Monday, November 30, 2020
State of Alaska and Fairbanks North Star Borough receive $14.7 Million EPA grant to improve air quality
EPA Region 10 News Release:
State of Alaska and Fairbanks North Star Borough receive $14.7 Million EPA grant to improve air quality
November 30, 2020
Contact: Suzanne Skadowski, 206-553-2160, Skadowski.Suzanne@epa.gov
SEATTLE — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $14.7 million in Targeted Airshed Grant funding to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to help the Fairbanks North Star Borough improve air quality. Grant funds will be used to reduce harmful fine particle air pollution from wood smoke through a program that includes woodstove change-outs, outreach and other efforts by the Borough.
The Borough will use the grant funds to continue a woodstove changeout and conversion program focused on converting more wood burning appliances to cleaner burning liquid or gas-fueled heating appliances, which have a very low output of particulate pollution and higher fuel efficiency. Wood smoke contributes up to 60 to 80 percent of fine particle pollution levels measured in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. The Alaska DEC will also leverage technologies and enhance compliance resources including infrared cameras, new highway message signs, and annual winter season compliance surveys to measure effectiveness.
“The state, local leaders and the community are making progress and air quality is improving. We know there is still work to do to get to healthier air, and if we all keep working together, we’ll get there,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladick. “This round of EPA’s Targeted Airshed Grant funding will further boost the community's efforts to reduce wood smoke pollution and improve air quality in the Borough.”
“We appreciate the EPA’s financial support as we work with residents, stakeholders, and the Borough to combat the root cause of nonattainment—air pollution from wood stoves,” said Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Jason Brune. “Through appropriate wood stove replacement realized through this grant and our continued cooperative efforts outlined in our State Implementation Plan, we look forward to reaching attainment by 2024.”
“The Targeted Air Shed Grant award will give our community a fighting chance to come into compliance with the EPA PM2.5 air quality standards. The funding will allow us to continue to provide the wood stove change out program and manage vendor capacity to complete the woodstove exchanges,” said Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Bryce J. Ward.
EPA’s Targeted Airshed Grants are used to support local clean air projects in areas facing the highest levels of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), commonly known as smog and soot. In the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congress funded the grants at $40 million to reduce air pollution in nonattainment areas that the EPA determined were the five most polluted areas relative to ozone, annual PM2.5, or 24-hour PM2.5 standards. Since the grant program’s inception in 2017, the EPA has provided $26.2 million to help the state and borough improve air quality in Fairbanks.
Learn more about the Targeted Airshed Grant and other EPA air quality grants at: epa.gov/grants/air-grants-and-funding.
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Sunday, November 29, 2020
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Friday, November 27, 2020
BITTEN by a VAMPIRE FISH!
Thursday, November 26, 2020
EPA Encourages Americans to Avoid Food Waste Over the Holidays
U.S. EPA News Release:
NEW YORK (November 25, 2020) – As America celebrates Thanksgiving this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler reminds families and communities to consider the environment when planning their annual dinner and be mindful about wasting food.
"Over 70 billion pounds of food waste reaches our landfills every year, contributing to methane emissions and wasting energy and resources across the food supply chain,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “This holiday season, we must all do our part to help people and the environment by preparing only what we need, cutting down our food waste, and sharing or donating what we can to feed others.”
EPA estimates that more food reaches landfills than any other material in everyday trash, constituting 24% of municipal solid waste. This wasted food contributes to landfills being the third largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. Reducing food waste and redirecting excess food to people, animals, or energy production provide immediate benefits to public health and the environment, including:
- Reducing methane emissions from landfills.
- Saving money through thoughtful planning, shopping and storage.
- Supporting your community by donating untouched food that would have otherwise gone to waste.
- Conserving energy and resources, preventing pollution involved in the growing, manufacturing, transporting and selling of food.
EPA works with federal partners, non-profits, public and private organizations to reduce wasted food across the food system. This past year, EPA and USDA welcomed four new members to the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions group. The 2030 Champions are businesses and organizations that have made a public commitment to reduce food loss and waste in their own operations in the United States by 50% by the year 2030. EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge works with over 1,000 business and organizations to set data-driven goals, implement targeted strategies to reduce food waste in their operations and report results to compete for annual recognition.
