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Happy New Year From Your Friends at IHMM
From all of us at IHMM we wish you and your family a Happy New Year!.
IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the credential badges that are now in each CHMM, CHMP, CDGT, CDGP, Student CHMM, CSHM, CSMP, and ASHM certificant’s MYIHMM account. Every IHMM certificant may use these badges, linked as those below are to their IHMM credential page, for their email signatures, business cards, and other social media applications. You’re justifiably proud of the accomplishment of having earned your credential and you can show the rest of the world. Simply right-click on the badge of choice, then save as to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it, and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
IHMM Certificant Recognition
Throughout our certificant’s MYIHMM accounts are placed 10 Year, 20 Year, and 30 Year badges signifying their longevity as an IHMM certified professional.
With a link from your credential badge to the IHMM website [see above] you can not only stand out as an IHMM-certified professional, you can also promote IHMM credentials to others. Right-click on the badge of choice, save as to your computer, then load it to whatever medium you choose.
IHMM has Distinguished Diplomates and Fellows of the Institute badges to the appropriate people in the MYIHMM database. These two badges are accompanied by lapel pins sent to each of those distinguished by holding these designations.
IHMM is in all 50 of the United States and in 85 countries around the World.
IHMM In-Person or Remotely Proctored Exams
The American National Standards Institute [ANSI] has approved Kryterion Remotely Proctored Exams for IHMM’s CHMM, CHMP, and CDGP exams. IHMM has been using the Kryterion Remotely Proctored Exams for the CSHM and CSMP exams since April 2020.
76% of Kryterion in-person testing centers have reopened. If you prefer the comfort and convenience of taking your exam from your home or office instead of at a Kryterion center, IHMM is ready to enroll you in a remotely proctored examination.
Please contact either Kortney Tunstall at [email protected] for the CHMM, Student CHMM, CHMP, or CDGP exams or Kaylene Cagle at [email protected] for the Student ASHM, CSHM, or CSMP exams.
IHMM Credentials Accredited By
Need Help? On the IHMM website just click on the “NEED HELP?” button
and let us know what you need and the right person will get right back with you.
IHMM RECENT NEWS
Strong Metaphorical Messages Can Help Tackle Toxic E-Waste
Daylong Wastewater Samples Yield Surprises
Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (22-1.5e); Extension of Comment Period
Carbon Tetrachloride; Revision to Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Risk Determination; Notice of Availability
Adoption and Submittal of State Plans for Designated Facilities: Implementing Regulations Under Clean Air Act Section 111(d)
National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH); Request for Nominations
n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP); Revision to Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Risk Determination; Notice of Availability
EPA and Army Finalize Rule Establishing Definition of WOTUS and Restoring Fundamental Water Protections
EPA Publishes IRIS Handbook and Final IRIS Assessment of Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA) and Related Salts
EPA Announces FY 2022 Enforcement and Compliance Accomplishments
New York State Climate Action Council Adopts Final Scoping Plan to Achieve Climate Goals
2022 Wrap-Up on ESG Reporting
EPA Announces 2023 Annual Pesticide Maintenance Fee Forms Available to Download from EPA Website — Deadline for Paying Is January 17, 2023
Workplace violence and harassment remain widespread as victims fear speaking up: survey
OSHA Inspections: Are You Prepared?
Top Ways to Create a Healthier Workplace in 2023
OSHA’s “most interesting cases”
4 Ways to Transport Dangerous Goods by Air More Safely
New dangerous goods rules will impact shippers and freight forwarders
Reported trade of hazardous chemicals increased following Brexit
Perkins: Texas construction company ‘ignored federal safety requirements’
Scientists discover new PFAS cleanup method
Breaking Down Scope 3 Emissions
3M to exit PFAS manufacturing
Top Construction Stories of 2022
Health and Well-Being Trends to Watch in 2023
OSHA Reporting Cheat Sheet
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?
Hazardous substances are nuanced and complex—which may make mandatory Tier II reporting more difficult. If you have hazardous materials within your facility, don’t delay preparation for the 2023 Tier II reporting deadline.
