Greetings! 

We're gearing up for a busy spring season here at OTA. Check out the resources and workshops we've listed below.

This newsletter includes:
  • TUR Planning and Reporting
  • Company Spotlight: Incom, Inc.
  • Chemical Safety and Climate Change Preparedness Workshops
  • More Workshops and Resources
  • February 2018 Administrative Council Vote
  • Massachusetts Nanomaterials Survey
  • OTA Summer Internships
For more updates, follow us on Twitter @Mass_OTA and LinkedIn.
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Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) Planning and Reporting
Common Challenges with TUR Planning
Even for seasoned TUR planners and practiced TUR planning teams, the planning process can present tough issues.

TUR Plans Due by July 1, 2018
By July 1, 2018, Massachusetts facilities subject to the Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) planning requirements must:

  • Complete a toxics use reduction plan or plan update,
  • Ensure that their plan or plan update is certified by a senior management official and by a MassDEP licensed Toxics Use Reduction Planner; and
  • Submit a completed Toxics Use Reduction Plan Summary Form for each applicable chemical with their annual Toxics Use Reduction Report to MassDEP.

If you're not certain whether your facility is subject to the TURA planning requirements, you can request free and confidential compliance assistance from OTA.
Upcoming TUR Reporting Requirements
TUR Reports for chemical use during calendar year 2017 are due by July 1, 2018.

The following Toluene Diisocyanates (TDI) have been designated as higher hazard substances, effective calendar year 2017, for reports due July 1, 2018 .

The reporting threshold is 1,000 pounds. Guidance on reporting TDI is in the TURA Reporting Instructions Appendices, under Rules for Reporting Diisocyanates (page 73).

  • 2,4-TDI – CAS 584-84-9
  • 2,6-TDI – CAS 91-08-7
  • TDI mixed isomers – CAS 26471-62-5
Massachusetts Company Conserves Water, Reduces Waste
INCOM, a manufacturer of rigid fused fiber optics products, has saved money and conserved water and energy as a result of installing a mechanical vapor compression evaporator system. 

Manufacturers often use evaporators to concentrate wastewaters before disposal. This can become particularly economical when the facility does not have access to public sewer. Open evaporators may violate the law when wastewater can be classified as hazardous waste.

Wastewater with as little as 5 mg/liter of certain metals are classified as hazardous waste ( 310 CMR 30.125 ). Then EPA and DEP regulations impose restrictions to minimize exposure to employees and the environment ( DEP Evaporator Guidance ). Many companies have found it cost effective to buy enclosed evaporator/condenser systems and use more secure or integral transfer of process waters. Read more.
Chemical Safety and Climate Change Preparedness Workshops for Businesses
Workshop Topics

  • Emergency planning regulatory review
  • Engaging with your Local or Regional Emergency Planning Committee
  • Toxics use reduction to reduce risks of dangerous industrial accidents
  • Lessons from local chemical incidents and Hurricane Harvey
  • Local and regional resources (funding, training, free technical assistance)
"If we're in harm's way, how can we take action to make sure that the risk of chemical related industrial accidents is minimized...Are you prepared for your facility's worst case scenario?" - Tiffany Skogstrom, OTA
Trainings are co-hosted by OTA and Massachusetts regional planning agencies in partnership with Local and Regional Emergency Planning Committees and provided with funding from U.S. EPA.
Webinar Recording: Preventing Toxic Exposures from Climate Change Disasters
On March 13, 2018, Tiffany Skogstrom, OTA Outreach and Policy Coordinator presented on this webinar hosted by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment.

Hear about a range of toxic exposures and mixtures of chemicals that may be encountered during climate disasters from water, air, and industrial sources. Learn how to prepare and protect your community and family when the next superstorm or climate disaster strikes your home or town.
More Workshops and Resources
Massachusetts Workplace Safety Training Grants
The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) awards up to $25,000 to organizations to fund workplace safety training. Eligible employers within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts covered by the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Law may qualify for funding.


Spring 2018 Toxics Use Reduction Planner Conference
On April 25, 2018, the Toxics Use Reduction Program will hold its semiannual Toxics Use Reduction Planner Continuing Education Conference in Marlborough, MA.

TURA Administrative Council
February 28, 2018 Vote
During the February 28, 2018 meeting of the Administrative Council on Toxics Use Reduction, the members of the Administrative Council voted to add the category referred to as C1-C4 Halogenated Hydrocarbons/Halocarbons Not Otherwise Listed (C1-C4 NOL) to the TURA list of reportable Toxic or Hazardous Substances (TURA List).

The February 28 th vote initiates the formal Chapter 30A (the state Administrative Procedure Act) process to amend the TURA List (301 CMR 41.00), that will include a public hearing and 21 day public comment period.

With the addition of the C1-C4 NOL category, businesses subject to TURA that otherwise use 10,000 pounds per year of chemicals in this category, would be required to report that use to MassDEP. The reporting threshold for companies that may incorporate any of the new chemicals into products or manufacture these chemicals would be 25,000 pounds per year. 

Massachusetts Nanomaterials Survey
The Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance & Technology (OTA) and the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) are conducting a short survey to develop a better understanding of the use of nanomaterials in Massachusetts. 

Nanotechnology is a growing and important industry sector in the Commonwealth. This information will be used to better inform and target program resources.  

If your Massachusetts facility uses, manufactures, or distributes/sells nanomaterials, please complete this survey.

All responses are voluntary and will remain confidential.  

Part 3 of this survey is optional and asks for voluntary information about nanomaterial quantities and emergency plans. 

About OTA
Summer Internships at OTA
OTA currently has internship descriptions posted for the summer of 2018. Full-time students who have completed at least one year of college are eligible to apply.
The Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance & Technology (OTA) provides so lutions that enable businesses to enhance their competitive position as they reduce the use of toxic chemicals, energy and water.
 
OTA services are free and confidential.


Phone: (617) 626-1060

Fax: (617) 626-1095
Governor
Charles D. Baker Jr.

Lieutenant Governor
Karyn E. Polito

EOEEA Secretary
Matthew A. Beaton

OTA Director
Richard A. Bizzozero