SCS Engineers

June 5, 2024

Join SCS Engineers at WASTECON 2024 from October 21st – October 24th at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center! This premier event is the ultimate platform for leaders and engineers to come together, collaborate, and innovate towards a more sustainable future. At WASTECON 2024, you’ll have the chance to connect with SCS Engineers at booth 701. Meet our team of experts and leaders who are at the forefront of advancing sustainable practices in waste management.

Ketan Shah Ketan Shah will be presenting Enhancing Landfill Gas (LFG) Modeling Through Emerging Technologies and Data Integration for Emission Reductions and Sustainable Energy on October 22nd from 8:30 – 9:15 am. The presentation will identify emerging technologies for improved LFG modeling, explain the benefits of enhanced LFG modeling for decision-making, and analyze the importance of data collection and integration for effective LFG modeling.

David HostetterYou’ll want to attend David Hostetter’s presentation, Smart Landfills: Transforming Waste Management with Remote Monitoring. Dave will explain how landfill owners and operators are using technology to create more efficient landfill operations.

 

Jeff PhillipsJeff Phillips will be presenting Facility Fires: 2AM Isn’t the Time to Make a Plan on October 22nd from 3:15-4:00 pm. This presentation provides an update on fires within the industry and present real-world case studies of fires so that we can learn from other events (the good and bad).

 

Stacey Dolden

Stacey Dolden will be presenting Navigating Workforce Trends: Understanding and Adapting to Personnel Challenges Across All Job Functions on October 24th from 11am-12:15 pm. The discussion will explore what is happening in the industry and share strategies for effective recruitment and retention for a range of position types and levels.

 

 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to bridge the gap between leadership and technology, accelerate transformative change, and gain valuable insights to better serve your stakeholders. Improve your organization and operations while enriching your career and those of your team members. Register today and be a part of the future of sustainability with SCS Engineers at WASTECON 2024. See you at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center!

Posted by Brianna Morgan at 10:06 am

June 5, 2024

SCS Engineers Environmental Consulting and Contracting - closing open dumpsites
Tim Flanagan, James Law, Deji Fawole, and Alex Stege enjoying and sharing at an ISWA Conference. They and ISWA do so much for our planet!

 

Open dumpsites have a devastating impact on the environment and public health. Waste Management World spoke to James Law, Chair of the ISWA Landfill Working Group and the Task Force on Closing Dumpsites Initiative, about the key steps and economics of closing dumpsites, the climate benefits, and the pros and cons of biomining.

James Law explains that since the operation of a dumpsite does not include the application of daily cover or waste compaction and also it does not have a bottom liner or gas and leachate collection system, the most common risks are groundwater contamination, fire hazards that could generate black carbon fume and toxic gases to impact the air quality and thus affect the public health in the immediate area or areas miles away in downwind direction.

The gas emissions from open dumpsites have a direct impact on climate change. Then there are odor issues, either from the decomposed waste mass itself or from the leachate seep outbreaks located on the side slopes of a dumpsite. The leachate seeps will impact the surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes nearby in the downstream direction as well as the groundwater below the dumpsite. Most dumpsites have people or informal waste pickers on them. Therefore they have a direct impact on their health and safety point of view.

Read and Share the Complete Article and Interview:

Closing Open Dumpsites: Protecting Health and the Environment

 

Additional Resources:

 

Posted by Diane Samuels at 6:00 am

May 29, 2024

Environmental Assessments
Adapting to new PFAS regulations is vital for all parties involved in real estate and industrial operations, including banks and insurance. Minimize risk by starting with an environmental assessment.

 

New Regulations Impact Environmental Assessments

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently classified perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the “Superfund” law. This new regulation will significantly affect real estate transactions, introducing stringent reporting requirements and complicating liability and insurance matters related to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

Previously, Phase I property investigations did not have to consider evidence of releases of PFOA and PFOS. However, some did as a business risk similar to asbestos shingles or lead paint on woodwork. Now, environmental professionals must identify and report any releases or likely releases of these hazardous substances, which, in some cases, lead to more Phase II environmental sampling and remediation if significant contamination is confirmed.

