International Mail

ICM UPDATES

International Customized Mail

We have combined ICM updates into one Postal Bulletin article to save space and paper. Seven ICM updates appear on the following pages.

On January 31, 2002, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement dated December 9, 1999. The Agreement was published in Postal Bulletin 22019 (3-9-00, page 40). The Amendment modifies the Agreement to extend the term and modify language and rates for Qualifying Mail. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 294.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an ICM Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and now makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: December 13, 1999, through January 31, 2004.

b. Type of mail: International Priority AirmailTM (IPAŽ), International Surface Air LiftTM (ISALŽ), and Global Direct - Canada Lettermail. Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

d. Service provided by the U. S. Postal Service: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitments: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: The rates for IPA in Exhibit 1 published in Postal Bulletin 22063 (11-15-01, page 11) are deleted. The Mailer will pay postage for IPA at a twenty- three (23) percent discount off the nondiscounted published rates for full service in effect on the date of mailing. The rates for ISAL in Exhibit 1 published in Postal Bulletin 22063 (11-15-01, page 11) are deleted. The Mailer will pay postage for ISAL at a twenty-six (26) percent discount off the nondiscounted published rates for full service in effect on the date of mailing. The rates for Global Direct - Canada Lettermail in Exhibit 1 published in Postal Bulletin 22063 (11-15-01, page 11) are deleted. The Mailer will pay postage for Global Direct - Canada Lettermail at a rate of $0.34 per piece and for the return of undeliverable Global Direct - Canada Lettermail at a rate of $0.05 per piece.

On February 15, 2002, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a qualifying mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: February 19, 2002, through February 28, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Global Express MailTM service (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: Japan and Barbados.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Furnish Mailer, or Mailing Agent(s), with the postal equipment and postal supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide Mailer, or Mailing Agent(s), with the training necessary to prepare mail shipments in conformity with the requirement for Qualifying Mail.

3. Perform on-demand and scheduled pickup service at the request of the Mailer at the published rate for this service in accordance with IMM 220.

4. Arrange with carriers to transport Qualifying Mail to Japan and Barbados for delivery by the appropriate authority.

5. Provide Mailer with a system that produces manifests, labels, customs documentation, and customized reports and maintains the system equipment.

6. Provide Mailer a Corporate Account Mailing Statement at the end of each postal accounting period showing a beginning balance, deposits, a listing of each shipment mailed including the date, label numbers, office of mailing, number of shipments, postage and fees, and the ending balance in the account.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to tender Qualifying Mail that generates at least $1 million in actual postage on an annualized basis.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

Pay postage for all Qualifying Mail by use of an Express Mail Corporate Account.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage:

For EMS to Japan and Barbados at a discount of fourteen (14) percent off the published rate.

On February 22, 2002, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a qualifying mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: February 23, 2002, through February 28, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Global Express Mail service (EMS), Airmail Parcel Post (APP), and International Priority Airmail (IPA). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination countries: EMS to Japan. APP to Europe and Japan. IPA worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to:

1. Furnish Mailer, or Mailing Agent(s), with the postal equipment and postal supplies required for the use of Qualifying Mail.

2. Provide Mailer, or Mailing Agent(s), with and the training necessary to prepare mail shipments in conformity with the requirement for Qualifying Mail.

3. Arrange with carriers to transport Qualifying Mail to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authority.

4. Pick up mailings at the Mailer's plant.

5. Provide Mailer with technical assistance to prepare the necessary information linkages, electronic data files, and data exchanges.

6. Return EMS items refused by an addressee and undeliverable items to the Mailer via Express Mail service at no charge, provided that the return rate is no more than four (4) percent of the total volume.

7. Return APP items according to the provisions of IMM 771.

8. Furnish the Mailer with tracking reports, if applicable to the service, and delivery performance reports on a regular basis for EMS and APP items.

9. Apply a Postal Service shipping label and Customs documentation to each package intended for delivery in Japan and Europe.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to tender an annual minimum of 100,000 combined EMS and APP packages.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Establish the necessary linkages with the Postal Service so that the Mailer and the Postal Service can exchange data transmissions concerning the Mailer's packages, and the Postal Service can extract information by scanning the Mailer-provided barcode on each package.

