HAZWOPER REFRESHER TRAINING

In accordance with paragraph (e) (8) of 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) individuals must complete an 8 hr Refresher annually.

Is it that time of year again for you? If so you are in luck!

EPAcampus is now offering the Annual 8 hr Refresher course online for only $95! The topics covered include:

· Regulation Overview
· Hazard Recognition
· Site Characterization, Analysis, and Control
· Toxicology
· Medical Surveillance
· Safe Work Practices and PPE
· Decontamination
· Chemical Awareness
· Emergency Procedures

To sign up simply click here, for questions please call 888-318-3497.

Chemical Safety Testing Improved!

The EPA recently collaborated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to offer a new toxicity testing agreement. The project is being made possible through a newly signed five year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which leverages the strength of both organizations.

What does this mean to you?

The EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) coordinates and implements the EPA’s research in the field of computational toxicology (blending computer science with molecular biology). The goal of the Center is to improve the ability of the agency to assess chemical hazard and risk. In detail they are working to make the process more effective and efficient, while increasing the numbers of chemicals that can be evaluated.

For more information about the NCCT and its programs visit their site: www.epa.gov/ncct/

US Army Corps of Engineers Has Sovereign Immunity

Recently the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held that the Federal Flood Control Act prevents a citizen’s group from suing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under section 6972 of RCRA.

In In re Katrina Canal Breaches Consolidated Litigation, the Louisiana Environmental Action Network argued that the Corps’s failure to properly design, construct and maintain flood control structures in New Orleans resulted in lead and other waste being deposited in the city’s Vista Park neighborhood. The court held that the Flood Control Act gives the Corps sovereign immunity from liability for flood control projects covered by the Act.

For more information on this case and other environmental cases visit Gardere’s Environmental Action Report.