As part of our efforts to reduce food waste, EPA supports and encourages our partners to recover and distribute excess food to the more than 35 million Americans who lived in food-insecure households in 2019, and in 2020, Americans are going to food banks for their groceries in record numbers. By reducing the amount of food wasted, together we can protect human health and the environment.
Thanksgiving Food Waste Reduction Tips
- Create and stick to shopping lists, since this year a smaller number of people will likely share the meal.
- “Shop” the refrigerator and pantry first, so that food does not go to waste and shopping needs are reduced.
- Plan an "eat the leftovers" night as a great way to use Thanksgiving ingredients and leftovers.
- “Befriend” the freezer. Freeze extra food such as side dishes or meat.
- Consider safely sharing extra food with family or donating unopened, non-perishable food items to a local charity. (Always contact food rescue organizations in advance of a drop off.)
Food Rescue Organizations
For organizations hosting events that might have excess prepared but unserved food, consider partnering with food rescue organizations. Remember to make arrangements in advance for potential drop-offs or pick-ups of excess food. Also, remember to only donate food if this can be done safely. The following sites contain tools that allow users to search for food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that may be interested in accepting wholesome, excess food:
- Feeding America's Find Your Local Foodbank has a map of member food banks.
- Sustainable America’s Food Rescue Locator is a directory of organizations that rescue, glean, transport, prepare, and distribute food to those who need it in their communities.
- AmpleHarvest.org allows users to search food pantries by ZIP code and shows the search results on an interactive map.
For more tips on how to reduce food waste, see EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-wasted-food-home
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2
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EPA issues permits for Dewey-Burdock uranium recovery project near Edgemont, South Dakota
U.S. EPA News Release:
EPA issues permits for Dewey-Burdock uranium recovery project near Edgemont, South Dakota
Permits to Powertech USA ensure groundwater protection, reflect multi-year review and comment process
Edgemont, South Dakota (November 24, 2020)--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it has issued final Underground Injection Control (UIC) permits and a Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) aquifer exemption to Powertech (USA) Inc. (Powertech) for the Dewey-Burdock uranium in-situ recovery (ISR) site near Edgemont, South Dakota.
EPA is issuing these permits based on Powertech’s applications, the agency’s Safe Drinking Water Act authorities and regulations, and a public comment process that began in 2017. The permits have been revised based on a thorough review of all technical and regulatory information associated with the project and public comments, and include specific requirements to protect groundwater resources as current and future sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act in the proposed project area, located in southwestern Custer County and northwestern Fall River County, on the Wyoming/South Dakota border.
“These permits reflect many years of evaluation and public comment on Powertech’s applications to recover uranium from ore-bearing formations at the Dewey-Burdock project location,” said EPA Regional Administrator Gregory Sopkin. “EPA’s final actions are based on a thorough consideration of scientific, technical and regulatory aspects of the permits, and a review of all comments received, including those received during tribal consultation. This process has contributed to the development of requirements that will protect the region’s groundwater while enabling the safe recovery of valuable uranium resources.”
Today’s action includes two final permits issued to Powertech for injection activities related to uranium recovery. One is a UIC Class III Area Permit for injection wells for the ISR of uranium; the second is a UIC Class V Area Permit for deep injection wells that will be used to dispose of ISR process waste fluids into the Minnelusa Formation after being treated to meet radioactive waste and hazardous waste standards. EPA is also finalizing an aquifer exemption approval in connection with the Class III Area Permit to allow for resource recovery in the uranium-bearing portions of the Inyan Kara Group of aquifers.
EPA included protective measures in both permits which will authorize the safe operation of multiple injection wells within the project area. These include requirements for the treatment of Class V injection fluids to ensure injected fluids are not radioactive or hazardous waste, and extensive monitoring of the areas surrounding the Class III injection wellfields before, during, and after ISR operations to ensure all regulatory standards are met. Additional permit requirements include securing financial assurances and testing related to the proper operation, management and closure of injection wells, as well as extensive recordkeeping and reporting. These requirements will protect groundwater resources at the project site, including the Madison Formation, a prolific aquifer and a source for public drinking water systems.
