ROSS Deadlines Approaching 

Facilities that qualify for registered status under the Illinois EPA's new Registration of Smaller Sources (ROSS) program have some important deadlines to meet. Any new facility, or a facility that does not yet have a permit but that is required to have a permit (or are not exempted from having a permit), should have registered with the ROSS program before June 30, 2012. After July 1, 2012, existing facilities that meet the requirements for ROSS must register with the Illinois EPA prior to the due date of their annual site fee.

The following lists how to know if you must register under the ROSS program, and the criteria for determining an eligible source:

• the source must not be required to obtain a permit pursuant to the Illinois Clean Air Act Permit Program or Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit program, or under regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 111 or 112 of the Clean Air Act;
• the USEPA has not otherwise determined that a permit is required;
• the source emits less than an actual 5 tons per year of combined particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic material air pollutant emissions;
• the source emits less than an actual 0.5 tons per year of combined hazardous air pollutant emissions;
• the source emits less than an actual 0.05 tons per year of lead their emissions;
• the source emits less than an actual 0.05 tons per year of mercury air emissions; and
• the source does not have an emission unit subject to a standard pursuant to 40 CFR Part 61 Maximum Achievable Control Technology, or 40 CFR Part 63 National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants other than those regulations that the USEPA has categorized as "area source".

 For more information regarding the ROSS program visit www.ienconnect.com/enviro

Program for College Students to Work on Waste Reduction and Energy Efficiency Projects

Looking for ways to improve environmental performance and save money at your facility?   Illinois EPA has a special program that places upper-level college students at facilities during the summer to work on waste reduction and energy efficiency projects.   

While the intern students are placed primarily at industrial facilities, they have worked at local government and public institutions like water reclamation districts, community colleges and military installations.  Students typically have backgrounds in engineering, chemistry or environmental management. 

In recent years, the student projects have centered on lighting/motor upgrades, air compressor efficiency, process improvements, solid waste reduction, safer chemical substitution and water usage.  In 2010, the intern program helped facilities save over $750,000 in lower operating and disposal costs.  

To participate in the program, host facilities must provide a well-defined project, student supervision, work space, safety training and workers' compensation.  The facility will also be responsible for paying a portion of or the entire student salary, which averages approximately $2,500 a month for a 12 week period (one week of training and 11 weeks in the field).

Illinois EPA is responsible for recruiting qualified students, training and matching interns with host facilities, reviewing progress reports and providing technical support.  To learn more about this internship program, visit www.epa.state.il.us/p2/internships

White House Asks Businesses to

Identify Burdensome Regulations

On July 18, 2012, The White House opened up its regulatory reform effort to the public, launching a website for tips on how the government can streamline or eliminate regulations.  In 2011 the President directed all executive agencies to undertake an unprecedented government-wide review of regulations on the books, in order to figure out what is working and what is not, and where appropriate, to streamline or eliminate ineffective, overly burdensome, and outdated rules. Over two dozen agencies responded with regulatory reform plans, listing more than 800 initiatives. The Administration is now asking for businesses to send them comments identifying burdensome regulations. 

To help the federal government streamline, simplify or eliminate federal regulations that are burdensome to your business, visit www.whitehouse.gov/advise

• Organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States;
• At least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States, or
• At least 51 percent owned and controlled by another for-profit business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States; and;
• No more than 500 employees, including affiliates.

For further information on the SBIR program, please visit www.sbir.gov/about/about-sbir