Blog
Regulatory updates, technical analysis, and environmental industry news.
OSHA HAZWOPER Standard Information Collection Extended - Public Comment Period Open
OSHA seeks public comments on extending OMB approval for HAZWOPER information collection requirements. Comment period open through July 2026.
EPA Withdraws RCRA Corrective Action Hazardous Waste Definition Rule
EPA withdrew its proposed rule to amend hazardous waste definitions for RCRA corrective action at permitted facilities. Current regulations remain in effect.
Environmental Regulatory Roundup - April 2026
Digest of EPA, OSHA, and Ohio environmental regulatory changes for April 2026. 7 developments covered.
EPA Proposes Virginia CCR Permit Program Approval - First State Program Under RCRA
EPA proposes approving Virginia's coal combustion residuals permit program under RCRA. First state CCR program would operate instead of federal rules.
EPA RSL November 2024 Update - What Changed and Key Values
EPA updated Regional Screening Levels in November 2024. Key changes to benzene, arsenic, and other chemicals affecting site assessments nationwide.
EPA Oil and Gas NESHAP Technology Review - No Changes to Current Standards, New Methanol Limits Proposed
EPA proposes no changes to existing oil and gas NESHAP standards after technology review. New methanol emission standards proposed for crude oil facilities.
EPA Delays PFAS Reporting Rule Submission Period to January 2027 - What Consultants Need to Know
EPA pushed back PFAS reporting under TSCA 8(a)(7) to January 31, 2027, or 60 days after final rule publication. Here's what changed for site work.
Indiana Storage Tank Program Update - IDEM Reorganizes Tank Oversight and ELTF Operations
IDEM updated its storage tank program structure, consolidating UST and AST oversight under the Office of Land Quality with continued ELTF support.
Contaminated Soil Disposal Options in Ohio - Landfill Criteria, Treatment, and Cost Considerations
Ohio contaminated soil disposal options: landfill acceptance criteria, thermal treatment, beneficial reuse requirements, and cost comparison factors.
EPA Proposes New CCR Rule Flexibility - Site-Specific Permitting and Dewatering Exemptions
EPA proposes CCR rule changes allowing site-specific groundwater monitoring, cleanup levels, and closure requirements. Dewatering structures exempted.
EPA Proposes New Contractor Manifest Signing Authority - Streamlining Hazardous Waste Removal at Federal Sites
EPA proposes allowing contractors to sign hazardous waste manifests at both Superfund and non-Superfund federal sites, expanding beyond current...
Environmental Regulatory Roundup - March 2026
Digest of EPA, OSHA, and Ohio environmental regulatory changes for March 2026. 2 developments covered.
Field Decontamination Procedures for Sampling Equipment - Preventing Cross-Contamination
Proper decon between samples and wells prevents cross-contamination. PFAS requires special procedures. Step-by-step field protocols for consultants.
How to Read Boring Logs and Well Construction Diagrams - A Field Guide for Environmental Consultants
Master boring log symbols, lithology codes, and well construction details. Essential skills for report review and field oversight in environmental consulting.
Spring Field Season Prep - Equipment Checks, Calibration, and Supply Planning
Equipment that sat unused all winter fails in the field. VOA vials run out. A re-mobilization costs more than preventing the problem.
Writing Environmental Reports That Non-Technical Clients Actually Understand
Practical guidance for environmental consultants on presenting technical findings clearly, communicating risk appropriately, and writing executive summaries...
EPA Approves Ohio VOC Emission Limit for Life Raft Manufacturing - 5.9 lbs VOC per Gallon Standard
EPA approved Ohio's 5.9 lbs VOC/gallon emission limit for RFD Beaufort's life raft plant adhesive process. New SIP standard effective March 2026.
How to Read TCLP Lab Results - Understanding the Numbers and Regulatory Comparisons
TCLP results determine hazardous waste classification. Learn what the numbers mean, how to compare to regulatory levels, and avoid common mistakes.
Essential Tools and References for New Environmental Consultants - What You Need on Day One
Critical databases, field references, and regulatory resources every environmental consultant needs. From EPA RSLs to Ohio VAP standards.
XRF Lead Paint Inspection Tips - Handling Substrate Interference and Inconclusive Readings
XRF substrate interference causes false positives on metal surfaces. Learn calibration checks, when readings are inconclusive, and paint chip follow-up...
Chain of Custody Best Practices - Common Errors That Invalidate Environmental Samples
Broken chain of custody invalidates samples and delays projects. Learn proper documentation, field QC protocols, and how to avoid costly re-sampling.
Laboratory Analytical Errors in Environmental Sampling - How to Spot Problems and Fix Them
Holding time violations, wrong preservatives, and blank contamination can invalidate your environmental data. Here's how to catch problems early.
Phase I ESA Red Flags - Critical RECs That Demand Phase II Investigation
Key Phase I findings that require Phase II ESA recommendation: underground tanks, dry cleaners, auto repair, staining, and other commonly missed RECs.
Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey Mistakes - Field Errors That Trigger Violations
Common asbestos survey mistakes: missed materials, inadequate sampling, wrong classifications. Field guidance for Ohio and federal compliance.
EPA RSL and VISL Calculators Went Offline in February 2026 - What to Do When EPA Tools Go Down
The EPA RSL and VISL calculators were offline for a month in early 2026. How to keep working when federal tools go down.
Filing an Ohio Asbestos Notification - A Practical Walkthrough
Step-by-step guide to filing Ohio EPA demolition and renovation/abatement notifications. When to file, what to include, and common mistakes.
Ohio's RCRA Generator Improvements Rule - What Changed and What It Means
Ohio adopted the federal Generator Improvements Rule in 2020. Episodic generation, SQG re-notification, LQG closure, and labeling changes.
New EPA Dust-Lead Action Levels Now in Effect - What Changed in January 2026
EPA's updated dust-lead action levels and reportable levels took effect in early 2026. Lower thresholds and any detectable lead now counts.
EPA Lead Soil Screening Levels Cut in Half - What Ohio Consultants Need to Know
EPA lowered the residential soil lead RSL from 400 ppm to 200 ppm. Here's what changed, what the October 2025 directive revised, and how it affects site work.
Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program - FY2026 Grant Round Now Open
Ohio's BRP has $88 million available for FY2026 with major changes: merit-based awards, expanded eligibility, and $1M per county.
PFAS Drinking Water Standards - Where Things Stand in 2026
Current status of federal PFAS MCLs, CERCLA designations, and what environmental consultants need to know right now. Updated March 2026.