EPA requested public comments on these permit actions beginning in March 2017. After reviewing all comments and modifying the proposed actions, EPA requested additional public input in 2019. EPA reviewed and considered all comments received during both the 2017 and 2019 public comment periods, including those submitted at several public hearings held in communities in South Dakota and Nebraska, before finalizing the permit requirements in today’s decisions. EPA has also prepared written responses to all comments received related to the permits.
For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/uic-epa-region-8
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
EPA awards $1.7 million to Virginia to control polluted runoff, restore water quality
U.S. EPA News Release:
EPA awards $1.7 million to Virginia to control polluted runoff, restore water quality
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 24, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $1,693,000 grant to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to improve water quality of water bodies throughout the commonwealth.
The grant is part of EPA’s Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant Program, as outlined in Section 319 of the Clean Water Act to control water pollution.
“This grant supports preserving and protecting Virginia’s water resources and ensuring communities have clean water,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “By working in partnership with Virginia, we can help implement necessary best management practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution in communities throughout the commonwealth.”
Nonpoint source pollution is caused when rainfall or snowmelt, moving over and through the ground, picks up and carries natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and groundwater.
Controlling nonpoint source pollution is especially important since one in three Americans get their drinking water from public systems that rely on seasonal and rain-dependent streams.
Virginia will use the funding to implement watershed improvement plans that reduce nutrients, bacteria, sediment, and other pollutants from direct sources and runoff. Funding will also support restoration of waterbodies, and improvement plans to support the delisting of stream segments that are currently designated as impaired.
Learn more about successful nonpoint source reduction projects at: https://www.epa.gov/nps
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EPA awards $4.8 million to Pennsylvania to control polluted runoff, restore water quality
U.S. EPA News Release:
EPA awards $4.8 million to Pennsylvania to control polluted runoff, restore water quality
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 24, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a $4,846,500 grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to improve water quality in rivers and streams throughout the commonwealth.
The grant is part of EPA’s Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant Program, as outlined in Section 319 of the Clean Water Act to control water pollution.
“This grant supports preserving and protecting Pennsylvania’s water resources and ensuring communities have clean water,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “By working in partnership with Pennsylvania, we can help implement necessary best management practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution in communities throughout the commonwealth.”
Nonpoint source pollution is caused when rainfall or snowmelt, moving over and through the ground, picks up and carries natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and groundwater.
Controlling nonpoint source pollution is especially important since one in three Americans get their drinking water from public systems that rely on seasonal and rain-dependent streams.
While the program provides statewide coverage, this funding will help Pennsylvania focus on priority watersheds with water quality impairments. The major sources of nonpoint source pollution in the state, including abandoned mine drainage, agriculture, and urban stormwater runoff, will be addressed through structural and non-structural best management practices, as well as through watershed planning, monitoring, and education/outreach programs and activities.
Learn more about successful nonpoint source reduction projects at: https://www.epa.gov/nps
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$120,000 EPA Grant to Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, in Camden, New Jersey Helps Camden Residents Reduce Health Risks in Their Homes
U.S. EPA News Release:
NEW YORK (November 24, 2020) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has awarded $120,000 through an Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement to Cooper’s Ferry Partnership located in Camden, New Jersey. The EPA funding will support work to help reduce risks of lead exposure, asthma and mold dangers. It will foster community education programs and the greening of public spaces. This agreement is one of 18 community-based organizations selected nationwide, totaling $2.1 million in funding distributed this year under EJCPS Cooperative Agreements.
“Through this grant, Cooper’s Ferry will provide hands-on assistance for many Camden residents who may need advice on how to reduce lead, mold and asthma risks in their homes. EPA has a long history of partnering with the government and nonprofit groups in Camden, New Jersey to mitigate the environmental health risks that disproportionately affect urban and disadvantaged communities within the area,” said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. “These environmental justice grants are just one of the tools we use to help address the enormous challenges that many underserved communities face and they, along with other assistance that we have and continue to provide, reflect EPA’s unwavering commitment to the city of Camden.”
