Environment

Tank Spill Prevention Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1988

Tank Spill Prevention Act of 1988 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to promulgate regulations applicable to above-ground storage tanks which include requirements that tank owners and operators adopt spill and leak prevention plans and construct and maintain spill and leak prevention systems. Requires that spill and leak prevention systems: (1) be capable of catching and holding 110 percent of the tank's capacity and containing a rapid burst or wave of the contents; (2) be reviewed by the tank's owner or operator and a qualified registered professional engineer and certified as fail safe and reflective of good engineering practices; and (3) include tank testing before operations begin and at least once every three years thereafter. Permits the substitution of inspection when testing is impracticable. Requires that spill and leak prevention plans: (1) be designed specifically for each facility; (2) assure that adequate procedures, equipment, and trained personnel are available to control and clean up any release of a regulated substance; (3) be certified by a qualified registered professional engineer as reflective of good engineering practices; (4) be updated periodically as new spill control and clean-up technology is developed; and (5) include procedures for the prompt notification of the National Response Center and the nearest local government. Authorizes the Administrator to require a tank owner or operator to undertake corrective action in response to any release of a regulated substance from the tank when such action will be done properly and promptly. Authorizes the Administrator to take corrective action where the owner or operator fails to take prompt and effective action and human health and the environment are endangered. Requires tank owners or operators to amend their spill and leak plans and systems whenever a major modification in the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of the tank materially affects the tank's potential to release substances. Prohibits a tank's use until such amended plan and system have been certified by an engineer and approved by the Administrator. Permits the establishment of financial responsibility for a spill by any means the Administrator deems appropriate. Authorizes the assertion of claims against guarantors providing evidence of financial responsibility for claims against insolvent owners or operators of tanks. Limits guarantor liability to the aggregate amount which the guarantor has provided as evidence of financial responsibility to the owner or operator. Authorizes the Administrator to establish coverage requirements which may vary among particular classes or categories of above-ground storage tanks. Authorizes a State to submit for the Administrator's review and approval a program under which such State would assume primary responsibility for the enforcement of regulations pertaining to above-ground storage tanks. Requires that State regulation and enforcement procedures be at least as stringent as those used by the Administrator. Requires the Administrator to monitor State programs for compliance with this Act's requirements. Directs the Administrator to impose a fee on all above-ground storage tanks which shall be deposited in a Tank Spill Enforcement Fund for use in providing grants to States for administering State programs. Authorizes the Administrator to issue compliance orders or commence civil actions against violators of this Act's requirements, but requires that prior notification be given to States operating their own program. Imposes criminal and civil monetary penalties for violations of this Act's requirements. Makes tank owners and operators liable for the Administrator's corrective action costs and damages arising out of or directly resulting from the unauthorized release of a regulated substance from the tank. Makes third parties liable when owners or operators can establish that the costs and damages were caused solely by third parties. Sets forth defenses to liability. Authorizes the Administrator to establish limits on total liability except where: (1) the incident was proximately caused by the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the tank owner or operator, or by the violation of applicable Federal safety, construction, or operating regulations; or (2) the tank owner or operator fails to report an incident where required by law to do so and has reason to know of such incident or fails to cooperate and assist with removal activities. Provides for the appointment of Federal and State trustees who shall act on behalf of the public to recover damages for injuries and losses to natural resources. Gives a trustee's assessment of such damages the status of a rebuttable presumption in administrative and judicial proceedings. Requires that recovered sums be used to restore or replace natural resources. Allows tank owners or operators to recover removal costs and damages to which a defense or liability limitation is applicable, provided such claim is presented within a specified period of time. Prohibits indemnification agreements from effectively transferring liability under this Act.

A bill to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to modify the requirements respecting liability insurance for underground storage tanks, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1988

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to extend to November 8, 1989, the effective date for maintaining evidence of financial responsibility for owners and operators of underground storage tanks. Prohibits the first suspension of such financial responsibility requirement for a class or category of tanks from exceeding 360 days. (Such suspension is currently authorized for up to 180 days if the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency makes certain determinations.) Requires the Administrator to assist States in establishing: (1) State assurance funds to enable underground storage tank owners and operators to meet the financial requirements of the Act; and (2) programs to encourage private insurance providers to offer insurance coverage to such owners and operators.

A bill to impose special fees on the ocean disposal of municipal sludge, to prohibit disposal of municipal sludge into the ocean after December 31, 1991, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 1988

Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit any person from dumping municipal sludge into the ocean without having obtained from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a permit imposing a special disposal fee for each dry ton dumped. Requires permittees to: (1) deposit 75 percent of such fees in a trust account for subsequent use on projects to eliminate ocean dumping after 1991; and (2) pay 25 percent of such fees to the Administrator for sludge disposal enforcement, research, reporting, and permit activities. Authorizes the Administrator to waive all or part of the fee requirement for permittees who have entered into and are adhering to a binding, enforceable agreement for the phasing out and termination of the ocean dumping of municipal sludge by 1992. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress at six-month intervals on land-based disposal options for municipal sludge and the progress made by permittees toward the cessation of ocean dumping of such sludge. Outlaws the ocean dumping of municipal sludge after 1991. Imposes penalties for each day of noncompliance with this Act's requirements.

Antrag auf Herbeirufung des Bundesministers für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (G-SIG: 11001659)

Germany · German Bundestag · 2 March 1988

A resolution to express the sense of the Senate regarding future funding of the Construction Grants program of the Clean Water Act.

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1988

Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Construction Grants Program under the Clean Water Act should be fully funded and implemented as authorized and intended by the Water Quality Act of 1987.

AMENDMENTS TO THE PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION ESTABLISHING A 5-YEAR COMMUNITY-WIDE PROGRAMME OF PROJECTS ILLUSTRATING HOW ACTIONS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO EMPLOYMENT CREATION

