President Bush signed into law critical legislation that will help protect Americans and people around the world from mercury poisoning. This legislation essentially bans the export of elemental mercury from the United States.
This means, that all mercury in the United States stays within the United States, where it can be managed according to US laws.
Toxic Substance Found in Chicago Air
(September 30, 2008) Science Daily
A new research project funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Basic Research Program has found that PCB11,
a byproduct of the manufacture of paint pigments and a potentially toxic substance, present throughout the air in the City of Chicago.
The prevalence of PCB11 in Chicago air suggests that there are either multiple sources in the city or that this compound is universally found in background air.
Researchers found PCB11 in 91% of the 184 samples that were collected in the study.
3M Company Corrects Gaps in Chemical Inventory Reporting
(October 15, 2008) US EPA
The US EPA has waived penalties against the 3M Company after the company voluntarily corrected
missing information in its annual chemical inventory reports. The 3M Company audited 90 facilities and found chemical inventory information gaps in chemical inventory
forms from 2003-2005 at twelve facilities nationwide. Upon discovering the violations, 3M Company completed and submitted all required documents, thereby correcting the violations.
EPA Regional Library is Open!
(October 10, 2008) US EPA
The US EPA Agency Region 5 has re-opened its Library in the Metcalfe Federal Building at 77 W. Jackson Boulevard in Chicago.
This Library is critical in providing public access to environmental information -- and supports the EPA's mission. The re-opening of regional libraries in Chicago,
Dallas, Kansas City and Washington DC is a major step by EPA. The re-opened libraries also received additional funding for new equipment, staffing, and materials to further enhance the public's access to environmental information.
To find out additional information, times and branches see: http://www.epa.gov/libraries.
EPA Issues Compliance Order to the University of Cincinnati
(October 10, 2008) US EPA
The US EPA Agency Region 5 has issued an administrative order under the Clean Air Act to the University of Cincinnati.
This will require the university of comply with its state operating permit and its permit to install a coal-fired boiler and two natural gas fired turbines.
The University has 10 days to request a meeting with EPA to discuss the order.
EPA Wraps Up $2 Million Detroit Cleanup
(October 9, 2008) US EPA
The US EPA Region 5 has completed a $2 million dollar cleanup of ChemServe Corporation. ChemServe manufactured dyes, soaps and drain cleaners on Detroit's southeast side.
The cleanup involved characterization, containment, and proper disposal of about 3,000 drums and 5,000 small containers. The wastes included 21,000 gallons of chromium sludge, 6,300 gallons of caustic liquids, 5,000 gallons of solvents and 9 tons
of caustic soda and a variety of potentially toxic, infectious and explosive laboratory chemicals. The City Detroit has since revoked ChemServe's operating permit.
Braintree-Based Citgo Oil Terminal Faces Penalties
(October 9, 2008) US EPA
The US EPA has issued a complaint against Citgo Petroleum Corporation for alleged violations off the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). Citgo failed to produce timely, accurate,
and complete Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Forms during 2004, 2005, and 2006.
