Corpus Christi Plant Agrees to Pay Over $750,000 to Improve Emission Controls

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EPA Press Release:

Corpus Christi Plant Agrees to Pay Over $750,000 to Improve Emission Controls

(DALLAS – August 29, 2013) The MarkWest Javelina plant will invest over $650,000 for facility operations improvements that will reduce flaring events and improve communications with the local community. The gas processing plant will also pay a civil penalty of $97,500 to settle violations of the Clean Air Act uncovered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The consent agreement addresses a number of violations occurring from Sept. 1, 2012 to Jan. 30, 2013.

“EPA is committed to reducing toxic air pollution from sources that have an impact on the health of our citizens,” said Ron Curry, EPA's Regional Administrator. “This agreement has a positive and direct impact on improving air quality and communication for the surrounding community.”

In addition to improving flare efficiency, the settlement requires that MarkWest Javelina improve operational reliability without increasing facility emissions and improve emission controls. The company will also establish a 24 hour hotline to answer any community questions about flaring events at the facility.

Today’s agreement continues EPA’s efforts to reduce emissions of toxic air pollutants, with a particular focus on industrial flares. These requirements focus on reducing the amount of waste gas sent to flares and on improving flare operations, both of which work to reduce toxic emissions. Improper operation of an industrial flare can send hundreds of tons of hazardous air pollutants into the air. More pollution results when waste gas is sent to a flare, or if the flare is inefficient. EPA wants companies to flare less, and when they do flare, to burn the harmful chemicals found in the waste gas.

EPA's goals include focusing on improving compliance among industries with significant potential for environmental harm due to air emissions located near communities.

The facility is required to pay the penalty within 30 days of filing the consent agreement.

More about activities in EPA Region 6: http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

Other Air News in Texas:

To date, EPA has issued all final greenhouse gas permits by the deadline. From pre-application consultations to post-application technical sessions, EPA’s permitting program helps Texas companies obtain their greenhouse gas permits within the one-year statutory deadline. The pre-consultation program has reduced the number of incomplete applications and helped many companies submit required information necessary to complete their permitting application. GHG permit applications are processed in order of a complete application submitted to the Agency. EPA has issued 18 final permits and is working on another 21.

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Final cleanup plan selected for Lockheed West Superfund site

EPA Press Release:

Final cleanup plan selected for Lockheed West Superfund site

Contact: Hanady Kader, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-0454, kader.hanady@epa.gov

(Seattle—Aug. 28, 2013) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a Record of Decision for the Lockheed West Superfund Site, outlining the agency’s plan to provide a permanent, long-term remedy for contamination in Elliott Bay near Seattle. 

“This cleanup plan will protect native wildlife and the health of people who live, work and recreate near Elliott Bay,” said Cami Grandinetti, EPA Region 10 Superfund Program Manager.

The decision outlines how risks from contaminated sediments will be reduced with a combination of cleanup activities that include:

• Dredging and disposing of dredged sediments at a permitted landfill
• Adding a thin layer of clean material across the site to enhance natural recovery and cover dredged areas
• Continuing the fish advisory to make people aware of risks from eating contaminated seafood
• Removing debris and pilings

The Lockheed West cleanup will remove contamination from a 40-acre area in Elliott Bay. More than 151,000 cubic yards of sediment will be dredged from the subtidal area and an additional 15,800 cubic yards will be excavated or dredged from the shoreline and intertidal area.  Sediments are contaminated primarily with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), metals, dioxins/furans, tributyltin (TBT), and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (cPAHs).

The cost of the cleanup is estimated at $48.1 million. The Lockheed Martin Corporation will perform the cleanup work under EPA oversight.

The Lockheed West Superfund Site is near several other Superfund sites in Elliott Bay, including Harbor Island, East Waterway, Pacific Sound Resources and the Lower Duwamish Waterway. The contamination at these sites impacts the Elliott Bay ecosystem. Over time, sediment cleanups will likely improve the environmental quality of Elliott Bay and will help protect fish, wildlife and people from being exposed to contamination.

