EQB Takes Action on Water, Hazardous Waste and Diesel Idling Measures

The Environmental Quality Board this week approved four final rulemakings -- the Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards, Hazardous Waste Amendments, Diesel Vehicle Idling, and the Clean Air Interstate Rule. See details below.

Final Rulemaking – Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards (25 Pa Code, Chapter 93): The Federal Clean Water Act requires that states periodically, but at least once every three years, review and revise as necessary, their water quality standards. This regulation constitutes Pennsylvania’s current triennial review of its water quality standards. Pennsylvania’s water quality standards, which are codified in Chapter 93 and Chapter 92, are designed to implement the requirements of the Clean Streams Law and the Federal Clean Water Act.

Final Rulemaking - Hazardous Waste Amendments (25 Pa. Code Chapters 260a – 266a, 266b, 267a, 269a, and 270a): Various amendments were contained in this final rulemaking, which will affect persons who generate, store, transport, dispose or treat hazardous waste in Pennsylvania.

Final Rulemaking - Diesel Vehicle Idling (25 Pa Code, Chapters 121 and 126): The final-form rulemaking, which was initiated through a petition to the EQB by the Clean Air Board of Central PA, adds a new Subchapter F to Chapter 126 to restrict any person from idling a diesel-powered motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, or allowing such idling to occur on their property, for more than a total of 5 minutes in any continuous 60-minute period.

Final Rulemaking (With Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Omitted) - Clean Air Interstate Rule – Repeal (25 Pa Code, Chapters 121, 129 and 145): This final-omitted rulemaking repeals the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), which was previously adopted by the Board on Dec. 18, 2007, and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on April 22, 2008.

For more information and copies of the rulemakings, visit the Environmental Quality Board webpage or contact DEP Regulatory Coordinator Michelle Tate at 717-783-8727 or send e-mail to: mtate@state.pa.us .

NewsClip: Anti-Idling Regulation Adopted By PA Board

Pennsylvania Bulletin – September 20, 2008

Comment Deadlines: Technical Guidance (DEP website)

Copies of Proposed Regulations (DEP website)

Status of Regulations, 6-Month Calendar (DEP website)

9/19/2008