Search Results for keywords:"environmental compliance"

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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued new regulations for managing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This final rule is part of NOAA's Restoration Blueprint initiative and aims to extend the sanctuary's boundaries, update general and specific marine zones, and redefine what activities are permitted there. NOAA's regulations include measures to protect and restore coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other habitats, prevent environmental threats, and address concerns such as grounded and derelict vessels. The changes also emphasize updated procedures for permits and collaboration with military and state bodies to ensure compliance and effective management of sanctuary resources.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WADOT) for the Purdy Bridge Rehabilitation Project in Pierce County, Washington. This authorization allows for the incidental harassment of marine mammals during construction activities that involve pile driving and removal, which may disturb these animals through noise. However, no serious injury or death of marine mammals is anticipated. The NMFS has set specific measures to minimize impacts, ensuring that the activity complies with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and does not harm the animals or their environment significantly.

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.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review the requirements for collecting certain information from the public, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are asking for public comments on the necessity, accuracy, and burden of this information collection, including how to reduce the burden through technology. Comments are due by January 22, 2025. The Forest Service specifically uses this information to ensure that the use of national forest lands aligns with public interest and complies with environmental laws, determining fees, and monitoring ongoing uses. This involves various respondents like individuals, businesses, and government entities.

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 U.S. Department of Justice has proposed a Consent Decree with The Manitowoc Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries for allegedly violating the Clean Air Act by selling heavy construction equipment with non-compliant diesel engines. As part of the settlement, the companies will pay a $42.6 million fine and undertake a project to address the environmental damage caused by emissions. The public is invited to comment on the proposed decree within 30 days, and details can be accessed online.