European Union · European Commission · 29 February 1988

Ground Water Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1988

Ground Water Protection Act - Part A: Policy - States that it is the purpose of this Act to protect and enhance the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the Nation's groundwater resources and ensure that such resources are not degraded in any way. Part B: Detection - Provides that when it is not feasible or reliable to monitor the soils and waters in an unsaturated zone where the hazard from a source of contaminants is substantial the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) shall require leachate collection systems for such source. Directs the Geological Survey to establish and conduct an ongoing program to identify, assess, monitor, and project changes in the quantity and quality of national groundwater resources. Authorizes the Geological Survey to undertake other groundwater research and appraisal programs, including programs involving: (1) Federal-State cooperative research projects; (2) the analysis of regional aquifer systems; and (3) the investigation of processes which control the movement, fate, and alteration of groundwater contaminants. Requires each State to develop a report, within two years of this Act's enactment, characterizing the groundwater resources of such State and including comprehensive mapping of all aquifer systems in the State and identification of the principal sources of contaminants and groundwater withdrawals. Requires that such report be updated annually. Directs each State to establish a water well drilling program which, at a minimum, requires that: (1) water well drillers be licensed; (2) waters from new or altered wells be analyzed for contaminants; (3) drinking groundwater wells be isolated from sources of contamination and other wells not be located or constructed in a manner which spreads contamination; and (4) information concerning completed or abandoned wells be recorded. Requires that before real property is transferred, wells used for drinking or household needs be analyzed for contaminants and the results of such analysis be provided to prospective buyers. Prohibits transfer of such property until abandoned wells are plugged. Directs the Administrator to conduct a survey and report to the Congress by July 1, 1990, on abandoned water supply and other production and injection wells, including recommendations for the prevention of water contamination from abandoned water supply and other wells. Directs the Administrator to conduct national groundwater quality surveys to determine the effect various contaminant sources have on groundwater quality and the measures that may be effective in preventing contamination. Authorizes the Governor of any State to petition the Administrator to initiate a nationwide survey of additional sources. Requires the Administrator to notify: (1) public water systems and private households of the presence of contaminants in their water; and (2) government officals of the need for corrective action. Sets forth reporting requirements. Authorizes the Administrator to require the owner or operator of a source or potential source of contaminants, or a source of contaminants abandoned within the previous ten years to notify a designated State or local agency of such source and the effects of contaminants from such source. Subjects owners and operators who knowingly fail to submit accurate information to a civil monetary penalty. Requires each State to undertake a continuing program to compile, publish, and submit to the Administrator an inventory describing the location of each drinking water well within such State which has been closed or restricted for use because the groundwater is nonpotable. Requires the owners and operators of such wells to provide the State with specified information regarding such wells. Subjects owners and operators who knowingly fail to submit accurate information to a civil monetary penalty. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) conduct programs and provide technical assistance to other governmental or nonprofit programs monitoring contaminants and other parameters in groundwater and soil, water, and vapors in the unsaturated zone; and (2) establish protocols for, and train and certify persons who will engage in groundwater sampling, analysis, and data management. Provides that where the discharge from a source or potential source of contaminants has the potential to contaminate ground within the vicinity, the source owner or operator must monitor groundwater, and, where appropriate, soils and water in the unsaturated zone. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) issue rules and guidelines for such site-specific monitoring; (2) require owners and operators of sources or potential sources of contaminants to install conduct monitoring of soil, water, and vapors in the unsaturated zone whenever such monitoring is practicable and reliable and discharges present a substantial threat of groundwater contamination; and (3) require manufacturers or importers of substances which contaminate or have the potential to contaminate the groundwater to monitor groundwater and soil, water, and vapor in the unsaturated zone at a representative number of substance sites and conduct a national exposure assessment to determine the public health risks of groundwater contamination when such substances may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health. Authorizes the Administrator to issue an order requiring the owner or operator of a contaminant source which is presenting or may present a threat of injury or damage to human health, welfare, or the environment, or exceeds this Act's groundwater protection standards to assess the nature and extent of contamination. Requires the owner or operator to submit a source monitoring plan to the Administrator within 15 days of issuance of the order. Provides that where the contaminant source is the application of a pesticide in accordance with label instructions or widespread and usual practice, the Administrator may require the registrant of the pesticide to conduct the contamination assessment. Subjects owners and operators who fail to comply with an order of the Administrator to a civil monetary penalty. Part C: Prevention - Directs the Administrator to publish guidance, within 30 months of this Act's enactment, for the establishment of State Control Programs applicable to categories of sources or potential sources of contaminants. Provides that such guidance may include requirements: (1) relating to source location, design, installation, operations, operator training, maintenance, leak detection, groundwater monitoring, record-keeping, corrective action, closure, and financial responsibility; and (2) varying among source types, different regions of the country, and new and existing sources. Requires the Governor of each State to prepare and submit to the Administrator for approval State Control Programs for the prevention of groundwater contamination. Requires that contaminant sources be in compliance with all requirements of a State Control Program within two years of the Program's approval unless the owner or operator has been granted a variance which will not result in unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. Provides for the waiver of Program requirements with respect to a particular source in certain cases where a waiver will not pose an unreasonable risk to human health or lead to adverse economic consequences which are not significantly outweighed by resulting social and economic benefits. Requires each Program to monitor the compliance of sources with Program requirements, enforce such requirements, and describe the authorities and resources available to the State to take corrective action when a discharge or threatened discharge from a source may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health or the environment. Requires that Programs be evaluated at least quadrennially to ensure that they are of sufficient stringency and effectiveness to prevent the violation of this Act's primary groundwater protection standards. Authorizes the Administrator to withdraw approval of a Program when the State is not administering and enforcing it in accordance with the guidance of the Administrator and does not take appropriate action to bring the Program into compliance within 90 days after notification of noncompliance. Waives this Act's discharge permit requirement for source owners or operators who are in compliance with Program requirements. Subjects new contaminant sources to a second set of requirements written by the Administrator calling for use of the best practicable technology in controlling discharges. Authorizes States to develop and submit to the Administrator a program for enforcing such requirements. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations, within 30 months of this Act's enactment, which reflect the greatest degree of control economically achievable through the application of the best available technology or management practice for sources or potential sources of contaminants. Requires that the Administrator, in establishing performance requirements, give priority to measures which reduce the volume and toxicity of contaminants handled or discharged over processes which merely contain, capture, or treat contaminants prior to discharge. Requires the Administrator to review and revise such regulations at least once every five years. Makes it unlawful for any person to install, operate, or close a source or potential source of contaminants in a wellhead protection or primary aquifer protection area without employing the best available technology and management practices. Directs the Administrator to promulgate regulations, within one year of this Act's enactment, for State identification of wellhead protection areas in such a manner that any source of contaminants the discharge from which may reach a drinking water well or wellfield is encompassed within such an area. Requires each State to identify wellhead protection areas, within two years of this Act's enactment, and compile an inventory of the sources and potential sources of contaminants within such areas, within 36 months of this Act's enactment, for subsequent transmittal to the Administrator. Requires States to notify owners and operators of contaminant sources located within a wellhead protection area of the boundaries of such area and the requirements such location entails. Prohibits the location and requires the closure of injection wells, or sources or potential sources of contaminants which are not in compliance with best available technology and management practices, and facilities for the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous or nuclear wastes within wellhead protection areas. Directs the Administrator to establish criteria for the establishment of boundaries for areas which may be designated as primary aquifer protection areas. Authorizes the Governor of each State or, if the Governor fails to act, the chief elected local government officials within the area to designate the boundaries of a primary aquifer protection area and designate a management agency for such area. Requires each State or consortium of local governments to submit to the Administrator for approval or disapproval the designations of primary aquifer protection areas. Requires the management agency of an approved primary aquifer protection area to: (1) conduct a comprehensive hydrogeological assessment of the area; and (2) within two years of the Administrator's approval of the area, compile an inventory