To view the Record of Decision or for more information about the site: 

http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/sites/lockheedwest

Two California Firms and Owner Agree to Settle Clean Air Act Violations Stemming from Illegal Import of Vehicles

EPA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29,2013

Two California Firms and Owner Agree to Settle Clean Air Act Violations Stemming from Illegal Import of Vehicles

WASHINGTON – Two Los Angeles-based consulting firms, MotorScience Inc., and MotorScience Enterprise Inc., (MotorScience) and their owner, Chi Zheng, have agreed to settle alleged Clean Air Act (CAA) violations stemming from the illegal import of 24,478 all-terrain, recreational vehicles into the U.S. from China without testing to ensure emissions would meet applicable limits on harmful air pollution, announced the Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

MotorScience and Zheng have agreed to have a stipulated judgment entered against them for a $3.55 million civil penalty and to pay an additional $60,000 civil penalty within six months. The United States will receive 80 percent of collected penalties, and California will receive the remaining 20 percent.

“This illegal importation of over 20,000 vehicles evaded federal emission standards, jeopardizing human health,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Engines operating without proper emissions controls can emit excess carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen which can cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of ground level ozone or smog.”

 “Vehicles and engines that are manufactured overseas and sold in the U.S. must meet the same Clean Air standards as domestically-made products,” said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We will continue to vigorously enforce these laws to ensure that American consumers get environmentally sound products that do not pollute the atmosphere and violators do not gain an unfair economic advantage by skirting the law.”

 “The integrity of new vehicle standards are the foundation for achieving our air quality goals in California,” said ARB Enforcement Chief James Ryden. “When a manufacturer circumvents these requirements, they not only cheat their customers and competitors, but they also shortchange every citizen of our state who relies upon our shared actions to clean the air.”

Today’s settlement also requires that for the next 15 years, before either MotorScience or Zheng may engage in any further work involving non-road vehicles and engines, they must follow a rigorous compliance plan to ensure that any emissions testing and certification applications submitted to EPA or the ARB accurately represent those vehicles and engines. Non-road vehicles and engines include recreational vehicles, generators, lawn and garden equipment, and other non-road internal combustion engines.

EPA’s investigation showed that MotorScience obtained EPA certificates of conformity for numerous vehicles without conducting required emissions testing. As alleged in separate complaints filed in federal district court by the United States and the state of California in September 2011, MotorScience arranged for emissions testing of a limited number of vehicles, and then reused those results to obtain certificates of conformity for numerous other, dissimilar vehicles. For at least three of those vehicles, EPA confirmed that their emissions exceeded the federal limits for hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.

MotorScience and its president, Zheng, provide consulting services for vehicle manufacturers and other clients interested in obtaining certificates of conformity from EPA to allow import of their vehicles into the U.S. In 2010, EPA voided 12 certificates held by four of the defendants’ clients, who were U.S.-based importers for Chinese recreational vehicle manufacturers. The complaints filed by the U.S. and California alleged that defendants caused four of their clients to illegally import vehicles under federal certificates and California executive orders that were voided.  The complaints further alleged that defendants caused their clients to fail to create and maintain required records on emissions testing.

The CAA prohibits any vehicle or engine from being imported into or sold in the United States unless it is covered by a valid, EPA-issued certificate of conformity demonstrating that the vehicle or engine meets applicable federal emission standards. The CAA also prohibits any actions that cause the importation of uncertified vehicles or that cause recordkeeping violations. Similarly, the California Health and Safety Code prohibits any vehicle or engine from being distributed or sold in California, unless such vehicle or engine is covered by a valid, ARB-issued executive order demonstrating that the vehicle or engine meets applicable California emission standards.

The certificate of conformity is the primary way EPA ensures that vehicles and engines meet emission standards. This enforcement action is part of an ongoing effort by EPA to ensure that all imported vehicles and engines comply with the CAA’s requirements.

More information on the settlement: http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/motorscience-and-chi-zheng-clean-air-act-settlement

More information on EPA’s Clean Air Act mobile source enforcement programs:http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/air/index.html#mobile

Houston air quality continues to improve

EPA Press Release:

Houston air quality continues to improveOzone pollution declines despite population growth

(Dallas – August 28, 2013) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to find the Houston metro area is on track to attain an important milestone in ozone-pollution reduction. This follows a nearly 25-year trend of decreasing ozone readings for the area, despite significant population growth.

