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OCA Files Comments on Two Sets of Ohio EPA’s Proposed Rules
The Ohio EPA’s Division of Surface Water has been busy writing new rules that will likely affect construction projects. OCA joined with similar interested parties to file comments with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on two sets of proposed rules.
The NPDES storm water Construction General Permit was redrafted, with multiple changes from the current permit. This is the 5th generation of this permit, which authorizes storm water discharges from construction activity disturbing one or more acres, and requires a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWP3), among many other requirements. In response, OCA filed comments as part of a coalition of construction and development associations. Please click here to review our comments on the NPDES construction permit.
In addition to the NPDES Construction General permit, the state’s water quality standards for wetlands, including antidegradation rules, were also being updated as part of a five-year rule review by the Ohio EPA. Comments for those proposed changes were also due this week. Click here to see the comments filed by OCA and AGC of Ohio on the proposed antidegradation rules.
We were told that upon finalization of the rules, the Agency plans to schedule seminars around the state to highlight and explain the changes in order to assist with compliance. We will be sure to publicize any opportunities for your participation in those events.
Join Us in May in Washington for the Annual Fly-In
2018 could be the year of infrastructure in Washington, D.C. and the construction industry must be involved as the federal funding program is developed. The Transportation Construction Coalition, ARTBA and AGC are once again co-hosting the annual “Fly-In” to Washington D.C. to let members of Congress know that they must create a long-term fix for the country’s highway funding program. This is your chance to discuss our industry’s needs with your members of Congress and to impress upon them the importance of addressing the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.
This year’s Fly-In will be on May 15th and 16th. OCA staff and members will be attending.
At the TCC legislative briefing on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 15th you will receive information about what policy and funding proposals are being considered. You will hear from key policy makers from Capitol Hill and the Administration and receive educational briefing materials on key industry priorities for your use in meeting with your congressional delegation.
The transportation construction industry cannot afford to miss this opportunity to help shape the future of our Nation's infrastructure investment. Join hundreds of other industry leaders from around the country in delivering our message to Capitol Hill May 15-16 in Washington D.C. The first day of the event will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel at 1000 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C 20001. The second day will be spent on the Hill, meeting with members of Congress. If you are scheduling a meeting with your member, please contact Angela at [email protected] so we can coordinate our group’s meetings.
OCA Congratulates 2018 Don Conaway Partnering Award Winners!
On March 14, at the Conaway Conference, the following Contractors and ODOT Districts were recognized for their outstanding efforts and results for Partnering on the following projects:
Large project, $50 million +:
Kokosing Construction Company & ODOT District 8
Project No. 100280 – WAR-71-14.20
Jeremiah Morrow
Bridge Replacement Mid-size project, $10 million to $50 million:
Complete General Construction Co., Inc. & ODOT District 7
Project No. 140549 – MIA-75-12.90/13.15/13.28
Rehabilitation of six bridges on I-75
Small project, up to $10 million:
Miller Brothers Construction, Inc. & ODOT District 1
Project No. 170109 – WYA-US 23/SR 15-22.80/2.64
Removal of four bridges, culvert rehab, and asphalt paving
Honorable Mention project:
Barrett Paving Materials, Inc. & ODOT District 8
Project No. 160586 – HAM-CR4-3.96
Fields Ertel and Gregory Road widening
OCA congratulates the winners of the 6th annual Don Conaway Partnering Awards and looks forward to more successfully partnered project throughout the 2018 construction season! For links to the videos for these projects shown at the Conaway Conference, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page. For Conaway Conference presentations that have been posted to ODOT’s website, click here. For photos of the Conaway Conference, click here.
Hahn Loeser to Present Complimentary Educational Luncheon
The law firm of Hahn, Loeser & Parks, LLP, an OCA member, will be presenting an educational presentation and luncheon entitled, OSHA Insights: Understanding Your Liability Reducing Your Risk on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at Smith and Wollensky in the Easton Shopping Center. The luncheon and presentation will be free of charge. For more information and to register for the event, click here.
Update on Karvo Paving, Inc. case
Last October OCA published a notice regarding Karvo Paving Co., Inc.’s Certificate of Qualifications with ODOT. OCA staff was recently made aware that the Summit County Common Pleas Court has issued an order which grants a stay pending Karvo’s appeal of ODOT’s decision. To see the text of the court’s order, click here.
May 1, 2018 Heavy/Highway Union Wage & Benefit Changes
The following union wage and benefit changes will take effect on May 1, 2018 for OCA’s Heavy/Highway collective bargaining agreements. Please note that new rates for the Ohio Carpenters are not yet listed. OCA is currently in negotiations with the Carpenters to renew that agreement, which expires on April 30, 2018. If and when negotiations yield a successor agreement with the Carpenters, a complete wage bulletin will be updated, distributed and posted on OCA’s website. Click here for more information.
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