of the sources or potential sources of contaminants within such area for transmittal to the Administrator. Provides that before regulations shall apply to contaminant sources within such an area a State act or statute must confirm the area's boundaries. Requires States to notify owners and operators of contaminant sources located within a primary aquifer protection area of the boundaries of such area and the requirements such location entails. Prohibits the location and requires the closure of injection wells, sources or potential sources of contaminants which are not in compliance with best available technology and management practices, and facilities for the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous or nuclear wastes within primary aquifer protection areas. Provides for the implementation of a discharge permit program by July 1, 1992, under which permits shall: (1) be issued for terms of up to five years; (2) include a requirement that the owner or operator of the source certify, at least annually, that there is a program in place to reduce the volume, quantity, or toxicity of the discharge to the maximum extent practicable; (3) include requirements assuring that no contaminants enter water in sufficient quantity so as to exceed this Act's primary or secondary groundwater protection standards; (4) include requirements for assessing the source, discharges from the source, and the soil and water within the vicinity of the source in addition to giving the Administrator's representatives certain investigatory powers; (5) include requirements for assuring that the source meets all performance requirements and utilizes appropriate control technologies and management practices; and (6) include requirements for reporting permit violations, and source modifications and closures. Prohibits the dilution or dispersion of a discharge in groundwater as a means satisfying this Act's primary or secondary groundwater protection standards. Sets forth the required content of discharge permit applications, including information regarding; (1) the source owner or operator and the nature of the source and its discharge; (2) the hydrogeology of the site; and (3) an assessment of the impact of the discharge that would be permitted. Lists contaminant sources which must obtain a discharge permit provided they are not subject to a deferral of such requirement or in compliance with State Control Program requirements. Gives the public and other affected States notice and the right to a hearing before the issurance, modification, revocation, or renewal of a discharge permit. Requires that contaminant sources be in compliance with all requirements of a permit by July 1, 1994, and on the date the permit is issued thereafter unless the source owner or operator has been granted a variance which will not pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. Provides for the waiver of permit requirements with respect to a particular source in certain cases where a waiver will not pose an unreasonable risk to human health or lead to adverse economic consequences which are not significantly outweighed by resulting social and economic benefits. Exempts certain sources which have obtained a permit pursuant to other Federal law provisions. Authorizes the revocation of a discharge permit for cause, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, including a determination that a permitted discharge is presenting or may present a threat or damage to human health, welfare, or the environment. Authorizes the immediate suspension of a permit when danger to human health or the environment is imminent and substantial. Requires the Administrator to impose fees for permits to cover the costs of the permit program. Authorizes States to conduct their own discharge permit programs provided the programs furnish protection for human health, welfare, and the environment at least equal to the protection afforded by the Federal program and follow guidelines to be promulgated by the Administrator. Gives the Administrator 90 days after receipt of a permit proposed to be issued by the State to object to the permit as outside this Act's requirements. Requires the Governor of each State to submit, within two years of this Act's enactment, for the Administrator's approval a groundwater protection strategy which includes a schedule of activities for the succeeding four-year period. Sets forth the required elements of such strategy providing for the implementation and enforcement of requirements imposed elsewhere in the Act and requiring that States establish a schedule for developing a State Control Program for each of specified contaminant source categories and identify Federal financial assistance programs and development projects which will be reviewed for their effect on groundwater quality. Requires the Federal Government to accommodate the concerns of each State regarding the effect such programs and projects have on groundwater quality. Directs the Administrator, in making grants to States for water protection programs, to give priority to States with strategies which reduce the generation of waste and minimize the toxicity, mobility, and volume of wastes. Requires State strategies to identify the measures which will be taken to reduce on-land disposal of solid waste by 25 percent during the four-year period covered by the strategy. Requires the Governor of each State and the Administrator to jointly appoint a Commission, at least 12 months before an existing strategy expires, to review the adequacy of and recommend modifications to the State's comprehensive strategy. Directs the Administrator to give great weight to the Commission's recommendations when deciding on renewal of the State groundwater protection strategy. Requires the Administrator and each State to establish an annual work program, before a groundwater protection grant is made to the State, which sets forth the obligations the State incurs by accepting such assistance and reflects national priorities while accommodating State priorities. Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a groundwater protection reserve program during the 1990 through 1995 crop years under which the Secretary enters into ten to 15-year contracts with owners and operators of farms and ranches containing land in aquifer protection areas to place such land in the groundwater protection reserve. Provides an annual rental payment to such owners and operators to compensate them for converting land normally devoted to the production of an agricultural commodity to a less intensive use in accordance with a plan approved by the local groundwater management or conservation district. Part D: Correction - Directs the Administrator to promulgate primary groundwater protection standards for each contaminant which may have an adverse effect on a person's health and include in each standard a numerical value expressing the concentration of the contaminant in water. Requires that such numerical value be set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on a person's health will occur and which allows for a margin of safety, except that for carcinogens such level must reduce the risk of cancer for exposure to the contaminant to no more than one in one million. Directs the Administrator to promulgate secondary groundwater protection standards for each contaminant for which a secondary standard, which is more stringent than a primary standard, is necessary to prevent adverse effects on public welfare or the environment. Directs the Administrator to promulgate correction standards which include numerical values or a range of values expressing the concentration of the contaminant in groundwater or the percentage reduction in the contaminant from groundwater treatment achievable through application of best available treatment technology and remediation methods. Prohibits the Administrator from finalizing a standard before being advised by the Ground Water Protection Standards Board (Board) that an appropriate research program for the applicable contaminant has been completed and the data has been incorporated into the Board's recommendations. Requires the Board and the Administrator to review and, if appropriate, revise standards at least once every five years. Directs the Administrator to publish a list, within six months of this Act's enactment, of the contaminants which are known to occur in groundwater and which may have an adverse effect on a person's health or the environment. Provides for additions to such list. Requires the Board to: (1) develop and transmit to the Administrator interim and final standards for listed contaminants; (2) transmit to the Administrator a research program for each listed contaminant within 120 days of its listing; and (3) publish a document containing criteria for each contaminant, including an analysis of the risk posed by the contaminant at various concentrations in water and with respect to various uses of the water. Requires manufacturers and importers of listed chemical contaminants to register with the Administrator reporting the amount of such substance manufactured or processed in each of the previous five years and in each of the five succeeding years. Gives such manufacturers and importers notice of and the opportunity to undertake Board-recommended research programs which have been approved by the Administrator. Provides that the Administrator shall undertake such research and allocate its costs to appropriate manufacturers and importers if the latter do not undertake such research within 90 days of receiving notice of the research program's approval. Requires the Administrator to publish the Board's standard for a contaminant within 30 days after receiving it from the Board, but authorizes the Administrator to modify the Board's standard in promulgating a standard for the contaminant within 180 days thereafter. Provides that upon receipt of evidence that a source or potential source of contaminants is presenting or may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health or the environment and that State or local authorities have not acted to abate such sources, the Administrator may bring a civil action to effect such abatement or, if more prompt protection is required, issue necessary protective orders. Requires the Administrator to notify appropriate State and local government agencies and persons relying upon affected drinking water wells of imminent and substantial dangers from contaminant sources. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) require the owner or operator of a contaminant source, or the generator of contaminants, to promptly take the corrective action necessary to protect human health, welfare, or the environment or comply with this Act's groundwater protection standards; and (2) take corrective action when the owner or operator cannot be found, is incapable of taking prompt action, or refuses to take such action. Sets forth examples of such actions. Requires an owner or operator of a contaminant source who obtains information indicating that the source is contaminating groundwater to report to the Administrator on the concentration of the contaminant detected, its location, and such other information the Administrator requires to determine whether corrective action is required. Requires that such owners or operators also notify persons relying upon the groundwater for drinking or household needs of the contamination if it poses a threat to human health. Provides that when a contaminant is present in groundwater at a concentration that reaches or exceeds 50 percent of a primary groundwater protection standard, the owner or operator of the contaminant source must implement a plan to cease or modify operations so that the contaminant will not reach such standard. Directs the Administrator to issue an order prohibiting further operation of or discharges from a contaminant source which reaches and exceeds such standard and requiring that action be taken to prevent the spread of the contaminant. Provides that when a contaminant is present in groundwater at a concentration that substantially exceeds the correction standard for such contaminant or otherwise threatens human health and the environment, the Administrator shall order the source owner or operator to conduct a remedial investigation and feasibility study for the Administrator's use in selecting remedial measures. Requires the Administrator to order post-remedial care, after the successful implementation of remedial measures, which may include monitoring of soil and water within the vicinity of the source or maintenance of systems preventing contaminant discharge. Authorizes the imposition of corrective action requirements as part of the discharge permit pocess. Subjects owners and operators of contaminant sources to liability for: (1) corrective action costs incurred by Federal, State, or local governments or other persons; (2) all damages for economic loss or loss due to personal injury or loss of natural resources resulting from a discharge which contaminates groundwater resources. Sets forth defenses to such liability. Subjects persons who are liable for a release or threatened release of contaminants and fail without sufficient cause to take corrective measures upon the Administrator's order to punitive damages. Provides that, when it is not technically impractical, corrective measures shall be designed to prevent the concentration of a groundwater contaminant from reaching or exceeding the primary groundwater protection standard for such contaminant and if this is not possible, to prevent it from exceeding the correction standard for such contaminant. Authorizes the Administrator to select alternative corrective action measures when the preceding measures are technically impractical from an engineering perspective. Sets up an appeals process for individuals adversely affected by such alternative measures. Authorizes the Administrator to select corrective measures designed to prevent the exceeding of a secondary groundwater protection standard, but only where such measures would provide cost effective protection of groundwater. Requires that corrective measures incorporating treatment to permanently and significantly reduce the volume, toxicity, or mobility of contaminants be selected in preference to measures which merely contain such contaminants or remove them to other sites. Authorizes States to conduct their own corrective action programs provided the programs furnish protection for human health, welfare, and the environment at least equal to the protection afforded by the Federal program and follow guidelines to be promulgated by the Administrator. Gives the Administrator the authority to review and disapprove State corrective action orders prior to their implementation. Requires States which are conducting their own programs to bear 50 percent of the corrective action costs not borne by source owners or operators. Provides for public participation in the development of the administrative record on which the Administrator or State will base selection of corrective action measures. Authorizes appropriations to a revolving fund to be established in the Department of the Treasury to carry out the corrective action program. Subjects source operators who knowingly violate a primary groundwater protection standard, and owners or operators who fail to report information indicating that the source is contaminating groundwater, to civil monetary penalties. Establishes a Federal program, in partnership with the States, to compensate owners or lesses of property which is not served by a public water supply for the costs of testing, treating, or replacing contaminated wells supplying drinking water or water suitable for other household uses. Requires owners or lessees to pay 20 percent or $500 of such costs, whichever is lesser. Provides for the recovery of such costs from liable third parties. Part E: Management - Ground Water Recharge Research and Demonstration Act of 1986 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to conduct a program of research, development, and demonstration projects to determine the usefulness and economic viability of artificial groundwater recharge, and develop new and more efficient techniques for the transfer of surface water to water bearing underground strata. Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress regarding such program by May 30, 1993. Authorizes appropriations for such program. Amends the High Plains States Ground Water Recharge Demonstration Program Act of 1983 to double authorized appropriations for groundwater recharge demonstration project planning. Part F: Research - Directs the Administrator to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program for the protection, maintenance, and restoration of the groundwater resources of the United States. Requires such program to include, and promote the coordination and acceleration of, research, demonstrations, and surveys into causes, prevention, and correction of groundwater contamination. States that priority shall be given to projects which demonstrate the fate of contaminants in groundwater and develop methods and procedures for controlling contaminant sources, monitoring water quality, restoring contaminated groundwater, and reducing the contaminating effects of waste materials. Directs the Administrator to investigate the effects of contaminated groundwater on human health and the environment, and on the Nation's water supply needs. Requires peer review of all studies conducted under the national program. Authorizes the provision of facilities and equipment for research, development, and demonstration projects under such program, but limits the construction of facilities on non-Federal land. Vests in the United States any patent rights resulting from inventions created in the course of or under contract of the Administrator under the national groundwater research, development, and demonstration program. Authorizes the Administrator to waive such rights in the best interests of the public and the United States, based on the need to encourage participation and other factors. Authorizes a reserve of limited rights, such as a nonexclusive license, to a contractor or inventor. Permits the Administrator to grant exclusive licenses if to do so would bring an invention to the point of commercial or practical application, so long as competition is not substantially lessened. Retains to the United States certain rights even when a waiver of rights or grants of an exclusive license is made, including reports, foreign sublicensing, and termination rights. Direct the Administrator to establish a media-specific research committee for groundwater resources which shall develop, and submit to the Congress by January 15 of each year, a management plan for the groundwater research program that lists all pending or foreseeable major groundwater policy decisions, specifies the type and adequacy of information relevant to such decisions, and defines the research necessary to address deficiencies in available information. Requires the Administrator to appoint a Ground Water Research Manager in the Office of Research and Development to carry out such management plan. Directs the Administrator to establish a program of research to develop technologies for the control of groundwater contamination. Requires that such program be carried utilizing demonstration projects through contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants. Requires the Administrator to evaluate projects on the basis of the potential of the proposed method to effectively control sources of contaminants presenting the greatest risk to human health, the environment, or groundwater and such method's potential application in other locations and circumstances as well as the technical and financial capacities of the project's proposer. Requires the Administrator to supervise and monitor such projects. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of costs. Limits any State's share of available funds to 15 percent. Directs the Administrator to conduct a technology transfer program, including a central reference library. Requires such program to protect trade secrets from public disclosure. Requires the Administrator to make grants to universities or research institutions to establish and operate four groundwater research institutes to conduct research and training and disseminate information on the protection and restoration of groundwater. Bases selection on whether such institute would be located in a region making significant use of groundwater with significant contamination problems and the capacity of such institute to carry on and lead such research. Limits the Federal share to 75 percent of costs. Designates the National Center for Ground Water Research as one of the institutes. Requires another to serve an area of primarily karstic topography and a third to serve an area of primarily intermountain glaciated geology. Earmarks funds for technology transfer. Requires the Administrator to approve and evaluate each institute's research. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Agricultural Research Service, to establish a national research, development, and demonstration program with respect to the impact of agricultural practices on groundwater quality, including the application of pesticides and nutrients, irrigation practices, and the operation of animal feedlots. Requires the Secretary to address: (1) chemical and biological interactions and processes, including the fate and transport of substances released by agricultural practices; (2) analytical models and testing methodology; and (3) management and control. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct research and investigations and report to the Congress within two years of this Act's enactment on practices for improving the efficiency of fertilizer uses in agriculture, including timing and rate of applications. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989. Requires the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the chemical constituents of commercial fertilizer products sold in the United States. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Secretary to study and report on the public health effects of nitrates, nitrosamines, and other metabolites of nutrients and nitrogen in drinking water supplies, including sources, levels of exposures, and methods and costs of control. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Administrator to conduct research and report to the Congress on developing a cost effective leak detection system for underground storage tanks containing petroleum. Requires the use of best available technology. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Director of the Geological Survey to study and report to State and local governments on the existing and projected use of geothermal wells on groundwater. Authorizes appropriations. Requires the Administrator to study and report to the Congress on the impact of agricultural drainage wells on groundwater, including alternatives for drainage. