To purchase this guide you must contact the University of Minnesota’s Chironomidea Research Group.
]]>The West Virginia DEP and other investigators have been assembling available scientific information on golden algae and the toxins it produces. Scientific literature states both the golden algae and the toxins it produces are influenced by environmental factors including the water’s pH, temperature, salinity and nutrients.
The tables below provide information, data, and links regarding golden algae and Dunkard Creek.
DEP Golden Algae (Prymnesium Parvum) samples | ||
September 2010 | ||
August 20, 2010 | July 2010 | January 2010 |
December 2009 |
AST or “tank” means a device made to contain an accumulation of more than one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) gallons of fluids that are liquid at standard temperature and pressure, which is constructed primarily of nonearthen materials, including concrete, steel, plastic or fiberglass reinforced plastic, which provide structural support, more than ninety (90) percent of the capacity of which is above the surface of the ground, and includes all ancillary pipes and dispensing systems up to the first point of isolation. The term includes stationary devices which are permanently affixed and mobile devices which remain in one location on a continuous basis for three hundred sixty five (365) or more days.
Senate Bill 373, containing the Aboveground Storage Tank Act §22-30 and the Public Water Supply Protection Act §22-31 was approved by the 2014 Legislature and signed into law by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on April 1, 2014. The law officially took effect on June 6, 2014. The bill required an inventory and registration of aboveground storage tanks, the submittal of spill prevention response plans, and certified inspections of tanks.
The purpose of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Section is to regulate underground storage tanks that contain petroleum or hazardous substances to determine compliance with state rules and federal regulations. West Virginia has had full program approval from EPA since February 1988.
The services and guidance provided by the UST unit include: Tank Inspection, Tank Closures, Tank Installation/upgrades, Receive notification forms, register USTs and receive proof of financial responsibility, Maintain database and files of registered USTs, Collect annual registration fees for UST and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks, Issue certificates to facilities that have paid their fees, and Write and file revisions to the current rules and attend legislative committee meetings as required.
All Aboveground Storage Tank owners and operators are mandated by law (47 CSR 63) to report Confirmed, Suspected, or Threatened Releases as stated in Section 6.2 to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Emergency Spill Line at: 1-800-642-3074
The WV DEP became the lead agency for administering the Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s authorization in September 1997. Since then, the WV DEP has overseen the cleanup of released regulated substances, primarily petroleum products. Such releases can originate from overfilling, spilling, or leaking tanks and piping.
45CSR34 incorporates by reference federal air toxics regulations promulgated under the NESHAP program.
45CSR34 (incorporates Federal rules 40CFR61 and 40CFR63)
Congress directed EPA to develop a program to develop further the regulation of HAPs in Section 112 of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). While the standards for major sources of HAPs developed per this section are also designated as NESHAPs, they are established according to Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) requirements. MACT is a technology-based standard, as opposed to the original conception of NESHAPs as a risk-based standard. These technology-based NESHAPs are located at 40 CFR 63 and incorporated by reference in 45CSR34.
EPA has set MACT standards for over 100 source categories as specified under Section 112(d) . While these MACT standards typically apply to major sources (those at facilities with greater than 10 ton/yr of a single HAP, or greater than 25 ton/yr of aggregate HAPs), many MACTs also apply to area sources (sources with less than 10/25 ton/yr HAP thresholds); a few MACTs apply only to area sources. EPA has also begun to identify additional area sources of air toxics for regulation per its Integrated Urban Air Toxics Strategy as mandated by Section 112(k) of the CAAA. The definition of major source depends upon a facility’s potential to emit not its actual emissions.
For new and reconstructed plants (those starting construction or reconstruction after EPA proposes the MACT standard for that type of facility), the MACT standard must be at least as stringent as the emission control achieved in practice by the single best controlled similar plant within the category or subcategory. Thus, a single plant’s level of control appears to establish the “floor” for new sources, regardless of whether this control level can be met by other companies with different economic circumstances.
EPA’s Air Toxics Website contains a wealth of information, including the text of promulgated, proposed, and upcoming MACT standards.
There is a risk-based component to MACT standards that follows the initial technology-based MACT standard. Under the 1990 CAAA, EPA was mandated to set technology-based standards (based on Maximum Achievable Control Technology, MACT) for the source categories specified under 112(d). While these MACT standards typically apply to major sources (those at facilities with greater than 10 tpy of a single HAP, or greater than 25 tpy of aggregate HAPs), many MACTs also apply to area sources (sources with less than the 10/25 tpy HAP thresholds); a few MACTs apply only to area sources. Section 112(f) specifies that EPA determine whether or not to promulgate additional standards beyond the MACT within 8 years after promulgation of the MACT standard (but within 9 years after promulgation of the 2-year MACT source categories).
