Greetings!

We've included resources to help facilities improve emergency preparedness and bolster compliance. 

For more updates, follow us on Twitter @Mass_OTA and on LinkedIn.
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New Reportable Substances for Reporting Year 2019
A category of chemicals known as C1-C4 Halogenated Hydrocarbons/Halocarbons Not Otherwise Listed (C1-C4 NOL) are subject to reporting under TURA, effective reporting year 2019. Companies in covered industry sectors that use chemicals in this category should track their use during calendar year 2019 and, if their total use of these substances exceeds the reporting threshold, they must submit TURA reports by July 1, 2020.

The reporting threshold for the C1-C4 NOL category is 25,000 pounds if the substances are incorporated into products or manufactured and 10,000 pounds if they are otherwise used.

The C1-C4 NOL category is defined as chemicals with 4 or fewer carbons, at least one halogen (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine), and only hydrogen as the other constituent, that are not already individually listed on the TURA Toxic or Hazardous Substance List.  

For assistance determining whether your facility will need to report C1-C4 NOL, contact your industry specialist at OTA or call OTA at (617) 626-1080.
Upcoming Events and Trainings
TURA Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

Day 1: February 5, 2019
Day 2: February 12, 2019

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) help companies streamline their reporting and regulatory compliance, and proactively respond to global customer and corporate expectations. Incorporating your Toxics Use Reduction activities into an EMS can increase employee engagement and promote implementation of feasible TUR opportunities.

Climate Change and Toxics Webinar

On January 24th, OTA's Tiffany Skogstrom was featured on the first of 3 webinars on climate change and toxics to help individuals and communities prepare to face climate change calamities and prevent exposures to toxic chemicals in and around their homes and places of work.

The recording is available to the right. The recording and all webinar resources are available on the Collaborative on Health and the Environment's website.

The next webinar is scheduled for Febraury 14, 2019.
"Surviving the DEP Inspection" with the Central Mass Business Environmental Network (CMBEN)

Tentatively: March 12, 2019

To get more information, contact Marina Gayl at [email protected].
Toxics Use Reduction Planner Continuing Education Conference

The Spring 2019 Continuing Education Conference for Toxics Use Reduction (TUR) Planners has been scheduled for Thursday, April 4, 2019 in Devens, MA.

When available, the agenda and registration will be available on the TURI calendar.
2019 Clean Production Action Courses in Proactive Chemicals Management

Clean Production Action offers courses in "Identifying a List of Chemicals of Concern for Action," "Designing a Chemicals Management Policy," "Setting Goals and Measuring Chemical Footprints," and Avoiding Regrettable Substitutes with GreenScreen."

2019 Health and Safety Courses from The New England Consortium (TNEC)

TNEC's 2019 schedule for Hazardous Waste Site Worker training, emergency responder training, and OSHA safety training is now available.

Chemical Safety and Winter Weather
Winterization Safety

This short video from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) provides key lessons from CSB investigations for preparing for cold weater at facilities where chemicals are used or stored.
OTA Chemical Safety Services for Massachusetts Facilities

OTA offers free and confidential site visits to reduce risks of severe weather-related industrial accidents. 
 
OTA’s staff of chemists and engineers can provide a second set of eyes for:
  • chemical compatibility and storage,
  • waste reduction,
  • pollution prevention strategies, and
  • energy conservation strategies.  

You can use OTA’s interactive climate change vulnerability map to see if your location is at risk to floods or hurricanes, or near sensitive areas and assist you with contingency planning.

Referring Facilities to OTA

Local fire and health departments and other organizations can refer companies to OTA for technical assistance as needed. To refer a company to OTA, call (617) 626-1080.

OTA is available to meet with Regional or Local Emergency Planning Committees (L/REPC) to share resources and offer assistance. To request that OTA attend a meeting of your L/REPC, contact Tiffany Skogstrom at [email protected].  
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.  

For more information contact Tiffany Skogstrom at [email protected]
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
Governor
Charles D. Baker Jr.

Lieutenant Governor
Karyn E. Polito

EOEEA Secretary
Matthew A. Beaton

OTA Director
Richard A. Bizzozero