The EPA is proposing to approve the State of Texas’ plan for the Houston area to attain the 1997 standard for ground-level ozone pollution by 2018. This means EPA believes the emissions-cutting measures in the state’s plan have put the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area on track to meet the 1997 federal 8-hour ozone standard of 84 parts per billion by 2018. The proposed rule is being made available for a 30 day review and comment by the public. After considering comments, EPA will take final action.

Historic ozone levels in the Houston area show this anticipated decline is part of a decades-long trend. Since the late 1980s, ozone levels have fallen steadily from about 120 parts per billion to current levels of 88 parts per billion. These reductions are even more impressive given Houston’s rank as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. While reducing ozone pollution brings Houston closer to attaining federal clean-air standards, it also improves people’s health, especially among children, the elderly, and those with breathing problems.

As one of the main industrial areas of Texas, Houston will also benefit from monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. To date, EPA has issued all final greenhouse gas permits to eligible Texas facilities by the deadline. From pre-application consultations to post-application technical sessions, EPA’s permitting program helps Texas companies obtain their greenhouse gas permits within the one-year statutory deadline. The pre-consultation program has reduced the number of incomplete applications and helped many companies submit information required to complete their permit applications. GHG permit applications are processed in order of a complete application submitted to the agency. EPA has issued 18 final permits and is working on another 21.

More information on ground-level ozone:

http://www.epa.gov/groundlevelozone/

More information on EPA Region 6:

http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central

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EPA focusing on industrial stormwater compliance, targeting a serious threat to Puget Sound water quality

EPA Press Release:

EPA focusing on industrial stormwater compliance, targeting a serious threat to Puget Sound water quality

Contact Information: Suzanne Skadowski, EPA Region 10 Public Affairs, 206-295-4829, skadowski.suzanne@epa.gov

(Seattle – August 26, 2013) As part of ongoing federal and state efforts to restore Puget Sound, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing enforcement actions against four Seattle-area companies for discharging industrial stormwater to Puget Sound waterways in violation of the Clean Water Act.

“By focusing our efforts on industrial stormwater compliance, EPA and the Washington Department of Ecology are tackling one of the top environmental threats to Puget Sound,” said Ed Kowalski, director of EPA’s enforcement program in Seattle. “These focused actions help bring us closer to restoring the health of Puget Sound.”

Stormwater runoff from industrial sites, if not properly controlled and treated, can transport toxic chemicals, heavy metals, excess sediment, and nutrients, directly into Puget Sound and waterways. These pollutants harm the Puget Sound ecosystem and marine life. EPA and Ecology help ensure compliance and enforce clean water rules at permitted and unpermitted industrial stormwater sources to reduce these pollutants in Puget Sound.

EPA enforcement actions against four Seattle-area companies for discharging industrial stormwater to Puget Sound waterways in violation of the Clean Water Act:

Ash Grove Cement Company, a Seattle cement manufacturer, discharged industrial stormwater to the Duwamish East Waterway via Seattle storm drains, without a permit from 1992 to 2010. Pollutants in the company’s stormwater included toxic metals copper and zinc. To settle these violations, the company obtained an individual stormwater permit and agreed to pay a penalty of $600,000:http://www.epa.gov/region10/pdf/enforce/Ash-Grove-Complaint-Settlement-DOJ-082313.pdf

Waste Management of Washington Inc., a Seattle truck-to-rail transfer facility, discharged industrial stormwater via storm sewers to the Duwamish River in violation of the Washington industrial stormwater general permit on multiple days in 2009 to 2011. The company discharged truck wash water to a nearby storm drain and failed to monitor pollutants in its stormwater discharges, including petroleum and zinc. EPA and Ecology inspectors jointly investigated this facility for compliance with the Washington industrial stormwater permit.

