*>EPA
SmallBiz@EPA
EPA's Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman Program
A monthly newsletter for the regulated small business community
June 2021
Policy & Regulation | Key Dates & Upcoming Opportunities j Ask SBEAP |
Congrats on Another Successful Annual SBEAP Training Event!
Kudos to the SBEAP's National Steering Committee for hosting this year's Small Business Environmental
Assistance Program's (SBEAP) Annual Training Conference. This year's event was hosted virtually, June
8-10, 2021 and focused on a variety of environmental compliance assistance presentations and strategy
sessions. For the event's session information and recordings go to the
Nationalsbeap.orq Training Paqe.
Policy & Requlation
EPA Moves Forward with Phase Down of Climate-Damaging Hydrofluorocarbons
On May 3, 2021, EPA proposed its first rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM)
Act of 2020 to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), highly
potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and many other
applications. The AIM Act directs EPA to sharply reduce production and consumption of these harmful
pollutants by using an allowance allocation and trading program. This phasedown will decrease the
production and import of HFCs in the United States by 85% over the next 15 years. A global HFC
phasedown is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
EPA's proposal would set the HFC production and consumption baseline levels from which reductions
will be made, establish an initial methodology for allocating HFC allowances for 2022 and 2023, and
create a robust, agile, and innovative compliance and enforcement system. EPA intends to use the
approach established through this rulemaking to issue allowances for 2022 by October 1, 2021 and
plans to revisit the approach for subsequent years in a later rulemaking. In addition to proposing to
establish a general HFC allowance pool and a set aside pool (e.g., for new market entrants), the
proposal outlines how EPA plans to issue allowances for specific applications listed in the AIM Act that
the Agency was directed to provide allowances for, such as mission-critical military applications.
EPA will accept comments on this proposal for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register and
hold a public hearing. The Agency plans to finalize this rule later this year. For more information on the
rule and how to comment, please visit: epa.qov/climate-hfcs-reduction. Read the full press release.
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EPA Extends Notification Deadline for Updates to Confidential Status of Chemicals
on the TSCA Inventory
In April 2021, EPA posted a list of 390 chemicals by accession number expected to lose their
confidential chemical identity status and move to the public portion of the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA) Inventory and gave stakeholders a deadline of May 14, 2021 to notify the Agency of any errors
on the list. In response to industry stakeholder requests for additional time to review this list, EPA is
extending the notification deadline to June 30, 2021.
EPA received letters from the American Chemistry Council and BASF requesting additional time to
review the list of chemicals expected to lose their confidential chemical identity status. Specifically,
concerns were expressed over the potential that some of the chemicals overlap with those reported
under the Active-Inactive rule and the perception that EPA identified these chemicals through reliance
only on 2020 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule submissions.
Consistent with past practice, the listserv notice that was issued in April 2021 provided public notice of
the chemical accession numbers that EPA expects to make available on the next update of the public
TSCA Inventory. Stakeholders with interest, questions, or concerns about this change in confidential
status may contact the EPA staff listed on our webpaqe no later than June 30, 2021. View the list
of 390 chemicals bv accession number that EPA expects to disclose on the oublic TSCA Inventorv.
Read the press release.
EPA Announces Changes to Prevent Unsafe New PFAS from Entering the Market
In support of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to tackling pollution from Per-and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and protecting human health and the environment, EPA is
announcing important policy shifts in its review of new PFAS before they can enter the market.
Historically, some new PFAS have been allowed to enter the market through low volume
exemptions (LVEs). EPA's New Chemicals Program is implementing a new strategy for reviewing and
managing LVE requests for PFAS to protect all Americans and the environment from the potentially
harmful effects of these chemicals.
Due to the scientific complexities associated with assessing PFAS, and the hazard potential associated
with various sub-classes of PFAS, it is challenging to conduct an appropriately robust review of LVE
requests for PFAS in the 30 days the regulations allow. The regulations provide for the denial of LVE
requests when EPA finds the chemical in question may cause serious human health effects or
significant environmental effects, or when issues concerning toxicity or exposure require review that
can't be completed in 30 days.
