California's High Speed Rail project wins prestigious Sustainability award

The California High Speed Rail Authority (Authority) announced this week that it has received a national award for its sustainability efforts. The Envision Platinum rating for the Authority was issued by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, a non-profit group founded by the American Public Works Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies. 

Photo Credit: California High Speed Rail Authority

The Envision Platinum rating is the highest-level award from the Institute and represents the very first time it has been issued to a project as large and complex as this one.

The award was earned following an independent third party review of the Authority's performance related  to 64 sustainability criteria, including materials, energy, water, environmental impacts, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, just to name a few.

“We are proud to have achieved Envision Platinum for the high-speed rail program. This recognizes the Authority’s progress on delivering a sustainable transportation system for California,” said Meg Cederoth, the Authority’s Director of Planning and Sustainability. “We’ve sought to reflect California’s sustainability ethic while laying the foundation for carbon-free travel. This recognition is a validation of the Authority’s ability to deliver sustainable infrastructure.”

“Sustainable infrastructure is a broad idea made very specific through the Envision verification process. This robust, third-party review of sustainability performance against 64 different issue areas illustrates how the California High-Speed Rail Authority is delivering on its commitment to provide current and future generations a system that protects and restores social, environmental and economic sustainability in its delivery and on into operation,” said Melissa Peneycad, Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Managing Director.

Bulky Waste Collection Event for Kern County residents, November 7, 2020

The Kern County Public Works Department is holding a free residential bulky waste event on Saturday, November 7, 2020. The event will be held from 8 a.m. until noon at three separate locations, as shown in the picture.

Please note that ONLY non-hazardous, residential wastes will be accepted, such as mattresses, appliances, furniture, TVs, water heaters, and e-waste. All you have to do is drive in and drop off your articles.

Please note also that face coverings are required!

Watch out carmakers - CARB is coming after you (and your pocketbooks)!

The California Air Resources Board warned automakers today that it will not tolerate any more emission control bypass shenanigans similar to what Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and most recently, Mercedes Benz-Daimler have done.

As you may recall, CARB and the USEPA issued fines and other penalties in the billions of dollars after discovering that many vehicles were purposely designed to bypass state and federally required emission controls unless an emissions compliance test was being performed.

Photo Credit: Ruben de Rijcke / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

In September of 2015, CARB sent a letter to all automakers asking them to voluntarily disclose any such systems they may not yet have reported. Apparently not satisfied with the response, CARB issued another warning today threatening severe repercussions if it or EPA, utilizing new laboratories and testing equipment, discover violations that have not been reported.

Here is an excerpt from today's letter, in which CARB expressed its dissatisfaction with the small response:

"On September 25, 2015, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) wrote light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle and engine manufacturers to remind them to properly disclose all auxiliary emission control devices (AECDs) at the time of certification. That letter also informed manufacturers of CARB’s intent to begin using then newly-developed screening tests in CARB’s In-Use Compliance Program, in addition to standard certification emission test cycles, to identify unapproved AECDs and defeat devices, the discovery of which would subject the manufacturer to penalties and remedial measures. The goal of that letter was clear: for manufacturers to proactively inform CARB of undisclosed software devices and reintroduce a level of trust and forthrightness into the certification process."

"While a handful of manufacturers stepped forward over the last five years, the vast majority did not. As promised in 2015, CARB moved forward with expanded testing programs and a suite of newly developed techniques to detect unauthorized AECDs and defeat devices in diesel engines." 

"This situation will not continue--It is a clear violation of public health to pollute the air with illegal devices, and it undermines the essential trust that has supported the certification program for decades. CARB is therefore now writing to you again to encourage voluntary disclosure of any potential violations with respect to these and other applicable regulatory requirements. Voluntary disclosure will trigger a reduction in penalties; failure to do so may affect the result of future enforcement actions involving your company when CARB’s new techniques – and its new state-of-the-art testing laboratory opening in 2021 – inevitably detect any violations you may have. "

Do farming operations generate more sulfur pollution than acid rain?

Interesting story here - does agricultural use of sulfur compounds to grow crops have more of a negative impact on the environment than acid rain?

