EPA Cites Flint Scrapyard for Alleged Clean Air Act Violation

CHICAGO (Jan. 31, 2023) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a finding of violation to Fritz Enterprises Inc., a scrapyard in Flint, Michigan, alleging Clean Air Act violations by failing to prevent the release of ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere.

Fritz Enterprises failed to verify that all refrigerants had been properly recovered from the appliances accepted by their scrapyard. These violations caused emissions of substances, including chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which deplete the stratospheric ozone layer that protects life on earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. These violations also caused emissions of substitute refrigerants that contribute to global warming and climate change.

EPA has notified Fritz Enterprises of their noncompliance and met with company representatives on Jan.18 to discuss next steps.

Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has several enforcement options to address the alleged violations, including administrative or judicial civil action.

Learn more about EPA’s air enforcement on the website.

Potential environmental violations may be reported on EPA’s compliance website.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Action to Help Protect Bristol Bay Salmon Fisheries

WASHINGTON — Today, EPA issued a Final Determination under the Clean Water Act to help protect Bristol Bay, the most productive wild salmon ecosystem in the world. With this action, the Biden-Harris Administration is protecting certain waters that are important to sustaining Southwest Alaska’s salmon resources from disposal of dredged or fill materials associated with developing the Pebble deposit.

Protecting Bristol Bay builds on a series of recent actions the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to conserve and restore some of America’s most cherished lands and waters, many of which are sacred to Tribal Nations. Last week the Administration finalized protections for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska and the Boundary Waters Area Watershed in Minnesota.

“The Bristol Bay watershed is a vital economic driver, providing jobs, sustenance, and significant ecological and cultural value to the region,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “With this action, EPA is advancing its commitment to help protect this one-of-a-kind ecosystem, safeguard an essential Alaskan industry, and preserve the way of life for more than two dozen Alaska Native villages.”

“After reviewing the extensive scientific and technical record spanning two decades, EPA has determined that specific discharges associated with developing the Pebble deposit will have unacceptable and adverse effects on certain salmon fishery areas in the Bristol Bay watershed,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Our Final Determination helps prevent those adverse effects while helping protect a vibrant and magnificent watershed. It’s also important to note that EPA’s action does not apply to current or future resource development projects in Alaska.”

The Bristol Bay watershed’s fishery resources are a thriving economic driver for the region, generating significant nutritional, cultural, economic, and recreational value. The total economic value, including subsistence uses of the Bristol Bay watershed’s salmon resources, was estimated at more than $2.2 billion in 2019 and results in 15,000 jobs annually. The Bristol Bay Watershed is home to 25 Alaska Native villages and communities and supports one of the last intact, sustainable salmon-based cultures in the world. Salmon provides more than half of the subsistence harvest for some Alaska Native communities in the Bristol Bay region.

After reviewing the Recommended Determination provided by EPA’s Region 10 office, including the scientific and technical information spanning nearly two decades, EPA has determined that the discharges evaluated in the Final Determination will have unacceptable adverse effects on salmon fishery areas in the South Fork Koktuli River, North Fork Koktuli River, and Upper Talarik Creek watersheds of Bristol Bay. Ecologically valuable streams, wetlands, and other aquatic habitats, like those found in these watersheds, provide the foundation for the productive fishery areas in the region.

Final Determination
The Final Determination prohibits certain waters of the United States in the South Fork Koktuli River and North Fork Koktuli River watersheds from being used as disposal sites for the discharge of dredged or fill material for the construction and routine operation of Pebble Limited Partnership’s mine plan described in its June 8, 2020 CWA Section 404 permit application. It also prohibits future proposals to construct and operate a mine to develop the Pebble deposit that would result in the same or greater levels of loss or change to aquatic resources. The Final Determination also restricts the use of certain waters of the United States in the South Fork Koktuli River, North Fork Koktuli River, and Upper Talarik Creek watersheds as disposal sites for the discharge of dredged or fill material associated with future proposals to develop the Pebble deposit that would result in adverse effects similar or greater in nature and magnitude to those associated with the 2020 Mine Plan.

In the 50-year history of the Clean Water Act, EPA has used its Section 404(c) authority judiciously. Today’s action marks the third time in 30 years, and only the 14^th time in the history of the Clean Water Act, that EPA has used this authority. This highlights the value of the Bristol Bay watershed’s fishery resources.

The federal government, the State of Alaska, federally recognized Tribal governments, the Pebble Limited Partnership, and many interested stakeholders have devoted significant resources over many years of study, engagement, and review. Considering the extensive record, it is not reasonable or necessary to engage in additional multi-year National Environmental Policy Act or Clean Water Act Section 404 processes for future proposals to develop the Pebble deposit involving discharges of dredged or fill material that would result in adverse effects that EPA has already determined are unacceptable in this Final Determination. By acting now, based on an extensive and carefully considered record, EPA promotes regulatory certainty for all stakeholders and avoids unnecessary expenditure of additional resources by all stakeholders.

The prohibition and restriction in EPA’s Final Determination only apply to certain discharges of dredged or fill material associated with developing the Pebble Deposit. This action does not apply to any current or future resource development projects in the state of Alaska.

A copy of the Final Determination is available on EPA’s Bristol Bay website at: www.epa.gov/bristolbay.

Background
The Pebble deposit, a large, low-grade deposit containing copper-, gold-, and molybdenum-bearing minerals, is located at the headwaters of the pristine Bristol Bay watershed in Southwest Alaska. The Pebble deposit underlies portions of the South Fork Koktuli River, North Fork Koktuli River, and Upper Talarik Creek watersheds, which drain to two of the largest rivers in the Bristol Bay watershed, the Nushagak and Kvichak Rivers.

Efforts to evaluate the effects of developing a mine at the Pebble deposit have been underway for more than a decade. The Pebble Limited Partnership’s 2020 Mine Plan underwent the CWA Section 404 permit review process with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was evaluated in the context of an Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. In November 2020, USACE denied Pebble Limited Partnership’s permit application; Pebble Limited Partnership appealed the permit denial with USACE, and review of the appeal is ongoing.

The diverse, abundant, and high-quality streams, wetlands, and other aquatic habitats in the South Fork Koktuli River, North Fork Koktuli River, and Upper Talarik Creek watersheds provide important spawning and rearing habitat for Coho, Chinook, and Sockeye salmon and provide high-quality habitat for other fishes, such as Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and Northern Pike. The aquatic habitats of the South Fork Koktuli River, North Fork Koktuli River, and Upper Talarik Creek watersheds also provide critical support for downstream habitats. By contributing water, organic matter, and macroinvertebrates to downstream systems, these headwater areas help maintain downstream habitats and fuel their fish productivity. Together, these functions—direct provision of high-quality habitat and indirect provision of other resources to downstream habitats— support the valuable fisheries of the Bristol Bay watershed.

