EPA Announces Funding for Research to Improve Air Quality, Protect Health

Press release:

EPA Announces Funding for Research to Improve Air Quality, Protect Health

Release Date: 08/06/2012

Contact Information: Latisha Petteway (News Media Only), petteway.latisha@epa.gov, 202-564-3191, 202-564-4355; En español: Lina Younes younes.lina@epa.gov,202-564-9924 , 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded five grants totaling almost $2 million to academic institutions for research on innovative processes to further improve air quality in the U.S. and help track the effectiveness of pollution control measures. Pollutants such as ozone and fine particles are linked to a variety of serious health effects, including aggravation of asthma and other lung diseases, heart attacks, increased hospital admissions and medication use, and premature death.

The grants announced today are focused on generating better data and tools to enable regulatory authorities to more effectively ensure that the air we breathe is healthy. The information gathered through this new research will help inform policy decisions that affect air quality, including the way states and cities address short-term air quality challenges.

"These grants will encourage innovative solutions for incorporating new information, technology advances, and current scientific understanding into air quality management,” says Bob Kavlock, deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This research will help improve our efforts to respond quickly to short-term air pollution issues such as heat waves or seasonal impacts on air quality."

The funding covers projects that will examine links between short-term air pollution drivers and existing management strategies, development of decision-making models, and air quality forecasting techniques. The five grantees include:

University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, N.Y., will help incorporate short-term forecasts of emissions from electricity generation and traffic into modeling and air quality forecasts.
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, will include the design and testing of innovative methods to link electricity generation and emissions pricing for the prevention of air pollution episodes.
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga., will develop a system for estimating and minimizing the impacts of prescribed burning on air quality, particularly in Georgia.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, will address the issues of multi-pollutant air quality management and develop integrated decision-making models for air quality policy making.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C., will develop new tools for linking air quality modeling and forecasting with forecasts of electricity demand.

These grants are part of EPA’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, which supports human health, ecology, economics, and engineering sciences through grants, centers, and fellowships. EPA provides air quality and environmental information to the public through websites including AIRNow, Window to My Environment, and Envirofacts. These tools help educate the public and increase their participation in decisions that affect air quality.

More information on the grantees: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/dynair
More information on the EPA’s STAR program: http://www.epa.gov/ncer
More information on AIRNow: http://www.airnow.gov
More information on Window to My Environment: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/wme/
More information on Envirofacts: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/

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EPA Announces Funding for Research to Improve Air Quality, Protect Health

Press release:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2012

EPA Announces Funding for Research to Improve Air Quality, Protect Health

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded five grants totaling almost $2 million to academic institutions for research on innovative processes to further improve air quality in the U.S. and help track the effectiveness of pollution control measures. Pollutants such as ozone and fine particles are linked to a variety of serious health effects, including aggravation of asthma and other lung diseases, heart attacks, increased hospital admissions and medication use, and premature death.

The grants announced today are focused on generating better data and tools to enable regulatory authorities to more effectively ensure that the air we breathe is healthy.  The information gathered through this new research will help inform policy decisions that affect air quality, including the way states and cities address short-term air quality challenges.

"These grants will encourage innovative solutions for incorporating new information, technology advances, and current scientific understanding into air quality management,” says Bob Kavlock, deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This research will help improve our efforts to respond quickly to short-term air pollution issues such as heat waves or seasonal impacts on air quality."    

The funding covers projects that will examine links between short-term air pollution drivers and existing management strategies, development of decision-making models, and air quality forecasting techniques. The five grantees include:

•    University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, N.Y., will help incorporate short-term forecasts of emissions from electricity generation and traffic into modeling and air quality forecasts.

•    University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, will include the design and testing of innovative methods to link electricity generation and emissions pricing for the prevention of air pollution episodes.

•    Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga., will develop a system for estimating and minimizing the impacts of prescribed burning on air quality, particularly in Georgia.

•    Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, will address the issues of multi-pollutant air quality management and develop integrated decision-making models for air quality policy making.

•    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, N.C., will develop new tools for linking air quality modeling and forecasting with forecasts of electricity demand.

These grants are part of EPA’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, which supports human health, ecology, economics, and engineering sciences through grants, centers, and fellowships. EPA provides air quality and environmental information to the public through websites including AIRNow, Window to My Environment, and Envirofacts. These tools help educate the public and increase their participation in decisions that affect air quality. 

