EPA News Release:

Tacoma teacher and educators association win EPA award and grant for innovative environmental education

 

Contact:   Suzanne Skadowski, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-6689, skadowski.suzanne@epa.gov

(Seattle – June 27, 2013) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is presenting a presidential environmental education award to teacher Ralph Harrison, at the Science and Math Institute of Tacoma, Washington and awarding an environmental education model grant to E3 Washington.

EPA is presenting the 2013 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators to Ralph Harrison and the Science and Math Institute, of Tacoma, Washington. The award recognizes and supports teachers and schools using experiential and environmental opportunities with creativity and community engagement to help students develop civic responsibility and ecosystem stewardship. The award includes $2,000 to promote Mr. Harrison’s professional development in environmental education and $2,000 to the Science and Math Institute for environmental education programs.

Today, EPA is also awarding a $216,000 environmental education model grant to E3 Washington, formerly the Environmental Education Association of Washington. E3 Washington’s Educator-to-Educator Initiative for Student Learning project will work with environmental education leaders in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to develop and implement a model for classroom and community environmental education.

EPA is presenting the awards and grant at a ceremony today at the McKinstry Innovation Center in Seattle.

Matheson Tri-Gas Pays $73,790 Penalty For Alleged Environmental Violations

EPA Press Release:

Matheson Tri-Gas Pays $73,790 Penalty

For Alleged Environmental Violations

PHILADELPHIA (June 27, 2013) -- Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. has paid a $73,790 penalty for not submitting a required risk management plan for a facility at 1401 Stauffer Road, Palm, Pa. (Montgomery County), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

Under the federal Clean Air Act, facilities that maintain certain quantities of regulated substances must submit a risk management plan to EPA that explains steps the facility would take to reduce the risk of accidental releases of flammable substances. The plan must also explain how the facility would minimize the consequences of any accidental releases that might occur.

Regulated substances at the Matheson Tri Gas facility in Palm included methane, propylene and isobutane.  EPA alleged that the company did not submit a risk management plan to EPA until 20 months after it acquired the company.

Matheson Tri Gas manufactures and supplies gas products to a wide range of industries.

As part of its settlement with EPA, Matheson Tri-Gas did not admit liability for the alleged violations, but has certified that its facility is now within the risk management provisions of the Clean Air Act.

For more information on the risk management provision in the Clean Air Act see http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/ .

EPA Strengthens Energy Star Requirements for Refrigerators and Freezers

EPA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 27, 2013

EPA Strengthens Energy Star Requirements for Refrigerators and FreezersEncourages “connected” features, including smart grid functionality
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised its Energy Star requirements for residential refrigerators and freezers. The updated requirements raise the bar for energy efficiency in these products and, for the first time, encourage manufacturers of Energy Star appliances to include optional “connected” features. These features would offer consumers more ways to reduce the energy consumption of their refrigerators and freezers, help lower their utility bills, and better protect the environment and the climate.

Under the new standards, Energy Star certified refrigerators and freezers will use at least 10 percent less energy than models meeting 2014 federal minimum efficiency standards. If all refrigerators and freezers sold in the United States were to meet the updated requirements, energy cost savings would grow to more than $890 million each year and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of those from more than one million vehicles. Additionally, by recycling an old refrigerator and replacing it with a new Energy Star certified refrigerator, consumers can save from $150–$1,100 on energy costs over the product’s lifetime.

“We can all do our part in meeting the challenge of climate change,” said Janet McCabe, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. “By choosing Energy Star appliances, families can save energy, save money, and reduce carbon pollution.”

Certain Energy Star refrigerators and freezers with connected features will provide consumers new convenience and energy-saving opportunities. These products will allow consumers to view real-time energy use, receive energy-related messages, such as an alert when the door has been left open, and manage appliance settings remotely. Refrigerators and freezers with connected functionality will also be “smart grid”-ready, meaning that with consumer permission, they will be able to respond to utility signals, including curtailing operations during more expensive peak demand times.

To earn the Energy Star label, product performance must be certified by an EPA-recognized third party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. The updated Energy Star refrigerator and freezer specification will go into effect on September 15, 2014.

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 utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those of 50 million vehicles. To date, more than 1.4 million new homes and 20,000 facilities, including offices, schools, hospitals, and industrial plants have earned the Energy Star label. Learn more: www.energystar.gov

More information on the updated Energy Star refrigerators and freezers specification: https://www.energystar.gov/products/specs/node/125

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Germany Delays EU Decision on Lower CO2 Emissions for Cars - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Germany Delays EU Decision on Lower CO2 Emissions for Cars - SPIEGEL ONLINE

News Release:

Monsanto Company Receives Gulf Guardian Award for Mississippi River Watershed Partnership

Jun 27, 2013

ST. LOUIS, June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At a ceremony last night in Tampa Bay, Fla., the Gulf of Mexico Programrecognized Monsanto Company with the First Place 2013 Gulf Guardian Award in the Business/Industry Category for the company's Mississippi River Watershed Partnership. The Gulf of Mexico Program applauded the efforts of Monsanto and its partners for their efforts in environmental stewardship for the benefit of the Gulf of Mexico.