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes appropriations to the Agricultural Research Board to study and report to the Congress on the impact of conservation tillage and other soil and water conservation practices on groundwater quality. Part G: Assistance - Directs the Administrator to: (1) provide technical assistance and training to States, local governments and planning agencies, and groundwater management districts to enable such entities to maintain and restore groundwater quality; and (2) establish a national groundwater information clearinghouse. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to States to support the development and implementation of State or local government programs and plans to detect, prevent, and correct groundwater contamination. Includes among acceptable grant activities; (1) the identification of groundwater resources and contaminant sources; (2) the research, development, and demonstration of methods effective in the prevention, detection, and correction of groundwater contamination; (3) groundwater monitoring; (4) data collection and management programs; (5) the assessment of State or legal authorities for groundwater protection and management; (6)the enforcement of permits, standards, and requirements related to groundwater protection; (7) public education programs; (8) groundwater personnel training programs; and (9) program planning and administration. Bases the amount of each State's allotment on the extent of groundwater contamination in such State or the number and nature of contaminant sources in such State. Limits a State's allotment to 50 percent of State groundwater protection program costs. Conditions a State's eligibility for such grants, after FY 1990, on its compliance with this Act's groundwater protection measures. Provides that, in addition to making general groundwater protection program grants, the Administrator is authorized to make grants to States for: (1) the supervision of the contaminant discharge permit program; (2) the identification of wellhead protection areas and inventories of contaminant sources; (3) compliance monitoring and enforcement activities; (4) the review of State groundwater protection strategies and Source Control Programs; (5) the administrative costs of corrective action programs; and (6) the sampling and analysis of drinking water. Sets forth grant application requirements. Requires States receiving such grants to encourage public participation in developing groundwater protection policies, programs, and plans and report annually to the Administrator on the use of grant funds. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants, from the Community Water Supply Mangement Trust Fund, to a groundwater management district designated by the Governor of the State in which it is located and headed by a popularly elected governing board. Prohibits the provision of a grant to such district unless as a part of its program there has been completed: (1) within 12 months of the district's designation, a detailed hydrogeologic assessment of the ground and surface water within the district; (2) within two years of this Act's enactment, an identification of all wellhead protection areas within the district; (3) within three years of this Act's enactment, an inventory of all contaminant sources within such wellhead protection areas; (4) within two years of the district's designation, a comprehensive groundwater management plan for the district which contains specific programs and policies that assure compliance with primary groundwater protection standards. Directs the Administrator to review comprehensive groundwater management plans prepared by each district to assure that district activities are consistent with this Act's objectives. Requires districts to coordinate their activities with other federally-assisted water protection programs. Allocates funds among districts in a manner which takes into account: (1) the number of residents residing in each district who use groundwater; (2) the number of contaminant sources in each district; (3) the number of wellhead protection areas in each district and the district's responsibility, if any, for implementing this Act's requirements regarding such areas; and (4) the vulnerability of district groundwater to contamination. Sets forth reporting requirements. Part H: Authorities - Sets forth the Administrator's authority to administer this Act's groundwater protection program. Authorizes the Administrator to impose a reasonable fee on persons applying for a contaminant discharge permit or seeking data collected and managed under this Act. Requires the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint an Assistant Administrator for Ground Water Protection of the Environmental Protection Agency to head the Office of Ground Water Protection which is to be established within the Agency by the Administrator. Directs the President to clarify and, where appropriate, reorganize agency responsibilities for Federal groundwater protection and management programs, and provide for interagency coordination of such programs. Requires the President to report to the Congress within 30 months of this Act's enactment on such activities. Establishes an Interagency Task Force on Ground Water Protection which is to convene at least four times each fiscal year and submit an annual report to the President and to the Congress detailing its activities in coordinating the groundwater protection policies, programs, and plans of the various member agencies of the Task Force. Directs the Administrator to establish, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, a Ground Water Protection Advisory Committee composed of the Administrator and 14 members appointed by the Administrator who are not Federal officers or employees. Establishes an independent regulatory board within the Environmental Protection Agency to be known as the Ground Water Protection Standards Board. Sets forth reporting requirements. Subjects the owner or operator of any contaminant source to liability for damages to natural resources and costs incurred by the Federal or State or local governments pursuant to this Act in: (1) monitoring, testing, and analyzing groundwater and its environs; (2) taking corrective action; and (3) testing, treating, or replacing water wells. Sets forth denses to such liability. Subjects persons who are liable for a release or threatened release of contaminants and fail without sufficient cause to take corrective action upon the Administrator's order to punitive damages. Authorizes individuals who are responsible for carrying out this Act's provisions to require owners or operators of contaminant sources to furnish and provide them with access to information and documents relating to: (1) the nature and quantity of contaminants and their discharge; (2) discharge monitoring; (3) corrective action taken; and (4) the ability of the owner or operator to take corrective action. Authorizes individuals acting pursuant to this Act to enter, at reasonable times, contaminant sources and inspect and obtain contaminant discharge samples. Authorizes the Administrator to issue compliance orders when requests for information or access are denied. Subjects individuals who fail to comply with such orders to civil monetary penalties. Provides for the confidentiality of certain information protected by Federal law. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) issue orders requiring persons to comply with this Act's requirements, after giving the State 30 days to obtain compliance; (2) commence a civil action for appropriate relief for any violation for which the Administrator is authorized to issue a compliance order; (3) impose an administrative civil penalty of not more than $10,000 per day for each violation, up to a maximum administrative penalty of $125,000. Subjects violators of this Act's requirements to civil monetary penalties of up to $25,000 per day for each violation. Subjects persons who negligently or knowingly violate this Act's requirements to criminal penalties. Permits citizen suits against violators of this Act's requirements and against the Administrator or Board for failing to perform nondiscretionary acts or duties under this Act. Prohibits a citizen suit if the Administrator or State is diligently prosecuting an action to require compliance with such requirement. Authorizes public water systems to bring actions against contaminators to recover costs incurred in treating drinking water so that it complies with Federal regulations or obtaining alternative water supplies by reason of such contamination. Authorizes the Federal Government, any State, or the owner of any well to bring an action against a contaminator to recover costs incurred in replacing such well, treating the water from such well, or obtaining alternative water supplies. Authorizes the court to award litigation costs to the prevailing party. Provides for judicial review of: (1) any final regulation, requirement, guideline, or standard promulgated pursuant to this Act; (2) the Administrator's denial of any petition for the promulgation, amendment, or repeal of such regulations, requirements, guidelines, or standards; (3) the Administrator's issuance, denial, modification, or revocation of a discharge permit; and (4) the Administrator's approval or disapproval of a State Control Program. Requires the Administrator to request the Attorney General to represent the United States in any civil or criminal action instituted under this Act. Provides for the separability of any provisions of this Act from a provision or the application of a provision which is held invalid. Sets forth audit and record-keeping requirements applicable this Act's assistance recipients. Requires officers and employees of the Agency and Board to disclose their financial interests annually to the Administrator. Prohibits individuals who have certain connections with contaminant sources from serving as members of the Agency or Board. Prohibits discrimination against or the firing of an employee representative participating in a proceeding which is part of this Act's administration or enforcement. Authorizes such individuals to apply to the Secretary of Labor for review and abatement of such firing or discrimination. Makes this Act's provisions applicable to contaminant sources which are under Federal jurisdiction, but permits the President to exempt such a source when it is in the paramount interest of the Nation to do so. Provides for public: (1) participation in the promulgation, amendment, or repeal of this Act's regulations, requirements, guidelines, and standards; and (2) review of discharge abatement and corrective actions. Sets forth administrative rule-making and risk assessment requirements. Provides for interstate agreements and Federal cooperation with State and local governments in implementing this Act's provisions. Directs the Administrator to treat Indian Tribes as States for the purposes of groundwater protection, except that Federal funding shall cover all tribal groundwater protection costs. Authorizes Indian Tribes and States to enter into cooperative agreements, subject to the Administrator's approval, for this Act's administration. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress within one year of this Act's enactment on a survey of tribal groundwater protection program needs. Requires that laborers and mechanics working on construction projects assisted under this Act be paid wages at rates which are no less than rates for similar work in the locality. Directs the Administrator to transmit to the Congress, beginning on January 15, 1990, and within 105 days after the end of each fiscal year thereafter, a comprehensive and detailed report on measures taken to implement this Act's goals and requirements.