Undertaking all appropriate inquiries—a Phase I site assessment—is one of several requirements for real estate purchasers to qualify for Superfund landowner liability protections. Others include complying with any reporting obligations and taking reasonable steps with respect to known contamination. Experienced consultants can help address the technical aspects of these requirements, typically working with experienced attorneys to address the legal aspects.

PFOA and PFOS, widely used in various industries due to their heat, water, and oil resistance, can contaminate commercial or industrial properties from various sources, including firefighting foams and PFAS manufacturing plants. During Phase I environmental assessments, evaluating the property’s historical and current use and nearby properties is crucial to identify potential PFAS sources. This analysis guides further investigations, such as Phase II assessments, where specific sampling and analysis can verify PFAS presence and concentration.

The primary mechanisms and pathways through which PFAS are released at industrial facilities typically include discharges of wastewater and stormwater; disposal of solid wastes on and off the site; accidental occurrences like leaks and spills; and stack and fugitive air emissions. Emissions from stacks can lead to the aerial dispersion of PFAS, depositing these substances onto soil and surface water. In some circumstances, PFAS can leach or otherwise contaminate groundwater and potentially migrate offsite.

 

Facilities Using PFAS in Processes

Secondary manufacturing facilities often utilize fluoropolymers and PFAS-based materials, which are produced at primary manufacturing sites, as part of their industrial processes. This includes applying coatings to finished products.

Chrome Plating: Facilities use PFAS as mist suppressants to minimize chromium emissions into the air, enhancing air quality and worker safety. Facilities employ PFAS as mist suppressants to reduce chromium emissions into the air, thereby improving air quality and enhancing worker safety. According to the USEPA (2021), half of the 1,339 chromium electroplating facilities in the United States continue to use PFAS-based mist and fume suppressants. Chrome electroplating is identified as the primary industrial process where PFAS is significantly used. In this method, PFAS function as surfactants, lowering the surface tension of the electrolyte solution.

Textiles and Leather Production: Manufacturers of performance fabrics for outdoor gear and military uniforms often use PFAS to provide water, stain, and fire resistance. Similarly, PFAS are applied in the leather tanning process to improve the water and stain resistance of products like furniture and clothing.

Electronics Manufacturing: PFAS are utilized for their heat- and chemical-resistant properties when producing circuit boards and semiconductors, ensuring the longevity and reliability of these components.

 

Maintenance and Mechanical Areas

Lubricants and Greases: Industries such as automotive and machinery maintenance use PFAS-enhanced lubricants and greases for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and reduce wear and friction, which are crucial for protecting machinery under harsh conditions.

High-Temperature Applications: PFAS compounds are included in formulations used in industrial ovens, automotive wheel bearings, and several types of valves and pumps to maintain performance under extreme heat.

 

Commercial and Research Uses

Commercial Properties: Facilities such as kitchens, laundries, and workshops might have used PFAS-containing products like sealants and adhesives, leading to potential soil or groundwater contamination from spills or improper disposal.

Aerospace and Defense: Beyond firefighting foams, these sectors may use PFAS in applications like coated fabrics and specialty hydraulic fluids.

Research Facilities: These may experience contamination from PFAS due to spills or disposal practices during experimental or development phases.

 

Special Applications and Adjacent Properties

Hydraulic Fluids and Special Equipment: PFAS are crucial in applications requiring non-reactivity and thermal stability, such as in hydraulic systems of aircraft and high-temperature industrial settings, or in vacuum pumps.

Adjacent Contamination: Properties neighboring PFAS-utilizing facilities can also become contaminated through runoff or subsurface water flow, highlighting the need for comprehensive environmental assessments.

Paints, Varnishes, and Inks: PFOS-related chemicals are utilized in several ways within paints and varnishes. They serve as wetting, leveling, and dispersing agents and are also used to enhance gloss and antistatic properties. Furthermore, these chemicals are employed as additives in both dyes and inks.

Architectural Fabrics: PFAS, including fluoropolymers such as PTFE, are used in the manufacture of architectural fabrics, such as those used in the construction of roof domes, including large stadiums and transportation facilities.

