EPA Press Office:

EPA Finalizes Review of Upper Hudson PCB Cleanup after Considering Public Comment; Agency Will Issue Report Addendum by 2027

Contact: Larisa Romanowski, (518)-407-0400, romanowski.larisa@epa.gov 

NEW YORK (January 16, 2025) - After carefully considering public comment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized its third periodic review of the cleanup of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Upper Hudson River. The EPA looked at all the project data for water, fish and sediment collected between 2016-2021, and the fish data from 2022. The EPA’s review concludes that the levels of PCBs in water and fish are going down overall, but more fish data is needed. The agency needs at least eight years of data after dredging to draw science-based conclusions about the rate of recovery in the fish. The eighth year of fish data was collected in 2024. The results of that sampling will be available in 2025. The EPA will release an addendum to the report when enough fish data is available, as soon as this year but no later than 2027.

The EPA released the draft version of its review in early July 2024 for public comment. The 120-day public comment period ended on November 7.

Some commenters asked the EPA to conclude that the cleanup is not protective of people’s health and the environment. However, the EPA is not making a decision about protectiveness at this time. The EPA addendum will include a protectiveness determination.

“In issuing this final report today, we want to express how much EPA appreciates hearing from Hudson River communities for the past few months,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “While the science tells us that we can’t make a final determination yet about how well the cleanup is working, we will make a determination as soon as we can. Many of the comments we received talked about people’s personal connection to the river and reflect the passion that so many people have for this iconic river and this will drive our effort to continue to clean up and protect the Hudson River.”

The EPA prepared a separate document that responds to the variety of comments received.

As the EPA continues to collect and evaluate data, it is also enhancing the monitoring program to get a better understanding of the river’s recovery. This includes a series of special studies that will be looking more closely at water, fish and sediment in specific areas of the river. Several of these studies are already underway.

Fish consumption restrictions and advisories will continue to be necessary to protect people’s health. The primary risk to people at the site is from eating fish they catch that contains unsafe levels of PCBs. The cleanup plan that the EPA selected in 2002 for the Upper Hudson River called for dredging followed by an extended period of natural recovery – a gradual period of improvement in water, fish and sediment that the EPA projected would occur over a more than 50-year timeframe.

The fishing restrictions in the Upper Hudson River will need to remain in place until PCB levels in fish are reduced and New York State determines that changes can be made. In the Lower Hudson River, the general population can eat some types of fish that they catch, based on the New York State advice. However, anyone who can get pregnant and children under 15 should not eat any fish or crabs from the Hudson River. The EPA is working closely with the New York State Department of Health to support their education and outreach program to inform area newcomers and others who may be looking to the river as a food source.

The EPA is also committed to ensuring that General Electric Company (GE) remains accountable for the PCBs that came from its former manufacturing plants in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward and is actively working throughout the Upper and Lower Hudson River to study and address PCBs. An extensive floodplain study is underway in the Upper Hudson River to evaluate PCB contamination in soil in shoreline areas along a 43-mile stretch of river between Hudson Falls and Troy, New York. The EPA is also overseeing the deconstruction of the Powerhouse and Allen Mill in Hudson Falls, New York – two structures located adjacent to the former GE Hudson Falls plant. Under the latest agreement with GE, the EPA began an investigation in the Lower Hudson River in 2023 which includes extensive fish, water and sediment sampling between Troy and the Battery in New York City.

For more information about the EPA’s ongoing work in the Hudson River, visit the EPA’s Hudson River PCBs site webpage.

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

25-002

 EPA Press Release:

Hatillo, PR Cardboard Manufacturing Company to Correct Violations of Clean Air Act Under EPA Order (Spanish Translation Included)

PUERTO RICO (Jan 16, 2025) - The Borinquen Containers Corporation has agreed to an EPA order requiring to correct violations to the Clean Air Act at its facility located in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. The company manufactures corrugated carboard and fiber drums and it had failed to properly permit, operate and test boilers at the facility as required by law.

