Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Fourth Season of Dredging Begins in Upper Hudson
EPA Press Release:
Fourth Season of Dredging Begins in Upper Hudson
Project Expected to Reach Halfway Point during Fourth Season
Contact: Larisa Romanowski, 518-747-4389, romanowski.larisa@epa.gov
(Fort Edward, NY – April 29, 2013) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck was joined by New York State Department of Environment Deputy Commissioner Eugene Leff today to kick off the start of the fourth season of dredging in the Upper Hudson River. Portions of the Upper Hudson are being dredged to removesediment contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are potentially cancer-causing chemicals that build up in the food chain and can cause neurological damage, especially in children.
In 2013, dredging will begin south of the village of Fort Edward, New York around Griffin Island and will continue south in the main stem of the river to the Thompson Island Dam. Additional dredging is planned between Champlain Canal Lock 5 and 6 near the towns of Northumberland and Schuylerville.
“Tremendous progress has already been made in the cleanup of this iconic river,” said Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “We’re seeing communities in the dredging corridor investing in the revitalization of their waterfronts. The dredging project supports these efforts to bring people back to the river to enjoy a tremendous natural resource.”
The historic dredging project targets approximately 2.65 million cubic yards of PCB-contaminated sediment from a 40-mile stretch of the upper Hudson River between Fort Edward and Troy, New York. At the end of the 2012 dredging season, the project was nearly half-way to its target with more than 1.3 million cubic yards removed since the project began in 2009. The dredging goal for 2013 is 350,000 cubic yards. The rest of the cleanup is expected to take three to five more years to complete.
“"The Hudson River PCB cleanup illustrates that environmental cleanups also create jobs,” said Enck. “350 new jobs in upstate New York were created by this superfund cleanup every year.”
During the 2013 season, up to six mechanical dredges will work through the summer and fall to remove PCB-contaminated sediment from the river bottom and place clean sand and gravel over dredged areas. Mechanical dredges mounted on deck barges will use environmental clamshell buckets to dredge and place sediment into barges. Tugboats will push the filled barges to a dewatering and sediment-processing facility located on the Champlain Canal in Fort Edward, New York. Once there, water will be removed from the sediment. The coarse material will then be separated from the fine sediment that contains most of the PCB contamination. The remaining sediment is pumped to the dewatering facility where large filter presses squeeze water from the sediment. The water will be treated to strict water quality standards before it is released back into the Champlain Canal. The remaining sediment and debris will be loaded onto railcars and transported by train to permitted, off-site disposal facilities.
During dredging, the EPA requires extensive monitoring to ensure that the amount of sediment resuspended in the water and the amount of sediment that moves downriver during dredging operations is within acceptable limits. The EPA also requires monitoring to reduce the effects of dredging and dewatering operations on surrounding communities.
EPA is overseeing the dredging project that is being conducted by General Electric under the terms of a 2006 legal agreement. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is supporting the EPA in overseeing the cleanup.
Over a 30-year period, ending in the late 1970’s, an estimated 1.3 million pounds of PCBs entered the river from two General Electric capacitor manufacturing plants located in Fort Edward and Hudson Falls, New York.
People seeking information about the project can contact Larisa Romanowski at (518) 747-4389; romanowski.larisa@epa.gov. Residents with specific concerns related to dredging activities when work is being performed should call GE’s dedicated 24-hour phone line at (518) 792-4087 or 1-888-596-3655.
For more information about the Hudson River dredging project, visithttp://www.epa.gov/hudson and http://www.hudsondredgingdata.com.
13-037 # # #
Friday, April 26, 2013
Lockheed Martin Cites Progress In Sustainability
Lockheed Martin News Release:
Lockheed Martin Cites Progress In Sustainability
Company issues 2012 Corporate Sustainability Report; renews commitment to responsible growth, protecting environment, strengthening communities
BETHESDA, Md., April 26, 2013 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] continues to meet and exceed established sustainability goals as outlined in its 2012 Corporate Sustainability Report, released yesterday.
“We are committed to creating sustainable value for all of our stakeholders,” said Chief Executive Officer and President Marillyn A. Hewson. “From energy conservation and waste reduction to community outreach and diversity and inclusion, we are integrating sustainability into the fabric of our culture to make Lockheed Martin a stronger, more responsible and more successful business.”
The 2012 Corporate Sustainability Report highlights:
- Innovation for Conservation: The Corporation has innovated products for the land, sea, air and space that are smaller, lighter and use less power.
- Less Wasteful Packaging: To reduce the cost and labor involved in making and shipping canopies for F-35 fighter jets, the company successfully developed and implemented a reusable container for packaging, receiving and shipping parts.
- Reduced Consumption: Simply by using less electricity, natural gas and water, the company reduced consumption costs by more than $20 million in 2012 compared to 2007—savings that were reinvested in the business.
- Supplier Support: For the third year in a row, Lockheed Martin earned an “outstanding” rating from the Defense Contract Management Agency for its support of small and diverse suppliers.
- Smart Energy Management: Lockheed Martin delivered $54 million in energy savings incentives to utility customers and developed electrical generator systems that use dramatically less fuel for military customers.
- “Greener” Operations: The Corporation has reduced carbon emissions by more than 450,000 metric tons since 2007—the equivalent of taking almost 100,000 cars off the road.
- Water Conservation: Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has cut water usage by more than 700 million gallons—enough to fill an estimated 1,100 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- Employee Volunteerism: In 2012, Lockheed Martin employees volunteered more than one million hours to help strengthen communities where they live and work.