Agriculture Contributing More to Sulfur Pollution than Fossil Fuels

https://www.environmental-watch.com/2020/09/14/agriculture-contributing-more-to-sulfur-pollution-than-fossil-fuels/?fbclid=IwAR05HT8UMCIB3TtQ_L5gdk47lqCmWNza9ee9LsdCI3EAbLKPE9mp1vuVn6k

What do you think? Please comment below.

Daimler AG/Mercedes Benz caught cheating on vehicle emission controls, fined $1.5 billion

It doesn't pay to cheat on air pollution emission controls on vehicles. Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche found that out a couple of years ago. Now Daimler Ag has also learned the hard way that you don't program emission controls on your cars and vans to only work when the government is testing them and to turn the controls off during normal driving.

Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan

Photo Credit: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / CC0

Under two consent decrees reached by the corporate giant with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), fines and mitigations totaling nearly $1.5 billion dollars must be paid by the company.

Approximately $286 million from the two consent decrees will go to California.

Testing by CARB's testing laboratoy in El Monte, CA, and the National Vehicle and Fuels Emissions Laboratory in Michigan found that from 2009 - 2016, the company purposely designed several Mercedes-Benz diesel cars, SUVs, and Sprinter vans to operate on-board air pollution control systems only when the vehicles "sensed" they were being tested for compliance. When testing was not being done, the controls were bypassed, resulting in illegal emissions into the atmosphere.

Daimler AG must fix 85% of all vehicles that were designed in this manner such that they will now be in compliance at no charge to those people who bought or leased them. The cars and SUVs must be repaired within 2 years and the vans within 3 years. Additionally, extended warranties covering all updated software and hardware must be issued and the company must test all repaired vehicles every year for the next 5 years. Failure to do any of the above will result in additional fines.

As an additional mitigation, Daimler must also provide offsets for excess NOx emissions by replacing 15 old locomotive engines with newer, less polluting ones.

“The message we are sending today is clear. We will enforce the law. We will protect the environment and public health. And if you try to cheat the system and mislead the public, you will be caught,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Those that violate public trust in pursuit of profits will forfeit both.”

“By requiring Daimler to pay a steep penalty, fix its vehicles free of charge, and offset the pollution they caused, today’s settlement again demonstrates our commitment to enforcing our Nation’s environmental laws and protecting Americans from air pollution,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen.

CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols added, “Californians live with some of the worst air in the country, air that adversely impacts public health causing or contributing to asthma, respiratory disease, and premature death. It also costs the economy through medical costs as well as lost work and schools days. Automakers must learn that in this state, CARB will continue to use the very latest and most sophisticated science and technology to catch cheating and violations that impact our air and health.” 

Daimler will also be required to change its corporate culture by reforming the way it has designed and manufactured vehicles in the past such that it will beable to detect and prevent such environmental violations in the future. This includes increased testing under real-world conditions with portable analyzers, starting a robust whistleblower program, enhancing employee training, and performing internal audits which must be reviewed and critiqued by external consultants.

A list of vehicles affected and other information can be found at this link: 

"https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/daimler-ag-and-mercedes-benz-usa-llc-clean-air-act-civil-settlement"

SJVAPCD warns Valley residents of increasing health impacts from poor air quality this weekend

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District warned residents of the Valley to stay indoors this weekend, if possible, due to increased particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions throughout the area.

Much of the problem is due to continuing smoke from fires to the north and the SQF Fire Complex in eastern Tulare County.

Photo credit: SJVAPCD website

However,  meteorological conditions are complicating everything due to winds from the northwest and a high pressure system developing over the area that reduces smoke dispersion. The high pressure acts as a "lid" over the Valley, which is shaped somewhat like a "bowl" with mountains on 3 sides. The winds transport smoke from the northern fires into the bowl, and the central and southern portions of the Valley are further impacted by the Tulare fire smoke.

The District cautions that the smoke impacts may be more noticeable during the night and early morning.

PM pollution can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. This can be especially problematic for the elderly and young children, as well as those with heart or lung disease. Furthermore, the cloth and paper face masks currently being used to reduce transmission of the COVID19 virus may be of little use to prevent the inhalation of wildfire smoke due to the less than 2.5 micron size of the smoke particles.