2. Exchange electronic information with the Postal Service in accordance with instructions the Postal Service provides.

3. Pay postage either directly or through a mailing agent for all Qualifying Mail by use of a permit imprint subject to the conditions stated in IMM 152.3 and DMM P040, with the exception that DMM P040.1.1 shall not apply.

4. Provide the Postal Service with notification of new permit numbers used for Qualifying Mail, 1 week in advance of using the new permit numbers.

5. Provide the appropriate Postal Service acceptance sites with a schedule of mailings to include the intended date of mailing, weight, and volume of the mailings, and location where the mail will originate.

6. Present the mailings to the Postal Service for acceptance at the Mailer's plant.

7. Pay an administrative fee of $7.00 for each consignment of APP items intended for delivery in Europe. A consignment being defined as the total number of items sent to each country, each day.

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage:

1. For EMS to Japan according to the rates contained in Exhibit 1.

2. For APP to Europe and Japan according to the rates contained in Exhibit 1.

3. For APP to all countries except Europe and Japan at a rate of two (2) percent off the published rate at the time of mailing.

4. For IPA at a rate of five (5) percent off the published rate at the time of mailing.

Exhibit 1
Rates for Airmail Parcel Post to Europe

Exhibit 1
Rates for Global Express Mail (EMS) and Airmail Parcel Post (APP) to Japan

On March 5, 2002, the Postal Service amended an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement that became effective May 1, 2001. The Agreement was published in Postal Bulletin 22057 (8-23-01, page 40). The Amendment terminates the Agreement. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service previously announced entering into an ICM Service Agreement with this qualifying mailer and now makes public the following information regarding this Amendment:

a. Term: May 1, 2001, through February 16, 2002.

b. Type of mail: Global Express Mail service (EMS) and Airmail Parcel Post (APP). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for Qualifying Mail.

c. Destination country: Japan.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

e. Minimum volume commitments: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

f. Worksharing: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

g. Rates: All other provisions of the Agreement shall remain in force.

On March 27, 2002, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a qualifying mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: April 10, 2002, through April 9, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Global Express Mail service (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum of 600 pieces of EMS or $12,000 in annual postage for EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off of nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On March 27, 2002, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a qualifying mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: April 10, 2002, through April 9, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Global Express Mail service (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

d. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum of 600 pieces of EMS or $12,000 in annual postage for EMS.

e. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

f. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off of nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

On March 27, 2002, the Postal Service entered into an International Customized Mail (ICM) Service Agreement with a qualifying mailer. In accordance with International Mail Manual (IMM) 297.4, the Postal Service now makes public the following information concerning the Agreement:

a. Term: April 10, 2002, through April 9, 2003.

b. Type of mail: Global Express Mail service (EMS). Every item must conform to the mailing requirements set forth in the IMM for EMS.

c. Destination countries: Worldwide.

d. Service provided by the Postal Service: The Postal Service has agreed to transport EMS to international destinations for delivery by the appropriate authorities.

e. Minimum volume commitments: The Mailer has agreed to meet an annualized minimum of 600 pieces of EMS or $12,000 in annual postage for EMS.

f. Worksharing: The Mailer has agreed to:

1. Comply with the terms and conditions for mailing EMS as set forth in the IMM.

2. Pay postage for EMS by means of a dedicated Express Corporate Account (EMCA) in accordance with the EMCA requirements set forth in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM).

g. Rates: The Mailer has agreed to pay postage at a rate discounted at eight (8) percent off of nondiscounted published rates in effect on the date of mailing in accordance with Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1

- International Business, 4-18-02

Philately

Pictorial Cancellations Announcement

As a community service, the Postal Service offers pictorial cancellations to commemorate local events celebrated in communities throughout the nation. A list of events for which pictorial cancellations are authorized appears below. If available, the sponsor of the pictorial cancellation appears in italics under the date. Also provided, as space permits, are illustrations of those cancellations that were reproducible and available at press time.