“By not properly testing and operating its boilers, Borinquen Containers Corporation potentially exposed people to harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides,” said EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Nearby residents initially flagged possible violations. EPA inspected the facility and with this order on consent is ensuring that the violations are corrected.”

The legal agreement, called an Administrative Order of Consent, requires the company to comply with emissions standards under the Clean Air Act and with Puerto Rico’s clean air regulations.

EPA received many complaints from residents about black smoke coming from the Borinquen Containers Corporation facility. After inspecting the site, it was found that the company did not perform the required tests to ensure its boilers were functioning correctly.

In October 2023, the EPA issued a Notice of Violation to Borinquen Containers Corporation for eight different issues. These included:

• Operating without the necessary permit.
• Failing to apply for a permit before building two boilers.
• Not submitting annual certification reports from 2018 to 2022.
• Not conducting annual tests and recording the results for the boiler stacks.
• Failing to carry out the required tune-up tests for the two boilers every six months.

The company has until February 15, 2025, to make all necessary upgrades to control pollution and reduce emissions. They must also submit a final compliance report to the EPA by April 30, 2025. If they do not comply, Borinquen Containers Corporation could face fines of over $120,000 per day for each violation of the EPA’s order.

Learn more about EPA’s work to monitor compliance with these types of requirements on https://www.epa.gov/compliance/national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-compliance-monitoring.

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

25-004

Borinquen Containers Corporation en Hatillo, PR corregirá infracciones contra la Ley de Aire Limpio según una orden de la EPA

Contacto: Brenda Reyes, reyes.brenda@epa.gov, (202) 834-1290

PUERTO RICO (Enero 16 de 2025) - La empresa Borinquen Containers Corporation ha aceptado una orden de la EPA que requiere corregir las infracciones a la Ley de Aire Limpio en sus instalaciones ubicadas en Hatillo, Puerto Rico. La empresa fabrica cartón corrugado y tambores de fibra y no contaba con permisos, para operar y probar adecuadamente las calderas en las instalaciones como lo exige la ley.

“Al no probar y operar adecuadamente sus calderas, Borinquen Containers Corporation expuso-potencialmente- a las personas a contaminantes dañinos como partículas, dióxido de azufre y óxidos de nitrógeno”, dijo Lisa F. García, administradora de la Región 2 de la EPA. “Los vecinos inmediatos inicialmente alertaron sobre posibles violaciones. La EPA inspeccionó la instalación y con esta orden de consentimiento se asegura de que se corrijan las violaciones”.

El acuerdo legal, llamado Orden Administrativa de Consentimiento, requiere que la compañía cumpla con las normas de emisiones conforme a la Ley de Aire Limpio y a las regulaciones de aire limpio de Puerto Rico.

La EPA recibió muchas quejas de los residentes sobre el humo negro que salía de las instalaciones de Borinquen Containers Corporation. Después de inspeccionar el sitio, se encontró que la empresa no realizó las pruebas requeridas para garantizar el correcto funcionamiento de sus calderas.

En octubre de 2023, la EPA emitió un Aviso de Infracción a Borinquen Containers Corporation debido a ocho violaciones diferentes. Entre ellos se encuentran los siguientes:

• Operar sin el permiso necesario.
• No solicitar un permiso antes de construir dos calderas.
• No presentar informes anuales de certificación d 2018 a 2022.
• No realizar pruebas anuales ni registrar los resultados de las chimeneas de calderas.
• No realizar las pruebas de puesta a punto requeridas para las dos calderas cada seis meses.

La compañía tiene hasta el 15 de febrero de 2025 para llevar a cabo todas las actualizaciones necesarias para controlar la contaminación y reducir las emisiones. También debe presentar un informe final de cumplimiento a la EPA antes del 30 de abril de 2025. Si no cumple, Borinquen Containers Corporation podría enfrentar multas de más de $120,000 al día por cada infracción de la orden de la EPA.

Conozca más detalles sobre el trabajo de la EPA para monitorear el cumplimiento de estos tipos de requisitos en https://www.epa.gov/compliance/national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-compliance-monitoring.

Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en X, Instagram,  y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.

