U.S. EPA News Release:

RESTORE Council Announces $302M in Gulf Coast Restoration Activities

DALLAS (April 28, 2021) - Today the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) announced $302 million in funding decisions for restoration activities spanning the Gulf Coast states impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. With today’s vote, the RESTORE Council has approved Funded Priorities List (FPL) 3b. FPL 3b includes 20 activities designed to address ecosystem needs across the Gulf of Mexico. The activities identified in FPLs are developed through collaboration among RESTORE Council members with input from Gulf stakeholders.

 

The activities in FPL 3b will provide a variety of benefits to the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. FPL 3b includes funding for large-scale programs to address water quality and quantity, habitat acquisition and conservation, coastal resilience, and other ecosystem restoration needs. Building on previous FPL investments, the RESTORE Council will continue funding to enhance the environmental vitality of the Gulf’s natural resources while also providing environmental job training for youth, including those from six Federally recognized Tribes. As a benefit to agricultural lands throughout the Gulf, FPL 3bwill continue funding private land conservation and ecological restoration. Finally, FPL 3b will support scientific efforts to continue to build the knowledge needed to advance Gulf restoration.

 

“As Chair of the RESTORE Council, EPA continues to work closely with all the members of the RESTORE Council to prioritize restoration of the Gulf of Mexico,”said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Approval of the Funded Priorities List (FPL) 3b will catapult existing restoration efforts and will yield large-scale programs critical to sustained ecosystem protection. This $302 million investment is the culmination of robust collaborative efforts and sound science.”

Today’s vote marks the completion of the RESTORE Council’s third Funded Priorities List, developed in two phases. The first phase, approved in February 2020 and referred to as FPL 3a, included two large-scale projects: The River Reintroduction into the Maurepas Swamp in Louisiana, and Perdido River Land Conservation and Habitat Enhancements in Alabama. Today’s second phase, FPL 3b, will address a range of ecosystem needs in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. Additional Gulfwide programs will benefit all five states impacted by the DeepWater Horizon oil spill. Included in the $302 million is the approval of more than $140.4 million for ecosystem restoration activities that will be implemented in the near term. Additionally, the RESTORE Council budgeted over $161.5 million for priority activities that will be evaluated in the future.  

Additional information on the projects and programs included in FPL 3b as well as prior FPL activities can be found on theRESTORE Council’s website. 

 

Background

 

The RESTORE Council was established in 2012 by theResources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012(link is external) (RESTORE Act), a federal law enacted in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The RESTORE Council consists of the governors of five Gulf Coast states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) and the cabinet heads of six federal agencies (the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of the Army, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of the Interior, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).

 

The RESTORE Council oversees administration of two of the five components established by the RESTORE Act, representing 60% of the funds made available from the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund established in the wake of the oil spill. Under the 2016 Deepwater Horizonconsent decree(link is external) among the United States, the five Gulf States, and British Petroleum (BP), BP makes payments into the Trust Fund over a 15-year period ending in 2031.

 

As funds become available, the RESTORE Council works collaboratively with input from stakeholders across the Gulf to develop Funded Priorities Lists (FPLs), which designate ecosystem projects and programs for funding. FPL funding decisions are guided by criteria set forth in the RESTORE Act, the Council’s2016 Comprehensive Plan Update: Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy, the Council’s2019 Planning Frameworkand other policies. In addition, the RESTORE Council oversees funding for State-led restoration and recovery efforts provided in State Expenditure Plans (SEPs) developed under the RESTORE Act. 

After FPLs and SEPs are approved, funding is administered through federal awards to the sponsors identified to implement the approved activities. As of April 26, 2021, the RESTORE Council has awarded $476.36 million for 124 activities across both programs.   

