IHMM Today March 7, 2023

AIHA and IHMM Collaborate on Education and Training

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management [IHMM] and the American Industrial Hygiene Association [AIHA] have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding granting access to AIHA education and training assets to IHMM certificants.

IHMM’s Certified Hazardous Materials Manager [CHMM®], Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner [CHMP®], Certified Safety and Health Manager [CSHM®], and Certified Safety Management Practitioner [CSMP®] credential blueprints all have components of industrial hygiene disciplines and the access of IHMM’s certificants to the AIHA education and training programs vastly strengthens those credentials and the professionals who hold them.

In the coming weeks look for these AIHA programs to be added to the IHMM foundation’s education programs at the Hazardous Materials Society [HMS]. IHMM organized its HMS foundation to, in part, provide access to the best education and training programs available and the addition of AIHA programs is a tremendous addition to support for IHMM credentials.

IHMM thanks AIHA for this collaboration in education and training and looks forward to a long and productive relationship.

American Industrial Hygiene Association – https://www.aiha.org/

Institute of Hazardous Materials Management  – https://ihmm.org/

IHMM Urges Governor of Nevada on CHMM Credential Reciprocity

The Governor of Nevada has issued an Executive Order 2023-004 Directing All Nevada Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards to Suspend the Issuance of Any New Regulations, Show Cause for All Occupational Licensing Requirements and to Provide a Recommended Pathway for Facilitating Licensure Reciprocity. IHMM commends Governor Lombardo for taking this important step.

The core of the IHMM CHMM credential is its blueprint, which IHMM included in the letter to Governor Lombardo. The 12 domains and 85 subdomains of the IHMM CHMM encompass not only the requirements of the Nevada CEM program but further encompass the primary legal authorities administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and is recognized by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulation 40 CFR § 312.10, as an “Environmental Professional.

IHMM has sent a letter to Governor Lombardo outlining the virtually identical requirements of the Nevada DEP CEM licensing program and the IHMM Certified Hazardous Materials Manager [CHMM] credential, and pledging to work with him and his state government on all matters relating to professional licensing, reciprocity with professional credentialing programs, and ensuring that our citizens are served by the best professionals available.

IHMM Continues to Work With NPR on East Palestine, OH Train Hazmat Accident

Following up on IHMM Board Chair Bill Diesslin’s interview with National Public Radio [NPR] last week, on Friday, Erika Ryan and her colleague Chiara Eisner called IHMM for a follow-up request for some additional resources. They are focused on local firefighters expected to respond to hazmat accidents without proper training and equipment, as apparently was the case in East Palestine, OH.  IHMM provided NPR with a great deal of material on placarding, OSHA standards, FRA regulations, CDC medical protocols, and EPCRA.  This is a story that will continue for some time.

NPR is also inquiring about AskRail, https://public.railinc.com/products-services/askrailr, The AskRail app, launched in 2014, is a collaborative effort among the emergency response community and all North American Class I railroads. The app provides more than 35,000 first responders — from all 50 states and eight Canadian provinces — with immediate access to accurate, timely data about what type of hazardous materials a railcar is carrying so they can make an informed decision about how to respond to a rail emergency.

On Saturday evening there was another Norfolk Southern train derailment in Springfield, Ohio. About 20 cars of a Norfolk Southern cargo train derailed near Springfield, the second derailment of the company’s trains in Ohio in a month, officials said. Unlike the Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, officials said there were no hazardous materials aboard the train.