"On behalf of the company, our employees and the farmers and partners involved in the Mississippi River Watershed Partnership, we are honored to receive this Gulf Guardian Award," said Jerry Steiner, executive vice president of sustainability and corporate affairs for Monsanto. "This partnership is a good example of working together to continually improve farming and conservation in the Mississippi River Watershed so that nature and people benefit from improved water quality and enhanced wildlife habitat."

The Gulf of Mexico Program began in 1988 to protect, restore, and maintain the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in economically sustainable ways. The Gulf of Mexico Program is underwritten by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is a non-regulatory, inclusive consortium of state and federal government agencies and representatives of the business and agricultural community, fishing industry, scientists, environmentalists and community leaders from all five Gulf States. The Gulf of Mexico Program seeks to improve the environmental health of the Gulf in concert with economic development.

The Mississippi River Watershed Partnership aimed to reduce nutrient runoff and sediment movement into the largest river system in the United States. Monsanto contributed a total of $5 million in financial support to agricultural and conservation groups—Delta Wildlife, The National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy—that worked with farmers and urban areas to help reduce runoff into the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Nature Conservancy and Delta Wildlife worked collaboratively with farmers to remove nutrients and sediment from agricultural runoff in the Mississippi River Basin. The National Audubon Society worked with homeowners and others to implement measures that can improve wildlife habitat and the quality of water entering the Mississippi River.

Highlights from the Mississippi River Watershed Partnership include:

• Delta Wildlife and Mississippi farmers installed 1,000 water control structures, which prevent 20,000 pounds of nitrogen, 10,000 pounds of phosphorous and 9,000 tons of sediment from entering the Gulf of Mexico annually.
• The Nature Conservancy worked with local partners and agricultural producers in the Root River in Minnesota, the Pecatonica River in Wisconsin, the Boone River in Iowa and the Mackinaw River in Illinois to implement precision conservation measures and practices in agricultural landscapes that addresses nutrient and sediment runoff. Examples of precision conservation include the use of cover crops, strip tillage, bioreactors, no-till farming and installing grass waterways.
• The National Audubon Society designed and installed nine rain garden demonstration sites in six states across the Mississippi River Basin that highlight best practices for residential and commercial landscape markets. The demonstration sites host more than 1 million visitors annually.

The Gulf of Mexico Program initiated the Gulf Guardian Awards in 2000 as a way to recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals and agencies that are taking positive steps to help keep the Gulf healthy, beautiful and productive. First, second and third place awards are given in seven categories: (1) individual, (2) business/industry, (3) youth environmental education, (4) civic/nonprofit organizations, (5) cultural diversity/environmental justice, (6) partnership and (7) bi-national efforts.

Monsanto's work with water use and agriculture is primarily focused in three areas: (1) education and research, (2) products and (3) partnerships. More information on the company's work within these three focused areas and the Mississippi River Watershed Partnership is available at: www.monsanto.com/water.

In April, Monsanto was named one of CR Magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens for 2013. Monsanto has been included on the magazine's ranking of corporate responsibility performance of major U.S. companies four times. First published in 1999, the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list ranks large-cap Russell 1000 companies based on publicly available information in seven key categories: climate change, employee relations, environmental, financial, governance, human rights and philanthropy.

To learn more about Monsanto's sustainable agriculture projects around the world, please see the recently released Monsanto 2012 Sustainability Report at sustainability.monsanto.com or visit www.monsanto.com/improvingagriculture.

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com.  Follow our business on Twitter^® atwww.twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at www.monsantoblog.com, or subscribe to ourNews Release RSS Feed.

CONTACT Billy Brennan william.brennan@monsanto.com

SOURCE Monsanto Company

UNITED STATES REACHES AGREEMENT WITH SUNCOKE ENERGY RESOLVING CLEAN AIR VIOLATIONS AT PLANTS IN ILLINOIS AND OHIO

EPA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2013
DOJ (202) 514-2007    
TTY (866) 544-5309 
WWW.JUSTICE.GOV     

EPA Dale Kemery                                                                                           
Kemery.dale@epa.gov
202-564-7839
                                                                                                                                                             

UNITED STATES REACHES AGREEMENT WITH SUNCOKE ENERGY RESOLVING CLEAN AIR VIOLATIONS AT PLANTS IN ILLINOIS AND OHIO

WASHINGTON – SunCoke Energy Inc. and two of its subsidiaries have agreed to pay $1.995 million to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations of emission limits at the Gateway Energy and Coke plant in Granite City, Illinois, and the Haverhill Coke plant in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, announced the Justice Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.   