People attending these local events may obtain the cancellation in person at the temporary Post Office station established there. Those who cannot attend the event, but who wish to obtain the cancellation, may submit a mail order request. Pictorial cancellations are available only for the dates indicated, and requests must be postmarked no later than 30 days following the requested pictorial cancellation date.

All requests must include a stamped envelope or postcard bearing at least the minimum First-Class Mail postage. Items submitted for cancellation may not include postage issued after the date of the requested cancellation. Such items will be returned unserviced.

Customers wishing to obtain a cancellation should affix stamps to any envelope or postcard of their choice, address the envelope or postcard to themselves or others,insert a card of postcard thickness in envelopes for sturdiness, and tuck in the flap. Place the envelope or postcard in a larger envelope and address it to: PICTORIAL CANCELLATIONS, followed by the NAME OF THE STATION,ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP + 4 CODE, exactly as listed below (using all capitals and no punctuation, except thehyphen in the ZIP + 4 code).

Customers can also send stamped envelopes and postcards without addresses for cancellation, as long as they supply a larger envelope with adequate postage and their return address. After applying the pictorial cancellation, the Postal Service returns the items (with or without addresses) under addressed protective cover.

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 4-18-02

CORRECTION

Stamp Announcement 02-07 - Greetings from America Stamps

In the Greetings from America stamp announcement in Postal Bulletin 22071 (3-7-02, page 52) we listed an incorrect address for the postmaster in Concord, New Hampshire. The correct address is:

GREETING FROM AMERICA STAMP
POSTMASTER
12 LOUDON RD
CONCORD NH 03301-9998

- Stamp Services,
Government Relations and Public Policy, 4-18-02

Special Cancellation Die Hubs

Postmasters and plant managers who have any of the special cancellation die hubs listed below may use them for the periods designated. At the end of the period, these die hubs must be withdrawn and stored. Postmasters and plant managers who do not have these special die hubs may not request them from the sponsors.

Post Offices

Postal Employees

LEVEL 20-26 OFFICES

Safety and Health Inspections

The Employee Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 824.32, PC Installations With One Hundred Workyears or More, requires a semiannual safety and health inspection of all postal installations with 100 or more workyears of employment in the regular workforce.

In offices with more than 100 employees in the main facility, the servicing safety office should conduct the inspection. In subordinate stations and branches with fewer than 100 employees, the installation head (IH) must ensure that these offices conduct their own inspections.

You can find the inspection checklists and inspection instructions on the Postal Service Intranet. Go to http://blue.usps.gov and click on:

1. Headquarters,

2. Human Resources,

3. Safety & Health,

4. Safety Performance Management,

5. Safety Toolkit Resources Page, and then

6. Safety Checklists.

Add the Safety Checklists page under your favorites for quick access. Note: Because the inspection checklists and instructions are available online, Headquarters does not provide these documents by mail.

The postmasters/IHs, or their designees, must:

1. Complete a safety and health inspection using the checklist within 30 days of the date of this Postal Bulletin.

2. Post the inspection.

3. Ensure abatement of all deficiencies in accordance with the instructions.

4. Certify completion of the inspection to the servicing safety office.

- Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 4-18-02

National Dog Bite Prevention Week - Coming Soon

This year, National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 19-25, and it begins the Postal Service's summer-long campaign to reduce the high cost and painful suffering that result from animal attacks. Dog bite injuries were up more than 15% in FY 2001, making it the first year in more than a decade that these injuries exceeded 3,000 in a single year. That's approximately 10 dog bite injuries each delivery day.

A National Dog Bite Prevention Week kit for postmasters will be available on Tuesday, April 23, on the intranet at http://blue.usps.gov; click on References, then Postmaster Toolkits. We will also publish the kit in an upcoming issue of the Postal Bulletin. Use the kit to start planning to educate employees and customers about this important safety issue.

- Community Relations,
Public Affairs and Communications, 4-18-02

ANNOUNCEMENT

Hazardous Material Storage Spill Containment

The proper storage of hazardous materials at Postal Service facilities helps ensure an environmentally compliant and safe workplace. Keep hazardous material storage areas neat and orderly with adequate aisle space for access.

