The facts are clear. There are hazardous chemicals that contribute to GHG pollution. Among those are some that attack the ozone layer.
There is much to be done and the least the USA needs is an EPA Secretary that does not care about the American people, so much as the corporate bottom line.
The American people's health and safety are being compromised, including those in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The polluting has to stop and moral values uplifting quality of life has to be instilled. The USA is no longer the moral leader of the world. That is simply wrong.
Take action. Protect local environments. Stop GHG pollution. Protect the ozone layer. Be sure there is a government and laws in place that does the job.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
10,000 feet under salt water is a decaying mass of space junk. When is that going to be cleaned up?
...The dead-spacecraft dumping zone (click here)
Astronauts living aboard the International Space Station actually live closer to the graveyard of spacecraft than anyone else. This is because the ISS orbits about 250 miles above Earth — and Point Nemo, when the orbital laboratory flies overhead. (The nearest island, meanwhile, is much farther away.)
Between 1971 and mid-2016, space agencies all over the world dumped at least 260 spacecraft into the region, according to Popular Science. That tally has risen significantly since the year 2015, when the total was just 161, per Gizmodo.
Buried under more than two miles of water is the Soviet-era MIR space station, more than 140 Russian resupply vehicles, several of the European Space Agency's cargo ships (like the Jules Verne ATV), and even a SpaceX rocket, according to Smithsonian.com....
Saving Earth from extreme amounts of Greenhouse Gases takes many forms, but, none without dignity.
This initiative trains waste pickers (click here) in India to collect electronic waste, such as computers and mobile phones, for safe disposal and recycling. By recycling raw materials from discarded electronics, natural resources are conserved and air and water pollution caused by hazardous disposal is avoided. Recycling e-waste from landfills reduces methane emissions, which are 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The initiative makes the waste pickers more resilient to poverty by providing green jobs that increase their incomes and protect them from the risks of exposure to toxins and heavy metals....
...However, these waste pickers still do not have formal recognition, equal rights, secure and safe livelihoods and dignity. And as consumption patterns change with a growing economy, their work exposes them to ever higher levels of pollution and dangerous toxins....
...Chintan, (a union) an Indian NGO, in cooperation with Delhi’s Pollution Control Committee and the city’s Department of Environment, created a partnership with Safai Sena, a registered association of waste pickers to improve collection, segregation and storage of e-waste. They then joined forces with companies in India that safely recover metals and plastics from e-waste....
...However, these waste pickers still do not have formal recognition, equal rights, secure and safe livelihoods and dignity. And as consumption patterns change with a growing economy, their work exposes them to ever higher levels of pollution and dangerous toxins....
...Chintan, (a union) an Indian NGO, in cooperation with Delhi’s Pollution Control Committee and the city’s Department of Environment, created a partnership with Safai Sena, a registered association of waste pickers to improve collection, segregation and storage of e-waste. They then joined forces with companies in India that safely recover metals and plastics from e-waste....
China is out pacing most countries on Earth in planning for hazardous waste management.
The world is leaving the USA behind. I wonder why?
October 22, 2017
By David Stanway
Shanghai Jinqiao will be entering a market that includes Chinese companies like Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium and GEM Co. Ltd, whose share prices have risen as they invest in battery recycling facilities of their own. That confidence comes even as companies face considerable hurdles launching battery recycling businesses, including high operating costs.
The growth of China’s electric vehicle industry - and the ambitions of recycling companies - is underpinned by a government drive to eventually phase out gasoline-burning cars, part of a broader effort to improve urban air quality and ease a reliance on overseas oil.
Led by companies like BYD and Geely, sales of electric vehicles in China reached 507,000 in 2016, up 53 percent over the previous year. The government is targeting sales of 2 million a year by 2020 and 7 million five years later, amounting to a fifth of total car production by 2025.
According to the International Energy Agency, China accounted for more than 40 percent of global electric car sales in 2016, followed by the European Union and the United States. It also overtook the United States as the market with the greatest number of electric vehicles.
Production in China of the lithium batteries that power those cars has also soared. In the first eight months of 2017, Chinese manufacturers produced 6.7 billion batteries, up 51 percent from the year-earlier period, according to industry ministry data.
All that activity could put China in pole position for dominating the global electric car industry, as well as related businesses like batteries and recycling....
When Buddy Roemer as Governor or Louisiana he codified the importance of controlling radioactive petroleum waste.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
BUDDY ROEMER
GOVERNOR
GOVERNOR
PAUL H. TEMPLET,Ph.D.
SECRETARY
SECRETARY
October 20, 1988
RADIATION ASSOCIATED WITH OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING FACILITIES
I. INTRODUCTION - Technologically Enhanced Natural Radioactive Material (TENR) Naturally-occurring radionuclides arc ubiquitous in the environment.