The companies will also spend $255,000 on a lead abatement project in southern Illinois to reduce lead hazards in owner-occupied low income residences with priority given to families with young children or pregnant women.  The companies will pay a penalty of $1.27 million to the United States, $575,000 to the State of Illinois, and $150,000 to the State of Ohio.  Illinois and Ohio are co-plaintiffs in this case.

“This settlement is good news for communities in Illinois and Ohio, who will benefit from these substantial reductions in harmful air pollution and enjoy cleaner, healthier air to breathe for many years to come,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Robert G. Dreher.  “It also reflects our continuing commitment to protecting the people and environment of the United States through the vigorous enforcement of the Clean Air Act.”

“The settlement requires SunCoke to implement innovative, more stringent pollution controls and includes a project that will reduce exposure to lead in low-income housing in the Granite City area,” said Susan Hedman, U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator.  “This settlement protects public health and the environment in both of the Ohio and Illinois communities where SunCoke’s facilities are located.”

“This settlement provides a long-term solution to protect air quality and control emissions,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. “We will continue to work with other agencies to protect Ohio families from environmental harm.”

“The facility upgrades and stricter emission limits mandated in this settlement will dramatically reduce harmful pollution levels and improve overall air quality in the communities surrounding these facilities,” said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

In addition, the companies will spend approximately $100 million at the two heat recovery coking facilities to install equipment known as heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) to ensure that hot coking gases are routed to pollution control equipment and not vented directly into the atmosphere.  If future emissions exceed the requisite threshold at a third facility, in Middletown, Ohio, then SunCoke will have to install an additional HRSG at that facility to prevent uncontrolled venting of coking gases.  They will also spend an estimated $700,000 on equipment to continuously monitor sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions at the Gateway and Haverhill facilities.
 
Further, the companies have agreed to accept more stringent emission limits than required in their current permits for SO2 and particulate matter, and, in the case of the Gateway Facility, lead.  SO2 contributes to acid rain and exacerbates respiratory illness, particularly in children and the elderly.  Exposure to particulate pollution has been linked to health impacts that include decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

 The primary violations alleged relate to excessive bypass venting of hot coking gases directly to the atmosphere, resulting in excess SO2 and particulate matter emissions from the facilities’ waste heat and main stacks, in violation of applicable permit limits.  Coke oven emissions are a known human carcinogen.  Chronic (long-term) exposure in humans can result in conjunctivitis, severe dermatitis, and lesions of the respiratory system and digestive system.  The additional equipment installed at the facilities will result in estimated emissions reductions of over 1200 tons per year of SO2, over 130 tons per year of particulate matter, 252 tons per year of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid gases, and over 1800 pounds per year of lead.

Both facilities are located in areas that do not meet federal health-based standards for soot.  The Illinois facility is located in an area that also does not meet the federal air pollution standard for lead.

Reducing illegal emissions of toxic air pollutants at facilities that have a significant impact on air quality and health in communities is one of EPA’s national enforcement priorities.  Excess emissions from chemical plants and other industries can result in releases of hazardous air pollutants, or air toxics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, and seriously impact the environment.

The Consent Decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.  It is available on the Justice Department website at www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html

EPA Reaches Agreement with SunCoke Energy for Clean Air Violations at Plants in Illinois and Ohio

EPA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2013

EPA Reaches Agreement with SunCoke Energy for Clean Air Violations at Plants in Illinois and Ohio

WASHINGTON – SunCoke Energy Inc. and two of its subsidiaries have agreed to pay $1.995 million to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations of emission limits at the Gateway Energy and Coke plant in Granite City, Ill., and the Haverhill Coke plant in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department.

The companies will also spend $255,000 on a lead abatement project in southern Illinois to reduce lead hazards in owner-occupied low income residences with priority given to families with young children or pregnant women. The companies will pay a penalty of $1.27 million to the United States, $575,000 to the State of Illinois, and $150,000 to the State of Ohio. Illinois and Ohio are co-plaintiffs in this case.

“The substantial upgrades required by today’s settlement will reduce air pollution that can harm public health and the environment,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is committed to reducing toxic air pollution from sources that have an impact on the health of communities.”

“This settlement is good news for communities in Illinois and Ohio, who will benefit from these substantial reductions in harmful air pollution and enjoy cleaner, healthier air to breathe for many years to come,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Robert G. Dreher. “It also reflects our continuing commitment to protecting the people and environment of the United States through the vigorous enforcement of the Clean Air Act.”