Storage areas are required to have secondary containment to help prevent spills of hazardous materials from causing harm to the environment. Secondary containment devices can include: double-walled tanks with spill and overfill protection, dikes, berms, retaining walls, curbing, spill diversion ponds, and sumps. These devices must be large enough to hold 10 percent of the total volume of all containers or 110 percent of the volume of the largest container. If more than one substance is stored within a single containment area, the substances must be compatible with each other in the event of a leak.

Trained personnel must promptly control and clean up any hazardous material or chemical spillage that may occur, following your facility-specific hazardous material spill SOP. To provide Postal Service facilities with information on hazardous material spill containment, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental-Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Do You Have Hazardous Material Storage Spill Containment? (See page 24.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 166, Do You Have Hazardous Material Storage Spill Containment? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4607
PSIN: POS166
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 166,Hazardous Material Storage Spill Containment

ANNOUNCEMENT

Documentation of Underground Storage Tanks

Proper management of underground storage tanks (USTs) is an important environmental goal of the Postal Service. Environmental regulations require owners and operators of USTs to maintain records of their UST systems for the life of the system. As such, the Postal Service is committed to ensuring that all USTs are maintained and operated within applicable environmental regulations.

While all UST management activities must be conducted in accordance with postal, federal, state, and local regulations, many of the required activities are similar.

Following are some actions that postal facilities should take to ensure compliance with the environmen- tal regulations:

• Comply with tank registration and permit requirements.

• Perform tank integrity system testing and other UST monitoring activities.

• Perform daily tank product inventories and associated recordkeeping.

• Retain tank records and perform recordkeeping functions.

• Implement employee-training requirements.

Owners and operators of USTs are required to maintain records of their UST systems for the life of the system. To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper management of UST records, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental- Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Are You Maintaining Proper Documentation of Your Underground Storage Tank(s)? (See page 26.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 160, Are You Maintaining Proper Documentation of Your Underground Storage Tank(s)? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4601
PSIN: POS160
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 160, Proper Documentation of Your Underground Storage Tank(s)

ANNOUNCEMENT

Storing and Labeling Used Oil

The federal regulations for the proper management of used oil can be found in 40 CFR part 279. It is important to follow the regulations and properly handle your facility's used oil. The potential impact from not properly handling used oil can be far reaching. Used oil does not easily dissolve, is difficult to clean up, and can contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. It is very slow to degrade and can stick to everything from beach sand to bird feathers.

Used oil from a single oil change can ruin a million gallons of fresh water - a year's supply for 50 people. It is estimated that in the United States, 200 million gallons of used oil are improperly disposed of by dumping, disposing in the trash, and pouring down storm sewers or drains. Used oil is a major source of oil pollution in our nation's waterways.

Following are some actions that you should take to ensure that used oil is properly handled at your facility:

• Properly label collection containers as "Used Oil" or as specified by state or local regulations. Do this to prevent mixing used oil with hazardous wastes or other materials.

• Maintain used oil containers in good condition by ensuring that they are not leaking and have no structural damage or deterioration.

• Used oil containers should be sealed unless filling or emptying.

• Recycle or dispose of used oil through a permitted vendor.

• Keep used oil contaminated with refrigerants or any other liquid separate from other used oil.

• Determine if your state regulates used oil as a hazardous waste (you must follow all applicable regulations for hazardous waste management).

• Handle as hazardous waste, used oil that you do not recycle.

Used oil that is not recycled must be handled as a hazardous waste. To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper storage and labeling of used oil, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental-Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Are You Properly Storing and Labeling Your Used Oil? (See page 28.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 161, Are You Properly Storing and Labeling Your Used Oil? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4602
PSIN: POS161
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 161, Labeling Your Used Oil

ANNOUNCEMENT

Implementing a Facility Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and/or Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan

The federal government enacted the Clean Water Act (CWA) to protect our nation's waters. Prior to the implementation of the CWA in 1972, only one-third of our nation's waterways (lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.) were safe for fishing and swimming. Since the implementation of the CWA, approximately two-thirds of the nation's waterways have become safe for fishing and swimming.