Tier II reports, also called Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reports, are complex yet vital communications covering hazardous substances within your facility. Under Section 312 of the Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986, these must be submitted to the relevant State Emergency Response Committee (SERC), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and local fire department, every spring.
When Is Reporting Required?
United States organizations are required to complete a Tier II report if they store chemicals (or any material that has a safety data sheet) in quantities equal to or exceeding 10,000 pounds each. If you have “Extremely Hazardous Substances” (EHSs) at your site, you may also need to report if your hazardous materials storage is equal to or above specific “Threshold Planning Quantities” that vary by substance. An example of an EHS chemical is sulfuric acid, which is reportable at only 500 pounds.
Tier II reports are due on March 1 of each year, a deadline which is rapidly approaching. Fines of up to $50,000 per day may be imposed for each and every violation of EPCRA, which is why it is important to be thoroughly prepared.
As 2022 ends, save yourself time, money, and headaches—make sure you are prepared for the upcoming reporting deadline now, using the six key steps outlined below.
1. Start Planning Early
Early planning prevents rushing—and thus, mistakes—throughout the process. Allow yourself plenty of time to prepare and research so any complex questions that arise can be solved in advance, preventing problems later on. Gathering information will take time, so it’s best to start as the previous year is ending.
2. Understand Reporting Laws
Familiarize yourself with the thresholds for hazardous materials present within your facility and learn how to report on them. Read about the Tier II reporting process and look over the information that will be asked for on the forms.
3. Compare Your Chemical Storage to Associated Thresholds
A thorough facility inspection will allow you to identify the amount and type of chemicals stored on site—the amounts present will determine if a Tier II report is required, and for which chemicals. Hazardous materials quantity thresholds are:
- Extremely hazardous substances (EHSs): 500 pounds (227 kg) or the threshold planning quantity (TPQ), whichever is less. A list of EHSs can be found here.
- All other hazardous substances: 10,000 pounds (4,540 kg) each for any material that has a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
4. Determine What to Include in Your Report
Once you have determined which chemicals need to be included, you also need to find out what information to include in the report. Hopefully, you prepared early and are aware of exactly what information is present on the form. Some, but not all, of the inclusion requirements are:
- Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number
- Brief explanation of where the hazardous materials are kept as well as how they are stored
- Estimated daily and maximum yearly quantities of hazardous material on site
Gathering all of this information can help you be more prepared and make reporting quick and easy.
5. Ensure Emergency Preparation
Accurately reporting chemicals, amounts, locations, and potential hazards can help your SERC, LEPC, and fire department respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a major emergency. These organizations will be able to more appropriately plan and prepare for such events with accurate information—and well-prepared emergency responders will enable a more efficient response, reducing liability and injuries.
–Triumverate
EPA Finds Carbon Tetrachloride, as a Whole Chemical Substance, Poses an Unreasonable Risk to Human Health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on December 27, 2022, the availability of the final revision to the risk determination for the carbon tetrachloride risk evaluation issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 87 Fed. Reg. 79303. EPA determined that carbon tetrachloride, as a whole chemical substance, presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health when evaluated under its conditions of use (COU). EPA states that the revision to the risk determination reflects its announced policy changes to ensure the public is protected from unreasonable risks from chemicals in a way that is supported by science and the law. For more information, please read the full memorandum.
EPA Finds PCE, NMP, and 1-BP, as Whole Chemical Substances, Pose Unreasonable Risks to Human Health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on December 14, 2022, the availability of the final revision to the risk determination for the perchloroethylene (PCE) risk evaluation issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 87 Fed. Reg. 76481. EPA determined that PCE, as a whole chemical substance, presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health when evaluated under its conditions of use (COU). On December 19, 2022, EPA announced the availability of the final revision to the risk determination for the n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) risk evaluation and the final revision to the risk determination for the 1-bromopropane (1-BP) risk evaluation. 87 Fed. Reg. 77596, 87 Fed. Reg. 77603.
EPA determined that NMP and 1-BP, as whole chemical substances, present an unreasonable risk of injury to human health when evaluated under their COUs. In each case, EPA states that the revision to the risk determination reflects its announced policy changes to ensure the public is protected from unreasonable risks from chemicals in a way that is supported by science and the law. For more information, please read the full memorandum.