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 1988

Clean Air Act Amendments of 1988 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) to revise attainment dates for areas which failed to attain the national ambient air quality standard for ozone or carbon monoxide by 1988. Requires States with revised attainment dates to conduct an inventory of emissions of each of the air pollutants which contributed to its failure to attain the air quality standard and submit, for the Administrator's approval, a revision of the State implementation plan for each area which failed to attain such standard for ozone or carbon monoxide by 1988. Requires that each implementation plan revision contain a schedule and enforceable measures to ensure that the standard is met before the revised attainment date. Credits States which establish such schedules with emissions inventory reductions which are projected to be achieved through certain existing and proposed air pollution control measures. Prohibits new or modified major stationary sources of air pollutants from receiving an operating permit unless increased emissions from such sources of the pollutants which are subject to this Act are offset by a greater reduction of such emissions from existing units in the area. Requires the size of such reduction to reflect the extent to which the area exceeds the air quality standard for the pollutant. Requires that the revised implementation plan for an area which requires more than ten years to meet standards for ozone and carbon monoxide include: (1) long-term urban planning measures to reduce emissions of the applicable air pollutants; and (2) a schedule for increasing in annual increments the percentage of new motor vehicles registered in the area which are low emission vehicles. Directs the Administrator to modify the revised attainment dates for areas which fail to attain the air quality standard for ozone or carbon monoxide by such revised date. Requires States, as before, to conduct an inventory of the air pollutants which contributed to such failure and submit, for the Administrator's approval, a revision of the State implementation plan for offending areas. Authorizes the Administrator to impose greater emission reduction requirements on existing units, as part of the new stationary unit permit process, and sewer hook-up fees on new facilities in offending areas if the revision of the State implementation plan for such area is not implemented. Directs the Administrator to conduct a study of the extent to which the interstate transport of air pollutants contributes to concentrations of ozone or carbon monoxide in nonattainment areas. Authorizes the Administrator to require any State to revise the implementation plan for an area which contributes significantly to concentrations of ozone or carbon monoxide in any nonattainment area in another State. Directs the Administrator to report to the Congress within three years of this Act's enactment on a study monitoring the formation of ozone and quantifying populations exposed to ozone concentrations which exceed the air quality standard. Requires the manufacturer of each new motor vehicle or engine to warrant to the purchaser that such vehicle or engine is: (1) equipped with emission control components enabling it to conform with emission control regulations at the time of sale; and (2) free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause it to fail to conform with such regulations during the first two years or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Eliminates certain restrictions on the maintenance, replacement, and repair of emission control components. Prohibits States from establishing or enforcing a warranty or prescribed maintenance requirement for new motor vehicles on engines which is not identical to the corresponding Federal warranty or prescribed maintenance requirements. Permits individuals engaged in the automotive business to remove emission control components provided such removal is necessary for routine maintenance of the vehicle. Gives the owner of any motor vehicle or engine the responsibility of replacing and maintaining emission control devices at any facility of his or her choosing, unless such device is covered by a warranty not required by the Clean Air Act. Authorizes manufacturers to condition their emission control warranties on a purchaser's use of parts or services provided without charge pursuant to the purchase agreement.

Marine Research Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1988

Marine Research Act of 1988 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to authorize the establishment of Regional Marine Research Centers (Centers) to coordinate, plan, and support research, monitoring, and assessment activities concerned with the environmental quality of marine and coastal waters. Authorizes the Governors of a majority of States in a marine research region to develop and submit for approval to the Marine Research Coordination Board (Board) a combined, interstate proposal for a Center which identifies the research organizations which will participate in the Center and the goals of such Center. Identifies the marine research regions as the Gulf of Maine, Greater New York Bight, Mid-Atlantic Bight, Tropical, Gulf of Mexico, Southern California Bight, North Pacific, Gulf of Alaska and Arctic Seas, and Insular Pacific Regions. Requires each Center to develop and submit for the Board's approval a three-year marine research plan which: (1) identifies research needs and priorities in the region over the next ten years; (2) describes the mechanism for coordinating federally-funded marine research and monitoring activities in the region during the three-year term of the plan: (3) describes the research projects, areas, and programs anticipated to be assisted with appropriations authorized pursuant to this Act; and (4) lists the equipment and supplies used commonly for research projects in the region. Requires that the plan be updated and resubmitted to the Board at least once every three years. Authorizes each Center which has an approved research plan to submit an application to the Board for annual administrative, research, and equipment grants. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires each Center to support baseline monitoring of fundamental marine environmental conditions and prepare periodic assessments of marine environmental quality and resources in their region. Requires that such assessments be made available to the public as well as to local, State, and Federal agencies, the Board, and State Governors. Authorizes the establishment of the Marine Research Coordination Board at the Federal level to manage and coordinate the efforts of the Centers and report periodically to the Congress on the activities and findings of such Centers. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1993.

A bill relating to the ocean dumping of municipal sludge.

United States · United States Congress · 17 February 1988

Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from granting a permit to a municipality to dump sewage sludge into the ocean after 1988, unless it enters into a compliance agreement with the Administrator before 1989 containing a schedule for the full implementation of an alternative sludge disposal system within five years of such agreement. Prohibits continued ocean dumping, unless the Administrator is notified of such dumping and the municipality is in compliance with its schedule for the implementation of an alternative sludge disposal system. Directs the Administrator to make biannual reports to the Congress regarding schedule compliance. Fines municipalities which violate compliance or notification requirements or dump sludge at unauthorized ocean sites. Places such fines in a newly created Clean Ocean Fund for enforcement, monitoring, and research activities related to ocean dumping.

