EPA Press Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2014
W.R. Grace Pays Over $63 Million Toward Cleanup and Restoration of Hazardous Waste Sites in Communities Across the Country
WASHINGTON – Today, Columbia, Md.-based W.R. Grace & Co. under its bankruptcy plan of reorganization, paid over $63 million to the U.S. government to resolve claims for environmental cleanups at approximately 39 sites in 21 states, the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today.
“Communities across the United States will benefit from this payment of present and future cleanup costs,” said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department is committed to holding polluters responsible for their environmental legacy, and won’t just walk away leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab.”
“Cleaning up toxic pollution in communities is the responsibility of the company that created it, not the American taxpayer,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This money will be used to clean up contaminated sites and to make a tangible difference for local communities across the country.”
W.R. Grace’s payment includes approximately $54 million for the EPA. The company agreed to pay another $9 million to other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Army.
W.R. Grace, a global supplier of specialty chemicals, and 61 affiliated companies filed for bankruptcy in April 2001. In 2003, EPA filed claims against the company to recover past and future cleanup costs at sites contaminated by asbestos and other hazardous substances.
Numerous agreements to resolve the Agency’s environmental liability claims against the company and its affiliates were negotiated as part of the company’s bankruptcy proceedings between April 2008 and February 2013. The company continues to be responsible for all of the sites it owns or operates and for any additional sites that were not known or resolved under the earlier settlements.
W.R. Grace’s liability for asbestos contamination in the town of Libby, Montana, was addressed in a separate June 2008 settlement that resulted in a payment of $250 million to the EPA. W.R. Grace continues to be responsible for addressing cleanup at the Libby Mine.
The approximately $54 million payment to EPA will reimburse the Agency for cleanup costs or provide funds for future cleanup at the following Superfund sites:
Acton Plant - Acton, Mass.
Amber Oil - Milwaukee, Wis.
Aqua Tech - Greer, S.C.
Big Tex Site - San Antonio, Texas
Blackburn and Union Privileges - Walpole, Mass.
Cambridge Plant - Cambridge, Mass.
Casmalia Resources - Santa Barbara, Calif.
Central Chemical - Hagerstown, Md.
Galaxy/Spectron - Elkton, Md.
Green River - Maceo, Ky.
Harrington Tools - Glendale, Calif.
Intermountain Insulation - Salt Lake City, Utah
IWI Site - Summit, Ill.
Li Tungsten - Glen Cove, N.Y.
Malone Services Co. - Texas County, Texas
Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) - Barnstable County, Mass.
N-Forcer Site - Dearborn, Mich.
Operating Industries, Inc. - Monterey Park, Calif.
R & H Oil/Tropicana - San Antonio, Texas
RAMP Industries - Denver, Colo.
Reclamation Oil - Detroit, Mich.
Robinson Insulation - Minot, N.D.
Solvents Recovery Service of NE - Southington, Conn.
Vermiculite Exfoliation Site - Nashville, Tenn.
Vermiculite Expansion Site - High Point, N.C.
Vermiculite Intermountain - Salt Lake City, Utah
Vermiculite Northwest - Spokane, Wash.
Watson Johnson LF - Richland Township, Pa.
Wells G & H (Source & Central Areas) - Woburn, Mass.
Western Minerals Processing - Denver, Colo.
Western Minerals Products - Minneapolis, Minn.
W.R. Grace - Weedsport, N.Y.
Zonolite - Wilder, Ky.
Zonolite/W.R. Grace - Easthampton, Mass.
Zonolite - Prince George’s Co., Md.
Zonolite - Hamilton Township, N.J.
Zonolite - Ellwood City, Pa.
Zonolite - New Castle, Pa.
Zonolite Road - Atlanta, Ga.
More information on W.R. Grace’s payments to EPA under their plan of reorganization:http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/case-summary-epa-receives-over-54-million-wr-grace-bankruptcy
More information on Cleanup Enforcement: http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/waste-chemical-and-cleanup-enforcement#cleanup
R027
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Hunters in Gemany Say Wolf Populations a Growing Threat - SPIEGEL ONLINE
Hunters believe wolves may have caused a serious accident in the state of Saxony in December. They claim the animals, which have been repopulating Germany over the past decade after a 150-year absence, are increasingly feared by the local community.
Hunters in Gemany Say Wolf Populations a Growing Threat - SPIEGEL ONLINE
Hunters in Gemany Say Wolf Populations a Growing Threat - SPIEGEL ONLINE
EPA Launches WaterSense H2Otel Challenge to Encourage Water Savings
EPA News Release:
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 5, 2014
EPA Launches WaterSense H2Otel Challenge to Encourage Water Savings
National awareness campaign helps hotels save water and money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today launched the WaterSense H2Otel Challengeas a way for agency partners and other organizations to encourage hotels to use best management practices that will save water and money, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
“Hotels that reduce their water use will not only help their community save precious resources, but can gain a competitive edge in today’s green marketplace,” said Nancy Stoner, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “Since 2006, WaterSense has helped Americans save more than 487 billion gallons of water, and now we’re building on that success to help hotels take their sustainability efforts to the next level.”
