Day: January 18, 2024

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Antea Group

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their long-lasting nature, have raised alarms in public health circles and environmental regulatory bodies. Their ability to resist degradation, coupled with their potential to accumulate in the environment and human tissue, has led to an urgent call for more stringent oversight.

In recent years, the environmental and regulatory landscape has witnessed a significant shift toward the inclusion of PFAS within NPDES permits. This move underscores a growing awareness and concern about the widespread presence and persistence of PFAS in the environment.

We’ve put together a primer to explain how these changes may impact organizations and municipalities that require NPDES permits for stormwater discharge management.

Understanding PFAS and NPDES Permitting

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in various industries around the globe since the 1940s. Known for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil, PFAS are commonly found in a wide range of consumer products, from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing.

However, their chemical stability, which makes them useful in products, also means they do not break down in the environment or the human body, leading to potential health risks and environmental concerns.

What is NPDES permitting?

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, established under the Clean Water Act, is a critical component of the United States’ efforts to preserve water quality.

NPDES permits are required for any entity discharging pollutants into waters of the United States. These permits set limits on what can be discharged and mandate monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act. By controlling the direct discharge of pollutants into navigable waters, NPDES permits play a vital role in protecting water quality and public health.

Impact on various entities

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Permits
These permits apply to certain municipal storm sewer systems. MS4 permits are designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from these systems to the maximum extent practicable, safeguarding local water bodies.

Industrial Stormwater Permits
Industrial facilities, due to their potential to contribute pollutants to stormwater runoff, are generally required to obtain NPDES permits. These permits aim to minimize the impact of industrial activities on water quality through measures like implementing stormwater pollution prevention plans.

Construction Stormwater Permits
Construction sites can significantly impact water quality due to sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff. NPDES permits for construction activities are designed to reduce sediment and control other pollutants from these sites, ensuring that construction projects maintain adherence to water quality standards.

Managing PFAS in Stormwater Discharge

The integration of PFAS monitoring and management into some NPDES permits marks a significant step in environmental regulation. This integration is driven by the need to address the growing concern over the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment and their potential health impacts. However, keep in mind, not all stormwater NPDES permits include PFAS regulations yet. Moving forward, it is likely that more and more permits will include PFAS requirements, so this is just a peek of what the future could hold.

The inclusion of PFAS in NPDES permits involves several key components:

• Setting discharge limits: Some NPDES permits are being revised to include specific limits on the concentration of PFAS allowed in discharge waters. These limits are based on state and federal guidelines and scientific studies concerning the environmental and health risks of PFAS.
• Enhanced monitoring requirements: Again, some permit holders are now required to conduct regular monitoring of their discharges for the presence of PFAS. This involves collecting and analyzing samples using approved methods to ensure that PFAS concentrations stay below the permitted levels.
• Reporting and compliance: Entities subject to these revised NPDES permits must report their PFAS monitoring results to regulatory agencies. Failure to comply with PFAS limits and monitoring requirements can result in penalties, reinforcing the importance of effective PFAS management strategies.
• Risk assessment and reduction strategies: Permittees are encouraged to assess the sources of PFAS in their operations and implement measures to reduce PFAS discharge. This may include changes in materials, processes, or treatment technologies.

States leading the charge in PFAS management

Several states have already taken proactive steps toward incorporating PFAS management and monitoring into their wastewater treatment plant discharges. While this is not the same thing as stormwater, this offers a good glimpse into the future, as it is likely more and more companies will do the same thing for their stormwater monitoring.

• Michigan
• Maine
• New Hampshire
• California
• Massachusetts

This list is representative of states who have implemented action around PFAS and NPDES permitting, but should not be viewed as exhaustive. Always check with your state and local regulatory agencies to confirm permitting requirements.

As scientific understanding and public awareness of PFAS risks continue to grow, more states are expected to follow suit, expanding PFAS regulation into their NPDES permit programs. As such, industries and municipalities need to stay informed and prepared for new compliance requirements.

Tips and Best Practices for Navigating PFAS Regulatory Changes

Understanding the implications of PFAS, whether you manufacture them or not, is critical. Here are key tips and best practices to help businesses prepare for these anticipated changes.

Broaden your regulatory perspective

It’s a common misconception that regulations around PFAS only apply to manufacturers or direct users of these substances. However, PFAS can be present in many products and processes, even in trace amounts. Companies should evaluate their potential exposure to PFAS regulations, recognizing that indirect involvement with these substances may still necessitate compliance measures.

Utilize specialized tools for PFAS management

Antea Group’s Desktop PFAS Screening Tool offers a valuable resource for companies to assess their risk and exposure to PFAS. This tool is designed to help businesses understand their PFAS footprint, guiding them in making informed decisions about managing these substances. Utilize this tool to gain a comprehensive view of your PFAS-related risks and responsibilities.

