Illinois EPA

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Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

The Citizens’ Bulletin

Volume 8, Issue 2 – Spring 2012

In This Issue…

Welcome To The Citizens’ Bulletin!

Welcome to the Illinois EPA’s Citizens’ Bulletin. We are pleased to present our electronic environmental newsletter created specifically for the citizens of Illinois. The Citizens’ Bulletin is a component of our ongoing effort to carry out Governor Pat Quinn’s commitment to making state government more responsive to citizens by using technology such as the Internet.

We created this e-newsletter to provide you with useful information, such as Green Tips, a regular feature offering tips and ideas you can use to prevent pollution and protect the environment. Events, another regular feature, will include public hearings, workshops, conferences and events that offer opportunities for you to get involved. A schedule of events will also be available on our website and will be regularly updated. Each issue will include articles about Illinois EPA programs and activities to keep you informed.

We hope that this newsletter provides you with comprehensive news, events, and helpful hints. We welcome your feedback and your ideas of how we may better serve you.

Air Pollution Action Days and Illinois EnviroFlash

Air quality affects how we live and breathe. Like the weather, it can change from day to day. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a color-coded system that classifies air quality from Good to Hazardous. Air Pollution Action Day Alerts are issued when air quality levels over a large area are expected to reach the category Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, or Orange on the AQI, for multiple days.

If you would like to be alerted of air quality forecasts in your area, Illinois EPA encourages citizens to sign up for Illinois EnviroFlash. Illinois EnviroFlash is an online tool that sends Air Quality forecasts and Air Pollution Action Day alerts directly to a subscriber's email inbox. The program is a partnership between the Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA.

Lead and Mercury Wheel Weight Ban

On and after January 1, 2012, wheel weights made of lead or mercury cannot be used to balance vehicle wheels or tires, nor can they be sold or distributed in Illinois. You are not required to remove lead or mercury wheel weights installed prior to January 1, 2012, but replacement wheel weights installed after January 1, 2012, must not contain lead or mercury. Lead and mercury wheel weights can fall off tires and then break down and contaminate soil, wash into sewers, or end up being transported to municipal landfills.

For further information on the lead and mercury wheel weight ban in Illinois, please contact Becky Jayne, Illinois EPA at (217) 524-9642.

New Illinois Environmental Permit Portal

Illinois EPA has centralized all of the environmental permitting links in one place on its web site. The purpose of this program is to increase transparency in the permitting process by allowing applicants and other interested parties to track the progress of the Agency's decision-making process. It will also make make the permitting process more user-friendly by eliminating red tape for businesses in Illinois. Among the features of the web portal are:

• Application forms; many can be edited, saved and submitted electronically,
• Application checklists, instructions and guidance,
• Summary information on permitted projects,
• An online permit tracking system that gives the status of a pending application.

The online permit tracking system, which is available to the public, is searchable by:

• Bureau/Interest ID Number,
• Main/Organization Name,
• Site/Location Name,
• Street,
• City,
• Zip Code,
• State,
• Agency ID,
• USEPA ID.

The Illinois EPA will be working with the regulated community to implement additional process improvements that will further reduce time and cost burdens on both business and the agency, while still meeting the same environmental protection goals.

The Basics of the Regulatory Process

Have you ever wondered how EPA protects the environment? We use a variety of tools and approaches, like partnerships, educational programs, and grants. One of their most significant tools is writing regulations. Regulations are mandatory requirements that can apply to individuals, businesses, state or local governments, non-profit institutions, or others.

Over the years, the U.S. Congress has passed a number of major environmental laws to protect our air, land and water resources These laws typically authorize U.S. EPA and and state to help put them into effect by creating and enforcing implementing regulations. Visit U.S. EPA's web page to find a basic description of how environmental laws and regulations are developed, what they are, and where to find them.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management (IPM) is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that integrates cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods. IPM stresses learning about the relationships between plants and their pests, and using this knowledge to manage insect problems. The following are examples of these methods:

Cultural controls work by creating optimal conditions for plants, while at the same time creating unfavorable conditions for pests.

• Choose native, disease-resistant plant varieties suited to your conditions to minimize the need for pesticides. Healthy plants are more effective at defending themselves against insects and competition.
• Rotate annual plants in your gardens to disrupt the life cycle of plant-specific pests.
• Remove pest-infested plant residues in the fall.
• Plant a wide variety of plant species to reduce potential pest problems.
• Maintain optimal light and water levels for plants (mulch can help maintain soil moisture throughout the growing season and reduce the need for watering). Stress weakens plants' natural resistance.
• Proper mowing heights are important for maintaining healthy turfgrass. Set your mower to cut at 2 to 2½ inches. Mow often, each time the grass reaches 3 to 4 inches high (it's important not to cut more than 1/3 of its height in any one cutting). Longer lawns are healthier, more drought-resistant, and will discourage growth of many common weeds!