- An Inclusive Workplace: Lockheed Martin was named a “Best Place to Work” by the Human Rights Campaign and received a “100” rating in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index—a national benchmarking tool used to evaluate corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender employees.
This is the second year that Lockheed Martin has published a comprehensive Sustainability Report. In 2012, Lockheed Martin established the Office of Corporate Sustainability to integrate business decision-making affecting all stakeholders. The company also integrated the Global Reporting Initiative framework in sustainability reporting efforts.
The full report is available at lockheedmartin.com/2012-sustainability-report. Visitors to the website are encouraged to read the report and to share ideas on how Lockheed Martin can improve its sustainability performance.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 118,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.
EPA Issues Final Decision on Iowa’s 2012 List of Impaired Waters
EPA News Release:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations
EPA Issues Final Decision on Iowa’s 2012 List of Impaired Waters
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Lenexa, Kan., April 26, 2013) - EPA has approved Iowa’s 2012 list of impaired waters requiring Total Maximum Daily Load calculations. The Iowa Department Natural Resources (IDNR) submitted its impaired waters list to EPA on April 1, 2013, for review and approval as required by the Clean Water Act.
“EPA appreciates Iowa’s efforts to rigorously monitor and assess its waters so that IDNR can prioritize its development of pollution reduction plans,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “This process is an important first step toward improved water quality. The Iowa impaired waters list documents IDNR’s priorities for restoration activities. We look forward to working with IDNR and the citizens of Iowa to restore Iowa’s lakes, rivers and streams.”
EPA commends IDNR for its work in preparing the list of impaired waters. In today’s decision, EPA approved the removal of 73 water bodies and the addition of 78 water bodies. Today’s action brings the total number of impaired waters on the state’s list to 479.
A water body is placed on the impaired waters list when monitoring finds that pollutant levels prevent the lake, river, or stream from attaining its beneficial uses. A water body can be removed from the list if it meets its beneficial uses or if a pollution reduction plan for a water body is approved by EPA. Beneficial uses in Iowa include human recreation, water supply, and maintaining healthy aquatic life.
EPA’s April 24, 2013, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA’s review and the basis for this action. The decision letter, including the final 2012 impaired waters list, is available at www.epa.gov/region7/newsevents/legal.
# # #
Thursday, April 25, 2013
EPA Awards $4 Million to Help Support Cleanup and Reuse of Brownfields Sites Across the Country
EPA News Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 25, 2013
EPA Awards $4 Million to Help Support Cleanup and Reuse of Brownfields Sites Across the Country
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award approximately $4 million in grants to 20 communities across the country to assist with planning for cleanup and reuse of Brownfields properties. This funding is part of the Brownfields Area-Wide (BF AWP) Planning program, which aims to promote community revitalization by using cleanups to stimulate local economies and protect people’s health and the environment. EPA’s Brownfields program encourages the redevelopment of abandoned and potentially contaminated waste sites across the country.
“EPA continues to respond to Brownfields challenges in communities of every size by encouraging strong public-private partnerships and promoting innovative and creative ways to assess, clean up and redevelop Brownfields sites,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “The area-wide planning approach recognizes that revitalization of the area surrounding the Brownfields sites is critical to the successful reuse of the property as cleanup and redevelopment of an individual site. The locally-driven planning process will help communities create a shared vision for and commitment to revitalization.”
EPA will award up to $200,000 per recipient so they can engage the community and conduct Brownfields planning activities for an area, such as a neighborhood, downtown district, city block, former industrial area or local commercial corridor.
In 2010, EPA launched the BF AWP program as a pilot program with the goal of adopting a more broad approach into the existing Brownfields grant programs. Since its inception, all EPA’s Brownfields investments have leveraged more than $19 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Over the years, the relatively small investment of federal funding has been able to leverage more than 87,000 jobs from both public and private sources.
This is the second round of grants awarded under the BF AWP program. EPA’s BF AWP program is part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities collaboration among EPA and the Departments of Transportation (DOT) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Partnership for Sustainable Communities ensures that the agencies consider affordable housing, transportation, and environmental protection in concert to create healthier communities. The partnership is helping communities across the country to create attractive housing choices, make transportation more efficient and reliable, reinforce existing infrastructure investments, and support vibrant and healthy neighborhoods that attract businesses.
More information on the grant recipients: http://epa.gov/brownfields/areawide_grants.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/
R074
Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Receive $166,500 for Brownfields Redevelopment Planning
EPA Press Release:
Environmental News
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations
Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Receive $166,500 for Brownfields Redevelopment Planning
Contact Information: Belinda Young, 913-551-7463, young.belinda@epa.gov
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Lenexa, Kan., April 25, 2013) - The City of Council Bluffs, Iowa, will receive $166,500 to develop a plan for brownfields property assessment, cleanup and reuse in its mid-city area, EPA Region 7 announced today. Council Bluffs will use this funding to create a plan and implementation strategy for a project area totaling approximately 70 acres. The City is one of 20 communities nationwide to receive this funding.
EPA’s Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Program provides grant funding and technical assistance to brownfields communities like Council Bluffs that are selected through a national grant competition. These communities use EPA resources to research area-wide planning approaches that will help them clean up and reuse brownfields properties.
Brownfields are defined as those properties whose expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Brownfields sites include all "real property," including residential, commercial and industrial properties. It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment.
