Executive Order B-18-12 Enacted by Governor Jerry Brown, Requiring State Agencies to Recuce Energy Consumption

Executive Order B-18-12 was implemented by Governor Jerry Brown on April 25th, 2012, with a main goal to allow state agencies to reduce their energy use on lighting, heating, air conditioning, and water. 

Highlights of the order are as follows:

1. To reduce energy use by at least 10 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.
2. The continuation of state agencies to reduce their energy purchases by at least 20 percent by 2018.
3. New or major renovations to state buildings that are larger than 10,000 square feet must use clean power generators, like wind power, solar photovoltaic, or solar thermal power.
4. State buildings that are 10,000 square feet or larger must be certified "silver" or higher by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
5. State agencies must provide electric vehicle charging stations in new and existing buildings.
6. The Department of General Services must work with other state agencies to develop policies for water conservation and further efficiency improvements. These must be implemented by July 1st, 2013, and should be continually updated in the State Administration Manual.
7. State agencies must reduce water use by 10 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.
8. State agencies must use environmentally friendly products that have less of an impact on human health.
9. State agencies must report the progress of these measures.
10. Executive Order S-20-04 must also be rescinded immediately.

Executive Order S-20-04 was implemented by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on July 27th, 2004. This order also aimed to reduce energy use in state owned buildings by 20 percent by 2015. It also encouraged private sectors to achieve the same goal.

To read more about this order - check out a recent presentation given by the Sustainability Manager for the California Department of General Services, Dan Burgoyne. 

Owners of Non-Residential Buildings (>5,000sf) Asked To Benchmark & Disclose Energy Consumption in Proposed Amendments to AB 1103

Proposed Amendments to AB 1103 will push the effective compliance date from July 1, 2012 to January 1, 2013 for Non-Residential Building Owners of buildings greater than 50,000 square feet, and Owners of Non-Residential buildings greater than 5,000 feet on or after January 1, 2014.  Requirements include:

•All Non-Residential Building Owners must benchmark the building’s energy use using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Portfolio Manager system;

•All Non-Residential Building Owners must disclose statements of the building’s energy usage to potential buyers, lessees, and lenders.

The proposed regulations also require all utility companies serving the building to release the most recent 12 months of energy use data for the entire building to an owner’s U.S. EPA’s Portfolio Manager Account, within 15 days of the building owner’s request.

Effective Compliance Dates:
Buildings with greater than 50,000 Square Feet
On or after July 1, 2013

Buildings with greater than 50,000 Square Feet, up to 50,000 Square Feet
On or after July 1, 2013

Buildings with at least 5,000 Square Feet, up to 10,000 Square Feet
On or after January 1, 2014

Information Required To Report:
Submittal must occur 30 days before a disclosure is required;
•    Open an account on EPA”s Energy Star program Portfolio Manager website;
•    Identify all sources of energy use data for the entire building, such as active and inactive utility meters, onsite generation, district thermal energy, or fuel(s) serving the building, for at least the most recent 12 months;
•    Provide space use characteristics;
•    Request and enter all utility and energy use data for the entire building for the most recent 12 months (Utility companies required to provide the information to the building owner within 15 days of request);
•    Once information uploaded, building owner will access the Commisions’s AB 1103 compliance website and:
o    Download disclosure Summary Sheet
o    Complete and Submit the Compliance Report
o    Download the building’s Statement of Energy Performance, Data Checklist, and Facility Summary
 
Disclosure Requirements:
A building owner shall disclose the following items to prospective buyers, lease and lenders:
•    Disclosure Summary Sheet
•    Statement of Energy Performance
•    Data Checklist
•    Facility Summary

(a)    Prospective buyer of the entire building, before execution of the sales contract
(b)    Prospective leasee of the entire building, as soon as practicable or before execution of lease
(c)    Prospective lender financing the entire building, as soon as practicable before submittal of the loan application

*An owner may supplement the above disclosure with forms from other sources, such as the ASTM International checklist E2797‐11 (2011), the Standard Practice for Building Energy
Performance Assessment for a Building Involved in a Real Estate Transaction.
 
Definitions:
(a)    “Building Owner” means a person possessing title to a nonresidential building, or an agent authorized to act on behalf of a person possessing title.

(b)    “Commission” means the California Energy Commission.

(c)    “Compliance Report” means an electronic submission of a copy of the data used for generating disclosure documents, submitted within the Portfolio Manager system from the building owner’s account to the Commission’s account.

