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MSHA and EPA Release COVID-19 Policies
The U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have revealed some initial policy changes in response to COVID-19. As this unprecedented situation continues to evolve, NSSGA will continue working to keep you apprised as federal policies affecting your business change.
MSHA has posted guidance on their response to COVID-19, with details on inspection procedures, including limiting the number of inspectors during a routine inspection if an operation is at reduced capacity (such as having limited crews) and encouraging inspectors to participate in COVID-19 screenings or questionnaires conducted by operators. Members are encouraged to inform their District Office of their operational status as soon as possible and before an inspection may begin.
EPA is temporarily relaxing civil enforcement of compliance obligations retroactivity to March 13. In a memo, EPA stated it will not go after companies that fail to satisfy routine monitoring and reporting obligations because of the coronavirus. Companies should carefully review this memo and their procedures to ensure that they meet the conditions detailed.
There are still many unanswered questions with these policies, but these are positive steps forward in helping aggregates operations navigate the changing federal regulatory climate. NSSGA will inform you of future updates as they happen.