Kansas e-tips
Upcoming environmental-related events and information for Kansas businesses are listed below. If your small business has environmental compliance questions, give us a call at 1-800-578-8898 or email us at  sbeap@ksu.edu. 

For pollution prevention technical assistance or P2 intern program information, email KSU-PPI@ksu.edu. 
Hot Topic
Pollution Prevention Week

National Pollution Prevention Week, Sept. 21-25, marks the 30thanniversary of the 1990 Pollution Prevention Act. Did you know P2 requirements are in the CAA, CWA, RCRA, EPCRA, FIFRA and NEPA?  
 
A Pollution Prevention Act to Action is as simple as -
  • switching to a less hazardous or less volatile solvent or coating,
  • switching to LED lights,
  • reusing process water ,
  • implementing inventory control measures,
  • and more!
Also, during this week there are numerous free webinars occurring. Please check the National SBEAP calendar for information and ways to register and attend.

For P2 assistance or to learn more, contact us at KSU-PPI@ksu.edu or 1-800-578-8898.
Free Environmental Compliance and P2 for Metal Fabricators/Finishers Workshop

Are you in the metal fabrication and finishing industry? On Nov. 5, 2020, K-State PPI will host a virtual workshop to discuss compliance requirements and pollution-reducing compliance strategies applicable to the metal fabrication and finishing industry, as well as common process strategies to reduce air emissions, and solvent, energy and water usage. 

Participants must pre-register. Registration is now open and updates will be posted soon on the K-State PPI events webpage. For more information, contact us at KSU-PPI@ksu.edu or 1-800-578-8898.
Virtual hazardous waste handler training

Did you know that all staff who handle hazardous waste must be trained within six-months of taking their position and then annually? This training must be documented and lack of documented training is one of the top noncompliance items noted by hazardous waste inspectors.
 
Right now there are two training options for Kansas generators. Both options are considered classroom training and can be used in combination with on-site training. 

During the month of October, KDHE will offer their basic hazardous waste workshops by Zoom. Pre-register is required at no charge. 

The second training option is available 24/7/365. This option costs $30 and includes the KDHE approved virtual training course offered through K-State SBEAP. Once registered for the on-line course, it remains open for 30 days, but only takes about 60-90 minutes to complete it and provides a certificate of completion at the end of the course. 

If you have questions about this training or other hazardous waste management procedures, feel free to contact SBEAP at 800-578-8898 or sbeap@ksu.edu. Check out the other hazardous waste resources including a container management video and the 2020 and 2021 Hazardous Waste Compliance Calendar.
Are you ready for a P2 intern?

More than 90 Kansas companies have hired and utilized K-State's Pollution Prevention Summer Intern program for energy and pollution reduction as well as cost savings.  

The program is funded through a U.S. EPA P2 grant with a focus on EPA's national emphasis areas (NEAs). NEAs focus on industries the EPA has determined could benefit most from pollution prevention technical assistance. EPA NEA industries for 2021 through 2022 are as follows:

  • metal fabrication
  • aerospace
  • food and beverage mfg.
  • automobile mfg.
  • chemical mfg. 
Those in one of these industry types are encouraged to apply for a P2 intern. The host company business application process is open now through Dec. 31, 2020. 
 
For more information, contact us at 800-578-8898 or KSU-PPI@ksu.edu.
National Small Business Week Conference

The U.S. Small Business Administration and cosponsors will host virtual conference events Sept. 22-24, 2020. Activities will include numerous educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as our nation's small businesses look to pivot and recover, contributing to a stronger economy. The event will recognize the national award winners, including the naming of the National Small Business Person of the Year.

Registration for this event is free. For more information contact smallbusinessweek@sba.gov. 
Upcoming events

Oct. 13, 22, 27 and 29: Basic Hazardous Waste Generator Virtual Workshops Registration
Nov 5: Compliance and P2 in Metal Fabrication/Finishing Virtual Workshop Registration
Dec. 1-2: Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference, Kansas City, Missouri
Important dates to remember

Tier II reporting due annually March 1
Class I and II air emission reports and fees due annually April 1
TRI reporting due annually July 1
September 2020

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About us

Established in 1989 within the College of Engineering at Kansas State University, the Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) has been providing environmental compliance and pollution prevention (P2) technical assistance to Kansas and Region 7 industries, communities and institutions for 30 years.
 
Entirely grant-funded, PPI provides a number of services including, 
P2 technical assistance, P2 engineering interns, P2 and environmental-compliance training. 

PPI partners with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to host the Kansas Small Business Environmental Assistance Program known as SBEAP and with U.S. EPA to support the National SBEAP.