More information on the grantees: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/dynair 

More information on the EPA’s STAR program: http://www.epa.gov/ncer 

More information on AIRNow: http://www.airnow.gov 

More information on Window to My Environment: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/wme/ 

More information on Envirofacts: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/

R135

Drink up Savings and Health Benefits with GE’s Refrigerator Water Filter Offer

Press release:

06 June 2012

Drink up Savings and Health Benefits with GE’s Refrigerator Water Filter Offer

 

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•  View Details

 

• Water filters should be changed every six months to ensure clean, clear drinking water
• Coupon code for 10 percent off plus free shipping on select GE^®water filters starts June 6

LOUISVILLE, Ky., — June 6, 2012 — (NYSE: GE) — From June 6 through July 9, GE is offering a 10-percent-off, plus free-shipping coupon code on its replacement water filters. When the temperature outside increases, so does the importance of staying hydrated.¹ To help consumers stay cool as the weather heats up, filtered water from the refrigerator is a convenient and cost-effective solution.

“Having fresh, pure water is one of the top concerns consumers have as we conduct our overall appliance research,” said Laura Edwards, marketing manager for GE Appliances. “GE^® water filters’ carbon core removes 15 contaminants from drinking water, but over time, the carbon core fills up and needs to be replaced. That’s why it is important to change refrigerator water filters every six months.”

Helpful remindersTo ensure filtered water all year round, consumers can sign up forSmartOrder when they redeem the water filter coupon code online. The SmartOrder program allows consumers to set up automatic reorders so they receive water filters, with free shipping, on a convenient schedule.

And, as consumers drink water to stay healthy, they can help the environment stay healthy through GE’s used water filter recycling program. GE is the only appliance manufacturer that offers water filter recycling—consumers simply mail back* their used water filter and GE takes care of the rest.

Not sure which water filter is right for your refrigerator? GE offers a simple refrigerator filter finder tool, which guides consumers through easy steps to help them find the right filter for their refrigerator.

Coupon code details**To redeem, enter the coupon code “WATER2” during checkout in GE’s onlineGE Water Filtration Parts and Accessories Store. Consumers can also receive the discount when ordering over the phone at 877-959-8688. The code is available from June 6 through July 9, 2012.

Pricing and availabilityMore information on GE water filters can be found online at Water Filtration Parts and Accessories from GE.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or check out our website for more information Friend GE Appliances on Facebook to view how-to videos, learn about new GE appliances and join in the discussion with other GE appliance owners. Join today and follow @GE_Appliances on Twitter or just locate detailed information about our products at www.geappliances.com.

About GE AppliancesGE Appliances is at the forefront of building innovative, energy-efficient appliances that improve people’s lives. GE Appliances’ products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water filtration systems and water heaters. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information on GE Appliances, visit www.ge.com/appliances.

1. The Mayo Clinic, Diseases and Conditions: Dehydration,http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=risk-factors.

*Consumer is responsible for shipping costs associated with mailing used water filter.

**Coupon code promotion available on only MWF, MWF3PK, MSWF, MSWF3PK, GSWF, and GSWF3PK models. Offer excludes tax.

EPA to Support United Way’s Health Day of Action Event on Saturday, June 2, 2012

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101

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

EPA to Support United Way’s Health Day of Action Event on Saturday, June 2, 2012

Contact Information: Ben Washburn, (913) 551-7364, washburn.ben@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., May 30, 2012) - EPA Region 7 will support the United Way’s Health Day of Action event on June 2, 2012, with a team of volunteers. The Day of Action (formerly Day of Caring) is a community-wide service event that connects volunteers with non-profit organizations to do special projects in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The EPA team will volunteer at the Niles Home for Children’s Organic Garden at 1911 East 23rd Street, Kansas City, Mo. The garden provides affordable food in the Kansas City urban core. EPA volunteers will plant, weed, harvest and work with urban gardener and youth volunteers.

“The Day of Action is a great way for EPA Region 7 employees to support our local community and promote healthy living through green practices such as urban gardening,” EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks said. “I am proud of our employees for taking some of their personal time on Saturday to participate in this event.”

The Days of Action campaign is coordinated by the Heart of America United Way, other area United Ways, the Heartland Combined Federal Campaign, and organized labor groups.

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EPA and LA Water Board Set Strict New Pollution Reduction Plans for 175 Waterways in Los Angeles Area

For Immediate Release: March 27, 2012Media Contacts:
Nahal Mogharabi, EPA, mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov
Deborah Smith, LA Water Quality Board, 213-576-6609, Dsmith@waterboards.ca.gov  

EPA and LA Water Board Set Strict New Pollution Reduction Plans for 175 Waterways in Los Angeles Area
Action Culminates 13 Year Effort, Eliminating Beach Closures, Reducing Trash and Toxic Chemicals in Waters

LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board today announced the latest in a series of pollution reduction plans designed to restore 175 water bodies in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The pollution targets set by these plans will improve water quality, restore ecosystems, and protect the public by eliminating beach closures due to bacteria and improving the health of fish used for consumption.