 

Enforcement Discretion

EPA is aware that many public institutions, such as municipal landfills and wastewater treatment plants, do not have a choice when they receive household waste containing PFAS. EPA’s PFAS Discretion Memo lists several factors the EPA will consider when determining not to pursue an entity for PFAS response actions or costs under CERCLA. PFAS Discretion Memo

The widespread use and environmental persistence of PFAS underscore the importance of thorough environmental assessments to identify potential contamination sources. Understanding the extensive applications and potential pathways of PFAS contamination is crucial for effective management and remediation strategies in environmental assessments.

Reach SCS at .

 

Additional Resources:

 

 

Posted by Diane Samuels at 6:00 am

May 28, 2024

The July 1, 2024, deadline for the Toxics Release Inventory – TRI Reporting is fast approaching.

Authorized under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA), the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment.

Manufacturers, including food and beverage, electric utilities, and mining facilities, may need extra time this year to comply with recent rule changes related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

TRI reporting is a two-step process, and covered facilities with at least ten full-time equivalent employees must complete the first step to evaluate whether a report is required each year. For each chemical that exceeds a reporting threshold, EPA requires the facility to calculate releases to the air, wastewater, and stormwater and the amount of the chemical recycled or treated on-site or sent off-site for treatment during the previous calendar year.

Watch New Rules and Tools for the 2023 Toxics Release Inventory now.

TRI Reporting Unscrambled and No-Strings Attached

SCS Engineers presents an on-demand educational video with complimentary articles and additional resources to get you started. Cheryl Moran, a senior project manager with decades of experience in regulatory compliance, sustainable practices, and chemical management, covers what you need to know to get started and what has changed that may require your facility or business to start reporting:

  • Introduction to TRI
  • Covered facilities
  • Chemicals, activities, and thresholds
  • Changes for the 2023 reporting year
  • EPA guidance documents and tools
  • Data quality control

June 6 – 27 – Please watch New Rules and Tools for the 2023 Toxics Release Inventory at your convenience.

 

Additional TRI Resources

 

 

 

Posted by Diane Samuels at 1:56 pm

May 28, 2024

ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources –  32nd Fall Conference in Seattle, WA.

The 32nd Fall Conference, October 23-25 is an opportunity to hear from leading practitioners and to learn about the challenges and opportunities shaping environment, energy, and resources law. During the conference, you will be able to leverage professional development opportunities, connect with industry experts such as SCS Engineers, and stay informed about the latest trends.

The conference features engaging discussions with leaders in environmental, energy, and resources law, including state and federal regulators, leading scholars, and in-house counsel. Each day will kick off with a plenary session, such as exploring the emergence of AI and its implications for environment, energy, and resources law, and the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions.

The conference agenda is diverse, providing updates on the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. A hypothetical industrial accident will focus on managing key roles in responding to the accident. Attendees will gain an understanding from energy practitioners as they delve into environmental justice considerations and the permitting process for energy and environmental projects and the strategic siting of renewable energy projects. Climate change remains a pressing concern, and panel discussions will explore recent climate litigation and the ramifications of climate change on water availability. Hear from panelists as they address Tribal considerations in the areas of treaty rights and co-management of state and federal lands and natural resources. Additional topics to be examined include dam removal developments, contaminated waterways cleanups, the impacts of regulatory requirements on supply chain logistics, the emergence of contaminants such as microplastics and 6PPD, and the evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and climate disclosure practices.

Experience firsthand this enriching event, where you’ll gain insights from top practitioners, build valuable connections, and be inspired by peers in the environmental, energy, and resources law community. We’ll see you in Seattle!

