Archive for the ‘NJDEP’ Category

Brownfield Redevelopment: What You Should Know

Monday, January 16th, 2012

As the economy slowly recovers from the deepest downturn in decades, interest in redevelopment projects is also rebounding. With the private and public financing picture improving, developers and local governments are seeking to restart Brownfield redevelopment projects. However, the new rules of engagement require even stricter due diligence and scrutiny of the property as well as greater attention to financing, regulation, risk management and viable end uses or exit strategies.

The good news is that a wide variety of financial incentives are still available. Many states continue to offer Brownfield tax relief, and there is a range of federal and state-sponsored government funding sources for redevelopment. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, for instance, include Brownfield incentives. In 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorized a non-competitive $50 million grant program to establish and enhance state and tribal response programs, addressing assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of Brownfield sites. Some state programs even provide financing for environmental risk insurance premiums associated with Brownfield redevelopment. Redevelopers are well advised to research financial incentives that many states and major cities have for Brownfield cleanup and assessment activities, including community grants and loan guarantees. In addition, there are often a variety of tax incentives available, such as property tax abatement. (more…)

Idling of Trucks with Sleeper Berths is No Longer Allowed in NJ

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

The idling of diesel-powered vehicles produce a wide variety of air pollutants, including fine particulates, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and many other toxic air pollutants, some of which are known carcinogens. These air pollution contaminants cause health problems for both the drivers and general population. Health issues and range from difficulty in breathing to heart attacks to cancer. In fact, the number of premature deaths in New Jersey each year caused by exposure to these types of air pollutants exceed the number of deaths from homicides and motor vehicle accidents.

In addition to the environmental risks, idling vehicles unnecessarily consume fuel and increase engine wear, which relates to higher operating costs.

Because of the above-mentioned, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulation N.J.A.C. 7:27-14 has always prohibited diesel-powered vehicles from idling for more than three consecutive minutes if the vehicle is not in motion, with limited exemptions. However, Prior to May 1, 2011 N.J.A.C. 7:27-14.3(b)6 allowed drivers to idle their diesel vehicles while resting or sleeping, so that heating, air conditioning, and other electrical equipment can remain powered. This is not the case anymore. (more…)

Managing EHS Regulatory Compliance: Be Prepared for Change

Saturday, March 26th, 2011

The risks and costs of environmental and health & safety (EHS) regulatory non-compliance are rising as the regulatory environment becomes more challenging. Compliance needs are pervasive and persistent across all geographical jurisdictions and industries. Today’s EHS professional (and those who wear a 2nd or 3rd hat as the person responsible for EHS compliance) face a vast and complex regulatory matrix that includes regulatory authorities focused on workplace safety, the environment, transportation and homeland security, to name just a few. EHS management now often encompasses requirements that extend beyond the immediate boundaries of the company, including upstream and downstream supply chain management.

The last 2 years have given shape to a complex regulatory landscape, with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS); the European Union’s (EU) Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulatory framework; and the possible reform of the United States’ Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). It is highly likely that 2011/2012 will bring many new compliance challenges.

By reviewing the below representative samples of the regulatory challenges that emerged in 2010, you can better prepare for 2011/2012′s emerging challenges and, therefore, begin to prioritize strategies and tactics that align with these challenges. (more…)

Total Environmental & Safety help’s NJ company reduce OSHA fines and abate violations

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Total Environmental & Safety (Total) has recently negotiated an OSHA Notice of Violation for a midsize manufacturing company in central New Jersey. The outcome of the negotiations yielded a reduction in fines of $62,000 and an extension of mandated deficiency abatement dates. (more…)

Leak at Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Bob Martin recently announced the launch of a new and thorough state investigation (more…)

Reduce Your Environmental and Safety Regulatory Compliance Costs!

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Every year businesses needlessly spend thousands, if not millions of dollars, as a result of environmental and safety regulatory noncompliance, (more…)

Cold Solvent Parts Cleaner Compliance

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

The use of mineral spirits, petroleum distillates, stoddard, and other solvents in parts cleaners is common practice. The practice usually consists of dipping or soaking metal parts in a cold solvent for the purpose of cleaning and degreasing.

Many people and companies are unaware that environmental regulations need to be complied with when using cold solvent parts cleaner to ensure that harmful vapors are not being released. You may have to obtain an air permit or adhere to operating rules.

Air Permits – open top cold solvent parts cleaners may require an air permit. An open top cold solvent parts cleaner is defined as a “sink-on-a-drum” or “immersion” style, where parts are put in or taken out from the top (even if the unit has a tightly-fitting lid). You will need an air permit if the top opening measures more than 6 square feet or the solvent capacity is greater than 100 gallons.

Operating Rules – if a cold solvent parts cleaner has the storage capacity of two (2) gallons or more of solvent, then the following operating rules must be followed:

  • Solvent used must have a vapor pressure of <1 mm Hg at 20°C / 68°F
  • The parts cleaner must be equipped with a tightly-fitting lid
  • A copy of the NJDEP operating rules must be posted by the parts cleaner
  • Records of solvent purchases must be maintained for 2 years

Immersion parts cleaners:

  • The cover must be kept closed, except when adding or removing parts or solvent
  • The unit must have a freeboard ratio of 0.75 or more – freeboard ratio = height measured from the top of the solvent surface up to the top of the unit, divided by the width of the narrowest part (dimension) of the storage container
  • The storage container must have a liquid fill-line and a high-level liquid mark

Sink-on-a-drum parts cleaner:

  • The cover must be kept closed when not in use, except when parts are draining, in which case, the solvent must be drained directly into a sealed container, and the drain must be kept clear with no liquid solvent present in the sink

Note: heated solvent parts cleaners and vapor degreasers are subject to different regulations