SJVAPCD reissues health advisory due to smoke from wildfires

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District reissued a health advisory for Valley residents due to continuing smoke from California wildfires. The cautionary notice will remain in place until all of the fires are put out.

Photo Credit: NOAA (https://satellitemaps.nesdis.noaa.gov/arcgis/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4da21c3c398946f293e0436fb926702c)

The District said that smoke from the SQF Complex Fire in Tulare County was entering the Valley through the mountains of Tulare and Kern Counties and combining with smoke from other wildfires to impact San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, and Fresno Counties as well.

Particulate (PM) pollution from these wildfires can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Those experiencing poor air quality should stay indoors. The District has also advised that the the simple cloth and paper masks used to prevent the transmission of COVID19 virus particles by exhalation may not be sufficient to prevent the inhalation of PM particles.

Monterey Bay Air Resources District issues health advisory due to "hazardous" air quality

 As wildfires continue to rage throughout California, yet another air pollution control district has warned its residents to stay indoors and reduce activity levels.

Yesterday the Monterey Bay Air Resources District announced that its air monitoring devices at many locations in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties have reached hazardous levels. This poses a risk to everyone and especially to those with underlying conditions such as heart disease, asthma, COPD, the elderly, children, and others.

Photo Credit: Monterey Bay Air Resources District website

The District also warns that simple paper or dust masks,scarves, and bandanas will not provide protection against the very small particles known as PM2.5. N-95 or P-100 respirators may help, but, the best solution is to stay indoors if possible.

SCAQMD issues health advisory for Los Angeles metro area due to wildfire smoke

The severe health effects posed by California's spate of wildfires is not limited to the Central Valley. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), which encompasses Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside,and San Bernardino Counties, issued its own health advisory today due to elevated levels of ozone and PM2.5.

Photo credit: SCAQMD

The SCAQMD extended its Special Air Quality Advisory to Saturday, August 22, 2020, due to smoke from the Lake and Ranch2 fires. The agency advised those in the impacted areas to remain indoors and avoid physical activities.

RAAN Air Quality update for Bakersfield area

Well, it looked like things were starting to get better, smoke-wise, for the Bakersfield area today. After a pre-dawn peak of 148 µg/m³, PM2.5 levels dropped nearly in half by 11:30 AM, only to reverse course and climb to 140 µg/m³ by 4 pm.

Photo Credit: SJVAPCD RAAN data, August 21, 2020

The concentration of PM2.5 particles exceeds the SJVAPCD's Level 5 limits. Ozone levels also have climbed drastically, reaching a peak of 105 ppb and exceeding Level 4 limits.

Stay inside if you can. Wear a good mask if you can't. Stay safe!

SJVAPCD issues health caution alert through the weekend due to smoky skies in the San Joaquin Valley

As most of you are painfully aware, the skies in many parts of California are filled with smoke from the numerous wildfires throughout the state. 

Photo Credit: CIRA/NOAA 

Smoke from those fires has severely impacted ambient air quality. As a result, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has re-issued a health caution due to the unhealthy levels of large particulate matter (PM) and PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter).

The health caution will remain in effect until the fires are extinguished.

The District anticipates the air quality to be unhealthy throughout the weekend and has warned residents to stay indoors with all windows closed as a result. They also caution that the common cloth and paper masks worn by many to help reduce the transmission of the novel coronavirus may not be adequate protection from wildfire smoke.

Please exercise caution. Stay safe. Stay indoors.

Smoke in the San Joaquin Valley still a problem

This will be just a short post. Here is a screenshot of RAAN data from the SJVAPCD for Bakersfield today.

Notice the more than tripling of PM2.5 data in the span of just a couple of hours around 11 AM to 1 PM today. It now exceeds Level 5.

Please stay inside if you can. Be sure to mask up if you are outside.

Smoke in the San Joaquin Valley - one more reason to stay indoors

If you live just about anywhere in California's San Joaquin Valley, you may have noticed that the sky is gray, the mountains are nowhere to be seen, and the acrid smell of  a burning "something" is in the air.

Wildfires throughout the state are currently impacting the Valley's air quality. As a result,  San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) air quality data is being reported as unhealthy for sensitive groups (RAAN Level 3).