“EPA and our partners have achieved a breakthrough on the path toward restoring the health of Los Angeles’ creeks, streams, and beaches,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “These precious natural resources lay at the heart of what makes the Golden State shine.”

The Los Angeles region is home to a vast network of streams, lakes, rivers, and beaches used for fishing and recreation. The pollution plans call for reductions in the amount of bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, mercury, pesticides and other toxic chemicals that affect these waterways.  More than 95% of the impaired waters will meet applicable water quality standards once the pollution reduction plans are fully implemented.

“I am proud to acknowledge achievements that are leading to healthier watersheds for the benefit of the people and wildlife who call the Los Angeles area home.” said Maria Mehranian, Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.  “This wave of water quality improvement is the result of tremendous efforts by this Board, past Boards, and EPA in collaboration with local municipalities and environmental organizations.”

Under the federal Clean Water Act, states are required to develop pollution reduction plans for waters that are impaired by pollutants.  These plans are called Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and must be approved by the EPA. 

 “Los Angeles’ relationship to water is a historic one. We are known for our beaches and were founded because of the LA River,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “The U.S. EPA and the Regional Water Board have been strong partners as we work to protect our rivers, streams, and waterways. We applaud the U.S. EPA and the Regional Water Board for continuing to prioritize water quality and safety in Los Angeles.”

Today’s announcement is a  part of a 1999 legal settlement between EPA and local environmental groups  in which EPA committed to approve LA Water Board-developed TMDLs or independently establish TMDLs for a list of water bodies in the Los Angeles Region.  As a result of the consent decree, 47 TMDLs have been established for 175 water bodies that address numerous pollutant impairments including elevated bacteria, metals, pesticides, PCBs and trash.  Additional TMDLs will be approved or established within the next year.

 “The consent decree put Los Angeles and Ventura counties on track for having oceans and rivers that are safe for swimming and fishing year round,” said Kirsten James, Heal the Bay’s Water Quality Director.  “The implementation of these requirements has already led to less trash in local rivers and bays and cleaner beaches.”

EPA established four TMDLs to address pollutants and impairments for the following water bodies:

• Long Beach City beaches and Los Angeles River estuary for bacteria: will help protect the health of the tens of thousands of people visiting the beaches during summer months. Once implemented, the average number of days during the swimming season exceeding bacteria standards will be reduced from 34 days to 0.
  
• Santa Monica Bay waters for DDTs and PCBs: will increase the health of the fish and other aquatic life and protect the public who use the Bay for recreational fishing and boating. Once implemented, DDT and PCB levels in the Bay will be reduced up to 50% and 75%, respectively.
  
• Ballona Creek wetlands for sediment and exotic vegetation: will help restore the last remaining critical coastal wetlands in Southern California.  Once implemented, 600 acres of habitats adjacent to Marina del Rey will support the hundreds of migratory birds species and the dozens of native birds that use these wetlands.
  
• Nine Los Angeles area urban lakes for toxics, trash, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution: will support recreation and wildlife for nine lakes in the Los Angeles area, including Echo Park Lake, Lake Calabasas, Puddingstone Reservoir and El Dorado Park Lakes.
  

In addition, the EPA has approved four LA Water Board-adopted TMDLs to address pollutants and impairments for the following water bodies:

• Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors for toxic pollutants: will reduce toxic levels of metals and organic pollutants to protect sensitive habitat, fishing, recreation, and navigation in the harbors.
  
• Machado Lake for toxic pollutants: will remediate contaminated water and sediments in the lake so that fish are safe to eat.
  
• Los Angeles River for bacteria: will protect the health of swimmers, waders, and boaters in the river and at downstream beaches in the City of Long Beach.
  
• Santa Monica Bay for trash: will prohibit trash and plastic pellets (“nurdles”) from entering the bay to protect beachgoers and marine life.

Pollution reduction plans adopted over the years have led to innovative solutions by municipalities and pollution equipment industries to address some of the most deep-rooted pollution problems in the region.  These plans have led to the installation of trash capture devices by 42 cities resulting in a 65% reduction in total tons of trash entering the Los Angeles River. The landmark Santa Monica Bay Beaches Bacteria TMDL has, since its adoption, reduced exceedances of bacteria standards at local beaches by half for the benefit of the 55 million people who visit Santa Monica Bay Beaches annually.

