Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss)’s Post

It was great to talk to Lorenzo Pollicardo of Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) about their work with the IMO, particularly in the lead-up to the latest session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee which concluded earlier this month. I hope this will progress the superyacht industry's inclusion in the IMO's strategy and advance the collective efforts made to reduce emissions. To read more on the results of this latest session and about the collaboration, go to my latest article here: https://lnkd.in/gpnFFRy6

New ASTM Standard Pending! 🌳 Earlier this month, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) issued a draft ruling to approve the ASTM International E2247-23 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Process for Forestland or Rural Property. The new standard elevates many components for completing Phase I ESAs for forestland and rural land and creates consistency with previously approved ASTM Standards. Given the recent draft ruling by the US EPA with a targeted sunset date for the replaced 2016 standard, LaBella anticipates that the draft ruling will move forward with no adverse public comment. As such, we expect the ruling to be finalized shortly after the public comment period ends on April 11, 2024. Additional information regarding the draft ruling of E2247-23 can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/eX3-gy7v #EnvironmentalStandards #ASTMstandard #Phase1 #ESA

United Nations - International Maritime Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee's 82nd session (#MEPC82) has just concluded. This marks the end of a two-week marathon, which started with the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships' 17th session (ISWG-GHG 17) and continued with MEPC. I was fortunate to have participated in both as part of the German delegation. Some concrete decisions were taken by the IMO at MEPC 82, and progress was made on other topics. While nuances are many and there is still a long way toward reaching a consensus on some areas, we can summarize what happened in a few bullet points: 1️⃣ Amendments were adopted to designate the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea as new ECAs for Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Oxides (SOx), and Particulate Matter (PM). These will enter into force on 1 March 2026. 2️⃣ The committee continued developing mid-term GHG measures, including the establishment of a dedicated GHG Working Group to refine the candidate mid-term measures, the adoption of the "IMO net-zero framework" as a basis for amendments to MARPOL Annex VI that seeks to consolidate the pathway towards decarbonization, and the consideration of GHG Fuel Standards and market-based measures to facilitate the equitable transition for vulnerable nations, including SIDS and LDCs. 3️⃣ Work on the GHG life-cycle assessment (LCA) guidelines continued. Multiple documents about exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS or scrubbers) were referred to PPR 12 (Jan 27-31, 2025), which will likely lead to the GESAMP task force on this topic being re-opened. Another GESAMP working group on GHG LCA met between Sep 10 and 13 before MEPC, and they will continue working to present their report at MEPC.83, which will be held between April 7 and 11, 2025. These efforts will provide more accurate emission factors that can be used in future environmental risk assessments. 4️⃣ Amendments were adopted concerning ballast water management practices, aimed at ensuring compliance with the Ballast Water Management Convention, including improved ballast water record-keeping and modifications for ballast water management systems (BWMS). The Ballast Water Review Group will be re-established, and take on future work on this topic. 5️⃣ MEPC 82 adopted a resolution condemning recent attacks on merchant ships in regions such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, emphasizing the need for secure and safe navigation corridors. 6️⃣ The committee adopted best practices for reducing Black Carbon (BC) emissions in the Arctic and invited ISO to consider developing "polar fuel" standards to mitigate BC emissions in the region. Furthermore, Black Carbon emissions will be included in the terms of reference for the Fifth IMO GHG Study, which will help quantify these potent GHG emissions. I would not be exaggerating if I said that the work carried out by the IMO Secretariat and the delegates is super-human. I congratulate all who participated.

Amidst the pivotal Ohio v. EPA Supreme Court case, the EPA has decided to partially deny petitions for revising the "Good Neighbor Plan," aimed at reducing harmful emissions. This plan is crucial for ensuring cleaner air downwind by requiring significant emission reductions from upwind states. The implications of this decision reach far, affecting industries and environmental standards nationwide. 🌬️💡 Learn more about the decision and its impact on the drilling industry in our latest article. This unfolding story highlights the intersection of environmental policy and industrial responsibility. Stay informed with The Driller. 🛠️📚 #EnvironmentalPolicy #CleanAirAct #DrillingIndustry #EPA #GoodNeighborPlan #SustainableDrilling #TheDriller https://lnkd.in/gBpA_HXC