Two important components of the CWA are Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plans. SWPPPs are designed to prevent storm water pollution, and SPCC Plans are designed to reduce water pollution from petroleum products (oil, grease, lubricants, etc.).

The Postal Service is committed to preventing water pollution from facility operations through fertilizer application during landscaping, vehicle and equipment maintenance, facility and equipment painting operations, and fuel storage. Your facility may require an SWPPP and/or an SPCC Plan if the facility:

• Operates wastewater treatment equipment.

• Discharges wastewater into public sewers.

• Stores more than 660 gallons of petroleum products in a single above-ground storage tank or a total of more than 1,320 gallons above ground.

• Stores more than 42,000 gallons of petroleum products in underground storage tanks.

To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper implementation of the SWPPP and/or SPCC Plan, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental-Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Are You Properly Implementing Your Facility SWPPP and/or SPCC Plan? (See page 30.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster sizes 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 162, Are You Properly Implementing Your Facility SWPPP and/or SPCC Plan? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4603
PSIN: POS162
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 162, Implementing Your SWPPP and SPCC Plan

ANNOUNCEMENT

Old, Unused, or Excessive Materials On-Site

Excessive inventory of paint, cleaning supplies, spray cans, etc., can create a liability for your facility due to the potential for mismanagement of waste or accidental releases of hazardous materials.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous materials. Federal hazardous waste regulations can require some generators to certify that they have a waste reduction program, while others must certify that they have "made a good faith effort to minimize (reduce)" their waste generation.

A well-defined waste reduction program should include procedures to evaluate current material usage, product inventory, and storage practices. In addition, the program should include the evaluation of environmentally preferred products and a method of tracking the facility's progress towards waste reduction.

Old, unused, or excessive products stored on-site can present an environmental liability for the facility. To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper management of old, unused, or excessive equipment, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental-Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Do You Have Any Old, Unused or Excessive Materials (equipment, paint, cleaning supplies, spray cans, etc.) On-Site? (See page 32.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 164, Do You Have Any Old, Unused or Excessive Materials (equipment, paint, cleaning supplies, spray cans, etc.) On-Site? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4605
PSIN: POS164
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 164, Storage of Old Unused or Excessive Materials

ANNOUNCEMENT

Disposing of Hazardous Waste

Some products that the Postal Service uses may contain materials that make them hazardous. When these products have been used or have reached their useful life, they must be handled, controlled, and disposed of properly. When a hazardous material is no longer useful, it is considered a hazardous waste.

Common wastes at Postal Service facilities that may be hazardous can include used oils, some solvents, cracked or leaking batteries, pesticides and herbicides, inks, used paint thinner, degreasers, and old paint. Hazardous waste is regulated from the point of origin to the ultimate disposal point. Each facility must determine which materials are considered hazardous.

Never dispose of hazardous wastes on Postal Service property. The wastes must be delivered to an off-site facility that is authorized and permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the state. Certain wastes, such as used oil, used paints, used batteries, used tires, etc., have very specific disposal procedures.

Prior to shipping hazardous waste to a disposal point, each facility is responsible for its safe management. Safe management includes safe handling, preventing accidents, and responding to emergencies. Storage containers must be properly labeled, and storage areas must be inspected weekly and properly secured.

When handing hazardous waste to a disposal facility or waste hauler, each facility must fill out a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest. This manifest must accompany the waste to its final destination. Upon arrival, a copy of the manifest will be signed and returned to the facility. Keep these manifests on file for a minimum of 3 years.