For more information on the pollution plans approved today, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region9/water/tmdl/final.html 

For more information on all of the TMDLs in the Los Angeles Region, please visit: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/losangeles/water_issues/programs/tmdl/  
For more information about the Clean Water Act, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/laws/cwa.html  

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News Release from EPA

Metro Container Corp. site added to Superfund list

PHILADELPHIA (March 13, 2012) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the addition of the Metro Container Corporation site in Trainer, Delaware County, Pa. to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL).

The NPL is a national list of sites where hazardous substances could impact human health and/or the environment. These sites first undergo a thorough investigation to determine the full nature and extent of contamination. EPA or the parties responsible for the contamination then address whatever risks the sites pose to human health and the environment.

Located about 20 miles south of Philadelphia near the Delaware River, the site has a long industrial history, which includes its use as a chemical manufacturing plant by the Stauffer Chemical Company from 1920 to 1959. The property was also used as a steel drum reconditioning facility by several companies including the Metro Container Corporation, which filed for bankruptcy in 1987. The site is currently owned by Trainer Industries, an industrial painting company that uses the property mainly for storage.

The main source of contamination on the property is a half-acre backfilled industrial waste lagoon that was used for disposal of drum contents and wastewater. The unlined lagoon was eventually filled in with soil and artificial fill materials and is no longer accessible. Additionally, site soils are contaminated. The contaminants of concern at the site are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), inorganics, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Potential impacts to the surrounding community and environment include contamination to the Delaware River and along the tidal flats of the Delaware River.

The Metro Container site is one of nine sites nationwide that EPA is adding to the NPL today. EPA is also proposing 10 other sites to the list today. 

For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for this and other sites, please visit http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/current.htm .

For information about how a site is listed on the NPL, visit: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/npl_hrs.htm  .

Magic School Bus

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release:
March 9, 2012

EPA to Launch the “Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up” Spanish Version

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

ATLANTA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Gwen Keyes Fleming, with Scholastic, will announce the national roll-out of the Spanish-language version of the book “Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up” – a special edition book based on the popular Scholastic series. 

Regional Administrator Fleming will also recognize the state of Mississippi for achievements in protecting children’s heath through retrofits, replacements and idle reduction programs of the state’s eligible school bus fleet.
Later in the afternoon, representatives from the EPA will participate in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Planning Commission’s Children’s Fair on from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Biloxi Public Library and Civic Center in Biloxi.  This event, held in conjunction with the announcement and the recognition ceremony, is a region-wide educational event to celebrate children and environmental health.

What:  National Launch of “Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up” Spanish Version

Who:   Gwen Keyes Fleming, EPA Regional Administrator
Carol Kemker, Deputy Director, Air, Pesticides and Toxic Management Division, EPA
Trudy Fisher, Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
AJ Holloway, Mayor, City of Biloxi

When:   Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 9:30 am until 11:00 am CST

Where:  Biloxi Public Library and Civic Center
Biloxi, Mississippi

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EPA Awards > $200K to Reduce Asbestos Exposure

EPA Awards Over $200,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Labor

to Reduce Exposure to Asbestos

(DALLAS – March 7, 2012) A grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will assist in reducing asbestos exposure in schools and state buildings in Oklahoma. The grant for $234,713, given to the Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL), will be used for inspections and encouraging compliance with the Asbestos in Schools Program which is designed to protect the health of school children and other occupants as well as the community. ODOL will complete 100 audit inspections in Oklahoma schools during 2012 and verify asbestos workers are properly trained and accredited prior to and during asbestos abatement work.

More information about the Asbestos in School Program is available at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/asbestos_in_schools.html

Additional Information on EPA grants is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/gandf/index.htm

More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/mar2012.html

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Radon Stakeholders' Meeting

EPA Region 7 to Co-Host Sixth Annual Radon Stakeholders’ Meeting on March 14 in Nebraska City, Neb.

Contact Information: Chelsey Derks, (913) 551-7240,  derks.chelsey@epa.gov   

Environmental News

NEWS MEDIA ADVISORY

(Kansas City, Kan., March 6, 2012) - EPA Region 7 will join state health agencies from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), to host the Sixth Annual Region 7 Radon Stakeholders’ Meeting on March 14 in Nebraska City, Neb.

Partnering to present the daylong event with EPA and AARST will be the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

There is no charge to attend the meeting, which is designed to bring stakeholders together to discuss and understand common radon issues from new perspectives, as well as provide insight into the future, and allow opportunities to share, educate and network. Anyone who has a stake in protecting the public from unnecessary exposure to radon in their homes, schools and businesses is welcome to attend.

WHAT: Sixth Annual Region Stakeholders’ Meeting

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. - 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2012 (Note for news media organizations: interviews with radon specialists will be offered between 11:35 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.)