PHMSA offers Hazmat transportation training workshops and webinars
PHMSA offers Hazmat transportation training workshops and webinars throughout the year. These free training opportunities are for anyone who offers or transports hazardous materials in commerce, or has a desire to learn more about DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).
PHMSA conducts webinars specialized to meet the needs of industry or the public safety community. Transportation webinars provide a basic overview of the regulatory requirements – what they are, how they apply, and how to comply with them – for shipping and transporting Hazardous Materials.
To register for any of the webinars below, please use the following link:
https://opsweb.phmsa.dot.gov/hm_seminars/default_webinar.asp
Read more >> https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/seminars/webinars
EPA Readies Draft TSCA Cumulative Risk Documents For 2023 Release
EPA has quietly drafted a pair of TSCA-specific documents detailing approaches to assessing cumulative risks both in general and specifically from a set of phthalates already under evaluation and is preparing to release them for peer review next year, even as the agency’s research office has struggled for years to craft a cumulative risk framework for wider use.
The announcement comes in a notice slated to appear in the Dec. 21 Federal Register, seeking nominees to augment the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) for its peer reviews of two draft documents: “Draft Proposed Principles of Cumulative Risk Assessment Under the Toxic Substances Control Act [TSCA]” and “Draft Proposed Approach for Cumulative Risk Assessment of High-Priority Phthalates and a Manufacturer Requested Phthalate Under [TSCA].”
It says the two documents “will be submitted to the SACC and released for public review and comment in late February 2023,” followed by a public peer review meeting scheduled for May 8-11. EPA is setting a 30-day deadline for nominations.
The notice appears to be EPA’s first public statement that either document exists, and comes after years of lobbying from environmental and academic groups who urged the agency to consider cumulative risks posed by multiple sources of chemical exposure — and in some cases non-chemical stressors as well — in its TSCA evaluations. However, industry representatives have questioned whether the discipline is sufficiently advanced to meet the law’s standard of “best available science” EPA must apply, and also countered that EPA is unable to further complicate its ongoing struggles to meet TSCA deadlines.
–Inside EPA
White House Clears EPA Plan To Likely Tighten PM2.5 Limits For Release
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has completed interagency review of EPA’s keenly anticipated proposal that is expected to tighten air standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), moving the agency closer to releasing the plan that is certain to prove controversial, given its environmental and economic implications.
According to OMB’s website, the proposal cleared review Dec. 27, weeks after environmental groups had hoped the agency would issue it.
But some sources believe the proposal took longer to clear OMB than it might otherwise have because of concerns raised by other federal agencies, resulting in an extended review. EPA sent the proposal for review in August, and OMB review typically takes up to 90 days, but can be faster or slower, depending on the circumstances.
The rule could have potentially major implications for public health and the economy, depending on how much EPA tightens the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for PM 2.5.
For example, some industry sources fear extensive difficulties for industry permit applicants and state air regulators if EPA were to significantly tighten the NAAQS for PM2.5, including widespread nonattainment, as well as problems with air quality modeling, monitoring and treatment of wildfire smoke.
–Inside EPA
Appeals Court Dismisses Environmentalists’ Challenge To Trump NEPA Rule
A federal appellate court has dismissed as unripe a challenge environmentalists brought over sweeping rollbacks the Trump administration made to its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing rule, stymieing their efforts to challenge the rule, which largely remains in effect as the Biden administration works on additional revisions.
In a Dec. 22 ruling in Wild Virginia, et al. v. Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), et al., a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit unanimously upheld a district court ruling that had previously dismissed the environmentalists’ challenge to the Trump-era NEPA rules on standing grounds.
“The wisdom of these policy changes is not before us. As a matter of fact, we have no license to consider the merits of the challenge to the rulemaking,” the panel said. “The only question before us is whether the district court had jurisdiction to consider this particular challenge. . . . We agree with the district court that it did not.”
In response, Kym Hunter of the Southern Environmental Law Center, who argued the case on behalf of the petitioners, says her clients are disappointed by the decision but “will continue to push for a return to a robust NEPA process which is essential to ensure that communities have a voice in decisions that affect them.