Biological controls take advantage of natural predator/prey or host/parasite relationships to control pest insect populations.

• Limit pesticide use to allow natural enemies to thrive, helping to keep pest populations in check. Beneficial insect predators include ladybird beetles, ground beetles, praying mantises, and dragonflies that consume many pests in their lifetime. Parasites, such as the trichogamma wasp, will generally consume one individual insect pest during its own lifetime. There are also pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria, that infect insect pests (but do not pose a threat to humans).
• Entice insect-eating birds and/or bats to your yard by providing suitable habitat such as purple martin houses or bat houses.

Mechanical controls use physical disturbance to remove pests.

• Till or hand-weed instead of using herbicides.
• Remove large insects by hand.
• Use mulch to cut down weed growth, reduce erosion, and retain soil moisture.

Chemical controls include natural and synthetic pesticides.

• Use lawn and garden chemicals carefully and sparingly. Pesticides should be considered a last resort after other controls have failed.
• Use pest-specific pesticides whenever possible that is, a pesticide designed to kill only the insects, weed, or plant disease organisms causing the damage.
• Use the least toxic pesticide that will do the job. For example, inorganic insecticides such as some oils and soaps kill pests on contact while posing little threat to the environment. Microbial insecticides (derived from microorganisms) also are less toxic. Keep in mind that botanical pesticides (derived from plants) are not necessarily less toxic than synthetic pesticides; however, they are short-lived and break down quickly in the environment. Pesticides with the word "caution" on their label are less toxic than those labeled "warning" or "danger."

For more information on pesticides and IPM approaches, see Illinois EPA's Fertilizers and Pesticides fact sheet, or U.S. EPA's Pesticides web page.

In the Community

Students recognized for creativity on the importance of preventing water pollution Illinois

EPA Interim Director John Kim honored a group of distinguished Illinois fifth and sixth grade students on March 31 that were selected for their creative skills used to express environmental awareness, as part of the Agency's 25th annual Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest. This year's theme focused on storm water pollution and ways to prevent it with Going Green to Keep Your Storm Water Clean! The writers and artists selected from throughout Illinois were recognized at a reception in the Howlett Building in downtown Springfield

Poetry/Prose Top Award Winners

• Grace Braden, Jefferson Elementary School in Charleston
• Max Calk, East Lake Academy in Lake Forest
• Karly Coffey, Jefferson Elementary School in Charleston
• Lauren Elias, Pleasant Lane in Lombard
• Jason Gluzkin, Washington School in Glenview
• Angela Rauch, Prince of Peace School in Lake Villa

Posters Top Award Winners

• Alycia Bhargava, Nancy Young Elementary in Aurora
• Alondra Cervantes, Hermes Elementary School in Aurora
• Jennifer Ilc, Washington School in Glenview
• Aditi Prabhu, Nancy Young Elementary in Aurora
• Isreal Sandoval, Simmons Middle School in Aurora
• Darija Stanojevic, Washington School in Glenview

Each spring, students learn about environmental protection of the air, land, and water through the Agency's environmental education guide, "Environmental Pathways – Youth Investigating Pollution Issues in Illinois." Following the completion of the guide, students use their creative talents to visually articulate, in the form of a poster or a written work, their ideas of how they can protect our precious resources – air, land, and water. Special emphasis is given to one of those three areas on an annual, rotating basis with this year's focus being on preventing water pollution.

For more information, please visit Illinois EPA's Statewide Poster and Poetry/Prose Exhibit web page.

Green Vacation Tips

Below are several tips for vacationing in a way that is more sustainable and eco-conscious. These tips were provided by Earth 911.com.

1. Use varied modes of (alternative) transportation. Once the vacation destination has been reached, it makes good ecological sense to take advantage of alternative modes of transportation, including public transit (buses and trains), bicycles, and walking. Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artifacts, and buy local products in preference to imported goods. The best souvenirs of a family vacation, of course, cannot be bought, but souvenirs are a special means of remembering events and places visited. Instead of buying typical souvenirs (such as t-shirts that, more than likely, were manufactured thousands of miles from one's vacation destination), seek out sustainable souvenirs that directly benefit the communities visited (e.g. jewelry made by local artisans).
2. Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. A large part of being environmentally-friendly stems from being socially conscious as well. Respect for other cultures and places is of the utmost importance when traveling abroad, but it is also important for localized travel as well. Learning to respect and accept human diversity and differing viewpoints is imperative to the success of our global economy.
3. Use water sparingly. American consumers take the availability of fresh water for granted. In most other countries, clean water is a very precious commodity, and tourists tend to use far more than local people, let alone more than they should. Water conservation should be a natural part of the human existence given that such a precious commodity is, for all intents and purposes, finite.
4. Seek out eco-conscious accommodations. Staying at resorts or hotels that care about the environment is also a great way to care for the environment while vacationing. A growing number of lodgings now provide earth-friendly accommodations for their guests: water conservation (e.g. avoid changing linens on a daily basis), recycling facilities, earth-friendly cleaners, low-flow toilets and motion-activated lights.