“This settlement provides a long-term solution to protect air quality and control emissions,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. “We will continue to work with other agencies to protect Ohio families from environmental harm.”

“The facility upgrades and stricter emission limits mandated in this settlement will dramatically reduce harmful pollution levels and improve overall air quality in the communities surrounding these facilities,” said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

In addition, the companies will spend approximately $100 million at the two heat-recovery coking facilities to install equipment known as heat-recovery steam generators to ensure that hot coking gases are routed to pollution control equipment and not vented directly into the atmosphere. If future emissions exceed the requisite threshold at a third facility, in Middletown, Ohio, then SunCoke will have to install an additional HRSG at that facility to prevent uncontrolled venting of coking gases. They will also spend an estimated $700,000 on equipment to continuously monitor sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions at the Gateway and Haverhill facilities.

Further, the companies have agreed to accept more stringent emission limits than required in their current permits for SO2 and particulate matter, and, in the case of the Gateway Facility, lead. SO2 contributes to acid rain and exacerbates respiratory illness, particularly in children and the elderly. Exposure to particulate pollution has been linked to health impacts that include decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

The primary violations alleged relate to excessive bypass venting of hot coking gases directly to the atmosphere, resulting in excess SO2 and particulate matter emissions from the facilities’ waste heat and main stacks, in violation of applicable permit limits. Coke oven emissions are known human carcinogens. Chronic (long-term) exposure in humans can result in conjunctivitis, severe dermatitis, and lesions of the respiratory system and digestive system. The additional equipment installed at the facilities will result in estimated emissions reductions of more than 1200 tons per year of SO2, over 130 tons per year of particulate matter, 252 tons per year of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid gases, and more than 1800 pounds per year of lead.

Both facilities are located in areas that do not meet federal health-based standards for soot. The Illinois facility is located in an area that also does not meet the federal air pollution standard for lead.

Reducing illegal emissions of toxic air pollutants at facilities that have a significant impact on air quality and health in communities is one of EPA’s national enforcement priorities. Excess emissions from chemical plants and other industries can result in releases of hazardous air pollutants, or air toxics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, and seriously impact the environment.

The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. It is available on the Justice Department website atwww.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html

More information about the case: http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/air/cases/suncoke.html

Oregon and Idaho property managers failed to disclose lead paint hazards to renters

EPA News Release:

Oregon and Idaho property managers failed to disclose lead paint hazards to renters

Suzanne Skadowski, EPA Region 10, 206-553-6689, skadowski.suzanne@epa.gov

(Seattle – June 25, 2013) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered three property management companies in Oregon and Idaho to pay more than $15,000 in federal penalties for failing to disclose lead-based paint hazards to renters.

Elite Property Management, Inc. of Corvallis, Oregon, and Advanced Management, Inc. of Keizer, Oregon, and Hill Rental Properties, LLC of Moscow, Idaho, were each fined for violating the federal Lead-Based Paint Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule.

The companies failed to disclose information regarding lead paint and lead-based paint hazards to renters, based on an EPA and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development joint inspection.

Federal lead disclosure rules require property management companies, real estate agencies, property owners, and sellers to inform potential renters or buyers of the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in housing built before 1978.

            

People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or, especially children - by accidentally eating soil or paint chips containing lead. Improperly removing lead-based paint can also increase the danger to family members.

Heatwave Means Poor Air Quality Expected for Southern Coastal New England and Coastal Maine on Tuesday, June 25

EPA Press Release:

News Release
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
New England Regional Office
June 24, 2013 

Contact:  Dave Deegan, (617) 918-1017

Heatwave Means Poor Air Quality Expected for Southern Coastal New England and Coastal Maine on Tuesday, June 25

(Boston, Mass. – June 24, 2013) – Poor air quality, due to ground-level ozone, is expected for coastal Connecticut, Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, including the Cape and Islands, and  coastal Maine from Acadia National Park southward on Tuesday. EPA and the New England states provide daily air quality forecasts at www.epa.gov/ne/aqi. Please check the web site for updates. 

“We predict that Tuesday will be an unhealthy air quality day in parts of New England,” said Curt Spalding, Administrator of EPA’s New England office.  “On these hot, humid and smoggy days, EPA and the medical community suggest that people limit their strenuous outdoor activity.”