Additionally, EPA is exploring ways to work cooperatively with companies to voluntarily withdraw
previously granted LVEs. This would build upon a 2016 outreach effort that resulted in companies
withdrawing more than half of the 82 long-chain PFAS LVEs that existed at the time.
EPA also recently announced important changes in the way the Agency reviews and make
determinations on new chemicals submissions to better align with TSCA, including using consent
orders, when appropriate, to address any unreasonable risks. These policy shifts apply to all pending
and new PMNs and significant new use notices, including those that involve PFAS.
These policy changes will ensure that if new PFAS are allowed to enter commerce, EPA will have
reviewed all intended, known, and reasonably foreseen conditions of use and that these chemicals will
not enter commerce absent appropriate and enforceable protections for human health, including that of
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workers, and the environment. Learn more about EPA's review of new chemicals. Read the press
release.
EPA Adds New PFAS to its Drinking Water Treatability Database
New Updates Empower Communities with Information about PFAS in Drinking Water
As part of its commitment to address drinking water challenges across America, EPA announced an
update to the Drinking Water Treatability Database with new references and treatment options for per-
and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This update will help states, tribes, local governments, and
water utilities make informed decisions to manage PFAS in their communities.
The Drinking Water Treatability Database contains information on many different contaminants, not just
PFAS. EPA researchers continue to expand and improve information in the database. For more
information on EPA's Drinking Water Treatability Database and to access it, visit: epa.gov/water-
research/drinkinq-water-treatabiIitv-database-tdb Learn more about EPA's PFAS research:
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participants to ask questions. EPA will announce details of all webcasts and post webcast recordings
at epa.qov/npdes/stormwater-discharqes-construction-activities.
Key Dates and Upcoming Opportunities
EPA Webinar: Proposed 2022 Construction General Permit (CGP)
June 17, 2021 1:00 PM ET
EPA is hosting a webinar on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm EST that will summarize the
changes included in the proposed 2022 CGP and provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions
they have about the permit.
Reaister for the webinar
Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under
the Clean Air Act
Notice of virtual public listening sessions; request for public comment.
• Public Listening Session 1 - June 16, 202 12:00pm ET
• Public Listening Session 2 - July 8, 2021 4:00pm ET
Reaister for June 16, 2021 Session
Reaister for Julv 8. 2021 Session
EPA is reviewing the
Risk Manaaement Proaram (RMP) Executive Order 13990:
Public Health and the Environment and Restorina Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis (EO
31 In addition to accepting written comments, EPA will hold virtual public listening sessions. The
virtual public listening sessions will provide interested persons the opportunity to present information,
comments or views pertaining to the review of RMP regulation revisions completed since 2017
(including the and ).
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will also participate in the listening
sessions. OSHA administers the Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, which contains similar
requirements to the RMP rule. For more information, visit B
sessions-risk-manaaement-Droaram-rule
EPA Webinar: Clean Air Act (CAA) List of Air Toxics, Addition of 1 -Bromopropane
(1-BP), June 23, 2021
Two webinars will be held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 (Click link to register)
3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. EDT:
4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. EDT:
Communities/Environmental Justice Stakeholders/Tribes
Small Business Stakeholders
On June 23, 2021, EPA will host two webinars on the
1-BP Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemakina, or
m These webinars will provide an opportunity for the public to provide feedback concerning
facilities located within their community that may be subject to the revisions or new emission
standards. Each webinar will be similar but targeted to a difference audience (small businesses,
Environmental Justice stakeholders and tribes).
On Monday, June 7, 2021, EPA's Administrator signed an ANPRM related to adding 1-bromopropane
(1-BP) to the Clean Act Act's list of hazardous air pollutants (HAP). EPA intends to add 1 -BP to the HAP
list by the end of 2021. This will be the first time that EPA has added a pollutant to the HAP list since the
list was created by the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. This chemical is largely used in solvent
degreasing; it is also used in adhesives, furniture foam fabrication, and surface coatings applications in
industries such as aerospace manufacturing.