Register here for the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Event in Seattle, WA

 

SCS Engineers’ professional staff, located according to their knowledge of regional and local geography, regulatory policies, and industrial or scientific specialty, are available nationwide. SCS professionals are technical experts and have been admitted as expert witnesses and supported legal counsel in a variety of environmental and regulatory litigation matters. We are always available to discuss:

  1. Brownfields: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/brownfields-and-voluntary-remediation/
  2. Solar Energy: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/landfill-services/landfill-renewable-energy/
  3. Environmental Due Diligence: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/environmental-due-diligence-and-all-appropriate-inquiries/
  4. Greenhouse Gas Monitoring, Inventories, Third-Party Verification: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/greenhouse-gas-services/
  5. Wastewater & Liquid Treatment for PFAS: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/liquids-management/
  6. Risk Management: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/risk-management-plans-and-process-safety-management/
  7. Spill Prevention and SPCC Plans: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/storage-tanks-and-spill-prevention/
  8. Stormwater Management: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/stormwater-management/
  9. Sustainable Solutions Planning: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/sustainability-and-climate-change/
  10. RNG and Anaerobic Digestion: https://www.scsengineers.com/services/biogas-anaerobic-digestion-renewable-energy-systems/
  11. ABA SEER: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/

 

Posted by Diane Samuels at 11:53 am

May 22, 2024

WISCONSIN’S PRINTING INDUSTRY CHARTER MEMBERS Present

Changing Regulatory and Sustainability Landscape for the Printing Industry

Join us on June 26, 2024, from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm (Central Time) at the Waukesha County Technical College
Registration fee is $35

Program Agenda (Central Time)
9:30 a.m. – SGP and Green Tier Program introduction
10:00 a.m. – How to Identify Hazardous Waste in the Printing Industry
10:45 a.m. – How Sustainability Is Shaping the Printing Industry
11:30 a.m. – Update on Ozone Nonattainment Emission Reduction Credits and PM 2.5
12:15 p.m. – Lunch (provided)
1:00 p.m. – Overview of Environmental Compliance including Partial Tour of Printer Portal with Cheryl Moran
1:45 p.m. – Small Business Resources Available from the DNR
2:15 p.m. – Advances In Flexible Packaging Recycling (STRAP Process)
3:00 p.m. – Adjourn

 

Speaker Highlight: Cheryl Moran is a member and leader of the Wisconsin Printing Council and a member of the Great Lakes Graphics Association. She is presenting the 1 p.m. discussion on compliance issues and the printer portal; the regulatory portion of the changing regulatory and sustainability landscape for printers. Many changes to state and federal compliance can impact the printing industry. For example, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) impacts industrial facilities and the public. Annual reporting is due from printing and production facilities meeting a growing number of criteria – in short – more industrial and government facilities will be required to file mandatory reports in 2024 and 2025.

The emergency planning includes annual notification of hazardous chemicals present at your site to your state and local emergency planning and response organizations, and with your fire department. That information is used to help them prepare for emergencies such as chemical releases or fires and is made available to the public.

This information is disclosed through the toxics release inventory (TRI). TRI covers a variety of industries based on their NAICS code, which employs 10 full-time equivalent employees or more and stores or uses specific chemicals, including 189 PFAS.

This report is often referred to by a variety of names, including Toxics Release Inventory, TRI, SARA 313 report, Form R, or Form A. Do not be fooled by the nomenclature; these all refer to the same reporting requirement.

Posted by Diane Samuels at 1:03 pm

May 20, 2024

Join SCS Engineers at the 34th Annual Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania Recycling & Organics Conference at the Wind Creek Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) is a leading association that unites community stakeholders, haulers, vendors, and recycling and organics professionals. They focus on sustaining successful recycling programs.

Conference attendees and exhibitors will enjoy networking, sessions, plenaries, and certification classes for grant writing, composting, program design, and more. Pre-conference certification classes will be on Tuesday, July 23rd. The agenda includes the annual PROP picnic, banquet and awards ceremony, and members meeting.

SCS is proud to exhibit at this event, which brings together leaders and organizations from the recycling and organics industries.

Register today!

 

Posted by Brianna Morgan at 8:53 am

May 20, 2024

Join SCS at the 2024 MRN/SWANA Mid-Atlantic Annual Conference, hosted by the Maryland Recycling Network (MRN) and the SWANA Mid-Atlantic Chapter at the Turf Valley Conference Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. This year’s conference features legislative updates from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), live learning and networking opportunities for industry professionals, and engaging topics on innovative recycling methods, public outreach strategies, and food waste collection. Attendees will enjoy a crab feast and barbeque closing dinner.