IHMM Government Affairs Volunteers

IHMM Board Chair Bill Diesslin has issued a call for volunteers for the IHMM Government Affairs Committee. Everyone can learn more about the charter of this committee here > https://ihmm.org/government-affairs-committee/

In joining this committee we request a cross-section of all of IHMM’s credential holders, as IHMM is involved in a wide variety of government affairs activities that are described in detail here > https://ihmm.org/ihmm-government-affairs/

Top 4 Projects in February-March, 2023

• NY Department of Labor rulemaking concerning the recognition of the CSHM and CSMP – IHMM Amendment sent to Anthony Dell-Isola to work with his State Senator

• Work with Eric Vega in Puerto Rico concerning credential recognition

• Review of the Governor of Nevada’s Executive Order concerning licensing boards and potential for recognition of the CHMM – IHMM Sent on Friday, March 3, 2023

• Scheduling meetings with the Maryland Congressional delegation concerning the Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist [CPPS] credential – IHMM had meetings with Senator Cardin and Representative Trone on March 2, 2023, scheduling Senator Van Hollen next.

Creating the Water Workforce of the Future:

Webinar Series

It Really Matters: Ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Water Workforce 

March 21, 2023

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Register Here

More than ever, today’s water sector must focus on recruiting and retaining a truly diverse set of talented individuals and ensuring equity in the workspace they will inhabit. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not just words on paper – they are an essential part of any organization in the 21^st century. This webinar will focus on efforts by one of the nation’s leading utilities in Louisville, Kentucky to embrace these attributes followed by a presentation on an innovative program by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to increase the number of talented individuals from minority institutions that seek and embrace a career in water.

This webinar is part of an ongoing webinar series hosted by EPA, in partnership with leading water sector organizations around the country. More information on this webinar series can be found at 

https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure/water-sector-workforce-webinars

NPDES BASIC PERMIT WRITERS’ COURSE  

Virtual Guided Learning

March 9 – April 13, 2023

The U.S. EPA is pleased to announce the opening of registration for the the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Basic Permit Writers’ Virtual Guided Learning Courses starting on March 9, 2023, with a morning and afternoon session running for five weeks.

The objective of this course is to provide the basic regulatory framework and technical considerations that support the development of wastewater discharge permits required under the NPDES program. The course was designed for permit writers with about six months to one year of experience in the NPDES program, but experienced permit writers wanting a refresher course and other water program staff or interested parties wanting to learn more about the NPDES program also are welcome.

The 5-week course will begin on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Participants should anticipate a time commitment of approximately 8-10 hours per week and should seek supervisor approval before signing up. The course is scheduled to conclude on April 13th, however a “rain date” of April 18th should be reserved by the participants in case of technical issues.

Each week, participants will have assigned “homework” consisting of NPDES online modules and permit exercises. These modules and exercises will then be discussed in a live virtual classroom setting on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. Participants will have the opportunity to join live office hour discussions with instructors and other participants each Tuesday as well. Participants will be expected to complete some pre-course assignments the week of arch 5th prior to the course start.

As a foundational course, the training does not address in detail specialized topics such as industrial and municipal stormwater, concentrated animal feeding operations, and pesticide discharges. For more information on these specialized topics, please visit EPA’s NPDES website at www.epa.gov/npdes

Course Schedule and Logistics

We are offering two separate sessions, a morning and afternoon, for this course offering. Please see the registration pages for the agendas with dates and times and only register for one of the sessions. Please note that on most Tuesdays, the AM session will meet in the afternoon with the PM session for a combined meeting.

There is no cost for the course. Registration is limited and available at:

NPDES Permit Writers’ Course – Virtual Guided Learning March 2023 (AM)

NPDES Permit Writers’ Course – Virtual Guided Learning March 2023 (PM)

Following registration, an email with further instruction will be provided.

For any questions related to this announcement, please contact Sean Ramach at [email protected] or (202) 564-2865.

Routine Methods Update Rule Proposal

On February 21, 2023, EPA announced in the Federal Register that EPA is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would update its list of approved methods for measuring pollutants in wastewater and waterbodies under the Clean Water Act. Industrial facilities, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and state governments use approved methods to identify the types and amounts of pollutants regulated under the Clean Water Act. This action proposes to add some new methods to Part 136 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and makes minor editorial or procedural changes to some existing methods that are already promulgated in 40 CFR Part 136. The comment period ends on April 24, 2023.