“While we hope CEQ will reverse the Trump administration’s cuts to the NEPA process in its [upcoming] Phase 2 rulemaking, we stand ready to accept the court’s invitation to file additional litigation where we see communities being harmed by the Trump administration’s illegal rulemaking.”
–Inside EPA
EPA Ends Air Toxics Exemption For Superfund, RCRA Remediation Sites
EPA has finalized its 2016 proposal to end an exemption from air toxics limits for waste remediation facilities that excluded sites already regulated under Superfund or Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) law, but has delayed until a later rulemaking its decision on whether to expand the pollutants subject to existing rules for the sector.
In a final rule signed by Administrator Michael Regan Dec. 14 ahead of its forthcoming publication in the Federal Register, EPA gives previously exempt existing sites 18 months to comply with its national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for site remediation.
EPA finds “there is no statutory authority” under Clean Air Act section 112, which regulates air toxics, “to exempt sources in a listed source category from NESHAP requirements simply because those sources may be subject to similar requirements through other statutes.”
“EPA disagrees” with industry commenters that the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), or Superfund law, “and RCRA exemptions are proper.”
However, “We are not addressing in this action the second issue raised in the 2020 petition for reconsideration, i.e., whether the EPA has a duty to set standards for non-organic HAP emissions from site remediation activities. The EPA will address that issue in a separate rulemaking.”
–Inside EPA
2023 IHMM Certificant Survey
This is our 2023 IHMM certificant survey. Your feedback allows us to gather broad based information about the needs and preferences of our certificants that leads to improving our services and credentials.
Please take a few minutes and answer the 19 questions posed in this survey and help us improve our services.
Take the short survey here >> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IHMM2023
In 2019 Mark Bruce from AHMP and Gene Guilford from IHMM worked on a project to get the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to recognize the CHMM and CDGT credentials. With Mark’s work on the ground in Pennsylvania, we succeeded.
- We have already succeeded in 13 states – New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Ohio, North Dakota, and Georgia. [Red states in the map above]. These are states where IHMM credentials are cited or 40 CFR 312.10 is cited by reference.
- We have partially succeeded in another 16 states – Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. [Orange/Black Stripe states in the map above] These are states where the requirements of an “environmental professional” or QEP are cited that coincide with an IHMM credential so that relatively little work would need to be done to clarify the desired outcome.
- We have 21 states where no reference to an IHMM credential is made in either statute or regulation, nor is there anything defined in the area of an environmental professional. These states will require legislation or regulatory work. [Yellow states in the map above].
In January 2021 Mark at AHMP and Gene at IHMM has launched 45 in 5, getting the other 45 states to recognize our credentials in 5 years. If we can find a volunteer like Mark in other states [see above] we can work with those volunteers on crafting the right message to the right agencies in state governments across the country. If we find enough volunteers we can get this done in less than 5 years.
In January 2022 Gene Guilford released the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation that states a private certification that meets or exceeds the requirements of the regulation is an Environmental Professional under the regulation. Here is the crosswalk between the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation and the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager [CHMM] blueprint. The CHMM meets or exceeds the requirements of an Environmental Professional.
Here’s what we ask each volunteer to do:
- Watch legislative and regulatory developments in your state that provide an opportunity for us to create amendments or other interventions
- Be willing to speak with regulators and legislators in your area about the recognition efforts we craft together
IHMM Scholarship Program
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management is pleased to have created $32,000 in academic scholarships, divided equally between $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student CHMMs, and $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student ASHMs.
IHMM seeks to foster the growth and academic success of students whose courses of education, and participation in one of our Student certifications, will lead to those students becoming fully-certified IHMM credential holders later in their professional lives.
Go to > https://ihmm.org/scholarship/
IHMM CHMMⓇ 2022 Salary Survey
IHMM is pleased to release its 2022 salary survey for Certified Hazardous Materials ManagersⓇ [CHMMⓇ] across a broad range of position titles in the CHMMⓇ community of practice.
You may download the CHMM survey here.