Proper material management can eliminate or reduce the generation of hazardous waste. This reduction in waste means fewer compliance requirements. To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper disposal of hazardous waste, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental-Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Are You Properly Disposing of Your Hazardous Waste? (See page 34.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 167, Are You Properly Disposing of Your Hazardous Waste? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4608
PSIN: POS167
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 167, Disposing of Your Hazardous Waste

ANNOUNCEMENT

Managing Hazardous Waste Documentation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that hazardous waste be tracked in a "cradle-to-grave" approach. This approach follows the movement of hazardous materials from their point of generation to their ultimate disposal location (landfill, recycler, etc.). To ensure compliance with environmental regulations, the Postal Service requires any facility generating hazardous waste to maintain copies of the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest or the invoices for transportation and disposal.

A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest contains the following minimum required information:

• Name, address, and EPA ID number of the hazardous waste generator, transporter, and designated facility.

• Department of Transportation (DOT) description of the waste's hazards.

• Quantities of the wastes transported and container type.

Any Postal Service employee filling out a Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest must be properly trained to ensure compliance with various federal and state laws and regulations. In addition, the disposal facility must send a copy of the manifest back to the generating facility to document that the waste arrived at the ultimate destination.

Training is required by law for anyone completing Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifests. Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifests must be properly filled out and retained. To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper man-agement of hazardous waste documentation, Environ-mental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental-Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Are You Managing Your Hazardous Waste Documentatio Correctly? (See page 36.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 163, Are You Managing Your Hazardous Waste Documentation Correctly? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4604
PSIN: POS163
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 163,Managing Hazardous Waste Documentation

ANNOUNCEMENT

Labeling Hazardous Waste Containers

Some products that the Postal Service uses may contain materials that make them hazardous. When these products have been used or have reached their useful life, they must be handled, controlled, and disposed of properly. When a hazardous material is no longer useful, it is considered a hazardous waste.

Common wastes at Postal Service facilities that may be hazardous can include used oils, some solvents, cracked or leaking batteries, pesticides and herbicides, inks, used paint thinner, degreasers, and old paint. Hazardous waste is regulated from the point of origin to the ultimate disposal point.

Hazardous waste that is stored in drums, tanks, etc., must be properly labeled to warn employees of the possible hazards. Labeling also helps to ensure that unauthorized mixing does not occur. The labels on the containers must clearly state "Hazardous Waste," the name of the waste, the type of hazard (i.e., flammable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, etc.), and the date on which the accumulation of that waste began. Hazardous wastes must be stored in a tightly closed container that will not corrode, rupture, or become damaged.

Hazardous waste is regulated from the point of origin to the ultimate disposal point. Containers of hazardous waste must be properly labeled. To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper labeling of hazardous waste containers, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental-Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Do You Properly Label Hazardous Waste Containers? (See page 38.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 165, Do You Properly Label Hazardous Waste Containers? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4606
PSIN: POS165
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 165, Hazardous Waste Container Labeling

ANNOUNCEMENT

Disposing of Flourescent Lamps and Ballasts

The proper disposal of fluorescent light bulbs and fixtures is important to maintain a clean environment. Postal Service policy requires that facilities properly handle and dispose of fluorescent light bulbs and fixtures.

Fluorescent lamps are widely used in businesses because they provide an energy-efficient source of lighting. However, they may contain mercury, which is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Due to the risks associated with mercury contamination, fluorescent light bulbs should never be crushed. Crushing fluorescent bulbs could result in the release of mercury liquid or vapor.

The Postal Service requires the proper disposal of ballast and encourages the recycling of all fluorescent light fixture ballasts. Lamp ballasts may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are regulated by the EPA. Light ballasts should be considered to contain PCBs unless they were manufactured after 1978 or are stamped "NO PCBs."

Even though fluorescent light bulbs could potentially contain mercury and ballasts could potentially contain PCBs, fluorescent light fixtures do not pose a risk to people or the environment until they are damaged or improperly disposed. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the fluorescent bulb and ballast recycling or disposal requirements for each facility.

To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper disposal of fluorescent lamps and ballasts, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental-Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled How Would You Dispose of Fluorescent Lamps and Ballasts? (See page 40.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 169, How Would You Dispose of Fluorescent Lamps and Ballasts? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4610
PSIN: POS169
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 169,Fluorescent Lamps and Ballast Disposal

ANNOUNCEMENT

Maintaining Refrigerant Management Records

It is important to properly maintain facility refrigerant management records to help ensure environmental compliance. The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires the recycling of refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and bans the release of refrigerants during the service, maintenance, and disposal of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Under the CAA, Postal Service facilities must maintain all records of refrigerant purchases, returns, buy backs, off-site reclamation, and disposal.