WHERE: Lied Lodge & Conference Center, 2700 Sylvan Road, Nebraska City, Neb. 68410

WHO: Representatives from EPA Region 7, Iowa Department of Public Health, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists

In 2011, EPA announced the Federal Radon Action Plan, along with General Services Administration and the departments of Agriculture; Defense; Energy; Health and Human Services; Housing and Urban Development; Interior; and Veterans Affairs. This action plan will demonstrate the importance of radon risk reduction, address finance and incentive issues to drive testing and mitigation, and build demand for services from industry professionals.

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News Release from EPA Region 9

For Immediate Release:  February 21, 2012
Contact:  Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, higuchi.dean@epa.gov     

                             
EPA awards over $6.7 million to the Guam Waterworks Authority for wastewater and drinking water projects

HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded over $6.7 million as part of a yearly grant to the Guam Waterworks Authority to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on Guam.

 “The $6.7 million that EPA is providing Guam will go towards meeting critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure standards on the island. The future health of Guam's economy is dependent on securing clean air, water and land,” said Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator of EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “There is still a lot of work to be done by GWA to improve both these systems to meet health and environmental goals.”

The wastewater funds will be used for system wide asset inventories, sewer system evaluations and assessments, hydraulic model development, and master planning activities to identify and prioritize projects.  In addition, funds will be used for critical sewer pump station repairs.

Funding for the drinking water system will be similarly used for system wide asset inventories, condition assessments, hydraulic model development, and master planning activities to identify and prioritize projects for improving Guam’s drinking water system.  Funds will also be used to assist GWA in meeting groundwater monitoring requirements. 

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Follow the U.S. EPA's Pacific Southwest region on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EPAregion9 and join the LinkedIn group: http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1823773/

News Release from EPA Region 10

Seeing no levels of concern, EPA curtails emergency air monitoring at BP refinery fire site near Bellingham, Washington

 Contact Info: Mark MacIntyre, EPA Public Affaris, macintyre.mark@epa.gov, 206-369-7999 (cell)

(Seattle, Washington) - As cleanup begins in earnest at the BP refinery fire site, 20 miles northwest of Bellingham, Washington, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's air monitoring team is standing down after seeing no measurable threats to public health from airborne pollutants related to the fire.

As EPA responders arrived at the scene last night, a team of four EPA contractors, accompanied by a BP Industrial Hygienist, conducted air monitoring at several locations around the perimeter of the facility, including locations downwind.

The sweep was completed by midnight and the results were compared to similar locations that BP responders had monitored earlier in the day. EPA measured for elevated Volatile Organic Compounds, particulate matter, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide. According to Andy Smith, EPA Federal On-Scene Coordinator, "No readingswere found to be above background or demonstrate any level of concern."

Once the site was stabilized and secured, EPA and Department of Ecology responders completed their assessment and demobilized.

MOEX Offshore Agrees to $90 Million Partial Settlement

News release from EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2012
MOEX Offshore Agrees to $90 Million Partial Settlement of Liability in Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
$70 million penalty is largest under the Clean Water Act; MOEX also to perform Gulf conservation projects worth at least $20 million
 

WASHINGTON – MOEX Offshore 2007 LLC has agreed to settle its liability in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in a settlement with the United States valued at $90 million, announced the Department of Justice, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today.  Approximately $45 million of the $90 million settlement is going directly to the Gulf in the form of penalties or expedited environmental projects.

According to the terms of the settlement, MOEX will pay $70 million in civil penalties to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act resulting from the spill and agreed to spend $20 million to facilitate land acquisition projects in several Gulf states that will preserve and protect in perpetuity habitat and resources important to water quality and other environmental features of the Gulf of Mexico region.  At the time of the spill, MOEX was a minority investor in the lease for the Macondo well. It no longer owns any share of the lease.

The terms of today’s settlement do not affect the potential liability of – or recoveries from – other parties involved in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Beginning with a well blowout and explosion on April 20, 2010, the owners and operators of the Macondo Well and  the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon allowed millions of barrels of oil to escape into the Gulf of Mexico, affecting the entire region.  Oil spills can cause both immediate and long-term harm to people’s health and the environment.  The Clean Water Act provides for civil penalties for such discharges.  This is the largest civil penalty ever recovered under the Clean Water Act.

“The Department of Justice has not wavered in its commitment to hold all responsible parties fully accountable for what stands as the largest oil spill in U.S. history,” said Attorney General Eric Holder.  “This landmark settlement is an important step – but only a first step – toward achieving accountability and protecting the future of the Gulf ecosystem by funding critical habitat preservation projects.”