IHMM CSHMⓇ 2022 Salary Survey
IHMM is pleased to release its 2022 salary survey for Certified Safety and Health Managers Ⓡ [CSHMⓇ] across a broad range of position titles in the CSHMⓇ community of practice.
You may download the CSHM survey here.
Sponsored content
IHMM – 26 Fellows Are Mentors
IHMM Fellows Committee Chair Atanu Das, CHMM, is leading the effort within the IHMM Collaboration networking platform to provide instruction to the more than 75 IHMM Fellows in becoming mentors.
Given the extraordinary experience Fellows have, this is a unique opportunity for IHMM Fellows to help guide more recent certificants in their professional development activities.
IHMM’s Collaboration platform contains a “Mentor Match” module [see below at right] that allows mentors to signup designating the hours, number of mentees, subject areas, and length of time they wish to mentor – as well as allowing mentees to signup requesting assistance in specified areas. The mentor match module does the rest by matching mentors and mentees.
#1 – Recertification Video
#2 Recertification Video
IHMM Recertification Videos
IHMM is pleased to release two YouTube instructional videos about navigating the IHMM recertification process. These step-by-step videos easily enable IHMM certificants to start and complete a recertification application.
While the full recertification cycle is 5 years, IHMM encourages all certificants to start a recertification application and add certification maintenance points as they are earned to make the final submission quick and easy to accomplish.
Retiring? IHMM Invites You to Become an Emeritus
You may have decided, after a long and successful career, to retire from active daily duty. Congratulations. That doesn’t mean you have to completely disengage from your profession. IHMM is pleased to offer Emeritus status to all certificants who will no longer be actively engaged in their communities of practice but who still want to stay in touch. Please let us know when you’re approaching that decision and we will assist you in the credential transition.
Please contact Margaret Toscano at [email protected] and she’ll be happy to help you.
National Safety Council
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to bring this important information to all of our certificants.
NSC News
OSHA’s most interesting cases
OSHA sends standard on COVID-19 for health care to OMB for final review
Recognizing hidden dangers: 25 steps to a safer office
11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping
First aid kit requirements
HR and the safety department
Job Safety Analysis
NSC Webinars
January 12 –Avoiding EHS Pitfalls: OSHA, Engagement & KPIs
January 19 –Top 5 OSHA Safety Training Topics: Answers to Who Should be Trained, When and Why
January 26 –The Connected Leader: Cultivating Trust in Today’s Disconnected World
February 2 –10 Incremental Ideas to Take Your Safety Culture to the Next Level
February 9 – The Cost of Doing Nothing
American Society of Safety Professionals
IHMM is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and is pleased to bring this important information to all of our certificants.
ASSP News
ASSP Reacts to Fatality Data, Expects Impact at DEI Summit
Q&A: What OSH Professionals Need to Know About DEI and Workplace Safety
Workplace Safety Professionals Invited to DEI Summit
A Safety Professional’s Journey
The Conceptual Toolbox: 6 Ideas For Addressing Workplace Safety Issues
ASSP Webinars
January 19, 2023 – So You’ve Digitized Inspections: What Next?
February 13, 2023 – SafetyFOCUS 2023 Virtual
March 2-30, 2023 – ONLINE COURSE: Safety Management I
March 2-30, 2023 – ONLINE COURSE: Safety Management II
March 3, 2023 – ONLINE COURSE: Enterprise Risk Management for Safety Professionals
IHMM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Sponsored Content
EPA and Army Finalize Rule Establishing Definition of WOTUS and Restoring Fundamental Water Protections
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) announced a final rule establishing a durable definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) to reduce uncertainty from changing regulatory definitions, protect people’s health, and support economic opportunity. The final rule restores essential water protections that were in place prior to 2015 under the Clean Water Act for traditional navigable waters, the territorial seas, interstate waters, as well as upstream water resources that significantly affect those waters. As a result, this action will strengthen fundamental protections for waters that are sources of drinking water while supporting agriculture, local economies, and downstream communities.
