Environment

To repeal the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 and amendments made by such Act, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1990

Repeals the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 and title II (asbestos hazard emergency response) of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report to the Congress on the health hazards of serpentine and amphibole asbestos fibers.

Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Act of 1989

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1990

Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Act of 1989 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to grant any States that have entered into a contract or cooperative agreement with the President under provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 relating to remedial actions for releases of hazardous substances into the environment the authority to restrict acceptance of hazardous waste originating in other States for disposal. Requires States to prepare plans for solid waste management over a 20-year period for approval by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Requires the plan to provide that the State shall: (1) identify the amount of such waste by type that is expected to be generated in the State or accepted from another State for disposal; (2) establish processes to assure the availability of facilities with adequate capacity to treat or dispose of such waste in a healthy and environmentally protective manner; and (3) identify the volumes of such waste to be reduced through source reduction and recycling. Allows such plans to provide for out-of-State disposal of such waste if the State is without the capacity to dispose of such waste. Requires such plans to establish enforcement mechanisms to prevent out-of-State waste disposal in amounts in excess of amounts included in such plans. Prohibits treatment or disposal of such waste in a manner not in accordance with approved plans. Directs States to establish programs for issuing permits to State facilities in compliance with such approved plans and State law. Prohibits the transportation of such waste for treatment or disposal or the arranging thereof at facilities which have not been issued such permits after the establishment of such programs. Grants States with approved plans the authority to restrict acceptance of such waste originating in other States if such plans justify the imposition of such restrictions on the lack of capacity in such a State to dispose of solid waste generated in the State. Requires persons transporting any quantity of such waste in excess of 100 pounds from one State to another for disposition to register with both the Administrator and the State in which such waste will be disposed. Requires such waste shipments to be transported to facilities with such State issued permits and accompanied by a form specifying certain information which is to be kept at the facility receiving such waste. Requires such forms to be available for inspection by EPA representatives. Requires persons handling solid waste, upon the request of EPA representatives, to furnish or provide access to information relating to such waste. Authorizes such representatives to inspect places handling such waste and to obtain samples. Sets forth a civil penalty for any State that fails to submit plans for solid waste management or fails to have such plans approved.

Clean Air Act Research Amendments of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1990

Clean Air Act Research Amendments of 1990 - Amends the Clean Air Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a research and development program for measuring, monitoring, and analyzing air pollutants, including precursors of acid deposition. Directs the Administrator to conduct a research program on the effects of air pollutants on human health, including the effects of acid deposition and acid aerosols. Requires such programs to include: (1) the creation of an Interagency Task Force to coordinate the program; (2) evaluations and environmental health assessments for each of the hazardous air pollutants listed in H.R. 3030; and (3) research efforts at the Liquefied Gaseous Fuels Spill Test Facility for the development of a chemical field testing program and atmospheric dispersion models. Directs the Administrator to conduct a research program to improve understanding of the causes, effects, and trends of ecosystem damages from air pollutants, including damages from acid deposition. Requires the Administrator to conduct a basic engineering research, technology, and development program for air pollution and acid deposition prevention. Provides that such program shall develop strategies and technologies for: (1) reducing multiple air pollutants from fossil fuel power plants, stationary sources, and other combustion facilities; (2) preventing air emissions from mobile and nonpoint pollution sources; (3) preventing, detecting, and correcting sudden and accidental releases of hazardous air pollutants; and (4) providing alternatives to tire incineration. Directs the Administrator to implement and submit to the Congress a plan to carry out such research in conjunction with other Federal global change and acid deposition research efforts. Requires the President to develop and submit to the Congress: (1) a plan designating activities and assigning responsibilities for Federal research on acid deposition; and (2) an assessment framework for reporting technical information about acid deposition in a manner useful to policymakers and the public. Directs the Administrator to conduct a research program to identify and predict air emissions and other environmental effects related to the production and use of clean alternative fuels to determine the risks to health and the environment relative to those from the use of gasoline and diesel.

National Undesirable Plant Management Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1990

National Undesirable Plant Management Act of 1990 - Amends the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974 to require each Federal agency to develop a program in cooperation with State agencies to control undesirable plants on Federal lands.