The objective of the Clean Water Act is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters. EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers share responsibilities for implementing Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Section 404(a) of the Clean Water Act requires a permit from the Corps of Engineers to discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act authorizes EPA to prohibit the specification of or restrict the use for specification of any defined area as a disposal site for the discharge of dredged or fill material whenever it determines that such discharges will have an unacceptable adverse effect on fishery areas (including spawning and breeding areas

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EPA and DOJ Announce Settlement with Logan Square Aluminium Supply Over Lead Violations

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice announced a settlement with Logan Square Aluminum Supply Inc., resolving alleged violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations, known as the RRP rule, at renovation projects Logan Square and its contractors performed in Chicago and Chicago suburbs.

Under the court settlement, Logan Square will implement a comprehensive program to ensure that its contractors are certified and trained to use lead-safe work practices to avoid creating lead dust during home renovation activities. Under a parallel administrative settlement agreement, Logan Square will also pay a $400,000 penalty, and perform $2 million of lead-based paint abatement work in lower-income properties located in Chicago and Chicago suburbs in communities with a higher incidence of childhood lead poisoning.

“Lead exposure from lead-based paint continues to be a hazard for American families living in older homes, and children in those homes are particularly vulnerable,” said Larry Starfield, EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement requires Logan Square Aluminum Supply, Inc. to take necessary steps to ensure that it meets appropriate safety requirements in future renovation projects that may disturb lead-based paint.”

“Companies that renovate homes built before 1978 must ensure that they hire EPA-certified contractors and follow other EPA rules requiring lead safe work practices,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We will take aggressive action against companies that do not take these important steps.”

Renovation is any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities, such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry and window replacement. Both Logan Square and its contractors are responsible for compliance with the RRP rule to protect the health and safety of families, especially children under the age of six who are most susceptible to lead hazards. For these projects, Logan Square must contract with only EPA-certified firms and renovators, ensure they maintain certification, use lead-safe work practices, and document their work with checklists during renovations.

Logan Square will add a link on its website to EPA’s content on lead-safe work practices. In addition, Logan Square will take action to respond to situations where a contractor is not operating in compliance with the RRP rule; investigate all reports of potential noncompliance; and ensure that any violations are corrected and reported to EPA.

EPA first discovered the alleged violations through customer complaints about a project performed in Evanston, Illinois. EPA learned that Logan Square frequently subcontracted work to uncertified firms and did not use lead-safe work practices, perform required post-renovation cleaning, provide the EPA-required lead-based paint pamphlets to occupants, or establish records of compliance. Logan Square also conducts business under other names, including Climate Guard Thermal Products Co. and Studio 41.

The consent decree was lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Notice of the lodging of the consent decree will appear in the Federal Register allowing for a 30-day public comment period before the consent decree can be entered by the court as final judgment. View the consent decree here. 

Further information is available from the National Lead Information Center (800-424-LEAD) and on EPA’s Lead webpage. Available resources include additional information about the RRP program; information for contractors and property managers about program requirements; and downloadable lead-safety education materials.

To report a possible violation of the RRP Rule requirements, please visit EPA’s website.

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U.S. EPA begins cleanup of Nelson Knitting site in Rockford, Illinois

CHICAGO (January 30, 2023) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began cleanup of a former sock-knitting mill at 909 S. Main St., Rockford, Illinois. EPA anticipates the cleanup of asbestos-contaminated debris and other hazardous waste will be completed by mid-March.

The Nelson Knitting site was referred to EPA for cleanup by Illinois EPA in July 2020, due to the presence of asbestos. Access restrictions limited EPA’s ability to start the cleanup until now. The city of Rockford condemned the building; however, trespassers have continued to enter. The city and EPA have found evidence of scrapped building materials and asbestos debris on the floor. People entering the building are exposed to this material and risk transporting asbestos fibers off-site on their clothes and shoes.

 During the cleanup, EPA will remove asbestos-containing material at the property. The cleanup also involves:

• Transport and disposal of the asbestos-contaminated waste at an approved facility.
• Following a safety plan, including air monitoring and dust control, to protect the health of workers and the public.
• Removal of hazardous materials found within the building, including PCB-containing light fixtures, lead-acid batteries, miscellaneous chemicals, mercury switches, and fluorescent light tubes.

Cleanup is anticipated to occur only inside the building. After EPA’s cleanup is complete, the Winnebago County Trust will pursue demolition and potential redevelopment.

To learn more, please visit EPA’s website.

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EPA Launches New Initiative to Accelerate Lead Pipe Replacement in Pennsylvania to Protect Underserved Communities

PHILADELPHIA (January 27, 2023) – Today, EPA announced a major new initiative to accelerate progress toward the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of achieving 100% lead service line removal and replacement.  The “Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators” initiative was introduced during a White House convening with Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, alongside state and local leaders celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. The new Accelerator will provide targeted technical assistance services to help underserved communities access funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and replace lead pipes that pose risks to the health of children and families. The initiative is a partnership with the Department of Labor, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin and will work with 40 communities across those states in 2023.

“The science is clear—there is no safe level of exposure to lead,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA is committed to partnering with states and communities to protect children and families and ensure our nation's drinking water pipes are lead-free. Our Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators demonstrate our commitment to ensuring every community has access to safe, clean drinking water. By leveraging the historic investment made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are moving one step closer to achieving President Biden’s vision of 100% lead-free water systems for all.”

Through the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Accelerators, EPA will provide hands-on support to guide communities through the process of lead service line removals, from start to finish. This will include support in developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and supporting applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. As a result, more communities will be able to access their fair share of federal funds to secure a lead-free future.

Partnership is core to the LSLR Accelerators initiative. EPA will collaborate each step of the way with Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin and applauds their leadership in seeking innovative new ways to accelerate lead pipe removal. The Accelerators initiative will support these states in more strategically deploying funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for lead service line replacements while developing best practices and creative approaches that can serve as a roadmap for the rest of the country. As this program moves forward, EPA and the Department of Labor will collaborate to provide tools aimed at increasing job quality standards, equity, and resources to accelerate the development of the skilled water workforce needed to undertake these community and system-wide lead service line replacement programs.

“Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean air and pure water, but far too many communities here in Pennsylvania suffer from old and outdated lead pipes that endanger the health of our children and families,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. “My Administration is ready to work with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and our federal partners to make life-saving investments that will deliver clean drinking to families across the Commonwealth, especially in communities that have been left behind for too long. Working with our federal partners, we can rebuild our infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and guarantee that constitutional right holds for all Pennsylvania, regardless of their zip code.”

“Too many people and families in Pennsylvania and across the Nation don’t have reliable access to safe drinking water. That’s unacceptable. But thanks to the infrastructure law, underserved communities in our state will be eligible to replace harmful lead pipes faster than we thought possible. I will keep working with the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can access the clean drinking water they need to live healthy lives,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).

“This initiative is a home-run to provide clean drinking water to communities in Pennsylvania and throughout the region. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s unprecedented investment in water and sewer lines will help build on previous progress and ensure that all communities, including the most vulnerable and forgotten, have access to safe water systems,” said U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA).