Council Bluffs has identified the former Katelman Foundry as the catalyst site for redevelopment within its mid-city urban renewal area. This former steel fabrication facility filed for bankruptcy in 2005, and moved its operations out of the neighborhood. The approximately 3.8-acre site presently consists of eight parcels spanning several city blocks.
Many industrial businesses that once operated in Council Bluffs’ mid-city area have either closed or moved to areas more conducive to manufacturing operations. This has resulted in numerous properties exhibiting signs of disinvestment and a general lack of maintenance.
EPA’s Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Program assists communities in responding to local brownfields challenges, particularly where multiple brownfield sites are in close proximity, connected by infrastructure, and where such properties may be limiting the economic, environmental and social prosperity of their surroundings. This program is part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities collaboration involving EPA, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
# # #
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Testimony Before the Senate Appropriations Committee
EPA News Release:
April 24, 2013
EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Testimony Before the Senate Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON -- As prepared for delivery.
Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Murkowski , and members of the Committee, thank you once again for the opportunity to appear before you to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget. I'm joined by the Agency's Acting Chief Financial Officer, Maryann Froehlich.
The President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget demonstrates that we can make critical investments to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and grow the economy while continuing to cut the deficit in a balanced way. The Budget also incorporates the President’s compromise offer to House Speaker Boehner to achieve another $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction in a balance way. By including this compromise proposal in the Budget, the President is demonstrating his willingness to make tough choices. EPA's budget request of $8.153 billion for the 2014 fiscal year starting October 1, 2013 reflects our ongoing efforts to change the way EPA does business –to invest in more efficient ways for the Agency to operate, to further reduce costs wherever possible all while we preserve and enhance our ability to carry out the Agency’s core mission to protect human health and the environment.
The President’s budget reinforces our firm commitment to keeping American communities clean and healthy, while also taking into consideration the difficult fiscal situation and the declining resources of state, local and tribal programs.
EPA’s requested budget will allow us to continue making progress toward cleaner air, addressing climate change, protecting the nation’s waters, supporting sustainable water infrastructure and protecting lands and assuring the safety of chemicals.
It is the product of long discussions and difficult choices. In the end, we believe this budget will enable us to work toward the Agency’s goals as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Let me run through a few highlights from the President’s FY 2014 budget request.
Despite the fiscal challenges we face, supporting our state and tribal partners, the primary implementers of environmental programs, remains a priority of the EPA. Funding for states and tribes through the State and Tribal Assistance Grants – or STAG – account is once again the largest percentage of the EPA's budget request – at nearly 40 percent in FY 2014. The FY 2014 budget includes a total of $1.14 billion in categorical grants.
We have requested a $60 million investment in an agency-wide initiative to develop new tools and expand systems designed to reduce the regulatory reporting burden on regulated entities, and provide EPA, states, and the public with easier access to environmental data for compliance monitoring and other purposes. This new initiative is fully paid for, so does not add a single dime to the deficit.
This project – what we call “E-Enterprise” – would enable businesses to conduct environmental business transactions with regulators electronically through a single interactive portal, similar to online banking. The paperwork and regulatory reporting burden would be reduced thanks to more efficient collection, reporting, and use of data, in addition to regulatory revisions to eliminate redundant or obsolete information requests. The initiative will encourage greater transparency and compliance.
The result will be widespread savings – for industry and for the states and tribes. For example, E-Enterprise builds on efforts such as the e-manifest system which is projected to reduce reporting costs for regulated businesses by up to a range of $77 - $126 million annually, because it replaces the millions of paper manifests for hazardous waste shipments with a modern tracking and reporting system.
The FY 2014 request also includes $176.5 million to support the agency’s work with partners and stakeholders to address greenhouse gas emissions and its impacts. These funds will help reduce emissions – both domestically and internationally – through careful, cost-effective rulemaking and voluntary programs that focus on the largest entities and encourage businesses and consumers to limit unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.
Some of this funding will support existing, successful approaches like ENERGY STAR, the Global Methane Initiative, the GHG Reporting Rule, and state and local technical assistance and partnership programs, such as SmartWay. $20 million will go towards research, so we can better understand the impacts of climate change on human health and vulnerable ecosystems. Our requested budget contains $175 million to support our Clean Air Act-mandated work to develop, implement and review air quality standards and guidance. This funding will also allow EPA to enhance our support to our state, local and Tribal partners to implement the programs.
Nutrient pollution is one of the nation’s most widespread and challenging environmental problems. To assist in tackling this challenge, EPA is requesting an increase of $15 million in Clean Water Act Section 106 Water Pollution Control grant funding to support states, interstate agencies and tribes that commit to strengthening their nutrient management efforts.
Ensuring that federal dollars provided through the State Revolving Funds support effective and efficient system-wide planning remains a priority for EPA. The FY 2014 budget request includes $1.1 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $817 million for the Drinking WaterSRF. This money will also assist EPA efforts to expand and institutionalize the use of up-front planning that considers a full range of infrastructure alternatives like “green” infrastructure, so that the right investments are made at the right time, and at the lowest life-cycle cost. This budget request will allow the SRFs to finance approximately $6 billion in wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects annually.