To settle these violations, the company agreed to pay a penalty of $33,750:http://www.epa.gov/region10/pdf/enforce/Waste-Management-Settlement-072413.pdf

Gary Merlino Construction Company, a Seattle construction storage yard and maintenance facility, discharged industrial stormwater to the Duwamish River in violation of the Washington industrial stormwater general permit from 2010 to 2012. The company failed to revise its pollution prevention plan and best management practices, to reduce zinc and turbidity in its stormwater, and failed to cover two facility dumpsters. To settle these violations, the company agreed to pay a penalty of $36,000: http://www.epa.gov/region10/pdf/enforce/Merlino-Settlement-050813.pdf

Special Interest Auto Works Inc., of Kent, an auto wrecking and recycling facility, discharged industrial stormwater to the Green River, without a permit from 2008 to 2012.

Pollutants in the facility’s stormwater included high levels of petroleum, zinc, copper, and lead. When the company declined to settle the case, EPA issued a unilateral complaint seeking a penalty up to $177,500:http://www.epa.gov/region10/pdf/enforce/Special-Auto-Works-Complaint-071513.pdf

Washington Industrial Stormwater General Permit:http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/industrial/permitwork.html

Follow @EPAnorthwest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAnorthwest

Local and Industrial Emergency Planners Recognized for Chemical Emergency Planning Achievements throughout EPA Region 7

EPA Press Release:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations

Local and Industrial Emergency Planners Recognized for Chemical Emergency Planning Achievements throughout EPA Region 7

Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Aug. 26, 2013) - Awards were presented to local emergency planning committees and industries for their outstanding achievements in planning for chemical emergencies at an Emergency Planning and Preparedness Conference July 25-27, 2013, in Overland Park, Kan. The conference was hosted by EPA Region 7, FEMA Region 7 and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

The purpose of the conference was to help prevent accidental chemical releases and minimize community risks when they occur. Representatives from fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical service agencies, private industry, city and county emergency management groups, tribal nations, and state and federal agencies attended.

“EPA Region 7 is proud to recognize local emergency planning committees and industry for protecting the public from chemical risks,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “Our obligation to our children, families and communities is to handle, store and transport chemicals responsibly.”

Awards recognizing achievements in chemical emergency planning were presented to: 

• Iowa - Marshall County; Lennox Industries; and Polk County
• Kansas - Anderson County; Cowley County; and Shawnee County
• Missouri - Audrain County; Boone County; Clinton County; Knox County; Missouri Agribusiness Association; and Rosecrans Memorial Airport
• Nebraska - Antelope County; Burt County; Dodge County, Douglas County; Hamilton County; Madison County; Pierce County; Stanton County; Washington County; Wayne County; and Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska 

Karl Brooks, EPA regional administrator; Beth Freeman, FEMA regional administrator; and Timothy Butters, deputy administrator, U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, delivered remarks at the conference.

Steve Taylor, executive director of the Missouri Agribusiness Association, served on a panel about fertilizer safety with EPA Region 7 staff. His main focus was the role of agricultural retailers and local emergency responders in preventing and reducing the risk from chemical accidents such as anhydrous ammonia releases.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Digital photographs of individual honorees receiving their awards are available on request. Contact Kris Lancaster at 913-551-7557 or lancaster.kris@epa.gov.

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Presidio Trust Awarded Honorable Mention for U.S. EPA Resource Conservation Competition

EPA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  August 26, 2013

MEDIA CONTACT:  David Yogi, yogi.david@epa.gov, (415) 972-3350

Presidio Trust Awarded Honorable Mention for U.S. EPA Resource Conservation Competition

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announces the Presidio Trust as its 2012 WasteWise “Federal Government Partner of the Year” Honorable Mention recipient. The Presidio Trust is recognized for its efforts to reduce and compost food waste, and recycle and reclaim demolition materials for use in new construction projects.  

“Presidio Trust’s efforts alone will save the organization over $215,000 and remove the equivalent of 334 households’ annual CO2 emissions from the air,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest.  “EPA is proud to recognize the efforts of the Presidio Trust to ensure their operation’s environmental impact is as small as possible.”