Thus, EPA is required to evaluate the NESHAPs developed according to the MACT standards for any “residual risk” with 8 years of promulgation. If the “residual risk” for a source category does not protect public health with “an ample margin of safety”, then EPA must promulgate health-based standards for that source category to further reduce HAP emissions. EPA is required to set more stringent standards if necessary to prevent adverse environmental effects (considering energy, costs, and other relevant factors).
The chart, “National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) Applicability Determination“, contains information which may be used as an aid in determining applicability with NESHAPs (contained in 45CSR15 or 45CSR34) and associated regulations.
EPA has also began to establish air toxic standards based on generally achievable control technology (GACT) for certain area (nonmajor) source categories.
This webpage is intended to provide information to aid in determining rule and program applicability, but is only to be used in conjunction with the regulations themselves and in consultation with the DAQ in order to make a final applicability determination.
]]>As methamphetamine use continues to become a growing epidemic across our state, producers of the dangerous drug are often using the rural and roadside areas of West Virginia as dump sites for their toxic chemicals and byproduct. Volunteers participating in the PPOD, Make It Shine, or Adopt-A-Highway programs should be aware of the potential hazards these contaminants pose.
Pollution and Emergency Spills: 1-800-642-3074
The Office of Oil and Gas is responsible for monitoring and regulating all actions related to the exploration, drilling, storage and production of oil and natural gas.
On-going programs and projects:
Resources
Related Sites
The WV Make It Shine Program is a comprehensive program aimed at making WV the cleanest state in the nation. Throughout the state, groups of volunteers, businesses, community organizations, and local governments are working to accomplish this goal. It is the responsibility of the WV Make It Shine Program to coordinate the effort of these people to make our state shine. The WV Make It Shine Program is involved in several events each year. The annual events are listed below.
MAKE IT SHINE AWARDS
This award is given to counties in the state who have developed and implemented a comprehensive environmental program. Cash prizes are awarded to top achievers to help fund their continued efforts.
Please check back soon for a 2021 application.
2020 Winners:
This award is given to communities who have worked to keep their environment clean and who have participated regularly in REAP programs. Communities designated as Make It Shine Communities will receive two road signs to place in their community.
Please check back soon for a 2021 application.
2020 Recipients:
WV Make It Shine Teacher of the Year Award
To promote environmental stewardship and education in West Virginia, the WV Department of Environmental Protection is proud to sponsor the Environmental Teacher of the Year Award. Winners will be chosen in the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels.
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This award is given to educators that have gone above and beyond to promote environmental awareness and stewardship in their classrooms and communities. Each Teacher of the year receives a $500 personal award and a $1000 award to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in their school.
To nominate yourself or another, please submit an application packet.
For more information contact Annette Hoskins at [email protected], or call 1-800-322-5530.
NOTICE: The deadline for application submittal has been changed to February 14th. Click here to read the full notice of changes.
For the 2020 application form, click here.
Please check back soon for a 2021 application.
2019 Recipients:
?WV Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup
The statewide cleanup is held during the first two weeks of April each year. During this time, volunteers can receive assistance in conducting cleanups on public lands. The resources available include gloves, bags, hauling (in conjunction with the DOH), and landfill fees.
We encourage all participants to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov), as well as the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources website (www.dhhr.wv.gov) for guidelines on protecting yourself from COVID-19.
WV Make It Shine Earth Day Celebration
Each year, the Make It Shine Program sponsors an Earth Day celebration at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, in Charleston. During this event, school children are exposed to various displays regarding environmental protection, resource conservation, and energy efficiency. Many of these displays are “hands-on” for the students.
If you would like to be an exhibitor for this event, click here.
Note to Exhibitors: The event time is scheduled for 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Initial information incorrectly indicated a start time of 10:00 am.
Ohio River Sweep
The West Virginia Make It Shine Program is happy to be a co-sponsor of the largest cleanup of its kind in the United States. Historically, on the third Saturday of every June, this year communities along the Ohio River pitch in to clean the river and its banks of litter. For more information on participating in the Ohio River Sweep, call 1-800-322-5530.
Great Kanawha River Cleanup
The WV Make It Shine program sponsors the Great Kanawha River Cleanup. Volunteers can participate at sites in all counties bordering the Kanawha River from Gauley Bridge to Pt. Pleasant. For more information about participating in the Great Kanawha River Cleanup, call 1-800-322-5530 or contact Travis Cooper at [email protected].
Locations to include:
*sites to be added
All locations are?scheduled from 9:00-Noon.?All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt for participating. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours or just to show your support for your community. Please call 1-800-322-5530 to register your group. Your registration helps ensure that enough supplies are?available at each site.??