Leverage regulatory dashboards

Staying current with regulatory changes is crucial. Antea Group’s PFAS dashboard provides real-time updates and insights into regulatory trends and requirements, helping companies stay ahead of compliance issues.

Consider professional assistance for sample collection

Understanding your company’s PFAS profile is imperative. While Antea Group can assist with sample collection and analysis, it’s important to establish a clear plan for how to address potential PFAS contamination. Regular testing and monitoring can provide critical insights into the presence and concentration of PFAS in your operations.

Examine your supply chain thoroughly

Investigate both intentional and unintentional sources of PFAS in your supply chain. As regulatory scrutiny increases, being aware of the entire lifecycle of your products, including raw materials and manufacturing processes, becomes essential. The EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program has updated its reporting requirements for PFAS, which can be a useful reference for understanding regulatory expectations.

By staying informed, utilizing specialized tools, and proactively examining operations and supply chains, companies and municipalities can effectively navigate the changing regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS.

For support on PFAS monitoring in your stormwater management strategy, connect with our team of experts today.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Antea Group
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Antea Group

View the original press release on accesswire.com

STRASBOURG, FRANCE / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / 2CRSi (ISIN:FR0013341781), the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance, energy-efficient computer servers, announces record sales and deliveries of servers specialized for Artificial Intelligence.

As announced in autumn 2023, 2CRSi has put into production solutions, such as the Godì 1.8SR-NV8, integrating NVIDIA components specialized for Artificial Intelligence. Since this announcement, demand has far exceeded production. With the help of other manufacturers, such as Asus Computers and Giga Computing, 2CRSi can now deliver the products ordered.

As a result, a large number of servers, representing over 90 million USD (at list price) have been or are expected to be delivered in January 2024.

Customers are spread across three geographic zones : the United States, Europe and Singapore.

As a reminder, 2CRSi will present its objectives and strategy for the months and years ahead at 11:00 am on January 31, 2024, at the Maison de l’Alsace, avenue des Champs Elysées in Paris, France.

About 2CRSi

Founded in Strasbourg, the 2CRSi group designs, produces and markets customized, ecoresponsible high-performance IT servers. 2CRSi has been listed since June 2018 on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (ISIN Code: FR0013341781), and its shares were transferred to Euronext Growth in November 2022.

For more information: 2crsi.com

Contacts 2CRSi:

2CRSi Jean-Philippe LLOBERA Head of Communication investors@2crsi.com 03 68 41 10 70

Actifin Stéphane Ruiz Financial Communication sruiz@actifin.fr 01 80 18 26 33

Actifin Michael Scholze Financial press relations michael.scholze@actifin.fr 01 56 88 11 14

SOURCE: 2CRSi

View the original press release on accesswire.com

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company"), the nickel development company, is pleased to confirm the appointment of Nicholas (Nick) Michael as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with immediate effect.

Paul Smith, Chair of the Board, said: "I am delighted to welcome Nick to Horizonte’s Board. He brings considerable experience within the mining industry, particularly in technical diligence and engineering. We will be drawing on this extensive knowledge as Horizonte continues its review of the outstanding capital expenditure and schedule for the Araguaia project, in addition to capitalising on his skills as we progress discussions with our cornerstone shareholders and senior lenders as part of a full funding solution for the project."

About Nicholas Michael

Mr Michael has over 37 years of experience in the mining industry, including ferronickel in Brazil, as a successful Technical Director, having retired from Orion Resource Partners in 2023 where he held the position of VP Technical Services. Nick has been involved in the design and construction process, technical diligence and has acted as an independent engineer (for investors) across multiple mines globally.

Mr Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining & Extractive Metallurgy from the Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Willamette University, Oregon, and is a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration.

On appointment, Mr Michael is not considered to be an independent director of the Company for the purposes of the QCA Corporate Governance Code by reason of him representing a significant shareholder of the Company, Orion Resource Partners.

For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact:

Horizonte Minerals plc Patrick Chambers (Head of IR)	info@horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901
Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Ross Allister David McKeown Bhavesh Patel	+44 (0)20 7418 8900
BMO (Joint Broker) Thomas Rider Pascal Lussier Duquette Andrew Cameron	+44 (0) 20 7236 1010
Barclays (Joint Broker) Philip Lindop Richard Bassingthwaighte	+44 (0)20 7623 2323
Tavistock (Financial PR) Jos Simson Cath Drummond	+44 (0) 20 7920 3150

Regulatory
The following information is disclosed under Rule 17 of the AIM Rules for Companies ("AIM Rules") and Schedule Two Paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules:

Nicholas Michael, aged 62, is or has been a director of the following companies in the past five years:

Current Directorships	Past Directorships (within the last five years)
N/A	N/A

There is no further information which is required to be disclosed under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies in respect of Nicholas Michael.