“When Congress passed the Clean Water Act 50 years ago, it recognized that protecting our waters is essential to ensuring healthy communities and a thriving economy,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Following extensive stakeholder engagement, and building on what we’ve learned from previous rules, EPA is working to deliver a durable definition of WOTUS that safeguards our nation’s waters, strengthens economic opportunity, and protects people’s health while providing greater certainty for farmers, ranchers, and landowners.”
“This final rule recognizes the essential role of the nation’s water resources in communities across the nation,” said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael L. Connor. “The rule’s clear and supportable definition of waters of the United States will allow for more efficient and effective implementation and provide the clarity long desired by farmers, industry, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders.”
This rule establishes a durable definition of “waters of the United States” that is grounded in the authority provided by Congress in the Clean Water Act, the best available science, and extensive implementation experience stewarding the nation’s waters. The rule returns to a reasonable and familiar framework founded on the pre-2015 definition with updates to reflect existing Supreme Court decisions, the latest science, and the agencies’ technical expertise. It establishes limits that appropriately draw the boundary of waters subject to federal protection.
The final rule restores fundamental protections so that the nation will be closer to achieving Congress’ goal in the Clean Water Act that American waters be fishable and swimmable, and above all, protective of public health. It will also ensure that the nation’s waters support recreation, wildlife, and agricultural activity, which is fundamental to the American economy. The final rule will cover those waters that Congress fundamentally sought to protect in the Clean Water Act—traditional navigable waters, the territorial seas, interstate waters, as well as upstream water resources that significantly affect those waters.
More information, including a pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice and fact sheets, is available at EPA’s “Waters of the United States” website.
Accompanying the issuance of the final rule, the agencies are also releasing several resources to support clear and effective implementation in communities across America. Today, a summary of 10 regional roundtables was released that synthesizes key actions the agencies will take to enhance and improve implementation of “waters of the United States.” These actions were recommendations provided during the 10 regional roundtables where the agencies heard directly from communities on what is working well from an implementation perspective and where there are opportunities for improvement. The roundtables focused on the geographic similarities and differences across regions and provided site specific feedback about the way the scope of “waters of the United States” has been implemented by the agencies.
Today, the agencies are also taking action to improve federal coordination in the ongoing implementation of “waters of the United States.” First, EPA and Army are issuing a joint coordination memo to ensure the accuracy and consistency of jurisdictional determinations under this final rule. Second, the agencies are issuing a memo with U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide clarity on the agencies’ programs under the Clean Water Act and Food Security Act.
Background
On June 9, 2021, EPA and the Department of the Army announced their intent to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” to better protect our nation’s vital water resources that support public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth. On Nov. 18, 2021, the agencies announced the signing of a proposed rule revising the definition of “waters of the United States.”
The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source into “navigable waters” unless otherwise authorized under the Act. “Navigable waters” are defined in the Act as “the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas.” Thus, “waters of the United States” is a threshold term establishing the geographic scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The term “waters of the United States” is not defined by the Act but has been defined by the agencies in regulations since the 1970s and jointly implemented in the agencies’ respective programmatic activities
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SOCIETY
IHMM and HMS
The graphic to the left illustrates the relationship between IHMM and HMS. IHMM formed HMS to serve IHMM’s certificants. IHMM offers a variety of professional credentials and HMS creates education and training programs to serve the applicants and certificants of those credentials.
FREE US DOT PHMSA HMIT GRANT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS AWARENESS TRAINING WORKSHOP – 24 IHMM CMPs
Courses are here> Go to https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/ Under “Find Training,” Search for NPETE>
These workshops are offered with U.S. DOT PHMSA HMIT (Hazardous Materials Instructor Training) Grant support to the National Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (National PETE). This training is FREE for employees and federal, state, county, and local government employees involved in DOT HazMat Shipping, Receiving and Handling via Ground, Air, and Vessel Transportation.
The workshop curriculum is in accordance with 49 CFR § 172.704 for General Awareness, Function-Specific, Safety, and Security Awareness training requirements. Class size is limited to 10-15 students with mask/social distancing protocols, so act fast. Minimum of 6 attendees is needed to confirm the class.