From New York City’s Times Square to the Las Vegas strip, hotels across the country will take a pledge to “ACT”—assess, change, and track their water use in the following ways:
- Assess water use and savings opportunities throughout the hotel.
- Change products and processes to more water-efficient models and methods.
- Track water reduction progress before and after incorporating best management practices.
Caesars Entertainment is the first company to sign up for the H2Otel Challenge.
“At Caesars Entertainment's resorts throughout the country, we know that sustaining our local water supply is as important as providing the best entertainment experience we can to our guests. Over the last few years we successfully implemented several water saving projects, such as adding low-flow showerheads and sink aerators at our Las Vegas resorts. We are excited to participate in the WaterSense H2Otel Challenge and to identify where we can make even greater improvement to our operations," said Eric Dominguez, Corporate Director of Engineering, Utilities and Environmental Affairs for Caesars Entertainment.
“Here in Las Vegas, the hospitality industry is critical to our local economy. Fortunately, our hotel and resort industry has long been a valuable partner in our successful efforts to improve water efficiency in the hospitality sector”, said Doug Bennett, Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority. “We are excited that some of our largest resorts will share their knowledge and participate in the H2Otel Challenge.”
By tackling projects throughout their properties, hotels can find ways to improve their water efficiency and performance while providing the highest quality experience for guests. To help hotels make operational changes and meet growing customer demand for green lodging, EPA will initiate a series of educational webinars on February 13, 2014 and provide free tools based on the online guide, WaterSense at Work: Best Management Practices for Commercial and Institutional Facilities. WaterSense will also offer outreach materials for hotels to publicize their efforts and celebrate their successes with guests and employees.
For more information about the challenge, visit the WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense/challenge.
|
EPA Releases New PSA for American Heart Month
EPA News Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 5, 2014
EPA Releases New PSA for American Heart Month
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) to educate the public and healthcare providers about the risks of air pollution to the heart.
"Over more than four decades of EPA history, we've made tremendous progress cleaning up the air we breathe by using science to understand the harmful effects of air pollution," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “While EPA continues to fight for clean air, Americans can take further action to protect their heart health by following the advice in our new PSA.”
February is American Heart Month, and one of EPA’s commitments in the U.S. Surgeon General’s National Prevention Strategy is to educate health care professionals on the health effects of air pollution, including heart risks. This PSA supports the Million Hearts initiative, launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in September, 2011 to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017.
Air pollution can trigger heart attacks, stroke, and worsen heart conditions, especially in people with heart disease. One in three Americans in the United States has heart disease. Very small particles are the pollutants of greatest concern for triggering health effects from exposure to air pollutants. These particles are found in transportation exhaust, haze, smoke, and dust and sometimes in air that looks clean. Particle pollution can be found in the air at any time of the year.
People with heart disease should check the daily Air Quality Index forecast, which is color coded, to protect their health. At code orange or higher, particle pollution can be harmful to people with heart disease. On bad air quality days, it is recommended to reschedule outdoor exercise or exercise indoors instead, and avoid exercising near busy roads.
Air Quality Index forecasts for more than 400 cities are available on the forecast map through the free AirNow app for iPhone and Android phones, and through the free EnviroFlash e-mail service. To sign up, visit http://airnow.gov/ and click on the “Apps” or “EnviroFlash” icons.
Watch and download the PSA: http://youtu.be/yHXUPZCUuGs
A broadcast-ready version of the PSA is available here: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/320928/smart-protect-your-heart-air-pollution#
Learn more ways to protect your heart from air pollution at www.epa.gov/healthyheart.
Learn about the Million Hearts Initiative at http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/index.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 5, 2014
EPA Releases New PSA for American Heart Month
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) to educate the public and healthcare providers about the risks of air pollution to the heart.
"Over more than four decades of EPA history, we've made tremendous progress cleaning up the air we breathe by using science to understand the harmful effects of air pollution," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “While EPA continues to fight for clean air, Americans can take further action to protect their heart health by following the advice in our new PSA.”
February is American Heart Month, and one of EPA’s commitments in the U.S. Surgeon General’s National Prevention Strategy is to educate health care professionals on the health effects of air pollution, including heart risks. This PSA supports the Million Hearts initiative, launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in September, 2011 to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017.
Air pollution can trigger heart attacks, stroke, and worsen heart conditions, especially in people with heart disease. One in three Americans in the United States has heart disease. Very small particles are the pollutants of greatest concern for triggering health effects from exposure to air pollutants. These particles are found in transportation exhaust, haze, smoke, and dust and sometimes in air that looks clean. Particle pollution can be found in the air at any time of the year.
People with heart disease should check the daily Air Quality Index forecast, which is color coded, to protect their health. At code orange or higher, particle pollution can be harmful to people with heart disease. On bad air quality days, it is recommended to reschedule outdoor exercise or exercise indoors instead, and avoid exercising near busy roads.