SCS is proud to be a sponsor and exhibitor for the MRN/SWANA Mid-Atlantic Annual Conference, bringing together leaders and organizations across the solid waste and recycling industries.

SCS Experts are excited to present on the following topics this year.

Strategies for Measuring and Reducing Emissions to Comply with Current and Potential Future Regulations

Presenters: Josh Roth, PE, Vice President and Project Director, Landfill Gas (LFG) Group and Helen Steffens, EIT

SWANA members can earn CEUs by attending this event. Register today!

Posted by Brianna Morgan at 8:34 am

May 20, 2024

composting

 

This blog summarizes USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Code 336, which addresses Soil Carbon Amendments as a Conservation Practice Standard, part of the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides monetary incentives to improve, among other things, soil quality. Soil carbon amendments include compost, biochar, and other carbon-based materials.

The program is potentially beneficial to compost and biochar facilities (public or private) as the USDA payments include an amount for purchasing finished compost or biochar, which would provide revenue to the facility owner. The payment schedules vary by state. For example, Delaware’s material purchase rates are $26.10 per CY for compost and $201.87 per CY for biochar.

 

Short History of the Amendments

Introduced in December 2019, Code 808 is an interim standard with the purposes of:

  1. Maintain, increase, or improve soil organic matter quantity and quality
  2. Maintain or improve soil aggregate stability
  3. Maintain or improve habitat for soil organisms
  4. Improve plant productivity and health
  5. Improve the efficient use of irrigation water

It lists suitable criteria for applicable amendments and guidance for planning a carbon soil amendment. Twenty-nine states adopted code 808.

Code 336 was introduced in November 2022 as the final standard for soil carbon amendments, with minor changes from Code 808. Its purposes are to:

  1. Improve or maintain soil organic matter.
  2. Sequester carbon and enhance soil carbon (C) stocks.
  3. Improve soil aggregate stability.
  4. Improve habitat for soil organisms.

The main changes that Code 336 implements are quality standards for evaluating soil for amendment and the carbon amendments that need application to the soil.

 

Eligible Areas

Areas to which this practice applies, if organic carbon amendments will improve soil conditions:

  1. Crop
  2. Pasture
  3. Range
  4. Forest
  5. Associated Agriculture Lands
  6. Developed Land
  7. Farmstead

Landowners or operators are responsible for planning, designing, and implementing carbon amendment applications, including acquiring all permits or approvals. The application and approval process varies by state and may be subject to local regulations.

 

Soil Criteria

Per Code 336, before carbon amendment application, evaluate all soil for:

  1. Soil pH
  2. Soil texture
  3. Soil organic matter or soil organic carbon
  4. Extractable phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium
  5. Cation exchange capacity

 

When conservation objectives are required, evaluate the soil for:

  1. Aluminum, sodium, and soluble salts (electrical conductivity)
  2. Bulk density
  3. Aggregate stability
  4. Available water capacity
  5. Iron, manganese, copper, zinc

 

Soil Carbon Amendments Criteria

Code 808 Compost Requirements:

  1. Carbon to Nitrogen ratio between 15:1 and 30:1 (target 20:1)
  2. 40-60% moisture (60-40% solids)
  3. Analysis of carbon and nitrogen content, phosphorus, potassium, pH, soluble salts (electroconductivity), organic matter, and bulk density

 

Code 336 Compost Requirements:

  1. Document the origin of the compost
  2. Report and meet conditions for All Carbon Amendments in Table 1
  3. Report and meet conditions for Compost Amendments in Table 2

 

Code 336 Biochar Requirements:

  1. Document the origin and production method
  2. Report and meet conditions for All Carbon Amendments in Table 1
  3. Report and meet conditions for Biochar Amendments in Table 3

 

Produced compost should be by controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable feedstocks and should have the US Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance Program (STA) or meet the Table 2 criteria.

Compost can be combined with other regionally appropriate soil carbon amendments, such as biochar, wood chips, sawdust, or pulverized paper, to meet the soil’s specific needs. Identify contaminants by testing any soil amendments. Remove contaminants such as glass, metal fragments, film plastic, hard plastic, and sharps before submitting the compost application.

