is open only to government agencies, federally-recognized Indian tribal governments, local public authorities, school districts, special districts, intrastate districts, councils of governments, regional or interstate government entities. Proposals are due no later than July 22, at 4:00 p.m. EDT. Grants are expected to be awarded in January 2010. For more information go to https://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/index.html. To download the Request for Applications go to: https://www.epa.gov/air/grants/09-08.pdf

NEW STUDENT TOOLKIT SHOWS CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE AND HABITATS

EPA has released an updated toolkit: ”Climate Change, Wildlife, and Wildlands Toolkit to enhance middle school students' understanding of climate change's impacts on wildlife and the habitats on which they depend. The toolkit is designed to educate students to become stewards of wildlife and ecosystems. EPA partnered with six other federal agencies in the toolkit's development, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. For more information, go to http://www.globalchange.gov/resources/educators/toolkit

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