In FY 2014, the agency is requesting over $1.34 billion for its land cleanup programs to continue to apply the most effective approaches to preserve and restore our country’s land. This money will go towards developing and implementing prevention programs, improving response capabilities, and maximizing the effectiveness of response and cleanup actions. The agency is also renewing its request to reinstate the Superfund tax in order to provide a stable, dedicated source of revenue for the Superfund Trust Fund and to restore the historic nexus that parties who benefit from the manufacture or sale of substances that commonly contaminate hazardous waste sites should bear the cost of cleanup when viable potentially responsible parties cannot be identified.
Ensuring the safety of new or existing chemicals in commerce to protect the American people is another top priority. Chemicals are used in the production of everything from our homes and cars to the cell phones we carry and the food we eat. The $686.2 million requested in FY 2014 will allow EPA to continue managing the potential risks of new chemicals entering commerce, without impacting progress in assessing and ensuring the safety of existing chemicals. These resources encompass all efforts across the agency associated specifically with ensuring chemical safety and pollution prevention, including research and enforcement.
EPA’s research budget provides $554 million to support critical research in key areas, ranging from chemical safety to water sustainability to climate and energy to human health. This research will help advance the Administration’s commitment to healthy communities and a clean energy future.
Finally, let me discuss some steps we are taking to ensure taxpayer dollars are going as far as they possibly can.
The budget includes $54 million in savings by eliminating several EPA programs that have either completed their goals or can be implemented through other federal or state efforts. Adding to these savings and demonstrating a willingness to make tough choices, more than 20 EPA programs, are being reduced by 10 percent or more in FY 2014.
EPA has also been laying the groundwork to ensure the best use of human resources, which will continue in FY 2014. We will continue to analyze our workforce needs to achieve the Agency’s mission effectively and efficiently. This is reflected in our FTE request for FY 2014, which is our lowest in 20 years.
We also continue to look for opportunities to consolidate physical space and reduce operating costs at our facilities nationwide. On-going improvements in operating efficiency, combined with the use of advanced technologies and energy sources, have reduced energy utilization and saved nearly $6 million annually.
In FY 2014, we are requesting $17 million in the Building &Facilities appropriation to accelerate space consolidation efforts, which will result in long-term savings in rent and operating costs. By consolidating space, we have, since 2006 released approximately 417 thousand square feet of space at headquarters and facilities nationwide, resulting in a cumulative annual rent avoidance of over $14.2 million.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. While my testimony reflects only some of the highlights of EPA's budget request, I look forward answering your questions.
R073
April 24, 2013
EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Testimony Before the Senate Appropriations Committee
WASHINGTON -- As prepared for delivery.
Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Murkowski , and members of the Committee, thank you once again for the opportunity to appear before you to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget. I'm joined by the Agency's Acting Chief Financial Officer, Maryann Froehlich.
The President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget demonstrates that we can make critical investments to strengthen the middle class, create jobs, and grow the economy while continuing to cut the deficit in a balanced way. The Budget also incorporates the President’s compromise offer to House Speaker Boehner to achieve another $1.8 trillion in deficit reduction in a balance way. By including this compromise proposal in the Budget, the President is demonstrating his willingness to make tough choices. EPA's budget request of $8.153 billion for the 2014 fiscal year starting October 1, 2013 reflects our ongoing efforts to change the way EPA does business –to invest in more efficient ways for the Agency to operate, to further reduce costs wherever possible all while we preserve and enhance our ability to carry out the Agency’s core mission to protect human health and the environment.
The President’s budget reinforces our firm commitment to keeping American communities clean and healthy, while also taking into consideration the difficult fiscal situation and the declining resources of state, local and tribal programs.
EPA’s requested budget will allow us to continue making progress toward cleaner air, addressing climate change, protecting the nation’s waters, supporting sustainable water infrastructure and protecting lands and assuring the safety of chemicals.
It is the product of long discussions and difficult choices. In the end, we believe this budget will enable us to work toward the Agency’s goals as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Let me run through a few highlights from the President’s FY 2014 budget request.
Despite the fiscal challenges we face, supporting our state and tribal partners, the primary implementers of environmental programs, remains a priority of the EPA. Funding for states and tribes through the State and Tribal Assistance Grants – or STAG – account is once again the largest percentage of the EPA's budget request – at nearly 40 percent in FY 2014. The FY 2014 budget includes a total of $1.14 billion in categorical grants.
We have requested a $60 million investment in an agency-wide initiative to develop new tools and expand systems designed to reduce the regulatory reporting burden on regulated entities, and provide EPA, states, and the public with easier access to environmental data for compliance monitoring and other purposes. This new initiative is fully paid for, so does not add a single dime to the deficit.
This project – what we call “E-Enterprise” – would enable businesses to conduct environmental business transactions with regulators electronically through a single interactive portal, similar to online banking. The paperwork and regulatory reporting burden would be reduced thanks to more efficient collection, reporting, and use of data, in addition to regulatory revisions to eliminate redundant or obsolete information requests. The initiative will encourage greater transparency and compliance.
The result will be widespread savings – for industry and for the states and tribes. For example, E-Enterprise builds on efforts such as the e-manifest system which is projected to reduce reporting costs for regulated businesses by up to a range of $77 - $126 million annually, because it replaces the millions of paper manifests for hazardous waste shipments with a modern tracking and reporting system.
The FY 2014 request also includes $176.5 million to support the agency’s work with partners and stakeholders to address greenhouse gas emissions and its impacts. These funds will help reduce emissions – both domestically and internationally – through careful, cost-effective rulemaking and voluntary programs that focus on the largest entities and encourage businesses and consumers to limit unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions.