25-004

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Finalizes Cleanup Plan for Welsbach & General Gas Mantle Superfund Site (Camden Radiation) at Gloucester Marine Terminal in New Jersey

Contact: Stephen McBay, 929-243-0417, mcbay.stephen@epa.gov

Gloucester City and Camden, N.J. (Jan. 16, 2025) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized changes that add measures to its cleanup plan to address radiological contamination at the former Welsbach Facility at the Welsbach & General Gas Mantle (Camden Radiation) Superfund Site. The former Welsbach Facility is located within the footprint of the Gloucester Marine Terminal in Gloucester City and Camden, New Jersey. These changes adapt the original plan to address some additional radioactive material that was found at the site, while minimizing disruptions to the port facility’s operations.

“This updated cleanup plan highlights EPA’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and ensuring a safe environment for the port communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “We continuously assess conditions and adapt our strategies to ensure the cleanup remains scientifically sound while accommodating the ongoing operations at the Gloucester Marine Terminal.”

The amended cleanup plan focuses on addressing radiological contamination at the former Welsbach Facility. The plan adds key actions that include:

• Removal of radiologically contaminated soil and waste material from selected areas at the Gloucester Marine Terminal, including under buildings, to a depth of approximately 10 feet.
• Disposal of excavated material at an off-site, licensed, and EPA-approved facility.
• Backfilling of excavated areas with clean soil to restore the site.
• Restoring paved areas to their previous condition.
• Implementing institutional controls, such as deed restrictions, to limit access to remaining contaminated areas.

EPA’s changes to the original cleanup plan are necessary after EPA found a greater volume and depth of soil contamination than initially assessed, including radiologically contaminated materials beneath structures at the port facility. Removing these materials would significantly increase the original cleanup costs, delay the project, and cause major disruptions to port operations. EPA’s study on current site conditions confirms that the amended cleanup plan will protect public health and the safety of port workers, even with some contamination remaining at depth and under certain structures after the cleanup is completed. Removal of contaminated material under structures would only be completed if and when the property owner demolishes those structures.

EPA added the Welsbach & General Gas Mantle (Camden Radiation) site to the federal Superfund list in 1996. Because of the nature, size and complexity of the site, EPA divided the investigation and cleanup into multiple phases. In 1999, EPA selected a plan for the first phase of the cleanup, which included the excavation and off-site disposal of radiologically contaminated soil and building materials, and backfilling of the areas with clean soil. To date, EPA has removed more than 200,000 cubic yards of radiologically contaminated soil and building materials from more than 90 properties in the Gloucester City and Camden areas and has investigated more than 900 properties.

Additional background and the proposed amended cleanup plan will be available at the Welsbach & General Gas Mantle (Camden Radiation) Superfund site profile page.

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

25-003

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Releases Draft Risk Assessment to Advance Scientific Understanding of PFOA and PFOS in Biosolids

WASHINGTON – Today, Jan. 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft risk assessment, or scientific evaluation of the potential human health risks associated with the presence of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in biosolids, also known as sewage sludge.

 

The findings for the draft risk assessment show that there may be human health risks associated with exposure to the “forever chemicals” PFOA or PFOS with all three methods of using or disposing of sewage sludge – land application of biosolids, surface disposal in landfills, or incineration. Once finalized, the assessment will help EPA and its partners understand the public health impact of forever chemicals in biosolids and inform any potential future actions to help reduce the risk of exposure.

 

“EPA under President Biden’s leadership has taken unprecedented actions to advance research and science on PFAS and to protect people from these dangerous forever chemicals,” said EPA Acting Administrator Jane Nishida. “This draft assessment provides important information to help inform future actions by federal and state agencies as well as steps that wastewater systems, farmers and other stakeholders can take to protect people from PFAS exposure, while ensuring American industry keeps feeding and fueling our nation.” 

 

Defining Biosolids

Wastewater produced by households and businesses, and sometimes industrial dischargers, is conveyed to a wastewater treatment plant, and ultimately treated. These treatment processes also produce a semi-solid, nutrient-rich product known as “sewage sludge” or “biosolids.” EPA typically uses the term “biosolids” to mean sewage sludge that has been treated to meet regulatory standards and is thereby suitable to be land applied as a soil conditioner or fertilizer. In turn, biosolids can be beneficially reused as land applied fertilizer on agricultural fields or on nonagricultural lands to promote plant health and productivity.