“EPA’s partnership with Pennsylvania will go a long way in helping thousands of small drinking water systems begin to address aging lead pipes and ultimately provide safe drinking water to their communities,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz.  “This historic funding is going to improve lives and we’re eager to get started in the Commonwealth.”

The LSLR Accelerators initiative represents another step forward by the Biden-Harris Administration to achieve 100% lead free water systems. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested an unprecedented $50 billion in the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure, including $15 billion dedicated to lead service line replacement and $11.7 billion of general Drinking Water State Revolving Funds that can also be used for lead service line replacement. And in 2021, with the boost from these water infrastructure investments, the Biden-Harris Administration released its Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. EPA is committed to this work and using every tool available— statutory authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act, technical assistance, funding for lead service line replacement, and more—to protect all Americans from lead in drinking water.

With the help of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, EPA is strengthening its technical assistance efforts in order to ensure every community gets its fair share of this historic investment. For more information about water technical assistance for communities and the Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators, please visit.  https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/water-technical-assistance.

Additional Quotes:

“One intention of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was to modernize our region so that our communities are not just better connected but better protected — and I’m glad to see these historic investments being used to replace lead pipes in Pennsylvania,” U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA, 4th) said. “Clean water is a right, and every community deserves access to clean and safe drinking water. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region for helping to create better environments for underserved communities in our commonwealth.”

“I’m proud to have voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and its funding to address lead pollution in our water is one of the many reasons why I voted for this law,” said U.S. Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA, 3rd).

“It’s unacceptable that any Pennsylvanian still has to deal with lead-contaminated water pipes and faucets,” said U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA, 6th). “In my community, the cities of Reading and Coatesville have contended with this public health issue for decades, particularly in rental properties. I look forward to partnering with the EPA on their Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators initiative and collaborating with the Administration to deliver these vital federal resources from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District.”

"I'm thrilled to see funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law flowing into Pennsylvania to address lead contamination in our water supply," said U.S. Representative Mary G. Scanlon (D-PA, 5th). "Investing in the health of Pennsylvania’s children and families is one of my highest priorities, and I am proud to help our most underserved communities tap into the financial and operational assistance needed to identify and replace lead service lines."

“Drinking a glass of water from your own sink or giving your children a bath in your own home should not constitute a health risk, which is why it is urgent to deploy the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investment in replacing lead pipes across the United States. The EPA’s collaborative Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators initiative will give communities across Pennsylvania the tools and resources they need to identify and replace dangerous lead service lines,” said U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA, 7th)

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NJ Selected as One of Four States to Test New Program to Remove Lead Water Pipes in Underserved Communities

NEW YORK - Today, EPA announced a major new initiative to accelerate progress toward the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of 100% lead service line removal and replacement. EPA introduced the “Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators” initiative at a White House summit celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and convened state and local leaders to discuss the program. New Jersey is among the first states to participate in the Accelerator initiative, an ambitious program aimed at providing targeted technical assistance services to underserved communities to replace lead pipes that endanger the health of children and families. This initiative is a partnership with the Department of Labor, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and will work with up to 40 communities across these states in 2023. The full list of communities that will benefit from this program will be announced in the coming weeks.

"New Jersey is a trailblazer in environmental stewardship by participating in this pilot program," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Far too many communities in the state and across the nation are still facing the challenge of replacing aging pipes, particularly in communities that have been historically underserved and overburdened. This program will provide crucial support and assistance to these communities and help to address this pressing issue."

“Access to safe, clean drinking water is a fundamental human right which is why replacing lead service lines and modernizing our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is a matter of public health, environmental safety, and racial and environmental justice,” said Sen. Menendez. “Towns and cities across New Jersey are home to some of the oldest water infrastructure in the nation, which is why I have fought to bring hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding back to the state for lead pipe replacements and drinking water improvements. I applaud the Biden-Harris administration for their commitment to 100% lead service line replacement nationwide and for including New Jersey in this four-state initiative that aims at providing assistance to underserved communities.” 

“Since the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, communities in New Jersey and across the nation have received historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines that pose a danger to the health and well-being of children and families,” said Sen. Booker. “With the launch of the new Service Line Replacement Accelerators initiative in New Jersey and three other states, underserved areas will receive targeted technical assistance as part of an ongoing and critical effort to make sure all Americans have access to safe, clean drinking water.”  

“Every person, school, and business in South Jersey deserves lead-free drinking water,” said Representative Norcross. “I’m proud to have supported the funding that is now delivering for New Jersey communities by providing clean drinking water and creating good-paying jobs in replacing lead pipes that pose health risks to children and families.”

“Lead-free drinking water shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be a basic right guaranteed to everyone. I am proud to have voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law that will fund projects like this one and so many more that will work towards repairing New Jersey’s crumbling infrastructure,” said Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03). “Many towns in my district know what it’s like being unable to trust the water coming into their home or business. That’s why I’m glad to see the EPA’s new initiative is taking the step forward that we need to make sure risk-free, safe, and healthy water is a reality for everyone in New Jersey. I look forward to keeping tabs on this project through to its conclusion because everyone deserves reliable, clean water.”

“Contaminated drinking water threatens the health and safety of our families, in our schools and in our homes — whether that’s elevated lead levels or forever chemicals like substances known as PFAS. For years now, I’ve been fighting to get clean drinking water for our families, to protect our local waters, and to claw more federal tax dollars back to Jersey from Washington. The EPA’s new ‘Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators’ initiative will help ensure Jersey’s most underserved communities receive the start-to-finish assistance they need to replace lead pipes and claw back investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that I helped shape and pass. With these federal tax dollars that we get back to North Jersey, we’re able to ease the burden on town and county budgets, help us lower taxes for our families, and, most importantly, protect our families,” said U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

“Every American has a fundamental right to safe, clean drinking water. That’s why I fought for funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines quickly and equitably. No community should be left to face the health risks stemming from lead pipes any longer,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “I’m thrilled that EPA is providing much needed assistance to fast-track the removal and replacement of toxic lead pipes, and I commend Administrator Regan for working diligently to target those communities most impacted. This is another significant step toward ensuring that every family can trust the water coming out of the tap. I look forward to this resource expanding to help other communities in need.”

“I commend the Biden Administration for their steadfast efforts to ensure clean and safe drinking water for our residents. I have for years led federal efforts to replace lead pipes in our communities and I am thrilled to have partners in the White House as well as on the state and local levels here in New Jersey. Last week we announced $2.4 million in federal funds to replace lead pipes in Garfield. That funding combined with this announcement today shows that Democrats on all levels of government are committed to modernizing our infrastructure and guaranteeing clean water for all. This is tremendous news for the Garden State.” - U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. 

