The increased use of high-efficiency fluorescent lamps, which contain mercury, is pushing the demand for better recycling programs for these products
An analysis of the lighting industry shows a significant shift from the use of incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs use more fossil fuel energy, cost more and are less effective than fluorescent bulbs, which produce more lumens.
Using in situ bioremediation to destroy pesticides in impacted soil is a cheaper, more permanent alternative to 'dig-and-dump' treatment methods
As urban centers grow in size, substantial areas of agricultural and industrial land are being converted to residential use. One of the issues frequently encountered when such a change in land use is implemented is the presence of elevated concentrations of chlorinated pesticides and herbicides historically used in agricultural crop production.
Businesses trash wasteful practices to save money, resources.
More than 7.6 billion tons of industrial solid waste are generated annually in the United States. That’s the equivalent of more than 8,500 Golden Gate Bridges, more than 2,000 Empire State Buildings, or 1,200 Hoover Dams.
An explanation of the new standards related to Phase 1 environmental site assessments and the necessity for an opinion regarding additional investigations
The following is the first of a two-part series that analyzes new Phase 1 ESA requirements and their impact on consultants and their clients. The second part is scheduled to be published in the November/December 2006 issue of Environmental Protection.
Chemical oxidation is proving successful in degrading soil and groundwater contaminants
The need for removal and destruction of contaminants of concern (COC), like petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated organics, in soil and groundwater has led to the development of a wide range of technologies for both in ground (in-situ) and above ground (ex-situ) treatment of these contaminants.
California's tougher mercury-disposal restrictions are opening the way for innovation in mercury containment and transport
The California Department of Toxic Substances (DTSC) began enforcing Universal Waste management rules for all waste generators effective Feb. 9, 2006. All businesses and households are now required to properly dispose of batteries and mercury-containing lamps and devices at a certified recycling facility.
Due to their many advances in design, modern aboveground storage tanks are able to store a wide range of hazardous substances successfully while protecting human health and the environment
The other day a person preparing to make a presentation on small aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) asked me for a "sexy spin" on fuel tanks. I wasn't sure if I should be amused or upset. Fuel tanks are designed to hold fuel. That's it.
Facilities with aboveground storage tanks containing petroleum products need to be aware of the stricter requirements of the new SPCC rules
A recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency press release (EPA Region 8, 11/24/2003) reads as follows: "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Denver office is seeking penalties of more than $400,000 against 17 facilities in North Dakota for violations of the federal Clean Water Act's Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan Regulations"