Additionally, if you can smell smoke and see ash, the air may be even more unhealthy as the monitoring equipment doesn't pick up larger particles. SJVAPCD advises that if you see an area covered in ash, then you should assume the air quality is even more unhealthy (RAAN Level 4 or 5).

Currently, the SJVAPCD says that the following fires are impacting the Valley:

• The River Fire, south of Salinas in Monterey County
• SCU Lightning Complex, multiple locations throughout the NorthCoast Range
• The Lake Fire, southeast of Lebec in Los Angeles County
• The Hills Fire, west of Avenal in western Fresno County

Accordingly, everyone should take the appropriate precautions.  

UPDATE. 8/19/20 @ 6:52 PM PDT - Here is the latest date from SJVAPCD's RAAN network for Bakersfield:

ExxonMobil signs agreement with GCE Holdings for renewable diesel from repurposed Bakersfield refinery

ExxonMobil today announced an agreement with Global Clean Energy (GCE) Holdings to purchase renewable diesel fuel for a period of 5 years.

Photo Credit: GCE Holdings website (Fair Use)

The fuel will be produced from GCE's Bakersfield refinery, a traditional fossil fuel refinery which is currently being modified to produce renewable fuels from waste and agricultural products. Production is expected to begin in 2022.

ExxonMobil said it will purchase 2.5 million barrels per year for 5 years as part of its plans to reduce its global greenhouse gas footprint. The diesel will be sold throughout California and possibly other out of state and country markets.

 

APCD urges San Joaquin Valley residents to NOT use Fireworks this July 4th

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, which regulates air pollution throughout an eight county region and includes the cities of Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, and more, has issued a request to all Valley residents to NOT use fireworks this July 4th weekend.

Photo Credit: SJVAPCD

The reason is that the use of such fireworks has been demonstrated to raise the amounts of small particulate matter (PM) to unhealthy levels that exceed health standards. These particles include soot, ash, and toxic metals. These substances can enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream, with the possibility of causing heart attacks and strokes.

Historical monitoring of Valley air quality during previous holidays has shown that PM levels may reach as much as 4 or 5 times higher than federal health standards, as the chart above shows.

This is of particular concern for those with existing health issues like asthma, heart disease, children, and the elderly. In addition, the use of such fireworks will exacerbate the COVID-19 pandemic which is raging throughout the Valley.

“We ask that residents are considerate to the health and well-being of the Valley’s most vulnerable individuals, especially during this unprecedented health crisis,” said Samir Sheikh, the Valley Air District’s Executive Director/Air Pollution Control Officer. “Fireworks release large amounts of PM at ground-level, where individuals can breathe in the harmful pollutant,” he added.

How has California's energy usage been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

As California, the United States, and the rest of the world struggle to cope with this unprecedented pandemic, the California Energy Commission has just released some interesting data that shows how, in California at least, energy usage has changed from normal.

The data reflects the changes since California's Stay-at-Home order took effect on March 19, 2020.

Photo credit: CEC

Key findings include:

Electricity Sector

• Compared to last year, weekday electricity demand declined by more than 4% in late March and 9% in April.
• Although residential energy use in 3 investor-owned utilities increased by 8.9 to 12.4 percent year-to-date compared to the same period last year, but, it was offset by reductions in the commercial and industrial sectors.
• Most of the demand reduction occurred between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Natural Gas Sector

• April natural gas demand was up about 6% to 12% compared to 2019.

Transportation Sector

• Gasoline production declined 47.5% during the week ending May 1 compared to the week ending March 20.
• Jet fuel production declined 68.3% and diesel production declined 33.2% during that same period.

EPA and US Customs stops shipment of illegal anti-virus disinfectants from Asia

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) just announced that they have stopped more than 7,800 illegal health products from entering the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). 

Photo Credit: EPA

The products, such as the item Virus Shut Out, are not registered with the EPA and are being halted because the products are illegal under federal law.

Their safety and efficacy have not been evaluated and their instructions for use are not in English, another legal requirement. Additionally, on-line advertising for the products contain misleading claims about their safety and how well they work. As a result, they could threaten public health, a critical consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“EPA takes our responsibility to protect Americans from fraudulent products seriously,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “EPA is increasing the number of approved disinfectants on the market while taking action to prevent dishonest actors from selling fraudulent and illegal items that do nothing to protect Americans from the coronavirus.”