28 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the Government's view of the proposals of the European Commission on (a) genetical manipulated organisms being released into the environment and (b) food irradiation and food irradiation plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 March 1990

28 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the Government's view of the proposals of the European Commission on (a) genetical manipulated organisms being released into the environment and (b) food irradiation and food irradiation plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

28 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the Government's view of the proposals of the European Commission on (a) genetical manipulated organisms being released into the environment and (b) food irradiation and food irradiation plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 March 1990

28 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the Government's view of the proposals of the European Commission on (a) genetical manipulated organisms being released into the environment and (b) food irradiation and food irradiation plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

1 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he has consulted with the Minister for the Environment regarding the need for specially designed community based sheltered housing and other forms of special needs housing, including group homes, to cater for the elderly persons, handicapped persons and other socially vulnerable categories who have difficulty coping on their own but do not need full institutional care or to occupy long stay institutional places; and the action he will take to provide assistance towards on-site non-institutional care services in special needs housing where this is necessary.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 1 March 1990

1 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he has consulted with the Minister for the Environment regarding the need for specially designed community based sheltered housing and other forms of special needs housing, including group homes, to cater for the elderly persons, handicapped persons and other socially vulnerable categories who have difficulty coping on their own but do not need full institutional care or to occupy long stay institutional places; and the action he will take to provide assistance towards on-site non-institutional care services in special needs housing where this is necessary.

Pesticide Export Reform Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1990

Pesticide Export Reform Act of 1990 - Title I: Exported Pesticides - Amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to require pesticide producers operating registered establishments to inform the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency of: (1) the types and quantities of pesticides and active ingredients used in producing pesticides for export to a foreign country; and (2) the date of export and quantity of such materials exported to each foreign country to which the producer has exported during the past 360-day period. Provides that specified information on exported pesticides shall not be entitled to confidential trade secret treatment. Makes it unlawful to knowingly or recklessly export a pesticide, device, or active ingredient in violation of FIFRA export requirements. Prohibits the exportation of pesticides, devices, or active ingredients unless: (1) such materials are prepared and packaged according to the specifications of the foreign purchaser and the legal requirements of the country of use; and (2) the producers or exporters meet specified FIFRA requirements. Prohibits the exportation of unregistered pesticides. Waives certain requirements to permit the export of pesticides not meeting FIFRA requirements to prevent or arrest the spread of a communicable disease if the Administrator makes specified determinations. Prohibits the exportation of specified pesticides (including restricted use pesticides and pesticides subject to suspension or cancellation proceedings) unless: (1) the exporter provides specified information on the pesticide to the Administrator; (2) the country of use consents to the import and is included on a list of approved countries; and (3) the pesticide is manufactured, stored, and packaged in accordance with standards of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Requires the Administrator to maintain a list of approved countries of use. Sets forth labeling requirements for exported pesticides. Permits the export of pesticides for experimental use in foreign countries if specified conditions are met. Requires the Administrator to notify foreign countries and the International Registry of Potentially Toxic Chemicals whenever regulatory action is taken with respect to a pesticide. Directs the Administrator to: (1) convene meetings with foreign governments and other interested parties to promote the implementation of improved research and regulatory programs for pest management and strategies for sustainable agriculture; (2) provide foreign countries with technical assistance to develop pesticide regulatory programs; (3) transmit triennial studies to the Congress on countries that import U.S. pesticides and from which the United States imports agricultural commodities to ascertain such countries' management of pesticides and whether the United States is able to test effectively for pesticide residues; and (4) convene meetings with foreign governments and other interested parties to encourage the adoption of a multilateral convention requiring standard notice and export control measures for pesticides. Title II: Tolerances for Agricultural Commodities - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Administrator, if registrations for a pesticide chemical under FIFRA have been cancelled, suspended, withdrawn, or modified to eliminate the use of such chemical on a raw agricultural commodity, to publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing: (1) the revocation of any tolerance for an agricultural use; or (2) an exemption for the use of such chemical on such commodity. Provides for temporary waivers from revocations for the purpose of distributing in commerce commodities that contain residues resulting from the application of pesticides before this Act's enactment or residual environmental contamination. Permits the Administrator to issue such waivers only if such waivers do not: (1) pose a dietary health risk; and (2) cause significant economic hardship for domestic producers of a commodity attributable to competition from foreign producers in countries in which the use of the pesticide is permitted. Prohibits, with specified exceptions, the establishment or continuation of a tolerance unless the Administrator determines that a practical method for detecting and measuring pesticide residues exists. Prohibits the importation of food into U.S. customs territory unless the commodity importer files with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the Treasury a document identifying each pesticide chemical used in connection with the commodity. Requires such importers, if unreported pesticides are detected in such commodities, to submit residue analyses for such pesticides. Waives reporting requirements for unreported pesticides if the presence of such pesticides is attributable to long-term environmental persistence and does not pose a health risk. Amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act to apply such requirements to importers of meat, poultry, and eggs. Title III: Effective Dates - Sets forth the effective dates for provisions of this Act.

