EPA Considers Changes in Lead Rule It looks like Environmental Protection Agency officials heard the message sent by the concrete recycling industry loud and clear with respect to the agency's lead-based paint debris proposal. EPA's Dave Topping said it is seriously reconsidering provisions in the proposed lead rule that EPA officials now understand would have a significant negative impact on concrete recyclers.

The December 1998 proposal primarily sought to expedite the renovation of buildings that contain lead-based paint (LBP) by making it easier for contractors to dispose of architectural materials, such as door frames. But some C&D recycling practices would also have been affected. The proposal would have prohibited recyclers from accepting debris from buildings built before 1978. The rule also would have explicitly prohibited the compacting or burying of LBP debris for reuse as fill material, roadbed material or site-leveling purposes, based on the presumption the materials pose an environmental threat.

But the concrete recycling industry protested the proposed limits, which it said targeted essentially often non-hazardous materials. Topping indicated the agency is taking this view to heart and is "giving very serious consideration" to dropping the restrictions when it issues a final rule, tentatively slated for August 2001. Topping said the materials would continue to be regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which requires testing if the materials appear to contain hazardous substances. He indicated the agency has information that makes clear that it would be unusual for the materials to contain hazardous substances.

California Loans Target Concrete Recyclers The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) is offering low-interest loans to recycling companies to promote business development and cut the amount of waste shipped to landfills. The board made six loans ranging from $205,000 to $2 million to C&D companies across the state, said CIWMB loan officer Jeff Ingalls. The funds are used mostly for equipment purchases.

Most of the loan recipients are concrete crushing operations, he said. Proposals to fund C&D operations "really whet the board members' appetites," Ingalls said. He noted diversion of concrete and other C&D materials is a top priority because it represents a significant percentage of the tonnage of materials sent to landfills. Loans made to C&D companies diverted more than 2 million tons of materials from California landfills in 1999.

The board recently approved a $2 million loan to Sacramento's Dynamic Concrete Cutting and Demolition. The loan will be used to buy equipment and provide working capital to convert more than 300,000 tons of concrete and asphalt waste into usable roadbase. CIWMB also will give grants to local governments to fund deconstruction programs. For more information, contact CIWMB, (916) 255-1000.

FHWA Awards Recognize Recycling Transportation projects involving recycling are eligible for national recognition under the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) environmental excellence program. The program spotlights FHWA-funded projects that made a significant contribution to transportation and the environment.

FHWA is seeking nominations involving innovative use of, reduced institutional barriers to, demonstrated cost-effective and beneficial use of, or demonstrated potential for a large use of recycled or byproduct materials. For more information, contact Patricia Cazenas, (202) 366-4085.