 

Learn more about: 

Funded Priorities List 3b

2019 Planning Framework

Modifying your eBlast Subscription

 

For more information on projects in a specific geographic location, please contact:

Alabama: Amy Hunter- Amy.Hunter@dcnr.alabama.gov(link sends e-mail)

Florida: Rachel Schmalfuss- deepwaterhorizon@dep.state.fl.us(link sends e-mail)

Louisiana: Chris Barnes- chris.barnes@la.gov(link sends e-mail)

Mississippi: Robbie Wilbur- rwilbur@mdeq.ms.gov(link sends e-mail)

Texas: Diane Mazuca- diane.mazuca@tceq.texas.gov(link sends e-mail)

 

Keala J. Hughes

Director of External Affairs & Tribal Relations

(504) 717-7235

 

keala.hughes@restorethegulf.gov

EPA recognizes University of Pittsburgh with RainWorks award for green infrastructure project

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA recognizes University of Pittsburgh with
RainWorks award for green infrastructure project

WASHINGTON (April 28, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the University of Pittsburgh has received a Campus RainWorks Challenge award in a national competition that engages college students in the design of on-campus green infrastructure solutions to address stormwater pollution.

The University of Pittsburgh received 2^nd place in the Master Plan Category for its “Team PreciPITTation” project that integrated green infrastructure practices into a master plan design that focused on eliminating combined sewer overflows.

“The creative and scientific minds of students stand out in this competition that creates dynamic ideas on how to address complex stormwater issues,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Acting Regional Administrator Diana Esher. “I’d like to congratulate the students at the University of Pittsburgh who developed this project that incorporates innovative solutions that will help protect human health and the environment.”

Students engaged with internal and external stakeholders to create a design that would manage stormwater runoff and reduce flooding while creating safe, multifunctional spaces accessible to students and the greater Pittsburgh community. Aspects of their plan included incorporating green roofs, permeable pavement, rain gardens and stormwater tree pit. Watch the team’s video about their project: https://youtu.be/2E0loZa490Q

Stormwater runoff is a significant source of water pollution and remains a complex environmental challenge for communities across the country.

EPA’s Campus RainWorks Challenge asks students and faculty members at colleges and universities to apply green infrastructure design principles, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and increase the use of green infrastructure on the nation’s college campuses. Since 2012 more than 700 teams have participated in the challenge.

In this year’s challenge, EPA invited student teams to compete in two design categories: the Master Plan category, which examines how green infrastructure can be broadly integrated across campus, and the Demonstration Project category, which focuses on how green infrastructure can address stormwater pollution at a specific site on campus or local elementary, junior high, or high schools.

Background

Green infrastructure tools and techniques for stormwater management include green roofs, permeable materials, alternative designs for streets and buildings, trees, habitat conservation, rain gardens and rain harvesting systems. Utilizing these tools decreases pollution to local waterways by treating rain where it falls and keeping polluted stormwater from entering sewer systems. Communities are increasingly using innovative green infrastructure to supplement “gray” infrastructure such as pipes, filters and ponds. Green infrastructure reduces water pollution while increasing economic activity and neighborhood revitalization, job creation, energy savings and open space.

First place teams will receive a $7,000 student prize to be split among team members and a $3,000 faculty prize to support green infrastructure research and training. Second place teams will receive a $3,500 student prize and a $1,500 faculty prize. Since 2012 more than 750 teams have participated in the challenge. 

For more information and a list of all winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/campus-rainworks-challenge-0

 

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EPA Awards $300,000 to four Virginia School Districts to Replace 15 School Buses

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Awards $300,000 to four Virginia School Districts to Replace 15 School Buses

PHILADELPHIA (April 27, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $300,000 to four Virginia school districts to replace 15 older diesel school buses. These funds are among $10.5 million going to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country.

In Virginia, these funds are going to Amherst County Public Schools ($60,000 to replace three buses), Carroll County Public Schools ($140,000 to replace seven buses), Madison County Public Schools ($80,000 to replace four buses) and Salem City Public Schools ($20,000 to replace one bus).

“The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation’s school buses,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities.”

The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses.

Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus.

EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school. 

Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates.

For more information about the DERA program, visit www.epa.gov/dera

New river trash Interceptors are stopping plastic from reaching the ocean

EPA Selects West Virginia University Research Corporation for $1 Million Training and Technical Assistance Funding

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Selects West Virginia University Research Corporation for $1 Million Training and

Technical Assistance Funding

PHILADELPHIA (April 22, 2021) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of West Virginia University Research Corporation as one of six organizations to receive a total of $11 million in grants nationwide to provide training and technical assistance to communities.

The work is being funded by EPA’s Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) Program.  West Virginia University Corporation will receive $1 million total over a five-year period to provide technical assistance primarily to underserved and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in the Mid-Atlantic Region (EPA Region 3) where environmental cleanup and new jobs are needed most. This assistance is available to all stakeholders and comes at no cost to communities. It is an important part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advance economic opportunities and address environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities.

“A primary goal of our Brownfields technical assistance program is to help communities transform environmental liabilities into community assets,” said Barry N. Breen, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management. “Today’s selected grant recipients will serve as independent resources for communities facing the challenges of assessing, cleaning up and preparing brownfield sites for redevelopment.”

“I’m thrilled to see the EPA select West Virginia University to receive technical assistance to brownfield communities funding. This funding is critical for rural areas across West Virginia because it will support projects that are vital to rebuilding our communities and growing our state’s economy,” said Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “I thank the EPA for its strong support for these much-needed programs and I look forward to continuing to work closely together to ensure communities across West Virginia are given opportunities to rebuild and thrive.”

“I’m proud of West Virginia University for earning this grant to serve as a resource and help communities across West Virginia,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. “This assistance will educate and empower West Virginians to take advantage of the real revitalization and transformation that is possible from cleaning up Brownfields sites for future development.  It’s important that our citizens have access to the environmental, economic and human health benefits that come from cleaning up contaminated sites. I look forward to seeing the impact this grant and the resulting technical assistance will have on our state.”

“The West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center was created specifically to develop stronger links between USEPA Region 3 and the State’s communities,” said Dr. Paul Ziemkiewicz, Director of the WVU Water Research Institute and one of the founders of the WV Brownfields Assistance Center (BAC).  “The objective was to help communities develop successful redevelopment projects and recover economic opportunity, jobs and local revenue that had been lost when the previous industries moved out.  This TAB grant will train local leaders in realizing the full economic and social benefits from brownfield redevelopment.”

“We’re excited to take the success we’ve seen in West Virginia and the lessons we’ve learned in our communities and leverage that to help communities across Region 3,” said BAC Interim Director Carrie Staton. “We look forward to not only impacting individual projects and programs across the region but also to building stronger ties across state lines, helping communities learn from one another as well as experts in the field.”

Today’s other selected grant recipients are:

• The University of Connecticut – will aid in EPA’s Region 1.
• The New Jersey Institute of Technology – will aid in EPA’s Region 2.
• The International City/County Management Association – will aid in EPA’s Region 4.
• The Kansas State University – will help in EPA’s Regions 5-8. The university will also coordinate with the other selected recipients on nationally led efforts and tools.
• The Center for Creative Land Recycling – will aid in EPA’s Regions 9 and 10.

Background:

The Brownfields TAB Program helps communities, states, tribes and others understand the human health and environmental risks associated with contaminated or potentially contaminated properties, and learn how to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse them. For example, the training and research to be delivered by the selected TAB providers will assist communities in:

• Identifying and prioritizing brownfields for redevelopment.
• Determining the potential public health impact of brownfield sites.
• Identifying appropriate funding/financing approaches.
• Applying for and managing EPA brownfields grants.
• Evaluating economic feasibility of reuse plans.
• Interpreting technical brownfield reports, assessments and plans.
• Understanding and navigating regulatory requirements.

This Technical Assistance for Brownfields grant is a competitive grant awarded every five years; providing up to $200,000 per year over the course of five years.