Under various circumstances, the radionuclides, primarily from the uranium and thorium decay series, can contaminate the environment to the extent that they pose real or potential public health risks. The investigation and regulatory control of the impacts of most of these sources have been overlooked by federal and state agencies in the past, while stringent controls were placed on X-ray and other man-made sources of radiation. This lack of strict controls has been due, in part, to the fact that the federal government has limited jurisdiction over TENR, and control was previously left up to the states, which often times did not have adequate programs or staff to deal with the problem. TENR is a subset of a larger grouping referred to as naturally-occurring radioactive materials (NORM), Regulations to deal with NORM are being developed by a task force of the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) and have been through six drafts to date.
It should be noted, however, that considerable work has been done by the CRCPD, the EPA, and individual states. The CRCPD established a task force to assess the potential for problems nationwide with NORM and make recommendations for implementation of effective control measures. Included in the two documents published were identification of specific TENR problems, a national inventory or NORM, and an evaluation of exposure pathways to man.
Additional work by EPA and individual states included a comprehensive health effects study related to the use of slag from elemental phosphorus plants for paving purposes in Idaho; an assessment of the phosphate mining industry in Florida, including an evaluation of guidelines for homes built on reclaimed mining lands; and complete radiation profiles of wet-process phosphoric acid production, natural gas processing, lignite mining and alumina production in Louisiana....
This radiation comes out of the Earth with drilling. Drilling for oil and/or gas is not a sterile process. It brings with it all kinds of pollution, including radioactive substances. It is dangerous to deny the problems associated with drilling.
October 16, 2017
By Arelis R. Hernandez and Brady Dennis
Dorado, Puerto Rico — Every 10 minutes or so, (click here) a truck or a van pulled up to the exposed spigot of an overgrown well, known as Maguayo #4, that sits not far from a bustling expressway and around the corner from a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop.
Fencing around the area had been torn open, and a red and white “Peligro” sign, warning of danger, lay hidden beneath debris and dense vegetation. One after another, people attached a hose to draw water for bathing, washing dishes and, in some cases, drinking. They filled buckets, jugs, soda bottles.
What many didn’t realize is that the well is one of nearly a dozen that are part of the Dorado Groundwater Contamination Superfund site — designated last year by the Environmental Protection Agency as among the nation’s most toxic sites....
...Wells in the Maguayo and Dorado Urbano systems (click here) have shown detections of volatile organic compounds (VOC), primarily tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), since the 1980s. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported PCE and TCE detections for samples collected from Maguayo and Dorado Urbano system wells during the period November 1984 to May 1985. PRASA and Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDOH) documentation indicates detections for the Maguayo and Dorado Urbano system wells for the time period 1996 to 2000. PRASA data sheets for well samples collected from 2002 to 2015 show the ongoing presence of PCE and TCE in Dorado-area ground water. Some reported concentrations have exceeded maximum contaminant levels (MCL), and since the 1990s some wells have been closed either temporarily or permanently.
Affected Organ Systems: Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)
Cancer Classification: NTP: Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. EPA: Likely to be carcinogenic to humans. IARC: Probably carcinogenic to humans
Affected Organ Systems: Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Neurological (Nervous System)
Cancer Classification: EPA: Carcinogenic to humans, IARC: Carcinogenic to humans (evidence for cancer is based on kidney cancer, limited evidence for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and liver cancer, as well as, various tumors in animals). NTP: Known to be a Human Carcinogen.
By Arelis R. Hernandez and Brady Dennis
Dorado, Puerto Rico — Every 10 minutes or so, (click here) a truck or a van pulled up to the exposed spigot of an overgrown well, known as Maguayo #4, that sits not far from a bustling expressway and around the corner from a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop.
Fencing around the area had been torn open, and a red and white “Peligro” sign, warning of danger, lay hidden beneath debris and dense vegetation. One after another, people attached a hose to draw water for bathing, washing dishes and, in some cases, drinking. They filled buckets, jugs, soda bottles.
What many didn’t realize is that the well is one of nearly a dozen that are part of the Dorado Groundwater Contamination Superfund site — designated last year by the Environmental Protection Agency as among the nation’s most toxic sites....
...Wells in the Maguayo and Dorado Urbano systems (click here) have shown detections of volatile organic compounds (VOC), primarily tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), since the 1980s. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported PCE and TCE detections for samples collected from Maguayo and Dorado Urbano system wells during the period November 1984 to May 1985. PRASA and Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDOH) documentation indicates detections for the Maguayo and Dorado Urbano system wells for the time period 1996 to 2000. PRASA data sheets for well samples collected from 2002 to 2015 show the ongoing presence of PCE and TCE in Dorado-area ground water. Some reported concentrations have exceeded maximum contaminant levels (MCL), and since the 1990s some wells have been closed either temporarily or permanently.
Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) (click here)
CAS ID #: 127-18-4
Affected Organ Systems: Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Neurological (Nervous System), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)
Cancer Classification: NTP: Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. EPA: Likely to be carcinogenic to humans. IARC: Probably carcinogenic to humans
Trichloroethylene (TCE) (click here)
CAS ID #: 79-01-6
Affected Organ Systems: Developmental (effects during periods when organs are developing) , Neurological (Nervous System)
Cancer Classification: EPA: Carcinogenic to humans, IARC: Carcinogenic to humans (evidence for cancer is based on kidney cancer, limited evidence for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and liver cancer, as well as, various tumors in animals). NTP: Known to be a Human Carcinogen.
Four characteristics of hazardous substances.
Ignitability
There are three types of ignitable forms:
There are three types of ignitable forms:
- Liquids with a flash point–the lowest temperature at which fumes above waste ignite–of 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples include alcohol, gasoline, and acetone.
- Solids that spontaneously combust.
- Oxidizers and compressed gasses.
Corrosivity
Corrosive substances, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid, have the ability eat through containers, causing the leakage of harmful materials. A corrosive is anything liquid with a pH of less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5, or has the ability to corrode steel. Everyday example of corrosives include battery acid and rust removers.
Corrosive substances, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid, have the ability eat through containers, causing the leakage of harmful materials. A corrosive is anything liquid with a pH of less than or equal to 2 or greater than or equal to 12.5, or has the ability to corrode steel. Everyday example of corrosives include battery acid and rust removers.
Reactivity
Given their instability, reactive wastes can be very dangerous. The EPA recognizes that there are too many conditions and situations to identify all types of reactive materials. However, they use the following as guidelines to assist generators:
Given their instability, reactive wastes can be very dangerous. The EPA recognizes that there are too many conditions and situations to identify all types of reactive materials. However, they use the following as guidelines to assist generators:
- unstable, and routinely experiences violent change without detonating
- potential for explosive mixture or violent reaction when combined with water
- toxic gasses are released when mixed with water
Toxicity
Poisonous materials pose a threat to our groundwater, which can have long term effects to human health and the environment. This is different from the first three characteristic groups, which the EPA views as containing immediate and firsthand dangers. There are 60 contaminants on the toxicity characteristics list. These contaminants are identified solely through a test method called Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure or TCLP.
Poisonous materials pose a threat to our groundwater, which can have long term effects to human health and the environment. This is different from the first three characteristic groups, which the EPA views as containing immediate and firsthand dangers. There are 60 contaminants on the toxicity characteristics list. These contaminants are identified solely through a test method called Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure or TCLP.
Everyone knows about hazardous household waste, including electronics.
I guess they are a rarity anymore. The point is Americans know toxic chemicals, batteries and electronics are simply not suppose to be disposed of casually as if dumping banana peels into the trash bin. If Americans are conscientious about their responsibility every other industry can do the same.
October 21, 2017
By Cathy Jett
Fredericksburg and Stafford County residents (click here) can dispose of their household hazardous wastes and recycle electronics for free from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the City Shop parking lot, 1000 Tyler St.
The service is being offered by Rappahannock Regional Solid Waste Management Board and Rappahannock Goodwill Industries.
"We held this in the spring in Stafford County, and it was a huge hit. More than 530 people participated," said Stafford Supervisor Paul Milde, who is the R-Board chairman. "It's a wonderful drive-through service we offer to our patrons to help them dispose of items that should not go in the landfill. Our goal is always to protect our rich natural resources as much as possible, and this is another tool we use."
The landfill re-earned its Exemplary Environmental Enterprise certification through the Virginia Environmental Excellence program last spring. The certification is awarded to facilities with strong environmental records that go above and beyond their legal requirements. The R-Board also exceeded the 25 percent state-mandated recycling rate for the 12th straight year, recycling 41.1 percent of materials in 2016.
Hazardous waste does burn and can enter the air, water or land. It is important it is removed.
October 21, 2017
Sacramento, Calif. (KCRA) —Gov. Jerry Brown (click here) issued an executive order Saturday allowing the federal government to help with the initial removal of hazardous waste from California’s wildfires, the governor’s press office said.
The executive order allows U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials to assist state and local officials “in immediately removing visible hazardous debris such as batteries, flammable liquids, asbestos siding, paint and pipe insulation from burned homes,” the governor’s office said.