"It is critical that people only use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow label directions for proper use," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. "EPA will not tolerate companies selling illegal disinfectants and making false or misleading public health claims during this pandemic crisis."

“In the midst of this worldwide emergency, there are still those that would seek to take advantage by making false claims, scamming, and selling inferior products,” said CBP’s San Francisco Director of Field Operations Brian J. Humphrey.  “CBP’s primary goal is to protect the American public, and we will not allow unauthorized products such as these to enter the country.”

Illegal disinfectants being sold on Facebook, Ebay, Alibaba, and other sites; EPA asks them to stop it

Region 9 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has advised several San Francisco Bay Area tech firms that their platforms are being used to sell illegal disinfectants.

Photo Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In separate letters to Facebook, Ebay, Alibaba, Shopify, Qoo10, JoyBuy.com, Wish.com, and banggood.com, EPA advised the firms that companies are using them to market Coronavirus disinfectants and antimicrobials that do not comply with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

The products are marketed as being able to control, prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate the Coronavirus, however, they are unregistered as required by law and appear to be making false or misleading claims. As a result, federal law forbids their distribution and sale in the United States.

“EPA takes our responsibility to protect Americans from fraudulent surface disinfectants seriously,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Earlier this month I met with online retailers and third-party platforms to ask for their help in preventing these impostor products from coming to market. Today, we are advising eight companies to take action against these dishonest dealers and immediately take these illegal products off of their sites.”

“Unregistered disinfectants can put consumers at risk, as they may be ineffective against the virus that causes COVID-19,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine. “EPA is working hard to stop the sale of these illegal products. We also urge consumers to see EPA’s list of approved disinfectant products, available on our website at epa.gov/coronavirus.”

“EPA is vigorously investigating fraudulent disinfectant sales to the public via online marketplaces,” said EPA Region 9 Administrator John Busterud. “Companies cannot sell illegal disinfectants and jeopardize our collective efforts to protect public health.”

For a complete list of EPA approved disinfectants: EPA-registered disinfectant products

Planet of the Humans - new documentary by Michael Moore and Jeff Gibbs calls out the environmental movement

Michael Moore (Executive Producer) and Jeff Gibbs (Director) have released their new documentary, Planet of the Humans, to YouTube for free viewing for 30 days. The new film is sure to prove controversial, particularly with those supporting the green movement.

According to Moore's YouTube account's description of this documentary,   "...we are losing the battle to stop climate change on planet earth because we are following leaders who have taken us down the wrong road — selling out the green movement to wealthy interests and corporate America. This film is the wake-up call to the reality we are afraid to face: that in the midst of a human-caused extinction event, the environmental movement’s answer is to push for techno-fixes and band-aids. It's too little, too late."

Additionally, Gibbs warns, "No amount of batteries are going to save us."

Here is a link to the full film:

Feel free to leave your comments below.

Earth Day 2020 - something interesting for you

Today is Earth Day. The fiftieth anniversary of it actually.

Here's an interesting article by Michael E. Mann, one of the world's foremost experts on climate change.

Earth Day and the Hockey Stick

California High-Speed Rail Authority extends public review period and sets virtual hearing for Bakersfield to Palmdale section

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has extended the deadline for public comments for the Bakersfield to Palmdale section of the bullet train project.

Additionally, the previous hearing originally scheduled for April 9 has been re-scheduled as a virtual webcast meeting on April 23, 2020, from 3 - 8 p.m. Comments may be submitted over the internet or by phone.

Photo Credit: CAHSRA

For more information:

Bakersfield to Palmdale Environmental Documents

April 23 Webcast Registration/Info

California Energy Commission and New Energy Nexus offering free COVID19 webinar for the Cleantech industry

We just received the following from the California Energy Commission (CEC). Those of you in the Cleantech community and those of you interested in it may register for a free seminar about available resources for Cleantech during this COVID-19 pandemic.

"The California Energy Commission and New Energy Nexus invite you to a webinar on “Weathering the COVID Crisis: Reflections & Resources for the Cleantech Community”. Chair David Hochschild, Vice Chair Janea Scott, and New Energy Nexus CEO, Danny Kennedy will talk about the steps we are taking to support cleantech companies.