“I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA for this new initiative to help provide clean drinking water to underserved communities,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “This issue is extremely important to me because underserved communities suffer the most from lead-contaminated water pipes.  I have worked diligently to provide resources to these communities to remove these dangerous pipes.  I helped secure $169 million to improve New Jersey’s water infrastructure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help our state.  In addition, I worked to include $55 billion to replace lead-contaminated water pipes in New Jersey and nationwide.  Again, I am proud to support this initiative because all Americans deserve clean drinking water.”

“Old lead pipes threaten the health and safety of too many towns and families throughout my district and New Jersey. That’s why I am proud to have fought for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides our state with the federal support it needs to improve our water infrastructure without putting a financial burden on our local municipalities,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). “I look forward to seeing this initiative come to fruition and supporting local communities.”

“I’m proud to have voted for measures that would mitigate the harmful effects of lead water pipes, address potential contaminants in our water, and ensure that everyone in our state has access to clean drinking water,” said Rep Watson Coleman. “This historic investment made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a crucial step toward building a sustainable, secure and healthy future for New Jersey."

“Our historically underserved communities know all too well the severe damage that lead exposure can inflict upon children and families,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “As a result of my Administration’s aggressive and ongoing lead pipe replacement efforts, we also know that no state in the country is better suited to continue serving as a national model for lead remediation than New Jersey. We are eager to continue working alongside our federal and regional partners to eradicate this grave public health threat once and for all.”
“In partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, New Jersey is accelerating its efforts to better protect every resident from the risk of lead exposure by helping communities to identify lead pipes and access funding for their replacement," said Shawn M. LaTourette, New Jersey's Commissioner of Environmental Protection. "Thanks to the historic amount of investment made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, New Jersey will be home to a Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerator program that will empower communities large and small with the knowledge and resources necessary to get the lead out of our water and away from our kids. The Murphy Administration is proud to lead this new effort alongside several of our sister states and the incredible people of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its Office of Water."

Through the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Accelerators, EPA will provide hands-on support to guide communities through the process of lead service line removals, from start to finish. This will include support in developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and supporting applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. As a result, more communities will be able to access their fair share of federal funds to secure a lead-free future.

Partnership is core to the LSLR Accelerators initiative. EPA will collaborate each step of the way with Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin and applauds their leadership in seeking innovative new ways to accelerate lead pipe removal. The Accelerators initiative will support these states in more strategically deploying funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for lead service line replacements while developing best practices and creative approaches that can serve as a roadmap for the rest of the country. As this program moves forward, EPA and the Department of Labor will collaborate to provide tools aimed at increasing job quality standards, equity, and resources to accelerate the development of the skilled water workforce needed to undertake these community and system-wide lead service line replacement programs.

The LSLR Accelerators initiative represents another step forward by the Biden-Harris’s commitment to achieve 100% lead free water systems. In November 2021 President Biden signed the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invested an unprecedented $50 billion in the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure, including $15 billion dedicated to lead service line replacement and $11.7 billion of general Drinking Water SRF funding that can also be used for lead service line replacement. In December 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration released its Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. EPA is committed to using every tool available— statutory authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act, technical assistance, funding for lead service line replacement, and more—to protect all Americans from lead in drinking water.

With the help of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, EPA is boosting its technical assistance efforts in order to ensure every community gets its fair share of this historic investment. For more information about water technical assistance for communities and the Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators, please visit.  https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/water-technical-assistance.

Background

All communities deserve access to safe, clean, lead-free water. Yet too many families and children across America are still impacted by lead pipes. The science is clear that lead pipes pose serious health risks, particularly for children. However, many communities, particularly underserved communities and communities in rural and inner urban areas, lack necessary tools and resources to make rapid progress on lead service line replacement.

The primary source of lead in drinking water, when present, is pipes. Lead can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels and can accumulate in the body over time. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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EPA Takes Key Step to Stop Unsafe PFAS from Reentering Commerce

WASHINGTON (Jan. 27, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule that would prevent companies from starting or resuming the manufacture, processing or use of an estimated 300 per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have not been made or used for many years without a complete EPA review and risk determination. In the past, these chemicals, known as “inactive PFAS,” may have been used in many industries in a variety of ways, including as binding agents, surfactants, in the production of sealants and gaskets, and may also have been released into the environment. Without this proposed rule, companies could resume uses of these PFAS absent notification to and review by EPA. The proposal reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to address the impacts of these forever chemicals, and is a key action in EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap.

“This proposal is part of EPA’s comprehensive strategy to stop PFAS from entering our air, land and water and harming our health and the planet,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “The rule would put needed protections in place where none currently exist to ensure that EPA can slam the door shut on all unsafe uses of these 300 PFAS.”

When the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was first passed in 1976, thousands of chemicals were grandfathered in under the statute and allowed to remain in commerce without additional EPA review. Before TSCA was amended in 2016, EPA completed formal reviews on only about 20% of new chemicals and had no authority to address new chemicals about which the Agency lacked sufficient information, which is part of the reason why many chemicals, including PFAS, were allowed into commerce without a complete review.

Under the new law, the Agency must formally review the safety of all of new chemicals before they are allowed into commerce. Today’s proposed Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) would ensure that modern, robust reviews happen before any of these old chemicals could be used again.

TSCA also requires EPA to compile, keep current and publish a list of each chemical that is manufactured (including imported) or processed in the United States for uses under TSCA, known as the TSCA Inventory. TSCA also requires EPA to designate each chemical on the TSCA Inventory as either “active” or “inactive” in commerce. An “inactive” designation means that a chemical substance has not been manufactured (including imported) or processed in the United States since June 21, 2006.

The proposed SNUR would apply to all PFAS that are designated as “inactive” on the TSCA Inventory and which are not already subject to a SNUR. The proposal would first require companies to notify EPA before they could use any of these 300 chemicals. The Agency would then be required to conduct a robust review of health and safety information under the modernized 2016 law to determine if their use may present unreasonable risk to human health or the environment and put any necessary restrictions in place before the use could restart.

EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2022-0876 at www.regulations.gov.

Read and comment on the proposed rule.

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EPA Launches New Initiative to Accelerate Lead Pipe Replacement to Protect Underserved Communities

WASHINGTON – Today, EPA will announce a major new initiative to accelerate progress toward the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of achieving 100% lead service line removal and replacement.  The “Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators” initiative will be introduced during a White House convening with Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, alongside state and local leaders celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. The new Accelerator will provide targeted technical assistance services to help underserved communities access funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and replace lead pipes that pose risks to the health of children and families. The initiative is a partnership with the Department of Labor, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin and will work with 40 communities across those states in 2023.

“The science is clear—there is no safe level of exposure to lead,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA is committed to partnering with states and communities to protect children and families and ensure our nation's drinking water pipes are lead-free. Our Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators demonstrate our commitment to ensuring every community has access to safe, clean drinking water. By leveraging the historic investment made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are moving one step closer to achieving President Biden’s vision of 100% lead-free water systems for all.”