As part of its efforts, the Presidio Trust:

• reused wood from re-foresting and deconstruction projects in the Presidio—part of the federal Golden Gate National Recreation Area—to create park benches and new elements for building renovations;
• reused material onsite (such as gravel, top soil, sand, architectural elements, hardware, lighting, furnishings, etc.) that was collected from construction, renovation and demolition projects.
• diverted 100% of green waste generated from Presidio gardening, landscaping, and forestry projects;
• increased the amount of food waste it diverted from landfills by 47 percent from 2010 to 2011, bringing its total diversion rate to 69 percent;
• reduced its total waste by 24 percent in 2011; and
• recycled a total of 4,447 tons of materials (equivalent to avoiding the annual CO2 output of 1356 automobiles) and made 626 tons of compost in 2012.

 The Presidio Trust has been an EPA WasteWise partner since 2000, and has won sustainability awards in 2001 and 2007. 

EPA’s WasteWise program was launched in 1994 to help organizations and businesses reduce municipal and industrial wastes. Organizations can join WasteWise as a partner, endorser, or both. Partners demonstrate how they reduce waste, practice environmental stewardship, and incorporate sustainable materials management into their waste-handling processes. Endorsers promote enrollment in WasteWise as part of a comprehensive approach to help their stakeholders realize the economic benefits to reducing waste.

For more information on EPA’s WasteWise program, please visit:  http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/smm/wastewise/index.htm

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EPA Releases New Climate Change Video Series

EPA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAugust 26, 2013
EPA Releases New Climate Change Video Series

The series supports President Obama’s Climate Action Plan and highlights benefits of reducing energy consumption
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a new series of short public service videos on climate change. The videos cover a range of topics related to climate change, including its causes and impacts, actions Americans can take to reduce their impact, and the benefits to the economy of addressing climate change. The new video series supports the President’s Climate Action Plan by encouraging American families to reduce the amount of energy they consume, cutting down on their utility bills and protecting people’s health.
On June 25^th, President Obama announced his Climate Action Plan to cut carbon pollution and prepare the U.S. for the impacts of climate change. A warming climate can adversely impact water supplies, agriculture, power and transportation systems as well as health and safety of Americans and the nation’s economy. These videos show that there are simple things that all Americans can do to help.
Watch the video series: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBhfkkujnoRAgTFtLreccWDfpxBIspCGv
Download broadcast quality video: http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/usepa#.Ue11v9LVB54

Learn more on climate change: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange
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EPA Launches Online Green Sports Resource Directory

EPA Press Release:

EPA Launches Online Green Sports Resource Directory

WASHINGTON — The U. S. Environmental Protection agency (EPA) is unveiling a new online Green Sports Resource Directory that can help teams, venues, and leagues save money and reduce carbon pollution through increased energy efficiency, a key part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan.

Additionally, the new directory contains information that can help teams reduce waste and gain recognition for their programs that reduce the environmental impact of their events. EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe made the announcement today during the third annual Green Sports Alliance summit in New York City.

“As a founding partner of the Green Sports Alliance, EPA is committed to working with its members to help teams and sports venues green their operations, and engage fans,” said Deputy Administrator Perciasepe. “EPA’s new Green Sports Resource Directory will provide easy access to information on Agency tools and programs along with success stories to serve as examples of what can be achieved with a winning game plan for going green.”

Currently, the Green Sports Alliance has more than 180 members and is working with more than 75 teams at both the professional and collegiate levels and over 100 stadiums and sports venues across the country, with participation increasing daily. This week’s Summit includes a number of EPA speakers as well as leaders from across the sports community who recognize the potential for real environmental benefits from greening sports events and venues, and the potential for teams to inspire fans to adopt greener practices in their daily lives.

The Green Sports Resource Directory brings together Agency resources to support teams and their fans, stadiums, and venues, who want to improve their waste management, water and energy conservation, and other sustainability efforts.

EPA compiled a Green "Scoreboard" that highlights a number of winning efforts across numerous sports leagues and some statistics on the environmental and saving benefits. The Scoreboard is available on the Green Sports Resource Directory.

More on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan:http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/president27sclimateactionplan.pdf

Visit the Green Sports Resource Directory and view the Scoreboard: http://www2.epa.gov/green-sports

More on the Green Sports Alliance, this week’s Summit, or to learn if your team is a member:http://greensportsalliance.org/

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Press Release:

Refrigerated trucks to keep their cool thanks to fuel cell technology

August 23, 2013 

• Tom Rickey, PNNL, (509) 375-3732

Refrigerated trucks equipped with hydrogen fuel cells to make deliveries in three markets

• Contact PNNL for Image Release
  Kriston Brooks at the Applied Process Engineering Laboratory.

