EPA Region 7 to Announce Expansion of Environmental Partnerships with Iowa City, Iowa

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

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

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

EPA Region 7 to Announce Expansion of Environmental Partnerships with Iowa City, Iowa

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

Environmental News

NEWS MEDIA ADVISORY

(Kansas City, Kan., June 27, 2012) - EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks, Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek, and others will hold a news conference Friday, June 29, to announce a new environmental partnership between EPA and the City of Iowa City, Iowa.

EPA is providing a $60,000 urban waters grant to Iowa City for modifications to the Burlington Street Dam, which will result in water quality improvements, improved fish habitat, flood mitigation and revitalization of the Riverfront Crossings District. The funding is part of EPA’s Urban Waters Program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve and benefit from urban waters and surrounding land.

EPA has worked closely with the University of Iowa and Iowa City officials to initiate numerous environmental partnerships. One of the university partnerships is related to increasing awareness about the shared value of Iowa’s water resources and the impact of land use along rivers. As part of the Iowa City partnerships, EPA provided a market analysis, transit development study and plans for the Riverfront Crossings District. The plan provides a vision for redevelopment of underutilized properties with a mixture of housing, commercial and civic uses and restoration of the floodplain as a major riverfront park.

WHAT: Announcement of expansion of environmental partnerships with Iowa City

WHEN: 9:00 a.m., June 29, 2012 (Tour of the riverfront for news media will begin at 9:30 a.m.)

WHERE: Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory, Room 127, 300 S. Riverside Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 (Parking is available south of the laboratory on Riverside Drive.)

WHO: EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks, Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Services Division Administrator Bill Ehm, University of Iowa Director of Hydroscience and Engineering Larry Weber, and Iowa City Chamber of Commerce Vice President Rebecca Neades

VISUALS: Iowa City officials will share project details during a tour of the riverfront highlighting Burlington Street Dam modifications for improved water quality, riverbank stabilization and fish habitat.

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EPA Agreement with BASF Corp. on Air Pollution from Wyandotte Plant Brings Clean Diesel Project to Wayne County

Press release:

For Immediate Release

No. 12 – OPA049

EPA Agreement with BASF Corp. on Air Pollution from Wyandotte Plant Brings Clean Diesel Project to Wayne County

Chicago (June 27, 2012) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with BASF Corp. regarding alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its Wyandotte, Michigan, chemical manufacturing facility. Under a consent agreement and final order, BASF has agreed to pay a $788,048 penalty and spend at least $250,000 on a supplemental environmental project to retrofit or replace municipal diesel engines in Wayne County with certified clean-diesel technologies.

“As a result of EPA enforcement of the Clean Air Act, people living in Wayne County will breathe cleaner and healthier air,” said EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman.

BASF will also improve leak detection and repair practices and has made changes to its processes to reduce volatile organic compounds and air toxics (hazardous air pollutants) from the facility.

This agreement is part of an EPA national initiative to target and reduce illegal emissions of air toxics from leaks and reduce excess emissions from facilities that have a significant impact on air quality and health in residential areas.

Emissions of certain air toxics are either known or suspected to cause cancer or birth defects.

10 Communities and Organizations Selected for Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Funding during Green Jobs Training Event

Press release:

10 Communities and Organizations Selected for Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Funding during Green Jobs Training Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Molly Alton Mullins 410.974.2941, Ext. 107

EPA: David Sternberg, 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov

(Baltimore, MD – June 27, 2012) Today the Chesapeake Bay Trust, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of the Environment announced the recipients of $376,000 in grant funding through EPA’s Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns initiative. This program was created to advance watershed protection, community livability, and economic vitality throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed through the development of stormwater management techniques, green jobs creation and enhanced resident livability. The 10 selected recipients comprise a diverse group of municipalities and organizations that are committed to investing in green infrastructure to improve the environmental quality of life in their communities as well as create green jobs to benefit their local economy.