Cooper’s Ferry Partnership has been selected to receive $120,000 to assess homes and provide information to residents on how to reduce their risk of lead exposure found both in paint and water, as well as asthma and mold dangers. The assessments will help minimize the risks from lead exposure by educating residents, testing their water, and distributing water filters. Additionally, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership will assess and plan for abating lead dust exposure for targeted public spaces.
The EPA’s EJCPS Cooperative Agreement Program provides funding for non-profit and tribal organizations to partner with stakeholders from across industry, government, and academia to develop and implement solutions that significantly address environmental and/or public health issues in their communities. These projects support local problem solving through the development of sustainable partnerships. This program provides funds for community-driven solutions to local, environmental problems with a focus on assisting Qualified Opportunity Zones.
Qualified Opportunity Zones – of which Camden, New Jersey has four – are census tracts of low-income and distressed communities designated by state governors and certified by the Department of Treasury. These are areas where new investment may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. As of April 2019, there were more than 8,700 designated Qualified Opportunity Zones located in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and five United States territories.
For a description of all winners nationwide, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-collaborative-problem-solving-cooperative-agreement-4
For more information about EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmental-justice/environmental-justice-collaborative-problem-solving-cooperative-agreement-0
Learn more about Opportunity Zones by visiting the federal Opportunity Zones website.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2
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Monday, November 23, 2020
U.S. Navy to upgrade wastewater treatment plant on California's San Clemente Island following agreement with U.S. EPA
U.S. EPA News Release:
For Immediate Release: November 23, 2020
Media Contact: Julia Giarmoleo, 213-244-1841, giarmoleo.julia@epa.gov
SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, Calif. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a Federal Facility Compliance Agreement (FFCA) with the Navy whereby the Navy will complete major upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant on San Clemente Island. San Clemente Island is home to Navy SEAL training facilities and is the Navy's only remaining ship-to-shore live firing range.
“The improvements to the wastewater treatment plant on San Clemente Island will protect coastal water quality," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “This demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to improving its wastewater infrastructure.”
The EPA and Navy entered into the FFCA to address violations at the treatment plant tied to discharge of pollutants, which can impact water quality and ocean wildlife. These violations place the facility in Significant Non-Compliance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The Navy also violated its permit by failing to properly operate and maintain all facilities and for failing to perform maintenance on all monitoring instruments.
The Navy has agreed to design and install an upgraded wastewater treatment system to bring the facility into full compliance with the Clean Water Act. The Navy also agreed to update and improve its operation and maintenance program for the improved wastewater treatment plant. The upgrades will cost approximately $2.3 million and completion is expected by October 2021.
The San Clemente Island wastewater treatment plant discharges to a portion of the Pacific Ocean deemed as an Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS). Such areas support an unusual variety of aquatic life, and often host unique species. Discharges into this area have the potential to impact aquatic life and could contribute to the impairment of water quality that harms the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the ASBS.
The treatment system now has the capacity to treat 30,000 gallons per day of wastewater generated at the Naval Base. San Clemente Island is located about 70 miles west of San Diego and just south of Santa Catalina Island.
This settlement furthers EPA’s National Compliance Initiative to reduce facilities that are in Significant Non-Compliance and improve surface water quality by assuring dischargers comply with NPDES permit requirements. For more information on this initiative, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-reducing-significant-non-compliance-national-pollutant.
For more information on NPDES Permits in EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/npdes-permits-epas-pacific-southwest-region-region-9.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Saturday, November 21, 2020
Administrator Wheeler Wraps Up Visit to Arkansas Meeting with Agriculture Partners
U.S. EPA News Release:
Administrator Wheeler Wraps Up Visit to Arkansas Meeting with Agriculture Partners
EPA announces $3.2 million to protect water quality
11/20/2020
Contact Information:
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
DALLAS (November 20, 2020) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler wrapped up his visit to Arkansas announcing more than $3 million to protect water quality, meeting with farmers, and touring a Grand Prairie Farming and Water Company, LLC pump project.
“Water quality is of the upmost importance to farmers, and so is regulatory consistency,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “The Trump Administration’s recent Navigable Waters Protection Rule has shown that EPA listened to farmers’ complaints about the unworkability of the previous rule, and this new water quality grant funding shows that the federal government is listening to farmers concerns about non-source pollution.”