Air Quality Index forecasts for more than 400 cities are available on the forecast map through the free AirNow app for iPhone and Android phones, and through the free EnviroFlash e-mail service. To sign up, visit http://airnow.gov/ and click on the “Apps” or “EnviroFlash” icons.
Watch and download the PSA: http://youtu.be/yHXUPZCUuGs
A broadcast-ready version of the PSA is available here: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/320928/smart-protect-your-heart-air-pollution#
Learn more ways to protect your heart from air pollution at www.epa.gov/healthyheart.
Learn about the Million Hearts Initiative at http://millionhearts.hhs.gov/index.html
EPA to Hold Public Hearing on Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants
EPA News Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2014
EPA to Hold Public Hearing on Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 6, 2014 on the proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants. The proposed standards, which only apply to power plants built in the future, are flexible and would help minimize carbon pollution through the deployment of the same types of modern technologies and steps that power companies are already taking to build the next generation of power plants. Currently, there are no uniform national limits on the amount of carbon pollution new power plants can emit.
WHAT:
Public hearing on proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants
WHEN:
Thursday, February 6, 2014
9:00 a.m. ET - 8:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
William Jefferson Clinton East Building
Rooms 1152 and 1153
1201 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
**Members of the news media should be prepared to present photo credentials and allow additional time to enter the building and go through security.**
The public may register to speak in person on the day of the hearing and will be accommodated as time allows.
EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards until March 10, 2014.
More information on the hearings and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards
R024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2014
EPA to Hold Public Hearing on Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 6, 2014 on the proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants. The proposed standards, which only apply to power plants built in the future, are flexible and would help minimize carbon pollution through the deployment of the same types of modern technologies and steps that power companies are already taking to build the next generation of power plants. Currently, there are no uniform national limits on the amount of carbon pollution new power plants can emit.
WHAT:
Public hearing on proposed carbon pollution standards for new power plants
WHEN:
Thursday, February 6, 2014
9:00 a.m. ET - 8:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
William Jefferson Clinton East Building
Rooms 1152 and 1153
1201 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
**Members of the news media should be prepared to present photo credentials and allow additional time to enter the building and go through security.**
The public may register to speak in person on the day of the hearing and will be accommodated as time allows.
EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards until March 10, 2014.
More information on the hearings and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards
R024
Senior Obama Administration Officials to Join Governor Brown, Mayor Garcetti, Other Leaders in L.A. for Climate Task Force Meeting
EPA News Release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2014
Senior Obama Administration Officials to Join Governor Brown, Mayor Garcetti, Other Leaders in L.A. for Climate Task Force Meeting
WASHINGTON - On Thursday, February 13, senior Obama Administration officials, including White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs David Agnew, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy and U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary David Poneman will join California Governor Jerry Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and state, local and tribal leaders from across the country for a media availability at Los Angeles City Hall following the second meeting of President Obama's Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.
The president established the Task Force in November to advise the Administration on how the Federal government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with the impacts of climate change. Supporting state and local efforts to protect communities from the effects of climate change is an important part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan.
The Task Force meeting will focus on improving the resilience and longevity of our nation's transportation, water and energy infrastructure in the face of extreme weather, sea level rise, extreme temperatures, drought and other impacts of climate change, and will provide an opportunity for Task Force members to share their experience in implementing climate preparedness measures and continue to develop recommendations for the President. Administration officials and Task Force members will be available to the media following the meeting.
The Task Force held its first meeting in December at the White House.
WHO:
Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality
David Agnew, Director, White House Intergovernmental Affairs
Gina McCarthy, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Daniel Poneman, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy
Jerry Brown, Governor of California
Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles
Members of the State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience
WHAT:
Press Conference on Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience
WHEN:
Thursday, February 13 at 11:30 a.m. PST
WHERE:
Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2014
Senior Obama Administration Officials to Join Governor Brown, Mayor Garcetti, Other Leaders in L.A. for Climate Task Force Meeting
WASHINGTON - On Thursday, February 13, senior Obama Administration officials, including White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs David Agnew, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy and U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary David Poneman will join California Governor Jerry Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and state, local and tribal leaders from across the country for a media availability at Los Angeles City Hall following the second meeting of President Obama's Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.
The president established the Task Force in November to advise the Administration on how the Federal government can respond to the needs of communities nationwide that are dealing with the impacts of climate change. Supporting state and local efforts to protect communities from the effects of climate change is an important part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan.
The Task Force meeting will focus on improving the resilience and longevity of our nation's transportation, water and energy infrastructure in the face of extreme weather, sea level rise, extreme temperatures, drought and other impacts of climate change, and will provide an opportunity for Task Force members to share their experience in implementing climate preparedness measures and continue to develop recommendations for the President. Administration officials and Task Force members will be available to the media following the meeting.
The Task Force held its first meeting in December at the White House.
WHO:
Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality
David Agnew, Director, White House Intergovernmental Affairs
Gina McCarthy, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Daniel Poneman, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy
Jerry Brown, Governor of California
Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles
Members of the State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience
WHAT:
Press Conference on Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience
WHEN:
Thursday, February 13 at 11:30 a.m. PST
WHERE:
Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)