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Greening Your Bottom Line: Preventing, Rescuing, and Diverting Waste in Food and
Beverage Businesses
June 18, 2021, 1:00 - 2:00 PM ETE
This webinar, hosted by UMass Lowell, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production and the Center for
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (CEERE), will explore challenges and opportunities for food
and beverage businesses related to waste management. This event is part of a series of webinars
hosted by UMass Lowell and supported by a pollution prevention (P2) grant from EPA Region 1 to
help these businesses make improvements that save money and reduce their environmental impact.
Speakers:
• Madeline Typadis Snow, Project Manager, UMass Lowell, Lowell Center for Sustainable
Production
• Coryanne Mansell, Program Specialist, Center for EcoTechnology
Sustainable Solutions for Craft Beverage Producers: How to Cultivate a Culture of
Sustainability at Your Facility
June 22, 2021, 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET L
In this webinar, representatives from three breweries will share how their businesses have cultivated a
culture of sustainability inside and outside their organizations.
• Nicole Carrier from Throwback Brewery in North Hampton, New Hampshire will discuss how a
sustainability mindset informs her business' operations, from using locally sourced ingredients, to
promoting community engagement and environmental goals.
• Dani Babineau from Redemption Rock Brewing Company in Worcester, Massachusetts, will
explain what it means to be a B Corporation, a private certification for companies of social and
environmental performance.
• Luke Truman from the Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine will share how his company
and other brewers are working to reduce water use, promote employee Green Teams to educate,
inspire and empower employees around sustainability, and produce zero waste.
This webinar is sponsored by EPA's Region 1 Pollution Prevention Program, EPA's ENERGY STAR®
Program, and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services' Pollution Prevention
Program.
Ten Communities Selected for EPA Roundtable Discussions on Lead in Drinking
Water
EPA announced the ten communities that have been selected for virtual roundtable discussions on
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) Revisions. The roundtables will foster dialogue on the experience
of communities that are affected by lead in drinking water as the Agency reviews the LCR to ensure
that it supports EPA's priorities.
EPA's community roundtables kicked-off with Pittsburgh, Pa on June 3, 2021. The Agency will also host
roundtables with Newark, N.J.; Washington, D.C.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Chicago, III.; Benton Harbor and
Highland Park, Mich, (combined); Flint and Detroit, Mich, (combined); Maiden, Mass.; Memphis, Tenn.;
and Newburgh, N.Y. The community roundtables will include local public water utilities, community
organizations, environmental groups, and public officials. The roundtables will be live-streamed.
In addition to these geographically focused roundtables, EPA will also host national stakeholder
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roundtables with drinking water utilities, intergovernmental associations, environmental organizations,
environmental justice organizations, public health organizations, and consumer associations. In July
2021, EPA will also host a Tribal roundtable discussion and a national co-regulator meeting with
primacy agencies to discuss the feedback received from communities and stakeholders.
Members of the public may also submit comments via the docket at:
www.reaulations.aov
Docket ID:
EPA-HQ-OW-2021-0255 until June 30, 2021. Additional information on the virtual roundtables, including
how to watch, will be available at:fl
eDa.aov/around-water-and-drinkina-water/lead-and-coDDer-rule
revisions-virtual-enaaaements Read the full Dress release
EPA Announces Environmental Justice Consultations on Risk Management
Rulemakings for Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene
EPA invites environmental justice communities and stakeholders to participate in Environmental Justice
Consultations regarding the development of proposed risk management actions under section 6(a) of
the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to address unreasonable risks presented by
and "
erchloroethvlene (PCE
The environmental justice consultation period will extend through August 20, 2021. The Agency will
hold identical two consultation webinars, one on and the other on EPA is
offering these repeated sessions to increase opportunities for participation. Both sessions will provide
an overview of the TSCA risk management requirements, the findings from the final risk evaluations, the
tools available to manage the unreasonable risks from TCE and PCE, and an opportunity for EPA to
obtain input on environmental justice concerns. These consultations are open to the public, and EPA is
inviting national, local and non-governmental organizations, communities, and other interested
stakeholders to participate.
In addition to these environmental justice consultations, EPA is executing a robust outreach effort
during risk management that includes consultations with small businesses, state and local governments,
and tribes. There will also be an open public comment period on proposed risk management
regulations.
