Maine’s New PFAS in Products Law: A Rulemaking Update

In July 2021, the Maine Legislature passed LD 1503, An Act To Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution, requiring manufacturers of products with intentionally added PFAS to report these products to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) by Jan. 1, 2023. The law delegates rulemaking authority to the Maine DEP, and that process is
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Is Your Business Prepared for an Oil Spill?

Large or small, oil spills can endanger public health, wildlife, natural resources, drinking water, your reputation, and our economy. If you own a business, having an Oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan and/or a Facility Response Plan (FRP) can help. To learn more about what goes into SPCCs and FRPs and who needs
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The 2021 Enforcement Summary is Here

Every year, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP), the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) publicly release a summary of notable enforcement actions they have taken throughout the year. Highlights from their 2021 round-up are included
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An Update on PFAS in Maine

By now, most people have heard about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely known as “forever chemicals,” and the threats they pose to communities here in Maine and across the country. Over on the St.Germain blog, we’re going beyond the headlines to explain what PFAS are, why they’re a big problem with a difficult solution,
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The New Phase I ESA Standard is Here. Here’s What You Need to Know.

On November 1, 2021, the ASTM International Committee on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action (ASTM Committee-50) approved a new standard for conducting Phase I ESAs. The ASTM E1527-21 (Standard) was approved by ASTM International; however, it has not yet been approved by the EPA, and the ASTM E1527-13 standard continues to be recognized
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Stormwater Compliance: A Guide for Maine Businesses

Businesses play a big role in protecting Maine’s environment, including our land and wildlife, and stormwater management is a large part of that. On the St.Germain blog, we break down the complexities of proper compliance and explain how businesses can simplify the process – a win for the business and for Maine. Specifically, we cover:
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Heat Illness Prevention in the Workplace

Don’t let the heat put you in hot water. While hot summer temperatures are great for the beach, they can be a health threats on the job – putting you and your workforce at unnecessary risk. If you work outside (e.g., beach resort, farm, construction site) or in a heat-sensitive indoor location (e.g., kitchen, laundry, manufacturing plant),
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Renewed Focus on OSHA Inspections

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is charged with ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. With so many workplaces affected by the pandemic and a new administration in Washington D.C., OSHA is now stepping up many of its enforcement activities
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Maine Chapter 890, Designation of PFOS as a Priority Chemical

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has reposted Chapter 890 to a 30 day public comment period, with comments due November 4, 2019 by 5:00 PM. “Since the initial posting and the April 23 public hearing, the Department has amended the draft rule to clarify the products covered. Also since the original posting, the authority
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OSHA Releases Preliminary List of FY 2019 Most Cited Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the preliminary Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2019: 1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (6,010 violations)2. Hazard Communication (3,671 violations)3. Scaffolding (2,813 violations)4. Lockout/Tagout (2,606 violations)5. Respiratory Protection (2,450 violations)6. Ladders (2,345 violations)7. Powered Industrial Trucks (2,093 violations)8. Fall Protection –
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