 

Draft Risk Assessment

This draft risk assessment focuses on a specific and narrow population of people that EPA considers most likely to be exposed to PFOA or PFOS from the land application of biosolids or through consumption of products from land where biosolids were used as fertilizer. The draft risk assessment scientifically models hypothetical human health risks for people living on or near sites impacted by PFOA or PFOS or for people relying primarily on those sites’ products (e.g., food crops, animal products or drinking water). The preliminary findings of the draft risk assessment indicate that there can be human health risks exceeding EPA’s acceptable thresholds, sometimes by several orders of magnitude, for some scenarios where the farmer applied biosolids containing 1 part per billion (ppb) of PFOA or PFOS (which is near the current detection limit for these PFAS in biosolids). These modeled scenarios include farms with one application of biosolids at a rate of 10 dry-metric-tons per hectare and 40 consecutive years of biosolids land application at this same rate. The modeling in this assessment also finds human health risks exceeding the EPA’s acceptable thresholds in some scenarios where biosolids containing 1 ppb of PFOA or PFOS are placed in an unlined or clay-lined surface disposal unit. Once finalized, EPA will use the risk assessment to help inform future risk management actions for PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge. For the incineration scenario, risk is not quantified due to significant data gaps.

 

EPA’s analysis does not suggest that the general food supply is impacted by the use of biosolids that contain PFOA or PFOS. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration are monitoring for PFAS in the food supply broadly and have taken protective actions to address impacted products from domestic and imported sources. Based on the best available data, biosolids account for less than one percent of the fertilized acreage of productive agricultural land in the United States per year. EPA recognizes that certain “hot spots” and specific farming operations may have higher levels of PFOA or PFOS if contaminated sludge was applied, and that further collaboration with impacted operations and other federal agencies will be important to fully understand risks and support impacted farmers.

 

EPA’s analysis finds that the risks of exposure to PFOA and PFOS through biosolids increases proportionally with the amount of those chemicals in the biosolids. This means that if you lower the concentration of PFOA or PFOS in biosolids or the amount of biosolids applied to agricultural land, you lower the risk. The actual risks from exposure to PFOA or PFOS will vary at farms that land-apply biosolids or at biosolids disposal sites based on the amount of PFOA or PFOS applied, as well as geography, climate, soil conditions, the types of crops grown and their nutrient needs and other factors. Where smaller amounts of PFAS-contaminated biosolids have been spread, or fewer applications have been made over time, or lower concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were in the biosolids, the risk will be reduced.

 

The findings of the draft risk assessment underscore the importance of proactive federal and state policies to control and remove PFAS at their source. Under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, the agency has provided tools to restrict PFAS from entering the environment and to hold polluters accountable, including increasing reviews of new PFAS before they enter commerce and encouraging states to use their Clean Water Act permitting authorities and industrial pretreatment programs to require industrial dischargers of PFAS to remove them before sending their effluent to the environment or to wastewater treatment plants. Moving forward, EPA is working to set technology-based limits on discharges from several industrial categories—including PFAS manufacturers, electro- and chrome-platers and landfills—under the agency’s Effluent Limitations Guidelines program.

 

Forever Chemicals in Wastewater

PFOA and PFOS get into sewage sludge via the wastewater that enters municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), which do not intentionally use or add these substances in their treatment processes. WWTPs may receive PFOA or PFOS from manufacturers and other facilities that currently use, or historically have used, these PFAS and release contaminated wastewater to WWTPs. Households and businesses can also be sources, as PFAS from consumer products (e.g., cookware, clothing or cosmetics that may contain certain PFAS) are washed down drains and make their way to a WWTP.