Through the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Accelerators, EPA will provide hands-on support to guide communities through the process of lead service line removals, from start to finish. This will include support in developing lead service line replacement plans, conducting inventories to identify lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and supporting applications for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. As a result, more communities will be able to access their fair share of federal funds to secure a lead-free future.

Partnership is core to the LSLR Accelerators initiative. EPA will collaborate each step of the way with Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin and applauds their leadership in seeking innovative new ways to accelerate lead pipe removal. The Accelerators initiative will support these states in more strategically deploying funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for lead service line replacements while developing best practices and creative approaches that can serve as a roadmap for the rest of the country. As this program moves forward, EPA and the Department of Labor will collaborate to provide tools aimed at increasing job quality standards, equity, and resources to accelerate the development of the skilled water workforce needed to undertake these community and system-wide lead service line replacement programs.

“Connecticut is proud to be one of the four states involved with the Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators Community Initiative which is critical toward investing in safe drinking water and ultimately protecting the health of our communities,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “The Lead Service Line Accelerators will address existing barriers and accelerate progress on these projects. Inviting input from our residents, providing educational resources, and engaging affected members of the community are necessary components in identifying and ultimately replacing these lead service lines.”

“Our historically underserved communities know all too well the severe damage that lead exposure can inflict upon children and families,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “As a result of my Administration’s aggressive and ongoing lead pipe replacement efforts, we also know that no state in the country is better suited to continue serving as a national model for lead remediation than New Jersey. We are eager to continue working alongside our federal and regional partners to eradicate this grave public health threat once and for all.”

“Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean air and pure water, but far too many communities here in Pennsylvania suffer from old and outdated lead pipes that endanger the health of our children and families,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. “My Administration is ready to work with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and our federal partners to make life-saving investments that will deliver clean drinking to families across the Commonwealth, especially in communities that have been left behind for too long. Working with our federal partners, we can rebuild our infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and guarantee that constitutional right holds for all Pennsylvania, regardless of their zip code.”

“Every Wisconsinite deserves access to safe, clean drinking water. We’ve been working to address the lead crisis and other water quality issues affecting our state since Day One of my administration—from declaring 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water to our ongoing work with the EPA to replace lead service lines across our state,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “The Biden Administration and the EPA have been critical partners in these efforts. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure Wisconsinites can trust the water coming from their taps.”

The LSLR Accelerators initiative represents another step forward by the Biden-Harris Administration to achieve 100% lead free water systems. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested an unprecedented $50 billion in the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure, including $15 billion dedicated to lead service line replacement and $11.7 billion of general Drinking Water State Revolving Funds that can also be used for lead service line replacement. And in 2021, with the boost from these water infrastructure investments, the Biden-Harris Administration released its Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. EPA is committed to this work and using every tool available— statutory authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act, technical assistance, funding for lead service line replacement, and more—to protect all Americans from lead in drinking water.

With the help of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, EPA is strengthening its technical assistance efforts in order to ensure every community gets its fair share of this historic investment. For more information about water technical assistance for communities and the Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators, please visit.  https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/water-technical-assistance.

Background
All communities deserve access to safe, clean, lead-free water. Yet too many families and children across America are still impacted by lead pipes. The science is clear that lead pipes pose serious health risks, particularly for children. However, many communities, particularly underserved communities and communities in rural and inner urban areas, lack necessary tools and resources to make rapid progress on lead service line replacement.

The primary source of lead in drinking water, when present, is pipes. Lead can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels and can accumulate in the body over time. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.

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EPA reaches proposed $5.4 million settlement with Dow for Tittabawassee River, Saginaw River & Bay Superfund site in Midland, Michigan

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposed $5.4 million settlement with The Dow Chemical Co. to recover costs for EPA’s cleanup work at the Tittabawassee River, Saginaw River & Bay Superfund site in Midland, Michigan. EPA began a 30-day public comment period today.

In 1897, the 1,900-acre Dow facility began producing various chemicals along the Tittabawassee River. Most of the plant is located on the east side of the river and south of the city of Midland. At various times, the Midland Plant produced more than 1,000 different organic and inorganic chemicals. Historical operations at Dow’s Midland Plant caused the release of toxic chemicals known as dioxins into the Tittabawassee River which moved downstream and mixed with sediment in the Saginaw River and Bay. 

The costs recovered by the proposed settlement are associated with EPA performing sampling work at the site, negotiating time critical and non-time critical removal orders with Dow prior to 2010, as well as negotiating the 2010 Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for the remedial investigation, feasibility study, and remedial design at the site.

Public comments on the proposed settlement will be accepted online until Feb. 26.

Comments can be submitted here.

More information can be found on EPA’s website.

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EPA awards $26M in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to protect, improve water quality in Idaho

SEATTLE (Jan. 26, 2023) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality $26,730,000 to protect and improve water quality and infrastructure across the state.  

Idaho’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund received $17,992,000 and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund received $8,738,000. All the funding is a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  

“Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing a once-in-a-generation funding opportunity that allows EPA and our partners to improve water quality and infrastructure. We’re laying the groundwork today for future decades of clean water for the people of Idaho,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller.   

“The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality appreciates the ongoing support from EPA to protect and improve water quality and infrastructure across our state, and we welcome any assistance that helps make these services more accessible and affordable for our communities," said Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Director Jess Byrne. 

The funds were awarded Dec. 28, and are intended to provide low interest financing to plan, design and construct water quality improvement and protection projects, drinking water treatment projects and the infrastructure needed to protect human health.   

Examples of projects in Idaho utilizing previous State Revolving Funds include: 

• City of New Meadows ($2,845,500) to replace the failing storage tank, install a new well pump and pump house, and construct a new booster pump station.  
• Cabinet Mountain Water District ($5,000,000) for improvements to three new water storage reservoirs, two new booster pump stations, a new well facility and distribution system upgrades. 
• City of Challis ($3,000,000) to drill a new well and construct a well house, booster station and transmission lines.  

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. More than $50 billion is allocated to EPA toward repairing the nation’s essential water infrastructure, which helps communities access clean, safe and reliable drinking water, collect and treat wastewater to protect public health, clean up pollution and safeguard vital waterways.  

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EPA Recognizes Rhode Island Wastewater Treatment Entities for Excellence

BOSTON (Jan. 26, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) New England Office recently awarded three 2022 Regional Wastewater Treatment Awards to Rhode Island wastewater facilities and individuals to recognize them for their commitment to improving water quality.

The EPA Regional Wastewater Awards Program recognizes personnel in the wastewater field who have provided invaluable public service managing and operating wastewater treatment facilities throughout New England.

"Every time we flush or wash ourselves, our kids, clothes, cars, dishes and dogs, we create wastewater," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash. "All facilities that capture our wastewater and ensure it is safely treated for reuse and release are to be applauded, and I am proud to acknowledge and thank these entities and individuals for outstanding contributions to help protect public health and water quality for so many years."