“EPA grant funding is playing an integral role in improving our nation’s water quality,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ken McQueen. “Our partnership with state environmental and agriculture departments is helping to ensure that we are addressing local water quality improvement priorities.”
“I was proud to welcome EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to the Natural State today and stand with him as he announced the crucial $3 million grant funding to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission to protect water quality statewide. Our Arkansas waters are a resource that is vital and must be protected for our farmers and ranchers in order to help keep our State’s economy thriving,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
“I’m the Ranking Member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee here in Congress, and I know how essential water infrastructure is to rural communities. The EPA plays a huge role in protecting our water quality, which is why I’m so pleased that Administrator Wheeler traveled to Arkansas to hear directly from our local leaders,” said U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “I’m sorry I had to be in D.C. for legislative business, but hope he has an informative visit. My thanks to Administrator Wheeler for his leadership on this issue and for his award to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. This funding will be instrumental in improving our water infrastructure.”
“Today, I'm happy to join Arkansas agriculture leaders and Secretary Ward in showcasing the innovative and effective efforts in advancing energy and environmental outcomes,” said Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Becky W. Keogh.
“Arkansas is the Natural State, a title we carry with pride and honor,” said Arkansas Farm Bureau President Rich Hillman. “When a farmer is involved, that is good for the environment – our farmers are some the best conservationists. We were happy to have Administrator Wheeler in Arkansas to see first-hand the role agriculture plays in making Arkansas truly the Natural State.”
At L.T.D. Farms in Stuttgart, Ark., Administrator Wheeler and Regional Administrator McQueen participated in a roundtable with Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment Secretary Becky Keogh, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, and Arkansas Farm Bureau President Rich Hillman. Arkansas Senate Public Health, Welfare, Arkansas House Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Committee Chair Dan Douglas, and staff from Arkansas Senator John Boozman, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, and Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) were also in attendance. During the roundtable, they discussed issues of importance including the Trump Administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which is providing regulatory certainty for farmers across the country, the recent registration announcement of Dicamba, and the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee, which most recently met early last week.
Administrator Wheeler also announced an award of $3,224,000 to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission to protect water quality statewide. The funding will support management programs for nonpoint source (NPS) water pollution, which is caused when rainfall or snowmelt carries pollutants into rivers, lakes and other waterbodies.
“Arkansas is fortunate to have an abundance of rivers, lakes, and other waterbodies that contribute greatly to our state’s economy and our way of life. We appreciate the award of this funding that will be used to continue the important programs and partnerships that protect the quality of water across the state,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.
This funding supports the State of Arkansas’ NPS pollution management program, focusing on watersheds with water quality impairments caused by polluted runoff from nonpoint sources. NPS implementation projects include best management practice installations for animal wastes, sediment, pesticide and fertilizer control; other structural and non-structural practices; watershed planning, monitoring, technology demonstrations; and education and outreach programs.
Administrator Wheeler finished the day with the Grand Prairie Farming and Water Company, LLC to see their pump project which uses an innovative surface-water reuse system that aims to prevent aquifer depletion and address nutrient pollution.
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EPA Awards Arkansas Over $3.2 Million to Manage Water Pollution
U.S. EPA News Release:
EPA Awards Arkansas Over $3.2 Million to Manage Water Pollution
Contact Information:
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
DALLAS (November 20, 2020) — Today, at L.T.D. Farms in Stuttgart, Ark., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced an award of $3,224,000 to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission to protect water quality statewide. The funding will support management programs for nonpoint source (NPS) water pollution, which is caused when rainfall or snowmelt carries pollutants into rivers, lakes and other waterbodies.
“This funding to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission will improve environmental protections against nonpoint source water pollution,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Keeping this waste from making it into waterbodies is difficult, but it has to be done, and EPA is happy to help Arkansas get on top of the problem.”
“EPA’s grant funding will help protect vital streams and habitats while ensuring communities have cleaner water,” said Regional Administrator Ken McQueen. “We are grateful for our partnership with Arkansas and looking forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship to improve water quality.”
“Arkansas is fortunate to have an abundance of rivers, lakes, and other waterbodies that contribute greatly to our state’s economy and our way of life. We appreciate the award of this funding that will be used to continue the important programs and partnerships that protect the quality of water across the state,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.
