Cleaning Up Solvents, a Map You'll Love - Air Mail! Newsletter
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 02/14/2020 04:28 PM ESTDEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
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Public & Stakeholder Participation Information:
Additional information and access to past announcements are on our Public & Stakeholder Participation Information page. Air Mail! is the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All NYS residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here. Cleaning the Air by Cleaning up Solvent EmissionsWe all know that fumes from chemicals are dangerous to breathe. Products like gasoline, paints, and solvents give off fumes called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to human health and the environment. DEC recently revised Part 226 “Solvent Cleaning Processes and Industrial Cleaning Solvents” to reduce VOC emissions from solvents used to clean metal and non-metal objects. The revised regulation reduced the VOC content in cleaning solutions used in cleaning processes and added requirements for industrial cleaning solvents. DEC has developed a Fact Sheet that provides information on the rule change, links to helpful online resources for finding safer and effective solvent alternatives, and contact information for further assistance. At home, remember to take steps to keep your lungs safe when using consumer products that contain VOCs, like aerosol sprays, cleaners, paints, varnishes, paint thinner, and household solvents. Always read the product labels carefully, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to use them in well-ventilated areas and, most of all, opt for the low or no VOC options if they are available. DEC recently proposed revisions to Part 235, Consumer Products, to reduce VOC emissions in household products. With industry and individuals working together to reduce air pollution, NY will have clear skies and fresh air to enjoy now and into the future. Check out DECinfo Locator’s FeaturesDECinfo Locator is the map you will love as soon as you try it out. It’s easy to find, use and understand, and shows DEC's Division of Air Resources’ three types of permitted facilities at their street addresses. Want to know what’s in your neighborhood? Go to DECinfo Locator. Need to view a permit or registration document? Go to DECinfo Locator. You can also view air quality measurements at 60 monitoring sites from Montauk to Dunkirk. We love our air program, but DECinfo Locator is not all about air facilities. You can find permits of all kinds, places to camp and hunt, watch wildlife, launch your boat, and fish for the big one. There are over 65 data layers of information for you to browse. We continuously improve the map by adding information and features to make your experience valuable. Here’s a tip: When you select an information type to view (we call them data layers), such as “Air Title V Facility,” a blue text box may appear if you are not zoomed in enough. Just use the zoom in “+” sign, and the data points will appear. You can also use a scroll wheel to zoom if your mouse or pointing device has one. Note: The blues boxes in the photo to the right show when you need to zoom In. We encourage you to give DECinfo Locator a try. If you wish to comment, suggest improvements, or have a question, click the Help link on the map and send us a note. Don’t Forget to Bring Your Own Bag NY!Starting March 1, 2020, a new plastic bag waste reduction law will take effect in New York State, so make sure to bring your reusable bags when shopping. You don’t need to wait until March 1st to take action! Bring your reusable bags to the store ahead of the ban to start a new routine. Remember, your reusable bag means conserving natural resources, creating less litter, and keeping NY beautiful for future generations. So, ditch the plastic bag habit and resolve to #BYOBagNY! Questions on the upcoming plastic bag ban? E-mail plasticbags@dec.ny.gov.
Join the TeamDo you have a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology? New York State employs more than 2,000 engineers in various agencies across the state, including DEC. Learn more about career opportunities in engineering with NYS on the Civil Service's website. As a permanent, full-time employee of the DEC, you would enjoy many benefits, including: generous leave time; excellent health, dental and vision insurance plans; pension plan; deferred compensation program; and, flex spending account. You may also qualify for: military leave; paid jury duty leave; child rearing leave and part-time or reduced work schedule. Helpful Links:
Dates to Remember:
Stay Informed about Your Air QualityNew York State's ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground-level ozone forecasts during ozone season and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round using a scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends out an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, which indicates polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert. Find out if an Air Quality Alert is in effect by calling the toll-free Ozone Hotline: 1-800-535-1345. The AQI can be accessed in three ways:
We would like to know what you think. Please send your Air Mail! questions or comments to us at DAR.web@dec.ny.gov. |