72 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which the presidential election is to be held during 1990.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

72 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which the presidential election is to be held during 1990.

64 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment whether any persons have been asked to act as members of the constituency review commission to redraw Dáil constituency boundaries, in light of the most recent census since the formation of the present Government.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

64 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment whether any persons have been asked to act as members of the constituency review commission to redraw Dáil constituency boundaries, in light of the most recent census since the formation of the present Government.

52 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the call made by the recently retired Chief Fire Officer of Dublin (details supplied) for his Department to issue a clear set of guidelines for fire safety standards in new buildings; to the fears expressed by the Chairman of the Fire Officers' Association (details supplied) that another Stardust fire could occur in this country; if he will outline the recommendations made by the Stardust Tribunal which have not yet been implemented; if it is intended to implement these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

52 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the call made by the recently retired Chief Fire Officer of Dublin (details supplied) for his Department to issue a clear set of guidelines for fire safety standards in new buildings; to the fears expressed by the Chairman of the Fire Officers' Association (details supplied) that another Stardust fire could occur in this country; if he will outline the recommendations made by the Stardust Tribunal which have not yet been implemented; if it is intended to implement these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

25 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which it is planned to hold the presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

25 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which it is planned to hold the presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

18 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make funds available to have the bridge on the national primary road at Emyvale, County Cavan, brought up to standard, having regard to the fact that the drainage programme which is being carried out by the Office of Public Works in that area cannot be completed unless the bridge is reconstructed; and when such works will be carried out.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

18 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make funds available to have the bridge on the national primary road at Emyvale, County Cavan, brought up to standard, having regard to the fact that the drainage programme which is being carried out by the Office of Public Works in that area cannot be completed unless the bridge is reconstructed; and when such works will be carried out.

17 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the increased rates charged by (a) Tipperary Urban District Council, (b) Cashel Urban District Council, (c) Carrick-on-Suir Urban District Council and (d) Clonmel Corporation, County Tipperary, arising from increased rateable valuations in 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

17 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the increased rates charged by (a) Tipperary Urban District Council, (b) Cashel Urban District Council, (c) Carrick-on-Suir Urban District Council and (d) Clonmel Corporation, County Tipperary, arising from increased rateable valuations in 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

16 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for the Environment the criteria set down for the reclassification of roads to national secondary status; and the way in which the Killarney to Killorglin Road R562 fails to meet the guidelines, having regard to the fact that the Killarney-Fossa portion of this road is now the most heavily trafficked road in Kerry.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

16 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for the Environment the criteria set down for the reclassification of roads to national secondary status; and the way in which the Killarney to Killorglin Road R562 fails to meet the guidelines, having regard to the fact that the Killarney-Fossa portion of this road is now the most heavily trafficked road in Kerry.

72 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which the presidential election is to be held during 1990.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

72 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which the presidential election is to be held during 1990.

25 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which it is planned to hold the presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

25 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which it is planned to hold the presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

15 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for the Environment when a presidential election will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

15 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for the Environment when a presidential election will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

14 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a report which alleges that significant levels of a cancer-inducing agent have been detected in car exhaust emissions from unleaded petrol in Britain; whether the levels of the agent concerned have been reduced in unleaded petrol in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

14 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a report which alleges that significant levels of a cancer-inducing agent have been detected in car exhaust emissions from unleaded petrol in Britain; whether the levels of the agent concerned have been reduced in unleaded petrol in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

13 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the considerable concern that has been expressed by professional and representative organisations in the construction industry over the shortfall in the capital provision for the national route road construction programme and the failure to meet existing targets in relation to the construction of sections of the national primary route system; if he will publish a revised national roads programme outlining the exact routes which will be constructed in the next three years with Irish and European capital financial assistance; the extent of those routes; their location; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

13 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the considerable concern that has been expressed by professional and representative organisations in the construction industry over the shortfall in the capital provision for the national route road construction programme and the failure to meet existing targets in relation to the construction of sections of the national primary route system; if he will publish a revised national roads programme outlining the exact routes which will be constructed in the next three years with Irish and European capital financial assistance; the extent of those routes; their location; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

12 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment the areas which are designated for urban renewal in 1990; and the consideration which has been given to the town of Mullingar, County Westmeath and Longford town.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

12 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment the areas which are designated for urban renewal in 1990; and the consideration which has been given to the town of Mullingar, County Westmeath and Longford town.

