Nearly every manufacturing business is confronted by some type of air pollution issue and should be looking at a few critical strategies in preparation for the 8-hour ozone implementation rule.

The truth of the matter is that there is no direct profit in administering programs that are, by design, conditioned to deal with wicked social problems.

Graham Allison wrote in 1980, "public and private management are the same in all unimportant ways."

We are on the brink of experiencing something many could not have imagined even 20 or 30 years ago-the multitude of automobile engine types and power choices.

Although state safety programs may provide value to small businesses, they may not be authorized by federal OSHA to operate as an extension of the regulatory body.

Amidst the domestic economic conditions and trepidation of war with Iraq, the President did find room in the January 28 State of the Union Address to discuss some environmental initiatives. The following briefly summarizes key excerpts regarding the environmental issues from the President's speech and describes some of the latest actions.

The challenge to protect, preserve and improve the environment is always difficult in a sluggish economy, but even more so when what people value most-freedom and security-is threatened.

In July 2002, EPA published a new Spill Prevention Control and Counter-measure (SPCC) rule that incorporates revisions proposed in 1991, 1993 and 1997. A facility that meets the inclusion criteria must comply with the new rule by February 17, 2003 and implement it by August 18, 2003.

In today's world of accidents, terrorism and unpredictable incidents, the public is hypersensitive to perceived and actual risks in their community. Unfortunately, even if the measurable risk is extremely low, the public's response and actions to threats on their security and quality of life is legitimate-regardless of how non-rational it may be.

When reviewing the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) enforcement history, properly managing hazardous waste continues to be an area of great interest. A recent example occurred on August 5, 2002. Fifteen businesses and public entities in Downers Grove, Ill., were told, via a USEPA letter, that they might be at least partly liable for groundwater contamination in an unincorporated area near the Ellsworth Industrial Park.