This funding supports the State of Arkansas’ NPS pollution management program, focusing on watersheds with water quality impairments caused by polluted runoff from nonpoint sources. NPS implementation projects include best management practice installations for animal wastes, sediment, pesticide and fertilizer control; other structural and non-structural practices; watershed planning, monitoring, technology demonstrations; and education and outreach programs.
Unlike pollution from industrial facilities and sewage treatment plants, NPS pollution does not come from a specific place. As precipitation moves over or through the ground, it picks up debris and pollutants and deposits them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground water. NPS pollution can include excess fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides; oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff; sediment; drainage from abandoned mines; and bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet waste and faulty septic systems. States report that NPS pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality problems.
Background
Congress enacted Section 319 of the Clean Water Act in 1987, establishing a national program to control nonpoint sources of water pollution. Through Section 319, the EPA provides states, territories, and tribes with guidance and grant funding to implement their nonpoint source programs and to support local watershed projects to improve water quality. Collectively this work has restored over 6,000 miles of streams and over 164,000 acres of lakes since 2006. Hundreds of additional projects are underway across the country.
More about EPA’s work in Arkansas: https://www.epa.gov/ar
More about nonpoint source pollution: https://www.epa.gov/nps
Administrator Wheeler Tours Brownfields Sites in Little Rock, Ark.
U.S. EPA News Release:
DALLAS (Nov. 19, 2020) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and EPA Regional Administrator Ken McQueen toured Brownfields sites along the "Creative Corridor" transforming four neglected blocks of Main Street in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas thanks to historic tax credits and EPA Brownfields funding.
“Region 6’s Brownfields program is creating a renaissance in downtown Little Rock through its assessment and clean-up grants,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “EPA is proud of the environmental and redevelopment work it is doing in Arkansas and there is still more to do.”
“We are proud of our work to support our state partners to rebuild contaminated sites while revitalizing the economy,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ken McQueen. “We are transforming sites and communities, one project at a time. EPA will continue to provide technical assistance and grant funding to turn impacted sites into assets.”
Administrator Wheeler also participated in the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Quest Science Award event at Little Rock Central High School. The Quest Science Award showcases the next generation’s quest for advancements in environmental protection and sustainable energy.
On the Brownfields tour, Administrator Wheeler and Regional Administrator McQueen were joined by Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Secretary Becky Keogh, Arkansas Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee Chair Missy Irvin, Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee Chair Jack Ladyman, Pulaski County elected officials, and staff from the Department of Energy and Environment, Senator John Boozman, Senator Tom Cotton, and Rep. French Hill (AR-02).
The Creative Corridor brings arts and culture to anchor a vibrant, mixed-use development in the center of the capital city's downtown area. Administrator Wheeler and Regional Administrator McQueen visited six projects that used EPA Brownfields Assessment and Revolving Loan Fund grants awarded to the Pulaski County Brownfields program totaling over $4 million. In the last four years, EPA has awarded over $900,000 in Brownfields grants to state and local entities in Arkansas. All of those grants selected to entities in Arkansas can potentially spend their grant funding in an Opportunity Zone.
“I am excited about the progress of the EPA’s revitalization project in the historic downtown area of Little Rock. Thanks to historic tax credits and funding from the EPA Brownfields Program, four blocks along Main Street, the ‘Creative Corridor,’ are being redeveloped for commercial use, attracting new investment opportunities, creating jobs, and generating sources of local revenue,” said U.S. Congressman French Hill (AR-02). “This influx of economic activity will greatly benefit the city of Little Rock and Pulaski County. I would like to thank EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Regional Administrator Ken McQueen, and the EPA for their ongoing commitment to central Arkansas.”
One site on the Brownfields tour was K Lost / Gus Blass Building, a former Department Store and warehouse that had been vacant for more than 25 years. The site has been remediated to remove asbestos, lead-based paint, and biological waste and redeveloped into a sports bar and apartment complex.