Find registration information for the environmental justice consultations and more opportunities for
public and stakeholder engagement atB
chemicals-under-tsca/risk-
manaaement-existina-chemicals-under-tsca Read the full press release
EPA Opens Application Period for Grants Dedicated to Sustainable Pest Control in
Agriculture
EPA is accepting applications for a $1 million dollar grant initiative through the Pesticide Environmental
Stewardship Program (PESP) that encourages smart, sensible, and sustainable pest control in
agriculture. Through these grants, EPA will support projects that explore innovative practices,
technologies, education, and non-regulatory solutions that adopt integrated pest management (IPM)
strategies.
EPA anticipates awarding approximately $1 million in total federal funding to support 10 projects - one
from each EPA region. The Agency is accepting applications from the 50 States, District of Columbia,
U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, any territory or possession of the United States, any
agency or instrumentality of a State including State universities, and all Federally recognized Native
American Tribes.
J[tV
rants/view-ODDortunitv.html?ODDld=333775
Interested groups can apply at
Applications must be submitted by July 9, 2021, to be considered. Awarded projects will start in the
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fourth quarter of 2021. For more information about PESP grants, visitE
environmental-stewardship-program-grants. Read the press release
SBA Launches 'Community Navigator Pilot' Program Application
On May 25, 2021, SBA announced that it is accepting applications for its new Community Navigator
Pilot Program. This new initiative, established by the American Rescue Plan, will leverage a community
navigator approach to reach our nation's smallest businesses, with a priority focus on those owned by
socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans. SBA will accept
applications through July 12, 2021 and anticipates making award decisions by August 2021. The Biden-
Harris Administration has made delivering equitable relief to hard-hit small businesses a top priority and
will continue to take steps to ensure equitable distribution of relief.
The
Communitv Navigator Notice of Funding Opportunit
will be open to applications from nonprofit
organizations, state, local, and tribal governments, SBA resource partners, and other
organizations. Selected partners will engage in for small businesses in underserved
communities to help small businesses get the resources and support they need to get back on track as
the economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Making a Difference in Underserved Small Business Communities.
Key in this initiative are partners and people in the community, serving as a two-way information
stream, enabling enterprising business owners to receive the help needed from the SBA. Serving as
the foundation of America's economy, these underserved businesses have areas of concern that need to
be addressed. Community Navigator Pilot will provide networking, and the assistance
needed during this time of economic recovery.
Competitive grant awards will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance
period. Applicants have until July 12,2021 to submit their applications at grants.gov. Performance
periods are projected to commence in September 2021. Those eligible to apply must
meet and demonstrate abilities to support the requirements of this funding opportunity. For more
information on the Community Navigators Initiative, please visit
ov/navigators Read the press
Ask SBEAP
Dear SBEAP,
When we use brake cleaner in our shop, it can literally take our breath away. Should we look for a
different product?
Sincerely,
Alternative Albert
Dear Albert,
By choosing safer brake and carb cleaners, automotive repair shops may have opportunities to help
keep employees healthy while reducing air pollution. These cleaners are affordable, available and they
work!
Conventional products typically contain hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and/or volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) which can be unhealthy for employees using them. It can be confusing to find
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better products that still work and aren't expensive. Vendors may discourage you from changing
because they often make a larger profit from conventional cleaners. However, safer products are
becoming more common. You just need the following keys to success:
• Avoid key HAPs: xylene, toluene, ethyl benzene or methanol.
• Look for key words: non-chlorinated, low VOCs or 50-state compliant.
• Most of the effective, safer alternatives will contain hydrocarbon, acetone and/or heptane.
Aqueous surfactants can also be a safe and effective choice.
• Research alternatives through the on-line Alternatives Assessment tool.
Check out the National SBEAP website links or contact your state SBEAP for assistance.
Spotlight
EPA Awards Over $17 Million to Benefit Small Water Systems
On May 12, 2021, EPA announced over $17 million in grant funding to help provide training and
technical assistance to small drinking water and wastewater systems that often serve small
communities and rural America. This funding will improve public health and environmental protection
by helping to ensure that drinking water in these communities is safe and that wastewater is treated
before being responsibly returned to the environment.