More information on the TAB program: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-technical-assistance

More information on EPA’s Brownfields program: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/ 

EPA Awards $400,000 to Los Angeles Small Business to Support Commercialization of Environmental Technologies

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Awards $400,000 to Los Angeles Small Business to Support Commercialization of Environmental Technologies

Funds are part of $3 million awarded nationwide through EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research program

 

LOS ANGELES - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $400,000 in grant funding to Los Angeles-based Lucendi, Inc. to further develop and commercialize technology to protect public health and the environment. Lucendi will use the funding to build a portable, automated platform for microplastic identification and characterization which will improve the ability to monitor and assess the impact of microplastic pollution on water quality.

"The Lucendi team is excited to have been selected by EPA to advance and commercialize our portable platform,” said Lucendi CEO Maxim Batalin. “Microplastics pollution is a global problem that requires innovative and scalable solutions, andith EPA’s assistance we are on the right track to help mitigate this problem."

“Lucendi is applying innovative technology to the complex issue of microplastics pollution,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Laboratory Services and Applied Sciences Division Director Duane James. “I congratulate Lucendi for receiving this funding. Their work helps us achieve our goal of creating healthy, clean, and safe environments, and EPA is proud to continue supporting these efforts.”

Lucendi is among eight small businesses nationwide receiving up to $400,000 in Phase II funding from EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. These companies were previously awarded SBIR Phase I funding of up to $100,000 for “proof of concept” of their innovative environmental technologies and are now receiving Phase II funding to further advance and commercialize the technology. Funded technologies are focused on clean and safe water, air quality monitoring, land revitalization, and sustainable materials management.

EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program, a competitive program that supports small businesses in the development and commercialization of technological solutions. This program stimulates the economy while assisting the country in meeting its research and development needs.

For more information on EPA's SBIR Phase II recipients, visit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipients.display/rfa_id/680/records_per_page/ALL.

Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program: https://www.epa.gov/sbir.

Learn more about the Federal SBIR Program: www.SBIR.gov. 

 

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

EPA Awards Over $900,000 to Clean Up 46 School Buses in New York

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Awards Over $900,000 to Clean Up 46 School Buses in New York

First DERA Funds for Alt-Fuel and Electric Buses Offered

NEW YORK (April 20, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded approximately $10.5 million to replace 473 older diesel school buses nationwide. The funds are going to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country. In New York, EPA is providing $908,002 to four entities to replace 46 buses across the state.

"The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation’s school buses," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities.”

The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus.

The funding selectees in New York are:

• All American School Bus Corp in Astoria, Queens – $200,000 to replace 10 buses
• Chappaqua Transportation Inc. – $108,002 to replace six buses
• MAT Bus Corp. (multiple locations) – $200,000 to replace 10 buses
• Suffolk Transportation Systems, Inc. in Bay Shore – $400,000 to replace 20 buses

EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school. 

Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates.

For more information about the DERA program, visit www.epa.gov/dera

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 awards $615,000 to clean up school buses in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington communities

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA awards $615,000 to clean up school buses in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington communities

 

 

Contact: Suzanne Skadowski, EPA, Seattle, 206-553-2160, skadowski.suzanne@epa.gov

 

SEATTLE (April 20, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it expects to award $615,000 to replace or retrofit 29 older diesel school buses in eight Idaho, Oregon, and Washington school districts. The funds are included in awards expected to go to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new or retrofitted buses will reduce diesel pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country.

 

“The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation’s school buses,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities.”

 

Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus. The 2020 DERA Rebates are the first round in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses.

