News from the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT RULES WITHOUT A PUBLIC HEARING - Proposed Amendments to Rules Governing Air Quality, Minnesota Rules chapters 7002, 7005, 7007, 7009, 7011, 7017, 7017, and 7019
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published the above notice in the October 18, 2021, State Register and is requesting comment on the proposed amendments to rules governing air quality. These rules are known as the "air quality housekeeping rules." The notice is available by visiting the MPCA Public Notice webpage; related rule documents can be viewed on the Air Quality Housekeeping Rule webpage. The proposed rules will:
- Update requirements for Part 70 permit application notice and comment, and update procedures to petition the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency review of state and Part 70 permits.
- Modify general requirements for Option B, C, and D registration permits and capped permits.
- Incorporate by reference federal plan requirements for small municipal waste combustor units and municipal solid waste landfills.
- Implement the 2020 Legislature's ban on the use of trichloroethylene (TCE).
Other minor housekeeping rule changes will clarify definitions, correct gaps and errors identified while administering the rules, and align state and federal rules.
Minnesota is seeing the consequences of a warming climate. Our state is experiencing conditions like getting warmer and wetter, seeing more damaging rains and extreme weather disasters. Much of the excess greenhouse gas emissions comes from human activities. For more information on climate change in Minnesota, go to DNR climate change, Our Minnesota climate, and Climate change in Minnesota
Many small-scale changes can be implemented at an individual level and can create real reductions in emissions, prepare your business for the changing climate, and bring potential business costs savings. Some actions to consider:
-
Improve energy efficiency: install LED lights, turn off lights and appliances when not in use, use daylight and shades to control indoor temperature, improve installation of roof and walls, and install renewable energy.
-
Improve transportation: implement anti-idling policies, conduct routine maintenance, only haul full loads, and switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.
-
Reduce waste: Work with your supplier to eliminate unnecessary waste, work with your hauler to develop a customized recycling program, analyze your business's waste stream, and start composting food waste.
-
Landscaping: Switch to battery- or propane-powered equipment and consider installing green infrastructure or low impact development to decrease emissions, reduce flooding and the urban heat island effect, and add green space. Some examples of green infrastructure include rain gardens, trees and shrubs, green roofs, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting.
For more information on how your business can reduce emissions or adapt to the changing climate, contact the SBEAP hotline 651-282-6143 or email us.
Does your business have a walk-in cooler or freezer?
Refrigerant gases have a big impact on the environment when leaks go unnoticed. Keep your walk-in from leaking these greenhouse gases by performing preventive maintenance. The more important preventive maintenance is to have quarterly service visits. Contact your refrigeration service provider to schedule your next checkup.
While some maintenance requires expert attention, some helpful tasks require little training. Does your walk-in have a strip curtain? If not, install one to avoid unwanted heat from sneaking in while the door is open. Visually inspect the strip curtain often for ice buildup. This is a sign of compromised insulation.
Interested in other ways you can reduce your refrigeration system’s impact on the environment and help your bottom line? Contact Alison Cameron at Alison.cameron@state.mn.us for more info!
|
Join us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Minnesota Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) – Oct. 27th, 9-11am – RSVP
Do you want to reduce your facility’s environmental impact through energy conservation? The PCA offers free facility assessments to small businesses.
RETAP consultants provide facility assessments to small businesses, institutions, and communities in Minnesota. Over 500 businesses and institutions have benefited from RETAP’s free assessments.
What does RETAP offer?
-
Facility assessments include energy, water, and waste reduction prioritized recommendations. Our team will analyze your utility bills and visit your facility. You'll get a customized report with estimated financial and environmental savings.
-
Community Assistance is offered as long- and short-term assignments. The community and RETAP consultants cooperatively define goals. This free service helps Minnesota communities respond to unique environmental issues.
Perchloroethylene (Perc) is a once commonly used solvent in dry cleaning shops. While effective, it may pose serious health hazards to the user, the community surrounding the store, and the environment. Users who routinely breathe excess amounts of Perc or spill Perc on their skin are at risk of developing health problems. Spills, leaks or careless disposal of dry cleaning chemicals have also resulted in soil, groundwater and soil vapor contamination at sites throughout Minnesota.
Making a switch from Perc can prevent pollution and waste. In addition to the environmental benefits, switching away from perc will:
- Save money on disposal and purchase costs
- Reduce regulatory requirements
- Reduce employee exposure to harmful chemicals
- Attract environmentally-conscious customers
In 2021, the Minnesota State Legislature signed into law a ban on the use of Perc as a dry cleaning solvent after December 31, 2025 (Minnesota Legislature HF 91, Section 4). To assist in the transition, the legislature provided $355,000 for the development of a dry cleaning equipment cost share program. This funding will provide cost-share support of up to $20,000, as funds are available, to assist the switch away from Perc.
The MPCA is currently in the development stages of the second round of funding for the Dry Cleaner Cost Share program. Funding for this round will be made available soon.
Questions should be sent to grants.pca@state.mn.us, subject: “Dry cleaner cost share question”.
Sign up to be notified when these grants open.
|
Did you know that the vast majority of fishing tackle currently available on the market is made out of lead? Lead is a toxic metal that is lethal in small amounts to common loons and other wildlife, including trumpeter swans and bald eagles. The common loon is Minnesota’s iconic state bird and are also an integral part of ecosystems. Across the United States, lead poisoning is a leading cause of death for loons.
An estimated 25% of loons die from lead poisoning, primarily from swallowing lead jigs and sinkers. Get the Lead Out (GTLO) is an MPCA outreach and education program under a cooperative agreement with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that addresses this issue. GTLO’s goal is to educate Minnesota anglers about the dangers of lead-based tackle to loons and other wildlife.
You can help by making the switch to lead-free tackle! Check out the GTLO lead-free manufacturer page for an extensive list of lead-free tackle manufacturers. The GTLO team also encourages anglers and other concerned citizens to ask their local bait and tackle shops to carry more lead-free options.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Contact Get the Lead Out at leadout@state.mn.us. Also be sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages where they feature lead-free tackle manufacturers, program updates, and information about loons!
Image courtesy of Sheila Langer
|
|