Attendees will also hear strategies from some of the most successful CEOs in cleantech on how to survive and thrive during these uncertain times. Lynn Jurich, co-founder and CEO of Sunrun, Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of NexTracker, and Ryan Popple, co-founder and Executive Director of Proterra, will share the challenges their companies are facing, how they are managing those challenges, and advice and lessons learned from the last recession. There will be a short Q&A at the end of the webinar – please bring your most pressing questions!

This free webinar will take place on April 21, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the public. To attend, please register in advance:

https://energy.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CLxNtEODTjemQQTTXCkiyw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar."

EPA Region IX transferring over 1,100 N-95 face masks to California OES

The Pacific Southwest Region (Region IX) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has transferred more than 1,100 N-95 face masks to California's Office of Emergency Services (OES).

Typical N-95 Face Mask

Photo Credit: USEPA 

The transfer is part of EPA's continuing review of its inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition, EPA is currently developing a plan to donate more equipment to state and local agencies nationwide that are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“EPA is working hard to support our nation’s first responders as they risk their own safety to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “After searching our inventory of personal protective equipment, we identified excess supplies and sent them to those on the frontlines of this fight. At EPA we are here to help in any way we can and I encourage everyone else to do the same.”

“We are doing all we can to support our state and local partners as they address this pandemic in our communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “We don’t maintain large supplies, but we want to ensure that anything we can spare goes to the frontline responders who need it the most.”

Such equipment is used by EPA personnel for laboratory, inspection, and emergency response functions.

EPA relaxes regulations for COVID-19, but, it's not what many news outlets are reporting

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced a temporary enforcement discretion policy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo Credit: EPA website

The new policy is not, we repeat, IS NOT a repeal of existing environmental regulations that would allow regulated industries and other entities carte blanche to operate their equipment and processes in violation of their permits and regulations.

Several news outlets have reported otherwise, including statements from former EPA employees that are flat out wrong and totally misrepresent what EPA has done.

What the policy does do, however, is relax civil penalties in the event that an operator cannot meet certain monitoring, record-keeping, storage, operational, and other requirements during the pandemic. In order to utilize this policy, the operator must do the best it can to continue operating in compliance AND it must demonstrate and document legitimate reasons related to COVID-19 that caused it to operate out of compliance.

One such example would be a requirement to conduct quarterly or yearly source testing by a certain date or frequency. Most companies are required as part of their permits to utilize third-party, independent testing companies to perform these and other tests. If during the pandemic, the testing lab closed down or was otherwise unable to provide its employees to perform the test, the affected company would find itself technically in non-compliance with environmental regulations, EVEN THOUGH THE EQUIPMENT THAT NEEDED TO BE TESTED WAS OPERATING NORMALLY AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ITS EMISSION LIMITS.

"EPA is committed to protecting human health and the environment, but recognizes challenges resulting from efforts to protect workers and the public from COVID-19 may directly impact the ability of regulated facilities to meet all federal regulatory requirements," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "This temporary policy is designed to provide enforcement discretion under the current, extraordinary conditions, while ensuring facility operations continue to protect human health and the environment."

For a complete explanation of what EPA has done, please check the following links:

EPA Announces Enforcement Discretion Policy for COVID-19 Pandemic

EPA Policy on Enforcement during the COVID-19 outbreak

EPA Cornoavirus Website

Ford joining forces with 3M, GE, and UAW to build hospital respirators, ventilators, and face shields from F-150 seat fans and other off-the-shelf parts

Ford Motor Company announced yesterday that it will be joining forces with 3M, GE, and the UAW to address the critical shortage of certain hospital equipment necessary to treat patients and protect health care workers and first responders.

Operators and assemblers assemble medical face shields.

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Co. (Fair Use)

The company plans to use seat ventilation fans from its F-150 truck and 3M HEPA air filters to manufacture powered air purifying respirators (PARS). These units pull contaminated air thru the filter and send it into an enclosed face mask. The units will use portable tool battery packs to provide up to 8 hours of power.

In addition, Ford and GE Healthcare are working to increase production of a simpler version of GE's existing ventilator system to help patients with respiratory failure or breathing difficulties caused by COVID-19.