Mr Michael does not hold any ordinary shares nor options over ordinary shares in the Company.

ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALS

Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM/TSX: HZM) is developing two 100%-owned, Tier 1 projects in Pará state, Brazil – the Araguaia Nickel Project and the Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt Project. Both projects are high-grade, low-cost, with low carbon emission intensities and are scalable. Araguaia is under construction and when fully ramped up with both Line 1 and Line 2, is forecast to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year. Vermelho is at feasibility study stage. Horizonte’s combined production profile of over 60,000 tonnes of nickel per year positions the Company as a globally significant nickel producer. Horizonte’s top three shareholders are La Mancha Investments, Glencore and Orion Mine Finance.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company’s current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company’s potential production profile or at all. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: the inability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment on time or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the implementation of a second RKEF line at Araguaia on the timeline contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on the timeline contemplated or at all, exploration and mining risks, competition from competitors with greater capital; the Company’s lack of experience with respect to development-stage mining operations; fluctuations in metal prices; uninsured risks; environmental and other regulatory requirements; exploration, mining and other licences; the Company’s future payment obligations; potential disputes with respect to the Company’s title to, and the area of, its mining concessions; the Company’s dependence on its ability to obtain sufficient financing in the future; the Company’s dependence on its relationships with third parties; the Company’s joint ventures; the potential of currency fluctuations and political or economic instability in countries in which the Company operates; currency exchange fluctuations; the Company’s ability to manage its growth effectively; the trading market for the ordinary shares of the Company; uncertainty with respect to the Company’s plans to continue to develop its operations and new projects; the Company’s dependence on key personnel; possible conflicts of interest of directors and officers of the Company, and various risks associated with the legal and regulatory framework within which the Company operates, together with the risks identified and disclosed in the Company’s disclosure record available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, including without limitation, the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Araguaia and Vermelho Technical Reports available on the Company’s website https://horizonteminerals.com/. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Horizonte Minerals PLC

View the original press release on accesswire.com

WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / In a powerful and unprecedented effort, the R.T. Weatherman Foundation has organized meetings in Washington, D.C., between the families of American military veterans who lost their lives in Ukraine and members of the United States Congress. This meeting is part of a broader effort to advocate for continued support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

Andrew Duncan, co-founder of the R.T. Weatherman Foundation, emphasized the importance of this meeting. "We are beyond honored and privileged to bring our fellow Americans to Washington, D.C. They have sacrificed their health and the families have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of Ukraine and global democracy. Vladimir Putin is wounding and killing Americans. Putin must leave Ukraine now."

The event highlights the personal stories and sacrifices of the veterans and their families. It underscores the urgency of the conflict in Ukraine and its impact on American lives. The families, sharing their experiences and the memories of their loved ones, aim to shed light on the real consequences of the war and the importance of continued support from the U.S.

The R.T. Weatherman Foundation, known for its commitment to supporting families affected by the conflict in Ukraine, believes this meeting is a crucial step in raising awareness and garnering further support for the cause. The Foundation will hold a press conference on Friday, Jan. 19, to discuss.

About the R.T. Weatherman Foundation:

The R.T. Weatherman Foundation is a nonprofit organization that stands in the center of turmoil, taking risks that others cannot. We are the last-mile convener. We uncover the gaps and bring together the skills and resources for precision delivery of lifesaving aid and the safe passage of children and families.

Contact Information

Meaghan Mobbs
President
meaghan@weathermanfoundation.org
7034020373

Tori Hill
Director of Strategy, Programs, and Outreach
tori@weathermanfoundtion.org
407-755-7584

SOURCE: R.T. Weatherman Foundation

View the original press release on newswire.com.

US market share leader also launches HemoVue, an integrated cloud service that provides blood banks with streamlined management of devices and real-time operational visibility into all blood collection data.

GRASS VALLEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Applied Science, an innovator in transfusion medicine products and services, announced the launch of its latest whole blood collection automation solutions – the HemoFlow 500 Series of blood mixer and scale devices and HemoVue, a cloud-based service that integrates with both the HemoFlow 500 and existing HemoFlow 400 devices to provide real-time operational data and analytics that significantly improve blood collection and related processes.

The launch of the HemoFlow 500 Series and the HemoVue service continues the history of Applied Science delivering innovative solutions to the transfusion medicine market. The combined solution, coupled with its bi-directional communication with existing BECS systems, provides customers with a paperless, automated whole blood collection system that removes the friction of manual data entry, optimizes each donation, eliminates process errors, reduces waste, enhances profitability, and allows phlebotomists to focus on caring for donors.