How does this action help the regulated community?

Often, regulated entities have a choice in deciding which approved method they will use to measure a pollutant because more than one approved method is available under 40 CFR Part 136. This rulemaking would increase flexibility by providing additional methods from which to select. New methods added under the Alternate Test Procedure (ATP) program reflect innovative technologies that are cheaper, faster, or greener than the other approved methods for that same parameter. When final, this rule would impose no regulatory requirements or costs on any person or entity. The use of alternate methods is voluntary.

Where can I find more information?

You can view the Federal Register notice and supporting documents for the proposed rule at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0901. EPA has also provided a link to the Federal Register on the Clean Water Act Analytical Methods website at: https://www.epa.gov/cwa-methods.

ECHA publishes PFAS restriction proposal

The details of the proposed restriction of around 10 000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are now available on ECHA’s website. ECHA’s scientific committees will now start evaluating the proposal in terms of the risks to people and the environment, and the impacts on society.

Helsinki, 7 February 2023 – The proposal was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden and submitted to ECHA on 13 January 2023. It aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people.

All PFASs in the scope of the proposal are very persistent in the environment. If their releases are not minimised, people, plants and animals will be increasingly exposed, and without a restriction, such levels will be reached that have negative effects on people’s health and the environment. The authorities estimate that around 4.4 million tonnes of PFASs would end up in the environment over the next 30 years unless action is taken.

Peter van der Zandt, ECHA’s Director for Risk Assessment said: “This landmark proposal by the five authorities supports the ambitions of the EU’s Chemicals Strategy and the Zero Pollution action plan. Now, our scientific committees will start their evaluation and opinion forming. While the evaluation of such a broad proposal with thousands of substances, and many uses, will be challenging, we are ready.”

Read more >> https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-publishes-pfas-restriction-proposal

2023 National Safety Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

As recently announced, the 10^th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will occur May 1-5, 2023 and we wanted to alert you to the following tools and resources to assist workplaces in preparing for and participating in the Stand-Down:

• 2023 Stand-Down officially announced:
  • February 15, 2023 OSHA QuickTakes
• Resources for Planning:
  • Suggestions to Prepare for a Successful Stand-Down
  • Resources for Employers and Employees
• NEW Handouts for Workers:
  • Hardhat Stickers and Hazard Alert Cards
• Get Involved:
  • Do you have fall prevention resources in other languages? We would love to include them in our Fall Prevention Resources: Other Languages Page. Please send resources to Jessica Bunting: [email protected]

As a reminder, anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down. Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. See Highlights from the Past Stand-Downs and reports evaluating previous events.

EPA Readies FY24 Budget Request, Senate Weighs Ohio Train Derailment

EPA and other agencies are poised to release their fiscal year 2024 budget requests, though Congress is unlikely to advance any spending bills until House Republicans resolve their debt-ceiling standoff with the White House. A key Senate committee will hold a hearing to examine EPA and state responses to the massive Ohio train derailment.

FY24 Budget Request

EPA and other agencies are slated to unveil their fiscal year 2024 budget requests on March 9, requests that Congress will not address until after the Biden administration and House Republicans resolve their ongoing battle over raising the federal debt ceiling. While EPA is flush with cash from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the FY24 request will nevertheless test EPA’s efforts to bolster funding for key programs. For example, officials have long called for funding increases for the agency’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) program, saying the additional funds are needed to meet deadlines for assessing and regulating chemicals that Congress set when it revised the law in 2016. And key lawmakers are also pressing administration officials to increase funding for PFAS cleanups.

Ohio Train Derailment

The Senate environment committee is holding a March 8 hearing on EPA and state responses to the massive chemical spill caused by the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in Palestine, OH. In addition to senators from Ohio and neighboring Pennsylvania, EPA Region 5 Administrator Deborah Shore, as well as the leaders of Ohio’s and Pennsylvania’s environmental agencies, will testify.