11 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment the amount of money which will be available in 1990 for national primary roads; the aid available for this purpose from European Structural Funds; the routes which will be funded this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

11 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment the amount of money which will be available in 1990 for national primary roads; the aid available for this purpose from European Structural Funds; the routes which will be funded this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

10 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for the Environment his views on whether the installation of burglar and fire alarm systems is desirable and essential in local authority one person dwellings; if he will instruct local authorities to include these alarms in all further new dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

10 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for the Environment his views on whether the installation of burglar and fire alarm systems is desirable and essential in local authority one person dwellings; if he will instruct local authorities to include these alarms in all further new dwellings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

8 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will sanction the request by Dublin County Council to have the cost of basic open space development works amounting to £5,475 at Minister's Park, Lusk, County Dublin, charged to the capital cost of the scheme.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

8 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will sanction the request by Dublin County Council to have the cost of basic open space development works amounting to £5,475 at Minister's Park, Lusk, County Dublin, charged to the capital cost of the scheme.

7 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will agree to extend to the physically disabled the type of postal voting system which is currently enjoyed by certain public servants and by university graduates in Seanad elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

7 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will agree to extend to the physically disabled the type of postal voting system which is currently enjoyed by certain public servants and by university graduates in Seanad elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

6 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to introduce legislation in accordance with Article 18.4.2º ii. of the Constitution, to make provision in law for the election of Senators by the University of Limerick and Dublin City University.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

6 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to introduce legislation in accordance with Article 18.4.2º ii. of the Constitution, to make provision in law for the election of Senators by the University of Limerick and Dublin City University.

5 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on a survey (details supplied) which shows contamination of water supplies which is exceeding EC standards and which found that 25 per cent of treated Dublin water samples in 1988 contained more aluminium than the maximum levels allowed under EC and national regulations and whether he is satisfied that drinking water supplies do not pose any danger to health.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

5 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on a survey (details supplied) which shows contamination of water supplies which is exceeding EC standards and which found that 25 per cent of treated Dublin water samples in 1988 contained more aluminium than the maximum levels allowed under EC and national regulations and whether he is satisfied that drinking water supplies do not pose any danger to health.

64 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment whether any persons have been asked to act as members of the constituency review commission to redraw Dáil constituency boundaries, in light of the most recent census since the formation of the present Government.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

64 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment whether any persons have been asked to act as members of the constituency review commission to redraw Dáil constituency boundaries, in light of the most recent census since the formation of the present Government.

4 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment the persons, if any, who have been asked to act as members of a Dáil constituency commission to advise and report on the formation of constituencies for election of members to Dáil Éireann having regard to the most recent census since the formation of the present Government; and the reasons no such commission have been appointed to date.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

4 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment the persons, if any, who have been asked to act as members of a Dáil constituency commission to advise and report on the formation of constituencies for election of members to Dáil Éireann having regard to the most recent census since the formation of the present Government; and the reasons no such commission have been appointed to date.

52 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the call made by the recently retired Chief Fire Officer of Dublin (details supplied) for his Department to issue a clear set of guidelines for fire safety standards in new buildings; to the fears expressed by the Chairman of the Fire Officers' Association (details supplied) that another Stardust fire could occur in this country; if he will outline the recommendations made by the Stardust Tribunal which have not yet been implemented; if it is intended to implement these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

52 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the call made by the recently retired Chief Fire Officer of Dublin (details supplied) for his Department to issue a clear set of guidelines for fire safety standards in new buildings; to the fears expressed by the Chairman of the Fire Officers' Association (details supplied) that another Stardust fire could occur in this country; if he will outline the recommendations made by the Stardust Tribunal which have not yet been implemented; if it is intended to implement these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