“Initial removal of these hazards helps protect public health and the environment and allows residents and cleanup crews to more safely enter properties and continue the long-term recovery efforts,” the governor’s office said.
Brown declared a state of emergency for Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Nevada and Orange counties last week due to the impacts of the numerous wildfires.
Brown and U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris visited the areas impacted by the Wine Country wildfires.
This is the title of the law that controls HAZARDOUS WASTES.
The RCRA, Subtitle C demands control of hazardous wastes from "Cradle to Grave." Hazardous Waste is to be controlled all along the cycle of it's existence. Even after public comment, I still find it interesting to think he will write rules from this legislation allowing radioactive waste to be dumped in USA waters. I suppose the petroleum industry doesn't like dealing with their own mess and simply want the government to look the other way. To allow such drastic changes requires federal legislation to change the law.
I think Pruitt will over step his authority and write a rule that is illegal and all the concerned parties having written during the public comment period will take him to court.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (click here) Subtitle C establishes a federal program to manage hazardous wastes from cradle to grave. The objective of the Subtitle C program is to ensure that hazardous waste is handled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. To this end, there are Subtitle C regulations for the generation; transportation; and treatment, storage or disposal of hazardous wastes. In practical terms, this means regulating a large number of hazardous waste handlers. The RCRA Subtitle C program also:
- Conducts compliance evaluation inspections to ensure that hazardous waste is managed in accordance with law, regulations, and safe handling practices.
- Works with state agencies and the Department of Justice on civil and criminal enforcement of hazardous waste laws where violations are observed.
- Helps state and local agencies develop and administer hazardous waste management programs.
The Subtitle C program has resulted in perhaps the most comprehensive regulations EPA has ever developed. The regulations first identify the criteria to determine which solid wastes are hazardous, and then establish various requirements for the three categories of hazardous waste handlers: generators, transporters, and treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs). In addition, the Subtitle C regulations set technical standards for the design and safe operation of TSDFs. These standards are designed to minimize the release of hazardous waste into the environment. Furthermore, the regulations for TSDFs serve as a basis for developing and issuing the permits required by the Act for each facility. Permits are essential to making the Subtitle C regulatory program work, since it is through the permitting process that the EPA or state applies standards to TSDFs.
The time is running on public comment to the deregulation of hazardous waste in the USA rivers, streams and waters such as lakes and ocean waters at our shorelines.
Basically, the EPA is working to allow poisons into the waters of the USA. Citizens need to write and stop this hideous idea.
...The stakeholder sessions (click here) will be held on a weekly basis beginning September 19 and will continue each Tuesday thereafter for ten weeks. Each will run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. eastern time. Information on how to register for each of these meetings is available on the EPA website. Registration for each webinar will close a week prior. Those wishing to provide verbal recommendations during the teleconference will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to the expected volume of participants, individuals will be asked to limit their oral presentation to three minutes.
Stakeholder Sessions Schedule
- September 19, 2017 – small entities (small businesses, small organizations and small governmental jurisdictions)
- September 26, 2017 – environment and public advocacy
- October 3, 2017 – conservation, e.g., hunters and anglers
- October 10, 2017 – construction and transportation
- October 17, 2017 – agriculture
- October 24, 2017 – industry
- October 31, 2017 – mining
- November 7, 2017 – scientific organizations and academia
- November 14, 2017 – stormwater, wastewater management and drinking water agencies
- November 21, 2017 – general public
"Hazardous Mutation" by Municipal Waste (click here for official website - thank you)
He couldn't pay the bills so he moved his family
In a cheap apartment near a wast refinery
They didn't know their water was infected with the slime
That they dump into the water barrels at a time
A deadly reaction sets forth
A hazardous mutation to end all creation is born
Pitiless fluid corroding like acid
Flesh torn!
Whose skins unprotected will soon be infected
Be warned
Radiation is spreading
Human lives are ending
No one can stop this
Mutated race of the damned
Across infected lands
In a panic he ran screaming
From his wife and kids
The image burned into his mind
Of their corroded limbs
As the smell of rotting flesh
Begins to attract flies
They knew that they could never
Return to their normal lives
He couldn't pay the bills so he moved his family
In a cheap apartment near a wast refinery
They didn't know their water was infected with the slime
That they dump into the water barrels at a time
A deadly reaction sets forth
A hazardous mutation to end all creation is born
Pitiless fluid corroding like acid
Flesh torn!
Whose skins unprotected will soon be infected
Be warned
Radiation is spreading
Human lives are ending
No one can stop this
Mutated race of the damned
Across infected lands
In a panic he ran screaming
From his wife and kids
The image burned into his mind
Of their corroded limbs
As the smell of rotting flesh
Begins to attract flies
They knew that they could never
Return to their normal lives
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