“We're working with towns and communities to advance environmental best practices, while also providing new opportunities for green jobs that benefit local economies,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This program was created to benefit the overall health of communities through greening efforts that can be replicated by towns throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed."

The Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns grant program was open to local governments and non-profit organizations in urban and suburban watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia that were interested in pursuing green streets, green infrastructure, and green jobs as part of their community or watershed planning. Grant assistance up to $35,000 was available for infrastructure project planning and design, and up to $100,000 for implementation and construction.

“We have seen the demand for green infrastructure funding accelerate in recent years as more and more cities and towns are looking for ways to incorporate green techniques into their infrastructure plans,” said Dr. Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “Through this incredible partnership with the EPA and the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and the Environment, we are able to help communities find the resources they need to advance these ever-important ‘green streets’ techniques.”

During today’s event, each grant recipient unveiled individualized plans to develop green infrastructure practices, promote green educational efforts, and advance green employment. In addition, the ability of these projects to serve as a source of green jobs was showcased. Because green infrastructure projects rely on new techniques, workers engaged in project construction gain valuable on-the-job training that enhances their skills. The green infrastructure project at the John Eager Howard Elementary School in the City of Baltimore, previously supported under this initiative, has served as a hands-on learning experience as part of a green jobs training program supported through a partnership with the Department of Labor for 30 unemployed or underemployed individuals from the region.

“The City of Baltimore greatly supports urban greening efforts that not only enhance the beauty of a local community, but also improve livability and create jobs,” said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “We are honored to have two of these grants awarded today to organizations right here in Baltimore that are accomplishing great ‘green’ things for our city.”

The Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Initiative supports President Obama’s Executive Order for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay through the creation of “green streets.” A “green street” is defined as a street that integrates a stormwater management system to reduce the amount of water that is piped directly into streams. Green streets also increase street tree canopy and encourage pedestrian and/or bicycle access; while providing an aesthetic advantage to a community.

“Providing educational opportunities and hands-on learning experiences are crucial to sustaining green development efforts,” said Senator Ben Cardin, a long-time supporter of the Chesapeake Bay Trust and green infrastructure development. “Projects like these will not only enhance sustainable watershed protection and stormwater management techniques, but will also provide Marylanders with the skills necessary to gain employment in the ever-expanding green jobs sector.”

For more information on the Green Streets grant program, visit www.cbtrust.org.

2012 Green Streets Grant Recipients (full descriptions available at mmullins@cbtrust.org)

Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc., Baltimore City, $34,960

Southeast Community Development Corporation, Baltimore City, $67,100

Housing Initiative Partnership, Cecil County, $35,000

Town of Delmar, Wicomico County, $18,950

Town of Forest Heights, Prince George’s County, $55,000
Water Environment Federation, Maryland, $10,000

Town of Ashland, Virginia, $25,000

Matthews County, Virginia, $85,000

City of Romney, West Virginia, $25,000

American Rivers, Pennsylvania, $20,000

Oregon landlord cited for failing to notify tenants of lead paint hazards

Press release:

Oregon landlord cited for failing to notify tenants of lead paint hazards

Future residents will receive required information about lead hazards around homes and apartments

Contact: Hanady Kader, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-0454, kader.hanady@epa.gov

(Seattle – June 27, 2012) The Curtis O. Baney Marital Trust of Oregon failed to notify tenants of potential lead paint risks in housing near Klamath Falls, Oregon, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The failure to notify renters is a violation of a federal law designed to protect tenants from lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing. The trust has agreed to pay a fine to settle the violations.

“People have a right to know about lead hazards prior to moving into an apartment or house,” said Rick Albright, Director of EPA’s Office of Air, Waste and Toxics in Seattle. “Landlords, property managers and home sellers have a responsibility to inform people about lead risks, and they can do this by simply giving potential tenants available records and a short pamphlet that explains lead hazards.”

Many homes and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains high levels of lead. Lead from paint, dust, and soil can be dangerous if not managed properly. Lead exposure can harm young children, babies and developing fetuses. People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.