3 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Chief Fire Officers' Association and the firefighters' union SIPTU have stated that another Stardust type disaster is a real possibility because many of the recommendations of the Stardust Tribunal have not been implemented; when it is intended to implement those recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

3 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Chief Fire Officers' Association and the firefighters' union SIPTU have stated that another Stardust type disaster is a real possibility because many of the recommendations of the Stardust Tribunal have not been implemented; when it is intended to implement those recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

2 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a recent publication Housing Moving into Crisis published by the National Campaign for the Homeless and the Combat Poverty Agency; if he agrees with its analysis and conclusions; if in light of the massive reduction in local authority house completions on the one hand and increasing numbers on the housing lists on the other, he accepts that there is cause for real concern; the steps he proposes to take and-or initiate to respond to the housing problems of local authorities and homeless persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 28 February 1990

2 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a recent publication Housing Moving into Crisis published by the National Campaign for the Homeless and the Combat Poverty Agency; if he agrees with its analysis and conclusions; if in light of the massive reduction in local authority house completions on the one hand and increasing numbers on the housing lists on the other, he accepts that there is cause for real concern; the steps he proposes to take and-or initiate to respond to the housing problems of local authorities and homeless persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tire Recycling Incentives Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990

Tire Recycling Incentives Act of 1990 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to require tire producers or importers to recycle an amount of scrap tires equal to at least the amount determined by multiplying the amount of tires produced or imported that year by the recycling percentage established by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Authorizes compliance by: (1) recycling scrap tires through reintroducing the reclaimed rubber into a manufacturing process to produce new tires or retread old tire casings; or (2) purchasing recycling credits under this Act. Requires such individuals to report annually to the Administrator on the amount of tires produced or imported. Directs the Administrator to establish a recycling percentage that is five percentage points higher than the existing recycling rate for tires. Provides for increases in such percentage of five points annually in the ten years following the date of enactment of this Act. Requires the Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing recyclers to create credits for tire recycling and tire producers or importers to purchase such credits. Sets forth: (1) specified recordkeeping requirements for owners or operators of tire sale and installation facilities and tire producers and importers; and (2) the amount of credits allowed for scrap tires. Directs the Attorney General to determine the effects of the credit system on competition within the tire and scrap tire recycling industries and to report annually to the Congress. Sets the recycling percentage at 60 percent if the Administrator fails to promulgate regulations. Directs the Administrator to: (1) publish in the Federal Register minimum requirements for State scrap tire management and procedures under which such requirements shall be incorporated into State solid waste management plans; (2) provide for expedited review of State plans which include specified scrap tire recycling measures; and (3) establish standards to minimize health and environmental damages from the improper disposal and storage of tires. Requires such standards to provide for: (1) bans on the disposal of tires in land disposal facilities; (2) State inventories of scrap tire collection facilities, tire advisory boards, and scrap tire abatement plans; (3) agreements between facilities which distribute more than 1,000 tires annually and licensed tire haulers for the exclusive hauling of scrap tires by licensed haulers; and (4) prohibitions on the transportation of scrap tires by transporters without transportation identification numbers, with specified exceptions. Directs the Administrator to publish guidelines for States for the issuance of permits to scrap tire storage, processing, transfer, and recycling facilities. Provides for: (1) limits on the size of scrap tire piles at such facilities; (2) bans on open burning within 50 feet of a scrap tire pile; (3) regulations on vegetation, rodent, and mosquito control at such facilities; and (4) different requirements for collection and storage facilities located in 100-year flood plains or other areas where water resources are critical. Requires the Administrator to promulgate guidelines for States for facility emergency plans. Directs facility owners or operators to maintain and update emergency preparedness manuals. Requires facility operators to notify the State immediately in the event of an emergency with potential offsite impacts. Sets forth specified emergency and operational recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection requirements. Requires all regulated facilities to have appropriate financial responsibility or insurance to maintain the facility for at least five years after closure. Exempts specified persons from permitting requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, together with the heads of agencies responsible for public lands or military installations, to implement a plan to remediate tire piles. Applies plan requirements to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Directs the Administrator to develop a guideline for procuring goods that make use of scrap or used tires. Permits States to: (1) enter into consent orders with owners and operators of scrap tire collection facilities for proper management and abatement of scrap tires; and (2) levy fines on facilities for noncompliance. Imposes fines on tire facilities and landfills for specified violations of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

Agricultural Wetlands Exemption Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1990

Agricultural Wetlands Exemption Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to exempt specified wetland used for agricultural production from certain dredged or fill material permit requirements.

Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 27 February 1990

Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Act of 1990 -Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to States for the establishment of small community pollution control revolving funds. Makes such funds available to small communities for the construction of wastewater treatment works, public water systems, and solid waste management facilities and for assuring that underground storage tanks are in compliance with the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Sets forth provisions concerning grant payment schedules and allotment and reallotment requirements. Requires States to establish revolving funds to receive such grants. Sets forth specific requirements for the use of such funds and for the loans and grants to be provided to small communities. Permits States to provide assistance only to community wastewater treatment and solid waste management facilities and public water systems that are in compliance with plans under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as appropriate. Requires States to submit plans to the Administrator that identify the intended use of the revolving funds. Directs States to reserve the greater of one percent of fund sums or $100,000 to carry out planning. Provides for the withholding of grant payments if a State is not in compliance with this Act's requirements. Requires the Administrator to establish an Office of Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Assistance to: (1) oversee and manage the grants and funds made under this title; and (2) provide specified environmental and financial information to small communities. Authorizes the Office to provide grants to States and not-for-profit organizations to assist small communities in assessing issues related to the financing of environmental facilities compliance with environmental laws, and the construction, operation, and rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure facilities. Requires such grants to be matched by non-Federal funds Authorizes appropriations.

Pollution Prosecution Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1990

Pollution Prosecution Act of 1990 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the number of criminal investigators in the EPA Office of Criminal Investigations during FY 1991 through 1995. Requires the Administrator to hire 50 civil investigators to assist the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring in developing and prosecuting civil and administrative actions. Directs the Administrator to establish within the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring the National Enforcement Training Institute to train lawyers, inspectors, investigators, and technical experts in environmental law enforcement. Establishes the Pollution Prosecution Fund. Authorizes appropriations.

Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention and Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 1990

Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention and Assistance Act - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to guarantee principal and interest on loans made to qualified small businesses for the closure and replacement of underground storage tanks. Sets forth amounts and conditions of such guarantees. Permits the Administrator to make principal and interest payments on behalf of the borrower if: (1) the borrower is unable to make such payment and it is in the public interest to continue the project; and (2) the probable net cost to the Government in making such payments would be less than that resulting from the borrower's default. Authorizes the Administrator, in the event of a default by a borrower, to make payments in accordance with the guarantee. Requires the Attorney General to recover payments from the defaulting borrower. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to small businesses, in conjunction with such loans, for up to 50 percent of the cost of tank closure and replacement if: (1) the business is an essential community service and assistance is in the public interest; and (2) at least three private lending institutions have declined to provide a loan for such purposes. Terminates the authority to make loan guarantees or payment contracts five years after this Act's enactment. Permits the Administrator or a State to undertake corrective action with respect to threatened releases of petroleum from underground storage tanks. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make funds from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund available to carry out this Act. Sets forth deadlines for compliance with tank and financial disclosure requirements for owners of specified petroleum underground storage tanks.

A bill to establish a National Water, Air, and Soil Technologies Evaluation Center.

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990

Establishes the Department of Energy's test facility at Butte, Montana, as the National Water, Air, Soil Technologies Evaluation Center. Requires the Center to: (1) assist in the analysis of hazardous waste and other contaminants generated by, or situated on the property of, Federal agencies; (2) conduct research, development, and evaluations of waste disposal technologies; (3) certify and provide training in the use of technology in the removal of contaminants from water, air, and soil; and (4) promote the transfer of such technologies between and among Government agencies and private industry. Authorizes appropriations.

Federal Custodial Responsibility Protection Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990

Federal Custodial Responsibility Protection Act of 1990 - Amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) to exempt a Federal agency from liability under CERCLA where title or control of a facility was conveyed to such agency as a result of bankruptcy, foreclosure, or similar means.

Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a White House conference regarding solid waste disposal and reduction.

United States · United States Congress · 22 February 1990

Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should establish a White House conference regarding solid waste disposal and reduction so that a national solid waste management program can be implemented.