Some of this funding will support existing, successful approaches like ENERGY STAR, the Global Methane Initiative, the GHG Reporting Rule, and state and local technical assistance and partnership programs, such as SmartWay. $20 million will go towards research, so we can better understand the impacts of climate change on human health and vulnerable ecosystems. Our requested budget contains $175 million to support our Clean Air Act-mandated work to develop, implement and review air quality standards and guidance. This funding will also allow EPA to enhance our support to our state, local and Tribal partners to implement the programs.
Nutrient pollution is one of the nation’s most widespread and challenging environmental problems. To assist in tackling this challenge, EPA is requesting an increase of $15 million in Clean Water Act Section 106 Water Pollution Control grant funding to support states, interstate agencies and tribes that commit to strengthening their nutrient management efforts.
Ensuring that federal dollars provided through the State Revolving Funds support effective and efficient system-wide planning remains a priority for EPA. The FY 2014 budget request includes $1.1 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $817 million for the Drinking WaterSRF. This money will also assist EPA efforts to expand and institutionalize the use of up-front planning that considers a full range of infrastructure alternatives like “green” infrastructure, so that the right investments are made at the right time, and at the lowest life-cycle cost. This budget request will allow the SRFs to finance approximately $6 billion in wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects annually.
In FY 2014, the agency is requesting over $1.34 billion for its land cleanup programs to continue to apply the most effective approaches to preserve and restore our country’s land. This money will go towards developing and implementing prevention programs, improving response capabilities, and maximizing the effectiveness of response and cleanup actions. The agency is also renewing its request to reinstate the Superfund tax in order to provide a stable, dedicated source of revenue for the Superfund Trust Fund and to restore the historic nexus that parties who benefit from the manufacture or sale of substances that commonly contaminate hazardous waste sites should bear the cost of cleanup when viable potentially responsible parties cannot be identified.
Ensuring the safety of new or existing chemicals in commerce to protect the American people is another top priority. Chemicals are used in the production of everything from our homes and cars to the cell phones we carry and the food we eat. The $686.2 million requested in FY 2014 will allow EPA to continue managing the potential risks of new chemicals entering commerce, without impacting progress in assessing and ensuring the safety of existing chemicals. These resources encompass all efforts across the agency associated specifically with ensuring chemical safety and pollution prevention, including research and enforcement.
EPA’s research budget provides $554 million to support critical research in key areas, ranging from chemical safety to water sustainability to climate and energy to human health. This research will help advance the Administration’s commitment to healthy communities and a clean energy future.
Finally, let me discuss some steps we are taking to ensure taxpayer dollars are going as far as they possibly can.
The budget includes $54 million in savings by eliminating several EPA programs that have either completed their goals or can be implemented through other federal or state efforts. Adding to these savings and demonstrating a willingness to make tough choices, more than 20 EPA programs, are being reduced by 10 percent or more in FY 2014.
EPA has also been laying the groundwork to ensure the best use of human resources, which will continue in FY 2014. We will continue to analyze our workforce needs to achieve the Agency’s mission effectively and efficiently. This is reflected in our FTE request for FY 2014, which is our lowest in 20 years.
We also continue to look for opportunities to consolidate physical space and reduce operating costs at our facilities nationwide. On-going improvements in operating efficiency, combined with the use of advanced technologies and energy sources, have reduced energy utilization and saved nearly $6 million annually.
In FY 2014, we are requesting $17 million in the Building &Facilities appropriation to accelerate space consolidation efforts, which will result in long-term savings in rent and operating costs. By consolidating space, we have, since 2006 released approximately 417 thousand square feet of space at headquarters and facilities nationwide, resulting in a cumulative annual rent avoidance of over $14.2 million.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. While my testimony reflects only some of the highlights of EPA's budget request, I look forward answering your questions.
R073
In Celebration of Earth Week, Large-scale Philly Recycler Joins EPA Program to Reduce U.S. Waste
EPA News Release:
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION III- OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2029
Phone - 215/814-5100 Fax - 215/814-5102
EPA Environmental News
Contact: Terri White 215-814-5523, white.terri-a@epa.gov
In Celebration of Earth Week, Large-scale Philly Recycler
Joins EPA Program to Reduce U.S. Waste
Revolution Recovery specializes in construction and demolition waste
PHILADELPIA (April 24, 2013) – At today’s signing ceremony Revolution Recovery joined approximately 1,500 businesses nationwide to partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in reducing industrial waste.
Today, EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin welcomed Revolution Recovery Partner/Owner Avi Golen into the agency's WasteWise program, and both formally signed the agreement. The ceremony took place at Revolution Recovery’s facility at 7333 Milnor St., in Northeast Philadelphia.
As a WasteWise partner, Revolution Recovery, will demonstrate how they reduce waste, and will help educate other businesses and organizations about the benefits of recycling construction and demolition waste.
“We're pleased that Revolution Recovery is joining with EPA because as a successful green-jobs creator, they'll be actively involved in educating the next generation of environmentally-aware businesses and organizations. Revolution Recovery has become an environmental steward and is leading by example,” said EPA Regional Administrator Garvin.
Revolution Recovery’s goal is to keep construction and demolition waste out of landfills because almost all job site wastes such as steel, concrete, drywall, lumber and glass are recyclable.
“Revolution Recovery’s mission is to keep materials out of landfills, and our goal is to be a zero waste company,” said Golen. “Our team is dedicated to making this a reality while building a sustainable company. We are pleased to have our goals align with the EPA’s mission to protect the environment and build a better community.”
