Resolving Environmental Regulatory Conflict, EPA Project

• identify examples of regulatory conflict
• design and conduct outreach programs to minimize such conflict
• survey current worker exposure data

The project, recently concluded, was performed under contract to the Significant New Alternatives Policy Program (SNAP) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The study considers a group of chemicals which were evaluated and ruled on under SNAP. An array of selected Federal and Local regulations were analyzed in terms of conflicts and regulatory goals which are at cross-purposes to SNAP. Those involved in writing the regulations and policies were consulted in order to elucidate the rationale for the regulations as were selected individuals in industry. In addition, availability of newer worker exposure data was evaluated. A report has been submitted; and outreach programs are currently under development.

References:
“ Conflicting Environmental Regulatons,” B. Kanegsberg and E. Kanegsberg, 2003 AESF/EPA Conference for Environmental Process Excellence, Daytona Beach, Fl., February 3 - 6, 2003
Kanegsberg, B. and E. Kanegsberg, “When Regulations Collide,” Presentation and Proceedings, CleanTech, 2002, Atlanta, GA, May, 2002.
Kanegsberg, B. and E. Kanegsberg “Reconciling Conflicting Regulations – A Joint Agency Initiative,” introduction to U.S. EPA project, presented at The Twelfth Annual International Workshop on Solvent Substitution and the Elimination of Toxic Substances and Emissions, Scottsdale, AZ, December, 2001.

Outreach Program, Willits, CA

Residents of this small town in Northern California needed to evaluate very complex, technical documents regarding contamination by organic and inorganic contamination. At the request of residents of the town, the California Department of Health Services (DHS) invited BFK Solutions to provide an introduction to chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology and analysis of hazardous waste contamination. The goal was to allow residents to make informed, non-alarmist comments regarding contamination analysis and proposed clean-up plans. The program was designed for non-scientists and was enthusiastically-received.

Reference: Kanegsberg, B. and E. Kanegsberg, “Environmental and Health Impacts of VOC’s,” DHS-sponsored presentation to Willits Community Site Council, Willits, CA January 10, 2002.