Lake Champlain Special Designation Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990

Lake Champlain Special Designation Act of 1990 - Amends the Clean Water Act to include Lake Champlain, New York and Vermont, in the clean lakes demonstration program. Establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a Lake Champlain Program Office. Requires the EPA Administrator, acting through the Office Director, to establish a Federal water pollution prevention, control, and restoration program. Establishes within EPA a Management Conference to: (1) monitor activities related to the management of Lake Champlain; and (2) advise the Director on the implementation of this Act and to carry out other assigned duties. Requires the Management Conference to: (1) make recommendations to any commission related to the Lake; (2) make recommendations to the Administrator and the Director on the need for additional agreements between New York and Vermont; (3) contact the officials conducting studies and programs concerning the Lake; and (4) coordinate such studies and programs. Requires the Management Conference to develop a five-year pollution prevention, control, and restoration plan. Sets forth reporting requirements. Requires the Director, acting through the Management Conference, to establish Lake Champlain public participation and local government education programs and a multi-disciplinary research program. Directs the Management Conference to appoint a Technical Advisory Committee. Authorizes the Administrator, upon the request of the Governors of New York and Vermont, to issue a grant to such States for the implementation of the pollution prevention plan. Sets forth grant limitations. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to designate the Lake Champlain Basin as a special project area under the Agricultural Conservation Program. Increases to 15 percent the technical reimbursement from the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service to carry out such project. Makes agricultural enterprises operating in the Basin which are sources of nonpoint source pollution eligible to receive technical and financial assistance. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the National Park Service, to consult with the Management Conference in carrying out historic preservation and natural landmarks programs in the Basin. Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop an integrated geographic information system of the Basin; and (2) convert all recording sites in the Basin to continuous monitoring stations and establish additional stations. Requires the Secretary, acting through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to implement a salmonid fisheries restoration and development program. Directs the Director of the Service to continue the existing level of hatchery production of salmonid fish conducted through the Service to assist New York and Vermont in maintaining salmonid fish culture and healthy salmonid fisheries. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Service, to conduct a wildlife species and habitat assessment survey in the Basin. Authorizes appropriations.

Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990

Title I: General Provisions - Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 - Sets forth congressional findings and purposes. Title II: Establishment of Ocean and Coastal Zone Management Service - Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration an Ocean and Coastal Zone Management Service to succeed the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. Title III: Coastal Zone Management Act - Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to transfer specified coastal zone management authorities of the Secretary of Commerce to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. Authorizes the Under Secretary to make annual grants to coastal States for the development of coastal zone management programs. Prohibits States from receiving more than two grants. Permits the Under Secretary (currently, the Secretary) to make administrative grants to States which match such grants according to specified ratios. Directs the Secretary to establish maximum and minimum grants to promote equity between States and effective coastal management. Revises program approval requirements. Requires the Under Secretary (currently, the Secretary) to make coastal resource management improvement grants to States. Revises State matching requirements for such grants. Directs State coastal management agencies to submit coastal waters protection programs to the Under Secretary. Requires such programs to implement coastal land use management measures to assist in controlling nonpoint source pollution of coastal waters. Outlines program requirements. Directs the Under Secretary to provide technical assistance to States and local governments for implementing such programs. Requires the Under Secretary to review the inland coastal boundary of each State program and evaluate whether such boundary extends inland to the extent necessary to control land and water uses having a significant impact on State coastal waters. Directs the Under Secretary to recommend modifications to such boundaries, as appropriate. Requires the Secretary to provide grants to States for coastal water protection programs. Subjects the provision of such grants to State matching requirements. Permits the Under Secretary to retain up to 30 percent of grant funds for States that are making exemplary progress in complying with program requirements. Requires the Under Secretary to mediate any disagreements between States with respect to coastal zone management. Authorizes coastal States and the Under Secretary, respectively, to collect specified administrative fees with respect to coastal zone management. Revises provisions concerning the coastal energy impact program. Directs the Under Secretary to recommend a coastal energy impact program to the Congress to include financial and technical assistance to meet the needs of States and local governments resulting from energy activities affecting the coastal zone. Requires the Under Secretary to: (1) implement a program to assist coastal States in fulfilling responsibilities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act; and (2) make grants to States likely to be affected by Outer Continental Shelf energy activities, if such States match such grants according to a specified ratio. Revises loan repayment provisions. Requires the Under Secretary, if any State or local government is unable to meet a loan obligation due to insufficient revenues from energy activities, to recommend to the Congress that legislation be enacted to forgive such loan. Directs the Under Secretary to establish a coastal zone management discretionary fund to be used only for: (1) regional, interstate, and demonstration projects; (2) emergency grants to States to address disasters; (3) awards recognizing excellence in coastal zone management; and (4) program development grants. Requires the Under Secretary to implement a program to require coastal States to make continual improvements in management programs in at least one of the following national interest areas: (1) coastal wetlands protection; (2) natural hazards management; (3) public access to coastal areas; (4) assessments of impacts of coastal growth and development; and (5) procedures to facilitate the siting of energy facilities and accommodate energy-related activities. Directs the Under Secretary to assess, for each State, the priority needs for improvement in each of the national interest areas and to negotiate a National Interest Improvements Program. Provides for the annual review of such programs and waivers to program requirements. Requires the Under Secretary to retain 20 percent of the amounts appropriated for administrative and resource improvement grants to implement such programs. Sets forth grant allocation requirements. Revises provisions concerning performance reviews of State coastal zone management. Permits the Under Secretary to place coastal States on probation for failure to implement coastal management programs. Requires the Under Secretary to withdraw up to 25 percent of coastal management funds allocated to a State for corrective action purposes. Directs the Under Secretary to withdraw approval of any management program of, and any financial assistance to, a State that has failed to implement a coastal waters protection program. Revises recordkeeping and auditing requirements. Directs the Under Secretary to implement an awards program to acknowledge outstanding accomplishment in coastal zone management. Revises provisions concerning the national estuarine research reserve system. Requires research guidelines for the system to include monitoring and education activities. Increases the ceiling on financial assistance to be provided to research reserves. Permits the Under Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with nonprofit organizations to aid activities in such reserves and to solicit donations for such activities. Authorizes appropriations. Permits coastal States, with the Under Secretary's approval, to allocate portions of any grants received under this title to local governments or regional or interstate agencies. Title IV: International Cooperation in Coastal Zone Management - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the Under Secretary and the Secretary of State should cooperate to develop a program of technical assistance to developing nations for coastal zone management; and (2) coastal zone management should be a component of negotiations pursuant to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Under Secretary and the Secretary are encouraged to initiate discussions with other nations to include coastal zone management as part of an international convention on global climate change.