Registration: Contact Mr. Raymond Davis, CHMM, IHMM Fellow, NPETE US DOT PHMSA HMIT Grant Project Coordinator/Instructor at [email protected]
Please provide Mr. Davis with the following registration information via email to [email protected]
Your name, Your company, Your company address/city/state/zip, Phone number, and Email
Upon receipt of your registration information, the address of the training location will be provided.
CHEMTREC, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
CHEMTREC, an HMS training partner, has had 6 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee, chaired by Diana Lundelius. Thank you CHEMTREC, and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
Bowen EHS, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
Bowen EHS, an HMS training partner, has had 4 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee, chaired by Diana Lundelius. Thank you Bowen EHS and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on demand.
| Daily | EPCRA Tier II Reporting | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | CHMM Online Review | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | Emergency Management Self-Paced PDC | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | Acute Toluene Exposure Webinar | Bowen EHS | Online |
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on demand.
Easily Find Courses to Help You Pass IHMM Credential Exams
A core mission of HMS is education and training. Part of that mission includes assembling the best and most effective courses to assist IHMM applicants in passing their IHMM credential exams.
CDGP® Prep Course
CE-1112: CDGP® Exam Prep – Columbia Southern University – Available On Demand
CHMM® Prep Courses
Daily – CHMM® Online Review – Bowen
Daily – CHMM® Prep Course – Institute of Safety & Systems Management
Daily –Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (CHMM®) Exam Prep – SPAN Exam Prep, Division of ClickSafety
CSHM® Prep Courses
IHMM and HMS Tie Exam Preparation Together for Applicants
Every IHMM certification that requires an examination has a section of its website entitled Examination Preparation.
Connected to the Examination Preparation panel is a companion panel that is Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam.
You see the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel from the CHMM site at left.
When you click on the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel it takes the applicant directly to the HMS site where all CHMM prep courses may be found and chosen.
For the 397 CHMM applicants IHMM had on August 31, 2022, all 397 looking for CHMM prep courses could see and chose their favored CHMM exam prep course. If your course is not on the HMS platform, none of the 397 CHMM applicants could find you.
If you want your CHMM prep course on the HMS platform so it can be found by IHMM CHMM applicants, contact Gene Guilford at [email protected]
HMS Makes Finding Courses to Earn CMPs Easy
Every year more than 1,600 IHMM certificants have to recertify their credentials, evidenced their continuing commitment to improvement and learning to elevate their professional credential.
Earning Certification Maintenance Points [CMPs] is illustrated under Recertification of Your Credential, that includes the Recertification Claims Manual – Appendix A, that details all of the ways a certificant may earn CMPs > https://ihmm.org/recertification-claims/
Having mastered that manual, how does an IHMM certificant find courses to earn CMPs?
HMS has made that simple and easy.
- Go to https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/
- Scroll down until you see a row of buttons…click on the CMPs button
The system will then generate all of the courses on the HMS E&T platform with IHMM CMPs already attached.
The next developments by the HMS E&T committee will refine available courses’ CMPs by individual credential!
HMS Certified Dangerous Goods Professional [CDGP] Exam Prep
The Columbia Southern University/HMS CDGP prep course is found here on the Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] education and training website > https://hazmatsociety.org/training/ce-1112-cdgp-exam-prep/2022-02-02/
The CSU CDGP exam prep course is delivered entirely online and may be initiated by any CDGP applicant at any time. The CDGP applicant has up to 10 weeks to complete the prep course, though an extension of the 10 weeks may be requested from CSU directly. The CSU CDGP exam prep course contains 8 modules covering the 4 principle texts involved in the CDGP exam, as follows:
- UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, and
- International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions (ICAO TI), and
- International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), and the
- International Maritime Organization’s Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).
More information on the IHMM Certified Dangerous Goods Professional [CDGP] credential may be found here > https://ihmm.org/cdgp/
Applications for the 2022 HMS Scholarship Awards Now Open
The HMS scholarship award is given annually to undergraduate and graduate students whose academic program and research studies have the potential to address the most serious issues in handling hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environmental issues, health & safety challenges. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited U.S. academic institutions.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD APPLICATIONS IS December 1, 2022. All submissions and associated materials must be submitted using the online form.
Scholarship Winners Will Be Announced at the HMS Annual Meeting.