Maintain the following records or documents relating to refrigerant use:

• Records showing amount of refrigerant purchased, used, recovered, recycled, and stored per calendar year.

• Maintenance records.

• Training records.

• Permits and records of repair or modifications.

Proper management of refrigerants is an important contribution to a safe and healthy environment. To provide Postal Service facilities with information on the proper management of refrigerant records, Environmental Management Policy (EMP) has developed an Environmental- Quick Information Page (E-QUIP) entitled Are You Maintaining Your Refrigerant Management Records Correctly? (See page 42.) Postal Service facilities with environmental requirements are not being charged for the posters.

Employees may order quality color versions (poster size 24 in. x 36 in. and 8.5 in. x 11 in.) of the E-QUIP, Poster 168, Are You Maintaining Your Refrigerant Management Records Correctly? by one of the following means:

• Touch Tone Order Entry: Call 800-332-0317, option 1, then option 2.

• cc:Mail: Send an F3Fill-completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, by cc:Mail to MDC Customer Service at TOKS001L.

• Mail: Send a completed PS Form 7380, MDC Supply Requisition, to the following address:

SUPPLY REQUISITIONS
500 SW GARY ORMSBY DRIVE
TOPEKA KS 66624-9702

The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7690-05-000-4609
PSIN: POS168
Unit of Issue: EA
Quick Pick #: N/A
Bulk Pack Quantity: 200
Price: $1.72
Edition Date: 11/01

In addition, the E-QUIP may be downloaded from the Postal Service environmental Web page at http://blue.usps.gov/environmental.

- Environmental Management Policy,
Engineering, 4-18-02

Poster 168, Maintaining Refrigerant Management Records

NOTICE TO ALL EMPLOYEES

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FACT SHEET

Percentage returns released April 5, 2002, by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board

Future performance of the funds will vary and may be significantly different from the returns shown above. See the Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for detailed information about the funds and their investment risks. The monthly returns of the TSP Funds represent net earnings for the month after deduction of accrued administrative expenses and, except for the G Fund, after deduction of trading costs and accrued investment management fees as well. The returns for the four indexes shown do not include any of these deductions.

* Implemented May 2001.

Please post on bulletin boards. Recycle all previous notices.

Purchasing and Materials

PM REVISION

Noncompetitive Purchases

Effective April 18, 2002, Purchasing Manual (PM) 2.1.6.c, Noncompetitive Purchase Method, is revised to change the discussion of required review and approval of noncompetitive purchases.

Management Instruction (MI) PM-2.1.6-2002-1, Noncompetitive Purchases, is also revised to change the discussion of review and approval of noncompetitive purchases. Also, we are replacing the MI with MI PM-2.1.6-2002-2. The title remains the same.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the PM and into the online version available on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.

Purchasing Manual (PM)

* * * * *

2 Purchase Planning

2.1 Policy

* * * * *

2.1.6 Purchase Method

* * * * *

2.1.6.c Noncompetitive Purchase Method

* * * * *

[Revise item 4 to read as follows:]

4. Reviews and Approvals

(a) The VP, P&M, has delegated noncompetitive review and approval authority for contracts up to and including $10 million, by letter of delegation, to the managers, Headquarters Purchasing, Field Customer Support, Major Facilities Purchasing, and National Mail Transportation Purchasing, who may, consistent with those delegations, redelegate, by letter of delegation, some of that authority to subordinate managers and contracting officers.

(b) If the estimated value of the noncompetitive purchase is expected to exceed $10 million, the VP, P&M, must give prior review and approval of either the purchase plan or proposed contract award.

* * * * *

- Purchasing Policies and Procedures,
Purchasing and Materials, 4-18-02

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

CFS Ergonomic Chairs

The Material Distribution Center has available a limited supply of computer forwarding system (CFS) ergonomic chairs. The price has just been lowered from $278.00 to $100.00 each.