Approximately 97 percent of the nation's 145,000 public water systems serve fewer than 10,000
people. More than 80 percent of these systems serve fewer than 500 people. Many small systems face
unique challenges—including aging infrastructure and workforce—in providing reliable drinking water
and wastewater services that meet federal and state regulations. Recipients of the grant awards will
offer technical assistance to small public water systems to achieve and maintain compliance with
regulations. This technical assistance may include circuit-rider and multi-state regional technical
assistance programs, training and site visits, as well as training or technical assistance to diagnose and
troubleshoot system operational and compliance-related problems and identify solutions.
EPA anticipates that it will award grants to the following recipients once all legal and administrative
requirements are satisfied: Rural Community Assistance Partnership; National Rural Water Association;
and the University of New Mexico. For more information, visit:
II
technical-assistance-small-svstems-fundin
eDa.aov/dwcaDacitv/trainina-and
Read the full press release
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, and State
Partners Announce Winners of International Challenge Seeking Innovative Ways to
Destroy PFAS in Firefighting Foam
On May 13, 2021, EPA announced the winners of the Innovative Ways to Destroy PFAS ('per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances) Challenge, a partnership between federal and state agencies focused on
identifying ways to destroy PFAS in concentrated aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a type of
firefighting foam. This Challenge is part of the Agency's efforts, including Administrator Regan's new
"EPA Council on PFAS," to better understand and ultimately reduce the potential risks caused by these
chemicals.
Challenge winners include:
• First Place ($40,000 prize):
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o Dr. Brian Pinkard of Aquagga Inc., for a hydrothermal processing concept using high-
temperature and high-pressure water to dispose of PFAS-contaminated waste onsite that
may be potentially applicable for AFFF.
Second Place ($10,000 prize each):
o
o
Dr. Denise Kay and Meng Wang of the Ramboll Group in Denmark and Dr. Cheng Gu of
Nanjing University in China for their concept to use ultraviolet light and non-toxic additives to
destroy PFAS.
Dr. Sarah (Xiao) Wu of the University of Idaho, for her concept using a continuous flow liquid-
phase plasma discharge process to destroy PFAS in AFFF.
EPA collaborated on this challenge with the U.S. Department of Defense's Strategic Environmental
Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification
Program (ESTCP); the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and the Environmental Research
Institute of the States (ERIS); Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE); and
the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE).
All submissions were evaluated by EPA scientists and key representatives from the Department of
Defense. ECOS/ERIS, Michigan EGLE and CDPHE also had the opportunity to provide state-level
insight for finalists. Challenge winners will have the opportunity to submit their winning design concepts
to DoD's SERDP/ESTCP programs for further testing. To learn more about the Innovative Ways to
Destroy PFAS Challenge, visit: . For more
information on PFAS, visit: E
For more information about EPA's PFAS Research, visit:
eDa.aov/chemical-research/research-and-Dolvfluoroalkvl-substances-Dfas Read the full Dress release
Air Pollution Trends Continue to Link Clean Air and Strong Economy
EPA released its annual interactive report tracking America's progress in controlling air pollution since
the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970. "Our Nation's Air: Trends Through 2020" documents the work
EPA and its state, Tribal, community, and industry partners have done to achieve improvements in
outdoor air quality across the country.
EPA examines long-term trends to track the nation's progress toward clean air. The report shows that,
between 1970 and 2020, the combined emissions of six key pollutants dropped by 78 percent, while
the U.S. economy remained strong - growing 272 percent over the same time. In addition, national
average concentrations of harmful air pollutants decreased considerably across our nation between
1990 and 2020.
The report includes interactive graphics that enable citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders to view
and download detailed information by pollutant, geographic location and year. Explore the report and
download graphics and data here:
https://qispub.epa.qov/air/trendsreport/2021 Read the press release
Share with the small business community through EPA's SmallBiz@EPA Bulletin
Do you have a story, upcoming event, resource, or information that may be beneficial to the small
business community? Please email us at asbo@epa.gov to provide a brief submission with a suggested
title, your contact information, and a website link for more information on the topic.
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EPA Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman Program
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Mail Code: 1230A
Washington, D.C. 20460
Hotline: 800-368-5888
Email: asbo@epa.gov
Website: epa.aov/resources-small-businesses/asbo
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