The HemoFlow 500 Series consists of two models: the HemoFlow 500 and the HemoFlow 500 XS. Both models build upon the innovation and performance of previous HemoFlow devices that today have a 75% share of the US whole blood collection device market and a commanding market share in numerous other countries. Its customers include the American Red Cross, Vitalant, and OneBlood in the United States and the four blood transfusion services of the UK National Health System (NHS), among many others. The 500 Series devices are the industry’s lightest at 3.5 lbs and support up to 230 donations per charge – the longest battery life of any blood mixer and scale device in the market today. Its large, touch-screen display and intuitive operator user interface streamline the donation process to maximize collection efficiency. The HemoFlow 500 XS provides a range of additional advanced features, including multiple device configurations, an integrated barcode scanner, onboard collection record storage, and robust wireless connectivity, enabling data transfer of complete donation records to blood bank information systems, and the HemoVue data service.

The HemoVue service is an extension of the HemoFlow XS that provides streamlined configuration management and software updating of entire fleets of HemoFlow XS devices and real-time operational visibility into all blood collection data across a customer’s entire fixed site and mobile collection operations. The real-time nature of the HemoVue data service, coupled with customizable reports, turns data into actionable intelligence that supports in-the-moment decision-making, including inventory and manufacturing optimization and staff performance management across key metrics, including efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. This information is further available for other planning and analysis activities.

"As with many healthcare sectors, the blood banking industry is facing multiple challenges, many of which can be effectively addressed through greater automation. Solutions that improve efficiency, reduce errors, and better manage donations and inventory accomplish this," said Jonathan Morgan, President & CEO of Applied Science, Inc. "Our integrated HemoFlow 500 and HemoVue solution is based on inputs from our extensive worldwide customer base and is the first fully automated whole blood collection workflow solution, integrating and managing both pre and post donation data. After thousands of hours of both hardware and software development, we are proud to be able to bring it to serve this lifesaving segment of the healthcare industry."

The HemoFlow 500 Series is now available for sale in the United States, with rest of world availability planned for later this year. For more information or to schedule a demonstration of the HemoFlow 500 Series or HemoVue, place visit hemoflow.com.

Contact Information

Hillary Odgers
V.P. – Finance and Administration
hillary_odgers@applied-science.com
530.273.8299 X.210

Related Images

SOURCE: Applied Science, Inc.

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Maverick Scientist Reveals Unconventional Career in His Own Words

SANTA ROSA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Make: announces the release of Maverick Scientist: My Adventures as an Amateur Scientist, a new book by Forrest Mims detailing his extraordinary life and career. Named one of the "50 Best Brains" by Discover magazine and author of the best-selling Radio Shack electronics books, Mims chronicles how a person with no formal academic training in science forged a distinguished scientific career that includes work with NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Forrest describes his life as "one continuous science fair project."

"Forrest Mims used his creativity and passion to forge a career in science and stand unflinchingly alongside professional scientists," said Make: President Dale Dougherty. "That willingness to follow your curiosity and try new things is at the heart of the Maker Movement, and Forrest’s story is proof that regular people can make scientific discoveries that change our understanding of the world. We are proud to publish his book so that more people can learn from his example."

Maverick Scientist recounts Forrest’s lifetime of improbable, dramatic, and occasionally outright dangerous experiences in the world of science: At thirteen he invented a new method of rocket control; at seventeen he designed and built an analog computer that could translate Russian into English; while majoring in government at Texas A&M University, Forrest created a hand-held, radar-like device to help guide the blind.

Mims went on to co-found MITS, Inc., producer of the first commercially successful personal computer; wrote a series of electronics books for Radio Shack that sold more than seven million copies; and designed the music synthesizer circuit that became known as the infamous Atari Punk Console. All this came before he started consulting for NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, NOAA’s famous Mauna Loa Observatory, and earning the prestigious Rolex Award given to those whose endeavors have made a significant contribution to improving life and protecting the planet.

This limited edition hardcover includes an autographed bookplate and more than forty full-color and black-and-white images of artifacts from Mims’s personal archive, including the 1966 electronic "seeing aid" for the blind that he developed as a college student; original hand-drawn pages from his popular Radio Shack electronics books; and the hand-built Total Ozone Portable Spectrometer that helped him win a Rolex Award and inspired citizen scientists around the world.

Maverick Scientist: My Adventures as an Amateur Scientist by Forrest M. Mims III

• Limited Edition Hardcover
• 6" x 9.125"
• 328 pages
• More than 40 full-color images
• Autographed Bookplate Included
• Available exclusively at www.MakerShed.com/Maverick

Contact Information

Gillian Mutti
Director of Marketing
gillian@make.co
(727) 458-5582

SOURCE: Make:

View the original press release on newswire.com.