The ozone standard is 0.075 parts per million (ppm) on an 8-hour average basis. Air quality alerts are issued when ozone concentrations exceed, or are predicted to exceed, this level. So far this year, there have been 7 days in New England when ozone concentrations have exceeded the standard. (A preliminary list of this summer’s unhealthy readings can be found at http://www.epa.gov/region1/airquality/o3exceed-13.html)

Exposure to elevated ozone levels can cause breathing problems, aggravate asthma and other pre-existing lung diseases, and make people more susceptible to respiratory infection.  When ozone levels are elevated, people should refrain from strenuous outdoor activity, especially sensitive populations such as children and adults with respiratory problems.

Ground-level ozone forms when volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen (ozone precursors) interact in the presence of strong sunlight. Electrical generating stations, cars, trucks, and buses give off the majority of the pollution which creates ozone.  Gasoline stations, print shops, household products like paints and cleaners, as well as lawn and garden equipment also add significantly to the ozone problem. 

When ozone is forecast to be unhealthy, EPA asks the public to take action. The public can help reduce ozone by:

- Reducing electrical demand by turning air conditioners to a higher temperature setting, turning off unnecessary lights and appliances, such as televisions, computers, or lights during the day, and to deferring household activities like laundry until later hours;

- Using public transportation, car pooling and/or combining trips; and

- Avoiding the use of small gasoline powered engines, such as lawn mowers and tractors, chain saws, power washers, string trimmers and leaf blowers.

EPA and the New England states provide real-time ozone data and air quality forecasts at www.epa.gov/ne/aqi. This website can also be used to sign up to receive free air quality alerts by e-mail when poor air quality is predicted for a particular area. National real-time air quality data from AirNow is also available on smart phones with free iPhone and Android apps, available for download at http://www.airnow.gov/.

#   #   #

EPA Seeks Input on New Clean Air Standards for Solid Waste Landfills

EPA News Release:

EPA Seeks Input on New Clean Air Standards for Solid Waste Landfills
Release Date: 06/20/2013
Contact Information: Enesta Jones (News Media only), jones.enesta@epa.gov, 202-564-7873, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This panel will focus on the agency’s review of its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for municipal solid waste landfills.

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review new source performance standards every eight years and revise them if necessary. EPA is under a court-ordered deadline to complete its review and propose how to address the results of that review by Feb. 4, 2014 and to take final action by Dec. 17, 2014.

The panel will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA. The panel members ask a selected group of SERs to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, community, or organization to inform the panel members about the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities.

EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.

Self-nominations may be submitted through the link below and must be received by July 5, 2013.

Nominate yourself as a SER: http://www.epa.gov/rfa/landfill.html

Municipal solid waste landfills are disposal facilities in or on land for household waste. These landfills may receive certain other types of waste, such as non-hazardous sludge and commercial solid waste. Emissions from municipal solid waste landfills, known as “landfill gas,” occur from decomposition of wastes.

More information on the New Source Performance Standards: 

http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/landfill/landflpg.html

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EPA to Present Waste Reduction Award to City of Newton, Kan., on Tuesday, June 25

EPA Press Release:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations

EPA to Present Waste Reduction Award to City of Newton, Kan., on Tuesday, June 25

Contact Information: EPA Region 7 - Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov; City of Newton - Erin McDaniel, 316-284-6055, emcdaniel@newtonkansas.com

Environmental News

NEWS MEDIA ADVISORY

(Lenexa, Kan., June 24, 2013) - EPA Region 7 will present an award to the City of Newton, Kan., for efforts to reduce waste and recycle materials at the city-owned Sand Creek Station Golf Course.

In 2012, the City of Newton diverted approximately 24 tons of waste from landfills through waste prevention and recycling programs at the golf course. Golf course staff purchased more than three tons of recycled products and reduced other costs, which resulted in $32,000 in savings.

The recycling program at the golf course includes the collection of aluminum cans, branches, cardboard boxes, fats, oil, greases, food, glass, light bulbs, mixed paper, phonebooks, plastics, tires and yard trimmings.

The City of Newton and its local partners, Sand Creek Station Golf Course and Kemper Sports, joined EPA’s WasteWise program in 2009. Kemper Sports manages the golf course and facility operations including water conservation, habitat management, energy usage, recycling, staff education and training.

WasteWise helps organizations and businesses apply sustainable materials management practices to reduce municipal and select industrial wastes. WasteWise participants can join as partners, endorsers or both.

WHO: Newton Mayor Jim Nickel; Chris Tuohey, general manager of Sand Creek Station Golf Course; Marcus Rivas, pollution prevention and sustainability coordinator, EPA Region 7

WHAT: Presentation of EPA WasteWise Waste Reduction Award

WHERE: City Hall, Commission Chambers, 201 E. 6^th Street, Newton, Kan. 67114

WHEN: 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2013

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EPA Installs Prototype Solar-Powered Monitoring System at Durham Library

EPA Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2013

EPA Installs Prototype Solar-Powered Monitoring System at Durham Library

Contact: Dawn Harris Young, (404) 562-8421 (Direct), (404) 562-8400 (Main), harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

DURHAM, N.C. – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with Durham County, N.C., announced the Village Green Project that will make local air quality conditions available in real time to the public for research and educational purposes. The research project involves the installation and testing of a solar-powered air monitoring system that measures pollutants.