Produce biochar by heating biomass to a temperature above 350 °C under controlled and limited oxygen concentrations to prevent combustion (i.e., pyrolysis or gasification). It should have the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) Certified biochar seal or meet the criteria in Table 3.

 

Payment Rate Tables (CT, DE, and FL Examples)

Delaware Soil Carbon Amendment (Code 336) EQIP Payments
Component Unit Unit Cost
100% Biochar Ac $780.55
HU-100% Biochar Ac $936.66
20% Biochar/80% Compost Ac $492.40
HU-20% Biochar/80% Compost Ac $590.87
40% Biochar/60% Compost Ac $570.46
HU-40% Biochar/60% Compost Ac $684.51
60% Biochar/40% Compost Ac $648.51
HU-60% Biochar/40% Compost Ac $778.22
80% Biochar/20% Compost Ac $726.57
HU-80% Biochar/20% Compost Ac $871.89
Compost – Off Site Ac $219.05
HU-Compost – Off Site Ac $262.86
Compost – On Site Ac $105.59
HU-Compost – On Site Ac $126.71
Compost – Small Areas kSqFt $40.48
HU-Compost – Small Areas kSqFt $48.57
Compost + Biochar – Small Areas kSqFt $48.68
HU-Compost + Biochar – Small Areas kSqFt $58.42
Other Carbon Amendment Ac $840.51
HU-Other Carbon Amendment Ac $1,008.62

HU = “Historically Underserved” Farmers and Ranchers

Florida Soil Carbon Amendment (Code 336) EQIP Payments
Component Unit Unit Cost
100% Biochar Ac $761.21
HU-100% Biochar Ac $913.45
20% Biochar-80% Compost Ac $473.51
HU-20% Biochar-80% Compost Ac $568.21
40% Biochar-60% Compost Ac $551.57
HU-40% Biochar-60% Compost Ac $661.88
60% Biochar-40% Compost Ac $629.63
HU-60% Biochar-40% Compost Ac $755.56
80% Biochar-20% Compost Ac $707.69
HU-80% Biochar-20% Compost Ac $849.23
Compost – Off Site Ac $201.96
HU-Compost – Off Site Ac $242.36
Compost – On Site Ac $90.26
HU-Compost – On Site Ac $108.31
Compost – Small Areas kSqFt $38.79
HU-Compost – Small Areas kSqFt $46.55
Compost + Biochar – Small Areas kSqFt $47.00
HU-Compost + Biochar – Small Areas kSqFt $56.40
Other Carbon Amendment Ac $716.59
HU-Other Carbon Amendment Ac $859.91

 

Connecticut Soil Carbon Amendment (Code 336) EQIP Payments
Component Unit Unit Cost
100% Biochar Ac $772.23
HU-100% Biochar Ac $926.68
100% Biochar cu. yd. CuYd $213.69
HU-100% Biochar cu. yd. CuYd $256.43
20% Biochar-80% Compost by Volume CuYd $108.23
HU-20% Biochar-80% Compost by Volume CuYd $129.88
20% Biochar-80% Compost Ac $480.67
HU-20% Biochar-80% Compost Ac $576.80
40% Biochar-60% Compost by Volume CuYd $134.60
HU-40% Biochar-60% Compost by Volume CuYd $161.52
40% Biochar-60% Compost Ac $558.73
HU-40% Biochar-60% Compost Ac $670.47
60% Biochar-40% Compost by Volume CuYd $160.96
HU-60% Biochar-40% Compost by Volume CuYd $193.15
60% Biochar-40% Compost Ac $636.79
HU-60% Biochar-40% Compost Ac $764.14
80% Biochar-20% Compost by Volume CuYd $187.33
HU-80% Biochar-20% Compost by Volume CuYd $224.79
80% Biochar-20% Compost Ac $714.85
HU-80% Biochar-20% Compost Ac $857.81
Compost – Off Site Ac $210.23
HU-Compost – Off Site Ac $252.27
Compost – On Site Ac $91.33
HU-Compost – On Site Ac $109.59
Compost – Small Areas kSqFt $43.62
HU-Compost – Small Areas kSqFt $52.34
Compost + Biochar – Small Areas kSqFt $51.82
HU-Compost + Biochar – Small Areas kSqFt $62.19
Compost Off-site by Volume CuYd $72.32
HU- Compost Off-site by Volume CuYd $86.79
HU-Other Carbon Amendment Ac $730.39
Other Carbon Amendment Ac $876.47

Find additional state payment tables at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/payment-schedules.