Changes to the Qld Environmental Protection Act - Duty to Notify requirements.   The Duty to Notify has always been in the Act, however, there are some significant changes, including: * Taking action following an event under the general environmental duty or duty to restore - without having to be told (i.e. through a notice); * The inclusion of "ought reasonably to have become aware" of an event (in addition to becoming aware) that is causing, or likely to cause serios or material environmental harm, or notifiable activity. The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) has released an updated 'Duty to notify of environmental harm' guidelines and form. (dated 11 June 2024, Version 4.01, https://lnkd.in/gECRrjFK).   The Duty to Notify is described in Section 320 - 320E of the EP Act, noting the following matters that require notification: • a change in the condition of contaminated land that is causing or threatening to cause serious environmental harm or material environmental harm; or • the carrying out of a notifiable activity under Schedule 3 of the Act. • impacts to aquifers (from resource activities such as CSG/petroleum and greenhouse gas storage (GHG)); • pollution incidents and activities (not authorised under the Act) that are causing or threatening to cause serious environmental harm or material environmental harm. There are every specific and stringent timelines for notifying that must be met, including obligations for employees, employers, owners and/or occupiers of land, contaminated land auditors, and local government. The changes to the EP Act are significant - not just for environmental consultants in Queensland, but for all owners and occupiers of contaminated or potentially contaminated land, as well as local government.   I will continue sharing more information on these updates, so watch this space!

Caltrans utilizes a Preliminary Environmental Study (PES) to determine the appropriate level of environmental review required under #NEPA. The purpose of the PES is to provide a basis for informed decision-making and to ensure that #environmental considerations are integrated into the planning process from the onset. LPAs are required to address a variety of potential environmental impacts, assessing the risk level for each. Find out what a successful PES may include in our blog: https://lnkd.in/gnkB8sb9

Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for Triclocarban published. Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines (FEQGs) provide thresholds of acceptable quality of the ambient environment. This factsheet describes the FEQGs for water and sediment to protect aquatic life from adverse effects of triclocarban. https://loom.ly/FMTbrlE #triclocarban #adverseeffects #guidelines

MEPC.82 - Summary Report IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) - LR Summary Report. Applicability: designers, shipyards, shipowners, ships' crews, ship managers, fuel suppliers and equipment manufacturers. MEPC 82 was held from 30 September - 4 October 2024   Reducing shipping's impact on the environment is at the core of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee. The Committee covers a range issues, with the aim of minimizing shipping’s impact on the environment.    Key outcomes from MEPC 82 were:   ➡️ Adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to give effect to the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea ECAs for SOx and NOx (expected to enter force 1 March 2026). ➡️ Progression and refinement of regulatory text on Mid-term GHG measures and scheduling of a further Intersessional GHG Working Group in February 2025. ➡️ Approval of amendments to BWM.2/Circ.80/Rev.1 on 2024 Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting. ➡️ Approved HKSRC.2/Circ.1 on Provisional guidance on the implementation of the Hong Kong and Basel Conventions with respect to the transboundary movement of ships intended for recycling. ➡️ Adopted resolution MEPC.396(82) on Designating the Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands in Lombok Strait as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area. Download Summary Report: 

Did you know the IEMA guidelines for the Environmental Assessment of Traffic and Movement now suggest a Safe System approach to be taken for assessing the safety impact of new developments (those big enough to need an Environmental Impact Assessment). It suggests using iRAP or similar to do so in a quantitative manner. Want to know more, get in touch! https://lnkd.in/eDu_Xf4a #irapsavinglives iRAP Royal HaskoningDHV Kate Fuller

Judicial Review of Environmental Protection Notifications: A Case Summary Read More: https://lnkd.in/dfaj8-fV Introduction: The case under scrutiny, Civil Appeal nos.1628-29 of 2021, before the Supreme Court of India, revolves around the judicial review of environmental protection notifications issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change At its core, the appeal challenges the legality and procedural validity of certain provisions within the notifications, particularly focusing on exemptions granted for specific activities under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EP Act). This detailed analysis aims to delve into the intricacies of the case, examining the background, key provisions, scope of adjudication, challenges raised, findings, and the eventual conclusion. Background: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EP Act) emerged in response to escalating concerns regarding environmental degradation and pollution in India. Enacted with the objective of protecting and enhancing environmental quality, the EP Act vested significant powers in the Central Government to regulate and mitigate environmental pollution across the nation. Over the years, the Act has undergone amendments to adapt to evolving environmental challenges and legal frameworks. Key Provisions: Section 3 of the EP Act: This provision empowers the Central Government to take necessary measures for environmental protection, including the regulation of pollution, conservation of natural resources, and management of hazardous substances. It forms the statutory basis for various environmental protection measures and regulatory actions. Rule 5 of the EP Rules: Rule 5 delineates procedures for prohibiting or restricting industrial activities in specific areas deemed environmentally sensitive or prone to pollution. It mandates the Central Government to notify such areas and outlines a process for public participation, objections, and considerations before implementing regulatory measures. Scope of Adjudication: The appeal before the Supreme Court challenged the legality of Clause 6 of the Impugned Notification, focusing on its procedural irregularities and substantive implications. The Court examined the prayers made in the Original Application and the submissions presented before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to ascertain the scope of adjudication. Central to the analysis was the interpretation of relevant statutory provisions and precedents guiding environmental governance and judicial review.