Berichte des Bundesministeriums für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (G-SIG: 11001617)

Germany · German Bundestag · 17 February 1988

Erläuterungen zum Bericht zur Zweckmäßigkeitsaufsicht im Bereich des Strahlenschutzes Nr. 8/87/1, Differenzen im Entsorgungsbericht 1988 gegenüber der Presseversion hinsichtlich der Mengenangaben für Atommüll, Angaben der Zeitschrift "Atomwirtschaft" zur Einfuhr von hochangereichertem Uran und zur Ausfuhr von Plutonium in die Schweiz

Ernest C. Baynard, III, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Environment, Safety and Health), vice Mary L. Walker, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 16 February 1988

A bill relating to the ocean dumping of municipal sludge.

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 1988

Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from granting a permit to a municipality to dump sewage sludge into the ocean after 1988, unless it enters into a compliance agreement with the Administrator before 1989 containing a schedule for the full implementation of an alternative sludge disposal system within five years of such agreement. Prohibits continued ocean dumping, unless the Administrator is notified of such dumping and the municipality is in compliance with its schedule for the implementation of an alternative sludge disposal system. Directs the Administrator to make biannual reports to the Congress regarding schedule compliance. Fines municipalities which violate compliance or notification requirements or dump sludge at unauthorized ocean sites. Places such fines in a newly-created Clean Ocean Fund for enforcement, monitoring, and research activities related to ocean dumping.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1988

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1988 - Title I: Registration - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to provide for public access to health and safety data submitted to support a registration application for a pesticide containing a new active ingredient, or to authorize the food use of a pesticide active ingredient. Provides criminal penalties for wrongful disclosure. Requires a person seeking such information to affirm that he or she is not working for a pesticide business. Prohibits conditional registrations for additional uses unless in the public interest. Requires the reregistration of active ingredient pesticides with outstanding data requirements registered before November 1, 1984. Requires an inert ingredient priority list to be established. Provides for the payment of registration fees based on active ingredients. Title II: Information Disclosure - Requires pesticide producers to make health, safety, and environmental information available to the public. Provides for data disclosure to States. Title III: Review and Cancellation - Provides for a public administrative review of pesticide safety. Provides for cancellation of registrations based on false or invalid data. Title IV: Records and Inspections - Authorizes duly designated Federal and State officials or employees to inspect pesticide facilities. Title V: Exports - Requires that specified precautionary information be placed on the labels of pesticides intended for export, unless such information is in conflict with the importing country's laws. Revises notification requirements. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to: (1) actively participate in international efforts to develop improved pesticide research and regulatory programs; and (2) report annually to the Congress. Title VI: Certification, Training, and Recordkeeping for Pesticide Applications - Makes it a violation for any person to use any pesticide as a commercial applicator unless such person is a certified commercial applicator or a registered commercial applicator under the direct supervision of a certified commercial applicator. Requires commercial applicators to maintain records of pesticide applications. Provides for the development of training materials and procedures, including standards for trainers and training programs. Provides for separate standards for commercial and private applicators. Requires refresher training. Requires pesticide dealers to maintain sales and distribution records. Title VII: Additional Data, Data Compensation, and Patents - Requires each registrant of an active ingredient pesticide used only in food, feed, or fiber production to jointly develop, or share in the development costs of, additional data. Revises data compensation provisions. Extends patents for certain pesticide, chemical, and plant products that undergo regulatory review prior to commercial marketing. Provides that during the last two years of a registered pesticide's patent it shall not be an act of patent infringement to make, use, or sell such pesticide solely for testing reasonably related to the development or submission of certain required data. Title VIII: General - Subtitle A: Amendments to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act - Provides for State regulation, under specified conditions, of household antimicrobial pesticides not intended for use on food or feed. Terminates such authority five years after enactment of this Act. Permits a State, in regulating pesticide sales or uses, to take into account the difference in concept and usage between various pesticide classes and the differences in environmental risk (and risk evaluation) between agricultural and nonagricultural pesticides. Terminates State primary enforcement responsibility for pesticide violations as of January 1, 1990, unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines that the State has the authority to impose civil and criminal penalties at least equal to those provided for in this Act. Requires the Administrator of EPA to establish criteria for disapproving special local needs registrations. Makes the scientific advisory panel under such Act permanent. Authorizes EPA action if a State fails to take appropriate investigative or enforcement measures. Authorizes any person to obtain judicial review of EPA regulations. Revises enforcement and penalty provisions under such Act. Requires congressional review of EPA regulations and rules. Requires: (1) indemnity reports to the appropriate congressional committees; (2) the Administrator to protect drinking water and groundwater from pesticide contamination; (3) the Administrator to protect the health and safety of pesticide workers; and (4) the Administrator to develop antimicrobial standards. Requires the Administrator to establish a council of information management experts to plan an information management system that would direct and assist users in accessing site specific information on pesticide application. Provides for the testing of neurotoxicological and behavioral effects of pesticides. Directs the Administrator to regulate the design of pesticide containers and procedures and standards for removal of pesticides from containers before disposal. Requires a study and report to the Congress on containers. Requires producers and other parties to notify EPA and State and local officials regarding stored, cancelled, or suspended pesticides. Permits the Administrator by regulation to limit the distribution, sale, or use in any State of unregistered pesticides. Authorizes FY 1988 through 1992 appropriations. Obligates specified amounts for research. Subtitle B: Other Provisions - Protects farmers from liability under Federal environmental laws for the release, or damages caused by the release, of a pesticide if such pesticide was applied in compliance with label instructions and applicable law. Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that when a pesticide registration is withdrawn, cancelled, or suspended because of human dietary risk, EPA shall withdraw tolerances for residues of the pesticide, or any tolerance exemption. Requires that pesticide residue tolerance levels be uniform throughout the States. Requires the Comptroller General to evaluate the activities under this Act and report to the Congress. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide support for the interregional project number 4 program (IR4 program). Requires EPA studies and reports to the Congress on the following: (1) pesticide risk rating; (2) nonagricultural pesticides; (3) pesticide drift; and (4) naturally occurring agents that act as pesticides. Directs the Administrator to establish a Pesticide Resistance Management Program. Title IX: Clarifying and Technical Amendments - Makes technical amendments. Title X: Effective Date - States that the provisions of this Act shall take effect 60 days after enactment, unless otherwise so provided.