EPA built the system into a bench and installed it at the Durham County South Regional Library. Citizens can learn about the system and air quality at the air monitoring station and through programs developed by the library.

The air monitoring system incorporates new sensor technology, solar panels as an energy source and other state-of-the-art features. It will measure three types of air pollutants --ozone, fine particle pollution (PM2.5) and black carbon on a minute-by-minute basis. At elevated levels, ozone and particle pollution can cause a variety of health problems.  Black carbon also contributes to adverse health effects because it contains particles.

The system also measures weather conditions including wind speed and direction, temperature, and relative humidity, which are important for understanding air quality.

Study results will be used to advance air quality measurement tools and capabilities. The system is designed to be lower cost and low maintenance for replication by states, tribes and communities to support their air quality monitoring needs.

The public can view the real-time data at the monitoring station using their smartphone and online at EPA’s website,http://villagegreen.epa.gov.

More information on the Village Green Project: http://villagegreen.epa.gov

More information on health impacts of air pollution: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.health

More information on black carbon: http://www.epa.gov/blackcarbon/

More information on the library: http://www.durhamcountylibrary.org/

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Bootbay.com

EPA and MPCA to Provide More than $3 Million to Restore the St. Louis River

EPA Press Release:

For Immediate Release                                                                            
No. 13 – OPA021

  

EPA and MPCA to Provide More than $3 Million to Restore the St. Louis River

  

Duluth (June 21, 2013) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency today announced more than $3 million to help restore the St. Louis River Area of Concern.   EPA will provide $2.2 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funds and MPCA will provide an additional $1.1 million through the Minnesota Clean Water Fund.

  

The money will be used to fund a variety of activities to guide clean-up work within the St. Louis River Area of Concern, one of 38 such areas within the Great Lakes region.  The $3 million will be used to assess cleanup options at three sites; develop engineering plans for the restoration of seven sites; evaluate the potential use of dredged river sediment for use in local habitat restoration projects and conduct ecosystem monitoring activities.

  

“I am pleased to announce that EPA is providing an additional $2.2 million to help restore the headwaters of the Great Lakes,” said EPA Regional Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager Susan Hedman.  “EPA and MPCA are jointly funding the next phase of work needed to reverse over one hundred years of environmental degradation in the St. Louis River Area of Concern.”

  
"The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is delighted to be working with our federal partners, including EPA, to secure funding to address legacy pollutants, a result of historic practices in the St. Louis River Area of Concern.  With the help of our local partners, we are putting finishing touches on a detailed, multi-million dollar clean up and restoration plan to delist this Area of Concern by the year 2025,” said John Linc Stine, Commissioner for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

"The St. Louis River is a recreational Minnesota jewel for local people, as well as for tourists and sports enthusiasts from all around our nation and world. It's a resource central to our enjoyment and our economy,” said Rep. Rick Nolan. “We commend EPA and MPCA for their commitment, involvement and contribution to a clean and healthy St. Louis River."

“The City of Duluth is grateful for the partnership and shared commitment to the health and preservation of our natural surroundings,” said Mayor Don Ness.  “This funding will allow tremendous progress in the restoration of a huge community resource that is a critical part of Duluth’s vision.  Working together to care for our natural assets allows Duluth to remain one of the most beautiful places in the nation and one of the most sought-after outdoor adventure hubs in the world.”

“The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is pleased with the announcement of the investment being made on the St. Louis River Area of Concern.  The Band's water regulatory authority and ceded territory rights obligate the Band to exercise stewardship with regard to the health of the river.  We look forward to working in partnership with the EPA and MPCA on developing a plan for a cleaner river,” said Ferdinand Martineau, Secretary-Treasurer, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

The St. Louis River is the largest U.S. tributary to Lake Superior. The St. Louis River Area of Concern is extensive, consisting of portions of the St. Louis River watershed in Minnesota, the Nemadji River watershed in Wisconsin and the western tip of Lake Superior.  Much of the environmental degradation is concentrated in the lower 20 miles of the river. Environmental problems affecting this stretch of the river include restrictions on consumption of fish and wildlife, fish tumors, contaminated sediments, beach closings, loss of habitat and restrictions on dredging. The St. Louis River was identified or “listed” as an Area of Concern in 1989 under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the U.S. and Canada.  Of the 43 Areas of Concern identified by the United States and Canada, only two on the U.S. side of the border have been "delisted." GLRI funds are being used to accelerate cleanup work in the remaining Areas of Concern.