(d)    “Data Checklist” means a report generated by Portfolio Manager that summarizes a property’s physical and operating characteristics.

(e) “Disclosure Summary Sheet” means the Commission document detailing the contents
and relevance of disclosures generated by Portfolio Manager.

(f) “Energy Provider” means any non‐electric and gas utility entity providing energy, as
defined by Section 25109, Public Resources Code, used by a nonresidential building.

(g) “Energy Use Data” means a record of kilowatt hours, therms, or any other measure of
energy used by a nonresidential building.

(h) “Entire Building” means a building for which the owner possesses title.
(i) “EPA” means the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

(j) “Facility Summary” means a report generated by Portfolio Manager that summarizes
the space usage of a building and compares a building’s energy use to national averages.

(k) “Nonresidential Building” means a building of occupancy type A, B, E, I‐1, I‐2, M, R1, S,
and Type U parking garages, as defined in the California Building Code, Title 24, Section
302 et seq. (2007).

(l) “Portfolio Manager” means the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program online tool for
managing building energy use data.

(m)“Portfolio Manager Energy Performance Rating” means an EPA energy efficiency
measurement represented as a score from 1 to 100, normalized for a building’s
characteristics, operations, and regional weather.

(n) “Square Feet” means total gross square footage of a building.

(o) “Statement of Energy Performance” means a report generated by Portfolio Manager that
supplies data about a building’s energy performance, and if available, the building’s
energy use rating.

(p) “Utility” means an entity providing  electricity or natural gas to a nonresidential
building owner or tenant.

Installation of Energy Monitor at Citadel Corporate Office Helps Reduce Energy Costs by 25%

Citadel recently partnered with Soladyne Capital to gain a better understanding of the energy usage at our Corporate Office in Glendale California - a LEED Platinum facility.

Soladyne Capital installed an Energy Monitor on the electrical panel, which is also connected to the WiFi network.  Information on energy consumption was therefore able to be retrieved on-line to analyze on-going energy use.

Using this tool and the reports and analysis provided by Soladyne, Citadel was able to identify several energy-wasters.  We learned that our AC units were running at night and on weekends, our parking lights were on during daylight hours, and our servers were 24/7 energy hogs.

Click below to see the full image of the analysis:
By reprogramming our AC thermostats, light timer, and by upgrading our old servers to an efficient new one, Citadel was able to cut our energy consumption by 25%. 
 

Soladyne offers three levels of Energy Analysis Reports to match their client needs.  Reports include include analysis and recommendations, such as the measures described above.  If you would like to learn more about how we can reduce your energy costs for your facility - contact Nic Serieys at the Citadel Office 818-246-2707, or via email or Robert Ciani at Soladyne Office 818-692-6838 today!

London Olympics Park Environmental Cleanup Uses Bioremediation Technology ORC Advanced® to Treat Hydrocarbons and Expedite Construction

The multi-billion dollar development of the 500 acre green space that houses the 2012 London Olympics games in Stratford in East London was once an industrial land with uses including chemical, fertilizer, engineering works, landfills and depots leaving a legacy of soil and groundwater contamination.

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) set strict deadlines for the Olympic facility construction projects, which included the construction and refurbishment of 16 new major stadiums and sports facilities. More specifically, the subsurface foundations for the London Aquatic Centre (LAC) were to be completed by July 27th, 2009 (exactly three years before the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony).

The LAC site was contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons from lubricating oil as a result of historic operations. The first stage of remediation began in November 2007 using dual-phase vacuum extraction (DPVE) to remove the LNAPL, however due to the strict ODA deadlines and integration with construction programmes (starting in April 2008) prolonged use of DPVE was not practical to remediate the dissolved phase hydrocarbon plume. An in situ solution became the only viable solution.

In Situ Enhanced Bioremediation, a widely accepted and well understood natural biodegradtion process was chosen to cleanup this portion of the site. This approach utilizes indigenous microbes to aerobically biodegrade petroleum hydrocarbons in-place. The actual process is facilitated using an injectable, Advanced Oxygen Release Compound (ORC Advanced®). Upon hydration and injection, this powder-like material accelerates aerobic bioremediation by releasing molecular dissolved oxygen for periods up to 12 months on a single application. Without this valuable oxygen supply, the required aerobic bioremediation processes either cease or proceed at very slow rates.