2022 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award

Edward Davies of Quonset Point

Mr. Davies, who is the Superintendent of the Quonset Development Corporation Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work over the years operating and maintaining the facility. Mr. Davies was one of only three individuals across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) was instrumental in Davies' nomination.

The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.

2022 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award

East Greenwich Wastewater Treatment Facility

The East Greenwich Wastewater Treatment Facility, led by Superintendent Shawn T. O'Neill, was recognized for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment plant during the past year. The facility was one of only two facilities across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) was instrumental in the facility's nomination.

The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Especially with the smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.

2022 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award

Adam Federau of Westerly

Mr. Federau, who is the Project Manager of the Westerly Wastewater Treatment Facility, was recognized for his outstanding work at the treatment plant. Mr. Federau was one of only three individuals across New England to receive this award. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) was instrumental in Federau's nomination.

The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. Wastewater operators and staff work diligently to protect public health and the environment, often with limited resources.

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EAN Holdings, Operator of Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Hilo, to Pay $132K to Resolve Claim of Drinking Water Violations

SAN FRANCISCO  – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with EAN Holdings, LLC, the operator of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Truck in Hilo, Hawaii, to resolve a claim of violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Since February 2017, EAN has operated illegal, pollution-causing large capacity cesspools (LCC) serving its check-in site for car and truck rentals. Use of an LCC is a violation of federal regulations.

“Large capacity cesspools have been banned throughout Hawaii since 2005,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA will continue to use our enforcement authority to close unlawful cesspools, as they pose a serious risk of contaminating Hawaii’s precious groundwater and coastal resources.”

EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s underground injection control regulations. EPA engaged with EAN in September 2021 to seek information on the method of wastewater disposal at the Hilo property and discovered that EAN was operating two illegal large capacity cesspools at the site. As a result, EAN agreed to pay a $132,402 penalty and properly close the unlawful LCCs by October 30, 2023.

Cesspools collect and release untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean.

Since the 2005 federal ban, more than 3,750 large capacity cesspools in Hawaii have been closed; however, hundreds remain in operation. Cesspools are used more widely in Hawaii than any other state and pose a unique challenge as groundwater provides 95 percent of all water supply for the islands.

To encourage regulated entities to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and expeditiously close these pollution-causing systems, EPA provides penalty mitigation and other incentives for companies that proactively find and close LCCs on their property. Information on how to self-disclose potential large-capacity cesspool violations is available here. 

You can view the public notice of this settlement here.

Learn more about the federal ban and definition of a large-capacity cesspool.

Learn more about cesspools in Hawai’i.

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.

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PathStone Corporation recibirá $500,000 para capacitación laboral en Puerto Rico

PUERTO RICO - PathStone Corporation es una de las 29 organizaciones que recibirán $14.3 millones en todos los Estados Unidos a través del Programa de Capacitación Laboral sobre terrenos abandonados o contaminados (“Brownfields”) de la EPA para reclutar, capacitar e integrar a trabajadores para proyectos de revitalización y limpieza. La organización recibirá una subvención de $500,000 para capacitación laboral financiada a través de la Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista del presidente Biden. Este financiamiento triplica la cantidad normalmente otorgada por la EPA para la capacitación laboral sobre terrenos “brownfields”, garantizando beneficios ambientales más fuertes y más oportunidades económicas en áreas impactadas y desatendidas.

La Administradora Regional de la Región 2 de la EPA, Lisa F. García, realzo el trabajo en una visita realizada hoy en Juncos, Puerto Rico. Otros participantes hoy fueron Manuel Cidre, Secretario del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio de Puerto Rico; Anais Rodríguez Vega, Secretaria Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales; Honorable Alfredo Alejandro Carrión, Alcalde de Juncos, Brenda Soto Colón, Vicepresidenta, PathStone, Sr. Alberto Grau, Gerente General DANA Puerto Rico y Magaly Méndez de la oficina del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano.

Ilustración 1 Funcionarios de la EPA y del gobierno de Puerto Rico posan de pie con representantes de PathStone bajo una carpa blanca.

Ilustración 2 La administradora regional de la EPA, Lisa García, visita un centro de capacitación laboral y se para con otros participantes del recorrido escuchando a un representante hablar sobre el centro.

"La Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista del presidente Biden está apoyando significativamente al Programa de “Brownfields” de la EPA, que está transformando terrenos deteriorados, protegiendo la salud pública y creando oportunidades económicas en comunidades,” dijo la subadministradora de la EPA, Janet McCabe.  "Las inversiones anunciadas no solo apoyarán la limpieza de algunas de las áreas más contaminadas en los Estados Unidos, sino que también equiparán a una nueva generación de trabajadores para enfrentar los importantes desafíos ambientales que afectan las comunidades desventajadas e impulsar carreras sostenibles a largo plazo en las áreas donde más se necesitan estos trabajos.”

"Con esta cantidad sin precedentes de fondos a través de la Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista, podemos proporcionar a las personas las herramientas y habilidades que necesitan para encontrar empleo a largo plazo", dijo la Administradora Regional de la Región 2 de la EPA, Lisa F. García.  "Estos fondos proporcionarán a las personas subempleadas y desempleadas en Puerto Rico capacitación crítica para que puedan reimaginar y revitalizar sus vecindarios y llevar justicia ambiental a sus comunidades, que tan a menudo se han pasado por alto."

PathStone Corporation, una organización con sede en Rochester, Nueva York, utilizará los fondos para capacitar hasta 120 estudiantes en Puerto Rico y establecer al menos 80 en empleos ambientales. El programa estará dirigido a estudiantes de los municipios rurales de Caguas, Guaynabo, Humacao, Juncos y Las Piedras y la ciudad de San Juan. El programa de capacitación incluye 334 horas de instrucción en 40 horas de capacitación en Operaciones de Desechos Peligrosos y Respuesta a Emergencias (HAZWOPER), Estándar de Protección de Trabajadores de Seguridad de Pesticidas, DEA y Capacitación en RCP, entre muchos otros. Los estudiantes que completen la capacitación obtendrán hasta nueve certificaciones estatales y una federal. Esta es la quinta subvención de PathStone Corporation bajo el Programa de Trabajo de terrenos “Brownfields” de la EPA, por un total de más de $ 1,2 millones en fondos.

"La misión de construir familia y autosuficiencia solo se puede lograr empoderando a las personas para que hagan un cambio en sus vidas", dijo Brenda Lee Soto Colón, vicepresidenta senior de Servicios Directos de PathStone Corporation.  "Tener la oportunidad de continuar nuestra asociación con la EPA para proporcionar oportunidades de capacitación y empleo en la industria ambiental es clave para el cambio que queremos ver en las vidas de aquellos a quienes servimos. Nuestro objetivo es ayudar a los participantes a mejorar sus habilidades educativas y de empleabilidad. Estamos agradecidos por esta nueva oportunidad".

