EPA Releases Final Conbustion Air Rules

On December 21, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released air pollution rules regulating hazardous air emissions from industrial boilers and process heaters. This package of combustion rules includes a revised version of the Industrial Boiler Maximum-Achievable Control Technology standard (Boiler MACT).

The final combustion rule package addresses major and area source industrial boilers, as well as commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators (CISWI). These rules provide new emissions limits, compliance dates and important clarifications on how the rules are to be implemented. The rule package also includes guidance for defining whether non-hazardous secondary materials (NHSM) are to be considered a solid waste or a fuel, which is a critical decision for determining whether combustion of such materials must be regulated under the generally more stringent incinerator CISWI rules or the revised Boiler MACT rules.

Read a summary of the key changes from the March 2011 Boiler MACT rules

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.
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Nutrient Reduction Approach Proposed By IDNR - IDA

On November 19, 2012, the State of Iowa announced the release of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy for public comment. Interested parties were invited to submit comments during a 45 day comment period that will end on January 4, 2013.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology-based approach to assess and reduce nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. The strategy outlines voluntary efforts to reduce nutrients in surface water from both point sources and nonpoint sources. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) worked with Iowa State University over a two-year period to develop the strategy.

The Iowa strategy has been developed in response to the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan that calls for the 12 states along the Mississippi River to develop strategies to reduce nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa strategy follows the recommended framework provided by EPA in 2011. Iowa is the second state to complete a statewide nutrient reduction strategy.

To address point source discharges, such as POTW and industrial discharge, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be working with major facilities throughout the state to reduce nutrient discharges from point sources to Iowa's waters with a goal of reducing total phosphorus by 16% and total nitrogen by 4 %.

Summary of proposed permitting requirements for point source discharges under nutrient reduction plan


To address nutrient transport from nonpoint sources the strategy uses a scientific assessment of conservation practices and associated costs to reduce loading of nutrients to Iowa surface waters. The strategy identifies five key categories to focus the efforts in addressing nonpoint sources and identifies multiple action items within each category. The five categories are:

• Setting Priorities;
• Documenting Progress;
• Research and Technology;
• Strengthen Outreach,
• Education,
• Collaboration; and
• Funding.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.
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SWPPP, Erosion Control Plans, Spill Plans For Iowa Construction Projects

The Federal Clean Water Act requires that stormwater discharges from certain construction activities be covered under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Any stormwater runoff generated from construction activities such as clearing, grading or excavation, that disturb one or more acres and/or are part of a larger development are required to be covered by an NPDES permit.

 Iowa's General Permit No. 2 covers stormwater discharges from construction activities including land disturbances. When completed Notice of Intent (NOI) is submitted to the IDNR, stormwater discharge is assumed to be covered under the terms and conditions of the general permit, unless the applicant is notified otherwise by the IDNR. Before construction can begin on a site the following steps must be taken to be in compliance with the IDNR General Permit No.2:

• A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan must be created for the site,

•  A Notice of Intent (NOI) must be completed by the Operator of the construction site and this document along with public notices must be submitted to the IDNR.

•  A Letter of Authorization is provided to the Operator of the construction site, upon approval of the NOI by IDNR

•  SWPPP review and approval is required by MS4 cities prior to construction

•  Necessary best management practices should be in place prior to construction

•  Construction can then begin

Construction sites subject to the IDNR general permit  must meet certain minimum best management practices, including site inspections, waste control, employee training, Spill control or  SPCC Plan and others.

FAQ: Are a SPCC Plan and SWPPP the same?

Caltha LLP provides technical support to general contractors, project developers and land owners in Iowa to prepare project pollution prevention plans and the Notice of Intent (NOI) required for permit coverage. To request a quote, click here

Caltha will need you to provide basic project descriptions (e.g. size, scope) along with your contact information. We will then issue a quote by email, usually within 24-hrs.