The patented Controlled-Release Technology (CRT™) in ORC Advanced® allows for an efficient, long-term release of oxygen which provides optimal conditions for sustained aerobic biodegradation. CRT also saves time and money during implementation by eliminating the need for multiple oxygen release compound applications.

Additionally, ORC Advanced® was applied at the LAC Site using direct-push injection. This application approach is highly efficient as it requires no permanent well installation, above-ground piping or mechanical equipment and after application, no operation costs or further site disturbance.

Remedial objectives for the Olympic Games Aquatic Centre were satisfied and redevelopment of the site was unhindered by the ongoing in situ remedial work. More importantly, the construction-phase was completed according to the ODA set deadlines.


SOURCE: Regenesis

Citadel Saves 50,000 Wild Honey Bees!

Citadel’s beliefs and ethics were called into action when they suddenly became the home to over 50,000 wild honey bees. Just like any other company, Citadel was alarmed at the idea of wild bees being so close in proximity to its employees and pedestrians and their safety possibly being threatened. As an environmental company, Citadel not only works with many companies to bring safety and sustainability to the forefront, but they practice it as well.

Citadel was aware of the option to bring in an exterminator and have them removed and killed, but then that would be going against their company ethics, so they pursued other alternatives. They found help from a bee specialist, Chris Carr who works at Shangri-La (Citadel’s client) who was more than willing to help in this quest to save the wild honey bees. The process took more than 9 hours and after a few stings, Mr. Carr was able to get the bees to their new home at C & C’z Beez where they are continuing to make wild honey.

Citadel is more than proud to say that they did not contribute to the current honey bee hive shortage by only relying on one option. With a little time, research and in Citadel’s circumstances, luck, they were able to stick to their ethics and beliefs and remain a positive example.

Heat Illness Prevention Training

Summertime is here and OSHA recommends five key elements – water, rest, shade, training, and emergency preparations – as preventative steps to avoid a heat related illness. Working in hot and humid conditions can increase the potential for employees to become sick, and in some cases, die. OSHA reports that each year thousands of workers suffer from heat related illnesses, including fatalities that can be prevented.  Cal/OSHA is actively investigating two suspected heat illness fatalities that occurred in the construction and agriculture industries this year and has indicated that they will be vigilant in their enforcement efforts this year.

If you are in need of Heat Illness Prevention training please contact us, Citadel Environmental Services specialize in Heat Assessment online and in-class training, along with comprehensive Cal/OSHA needs assessment.

Source: Osha Training Center 

Update: The State Department of Toxic Substances Control Failed to Take Action on Evergreen Oil Re-Refinery

New information has been obtained from emergency responder's at the July 6th high-temperature leak at the Evergreen Oil re-refining plant in Newark, CA, that show the leak involved a hazardous industrial chemical and not just recycled motor oil, as initially reported.

According to Consumer Watchdog, regulators are unclear about who is the lead regulator overseeing the facility, with DTSC's own enforcers acknowledging they are uncertain of the department's authority over the whole plant, which processes used motor oil. They were also not aware of what actions other agencies might be taking."The DTSC, which should be the leader in any event involving this serial safety violator, seems almost to be looking for reasons not to get involved," said Consumer Watchdog advocate Liza Tucker. "This is an opportunity for the new director to show strong leadership and creativity in a department that appears to have faltered for years."


Source PR Newswire

The State Department of Toxic Substances Control Failed to Take Tough Action on Evergreen Oil Re-Refiner

The State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has failed to take tough action against the toxic industries that continue to operate after repeated safety violations, like the Evergreen Oil Re-Refinery (Evergreen), and consequently put a community in Northern California in danger. 

On July 16th, Consumer Watchdog sent a letter to the Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Debbie Raphael, in regards to sending Evergreen a strong message by indefinitely closing the Re-Refinery after a pipe leaked and spewed "superheated oil" and triggered an emergency evacuation on July 6th, in Newark, CA. The surrounding community was warned to expect a wave of "strong odors" from the leak. 

The accident marks the latest in a string of problems at the plant that re-refines used motor oil, including a burst pipe and major fire in March 2011 and repeated citations by the DTSC for safety violations and carelessness.

The letter sent to Ms. Raphael stated Evergreen is among several companies who appear to have manipulated or ignored the DTSC and other agencies to the detriment of concerned and frustrated local residents. 

"Consumer Watchdog is appalled to learn of yet another accident at the Newark-based used oil recycler Evergreen Oil," said Liza Tucker, an advocate at Consumer Watchdog. "We call on the DTSC to shut this refinery down indefinitely. Evergreen needs to know that sloppy safety procedures, and refusal to fix or replace shoddy infrastructure, is simply unacceptable."