El liderazgo del presidente Biden y la acción bipartidista del Congreso han generado la mayor inversión en infraestructura de terrenos "Brownfields” de los Estados Unidos a través de la Ley de Infraestructura Bipartidista, que invierte más de $1,500 millones en cinco años a través del exitoso Programa de terrenos "Brownfields” de la EPA. Esta inversión histórica permite a la EPA financiar más comunidades, estados y tribus, y brinda la oportunidad a los concesionarios de construir y mejorar el currículo ambiental en programas de capacitación laboral que apoyan la creación de empleos y la revitalización de la comunidad.

El Programa de Capacitación Laboral sobre terrenos "Brownfields” también promueve la Iniciativa Justice40 del presidente Biden, que tiene como objetivo otorgar al menos el 40 por ciento de los beneficios de ciertos programas gubernamentales a las comunidades menos favorecidas. Con base en los datos de la Herramienta de Evaluación de Justicia Climática y Económica, aproximadamente el 97 por ciento de las comunidades seleccionadas para recibir fondos como parte del anuncio de hoy han propuesto proyectos en áreas históricamente desatendidas.

Las personas que completan un programa de capacitación laboral financiado por la EPA a menudo superan una variedad de barreras para el empleo. Muchos aprendices provienen de vecindarios históricamente desatendidos o residen en áreas sobrecargadas por la contaminación.

Los graduados de los programas de capacitación laboral sobre terrenos baldíos aprenden habilidades valiosas y buscadas y tienen la oportunidad de obtener una variedad de certificaciones, asegurando que las oportunidades de empleo resulten no solo en trabajo contractual temporal, sino en carreras ambientales a largo plazo. Esto incluye certificaciones en:

• Reducción del plomo y del amianto,
• Operaciones de residuos peligrosos y respuesta a emergencias,
• Remediación de moho,
• Muestreo y análisis ambiental, y
• Otra formación en materia de salud y seguridad ambiental

Antecedentes:

Las subvenciones del Programa de Capacitación Laboral en terrenos "Brownfields” permiten a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro, gobiernos locales y otras organizaciones reclutar, capacitar y colocar a residentes desempleados y subempleados de áreas afectadas por la presencia de terrenos abandonados. A través del Programa de Capacitación Laboral, los graduados desarrollan las habilidades necesarias para asegurar un empleo sostenible a tiempo completo en diversos aspectos de la gestión de residuos peligrosos y sólidos y dentro del campo ambiental más amplio, incluida la limpieza y reutilización sostenibles y la seguridad química. Estos empleos verdes reducen la contaminación ambiental y construyen futuros más sostenibles para las comunidades.

Desde 1998, la EPA ha otorgado 371 subvenciones de capacitación laboral sobre terrenos "Brownfields”. Con estas subvenciones, más de 20,341 personas han terminado capacitaciones y más de 15,168 personas han sido asignadas en carreras relacionadas con la remediación de tierras y la salud y seguridad ambiental.

Para obtener más información sobre los beneficiarios seleccionados de la subvención de capacitación laboral sobre terrenos "Brownfields”, incluidos los beneficiarios de subvenciones anteriores, visite la Búsqueda de la hoja informativa de subvenciones sobre terrenos baldíos

Para obtener más información sobre esta y otros tipos de subvenciones del Programa de terrenos baldíos, visite la página web de Subvenciones de capacitación laboral sobre terrenos baldíos.

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EPA Region 6 Releases 2022 Year in Review

DALLAS, TEXAS – (January 25, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 released the 2022 Year in Review outlining major accomplishments and environmental progress over the past fiscal year.

“The first year of my tenure is complete and I am proud that EPA Region 6 continues to show accomplishments in regulatory action to protect communities and public health,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Our accomplishments range from increasing our presence in the most impacted communities to developing a new air monitoring system for inspections to issuing Region 6’s first ever RCRA 3008 consent agreement for the Denka facility. I am honored to serve alongside the dedicated staff of Region 6 as we continue the hard work of delivering better protection and improved outcomes for residents in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.”

2022 EPA accomplishments include:

• Dr. Nance traveled extensively in the Region, visiting communities, cleanup sites, and important infrastructure. She met with communities 29 times in FY2022, in-person and virtually, to establish trust and identify next steps.
   
• Region 6 is following up on the Administrator’s tour, taking on each site in turn, knowing it can take years to resolve each one. You can read about these actions on the Journey to Justice website, but we’d like to highlight two of them in this report.
   
• In St. John the Baptist Parish, we used our authority to require the Denka Performance Elastomers facility to install fenceline monitors to identify sources of emissions onsite, allowing the EPA and communities to better understand air pollutants in a quick, reliable way. Data is posted regularly to our St. John the Baptist Parish website. We also issued a RCRA 3008 Consent Agreement requiring the Denka facility to improve its handling and disposal of chloroprene, the first ever such order in Region 6.
   
• At the Union Pacific Railroad Houston Wood Preserving Works site in Houston’s Fifth Ward, we met regularly with the city, the state, non-profit organizations, and community groups to develop a feasible solution for the site. For the first time, we have been at the table with these stakeholders making decisions about sampling and next steps.
   
• Region 6 managed more than $546 million in funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan. In addition to grants to other states, Region 6 distributed more than $105 million in BIL funding to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Water Resources Board for water infrastructure improvements.
   
• In Region 6, 47 school districts were selected to receive more than $130 million in BIL rebate funds to purchase approximately 350 electric and low-emission school busses in the Clean School Bus program’s first round of funding.
   
• Region 6 received Clean School Bus applications from more than 240 school districts. Ninety percent of these applications and all of the selectees came from priority school districts comprised of high-need, rural and tribal school districts.
   
• Region 6 also embedded environmental justice and/or climate change principles into our decision-making on the Colfax, SPOT, Matagorda, and Corpus Christi projects.
   
• To help identify EJ impact areas, we created a regional map that revealed more than 11,000 EJ census blocks in R6, which is 44% all Region 6 census blocks. This map is being used to orient staff to the geographic extent of environmental justice problems in Region 6, and as an overlay for further analysis of impacts on EJ communities.
   
• To improve our relationships with states, Dr. Nance participated in 28 meetings with Region 6 state officials, including monthly one-on-one meetings with the five state environmental heads, three Environmental Council of the States events, delivery of keynote addresses at events attended by state officials, press events with state officials, and collaborations with other agencies on project delivery.
   
• We also strengthened relationships across the board by hosting a successful National Brownfields Conference in Oklahoma City, and providing access to grants that help maximize economic, environmental and social performance to more than 2,000 attendees from across the country. We added a first-ever environmental justice caucus for community leaders to provide feedback and insights to EPA staff and managers as well as the first all-tribe meet and greet.
   
• Region 6 strengthened relationships with tribes by participating in multiple formal SAFETEA sessions, National Tribal Operations Committee and Regional Tribal Operations Committee sessions, and formal consultations with tribes. Dr. Nance visited several tribes in person and toured their lands. Region 6 staff participated in many other meetings with tribes.
   
