OTA Outlook is an electronic newsletter produced by the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance & Technology (OTA)
Greetings!
In this issue: information on TURA reporting this year, record keeping, grant opportunities, events and EH&S workshops.
TURA Reporting
New Higher Hazard Substances for Reporting Year 2016
Facilities in TURA covered SIC codes with more than 10 employees that manufacture, process, or otherwise use TURA listed substances at or above reporting thresholds during reporting year 2016 (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) must submit TURA reports by July 1, 2017 to MassDEP. 

New substances designated as Higher Hazard Substances for reporting year 2016 include:
  • n-Propyl Bromide (nPB)
  • Hydrogen Fluoride
  • Cyanide Compounds
  • Dimethylformamide (DMF)

The Higher Hazard Substance designation lowers the threshold for reporting, planning, and paying fees under TURA to 1,000 lbs/year. Facilities that manufactured, processed, or otherwise used one or more of the 4 substances above the 1,000 lb/ year threshold in reporting year 2016 must report to MassDEP by July 1, 2017.

NOTE: Reports for Toluene Diisocyanates (TDI) are not due until July 1, 2018.
Resources
Chemical Use Record Keeping
Your facility can track usage of chemicals and track VOCs for regulatory compliance or internal record keeping using OTA's Records Tool. Contact OTA if you need assistance using the tool.


TURI Grant Applications Available
The deadline for project proposals is June 23, 2017.



Questions? Contact Joy Onasch
Workshops and Events
TURA and TRI Reporting Workshops
MassDEP OTA, and EPA Region 1 will hold workshops on May 9, 11, 23, and 25, 2017.

Topics include: TURA and TRI reporting, new Higher Hazard chemical reporting under TURA, and the current MassDEP enforcement policy.

These workshops are free but require registration via email.

Health and Safety Workshop with the Central MA Business Environmental Network (CMBEN)
On May 16, 2017 join the Health and Safety workshop:

"Industrial Ventilation, OSHA Crystalline Silica Rule, and TURI Industry Grants"

This workshop is free but require registration via email.

CMBEN is a network of EH&S professionals serving industry in Central Massachusetts. 

Ammonia Safety Training
Free Ammonia Safety Training Days will be conducted this spring in NH and other locations by the Ammonia Safety & Training Institute. 


TURI Greener Materials Research Symposium
On May 10, 2017 join Massachusetts industry leaders and academic researchers to discuss business needs for safer alternatives and the power of collaborative research to deliver solutions.

Speakers include representatives from:
  • Siemens AG Healthcare Sector
  • The Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry
  • MD Stetson
  • Camco Manufacturing
  • ITW Polymers Sealants

The symposium and meals are free but registration is required.
Small Business Listening Sessions 
The Massachusetts Office of Business Development will hold listening sessions for small businesses throughout May, 2017.

Table Topics:
  • Doing Business in Massachusetts (regulations, taxes, fees)
  • Government Resources (grants, networks, expertise)
  • Access to Capital (community based lending, micro-lending, seed money, predatory lending)
  • Access to Government Contracts & Supplier Diversity
  • Main Street Support
  • Local Discussion
Disaster Preparation Through Pollution Prevention: A Webinar From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
On June 7, 2017 from 2:00 - 3:30pm, join this free webinar. 

Could your business cope with a major flood, snowstorm, or power failure?  Do you use hazardous chemicals? 

This webinar for Massachusetts businesses will show you how to manage hazardous chemicals safely so that they are not at risk of release during a flood or other natural disaster.

Learn how to:
  • Use online maps to quickly find out if you are in a floodprone area,
  • Assess your flood risk & elevation onsite,  
  • Reduce risk and save money by switching to less hazardous chemicals & using energy more efficiently,
  • Comply with regulations for managing hazardous wastes & materials, and
  • Find financing and technical assistance.


A second webinar session will be scheduled during the summer.  For more information: Contact Tiffany Skogstrom at OTA
Chemical Safety and Climate Resilience Workshops
Workshops will be held in Massachusetts over the coming months that will cover:
  • Chemical safety and compliance
  • Emergency preparedness; and
  • Best practices for businesses and communities in preparation of severe weather events.
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About OTA

The Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance & Technology (OTA) is the Commonwealth’s center for technical information.

OTA's experts provide solutions that enable businesses to enhance their competitive position as they reduce the use of toxic chemicals, energy and water. 

All OTA assistance is free and 100% confidential.

Request Assistance

Email OTA

Phone: (617) 626-1060

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

Lieutenant Governor: Karyn E. Polito

EOEEA Secretary: Matthew A. Beaton

OTA Director: Richard A. Bizzozero