In 2004, the company began business without clients, without a truck and in the beginning, they sorted materials by hand. Last year the company added a second operation bringing the total number of employees to almost 80, with plans for continued growth.
Revolution Recovery continues to find recycling opportunities for a variety of construction debris including drywall, which is turned into soil amendments, fertilizers and conditioners; wood waste which is processed into mulch products; and scrap metal which is melted down to make new raw materials.
The company has also added a new material: carpeting. Until recently, it was too cumbersome and cost prohibitive for recycling. But the process has greatly improved and more and more carpet is getting recycled into new plastic and carpet products.
In addition, Revolution Recovery donates recycled materials for community projects at area universities, garden and landscaping programs and design studios.
EPA introduced the WasteWise program in 1994 to help organizations and businesses apply sustainable materials management practices to reduce municipal and industrial waste.
For more information about WasteWise, go to: http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/smm/wastewise/about.htm
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION III- OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2029
Phone - 215/814-5100 Fax - 215/814-5102
EPA Environmental News
Contact: Terri White 215-814-5523, white.terri-a@epa.gov
In Celebration of Earth Week, Large-scale Philly Recycler
Joins EPA Program to Reduce U.S. Waste
Revolution Recovery specializes in construction and demolition waste
PHILADELPIA (April 24, 2013) – At today’s signing ceremony Revolution Recovery joined approximately 1,500 businesses nationwide to partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in reducing industrial waste.
Today, EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin welcomed Revolution Recovery Partner/Owner Avi Golen into the agency's WasteWise program, and both formally signed the agreement. The ceremony took place at Revolution Recovery’s facility at 7333 Milnor St., in Northeast Philadelphia.
As a WasteWise partner, Revolution Recovery, will demonstrate how they reduce waste, and will help educate other businesses and organizations about the benefits of recycling construction and demolition waste.
“We're pleased that Revolution Recovery is joining with EPA because as a successful green-jobs creator, they'll be actively involved in educating the next generation of environmentally-aware businesses and organizations. Revolution Recovery has become an environmental steward and is leading by example,” said EPA Regional Administrator Garvin.
Revolution Recovery’s goal is to keep construction and demolition waste out of landfills because almost all job site wastes such as steel, concrete, drywall, lumber and glass are recyclable.
“Revolution Recovery’s mission is to keep materials out of landfills, and our goal is to be a zero waste company,” said Golen. “Our team is dedicated to making this a reality while building a sustainable company. We are pleased to have our goals align with the EPA’s mission to protect the environment and build a better community.”
In 2004, the company began business without clients, without a truck and in the beginning, they sorted materials by hand. Last year the company added a second operation bringing the total number of employees to almost 80, with plans for continued growth.
Revolution Recovery continues to find recycling opportunities for a variety of construction debris including drywall, which is turned into soil amendments, fertilizers and conditioners; wood waste which is processed into mulch products; and scrap metal which is melted down to make new raw materials.
The company has also added a new material: carpeting. Until recently, it was too cumbersome and cost prohibitive for recycling. But the process has greatly improved and more and more carpet is getting recycled into new plastic and carpet products.
In addition, Revolution Recovery donates recycled materials for community projects at area universities, garden and landscaping programs and design studios.
EPA introduced the WasteWise program in 1994 to help organizations and businesses apply sustainable materials management practices to reduce municipal and industrial waste.
For more information about WasteWise, go to: http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/smm/wastewise/about.htm
Hemphill Water Treatment Plant in Atlanta, Ga. Named a Top Finisher in Energy Star National Building Competition
EPA News Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2013
April 24, 2013
Hemphill Water Treatment Plant in Atlanta, Ga. Named a Top Finisher in Energy Star National Building Competition
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421 (Direct), (404) 562-8400 (Main), harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA – The Hemphill Water Treatment Plant & Pumping Station in Atlanta, Ga. was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a top finisher in the third-annual Energy Star National Building Competition. The plant was recognized for reducing their energy use by over a 40 percent, the sixth largest in the competition.
In its third year, the Energy Star National Building Competition featured teams from across the country to improve energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and protect public health and the environment. More than 3,000 schools, businesses, and government buildings across the country competed to see which could reduce its energy use the most in one year.
The 2012 national winner was the Demarest Elementary School in Bloomfield, N.J., which reduced its energy use by more than 52 percent and cut their utility bills by more than $75,800.
Together, competitors of this year’s National Building Competition cut their energy costs by more than $50 million, saved more than three billion kBtus of energy, and reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions equal to the amount of electricity used by more than 43,000 homes.
The 2012 national winner was the Demarest Elementary School in Bloomfield, N.J., which reduced its energy use by more than 52 percent and cut their utility bills by more than $75,800.
Together, competitors of this year’s National Building Competition cut their energy costs by more than $50 million, saved more than three billion kBtus of energy, and reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions equal to the amount of electricity used by more than 43,000 homes.
The 2012 Energy Star National Building Competition measured energy performance for the entire 2012 calendar year. Competitors tracked their building's monthly energy consumption using EPA's online energy tracking tool, Energy Star Portfolio Manager. The energy use reductions for each top finisher were verified by an independently licensed professional engineer or registered architect at the conclusion of the competition.
Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for nearly 20 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year. Thousands of businesses and organizations work with EPA’s Energy Star program and are saving billions of dollars, preventing millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere each year.
