Search Results for keywords:"environmental compliance"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to TGS, allowing the incidental taking of marine mammals during geophysical surveys related to oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico. This LOA is effective from February 15, 2025, to December 31, 2025. The authorization is granted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which permits incidental takings only if they have a negligible impact on the species. The surveys will occur over 83 days with specific modeling used to ensure compliance with existing regulations, and the anticipated impact is considered minimal.

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has approved changes to Wyoming's regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. These changes allow for the disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades and towers as backfill in surface coal mining operations. The amendment aims to address the disposal challenges posed by the large number of wind turbine components while ensuring compliance with existing environmental standards. The rule will become effective on February 12, 2025, and does not impact air or water quality standards, so no further Environmental Protection Agency concurrence was needed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is asking for public comments on a new information collection related to transitioning airports to fluorine-free firefighting foam, in line with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This collection will require reports from about 517 U.S. airports on their progress and the amount of aqueous film-forming foam they have. Comments on the necessity, burden, and possible improvements of this new collection method are welcomed until February 14, 2025. The collected data will help the FAA provide accurate updates to Congress on this transition.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is planning to renew its information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act, with a focus on pollution prevention and control in offshore oil and gas activities. The agency is seeking public comments on this information collection, which primarily concerns air quality standards compliance and the reporting of emissions. To streamline and improve this process, BOEM is introducing a new system, the OCS Air Quality System (OCS AQS), to replace outdated software. The public has until February 11, 2021, to submit comments, which will help BOEM minimize the reporting burden while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The Office of Public Participation has released a video titled “WorkshOPP on FERC's Role in Regulating the Construction and Restoration of Interstate Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Projects,” which explains FERC's oversight during various project phases. This video is accessible on FERC's YouTube channel, providing resources on environmental compliance and land restoration topics for the public, including captioning in English and Spanish. The OPP aims to assist people like landowners and tribal members in understanding Commission procedures, also offering support via phone or email for public inquiries and document filings.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the 2021 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges from industrial activities. This permit replaces the expired 2015 MSGP and covers eligible operators in areas where the EPA is the permitting authority, including states, Indian country lands, and U.S. territories. The new permit introduces changes such as streamlined language, public signs for permit coverage, and new monitoring requirements. It will be effective from March 1, 2021, and lasts for five years, aiming to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act.

On February 12, 2025, the California State Water Resources Control Board notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that it received a request from Pacific Gas and Electric Company for a water quality certification related to a project. This request falls under the Clean Water Act section 401(a)(1). The Board has until January 21, 2026, to act on this request. If they fail to make a decision by that date, the request is considered waived, allowing the project to proceed without state certification.

The Department of Justice has proposed a Consent Decree to resolve a lawsuit against Meyer Distributing, Inc. for allegedly violating the Clean Air Act. Meyer is accused of selling over 600 types of devices that interfere with vehicle emission controls. As part of the settlement, Meyer is required to pay a $7.4 million penalty, comply with the Clean Air Act, and undertake actions to offset the emissions their devices contributed to. The public can comment on this proposal until 30 days after the notice's publication date.

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed Consent Decree in the lawsuit United States v. Midwest Can Company for violations under the Clean Air Act. The company will have to conduct additional testing on its portable fuel containers and pay a $1.7 million penalty. A public comment period is now open where people can submit feedback on the decree until 30 days after this notice's publication date. The Consent Decree is accessible online and in print for a fee.

The Department of Justice has proposed a consent decree as part of a lawsuit against the City of Cahokia Heights for violating the Clean Water Act by discharging sewage into local waterways without permission. The consent decree, lodged with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, requires the City to make substantial improvements to its sewer system to comply with the law. The public is invited to comment on this decree within sixty days of its publication. More details and the consent decree can be found on the Justice Department's website.