“This will move the Gulf Coast along in its recovery as it continues to rebound from the largest spill in U.S. history,” said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp.  “The settlement demonstrates our firm commitment to  hold accountable those who pollute our environment.”

“This is good news for the Gulf Coast communities that are continuing to rebuild their economy and restore their ecosystem. This administration is going to stand with the people here to ensure a full recovery from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Dedicating funds to actions that restore the local waters is a vital part of restoring these communities.  As someone who grew up on the Gulf Coast, I know how important clean water is to the lives and livelihoods of the people here, and I know we need to take every possible action to get the ecosystem here on a path to long-term restoration.”

As part of the settlement, MOEX Offshore has agreed to pay $70 million in civil penalties, of which, $45 million will go to the United States.  The money will go toward replenishing the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, where by law it will be available to pay for response actions, cleanup and damages caused by future spills.  The remaining penalty will go to Gulf states that participate in the settlement.  Those states will receive penalty payments as follows: $6.75 million to Louisiana, $5 million each to Alabama, Florida and Mississippi, and $3.25 million to Texas.

MOEX Offshore has also agreed to secure and protect properties of ecological significance for the Gulf habitats.  MOEX Offshore will ensure that properties within the states of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Florida are transferred to – or acquired by – state governments, non-profit groups, land trusts or other appropriate entities, to protect those properties from development.  In all, these projects are expected to cost at least $20 million. The negotiation process with MOEX included numerous discussions with the Gulf states, who have been indispensible in reaching this important agreement.

This settlement does not affect the government’s claims against any other defendant in the Deepwater Horizon lawsuit that was filed on Dec. 15, 2010.  The trial of the first phase of the case is set to begin in federal district court in New Orleans on Feb. 27, 2012.

MOEX Offshore is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the MOEX USA Corporation.  Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. Ltd. is the corporate parent of MOEX USA, which in turn is owned by Mitsui & Co. Ltd. of Japan.

The proposed settlement, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, is subject to a 30-day comment period and final court approval.

More information on the settlement: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/caa/moex.html

EPA Orders Corrective Action

News release from EPA:


For Immediate Release:
February 16, 2012
                                                 
EPA ORDERS MISSISSIPPI PHOSPHATES CORPORATION OF PASCAGOULA, MS TO CORRECT PROBLEMS AT THEIR FACILITY

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

ATLANTA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Administrative Order on Consent to Mississippi Phosphates Corporation (MPC) in Pascagoula, MS that requires expedited corrective measures be taken at the facility to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.  EPA issued the order under Section 7003 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which provides statutory authority to address an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health at facilities.

EPA believes that an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment exists at the facility due to corrosive water discovered by the facility outside the West Stack perimeter dike in January 2011 and September 2011. This order further directs MPC to continue to perform corrective actions that were included in a previous September 2009 Unilateral Order. The 2009 order was issued to MPC due to the EPA’s discovery of uncontrolled leaks and spills of sulfuric acid and untreated discharges from sulfuric acid plants to the adjacent bayou; and uncontrolled spills and leaks of phosphoric acid to unlined ditches at the MPC facility in August 2009.

MPC began operation in the late 1950s and was a subsidiary of Mississippi Chemical Corporation (MCC) from the early 1990’s through 2004. On May 15, 2003, MCC filed for bankruptcy and MPC was acquired by creditors. On December 21, 2004, MPC emerged from bankruptcy and is now owned by Phosphate Holdings, Inc, a publicly traded corporation. MPC manufactures sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid at the site and produces diammonium phosphate (DAP), a phosphate-based fertilizer.

Some of the work required of MPC in the 7003 Order includes: the submission of a revised plan to repair and replace degraded containment around sulfuric acid plants (SAPs); the continued implementation of the groundwater investigative and remediation work plan for the SAPs, DAP plant and construction area southwest of SAPs; daily visual assessment of seepage from west stack perimeter dike; and the submission of a west gypsum stack system improvement plan. As MPC addresses the requirements of this order, the EPA and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality will continue to work jointly to oversee MPC's compliance with environmental laws, regulations and permits.

Air Toxic Emissions Standards for PVC Finalized

News release from EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2012

  

EPA Finalizes Air Toxic Emissions Standards for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Production Facilities

  

Standards will cut harmful emissions that impact local communities

   

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued strong final standards requiring facilities that produce polyvinyl chloride and copolymers (PVC) to reduce harmful air emissions, which will improve air quality and protect people’s health in communities where facilities are located. Exposure to toxic air pollutants, like those emitted from PVC facilities, can cause respiratory problems and other serious health issues, and can increase the risk of developing cancer. In particular, children are known to be more sensitive to the cancer risks posed by inhaling vinyl chloride, one of the known carcinogens emitted from PVC facilities.