Coalfield Environment Enhancement Act of 1990

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 1990

Coalfield Environment Enhancement Act of 1990 - Amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize any State with an approved abandoned mine reclamation program to establish a State-administered Remining Insurance Program which shall include a State Self-Sustaining Remining Insurance Fund. Declares that such a Fund shall assume the liability of member surface mining operators to mitigate adverse environmental effects resulting from specified unanticipated conditions. Sets forth a matching State and Federal contributions schedule to fund the Remining Insurance Fund. Authorizes State surface mining reclamation programs to include a separate permit system for the reprocessing or removal of abandoned coal refuse or disposal piles. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to increase the annual Federal assistance grant for State surface mining control programs if a State has insufficient fiscal resources for a program enforcement.

A joint resolution to authorize the President to proclaim the last Friday of April 1990 as "National Arbor Day".

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 1990

Authorizes and requests the President to designate the last Friday of April 1990 as National Arbor Day.

Private Members' Business. - Environment Protection Agency Bill, 1989: Second Stage (Resumed).

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 February 1990

Question put.

8 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine the present position relating to fish farming at Poulaphouca electricity generating station, County Wicklow; the discussions, agreements and decisions which have been made between his Department and other parties, namely, the Department of Energy, the Department of the Environment and the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 February 1990

8 Mrs. Taylor-Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine the present position relating to fish farming at Poulaphouca electricity generating station, County Wicklow; the discussions, agreements and decisions which have been made between his Department and other parties, namely, the Department of Energy, the Department of the Environment and the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL ON " ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT "

European Union · European Commission · 8 February 1990

PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DIRECTIVE AMENDING DIRECTIVE 76/464/EEC ON POLLUTION CAUSED BY CERTAIN DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES DISCHARGED INTO THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT OF THE COMMUNITY

European Union · European Commission · 8 February 1990

65 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps which have been taken to secure the siting of the new European Environment Agency in Ireland.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 February 1990

65 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps which have been taken to secure the siting of the new European Environment Agency in Ireland.

65 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps which have been taken to secure the siting of the new European Environment Agency in Ireland.

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 February 1990

65 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps which have been taken to secure the siting of the new European Environment Agency in Ireland.