EPA has been working closely with Minnesota, Wisconsin and the St. Louis River Alliance to protect, restore and enhance the St. Louis River. The goal of these efforts is to address environmental problems affecting the watershed and, ultimately, delist the St. Louis River Area of Concern. In addition to the activities being funded by the $3 million announced today, a Great Lakes Legacy Act funded assessment of cleanup options for the contaminated sediments in Spirit Lake is already underway.  Cleanup of the Spirit Lake area, including habitat restoration, could start as early as 2015.  U.S. Steel is the nonfederal partner in this project.  In addition, U.S. Steel, overseen by EPA and MPCA, is currently investigating contamination on its property near the river.  Any cleanup of the property will be coordinated with future sediment removal and redevelopment opportunities. The Duluth Port Authority has proposed redeveloping 130 acres of the U.S. Steel property.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was proposed by President Obama at the start of his first term.  For more information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, visit http://www.glri.us/.

EPA Begins Construction of Water line in Chester and Washington Townships, N.J.

EPA Press Release:

EPA Begins Construction of Water line in Chester and Washington Townships, N.J.

$7.3 Million Project Will Provide Safe Drinking Water to Residents and Businesses

Contact: Elias Rodriguez, (212) 637-3664, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov

(New York, NY – June 21, 2013) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is constructing a water line extension in Chester and Washington Townships in New Jersey that will provide a safe source of drinking water to 73 homes and businesses potentially impacted by contaminated ground water from the Combe Fill South Landfill Superfund site. The 65-acre Combe Fill South Landfill in Morris County served as a municipal landfill from the 1940s until 1981. Soil and ground water beneath the site were contaminated by volatile organic compounds from the landfill. Volatile organic compounds can have serious impacts on people’s health.

“Clean drinking water is a top priority for the EPA,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “People should not have to worry about whether their water is safe to drink. The new water line will connect homes and businesses threatened by the ground water contamination to a municipal water supply that will provide a safe source of drinking water.”

In 1978, Combe Fill Corporation bought the landfill and operated the site in violation of New Jersey’s solid waste law. Combe Fill Corporation went bankrupt in 1981 and the landfill was not properly closed. Approximately 170 people live within half a mile of the landfill and most of the residents use private wells as their source of drinking water. The EPA added the site to the Superfund list of the most contaminated hazardous waste sites in 1983.

The original cleanup plan for the site included capping the landfill, installing a landfill gas collection system, pumping and treating the shallow ground water beneath the site and installing stormwater runoff controls. All of these cleanup measures were successfully completed and are operating effectively. A study of the site’s impact on the deep ground water is ongoing.

Starting in the early 1990s, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection began providing in-home water treatment systems to residents whose wells were affected by ground water contamination coming from the landfill. The EPA has pursued the new water line extension in order to provide a permanent water supply to the neighborhood around the landfill. The expected cost of the water line extension is $7.3 million dollars. Once constructed, the water line extension, which will connect homes and businesses along Parker Road, School House Lane and a small portion of Route 24, will be operated and maintained by the Washington Township Municipal Utilities Authority.

For more information about the Combe Fill South Landfill Superfund site, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/npl/combefillsouth. 

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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The Internship: Hollywood Plot is a Reality for One SRR Intern | Department of Energy

The Internship: Hollywood Plot is a Reality for One SRR Intern | Department of Energy

USDA Blog » NRCS Helps Provide Pollinator Habitat along S.D. Highway

USDA Blog » NRCS Helps Provide Pollinator Habitat along S.D. Highway

Boeing reports five-year environmental improvements

Boeing Press Release:

CHICAGO, June 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing  (NYSE: BA) made significant improvements in its environmental performance, even as total airplane deliveries increased by 50 percent from 2007 to 2012, the company announced today in its annual Environment Report.

Boeing's manufacturing and office employees consumed less energy and water, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, generated less hazardous waste and sent less solid waste to landfills. The environmental progress came during a time when Boeing also opened a major new manufacturing facility in North Charleston, S.C., and created more than 13,000 new jobs.

"Five years ago, we set ambitious goals to reduce our environmental footprint while significantly growing our business. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of everyone at Boeing, that's what we accomplished, and we are ready to make more progress in the years ahead," said Kim Smith, the company's vice president of Environment, Health and Safety.