Products, homes, and buildings that earn the Energy Star label prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency requirements set by the U.S. EPA. In 2012 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $24 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those of 41 million vehicles. To date, more than 1.4 million new homes and 20,000 office buildings, schools and hospitals have earned the Energy Star label. Learn more: www.energystar.gov
More information on the 2012 Energy Star National Building Competition, including top overall finishers and top finishers by building category, an interactive map of competitors, and a wrap-up report: http://www.energystar.gov/BattleOfTheBuildings
Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4
And on Twitter: @USEPASoutheast
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EPA to Hold 2013 National Brownfields Conference at Georgia World Congress Center
EPA News Release:
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EPA to Hold 2013 National Brownfields Conference at Georgia World Congress Center
Contact Information: James Pinkney, (404) 562-9183 (Direct), (404) 562-8400 (Main) pinkney.james@epa.gov
(ATLANTA – April 24, 2013) Thousands of environmental and economic development officials, finance and insurance providers, risk managers, planners, attorneys, civil engineers and students are expected to attend the U.S. EPA and ICMA co-sponsored National Brownfields Conference, May 15-17, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Addressing the nation's brownfields - abandoned or underutilized properties stigmatized by past commercial or industrial uses - is an ongoing challenge for communities of every size. By focusing on redevelopment, properties are put back into productive use for communities while helping to keep undeveloped lands in a natural state.
The National Brownfields Conference's Educational Program features more than 100 sessions on sustainable remediation, smart growth, green jobs, creative financing and financial risk management, community and economic development, environmental assessment and cleanup, public health, cleanup and redevelopment of properties, and much more. Over 150 exhibitors will display the latest technologies and services, and mobile workshops and walking tours of Atlanta are also included.
A unique conference feature is the Economic Redevelopment Forum, which brings together property owners with developers, investors and financiers to talk about specific brownfields properties available for purchase, reuse and redevelopment. This fast-paced interactive forum is a must attend brownfields event for corporate asset managers, economic development officials, real estate professionals, and others. A variety of properties will be available ranging from former manufacturing plants, to vacant and abandoned commercial buildings and lots. Many of these properties may be eligible for a host of local, state and even federal redevelopment incentives.
A unique conference feature is the Economic Redevelopment Forum, which brings together property owners with developers, investors and financiers to talk about specific brownfields properties available for purchase, reuse and redevelopment. This fast-paced interactive forum is a must attend brownfields event for corporate asset managers, economic development officials, real estate professionals, and others. A variety of properties will be available ranging from former manufacturing plants, to vacant and abandoned commercial buildings and lots. Many of these properties may be eligible for a host of local, state and even federal redevelopment incentives.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of economic and environmental redevelopment, or a seasoned professional looking to make new connections and increase your business, Brownfields 2013 offers something for you.
For more information visit: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/bfconf.htm
Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4
And on Twitter: @USEPASoutheast
And on Twitter: @USEPASoutheast
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013
EPA Takes Action Against New Jersey Importer of Illegal Pesticides
EPA News Release:
EPA Takes Action Against New Jersey Importer of Illegal Pesticides
Contact: John Martin, (212) 637-3662, martin.johnj@epa.gov
(New York, N.Y. – April 23, 2013) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a legal complaint against the Caribbean Corp. of Little Ferry, New Jersey for violating federal pesticides law. The company faces fines of up to $51,200 for importing pesticides into the United States from Mexico without first properly notifying the EPA, and for importing, selling and distributing unregistered and misbranded pesticides. Under federal law, products used to kill pests, including antibacterial cleaners and disinfectants, must be registered with the EPA and contain labels written in English with instructions on their proper use.
"Pesticides can make people sick, particularly if they are not used according to instructions,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Companies that import pesticides into the United States without making sure these products are properly labeled put people’s health and safety at risk. It is imperative that importers and store owners remove unregistered or mislabeled pesticides from their shelves to help protect the health of their customers.”
EPA inspections of the Caribbean Corp.’s Little Ferry facility in May 2012 revealed the company was selling bottles of “Fabuloso,” a liquid cleaner, and “Clorox,” a liquid bleach, that had not been registered with the EPA. Although many Clorox products are registered with EPA, these particular bottles were not. In addition, the labels on these products were in Spanish, and not in English, as required. The labels on the bottles of Fabuloso stated it was antibacterial and the labels on the Clorox products stated it was a disinfectant, making both products subject to federal pesticide law.
Before a pesticide product is registered, the producer of the product must provide data from tests conducted according to EPA guidelines to ensure that the product will not be harmful to people’s health. The EPA examines the ingredients and the way in which the product will be used, and assesses a wide variety of potential human health and environmental effects associated with its use. Distributors and retailers are responsible for ensuring that all pesticides distributed and sold fully comply with the law.
The federal pesticides law additionally requires the filing of a "Notice of Arrival" prior to the arrival of all imported pesticides into the United States. Companies must submit detailed information on the Notice of Arrival form to allow the EPA to determine if the pesticide is approved for use in the United States or meets one of the few allowable exemptions. Products not registered with the EPA for use in the United States are denied entry and destroyed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or sent back to their country of origin under Customs supervision.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page,http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2.
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EPA Holds Hearings to Gather Public Comments on Vehicle and Gasoline Standards
EPA News Release:
April 24: Philadelphia, PA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 23, 2013
EPA Holds Hearings to Gather Public Comments on Vehicle and Gasoline Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold two public hearings in April on the Tier 3 proposed rulemaking aimed at addressing the impacts of motor vehicles on air quality and public health. The program proposes to set new vehicle emissions standards and lower the sulfur content of gasoline beginning in 2017.