 

School districts expected to receive DERA Rebates in the Pacific Northwest include:

 

• Brown Bus Company, Nampa, Idaho: $200,000 to replace/retrofit 10 buses
• Beaverton School District, Beaverton, Oregon: $190,000 to replace/retrofit nine buses
• Bend/Lapine School District, Bend, Oregon: $125,000 to replace/retrofit five buses
• Klamath Falls City Schools, Klamath Falls, Oregon: $20,000 to replace/retrofit one bus
• Freeman School District, Rockford, Washington: $20,000 to replace/retrofit one bus
• Goldendale School District, Goldendale, Washington: $20,000 to replace/retrofit one bus
• Shelton School District, Shelton, Washington: $20,000 to replace/retrofit one bus
• Tonasket School District, Tonasket, Washington: $20,000 to replace/retrofit one bus

 

EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school. 

 

U.S. school buses collectively travel more than 4 billion miles each year, safely transporting more than 25 million school children every day. However, children are particularly vulnerable to toxic air pollution and exposure to untreated diesel exhaust can have negative health impacts. Fortunately, today’s diesel retrofit technologies can make older school buses much cleaner, which keeps kids healthy and safe. These technologies are cost-effective and have been verified by the EPA to reduce emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide.

 

Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates.

 

For more information on EPA’s work to reduce diesel emissions from school buses, visit: https://www.epa.gov/dera/reducing-diesel-emissions-school-buses.  

 

 

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EPA’s Region 10 serves communities in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and 271 Tribal Nations. Learn more about EPA’s work in the Pacific Northwest at: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-10-pacific-northwest.

 

Follow us on Twitter!  @EPAnorthwest  &  @EPAcolumbia

 

Like us on Facebook!   @eparegion10  & @epaduwamish  &  @CDAbasin

 

 

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EPA awards $500,000 to clean up 25 school buses in Region 8 states

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA awards $500,000 to clean up 25 school buses in Region 8 states
 

DENVER (April 20, 2021) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded school districts in EPA Region 8 $500,000 to replace 25 older diesel school buses in the states of Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.  These funds are among approximately $10.5 million the agency is awarding to 137 fleets to replace 473 buses in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better protecting health and air quality in communities across the country.

"The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation’s school buses," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities.”

School districts awarded funds in EPA Region 8 states include:

Colorado

Eagle County School District Re-50J, $60,000, 3 buses

Durango School District 9-R, $20,000, 1 bus

Lake County School District R-1, $40,000, 2 buses

The Pinnacle Charter School, $40,000, 2 buses

North Dakota

Northern Cass School District, $20,000, 1 bus

South Prairie School, $40,000, 2 buses

South Dakota

Rapid City Area School District 51-4, $100,000, 5 buses

Watertown School District 14-4, $20,000, 1 bus

Utah

North Sanpete School District, $40,000, 2 buses

Wyoming

Fremont County School District #25, $120,000, 6 buses

 

The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses.

Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus.

EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school. 

Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates.

For more information about the DERA program, visit www.epa.gov/dera

Boulder, Colo. company among small businesses receiving EPA funds to commercialize environmental technologies

 U.S. EPA News Release:

Boulder, Colo. company among small businesses receiving EPA funds to commercialize environmental technologies

AquaRealTime Inc. to receive $396,192 develop sensor for early detection and monitoring of harmful algal blooms in surface waters

DENVER (April 20, 2021) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3,192,989 in total funding for eight small businesses to further develop and commercialize technologies to protect public health and the environment. The funded technologies are focused on clean and safe water, air quality monitoring, land revitalization, and sustainable materials management.

Today’s awardees include Boulder, Colorado-based AquaRealTime, Inc., which will receive $396,192 to develop a sensor technology that can be deployed by a non-specialist in 30 minutes for early detection and monitoring of harmful algal blooms in surface waters.

“Small businesses are building a better future for our country through their innovative technologies,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate the small businesses who are receiving this funding. Your work is essential to helping us achieve our goal of creating healthy, clean, and safe environments for all Americans.”