Notwendige Änderungen des Abwasserabgabengesetzes (G-SIG: 11001552)

Germany · German Bundestag · 3 February 1988

Vorlage eines Dritten Gesetzes zur Änderung des AbwAG durch die Bundesregierung: jährliche Anhebung des Abgabesatzes um 10 DM, Einführung von Ammoniumstickstoff und Phosphor als Schadstoffparameter, Erhebung der Abgabe von Indirekteinleitern, Begrenzung der Abgabeminderung bei Abwasserreinigung auf 50% der Abgabe, Veröffentlichung der Abgabebescheide

Ocean Dumping Ban Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988

Ocean Dumping Reform Act of 1988 - Amends the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act to outlaw the disposal of sewage sludge into the ocean at the 106-mile Deepwater Municipal Sludge Dumpsite (Dumpsite) after 1991. Directs each State in which a municipal sewage treatment authority permitted to dump sewage sludge at the Dumpsite is located to submit a report to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in each of the three years following this Act's enactment which: (1) sets forth a schedule for the identification and development of alternatives to sewage sludge dumping at the Dumpsite; (2) identifies the steps being taken to implement programs which facilitate the beneficial uses of sewage sludge; and (3) describes the financial assessments and plans needed to assure the implementation of alternative sewage sludge options prior to 1992. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress: (1) within three months of the State reports, on the development of alternative sewage sludge disposal options prior to 1992; and (2) within six months of this Act's enactment, on the progress made in monitoring and preventing municipal sludge dumping outside the Dumpsite by vessels en route to such site.

Asbestos in Schools Amendment Act of 1988

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988

Asbestos in Schools Amendment Act of 1988 - Amends the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 to extend, to October 12, 1989, the deadline for local educational agencies to submit asbestos in schools management plans to their State Governors. Extends the deadline for implementing such plans to July 9, 1990.

A bill to amend title II of the Toxic Substances Control Act.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988

Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to extend the deadlines by which local educational agencies must inspect school buildings for friable asbestos-containing materials, develop and implement operation and maintenance and management plans for such materials, and obtain State approval of such management plans. Amends the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984 to increase and extend the authorization of appropriations for the asbestos abatement program through FY 1992.

A bill to amend the provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act relating to asbestos in the Nation's schools by providing adequate time for local educational agencies to submit asbestos management plans to State Governors and to begin implementation of those plans.

United States · United States Congress · 2 February 1988

Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to change to November 1, 1989 (or February 1, 1990, if no regulations have been promulgated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency) the date by which a local educational agency (LEA) must submit an asbestos management plan developed pursuant to regulations under such Act to the Governor of the State. Changes to August 1, 1990, the date by which each LEA must begin the implementation of such plan. Changes to May 1, 1989, the date by which the LEA must inspect for asbestos-containing material in each school building under its authority. Changes to November 1, 1989, the date by which such LEAs must implement an operation and maintenance plan with respect to friable asbestos-containing material in school buildings. Changes to February 1, 1990, the date by which LEAs must develop an asbestos management plan for submission to the Governor of the State.

A bill to regulate above ground storage tanks having the capacity to store at least one million gallons of petroleum, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 1 February 1988

Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to regulate above ground petroleum storage tanks. Requires tank owners to notify State or local authorities of the existence of such tank, specifying the age, size, type, location, assembly history, and uses of the tank. Requires each State to inventory above ground petroleum storage tanks in such State, aggregate the data derived from tank owners, and submit such data to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency within two years of this Act's enactment. Directs the Administrator to promulgate petroleum spill prevention, correction, and financial responsibility regulations applicable to tanks which are 30 or more years old, have been reassembled in whole or in part, or have been relocated from their original site. Includes within such regulations requirements for: (1) the granting of operating permits pursuant to periodic tank inspections; (2) immediate reporting of a release and corrective action taken in response to a release; and (3) maintaining evidence of financial responsibility. Requires the Administrator, in promulgating financial responsibility regulations, to conduct a study to determine the appropriate amounts of coverage for the costs and damages of a spill. Permits the assertion of claims against guarantors providing evidence of financial responsibility for claims against insolvent tank owners or operators. Allow the Administrator to waive financial responsibility requirements upon the owner's or operator's demonstration of a secondary containment adequate to hold any release. Permits corrective actions by the Administrator or States to protect human health or the environment, but makes tank owners or operators liable for costs. Authorizes a State to submit for the Administrator's review and approval a program under which such State would assume primary responsibility for the enforcement of regulations pertaining to above-ground storage tanks. Requires that the State program be at least as stringent as the Federal program. Sets forth authorized actions when a facility owner or operator has not complied with or cannot meet financial responsibility requirements. Requires owners or operators of tanks to furnish the relevant government employees with all necessary information, including submitting their facilities to inspection and monitoring. Provides for confidentiality of such information and criminal penalties for prohibited disclosure. Authorizes the use of compliance orders to enforce this Act, providing daily civil penalties for noncompliance. Includes tanks under Federal jurisdiction under this Act, permitting exemptions of up to one year upon the President's specific request. Requires that all exemptions be reported annually to the Congress Directs the Administrator to study above ground petroleum storage tanks and above ground tanks used for the storage of regulated substances and report to the Congress and the President on the results of such studies within one year of this Act's enactment. Requires the Administrator to conduct a study and report to the Congress on the cause and environmental effects of the petroleum spill into the Monongahela River on January 2, 1988. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992.

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 1988

Authorizes the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, from March 1, 1988, through February 28, 1989, to: (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund; (2) employ personnel; (3) utilize, on a reimbursable basis, the services of department or agency personnel; (4) procure consultant services; and (5) provide for the training of its professional staff.

Steuereinnahmen der Länder aus der Kraftfahrzeugsteuer; Verwendung der Mehreinnahmen für den Umweltschutz, insbesondere im Straßenverkehr (G-SIG: 11050849)

Germany · German Bundestag · 22 January 1988

Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION concerning the conclusion of a Community-COST Concertation Agreement on seven concerted action projects in the field of environment (presented by the Commission)

European Union · European Commission · 22 January 1988

Vorfälle bei der Firma Nukem (G-SIG: 11001479)

Germany · German Bundestag · 15 January 1988

Die Behandlung schwach- und mittelaktiver Abfallstoffe aus Kernkraftwerken im Zusammenhang mit den Ereignissen um die Firma Transnuklear GmbH (G-SIG: 11001498)

Germany · German Bundestag · 13 January 1988

Mißstände bei der Firma Transnuklear, Ängste in der Bevölkerung, Ablehnung eines Ausstiegs aus der Kernenergie, stattdessen Erhöhung der Sicherheit, Menschen als Unsicherheitsfaktoren, Überprüfung möglicher Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt, Suspendierung der Transportgenehmigung für Transnuklear, Überprüfung von Transnuklear durch eine Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Ausdehnung der Untersuchung auf die Firma NUKEM, Kontakte zur belgischen Regierung, Ausübung der Bundesaufsicht, Erfassung der zwischengelagerten Fässer aus Belgien, Überprüfung von Störfallmeldungen aus den vergangenen Jahren, verbesserte Kontrolle von Abfalltransporten, Überprüfung der Gasbildung in Fässern, Forderung nach einem Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, Verwirklichung eines integrierten Entsorgungskonzepts

Maßnahmen zum Bodenschutz (G-SIG: 11001489)

Germany · German Bundestag · 12 January 1988

Leitlinien des Bodenschutzes, Maßnahmen des Bundes zum Bodenschutz in verschiedenen Bereichen des Umweltrechts und im Verwaltungsvollzug, Maßnahmenvorschläge mit weiterem Erörterungsbedarf, Vorschläge der Umweltministerkonferenz für Maßnahmen der Länder