 

EPA and State Actions on Forever Chemicals

Under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, the agency has made historic progress in advancing the science and establishing standards to protect communities from PFAS pollution. These actions include finalizing the nation’s first drinking water standards for PFAS, holding polluters accountable to clean up PFAS across the country and declaring PFOA and PFOS hazardous substances under the Superfund law. By releasing this draft risk assessment, EPA is providing stakeholders with a rigorous, data and science-driven report that, once finalized it may help the agency determine whether regulating PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge under the Clean Water Act is appropriate.

 

Several states have begun monitoring for PFAS in sewage sludge and published reports and data that are publicly available. EPA’s draft risk assessment document provides an overview of PFOA and PFOS occurrence data from peer-reviewed literature and state reports in Section 2.4 and Appendix A. Some states continue to collect additional sewage sludge PFAS monitoring data.

 

EPA’s draft risk assessment document, Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS), will be available for public comment for 60 days following announcement in the Federal Register. Learn more about the draft risk assessment and how to comment on it. Also read about other recent EPA actions to help address PFAS in Biosolids.

 

EPA will hold a public webinar on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 12:00pm ET. Register for the webinar using the webinar registration link.

 

Background

EPA risk assessments follow a scientific process to characterize the nature and magnitude of health risks to children, adults, and the environment from pollutants based on modeled exposure scenarios. An environmental risk assessment considers three primary factors: 1) presence (i.e., how much of a pollutant is present in the environment), 2) exposure (i.e., how much contact a human or wildlife has with the pollutant), and 3) the toxicity of the pollutant (i.e., the health effects the pollutant causes in humans or wildlife) (see EPA’s Risk Assessment Basics).

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Finalizes Protections for Workers and Communities from Cancer-Causing Ethylene Oxide Pollution

WASHINGTON – Today, Jan. 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the Interim Decision for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) – a pesticide used on 50 percent of all sterilized medical devices in the United States and on approximately 30 percent of dried herbs and spices. EtO is known to cause cancer, including lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma in people.  Workers who use EtO and people who work, live, or go to school or daycare near facilities that use EtO may breathe in emissions at levels that can increase cancer risk. The greatest risk is for people who work for their entire careers at facilities directly handling EtO with insufficient worker protections in place.

 

The Interim Decision includes mitigation measures that, in addition to the measures included in the 2024 EtO National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), will reduce exposure to workers and nearby communities. Together, these two EPA actions provide a comprehensive approach to addressing EtO pollution concerns, including cancer risk, that will increase safety in communities and for workers while supporting ongoing supply chain needs for sterilized medical equipment. This decision advances President Biden’s commitment to ending cancer as we know it as part of the Cancer Moonshot, as well as the Administration’s commitment to securing environmental justice and protecting public health, including for communities that are most exposed to toxic chemicals.

 

“EPA continues to make important strides to protect people from dangerous chemicals like ethylene oxide,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “These protections will reduce EtO exposures to workers and communities, while also ensuring that the chemical remains available to provide sterile life-saving medical supplies.”

 

Ethylene Oxide

 

EPA regulates EtO’s use as a pesticide under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). EtO has both antimicrobial uses, such as sterilization of medical devices, and conventional uses, such as fumigation of dried herbs and spices. In some instances, such as with sterilization of medical devices like surgical kits, EtO is the only available option, making it essential for protecting human health. Every 15 years, EPA evaluates potential human health and environmental effects associated with the use of a pesticide through the registration review process. As part of EtO’s registration review, the agency assessed cancer risk from working in sterilization and health care facilities that use EtO, living in communities near EtO facilities, and consuming dried herbs and spices treated with EtO.  

 

After a 75-day public comment period with over 60 stakeholder meetings with industry, other federal agencies, unions, and nonprofit organizations, EPA identified a broad set of protections under FIFRA that aim to reduce exposure to all EtO sterilization facility workers and to others who work, live, or go to school near sterilization facilities. Specifically, the Decision includes a reduced EtO concentration rate limit for new medical device sterilization cycles to reduce levels of exposure for workers; a lowered worker exposure limit of 0.5 ppm after three years, 0.25 ppm after five years, and 0.1 ppm after 10 years (compared to the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard of 1 ppm);  phased cancellation of the use of EtO on specific dried herbs and spices; and cancellation of the use of EtO when safer and effective alternatives are available.