Curtis O. Baney Marital Trust leases properties in Klamath Falls, Oregon at the Cimarron and Maverick Apartments. From 2007-2010, Curtis O. Baney Marital Trust leased 50 residential units numerous times and failed to notify tenants about the potential presence of lead paint and lead-based paint hazards, as required by the Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule. Curtis O. Baney Marital Trust will pay a $24,600 penalty.

The rule requires landlords, property management companies, real estate agencies, and home sellers to inform potential lessees and purchasers of the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing. They must also provide the purchaser or lessee with a copy of the Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet, “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” before signing any contracts, and keep records showing they have met the federal requirements.

10 Communities and Organizations Selected for Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Funding during Green Jobs Training Event

Press release:

10 Communities and Organizations Selected for Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Funding during Green Jobs Training Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Molly Alton Mullins 410.974.2941, Ext. 107

EPA: David Sternberg, 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov

(Baltimore, MD – June 27, 2012) Today the Chesapeake Bay Trust, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of the Environment announced the recipients of $376,000 in grant funding through EPA’s Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns initiative. This program was created to advance watershed protection, community livability, and economic vitality throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed through the development of stormwater management techniques, green jobs creation and enhanced resident livability. The 10 selected recipients comprise a diverse group of municipalities and organizations that are committed to investing in green infrastructure to improve the environmental quality of life in their communities as well as create green jobs to benefit their local economy.

“We're working with towns and communities to advance environmental best practices, while also providing new opportunities for green jobs that benefit local economies,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This program was created to benefit the overall health of communities through greening efforts that can be replicated by towns throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed."

The Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns grant program was open to local governments and non-profit organizations in urban and suburban watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia that were interested in pursuing green streets, green infrastructure, and green jobs as part of their community or watershed planning. Grant assistance up to $35,000 was available for infrastructure project planning and design, and up to $100,000 for implementation and construction.

“We have seen the demand for green infrastructure funding accelerate in recent years as more and more cities and towns are looking for ways to incorporate green techniques into their infrastructure plans,” said Dr. Jana Davis, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Trust. “Through this incredible partnership with the EPA and the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and the Environment, we are able to help communities find the resources they need to advance these ever-important ‘green streets’ techniques.”

During today’s event, each grant recipient unveiled individualized plans to develop green infrastructure practices, promote green educational efforts, and advance green employment. In addition, the ability of these projects to serve as a source of green jobs was showcased. Because green infrastructure projects rely on new techniques, workers engaged in project construction gain valuable on-the-job training that enhances their skills. The green infrastructure project at the John Eager Howard Elementary School in the City of Baltimore, previously supported under this initiative, has served as a hands-on learning experience as part of a green jobs training program supported through a partnership with the Department of Labor for 30 unemployed or underemployed individuals from the region.

“The City of Baltimore greatly supports urban greening efforts that not only enhance the beauty of a local community, but also improve livability and create jobs,” said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “We are honored to have two of these grants awarded today to organizations right here in Baltimore that are accomplishing great ‘green’ things for our city.”

The Green Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Initiative supports President Obama’s Executive Order for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay through the creation of “green streets.” A “green street” is defined as a street that integrates a stormwater management system to reduce the amount of water that is piped directly into streams. Green streets also increase street tree canopy and encourage pedestrian and/or bicycle access; while providing an aesthetic advantage to a community.

“Providing educational opportunities and hands-on learning experiences are crucial to sustaining green development efforts,” said Senator Ben Cardin, a long-time supporter of the Chesapeake Bay Trust and green infrastructure development. “Projects like these will not only enhance sustainable watershed protection and stormwater management techniques, but will also provide Marylanders with the skills necessary to gain employment in the ever-expanding green jobs sector.”

For more information on the Green Streets grant program, visit www.cbtrust.org.