 

Code 336 Implementation

Not all state offices have adopted NRCS Code 336, but the figure below by the US Biochar Initiative shows adoption at the close of 2023. (https://biochar-us.org/code336).

NRCS Soil Carbon Amendment (336)

Discussion of the state-by-state adoption of NRCS Code 336 is in the BioCycle article States Should Adopt NRCS Soil Conservation Standard Code.

Code 336 pricing for compost appears to provide reasonable funding to offset material purchase, transport, application, and technical services. However, Code 336 pricing for biochar does not provide enough funds to subsidize the purchase of biochar in most markets fully. Further, additional costs remain for biochar transport, application, or technical services.

 

Table 1. Soil requirements under NRCS Code 336 (2022).

Soil requirements under NRCS Code 336 (2022)

Table 2. Compost requirements under NRCS Code 336 (2022).

Compost requirements under NRCS Code 336 (2022)

Table 3. Parameters for Biochar Amendments

Parameter Range Unit
Total Ash Report % of total mass, dry basis
Liming equivalent Report % CaCO3
Organic Carbon (Corg) >10 % DW
H:Corg <0.7 Molar ratio
Chromium <1200 mg per kg DW

 

 

Additional Resources:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by Diane Samuels at 6:00 am

May 16, 2024

SCS Engineers
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – NPDES Regulatory Updates with Deadlines

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) has launched a pilot program to speed up the issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, focusing on construction stormwater discharges. Started on April 29, 2024, this pilot in 10 counties is designed to streamline the application process for land development projects over one acre that faces unique environmental challenges. Eligible counties include Allegheny, Beaver, Bucks, Chester, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, and York.

From May 1, 2024, the pilot will process up to three NPDES applications per quarter per county, with a yearly maximum of twelve. Applications must involve a licensed professional to oversee the stormwater plan. A significant improvement over traditional methods, the pilot combines completeness and technical reviews within 47 business days. If deficiencies are found, applicants have 22 business days to resolve them, hastening the move to a draft permit stage and public notice.

Exclusions apply to permit renewals, amendments, and projects on brownfield sites or those with large land disturbances or previous enforcement actions. The pilot also mandates two pre-application meetings to ensure eligibility and a final submission within 22 business days after these meetings.

However, the pilot program excludes several types of applications, such as those for permit renewals, amendments, transfers, projects exempt from application fees, or those proposing unapproved stormwater control measures. It also excludes projects requiring special reviews, those disturbing large land areas, or those associated with past enforcement actions. Notably, projects on brownfield sites must complete all required environmental studies and obtain necessary approvals before applying.

The Bureau of Clean Water manages the statewide Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) program, as specified under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102, which mandates an E&S permit for certain activities causing significant earth disturbances:

  • Construction activities disturbing more than one acre, excluding agricultural plowing or tilling, animal heavy-use areas, timber harvesting, or road maintenance, require an NPDES permit. Eligible entities may seek coverage under the PAG-01 or PAG-02 NPDES General Permits for stormwater discharges associated with small or general construction activities, respectively. Those ineligible for these permits must apply for an individual NPDES permit.
  • Timber harvesting and road maintenance activities disturbing 25 acres or more must secure an E&S permit under the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law instead of an NPDES permit.
  • Oil and gas operations disturbing five acres or more also need an E&S permit under the same law. Eligible operators may apply for coverage under the E&S General Permit (ESCGP-3).
  • Any other activities disturbing five acres or more not previously specified require an E&S permit.

Managed by the Bureau of Clean Water, the pilot seeks to cut application processing times significantly. Additional details and application procedures are available on PADEP’s website.

A draft of the PAG-02 General Permit that would become effective on December 8, 2024, has been posted to DEP’s eLibrary.

 

Additional Information:

 

 

Posted by Diane Samuels at 6:00 am