The Hazardous Waste Consultant (HWC) annually publishes a directory of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities in the United States. The 2008 directory provides "vital statistics" on 126 operating, commercial hazardous waste management facilities in the United States, including the categories of wastes accepted, treatment method(s) offered, and permitting status.

Revised NSPS Issued for Chemical Plant Equipment Leaks

On November 16, 2007 (72 FR 64860-64897), EPA issued new source performance standards (NSPS) for equipment leaks at new sources in the synthetic organic chemical manufacturing industry (SOCMI). The NSPS in 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart VVa require affected SOCMI facilities to implement a leak detection and repair (LDAR) program to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The November 16, 2007 final rule also includes new standards for new petroleum refining process units.

No Further Action Proposed Based on Residual Risk for Eight MACT Source Categories

On December 12, 2007 (72 FR 70543-70558), EPA proposed that no revisions were necessary to the MACT standards, based on residual risk or technology review, for the following eight source categories: butyl rubber production, ethylene-propylene rubber production, polysulfide rubber production, neoprene production, epoxy resins production, non-nylon polyamides production, acetal resins production, and hydrogen fluoride (HF) production.

Eleventh Circuit Court Finds Suit Alleging Failure to Obtain PSD Permit Barred By Statute of Limitations

In an October 4, 2007 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled that a citizen suit alleging that Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) violated the CAA because it failed to obtain a construction permit for a project conducted in 1982-1983 was barred by the statute of limitations (Nat'l Parks and Conservation Ass'n, Inc. v. Tennessee Valley Auth., No. 06-10729 [11th Cir. Oct. 4, 2007]).

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Ceres Makes Corporate Responsibility Reports Available

Ceres is a national network of investors, environmental organizations, and other public interest groups working with companies and investors to address sustainability challenges. Among its many activities, Ceres collates and makes available Company Sustainability Reports, for both member companies and outside companies. The reports are compiled by CorporateRegister.com.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Business Leaders Call for UN Framework on Climate Change

Leaders from 150 global companies have published a communiqué calling for a comprehensive, legally binding United Nations (UN) framework to tackle climate change. The business leaders note that the benefits of strong, early action on climate change outweigh the costs of not acting, and that the shift to a low-carbon economy will create significant business opportunities. Furthermore, a legally binding agreement "will provide business with the certainty it needs to scale up global investment in low-carbon technologies."