 

Interim Decision

 

Some of the highlights of the Interim Decision include:

 

Commercial Sterilizers

• Lowered worker exposure limit of 0.5 ppm by 2028, 0.25 ppm by 2030, and 0.1 ppm by 2035, as compared to the 1984 OSHA limit of 1 ppm. Any workers who could be exposed to concentrations of EtO above these limits would need to wear additional respiratory protection.
• Finalizing the ban of use for museum, library and archival materials; cosmetics; musical instruments; and beekeeping equipment.
• Immediate cancellation of the use of EtO for specific dried herbs and spices for which its use is not considered critical for food safety, and phased cancellation for specific dried herbs and spices for which EtO use is considered critical for food safety but have potential alternatives to EtO.
• Establishing a concentration limit of 600 mg/L for new medical device sterilization cycles within 10 years. If a device requires a concentration of EtO greater than 600 mg/L due to the device design, the facility must maintain records to justify the increased application rate.
• Separation of HVAC systems for areas where EtO is used and areas where EtO is not used, to reduce EtO exposure in areas such as offices.
• Requiring respirators to protect workers involved in certain high EtO exposure tasks, such as connecting and disconnecting EtO containers from sterilization process equipment.
• Continuous EtO concentration monitoring throughout sterilization facilities, including on-site storage facilities.
• Data requirements to monitor breathing zone worker exposure to EtO within commercial sterilization facilities and warehouses that store sterilized materials, both on and off-site.

 

Healthcare Facilities

• Require abatement devices for healthcare facilities that use more than 10 lbs. of EtO/year by comparison – c commercial sterilizers typically release tons of EtO annually.
• Ventilation of EtO through exterior ventilation stacks to reduce exposure to healthcare facility workers. Exposure to communities from EtO used in healthcare facilities is expected to be minimal because the amount of EtO used at healthcare facilities is orders of magnitude lower than at commercial sterilization facilities.

Next Steps

EPA expects that registrants will submit label amendments that include the changes outlined in the Interim Decision within 60 days after publication. The agency plans to quickly review the label amendments so that products sold and distributed by registrants will include the changes outlined in the Interim Decision. The timing for implementation for individual mitigation measures ranges from two years to 10 years, taking into consideration the costs, technology availability, potential impacts to the medical device supply chain and other logistical elements. Additionally, EPA will issue a Data Call-In (DCI) to gather information on worker exposure. Specifically, the DCI will require submission of worker exposure data for commercial sterilizers and warehouses in order to understand the worker exposure impacts of complying with EPA’s Clean Air Act EtO commercial sterilization NESHAP and implementing the mitigation measures identified in this Interim Decision. EPA will reevaluate this Interim Decision within eight years, earlier than the typical 15-year cycle, based on the submitted worker exposure data, in order to identify further opportunities to reduce EtO exposures.

To view all documents related to EtO’s registration review, visit docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0244.

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Announces $2.4 million in Funding to 24 Small Businesses for the Development of Environmental Technologies

WASHINGTON - Today, Jan. 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $2,400,000 for 24 small businesses to develop technologies to address public health and environmental challenges. These companies are using innovative approaches that include treating PFAS in biosolids, reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from building materials, and developing chemical alternatives that are safer for our environment.

 "Congratulations to these small businesses for their dedication to driving innovation and tackling today’s environmental challenges," said Maureen Gwinn, Acting Assistant Administrator in EPA's Office of Research and Development. "Their groundbreaking ideas not only address critical needs but also pave the way for a healthier planet and a stronger, more sustainable economy."

 These awards are part of EPA's Small Business Innovation Research program, an annual, two-phase competition for small businesses to develop and commercialize environmental technologies that help address the agency’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. The 24 small businesses below are receiving $100,000 of Phase I funding for six months for "proof of concept" of their proposed technology. Companies that complete Phase I can then apply to receive Phase II funding of up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technology.