Visit the Green Hotels Association web site for information on "green" hotels and where you can find them. Visit the US Department of Energy web site for tips on how to save fuel while traveling this summer.

Spring Cleaning

Getting ready to do some spring cleaning? According to TreeHugger.com, the top green cleaning tips are as follows:

1. Employ green cleaning products – many products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources (not petroleum), so it's not only good for the environment but also much safer on your family's health.
2. Avoid poor indoor air quality – the presence of toxic materials and substances and the fact that homes and buildings are better insulated can make your indoor air quality worse than the air outside. It is especially important when cleaning your home to keep your windows open as often as possible to allow fresh air in and keeps toxins flowing out.
3. Be careful with antibacterial cleaners – The FDA has found that antibacterial soaps and hand cleansers do not work better than regular soap and water and also add to the risk of breeding " super germs" bacteria that survive the chemical onslaught and have resistant offspring.
4. Help your home smell baking soda-licious – Baking soda not only removes those strange smells coming from your fridge, it's also a great odor-eliminator for your carpet.
5. Clean your indoor air naturally – Skip the store-bought air fresheners and instead try boiling cinnamon, cloves, or any other herbs you have a fondness for, or even fresh chocolate chip cookies. Also, plants are good for filtering interior air – pretty much any broad green leaf plant will do. Peace Lilies are a favorite choice.
6. Toss toxic cleaners carefully – When replacing your cleaning products, don't just throw the old ones in the trash. If they're too toxic for your home, they won't be good for the drain or the landfill either, as they might end up back in your water supply and come back to haunt you
7. Leave the toxins at the door – Imagine what's on your shoes at the end of the day. Keep the sidewalk out of your home with a good doormat or a shoeless house policy.

Green America provides a list of the basic 10 ingredients for nontoxic, eco-friendly cleaners:

1. White vinegar: An antifungal that also kills germs and bacteria.
2. Baking soda: Eliminates odors and works as a gentle scouring powder. It also helps with removing bugs and road tar…works especially well on bumpers, headlights and chrome hub caps.
3. Borax: Borax, the common name for the natural mineral compound sodium borate, eliminates odors, removes dirt, and acts as an antifungal and possible disinfectant. Use with care around children and pets, as it can be toxic if swallowed.
4. Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration): A great nontoxic bleach and stain remover, as well as a proven disinfectant.
5. Club soda (fresh): A stain remover and polisher.
6. Lemon juice: A pleasant-smelling nontoxic bleach, grease-cutter, and stain remover.
7. Liquid castile soap: An all-purpose cleaner, grease-cutter, and disinfectant. "Castile" means the soap is vegetable-based, not animal-fat-based.
8. Corn meal: Great at picking up carpet spills.
9. Olive oil: Makes a wonderful furniture polish.

Also, visit Consumer Reports Greener Choices for more information on green products, homemade recipes and what to be aware of in commercial cleaning products. In addition, Earth 911 offers 8 Ways to Go Green in Spring.

FAQs

Do you have any suggestions for furthering my education in sustainability?

People interested in pursuing a job in sustainability now can choose from a variety of "green" degree programs, such as a masters in sustainability. With an increased interest in the environment and growth in the "green collar" job sector, colleges and universities are beginning to incorporate sustainability into their programs. From MBAs in sustainable-business practices to programs that give students the technical training necessary to operate wind turbines, students have an increasing array of options to choose from.

Our town recently ordered a ban on leaf and yard waste burning. Do you have any suggestions what we can do short of sending them to our cities landfill?

Composting is an excellent alternative to burning or sending yard waste to landfills. Compost is a soil conditioner, mulch and fertilizer all in one which is beneficial to your plants and the environment. You can get information about back yard composting on the University of Illinois Extension's web site. You may wish to also check out your local extension office to see if they are offering a Master Composter program.

Environmental Contribution

Do you have a local story of an outstanding group or individual that has contributed to a healthy environment that you would like to share with us? If so, please email us using the form below. If you prefer, you can fax, mail or call us with the following information.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
1021 N. Grand Ave. East
PO Box 19276
Springfield, IL 62794-9276
Phone: Toll Free 888-372-1996
Fax: 217-785-8346
Email: Kristi Morris