• EPA is in the process of updating the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) under the Clean Air Act to reflect our increased understanding of risk from ethylene oxide (EtO) and technologies available to reduce this risk. We reached out to affected communities in Region 6 with four public meetings to explain EtO risk to residents in Ardmore, Oklahoma; Athens, Texas; Laredo, Texas; and Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Dr. Nance attended the Laredo meeting to hear community concerns first-hand. Region 6 feedback prompted the Agency to revise the format of the meetings and improve the way ethylene oxide risk was communicated in these public meetings nationwide.
   
• Region 6 influenced EPA’s national Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage policy. We developed an innovative safe siting methodology for CCUS and a "whole of government" plan to evaluate CCUS impacts on communities. We worked with EPA’s Region 9 and the Department of Energy to deliver virtual CCUS sessions with community groups.
   
• Region 6 developed a new model for air monitoring called the Pollution Accountability Team, or PAT. The PAT model involves mobile monitoring vehicles traveling in the vicinity of selected facilities, a monitoring airplane flying over the facilities, and certified inspectors with handheld instruments entering the facilities as needed to take verifiable readings.
   
• In our field tests, the path of the mobile monitoring vehicle was determined in collaboration with local community experts. The resulting data was posted on our website and discussed with the community. In many cases, the data have triggered formal enforcement actions, such as the Notice of Potential Violation and Opportunity to Confer letter to Sasol Chemicals USA, LLC – a facility that uses natural gas and by-products from refinery operations to produce specialty chemicals. The PAT model is now ready for future enforcement at other sites and in other regions.

To read the full report, please visit our webpage.

Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.

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EPA encourages Rocky Mountain and Great Plains region residents to “Test Your Nest” and reduce home radon levels

DENVER - January is National Radon Action Month and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with our partners to spread the word about radon health risks in homes, the importance of testing, and steps homeowners can take to reduce risk in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. 

Radon is a known carcinogen and is estimated to cause more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S.  In fact, the colorless, odorless gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. The good news is the health risks and impacts are preventable-- testing and reducing radon levels in your home, and saving lives, is easy.

This year’s Call to Action - “Test Your Nest!” - is especially important to our region’s residents as large portions of these states are at-risk for high indoor radon levels that can cause lung cancer. The best way to protect against radon is to perform a simple, low-cost test of your home.  EPA recommends homeowners take action to reduce radon levels when they exceed the action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (or 4pCi/L).

Map of Radon Zones in the United States

“Understanding your home’s radon levels is one of the most important steps you can take to protect you and your family’s health,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “I encourage you to take some time to check your nest this winter, so you can be sure that quality time spent inside with friends and loved ones is not just comfortable, but safe.”

Want to learn more? The information and resources below can help!

Things You Can Do

• Learn the basics – Visit EPA’s Radon website for a wide range of information, including free radon publications. 
• Test your home – EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit. 
• Fix your home if needed – Should your test results come back elevated, EPA recommends hiring a certified radon mitigation specialist to install a mitigation system that will prevent radon from entering your home. Read about ways to reduce radon in your home in EPA’s “Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction.”
• Spread the word – Check out Media Resources here and share infographics on social media and around your community to help get the word out about the importance of radon testing. Tell your family and friends about the health risk of radon.
• Building a new home? Make it radon-resistant. Read more about radon-resistant new construction, "Building Radon Out: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Radon-Resistant Homes." 

STATE-by-STATE INFO for EPA Region 8

COLORADO Radon Fast Facts

• Half of all homes in Colorado have high radon levels.
• Living in a home with Colorado’s average level of radon (6.4pCi/L) is like having 200 chest x-rays each year. 
• Approximately 500 people in Colorado die every year from lung cancer caused by radon exposure. 
• Colorado has a low-income radon mitigation assistance (LIRMA) program that can pay for radon mitigation if eligibility requirements are met: www.coloradoradon.info. 

COLORADO Radon Experts

• Chrystine Kelley: Radon Program Manager, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, (303) 692-3442, chrys.kelley@state.co.us  
• Patty Dooley-Strappelli: Boulder County Public Health,  www.radonawarecolorado.org, (303) 441-1560, pdooley-strappelli@bouldercounty.org 
• Heidi Nafman Onda: Radon-induced lung cancer survivor, radon awareness advocate, (303) 594-4787, nafonda@comcast.net 
• Sally A. Madden: Radon-induced lung cancer survivor, radon awareness advocate, (303) 807-6438, smadden@wlgore.com  

MONTANA Radon Fast Facts

• Nearly half of all homes in Montana have high radon levels. 

MONTANA Radon Experts

• Michael L. Gustafson:  Montana Small Business Ombudsman, Radon Coordinator, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, (406) 444-6592, Michael.Gustafson@mt.gov 
• Paul Tschida: Energy Resource Professional, Montana Department of Environmental Quality, (406) 444-6464, ptschida@mt.gov   

NORTH DAKOTA Radon Fast Facts

• EPA lists all North Dakota counties as Zone 1, the highest potential for elevated radon levels. 
• 63 percent of homes in North Dakota have an elevated radon above the EPA Action Level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). 

NORTH DAKOTA Radon Experts

• Justin Otto: Radon Program Manager, North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, (701) 328-5246, jotto@nd.gov  
• Gary G Schwartz: Professor, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, (701) 777-6598, gary.schwartz@und.edu    

SOUTH DAKOTA Fast Facts

• Living in a home with South Dakota’s average level of radon (9.6 pCi/L) is like having 300 chest x-rays each year. 

SOUTH DAKOTA Radon Experts

• Duncan Jakubowski: Radon Coordinator, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Duncan.Jakubowski@state.sd.us  

UTAH Radon Fast Facts

• 1 in 3 tested Utah homes have elevated radon levels. 
• Utah has the lowest rate of smoking in the nation, but lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the state. 

UTAH Radon Experts

• Kerri Robbins: Radon-induced lung cancer survivor, radon awareness advocate, kerrielaine19@gmail.com
• Eleanor Divver: Utah Radon Coordinator, (801) 558-4053, edivver@utah.gov  
• Dr. Wallace Akerley: Radon expert, wallace.akerley@hci.utah.edu
• Michael Siler: President of Utah Radon Coalition, msiler@utahradoncoalition.org 

WYOMING Radon Fast Facts

• The average level of radon in Wyoming is 5.1 pCi/L, which is higher than the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L. 
• Of the 99 municipalities in Wyoming, 18 have adopted Radon Control Measures in their building code. 
• On average, 1,397 Wyoming homes are tested each year for radon and 118 homes are mitigated each year. 
• Radon test kits are available free of charge while supplies last to Wyoming residents at  health.wyo.gov/radon.

WYOMING Radon Experts

• Randi Norton-Herrington: Outreach and Media Coordinator, Wyoming Cancer Program, Department of Health; (307) 777-6015; randi.norton@wyo.gov 

from EPA News Releases https://ift.tt/IeAcils