The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a settlement with Precise Packaging LLC (a subsidiary of Delaware-based PLZ Corp.) of Fall River, Massachusetts, under which the company will pay a penalty of US$43,877 due to violations in its hazardous waste management.

The Precise Packaging facility is an aerosol and liquid product manufacturing plant, where the company produces an assortment of consumer products.

An EPA inspection of the company’s hazardous waste management practices identified violations of state and federal hazardous waste management laws, including the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the State of Maine Hazardous Waste Rules. Specifically, EPA alleged that the facility failed to provide required hazardous waste management training to employees; maintain a sufficient contingency plan designed to prevent and to minimize hazards to public health, safety, or welfare or the environment from unplanned sudden or non-sudden release of hazardous waste or hazardous waste constituents; conduct weekly inspections of the containers that held hazardous waste at the facility; and maintain accurate records or provide accurate reporting to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), including regarding its status as a large quantity generator.

As part of the settlement, Precise Packaging has confirmed that the facility is now complying with state and federal hazardous waste management laws. The company has also agreed to spend no less than $57,114 on a supplemental environmental project that will provide the Fall River Fire Department with two handheld chemical detection units that permit more effective responses to hazardous waste emergencies, including better detection of the specific type of hazardous waste generated at this facility. This equipment will benefit the community at large, including historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

“EPA’s action underscores the importance of the safe management of chemicals, and when a company like Precise Packaging does not comply with its safety obligations, it threatens the safety of our communities,” said EPA New England regional administrator David W. Cash. “EPA’s work is designed to protect all communities from chemical releases, and we have a special responsibility to reduce the burden of environmental pollution and risks of chemical accidents to the workers and residents of communities that have shouldered a greater share of these impacts.”

Visit EPA’s website to learn EPA requirements for the handling of hazardous waste.

Cintas Corp. is accepting nominations for its 14th-annual Canada’s Best Restroom Contest.

The contest is open to any nonresidential restroom in Canada that is accessible to the general public. Entries will be judged on cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality, and unique design elements. The deadline for nominations is May 12.

Cintas will announce up to five finalists on June 5, at which time public online voting for the winning restroom will commence on the company’s website through July 7. The winner and runner-up will be revealed in the fall, and the most popular nominees will be enshrined in Cintas’ Canada’s Best Restroom Contest Hall of Fame. The grand prize winner will also receive CAN$2,500 worth of services from Cintas.

“For many patrons, washroom hygiene is a reflection of a business’ overall quality standards,” said Candice Raynsford, Cintas Canada marketing manager. “Washrooms with good reputations can bring big business. This contest gives businesses big and small the opportunity to earn national exposure and rewards finalists with the utmost recognition for investing in clean and memorable washrooms.”

To learn more, visit www.bestrestroom.com/canada.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced that registration for the 2023 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo is now open. This year, Greenbuild will take place in USGBC’s hometown of Washington, DC, from September 26–29 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Greenbuild hosts the largest annual event for green building professionals worldwide, featuring informative sessions, speakers, products, and networking opportunities from all sectors of the building industry. The conference will also mark a significant milestone in the green building movement, as the site of USGBC’s 30-year anniversary celebrations.

“We have a lot to commemorate at Greenbuild. Not only is it USGBC’s 30th anniversary, we also plan to debut the next version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program, LEED v5, to support the built environment in addressing critical imperatives including decarbonization, equity, health, biodiversity, and resilience,” said Peter Templeton, USGBC president and CEO. “Along with our partner, Informa Connect, we are bringing together experts from around the world to share best practices, technologies and solutions that enhance sustainability, performance and quality of life throughout the built environment.”

The week of Greenbuild will also feature the annual WELL Summit, hosted by USGBC partner the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and spotlighting the role of buildings and organizations in people’s health and well-being. The WELL Summit will provide a deep dive into WELL strategies and will feature thought leaders on its main stage and education program, all focused on delivering well-being at the enterprise level. Greenbuild attendees can register for both the Greenbuild conference and the WELL Summit.

“Attendees coming to Greenbuild can take advantage of an extraordinary week of inspiration, networking, and learning,” added Templeton.

To register for Greenbuild and for updates on speakers and programming, visit the Greenbuild website. Industry professionals who register by April 21 will secure the lowest prices for the 2023 conference program.