TSCA Update – EPA Finalizes PFAS Reporting Rule – October 2023
On October 11, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule requiring that manufacturers (including importers) of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) report information related to chemical identity, use and volume since 2011. The initial reporting period begins in November 2024. This broad-reaching reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will impact […]
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ASHRAE Approves Groundbreaking New Standard
During the pandemic, many employers were faced with the daunting task of preparing their facilities for employees returning to the workplace. As we all navigated the ‘new normal’ of living and working in the COVID-19 era, controls such as social distancing, face coverings, reduced occupancy, and more frequent and robust cleaning regiments were implemented to […]
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What It Takes to Obtain a “No Further Action” Letter
For many contaminated properties, a “No Further Action” letter signifies years of continuous remediation efforts, as was the case for EnSafe’s diligent remedial efforts at a former automotive parts distribution facility since 2007. EnSafe earned a “No Further Action” letter on behalf of our client, Abston and Abston Realty, from the Tennessee Department of Environment […]
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How to Mitigate Vapor Intrusion (Part 3)
As we learned in Part 1, vapor intrusion (VI) is the migration of chemical vapors into a building from its subsurface (beneath its foundation). The vapors may originate from contamination within soil, groundwater, or other sources (for example, petroleum free product around a nearby underground storage tank). Part 2 addressed the identification of potential risks […]
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Anticipating Health Safety Hazards in Shipyard Environments
Whether you’re a contractor hired to do work at a shipyard, a shipyard employee, or a crewmember on a ship, you should be aware of the unique dangers lurking in shipyard environments. Protecting workers’ health in these distinct settings requires expertise in all areas of industrial hygiene and safety and an acute awareness of both […]
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NFPA 1660: Conceptual Framework for Emergency Management & Business Continuity Planning
A robust emergency management framework, such as the one provided in NFPA 1600, is vital to ensure companies are prepared for future disruptions and remain operational in times of crisis. What is NPFA 1660 & Why is it Important? NFPA 1660 is a new consensus standard put forth by NFPA’s Emergency Response & Responder Safety […]
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Are You Subject to EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP)? We Can Help!
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) that trap heat in the atmosphere via 40 CFR Part 98 and requires annual reporting through EPA’s electronic GHG Reporting Tool (e-GGRT) by March 31 each year with information from the previous calendar year. Who is required to report GHG emissions? Applicability is […]
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OSHA Announces Annual Adjustments to OSHA Civil Penalties for 2023
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has changed civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments for 2023. OSHA’s maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations will increase from $14,502 per violation to $15,625 per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase from $145,027 per violation to $156,259 per violation. Also, OSHA […]
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Transforming 1930s Urban Roadway Design to Support Today’s Urban Redevelopment
Redevelopment in older urban communities to provide more beneficial built environments must also include redeveloping aging roadways and underlying infrastructure so that those new benefits are fully accessible. This was true in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, where EnSafe helped the Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency improve a 1,810-foot section of Front Street to keep […]
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EPA Issues PFAS Discharge Guidance to States
On December 5, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a memorandum to EPA Regional Water Division Directors related to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) discharges in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. This important step is designed to monitor and reduce PFAS discharges to surface waters. The EPA memorandum provides PFAS-related guidance […]
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