The letter sent on July 16th to Director Raphael said in part:

"Your department has repeatedly cited Evergreen Oil for cracks and gaps in waste container storage and transfer areas, failing to track contaminated petroleum waste coming in and out of the facility, careless soil contamination, and omissions in its own inspection system.

"Still, the DTSC fined this company that generates some $36 million in annual revenues less than $60,000 under six separate consent decrees between 2006 and 2011. This practice of accepting promises that Evergreen will police itself, instead of taking the company to court, has been an abject failure. The DTSC has cited the company for failure to follow even its own simple safety procedures.

"At the same time, members of the local community say that for 25 years Evergreen has ignored federal and state laws and polluted their neighborhoods."

The department has a special responsibility to working and middle class families in the small cities where companies produce and recycle toxics including PCBs, dioxin, and heavy metals near homes and schools, Consumer Watchdog said. Too many of these companies have mastered the arts of delay to avoid fixing leaks, improving infrastructure, and following adequate internal safety controls.

"Evergreen Oil has proven repeatedly that it cannot be trusted," said Tucker. "The DTSC and other regulators need to put community safety first and show zero tolerance for such polluters."

Consumer Watchdog has previously described problems at several hazardous waste sites, and also called for reforms at the DTSC to address a lack of transparency, a disconnect between inspection and enforcement, and a preference for weak settlements instead of more aggressive prosecution of serial violators.

Say Goodbye to the Registered Environmental Assessors Program

Environmental professionals say goodbye to the Registered Environmental Assessors (REA) Program, as of July 1st the program has been discontinued in the State of California.

Of course, there are several organizations that offer environmental professional certifications, but you must meet EPA's definition of an environmental professional through a Professional Engineer License or Professional Geologist License, plus three years of experience.

Other certification programs available for Environmental Professional Certification are:

-  Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals - Certified
    Environmental Professional (CEP) program
-  National Registry of Environmental Professionals – several
    certifications including REPA and REP
-  International Society for Technical and Environmental Professionals
    (INSTEP) – Licensed Environmental Professional
-  Institute for Professional Environmental Practice (IPEP) – Qualified
    Environmental Professional
-  Institute of Hazardous Materials Management – Certified Hazardous
   Materials Manager (CHMM)

Below is the email sent to REAs by the State of California: 

As part of the Budget, on June 27, 2012 the Governor also signed SB 1018 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, Chapter 39, Statutes of 2012). Among a number of other things, SB 1018 has repealed the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) authority for the Registered Environmental Assessors (REA) Program. As of July 1, 2012, the REA Program will no longer exist.

DTSC proposed the elimination of the REA Program in this year’s budget considerations, primarily because DTSC believes that the program is unnecessary and unenforceable, and more importantly, it is largely duplicative of and inconsistent with federal environmental professional standards that have been adopted since the creation of the REA Program. DTSC believes the elimination of the REA Program will standardize requirements for environmental professionals conducting environmental assessments under other statutory programs, and make them consistent with federal requirements.

REA I 2012 Annual fee payments received and the processing fee for new, five year renewal and reinstatement applications that were “pending” review will receive refunds in four to six weeks after July 1, 2012. REA II will receive a prorated annual fee refund and the processing fee for “pending” applications.

Please note that the online registry will no longer be available after July 1, 2012.

We would like to thank you for your past support and participation to the program.

Sincerely,

DTSC Management

Cal/OSHA Launched a Statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative

Earlier this year, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) launched a statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative to focus attention on preventing worker deaths and injuries in confined spaces. The Initiative is the result of a dramatic increase in deaths, up to seven in 2011, in confined spaces.

A confined space is generally defined as one that (1) is large enough and configured so that an employee can bodily enter and perform work; (2) has limited openings for entry and exit; and (3) is not designed for continuous occupancy. A few examples of confined spaces include manholes, boilers, vaults and utility tunnels.

Employers are advised to evaluate their properties for confined spaces because they can be certain that any inspection by Cal/OSHA will include a check for confined spaces. To learn more about confined space, please review the Confined Space Hazard Alert, an online aid in identifying confined spaces and protect workers. If you need further assistance, please contact Citadel Environmental Services. We provide assistance with Cal/OSHA needs assessments, including online and in-class training in Confined Space as well as many other programs.

Source: Fox Rothschild LLP