 1 of 2 

RICHLAND, Wash. – Grocery merchants in Texas, California and New York will soon have ice cream, frozen foods and fresh produce delivered by tractor trailers whose refrigeration units are powered by fuel cells, a clean technology that makes energy silently and with dramatically reduced emissions.

The fuel cells will do the work normally done by a small diesel engine, which keeps the cargo at the proper temperature while the trucks are making deliveries. Each of the four trucks will still be equipped with a main diesel engine that actually powers the truck.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which is overseeing the project, believe this will be the first time that refrigerated trucks making deliveries have been equipped with a fuel cell — a device that creates electricity by driving chemical reactions using hydrogen and air. The only byproducts are heat and water.

"This is a great application for a fuel cell," said Kriston Brooks, the PNNL researcher leading the project. "A trailer refrigeration unit traditionally is powered by a small diesel engine or electric motor that drives compressors to provide cooling to the cargo. A fuel cell can potentially provide a clean, quiet and efficient alternative by powering the electric motor."

Two leading fuel cell manufacturers, Massachusetts-based Nuvera and Albany, N.Y.-based Plug Power Inc., will each receive $650,000 from DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The companies will provide matching funds and labor of their own. A PNNL team led by Brooks will oversee and evaluate the two-year program.

Industry officials estimate that approximately 300,000 refrigerated trucks with auxiliary power units are on the road in the United States. By replacing the small diesel engines with the more efficient fuel cell, users will see fuel savings of approximately 10 gallons a day per unit, in addition to reduced emission of pollutants and significantly quieter operation.

"Accelerated fuel cell use in this application is also expected to create jobs in the energy sector, increase fuel cell manufacturing volume, decrease costs, and catalyze a stronger domestic supplier base," said Jamie Holladay, PNNL's sector manager for fuel cell technologies.

Fuel cells are becoming more common as energy sources in buildings and in vehicles such as buses. While the devices are generally more expensive than traditional forms of energy generation, many scientists and product developers expect that as they become more widely adopted and production levels increase, their cost will come down, similar to what has happened to products like cell phones.

"One of the goals is to accelerate fuel cell use in industry," said Brooks. "In spite of their higher costs now, the higher efficiency and zero emissions from fuel cells are enough to convince many companies not to wait to implement this technology. Fuel cell products are already used widely in warehouses, and this project broadens their reach."

In one project, Nuvera will work with Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications, to develop the refrigeration unit to keep the truck cool using Nuvera's Orion™ fuel cell stack. That truck will make deliveries for a Sysco Corp. food distribution facility in Riverside, Calif., and for a San Antonio, Texas, food distribution center for the H-E-B grocery store chain.

In the other project, Plug Power will work with Carrier Transicold and Air Products to equip trucks making deliveries for a Sysco Corp. food distribution facility on Long Island. The trucks will be equipped with Plug Power's GenDrive fuel cell product.

Both the Sysco and the H-E-B facilities already use forklifts powered by hydrogen fuel cells, part of a trend fostered by DOE to increase the use of the technology in industry. At both companies, the infrastructure to provide hydrogen for the fuel cells is already in place; the hydrogen is generated on site from natural gas and water using Nuvera's PowerTap™ hydrogen generator and refueling system. For the site using the Plug Power technology, the hydrogen will be supplied by Air Products using an outdoor hydrogen dispenser.

Each fuel-cell powered refrigerated trailer will run for at least 400 hours at each demonstration site, delivering goods from the distribution centers to stores or other outlets.

---

Nuvera Fuel Cells is a global leader in the development of fuel cell systems and hydrogen generation and dispensing products for both end users and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). With offices located in the U.S. and Europe, Nuvera provides clean, safe, and efficient products for industrial vehicles and equipment in addition to furthering the development of power systems for automotive and transportation applications.