For More Information, Visit > https://hazmatsociety.org/scholarship/
Donate to HMS
One of the most important projects of the Hazardous Materials Society is our Scholarship Program.
HMS wants to make it as easy as possible for those who cannot always afford to participate in pursuing certification, or keeping up with professional development, or attending great conferences and receiving outstanding training. HMS does not solicit contributions from the general public. HMS does ask IHMM’s certificants and their companies and our education and training vendors to consider a contribution.
Here, through your generosity, you can make a difference in promoting the ability of those who can afford it least to become participants in our communities of practice.
It’s never too late to make a difference, so don’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass you by. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or what you can to help build HMS’s effort to help others in our communities of practice.
RCM&D Professional Liability Insurance
HMS is proud to have partnered with RCM&D to be able to offer an outstanding comprehensive professional liability insurance program to IHMM certificants. Here, you will find information about this important program offering Environmental Consultants and Engineers Professional Liability coverage. This coverage is intended to add protection for loss stemming from actual or alleged negligent acts, errors and omissions in performing professional services.
For more information see > https://hazmatsociety.org/professional-liability-insurance/
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
99% of IHMM certificants are aware of the Hazardous Materials Society, which we appreciate. IHMM established the Hazardous Materials Society in order to support and provide services to IHMM certificants.
Did You Know?
Your company’s membership dues for Associate Membership in the Hazardous Materials Society (HMS) are 100% tax-deductible and your participation directly supports scholarship and education/training opportunities for professionals working in hazmat and EHS. Joining as an Associate Member expresses your commitment and your company’s leadership in giving back to our professional community. Join today to claim your tax deduction for the 2020 tax year while expressing your company’s professional affiliation and accessing tools for your marketing and business development plans.
As an IHMM certificant, you pay no dues to take advantage of IHMM’s Foundation at HMS. We do appreciate IHMM’s certificants encouraging their companies to contribute.
To learn more about what HMS is doing now and what they are planning for the future, please see the new Member Benefits page here.
A Collaborative Culture
There are 823 different conversations going on in the IHMM/HMS Collaboration platform this week.
A collaborative culture is important for every business but is especially important for our hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environment, health, and safety communities of practice. Do you have a problem you need to solve and want the opinions of your colleagues? This is where we come together to help each other.
IHMM credentialed professionals are at the top 1% of their professions and their reach is global. We are at the forefront of environmental protection, health, and safety and this is where collaborating with the best people in their fields, always willing to help one another, lessens the stress of our jobs, and where we strive as a team to make a difference of which we are proud.
We opened COLLABORATION to enable thousands of certificants and supporters to collaborate together. You can collaborate here.
Access to COLLABORATION is through the same username/password you use to access your MYIHMM account. Having a problem? Contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected]
Columbia Southern University
The Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] is a partner of Columbia Southern University. Columbia Southern University is an online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
A subsidiary of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, doctorate or certificate levels in a multitude of areas such as occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration and more. CSU also features undergraduate and graduate certificate programs to provide focused training in specialized areas for adult learners.
Click on the CSU graphic at left and learn more about the professional development and degree program opportunities at CSU.
IHMM CONFERENCES FOR 2023
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2023, virtually as well as in-person as resources allow. Below are some of the conferences IHMM will support in 2023.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that do not appear here? If so, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]
ASSP Greater San Jose and San Francisco Chapters Safety Symposium
San Ramon Marriott – Thank you Bart Miller for leading this effort
March 9, 2023
COSTHA Annual Forum and Expo
Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas-Frisco Hotel & Convention Center
March 24-April 30, 2023
ASSP Safety Conference and Exposition
San Antonio, TX
June 5-7, 2023
National Safety Council Congress & Expo
New Orleans, LA
October 23-25, 2023
IHMM has a companion organization for which education and training programs are presented and delivered. The Hazardous Materials Society is IHMM’s Professional Association and HMS’ education and training website can be found here. These events are produced independently of IHMM, and their providers have no access to IHMM certification examinations or program information other than that which is publicly available.
IHMM AFFILIATIONS
9210 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 470
Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 | Fax: 301-984-1516