The final standards are based on currently available technologies and will reduce emissions of air toxics, such as dioxin and vinyl chloride. Facilities will have the flexibility to choose the most practical and cost-effective control technology or technique to reduce the emissions. Facilities will be required to monitor emissions at certain points in the PVC production process to ensure that the standards are met.

Currently, there are 17 PVC production facilities throughout the United States, with a majority of these facilities located in Louisiana and Texas. All existing and any new PVC production facilities are covered by the final rule.

PVC production facilities manufacture PVC resins that are used to make a large number of commercial and industrial products at other manufacturing facilities. These products include latex paints, coatings, adhesives, clear plastics, rigid plastics, and flooring.

EPA had a 74-day public comment period and held two public hearings on the proposal before issuing the final rule.

More information on the final rule: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3fs.html

Final Health Assessment for Perc

News release from EPA:

CONTACT:

Latisha Petteway (News Media Only)

petteway.latisha@epa.gov

202-564-3191

202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 10, 2012

EPA Releases Final Health Assessment for Tetrachloroethylene (Perc)

Public health protections remain in place

WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted the final health assessment for tetrachloroethylene – also known as perchloroethylene, or perc – to EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database. Perc is a chemical solvent widely used in the dry cleaning industry. It is also used in the cleaning of metal machinery and to manufacture some consumer products and other chemicals. Confirming longstanding scientific understanding and research, the final assessment characterizes perc as a “likely human carcinogen.” The assessment provides estimates for both cancer and non-cancer effects associated with exposure to perc over a lifetime.

EPA does not believe that wearing clothes dry cleaned with perc will result in exposures which pose a risk of concern. EPA has already taken several significant actions to reduce exposure to perc. EPA has clean air standards for dry cleaners that use perc, including requirements that will phase-out the use of perc by dry cleaners in residential buildings by December 21, 2020. EPA also set limits for the amount of perc allowed in drinking water and levels for cleaning up perc at Superfund sites throughout the country, which will be updated in light of the IRIS assessment.  

“The perc health assessment released today will provide valuable information to help protect people and communities from exposure to perc in soil, water and air,” said Paul Anastas, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This assessment emphasizes the value of the IRIS database in providing strong science to support government officials as they make decisions to protect the health of the American people.”

The toxicity values reported in the perc IRIS assessment will be considered in:

·        Establishing cleanup levels at the hundreds of Superfund sites where perc is a contaminant
·         Revising EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level for perc as part of the carcinogenic volatile organic compounds group in drinking water, as described in the agency’s drinking water strategy
·         Evaluating whether to propose additional limits on the emissions of perc into the atmosphere, since perc is considered a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act

The assessment replaces the 1988 IRIS assessment for perc and for the first time includes a hazard characterization for cancer effects. This assessment has undergone several levels of rigorous, independent peer review including: agency review, interagency review, public comment, and external peer review by the National Research Council. All major review comments have been addressed.

EPA continues to strengthen IRIS as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the best possible science is used to protect human health and the environment. In May 2009, EPA streamlined the IRIS process to increase transparency, ensure the timely publication of assessments, and reinforce independent review. In July 2011, EPA announced further changes to strengthen the IRIS program in response to recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences. EPA’s peer review process is designed to elicit the strongest possible critique to ensure that each final IRIS assessment reflects sound, rigorous science.

More information on the perc IRIS assessment: http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0106.htm

More information on perc: http://epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/perchloroethylene_fact_sheet.html

More information on IRIS: http://www.epa.gov/IRIS

CA Auto Recyclers Brace for Tightened Regulations

Excerpt from an article in The New York Times
Friday, February 10, 2012

California Auto Recyclers Brace for Tightened Regulations 

By MATT SMITH

In Oakland and Redwood City, industrial shredders the size of department stores grind thousands of junked automobiles into fist-sized scraps, loading the lumps onto waiting ships to become fodder for a global recycling industry.

But as the “green steel” goes out to sea, the leftovers — pulverized seat cushions, insulation and grime, collectively known in the shredding industry as “auto fluff” — are trucked to regional landfills. There, buried in mountains of trash, the byproducts of long-dead cars begin a second, potentially toxic life that could loom as a hazard to environmental health.

Off the road, junk cars continue to pollute because of what some critics say is a decades-long failure by California to properly regulate the powerful automobile recycling industry. Millions of tons of potentially toxic refuse created by recyclers of cars and heavy home appliances in the Bay Area have been buried in municipal landfills, instead of being transported in specially designated trucks and placed in dumps for toxic materials — a mode of transport and disposal that can dramatically increase costs.