SBIR Phase I winners and their proposed technologies are below:

Acadian Research & Development, LLC, Laramie, Wyoming, to create an innovative low-cost method to use strength enhancing biochar-derived graphene to lower embodied carbon in concrete.

• Agtec Innovations Inc, Los Altos, California, for a cost-effective, non-polluting phosphate fertilizer alternative that helps prevent runoff.  
• AxNano, LLC, Greensboro, North Carolina, to create a novel, field deployable treatment process for removing PFAS from biosolids allowing beneficial reuse.
• BetR-blok, LLC, Tempe, Arizona, to produce a building block alternative made from waste biomass and recycled materials.
• Bold Reuse, Portland, Oregon, to create a novel inventory management system to transition to reusable packaging.
• Circle Concrete Tech, Inc., Gilbert, Arizona, to design an engineered recycled steel fiber product that replaces rebar for concrete reinforcement with a significantly lower carbon footprint.
• Design Interactive Inc., Orlando, Florida, for a comprehensive, AI-powered training simulation to enhance disaster response preparedness.
• Dynamo.AI LLC, Saratoga Springs, New York, to develop a technology that leverages biochar to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables to reduce food waste.
• EcoaTEX, LLC., Hull, Georgia, to create a technology that converts agricultural waste into high-performance biodegradable fibers.
• ENF Products, LLC, Edmond, Oklahoma, to design a filter kit to be used with existing air filters to improve indoor air quality.
• Enzymatic Holdings Corporation, Manati, Puerto Rico, to create an enzyme-based technology that enhances durability and self-healing properties of concrete.
• Huma, Inc., Gilbert, Arizona, to create a novel urea/humate enhanced-efficiency fertilizer designed to optimize nitrogen uptake and reduce environmental impacts.
• KLAW Industries LLC, Binghamton, New York, to develop a new paving material utilizing waste glass to replace high-embodied carbon materials.
• Mainstream Engineering Corporation, Rockledge, Florida, to create a scalable point-of-use water treatment system to remove cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins.
• Nativo Inc., Pompano Beach, Florida, to create a novel method to remove installed ceramic tiles without damaging them through vibration technology allowing for reuse of materials.
• Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply, Sebastopol, California, to design a cutting-edge web-based platform that facilitates the reduction of embodied carbon through the purchase of reclaimed lumber and building materials.
• PAGE Technologies, Inc., Boulder, Colorado, to develop low-cost, handheld printable sensors for real-time measurement of water quality parameters.
• Phospholutions, Inc., State College, Pennsylvania, to create an activated metal oxide technology to mitigate the environmental impact of phosphorus runoff into water bodies and enhance crop productivity.
• Prospect Growth, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut, to develop a novel nanoparticle-based phosphorous fertilizer with exceptional nutrient uptake efficiency.
• Sustainable Water Infrastructure Group, Seattle, Washington, to develop a nature-based absorbent technology to remove PFAS, pathogens and other contaminants from water.
• Symmetry Wood, PBC, Los Angeles, California, to create a method of upcycling food waste into high-performance wood.
• Talon/LPE, Ltd., Amarillo, Texas, to develop a sustainable method to treat PFAS in biosolids using biochar.
• Tetramer Technologies LLC, Pendleton, South Carolina, to create a bio-renewable high-performance tire rubber additive to replace the standard use of 6PPD and alleviate its associated ecotoxicity.
• VerdeTerra LLC., Atlanta, Georgia, to develop an air purification system which uses microbes to reduce CO2 and other indoor pollutants. 

Learn more about the winning companies.

Learn more about EPA's SBIR program.

Learn more about the government wide SBIR program.

 

For further information: EPA Press Office: press@epa.gov

 EPA Press Office:

Boulder company among 24 small businesses receiving a total of $2.4M to develop innovative environmental technologie

PAGE Technologies, Inc. to develop sensors for real-time measurement of water quality

Contact: Pedro Ayala (ayala.pedro@epa.gov)

DENVER (January 13,2025) - Today, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Boulder, Colo.-based PAGE Technologies, Inc. is among 24 small businesses receiving a total of $2.4 million in EPA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program funding to develop technologies to address public health and environmental challenges. These companies are using innovative approaches that include treating PFAS in biosolids, reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from building materials, and developing chemical alternatives that are safer for our environment. 