2012 Green Streets Grant Recipients (full descriptions available at mmullins@cbtrust.org)

Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc., Baltimore City, $34,960

Southeast Community Development Corporation, Baltimore City, $67,100

Housing Initiative Partnership, Cecil County, $35,000

Town of Delmar, Wicomico County, $18,950

Town of Forest Heights, Prince George’s County, $55,000
Water Environment Federation, Maryland, $10,000

Town of Ashland, Virginia, $25,000

Matthews County, Virginia, $85,000

City of Romney, West Virginia, $25,000

American Rivers, Pennsylvania, $20,000

Press release:

June 27, 2012

Portman Urges EPA to Address Onerous Regulation Driving up the Cost of Vacant Property Demolitions in Ohio

Blighted properties are a risk to safety, reduce property values

Washington, DC – U.S. Sen. Rob Portman today urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address an EPA regulation that has stymied the ability of Ohio land banks and other stakeholders to demolish vacant homes. Ohio has nearly 100,000 vacant properties awaiting demolition, posing a significant risk to public safety and drastically decreasing the value of surrounding properties. Ohio groups – led by the Thriving Communities Initiative in Cleveland – argue that the EPA’s reinterpretation of federal regulations governing asbestos removal has increased costs in both time and money for cities and local land banks that are involved in the demolition of vacant properties.

“The housing market still hasn’t recovered from its collapse in 2008 and the thousands of vacant properties throughout Ohio are stalling a much needed rebound,” said Portman. “Thankfully, communities have been working hard to demolish abandoned buildings and are making some progress. I’m concerned that the EPA is only making it more costly for constituents to address this problem.”

In a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Portman noted that EPA’s interpretation means that nearly all demolitions are now subject to onerous rules governing asbestos removal. As local groups have noted, isolated residential buildings were previously exempt from these costly rules, which drive up demolition expenses by 25-40 percent. On July 1, the Ohio Attorney General will begin releasing $75 million to Ohio counties and land banks for demolition purposes. Combined with the local match, this means that over $100 million will be spent to combat this statewide problem. However, unless this regulation is altered, 25-40 percent fewer properties will be demolished with these dollars.
Portman has asked the EPA to work with the Ohio and local stakeholders to reassess the regulation’s impact on local land banks and the communities they serve.

Text of the letter is below.

The Honorable Lisa Jackson
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator Jackson,

Ohio has nearly 100,000 vacant properties awaiting demolition. These vacant properties represent a serious risk to public safety and are havens for crime and unwanted activity. Additionally, vacant properties have an enormous impact on property value, which the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland outlined in a 2011 report. In some parts of Cleveland, housing values have sunk to just 10 percent of their assessed value. As 60 Minutes documented in December, this is a quickly escalating problem in our urban areas, and we must act aggressively to demolish these vacant properties.

I have been impressed by the work of land banks throughout Ohio who have proactively gotten involved in this effort, by forming public-private partnerships and other innovative approaches. Since 2010, the Cuyahoga County Land Bank has demolished over 800 residential structures in the Cleveland area, with thousands still on the list. With the average property demolition cost already hitting $7,000, I am particularly concerned about regulatory interpretations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are driving up costs for many demolition projects.
I understand that the EPA’s December 2010 reinterpretation of the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants regulation governing asbestos removal has increased costs in both time and money for cities and local land banks. Constituents of mine who are proactively trying to address the issue of blighted properties are concerned that your agency is now reading the regulation to no longer exempt isolated residential buildings of four or fewer dwelling units from regulation when part of an “urban renewal project.” Stakeholders including land banks have made a compelling argument that this interpretation is inconsistent with the plain language of the regulation’s exemption for small residential buildings, which makes no such “urban renewal project” distinction.