The 500 block of Main Street, where an almost $1 million Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund was infused to revitalize approximately 250,000 square feet of vacant property. This site, which includes the Capitol Main Historic District, was once the commercial core of the city in the early to mid-twentieth century. Using Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup dollars in concert with leverage private sector investment, these city blocks have been redeveloped into a barbershop, law practice, Arkansas ballet, jewelry shop, and loft apartments. They also saw a pilot project collecting storm water on sidewalks to mitigate flooding.
The last site on the tour – the Hall Building – is the most recent success story for Region 6’s Pulaski County Brownfields program. The $393,657 Brownfields loan leveraged approximately $3.15 million in private sector funding to transform this site, which sat empty as recently as 2018. Listed on the National Historic Registry, the Hall Building was originally used as office space for the Arkansas Fire Prevention Bureau, insurance companies, and dental practices. It has since been redeveloped into a 114-room hotel, which opened in Summer 2020.
Under President Trump, EPA has delivered approximately $287 million in Brownfields grants directly to communities and non-profits in need. In Fiscal Year 2020, 151 communities were selected to receive 155 grants totaling $65.6 million in EPA Brownfields funding through our Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants. Of the selected communities, 118 can potentially assess or clean up brownfield sites in census tracts designated as federal Opportunity Zones.
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U.S. EPA Invites California to Apply for $695 Million in Water Infrastructure Loans
U.S. EPA News Release:
U.S. EPA Invites California to Apply for $695 Million in Water Infrastructure Loans
Brand new loan program will help states finance more infrastructure projects
LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting three states, including California, to apply for a total of $695 million in water infrastructure loans through a new infrastructure financing authority. This innovative program, known as SWIFIA, will help finance infrastructure projects to improve water quality and protect public health in communities across California, as well as Iowa and Rhode Island.
“The new SWIFIA program leverages the flexibility and low interest rates of WIFIA and the local experience and expertise of the state revolving funds to invest in our local communities,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “This SWIFIA funding will help finance over $3.2 billion in water infrastructure investments across the states of California, Iowa, and Rhode Island, while creating more than 2,000 jobs.”
“Through the SWIFIA program, EPA continues to deliver on its commitment to rebuilding and improving California’s water infrastructure,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “The projects funded by SWIFIA will help us build stronger economies, create new jobs, and protect public health.”
EPA’s SWIFIA loans are exclusively for state infrastructure financing authority borrowers, commonly known as State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. The new SWIFIA loans will allow the financing of more infrastructure projects in their states. The first three selected SWIFIA borrowers are the California State Water Resources Control Board ($500 million), the Iowa Finance Authority ($156 million), and the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank ($39.2 million). These state programs will combine state resources, annual capitalization grant dollars, and the SWIFIA loans to accelerate investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
Background
The SWIFIA program, authorized by Congress in section 4201 of America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018, is a loan program within the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program that is exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. On July 17, 2020, EPA announced the availability of SWIFIA loans and a deadline of September 15, 2020 to submit letters of interest. EPA received three letters of interest and is inviting all three candidates to apply for SWIFIA loans.
Prior to establishing the SWIFIA program, two state infrastructure financing authority borrowers were selected to receive WIFIA loans. In 2019, EPA closed a $436 million WIFIA loan with the Indiana Finance Authority and the New Jersey Infrastructure Financing Authority was invited to apply for a $149 million WIFIA loan.
For more information about the SWIFIA program, visit https://www.epa.gov/wifia/what-swifia.
For more information on the DWSRF, visit https://www.epa.gov/drinkingwatersrf.
For more information on the CWSRF, visit https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
Friday, November 20, 2020
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Administrator Wheeler to Make Water Announcement, Hold Agriculture Roundtable
U.S. EPA News Release:
DALLAS (Nov. 19, 2020) — Tomorrow, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Region 6 Administrator Ken McQueen will hold an agriculture roundtable at a farm in Stuttgart, Ark., where he will be making a water announcement. Following the announcement and roundtable, Administrator Wheeler will hold a media availability.
WHO: EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler
EPA Region 6 Administrator Ken McQueen
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge
Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment Secretary Becky Keogh
Arkansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward
Arkansas Farm Bureau
WHAT: Agriculture Roundtable and Media Availability
WHEN: Friday, November 20
9:00 AM CT
Credentialed media must RSVP to press@epa.gov to attend. The event will not be livestreamed.