The architects of modern fuel cell technology, Plug Power Inc. revolutionized the industry with cost-effective power solutions that increase productivity, lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprints. Long-standing relationships with industry leaders forged the path for Plug Power's key accounts, including Walmart, Sysco, P&G and Mercedes. With more than 4,000 GenDrive units shipped to material handling customers, accumulating over 12 million hours of runtime, Plug Power manufactures tomorrow's incumbent power solutions today.

A 'Tree-fecta' with the Oldest, Biggest, Tallest Trees on Public Lands

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USDA Blog Post:

Posted by David Atkins (Forest Management, U.S. Forest Service), on August 23, 2013 at 1:00 PM

Dave and Bethany trying to absorb the magnitude of a giant Sequoia.

For me, Take your Daughters and Sons to Work Day has a different meaning as an employee of the U.S. Forest Service.  With a passion for our nation’s natural resources and the great outdoors, I want Bethany Atkins, my daughter, to have the opportunity to explore America’s treasured public lands more often than visiting me at work one day a year. So we embarked on a summer family journey to explore some nearby national forests and parks. I am proud to share part of her journal from this experience and I encourage others to find a national forest or grassland near you to explore.

The grey winters of Portland, Ore., often prompt me to look simultaneously forward and backward. I look forward to what adventures I might plan for the lengthy days of the summer. I will always look back on recent trip to visit the oldest, the biggest and the tallest trees on earth; a trip my pun-friendly family quickly dubbed “The Tree-fecta.”

Oldest

Our first destination was the Methuselah Grove of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, part of the Inyo National Forest in California’s Eastern Sierra, where we embarked on a 4.5 mile, self-guided tour of the forest. The scenery was stark and harsh; the 10,000-foot elevation combined with very dry conditions left very little undergrowth and few animals beyond birds. Around every corner we found another twisted, gnarled multi-colored tree that had more exposed wood than bark and more dead limbs than live.

A gnarled ancient Bristlecone Pine.

But, somehow, they were alive. Among their number is the oldest tree in the world – indeed the oldest living being on Earth – a bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) approaching 5,000 years old. The grove’s tree rings give a record dating back 9,000 years.

We stopped and marveled, pointing out every strange twist, and marveling at trunks wider than I am tall on trees that often topped out shorter than a boulevard tree in a city or a fruit tree in a grove.

Biggest

After our walk among the ancients, we moved on to the relatively young (a mere 3,800 years) giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum). These trees are the most massive tree species in the world and their largest, dubbed General Sherman, is the largest living thing on earth at 1,385 tons and 52,500 cubic feet.

After a few days of hiking and admiring the geology in the park, we moved on to Sequoia National Park to really devote ourselves to the next stage of our tree geekery.

The interpretive signs in the parks made all kinds of comparisons to try to help us wrap our heads around the enormity of these trees. Strangely, it wasn’t until I started looking at pictures of myself standing next to some of the trees that I was able to realize just how tiny I was in comparison. “Rooms” inside trees where the interiors had been burned out were so immense that my father and I were able to stand inside the trunk of the tree with our arms outstretched, barely spanning the gap with our combined arm spans.

Tallest

We drove back north up the California coastline and made our final stop at the Humboldt National Forest. Coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) dwarf other tree species in the area and certainly make anything in the Rocky Mountains seem like twiggy saplings. Redwoods can also live more than 2,000 years, and often live several hundred years, a span brief only in comparison to the bristlecone. The coast redwoods mostly range from 200-240 feet, although the tallest reach more than 370 feet.

Looking up into “The Senate” grove of giant Sequoias.

Walking through the redwood groves, it was dizzying and fruitless to try to see to the tree tops. Where the bristlecone were like life-size bonsai trees and the giant sequoias were like a city of living buildings, the redwoods were like pillars in some green cathedral, disappearing into the fresco of their canopy.

Reflection

Having completed my ‘Tree-fecta,’ I marvel at how three impressive and singular forests are all within California, and all open to the public. What a gift that we might visit the ancient, the giant and the towering in such proximity.

Walking through the Methuselah Forest.