“EPA congratulates PAGE Technologies on receiving this grant award,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker “The company’s development of low-cost, handheld printable sensors for water quality monitoring will deliver an innovative, new tool for safeguarding water quality and public health.

These awards are part of EPA's (SBIR) program, an annual, two-phase competition for small businesses to develop and commercialize environmental technologies that help address the Agency’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. The 24 small businesses below are receiving $100,000 of Phase I funding for six months for "proof of concept" of their proposed technology. Companies that complete Phase I can then apply to receive Phase II funding of up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technology.

Other SBIR Phase I winners and their proposed technologies are below:

• Acadian Research & Development, LLC, Laramie, Wyoming, to create an innovative low-cost method to use strength enhancing biochar-derived graphene to lower embodied carbon in concrete.
• Agtec Innovations Inc, Los Altos, California, for a cost-effective, non-polluting phosphate fertilizer alternative that helps prevent runoff.          
• AxNano, LLC, Greensboro, North Carolina, to create a novel, field deployable treatment process for removing PFAS from biosolids allowing beneficial reuse.
• BetR-blok, LLC, Tempe, Arizona, to produce a building block alternative made from waste biomass and recycled materials.
• Bold Reuse, Portland, Oregon, to create a novel inventory management system to transition to reusable packaging.
• Circle Concrete Tech, Inc., Gilbert, Arizona, to design an engineered recycled steel fiber product that replaces rebar for concrete reinforcement with a significantly lower carbon footprint.

• Design Interactive Inc., Orlando, Florida, for a comprehensive, AI-powered training simulation to enhance disaster response preparedness.

• Dynamo.AI LLC, Saratoga Springs, New York, to develop a technology that leverages biochar to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables to reduce food waste.
• EcoaTEX, LLC., Hull, Georgia, to create a technology that converts agricultural waste into high-performance biodegradable fibers.
• ENF Products, LLC, Edmond, Oklahoma, to design a filter kit to be used with existing air filters to improve indoor air quality.
• Enzymatic Holdings Corporation, Manati, Puerto Rico, to create an enzyme-based technology that enhances durability and self-healing properties of concrete.
• Huma, Inc., Gilbert, Arizona, to create a novel urea/humate enhanced-efficiency fertilizer designed to optimize nitrogen uptake and reduce environmental impacts.
• KLAW Industries LLC, Binghamton, New York, to develop a new paving material utilizing waste glass to replace high-embodied carbon materials.

• Mainstream Engineering Corporation, Rockledge, Florida, to create a scalable point-of-use water treatment system to remove cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins.
• Nativo Inc., Pompano Beach, Florida, to create a novel method to remove installed ceramic tiles without damaging them through vibration technology allowing for reuse of materials.
• Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply, Sebastopol, California, to design a cutting-edge web-based platform that facilitates the reduction of embodied carbon through the purchase of reclaimed lumber and building materials.
• Phospholutions, Inc., State College, Pennsylvania, to create an activated metal oxide technology to mitigate the environmental impact of phosphorus runoff into water bodies and enhance crop productivity.
• Prospect Growth, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut, to develop a novel nanoparticle-based phosphorous fertilizer with exceptional nutrient uptake efficiency.
• Sustainable Water Infrastructure Group, Seattle, Washington, to develop a nature-based absorbent technology to remove PFAS, pathogens and other contaminants from water.
• Symmetry Wood, PBC, Los Angeles, California, to create a method of upcycling food waste into high-performance wood.
• Talon/LPE, Ltd., Amarillo, Texas, to develop a sustainable method to treat PFAS in biosolids using biochar.
• Tetramer Technologies LLC, Pendleton, South Carolina, to create a bio-renewable high-performance tire rubber additive to replace the standard use of 6PPD and alleviate its associated ecotoxicity. 

• VerdeTerra LLC., Atlanta, Georgia, to develop an air purification system which uses microbes to reduce CO2 and other indoor pollutants.