To order the CFS ergonomic chair, send a completed PS Form 7381, Requisition for Supplies, Services, or Equipment, to your district material management specialist using the following relevant ordering information:

PSN: 7110-02-000-8176
PSIN: 56B
Unit of Issue: EA
Price: $100.00

Your district material management specialist will then obtain the chairs for you.

- Materials,Purchasing and Materials, 4-18-02

Retail

REMINDER

Placement of Certified Mail Labels

Retail acceptance employees are reminded to place the barcoded portion of PS Form 3800, Certified Mail Receipt, above the delivery address and to the right of the return address on letters, or to the left of the delivery address on parcels. Additionally, acceptance employees should ensure that postage validation imprinter (PVI) labels, postage, or customer meter strips do not interfere with the barcode or the taggant - the beige square located to the right of the barcode of the label (see Example #1). Our equipment cannot read the barcode and taggant if they are covered. If there is insufficient room on the envelope for both the certified mail label and the PVI label, you may wrap the PVI label around the side of the envelope, as long as the barcode portion of the PVI label is on the front of the mailpiece (see Example #2).

See sample below if there is insufficient room for PVI label.

- Retail Operations, Retail and Delivery, 4-18-02

REMINDER

Setting Electronic Manually Reset Meters After April 30, 2002

Retail unit employees are instructed to stop resetting all meters after April 30, 2002, unless the customer presents a valid authorization letter that allows them to have their postage meter reset. The Postal Service sent an authorization letter to each of the approximately 24,000 known users of manually reset electronic postage meters. The authorization letter allows resetting the meter until a stated "last reset date." The authorization letter gives both the retail unit employees and the meter customer accurate information about the last date that a given meter can be reset.

In Postal Bulletin 22072 (3-21-02, page 108), the article "Announcement: Setting Electronic Manually Reset Meters After April 30, 2002," contained more information on this new process and on how to recognize the special security paper so you can be sure the authorization is an original. If customers have not received the letter, or if they have questions about the last reset date or other issues, ask them to contact their meter manufacturer immediately. Since the meter manufacturers provided the information in the letter to the Postal Service, the manufacturers are the primary points of contact for solving any problems involving the "last reset date." Any communication with the Postal Service on this subject should be initiated through the manufacturer.

The meter manufacturer contacts for users of electronic manually reset meters are as follows:

Francotyp-Postalia, Inc.
Phone: 630-827-5761
e-mail: tsokley@fp-usa.com

Hasler, Inc. (formerly, Ascom Hasler)
Phone: 800-237-9157
e-mail: mc@ahmail.com

Neopost, Inc.
Phone: 800-NEOPOST, ext. 3717 or selection 3
e-mail: meterinventory@neopostinc.com
Fax: 510-489-7205

Pitney Bowes, Inc.
Phone: 800-MRBOWES
e-mail: mrbowes@pb.com
Fax: 800-688-2728

DON'T FORGET:
AFTER APRIL 30, 2002
NO RESET WITHOUT A VALID
AUTHORIZATION LETTER

- Postage Technology Management,Product Development, 4-18-02

Postal Bulletin Distribution

The GPO distributes the Postal Bulletin for the Postal Service to all postal facilities except classified stations and branches, contract postal units, and detached mail units, which receive copies from their administrative post office. The Postal Bulletin is also available online at http://www.usps.com (click on Info, then Postal Periodicals and Publications).

If your postal facility has access to cc:Mail, you may send a request for a new subscription order, an address and/or quantity change, or a subscription query to the cc:Mail address POSTAL BULLETIN. If you are using another email product, you can use the Internet emailaddress pbulleti@email.usps.gov.

If you do not have access to email, you may complete the order form and mail it to:

ATTN POSTAL BULLETIN
US POSTAL SERVICE
475 L'ENFANT PLZ SW RM 5540
WASHINGTON DC 20260-5540

Either way you send it, please include the "PO0"subscription number from your address label. Postal Bulletin