Finally, Ford has been creating and will soon test transparent full-face shields for medical workers and first responders. When used with N95 respirators, they will provide added protection to limit exposure to the virus.

For more information, including a schematic of the proposed PARS design:

How Ford Is Using Seat Ventilation Fans to Build Thousands of Respirators

Grocery shopping tips to minimize risks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

We hope you all are doing your best to stay safe during this worldwide emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo credit: Consumer Reports (fair use)

Here are some tips on how to minimize the risks to you, your family, and those you encounter when buying groceries and other items from the grocery store.

How to protect yourself from Coronavirus when grocery shopping


Stay safe!

CDC to hold online COVID-19 webinar on Wednesday, March 18

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will hold an informational webinar tomorrow at 1 p.m. EST (10 a.m. PDT).

Experts from CDC will discuss the current state of the pandemic, what CDC is doing to respond, and how partners, organizations, and the public can help.

The webinar may be viewed on Facebook at the CDC's Emergency Preparedness and Response page.

Closed captioning for the hearing impaired will be available.

Governor Newsom calls for the shutdown of bars, wineries, brewpubs, and the home isolation of seniors and others

California's Governor Gavin Newsom today called for additional measures to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and protect the health and safety of Californians.

In a press conference this afternoon (see video link below), the Governor called for the closure of all bars, wineries, and brew pubs, referring to them as non-essential services. In addition, he asked that all those 65 and over self-isolate in their homes, as well as those with pre-existing conditions.

The Governor also said that at this time, he is not calling for the closure of restaurants, however, he directed that they reduce their capacity in half and implement social distancing measures for their patrons.

It was unclear as to whether the Governor's actions were an official order or proclamation or not. In his comments, he briefly referred to potential enforcement actions, but, he said, as with previously issued guidance, the private sector for the most part has responded positively to that guidance. He expects the same to happen now.

What does California's COVID-19 emergency mean for entertainment venues?

As the spread of the coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, continues across the country, California's Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state emergency on March 4, 2020. The declaration specified measures that are to be taken to protect public health, prevent price gouging, offer more assistance to local governments, and allow health care workers to come from outside the state.

Photo © Frank J. Maccioli

The official proclamation may be seen here: Proclamation of a State of Emergency

Additionally, the California Department of Public Health (CPDH) has developed a website for the latest COVID-19 updates and information.

Included on that website are a series of Guidance Documents, including among others, recommendations for how entertainment venues should address the developing pandemic to minimize the health risks to their performers, employees, and patrons. Those recommendations may be found here:

CDPH Guidance for the Prevention of COVID-19 TransmissionIn Entertainment Venues, March 13, 2020

Many of California Environmental News' friends and supporters are members of the entertainment industry - musicians, actors, producers, venue owners. Most, if not all of them, have been impacted by this pandemic and are closely following the above procedures, some of which are shown below:

• Keep attendance under 250 persons per individual theater and ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can sit together, stand in line together etc. 
• Suspend reserved seating to allow patrons to self-separate 
• Reduce capacity to 50-60% per showing 
• Increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing per CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection guidance on high contact areas/hard surfaces including snack counters, door handles/hinges, etc. 
• Increase cleaning and sanitizing of restrooms 
• Sanitize seats and tray tables between showings 
• Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• Increased spacing of show times to allow for more thorough cleaning of individual theaters 
• Have ushers monitor social distancing practices in theaters and encourage additional distance between guests as appropriate 
• Limiting the number of people in lines 
• Additional opportunities throughout the theater for persons to reduce the spread of the virus through hand washing or sanitizing stations 
• Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that CDPH has identified as being at higher risk for COVID-19.

As a prudent measure for your own protection, be sure to contact any venue you may be attending to ensure that they are following the recommended procedures and to determine what other measures they may be doing to protect your health, the health of their employees, and the general public.

Be safe out there! We are all in this together!

World Health Organization declares coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared that the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a pandemic.

Photo Credit: Screenshot, Dr. Tedros' March 11, 2020 News Conference/Twitter feed (Fair use)

You may view the announcement at the following link:

WHO declares Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

From the Twitter feed of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director of WHO:

"@WHO is deeply concerned by the alarming levels of the #coronavirus spread, severity & inaction, & expects to see the number of cases, deaths & affected countries climb even higher. Therefore, we made the assessment that #COVID19 can be characterized as a pandemic."