BIG WEST OIL TO PAY PENALTY AND SPEND $18 MILLION ON EMISSION CONTROLS TO RESOLVE CLEAN AIR ACT VIOLATIONS AT NORTH SALT LAKE REFINERY

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EPA Press Release:

BIG WEST OIL TO PAY PENALTY AND SPEND $18 MILLION ON EMISSION CONTROLS TO RESOLVE CLEAN AIR ACT VIOLATIONS AT NORTH SALT LAKE REFINERY

Contact: Sheldon Muller, 303-312-6916; Richard Mylott, 303-312-6654

Company to reduce harmful sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions and improve chemical monitoring

(Denver, Colo. –  August 23, 2013) Big West Oil LLC has agreed to pay a $175,000 penalty and to spend approximately $18 million to install emission controls at its refinery in North Salt Lake, Utah, announced the Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today. Big West Oil will also invest $253,000 to improve the monitoring and management of potential releases of hydrofluoric acid at the facility.

Today’s agreement resolves alleged violations of key provisions of the Clean Air Act at the refinery, including requirements associated with the Prevention of Significant Deterioration and New Source Performance Standards.

When fully implemented, the controls and requirements under the agreement will reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) by approximately 158 tons per year (tpy), nitrogen oxides (NOx) by approximately 32 tpy, and particulate matter (PM) by approximately 36 tpy. Additional reductions of volatile and hazardous pollutants, such as benzene, are expected as a result of compliance with leak detection and repair requirements.

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides contribute to ground-level ozone, acid rain, and the degradation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and can also irritate the lungs and contribute to respiratory illnesses. Fine particle pollution contains microscopic solids and liquid droplets that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause significant lung and heart damage.

“This settlement will result in substantial reductions in harmful air pollution and, building on previous settlements with area refineries, marks another step forward in improving the quality of air Utahns breathe in the Salt Lake City area,” said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Big West Oil will be required to install advanced technology pollution controls that will benefit the health and environment of its neighbors and future generations.”

“EPA continues to secure significant settlements with refineries that benefit public health and improve air quality in our communities,” said Shaun McGrath, EPA’s Regional Administrator in Denver. “Today’s agreement will help bring Big West Oil’s refinery up to date with industry standards to protect the environment.”

Today’s settlement requires Big West Oil to install a state-of-the-art flue gas filter system to control emissions of PM and to place ultra-low NOx burners on four heaters and boilers. The company will also undertake measures to reduce SO2 emissions from the refinery by, among other things, restricting hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in fuel gas and installing and operating a caustic scrubber system at the sulfur recovery plant.

Additionally, Big West Oil has agreed to make numerous upgrades to its leak detection and repair program, including the installation of low-leaking valves, and to enhance its waste operations to minimize or eliminate fugitive benzene emissions. The cost of the measures to be taken by the refinery is estimated at $18 million.

In addition, the company will spend $253,000 on a supplemental environmental project to install a laser detection system around the perimeter of the Hydrofluoric Acid Alkylation Unit that will improve the detection and response to releases of potentially hazardous acid. This system will reduce emissions and enhance safety for refinery workers and nearby communities.

The reduction in pollutants will benefit communities near the refinery, which include significant minority and low-income populations. The refinery is also located in an area designated as nonattainment for the federal 24-hour standard for fine particles (PM2.5).

Under the PSD permitting requirements, certain large industrial facilities making modifications that increase air pollutant emissions are required to install state-of-the-art air pollution controls. EPA investigations in various industries, including petroleum refining, reveal that many facilities fail to install pollution controls after modifications, causing them to emit pollutants that can impact air quality and public health. The Clean Air Act’s New Source Performance Standards require additional control measures at refineries.   Enforcing these requirements reduces air pollution and ensures that facilities that are complying with the requirements are not at a competitive disadvantage.

Since March 2000, the EPA has entered into 31 settlements with companies that refine greater than 90 percent of the domestic petroleum refining capacity. These settlements cover 107 refineries in 32 states and territories. Once the settlements are fully implemented, the companies will have reduced emissions of NOx, SO2, and other pollutants by more than 360,000 tons per year. The settling refiners have invested or will invest more than $6.5 billion in new pollution control technologies and have paid more than $93 million in penalties. In addition, the settlements reached to date account for more than $80 million in supplemental environmental projects.

The consent decree was lodged in U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. A copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice website at: www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html

For more information on the Clean Air Act: www.epa.gov/air/caa/