Highlights of the 2013 report include:

• On a revenue-adjusted basis, Boeing facilities reduced hazardous waste by 33 percent, carbon dioxide emissions by 26 percent, energy use by 21 percent, and water intake by 20 percent since 2007. Measured on an absolute basis, the reductions equate to 18 percent for hazardous waste, 9 percent for carbon dioxide emissions, 3 percent for energy use and 2 percent for water intake. In 2012, 79 percent of the solid waste Boeing generated was diverted from landfills — a 36 percent improvement since 2007.
• Over the five-year period, the reductions in carbon dioxide emissions that Boeing achieved would be equal to taking 87,000 cars off the road for one year.
• Boeing is committed to zero carbon growth by 2017, while continuing to increase aircraft production.
• The 737 MAX, currently in development, features a 13 percent smaller carbon footprint than today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes.
• The 787 Dreamliner is 20 percent more fuel-efficient than other airplanes of comparable size and is the environmental benchmark for the aerospace industry.
• In 2012, Boeing completed the first ecoDemonstrator project, designed to speed development of environmentally progressive products, materials and designs.
• Boeing leads global collaboration to reduce chemicals used in aerospace products and improve the efficiency of the global air traffic network, which will significantly reduce emissions.

To view Boeing's 2013 Environment Report, visit www.boeing.com/environment.

Contact: 
Blythe Jameson
Boeing Communications
+1 562-484-1536
blythe.e.jameson@boeing.com

Follow us on Twitter @Boeing

SOURCE Boeing

EPA Awards $80,000 To Delaware Small Business To Develop Green Technology

EPA Press Release:

EPA Awards $80,000 To Delaware Small Business

To Develop Green Technology

PHILADELPHIA (June 20, 2013) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded an $80,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) of Wilmington, Del. to develop an innovative membrane technology that enhances industry’s ability to use green solvents in place of hazardous solvents.

Many chemical-related industries rely on solvents as a processing aid in their manufacturing process, and although solvents are extremely valuable, they can also cause significant problems with their volatility and associated emissions. The technology being developed by CMS would allow industries to use green solvents that are safer for the environment.

“The CMS project is an outstanding example of how a small business is using environmental innovation to benefit public health and environment,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This project will help industries develop an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process.”

The award to CMS is part of EPA's funding of $2 million to 25 small businesses nationwide to develop new environmental technologies that will help protect people’s health and the environment.

Each of the 25 companies will receive EPA funding up to $80,000 to further develop their technology over the next six months. Once the project has been demonstrated to be commercially viable, then companies are eligible to compete for a second phase of funding up to $300,000 to commercialize their technology. To be eligible, a company must be an organized for-profit U.S. business, and have fewer than 500 employees.

EPA’s SBIR program funds innovative research resulting in new commercial products, processes and services that protect the environment, benefit the public, and promote the growth of small businesses. In addition to CMS, this year’s projects focus on drinking water, wastewater, manufacturing, green building, waste monitoring and management, air quality, sustainable use of biomass and homeland security.

EPA announced the SBIR program funds during National Small Business Week (June 17-21, 2013) to highlight some of the innovative research work that small business are doing to protect the environment and benefit the public.

Interview: Hans von Storch on Problems with Climate Change Models - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Interview: Hans von Storch on Problems with Climate Change Models - SPIEGEL ONLINE

EPA to Hold Public Meeting Tuesday, June 25, at Pattonville High School to Discuss Activities at West Lake Landfill Site

EPA News Release:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

11201 Renner Blvd, Lenexa, Kan. 66219

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations

NEWS MEDIA ADVISORY

EPA to Hold Public Meeting Tuesday, June 25, at Pattonville High School to Discuss Activities at West Lake Landfill Site

Contact Information: Chris Whitley, 913-551-7394 (office), 816-518-2794 (cell), whitley.christopher@epa.gov

Environmental News

(Lenexa, Kan., June 20, 2013) - EPA Region 7 will host a public meeting on Tuesday evening, June 25, at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, Mo., to discuss the Agency’s ongoing work at the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site, Bridgeton, Mo.

EPA Regional Administrator Karl Brooks, along with other EPA Region 7 staff and representatives from EPA’s partner agencies, will attend the meeting to share information and answer questions about EPA’s ongoing work at the site, including recent groundwater sampling and radiation screening activities.

The meeting will begin in the Pattonville High School Auditorium, 2497 Creve Coeur Road. After an introductory session, the meeting will move into the school’s cafeteria so that attendees can participate in a public availability session with EPA and state environmental and health staffs. The event will conclude with a question-and-answer session back in the auditorium.

WHAT: Public Meeting for the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2013

WHERE: Pattonville High School Auditorium, 2497 Creve Coeur Road, Maryland Heights, Mo. 63043

WHO: EPA Regional Administrator Karl Brooks; staff representatives from EPA Region 7, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Missouri Department of Resources (MDNR) and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS)

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