EPA Awards Funding to Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs for Farmworker Pesticide Training in New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico
U.S. EPA News Release:
NEW YORK (November 19, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 office is excited to work with the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) which will receive up to $500,000 annually to conduct pesticide safety training across the country over the next five years. With EPA funding, AFOP will administer this grant to provide occupational health and safety trainings to migrant and seasonal farmworkers in more than 25 states including New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico.
“EPA is pleased to continue working with the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs as we work toward our common goal of protecting our farmworkers and their families,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Alexandra Dapolito Dunn. “This exciting partnership complements our Agricultural Worker Protection Standard perfectly and will develop national pesticide safety training, education, and outreach for farmworkers and their families in rural agricultural areas.”
“AFOP is delighted to continue working with EPA to provide pesticide safety instruction to the nation’s farmworkers. Together with EPA, we touch real lives by empowering agricultural workers with the knowledge they need to better protect themselves, their homes, and their families from pesticide exposure,” said AFOP Executive Director Daniel Sheehan. “Agriculture is ranked consistently as one of, if not the, most dangerous of occupations. Through EPA’s support, AFOP is able to help make that job a whole lot safer.”
As the recipient of the cooperative agreement, AFOP will continue to enhance safe working conditions for agricultural workers at local, state and national levels, with targeted outreach to low-income, low-literacy, and non-English speaking farmworkers.
AFOP partners with local pesticide training providers to address the needs of farmworkers and facilitate access to pesticide safety education. In the new cooperative agreement, AFOP expects to expand their reach and partner with Pathstone Corporation in New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico.
Through its previous 2014-2019 cooperative agreement with EPA, AFOP trained 37,000 farmworkers and 1,000 children on pesticide safety. This work was made possible through EPA’s National Farmworker Training grant program which focuses on training educators to teach agricultural workers and their families how to reduce the risks from pesticide exposure.
For more information, visit EPA’s Pesticide Worker Safety Cooperative Agreements webpage.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2
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Koppers Inc. settles with EPA for alleged violations of oil spill prevention regulations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania
U.S. EPA News Release:
Koppers Inc. settles with EPA for alleged violations of
oil spill prevention regulations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 19, 2020) – Koppers Inc. has agreed to settle with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the state of West Virginia and the state of Pennsylvania to resolve alleged violations of federal and state environmental laws at its facilities in Follansbee and Green Spring, West Virginia, and Clairton, Pennsylvania, EPA announced today.
A complaint filed with the settlement agreement cited violations of the Clean Water Act’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) and Facility Response Plan (FRP) requirements. The SPCC rules help facilities prevent a discharge of oil into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. The FRP rules require certain facilities to submit a response plan and prepare to respond to a worst-case oil discharge or threat of a discharge. Koppers is a Pittsburgh-based company involved in carbon materials and chemicals, railroad products and services, and performance chemicals.
Under a proposed consent decree filed in the United States District Court of the Northern District of West Virginia, Koppers will pay $800,000 to the United States, $175,000 to West Virginia, and $24,500 to Pennsylvania. The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period.
The complaint also cited violations of the West Virginia Above Ground Storage Tank Act and its implementing regulations, which seek to protect and conserve the water resources of the state and its citizens. In addition, the complaint cited violations of the Pennsylvania Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act and its implementing regulations, which set forth tank handling and inspection requirements.
According to EPA, the most significant violations were at the Follansbee facility – notably, deficiencies in the facility’s secondary containment for spills, and inadequate structural integrity inspection and testing of aboveground tanks.
EPA cited other major SPCC violations at the Clairton and now-closed Green Spring facilities, and other violations of the FRP regulations at the Clairton and Follansbee facilities.
In addition to the penalty, the consent decree requires Koppers to conduct integrity testing of specified tanks at the Follansbee site, or take them out of service; and to comply with SPCC and FRP reporting and plan amendment requirements.
As part of the settlement, the company did not admit the alleged violations, but has certified that it is now in compliance with applicable requirements.
For more information regarding the spill prevention and preparedness, visit https://www.epa.gov/oil-spills-prevention-and-preparedness-regulations