You can find out more about Caltha’s stormwater services at:

http://calthacompany.com/stormwater

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.
For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Iowa State Revolving Fund Lowers Interest Rates

The Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced that they are proposing to reduce the cost of water quality loans offered through the State Revolving Fund even further. The proposal will change the interest rate from 3% to 1.75% for most loans.

Disadvantaged communities that qualify for the extended (30-year) terms will receive the 1.75% interest rate. The SRF program also recently reduced its loan origination fee from 1% to 0.5%, creating additional savings for communities and ratepayers. Interest rates and fees are established in the SRF Intended Use Plans.

A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 9 and the next plans will be considered by the Environmental Protection Commission on Sept. 18. If approved, the new rate will take effect on Sept. 28, 2012.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.
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Iowa CAFO NPDES Permit Program Review

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued initial findings from an informal investigation of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) permit program for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and has identified several correctable deficiencies. EPA’s investigation was carried out in response to a petition for withdrawal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program authorization from IDNR that was filed in 2007 by the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Sierra Club and the Environmental Integrity Project. Federal regulations allow interested parties to file these petitions when they are concerned that a state is not meeting the minimum NPDES program requirements.

EPA’s initial findings identify deficiencies in IDNR’s NPDES program that the state agency will need to correct. Among others, EPA found that IDNR does not have an adequate program to assess whether unpermitted CAFOs need NPDES permits. The findings also note that IDNR must clarify its authority to issue NPDES permits to confinement (roofed) CAFOs that discharge. EPA also found that in a number of cases involving Clean Water Act (CWA) violations, IDNR failed to take timely and adequate enforcement actions, and assess adequate penalties.

The issuance of the initial report is the first step in the process in which EPA will work with IDNR to correct the deficiencies. EPA has asked that IDNR provide a written response to the report, within 60 days, describing the actions IDNR has taken or will take to correct the deficiencies, including a proposed plan and timeline to address the deficiencies. EPA intends to provide an opportunity for the public to comment on IDNR proposals to correct the deficiencies.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

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Iowa Western Community College Receives Environmental Training Grant

Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) has been selected to receive $200,000 in workforce development and brownfields job training funds from EPA to train unemployed and underemployed residents in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska.

IWCC is one of only 15 workforce development organizations in the nation to receive the funding this year. Its project will specifically serve residents of the environmentally impacted neighborhoods of the South Main Brownfields Site in Council Bluffs and northeast Omaha.

Targeted populations include Trade Adjustment Assistance individuals displaced from their jobs due to the competition of foreign imports or due to work activity moving out of the U.S.; unemployed and underemployed individuals, with priority given to veterans, long-term unemployed, residents of the identified contaminated communities; and populations underrepresented in the green and environmental fields, including minorities and women.

IWCC plans to train 100 students, place 80 graduates in jobs, and track graduates for one year. The core training program includes 152 hours of instruction on hazardous materials, lead and asbestos abatement, storm water management, underground storage tank leak prevention, construction debris recycling, green remediation, and environmental health and safety. Participants will also be offered additional training in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction and mold contractor remediation.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

Iowa Chapter 17 Compliance and Enforcement Procedures

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has scheduled three additional public hearings for proposed new Chapter 17, Compliance and Enforcement Procedures. The DNR is also providing more information on how the DNR plans to implement Chapter 17. The DNR is holding the additional hearings to allow the public further opportunity to provide input. The DNR held its first public hearing on Monday, April 23.

The three hearings will be held in July and August as follows:

• Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in Iowa City;
• Tuesday, July 31, 2012 in Mason City; and
• Tuesday, August 7, 2012 in Carroll.

In response to public comments already received, the DNR is providing more information about how the DNR plans to implement Chapter 17. The DNR did not make any changes to the proposed rule language for Chapter 17. The DNR is also requesting additional public comments. Written comments or suggestions are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2012.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Iowa to obtain environmental permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.
For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website