The proposed vehicle standards would reduce both tailpipe and evaporative emissions from passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles, and some heavy-duty vehicles. By 2030, EPA estimates that the proposed cleaner fuels and cars program will annually prevent up to 2,400 premature deaths, 23,000 cases of respiratory ailments in children, 3,200 hospital admissions and asthma-related emergency room visits, and 1.8 million lost school days, work days and days when activities would be restricted due to air pollution. Total health-related benefits in 2030 will be between $8 and $23 billion annually.
WHAT: Public hearings on proposed Tier 3 vehicle emissions and fuel standards
WHEN: April 24 and 29, 2013
EPA Holds Hearings to Gather Public Comments on Vehicle and Gasoline Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold two public hearings in April on the Tier 3 proposed rulemaking aimed at addressing the impacts of motor vehicles on air quality and public health. The program proposes to set new vehicle emissions standards and lower the sulfur content of gasoline beginning in 2017.
The proposed vehicle standards would reduce both tailpipe and evaporative emissions from passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles, and some heavy-duty vehicles. By 2030, EPA estimates that the proposed cleaner fuels and cars program will annually prevent up to 2,400 premature deaths, 23,000 cases of respiratory ailments in children, 3,200 hospital admissions and asthma-related emergency room visits, and 1.8 million lost school days, work days and days when activities would be restricted due to air pollution. Total health-related benefits in 2030 will be between $8 and $23 billion annually.
WHAT: Public hearings on proposed Tier 3 vehicle emissions and fuel standards
WHEN: April 24 and 29, 2013
Each hearing will begin at 10 a.m. local time
WHERE:
WHERE:
April 24: Philadelphia, PA
The Sonesta Hotel—Philadelphia
1800 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
April 29: Chicago, IL
1800 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
April 29: Chicago, IL
The Doubletree—Magnificent Mile
300 E. Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611
The public may register to speak at either hearing by contacting JoNell Iffland, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ), at (734) 214-4454 or Iffland.jonell@epa.gov.
EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards before June 13, 2013. All comments should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0135 and submitted by one of the following methods:
E-mail:A-and-R-Docket@epa.gov
Mail:
Environmental Protection Agency Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center (6102T) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20460
Hand Delivery: EPA West building EPA Docket Center (Room 3340) 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
More information on proposed Tier 3 rulemaking can be found at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/tier3.htm
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300 E. Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611
The public may register to speak at either hearing by contacting JoNell Iffland, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ), at (734) 214-4454 or Iffland.jonell@epa.gov.
EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards before June 13, 2013. All comments should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2011-0135 and submitted by one of the following methods:
E-mail:A-and-R-Docket@epa.gov
Mail:
Environmental Protection Agency Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center (6102T) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20460
Hand Delivery: EPA West building EPA Docket Center (Room 3340) 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
More information on proposed Tier 3 rulemaking can be found at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/tier3.htm
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Northwest federal agencies are combating climate change - reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy, water, waste efficiency improvements
EPA News Release:
Northwest federal agencies are combating climate change - reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy, water, waste efficiency improvements
Contact: Suzanne Skadowski, EPA Region 10, 206-553-6689, skadowski.suzanne@epa.gov
(Seattle – April 23, 2013) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 recognized federal agencies in the Northwest and Alaska as Federal Green Challenge winners for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions 5 percent or more in two target areas - energy, electronics, transportation, waste, water, or purchasing.
The combined efforts of 47 participants, 100s of facilities, and more than 100,000 federal employees in the Northwest and Alaska saved over $3.5 million for U.S. taxpayers by:
- Saving more than 32,000 gallons of fuel oil
- Saving 10 million cubic feet of natural gas
- Reducing potable water use by 166 million gallons
- Diverting more than 38,766 tons of waste from landfills
- Recycling nearly 1,200 tons of end-of-life electronics
EPA recognized these Region 10 Federal Green Challenge Award winners at today’s 5th annual symposium in Seattle:
Energy & Water Award
Department of Homeland Security - - U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle, Washington
- Reducing water consumption by 59 percent and energy consumption by 25 percent
Waste Award
U.S. Postal Service - - Anchorage Processing and Distribution Center, Alaska
- Expanding waste recycling to 70 percent of all solid waste from the Anchorage plant and its nine feeder offices
Waste Award
Bureau of Land Management - - Robert Duncan Plaza, Portland, Oregon
- Increasing waste diversion by 12 percent through recycling and office clean up
Education and Outreach Award
Presented to the Green Team located in the Federal Office Building and Jackson Federal Building, Seattle, Washington
National Park Service, Housing and Urban Development, Bonneville Power Administration, General Services Administration - Office of High Performance Buildings, U.S. Geological Survey - - Federal Office Building
Department of Commerce - Economic Development Association, U.S. Coast Guard District 13, Federal Trade Commission, Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, Department of Commerce - Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights, Veterans Affairs – Veterans Benefits Administration, General Services Administration, Internal Revenue Service - - Jackson Federal Building
- E-Cycle events recycled 13,200 lbs of E-waste; Resolve to Revolve Campaign increased revolving door use 3 percent over less energy efficient doors; Green Pages Quarterly news; environmental stewardship training
Federal Green Challenge: http://www.epa.gov/fgc/awards/
Follow @EPAnorthwest on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAnorthwest
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