Just what is a "pandemic?" In simple terms, a pandemic results when an infectious disease spreads internationally or worldwide, as opposed to an epidemic, which may be restricted to localized areas. (Ref.: Pandemic definition )
To date, the spread of coronavirus and the disease it causes (COVID-19) since its discovery in December of 2019 has resulted in over 125,000 known cases, over 4,600 known deaths, and over 67,000 known recoveries. As of March 11, 2020 at 19:41 GMT, there have been 1109 confirmed cases and 31 deaths due to coronavirus COVID-19 in the United States.  (Ref.: Coronavirus Update)
UPDATE: According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), as of March 10, 2020, there have been 157 confirmed cases and 2 deaths from COVID-19 in California. Those numbers do not include passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship currently docked in Oakland, CA.

Questions and answers about the coronavirus from the World Health Organization

People understandably have been hearing lots of conflicting reports about the spread and impacts of the coronavirus outbreak and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Lots of people dismiss it as being far less dangerous than the flu and others compare it to the zombie apocalypse.

Photo Credit: WHO/Getty Images (fair use)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has compiled a list of questions and answers that address most if not all of the questions you may have. Of note is that although the symptoms of COVID-19 are generally considered to be mild, 1 in 5 of those afflicted with the disease require hospitalization. That's 20 percent for those of us who may be mathematically challenged.

Additionally, according to WHO, there is no evidence that current medicine exists that can cure or prevent the disease.

Considering that the disease is still spreading across the world with no real end in sight, the concern about COVID-19 is, and please pardon this pun which may be in bad taste, "nothing to sniff at."

BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells, CA CANCELLED due to coronavirus

The 2020 BNP Paribas Tennis Open has just been cancelled due to concerns related to the coronavirus, COVID-19. The Mens and Womens professional tournament is considered by many to be the fifth major tennis tournament in the world, next to the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open.

Photo Credit: BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament website

Tournament officials just announced the cancellation via a statement on the tournament website. The reason given was that the Riverside County Public Health Department has declared a public health emergency for the Coachella Valley after a confirming a local case of the COVID-19 virus.

“There is too great a risk, at this time, to the public health of the Riverside County area in holding a large gathering of this size,” said Dr. David Agus, Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. “It is not in the public interest of fans, players and neighboring areas for this tournament to proceed. We all have to join together to protect the community from the coronavirus outbreak.”

At the time of this writing, the Riverside County Public Health Department had not yet posted any information about the emergency on its website. However, the website did note that a Riverside County resident who was a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship contracted the disease, but, was being quarantined in Northern California. Additionally, the County has activated a special Department Operations Center (DOC) in response to its efforts to ramp up its response to the virus.

(UPDATE, 3/9/20: The Riverside County Public Health Department website has just published the Emergency Declaration, dated March 8, 2020. You may see it at this link: Local Health Emergency )

“We appreciate the proactive stance tournament organizers are taking to ensure public health and safety,” said Martin Massiello, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Eisenhower Health.

“We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas. “We are prepared to hold the tournament on another date and will explore options.”

Those who have purchased tickets may request refunds on the tournament website.

BNP Paribas Tennis Open taking steps to address Coronavirus COVID-19

One of California's biggest professional tennis tournaments,  the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, has just announced a major response to the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19.

The men's and women's professional tennis tournament, often referred to as the tennis world's 5th major, is scheduled for March 8 - 21, 2020.

Event organizers are offering refunds for tickets already purchased or an option to use them as a credit for the 2021 tournament.

Additional actions include:

• Installation of more than 250 hand sanitation stations throughout the facility.
• Players, and not ball kids, will be required to manage their own towels on court. Ball kids will not touch or move the towels.
• Ball kids, restaurant and food supply workers, and volunteers at ticket entrances will wear gloves.
• N95 masks are being secured for first aid and health personnel.
• Organized player and fan interaction will be limited.
• All common areas will be cleaned daily with antivirals.
• Coordinating with a local hospital and CDC approved testing for all individuals with symptoms.

For more information: Statement Regarding Coronavirus