NEPA Policy

Comments are due March 10 on the White House’s high-profile guidance on considering greenhouse gas emissions in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews.

–Inside EPA

EPA Pushes Back On State, Industry Bids To Block WOTUS, Citing Status Quo

The Biden administration is pushing back on state and industry calls for a federal court to block implementation of its rule revising the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) that are subject to federal oversight, charging they fail to demonstrate “irreparable harm,” standing or other legal elements courts require to bring such requests.

“The motions for preliminary injunction each falter at the outset because they fall far short of demonstrating a likelihood of substantial and irreparable harm to support such extraordinary relief; indeed, Plaintiffs have not even established their standing to bring suit,” EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers said in a March 3 combined response to Kentucky and several industry groups’ motions for preliminary injunction.

“The declarations have a common defect: Plaintiffs’ claims of harm are premised on either a complete disregard to the Rule’s similarity to the status quo or overstatements of their slight differences,” the agencies added in their response.

EPA adds in its response that the plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on the merits as well, which serves as another piece of the four-part test for a preliminary injunction.

Generally, a plaintiff seeking preliminary injunctive relief must satisfy a four-part test showing that they are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims, that they are likely to suffer irreparable harm without preliminary relief, that the balance of equities between parties supports an injunction, and that the injunction is in the public interest.

The suit Commonwealth of Kentucky v. EPA, et al., was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and is consolidated with another challenge from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky and Georgia’s chambers of commerce, and numerous Kentucky businesses.

–Inside EPA

EPA Staff Recommends Retaining Ozone NAAQS, As Agency Delays Rule

EPA staff is again recommending that the agency leave unchanged its national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone, as the agency is also delaying proposal of a rule to retain or alter the standards until next spring, with a final decision slated for the end of 2024 — days before the end of President Joe Biden’s current term.

The staff recommendations are a rejection of calls from environmentalists to significantly tighten the ozone standard, a move that could indirectly lead to tougher pollution controls on a host of industrial sources nationwide.

In a revised draft policy assessment (PA) issued March 1 ahead of a meeting of agency science advisers, EPA staff once more suggest that Administrator Michael Regan need not tighten either the “primary” health-based ozone standard, or the “secondary” standard designed to protect the environment.

EPA will solicit input on this conclusion by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), which is meeting March 2 to receive a briefing on the revised PA.

The agency set both limits at 70 parts per billion (ppb) averaged over eight hours in a 2015 rule, and the Trump administration retained these limits in a 2020 review that the Biden EPA is now reconsidering. Environmentalists and some states sued the agency to force the reconsideration, alleging procedural and scientific flaws in the Trump rule.

–Inside EPA

OSHA’s Safe + Sound Campaign is a nationwide opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the value of proactive occupational safety and health (OSH) programs in all workplaces. Look for the 2023 Safe+Sound program in August this year.

Safe + Sound emphasizes the need for safety programs at small- and mid-sized businesses, which are more likely to have limited resources dedicated to safety. As you know, effective OSH programs can help organizations identify and manage workplace risk before they cause injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line. Safety and health management systems are a critical best practice to ensure that OSH programs achieve significant results and lower risk exposure.

Earn a Challenge Coin

Workers are an important resource for identifying workplace hazards and implementing changes. Safety reporting systems allow ideas and suggestions for improving safety to be captured.

Take the Speak Up for Safety Challenge! Review your safety reports with a team to find common themes and opportunities to improve your overall workplace safety and health performance.

Complete the challenge and earn your virtual challenge coin! Then, share the results in your workplace and on social media to show how you encourage workers to #SpeakUpForSafety to be #SafeAndSoundAtWork.

Your Partner Punch List

We would appreciate if you could support Safe + Sound by doing the following:

• Promote the Speak Up for Safety Challenge to your stakeholders

Sponsored Content

A Collaborative Culture

There are 875 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.

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