Due to the EPA’s cramped interpretation of residential exemption, nearly all demolitions are now subject to these onerous rules – up from just 20 percent of properties before the rules went into place. In fact, the costs of asbestos remediation in Cuyahoga County demolitions increased by 1,600 percent in just one year. Given the staggering cost increases and the growing need for demolitions, I urge you to work with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and local stakeholders to reassess this regulation’s impact on local land banks and the communities they serve.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Accenture Release Report Featuring European Cities

News release:

June 27, 2012

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Accenture Release Report Featuring European Cities

European cities lead global peers in climate change management issues, but face significant risks from warmer temperatures

LONDON, ROME; June 27, 2012 – European cities are leading their international peer group in various areas of climate change management, including setting emissions targets, according to a new report published today by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and Accenture (NYSE:ACN).

According to this new report "Seven Climate Change Lessons from the Cities of Europe," 22 European cities and local governments reported their emissions, strategies, risks and opportunities regarding climate change to CDP this year. Of these, 86 percent have set a city-wide reduction target, compared to the global average of 70 percent. Two-thirds of reporting European cities engaged with their suppliers on climate change, compared to 47 percent across all regional groupings of cities reporting to CDP in 2012.

“European cities are demonstrating leadership and best practice in managing climate change at the local level,” said Conor Riffle, Head of CDP’s cities program. “The report shows that other cities can benefit by implementing similar strategies, like annual measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Measuring climate change risks and performance goes beyond environmental stewardship,” said Bruno Berthon, managing director, Accenture Sustainability Services. “Transparent disclosure enables authorities to lower risks and associated insurance costs, and helps to demonstrate to investors and decision makers the relative appeal of their city in a competitive world in which talent and capital have choices as to where they locate.”

As well as target setting, the report identifies and examines six other key areas where European cities are demonstrating best practice to manage climate change including:

1. Annual measurement of emissions: European cities are moving toward measuring and reporting on city-wide emissions annually, using the best practice of annual benchmarking that large listed companies around the world follow. Fifty percent say they are now measuring city-wide emissions annually.
2. Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: One of the key goals of climate action is for a city to demonstrate year-on-year emissions reductions at a city-wide level. Two European cities show GHG reductions from their last CDP response—London and Copenhagen.
3. Completing risk assessments: Climate change risk assessment has become mainstream in Europe. Seventeen participating cities (77 percent) have completed or are in the process of completing risk assessments to understand how climate change will affect their local jurisdictions. These efforts reveal that 18 of the 22 European cities face significant risks arising from climate change and 54 percent categorize these risks as severe or very severe. Furthermore, as revealed by the CDP Global Cities Report released on 7th June, 16 of the 22 European cities say they are facing risks related to frequent or intense rainfall and the same proportion reports temperature rises or heatwaves.
4. Developing an adaptation plan: Once the risks have been identified, cities are moving to establish action plans to adapt. Fourteen cities (64 percent) report that they have an adaptation plan, and two additional cities are in the process of developing these plans.
5. Using sustainability to drive competitiveness: European cities show a growing awareness of the economic opportunity from climate change. Thirteen cities (59%) anticipate that addressing climate change will lead to development of new business industries in their cities.
6. Extending the city’s reach through voluntary agreements with the private sector: A small number of leading cities – including Berlin and Helsinki—are utilizing voluntary agreements with local businesses to further their cities’ climate protection goals.

Reporting cities Ajuntament de Barcelona, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Basel-Stadt, City of Amsterdam, City of Berlin, City of Copenhagen, City of Helsinki, City of Paris, City of Stockholm, City of Warsaw, Comune di Milano, Comune di Oristano, Dublin City Council, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Gemeente Rotterdam, Greater London Authority, Greater Manchester, ?stanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Moscow Government, Riga City, Roma Capitale, Village of Kadiovacik.

About CDPThe Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not-for-profit organization providing a transformative global system for companies and cities to measure, disclose, manage and share climate change and water information. Over 3,700 organizations across the world’s largest economies now report their greenhouse gas emissions and assessment of climate change risk and opportunity through CDP, in order that they can set reduction targets and make performance improvements. CDP now holds the largest collection globally of self-reported climate change data. For more information visit www.cdproject.net.

About AccentureAccenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 246,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$25.5 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2011. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

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