The recyclers are able to avoid the increased cost of toxic waste disposal because of a special exemption from state regulators.

“Populations have moved close to those landfills,” said Gale Filter, a former deputy director for enforcement at the Department of Toxic Substances Control, or D.T.S.C., under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “We have an industry that’s not keeping pace with huge concerns about human health and the environment.”

“The shredding business poses a risk to the environment, as well as to people’s health,” Mr. Filter said.

In 2010, auto shredders deposited 591,271 tons of waste in California landfills. At the same time, their massive shredders can spew tons of toxic dust into the air, putting nearby residents at risk, according to a study by the University of California, Davis, that was commissioned by the toxic substance control agency. The industry commissioned its own study, which concluded that toxic emissions detected near a Los Angeles area facility came from sources other than automobile shredding.

The Environmental Protection Agency, meanwhile, announced in January that it had ordered Sims Metal Management to comply with federal Clean Water Act laws after inspections that revealed evidence of unlawful discharges of mercury, lead, copper and zinc near San Francisco Bay, as well as banned carcinogens known as PCBs, which are found in older cars.

The company issued statements saying it was committed to a healthy environment, and expected the matter to be resolved to the E.P.A.’s satisfaction.

Meg Rosegay, a lawyer in San Francisco who represents the auto recycling industry, said that the fluff is safe, despite Mr. Filter’s comments. “I think the former director of enforcement is expressing his personal opinion, and perhaps the opinion of certain individuals on the department staff,” she said. “We have done significant testing on the material and have reached different determinations.”

State regulators have long been concerned about the environmental impact of auto recycling. But for 30 years, former state officials say, the industry has used its influence in Sacramento to thwart further environmental controls. Recently, with Gov. Jerry Brown’s appointment of a new Department of Toxic Substances Control chief, there are signs the situation could be about to change. But any new rules about the handling of auto fluff may come too late to deal with millions of tons of potentially toxic waste already buried in California landfills.

Maryland Company Settles Pesticides Violations

News release from EPA Region 3:

Maryland Company Settles Pesticides Violations

PHILADELPHIA (February 9, 2012) -- PAMEX Foods, Inc. of Forestville, Md., has agreed to pay a $158,880 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of federal pesticide regulations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

EPA cited PAMEX for violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), a federal law requiring the registration of pesticide products and pesticide-production facilities, and the proper labeling of pesticides.

FIFRA's requirements protect public health and the environment by ensuring the safe production, handling and application of pesticides; and by preventing false, misleading, or unverifiable product claims. FIFRA also prohibits the marketing of misbranded, improperly labeled, or adulterated pesticides.

EPA alleged that PAMEX violated FIFRA by selling two unregistered pesticides, Fabuloso Aroma de Bebe and Clorox Magia Floral, from its distribution facility located at 7900 Parston Dr., Forestville, Md. Fabuloso Aroma de Bebe, marketed as an antibacterial product, was sold 161 times, and Clorox Magia Floral, marketed as a disinfectant, was sold once.

As part of the settlement, the company neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified that it is now in compliance with FIFRA requirements.

For information about pesticides, call EPA's hotline at: 1-800-858-7378.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also offers a hotline for Spanish-speaking citizens: a toll-free hotline where questions can be answered about pesticides. The Hotline Number is 1-888-919-4372.

For more information about EPA's pesticide program, visit: www.epa.gov/pesticides/.

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.


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Drinking Water Grant to Plattsburg, MO

News release from EPA, Region 7:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101

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

$364,000 Grant to Plattsburg, Mo., for Drinking Water Improvements

Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, (913) 551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov (news media only)

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 9, 2012) - EPA has awarded $364,000 to Plattsburg, Mo., for improvements to its drinking water system. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2013.

EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks said, “The City of Plattsburg recognized the need for drinking water improvements and is taking proactive measures to provide safe drinking water now and in the future. This grant will partially fund the construction project which is estimated to cost $661,800.”

The purpose of the project is to increase the capacity of the current water transmission main which conveys water from the water treatment plant to the distribution system. The construction will include approximately 9,200 feet of 16-inch iron pipe, water valves and fire hydrants. This will reduce numerous leaks that have recently occurred. Such leaks can cause low water pressure and introduce contaminants to the water.

EPA oversees the protection of water quality and public health. The Safe Drinking Water Act protects human health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. The responsibility for ensuring safe drinking water is shared by EPA, states, tribes, water systems, and the public.

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