VAA Environmental & Safety Seminar Held at Troutman Sanders

Virginia Asphalt Association kicked off 2017 hosting an Environmental and Safety Seminar, on January 5, at the Troutman Sanders Building in Richmond. This event was for anyone responsible for environmental compliance under DEQ regulations with storm water and air permits. The seminar also included both plant and field operation safety compliance concerning storm water control and silica dust generation, such as a milling or crushing operations. The presenters represented national, state and local views on these issues. 

Trenton Clark welcomed everyone to the meeting and let the attendees know that the presentations were interactive and encouraged everyone to ask questions. The attendees took advantage of this opportunity, adding to the information presented. The first presenter was Allan Brockenbrough, Manager of VPDES permitting program in DEQ’s Central Office. He talked about storm water permits and the development and implementation of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL Action Plans. Mack McGuffey and Andrea Wortzel, with Troutman Sanders, spoke on air permits, focusing on fugitive emissions and how "Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines" "Maximum Achievable Control Technology" (RICE MACT) Standards will impact emissions.

Richard Gerakitis with Troutman Sanders, addressed how EPA and OSHA are moving to joint enforcement actions. There was a focus on record keeping and making sure all disciplinary actions, verbal or otherwise are recorded. In the afternoon there were presentations on the new Silica Ruling. Dr. Howard Marks, Vice President, National Asphalt Pavement Association, explained OSHA’s final silica ruling from March 2016 and how it will impact operations in the asphalt industry. One resource for this new standard is the CPWR website.

The afternoon saw presentations on local Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) regulations. Deonna J. Hargrove, the Central Region Health Compliance Director for the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry (DOLI) talked about a VOSH Inspection Process and how it impacts everyone in an organization. Dennis Edwards, the Consultation Program Manager, explained the VOSH Consultation Program which allows an employer to volunteer for a free consultation or inspection. This is to help employers better comply with (VOSH) standards. The organization will provide on-site consultation services to help employers identify and correct any potential safety and health hazards.

The day wrapped up with a panel discussion led by industry companies and agencies that had experience dealing with silica regulations: Slurry Pavers, Carter Machinery, WIrtgen, Roadtec, NAPA and DOLI. 

 

For those who were unable to attend or if you are looking to refresh your memory on one of the topics, all presentation are posted on the VAA website.