These eight small businesses are receiving up to $400,000 in Phase II funding from EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. These companies were previously awarded SBIR Phase I funding of up to $100,000 for “proof of concept” of their innovative environmental technologies and are now receiving Phase II funding to further advance and commercialize the technology. In addition to AquaRealTime, this year’s SBIR Phase II recipients include:

• Aerodyne Research, Inc., Billerica, Mass., is developing an ethylene-oxide monitor with an ultra-low limit of detection that can be used for air monitoring to assess public health risks.
• Capro-X, Inc., Ithaca, N.Y., is developing a fermentation process, called WheyAway, that converts lactose-containing dairy industry process streams into treated water and a mixture of valuable fatty acid chemicals to decrease the expense and environmental impact associated with Greek yogurt production.
• Hedin Environmental, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is creating an innovative, lower-cost carbonation process to treat acidic, metal-contaminated mine water that can be used by mining companies and those working to restore areas around abandoned mines.
• Lucendi, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., is building a portable, automated platform for microplastic identification and characterization which will improve the ability to monitor and assess the impact of microplastic pollution on water quality.
• NanoAffix Science, LLC, Wauwatosa, Wis., is creating a handheld device for real-time, onsite detection of sulfur dioxide, an air pollutant which can adversely affect respiratory and cardiovascular health in people.
• RemWell, LLC, Potsdam, N.Y., is creating a remediation technology that uses high frequency ultrasound to clean up groundwater contaminated by PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals that persist in the environment and human body and are believed to lead to adverse health effects.
• Triangle Environmental Health Initiative, LLC, Durham, N.C., is designing a technology that can be added to septic systems to remove and recover nutrients thereby reducing the impact these nutrients would have on the surrounding environment.

EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program, a competitive program that supports small businesses in the development and commercialization of technological solutions. This program stimulates the economy while assisting the country in meeting its research and development needs.

For more information on EPA's SBIR Phase II recipients, visit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipients.display/rfa_id/680/records_per_page/ALL

Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program: https://www.epa.gov/sbir

Learn more about the Federal SBIR Program: www.SBIR.gov

EPA Awards $800,000 to Small Businesses in Ithaca and Potsdam, New York to Support Commercialization of Environmental Technologies

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Awards $800,000 to Small Businesses in Ithaca and Potsdam, New York to Support Commercialization of Environmental Technologies

Part of a $3.2 Million National Announcement

 

NEW YORK (April 20, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has awarded $400,000 to Capro-X, Inc. in Ithaca, New York and $397,000 to RemWell LLC. in Potsdam, New York, to further develop and commercialize technologies to protect water quality and improve groundwater cleanup. The funded technologies are focused on remediation of PFAS contaminated groundwater and food waste management associated with dairy production.

“Small businesses are building a better future for our country with their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative technologies,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I congratulate the small businesses who are receiving this funding. Your work is essential to helping us achieve our goal of creating healthy, clean, and safe environments for all Americans.”

These two small businesses are part of eight nationally that are receiving up to $400,000 in Phase II funding from EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. These companies were previously awarded SBIR Phase I funding of up to $100,000 for “proof of concept” of their innovative environmental technologies and are now receiving Phase II funding to further advance and commercialize the technology.

Project descriptions of the two New York winners include:

• Capro-X, Inc. (Ithaca) – To develop a fermentation process, called WheyAway, that converts lactose-containing dairy industry process streams into treated water and a mixture of valuable fatty acid chemicals to decrease the expense and environmental impact associated with Greek yogurt production.
• RemWell, LLC. (Potsdam) – To create a remediation technology that uses high frequency ultrasound to clean up groundwater contaminated by PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals that persist in the environment and human body and are believed to lead to adverse health effects.

EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program, a competitive program that supports small businesses in the development and commercialization of technological solutions. This program stimulates the economy while assisting the country in meeting its research and development needs.

For more information on EPA's SBIR Phase II recipients, visit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipients.display/rfa_id/680/records_per_page/ALL

Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program: https://www.epa.gov/sbir

Learn more about the Federal SBIR Program: www.SBIR.gov

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2

 

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