U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Awards $200,000 to Los Angeles Conservation Corps for Environmental Job Training Initiative

Approximately $3.8 Million to be Awarded Nationwide to Build a Skilled Environmental Workforce in Economically Distressed Communities

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 2, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the Los Angeles Conservation Corps will receive a $200,000 Brownfields job training grant. Job training and workforce development are important parts of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advance economic opportunities and address environmental justice issues in underserved communities to build a better America. In total, 19 grantees were selected to receive a total of $3,797,102 in grants for job training programs across the country.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a better America, and that means new, good-paying jobs. The Brownfields Job Training grants announced today will prepare over 1,000 individuals for new environmental jobs like those,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This program will directly impact people’s lives, boosting the environmental workforce while helping to transform communities that need it the most.” 

“We are thrilled to award this grant to our long-standing partners at Los Angeles Conservation Corps,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “The funding will help equip dedicated Angelinos with the job skills they need for well-paying jobs that reduce environmental contamination and advance environmental justice efforts.”

With this year’s funds, Los Angeles Conservation Corps plans to recruit 60 residents from South Los Angeles, Watts, and Boyle Heights neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Graduates earn a variety of certifications to ensure that employment opportunities lead to long-term careers with local unions, environmental contractors, private industry, and the public sector. The trainees will have the opportunity to earn six certifications, which include 40-hour HAZWOPER, 10-hr OSHA workplace safety, lead, asbestos and mold remediation, confined space, and solar technology training.

Funded through the Agency’s Brownfields Job Training Program, these grants provide support in communities actively cleaning up and preparing so called brownfield sites for reuse. Rather than filling local jobs with contractors from distant communities, grant recipients prepare residents to satisfy this job demand. Individuals completing a job training program funded by EPA often overcome a variety of barriers to employment, and many of these individuals are from historically underserved neighborhoods affected by environmental justice issues.

President Biden’s leadership and bipartisan congressional action have delivered the single-largest investment in national brownfields revitalization ever. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) invests more than $1.5 billion through EPA’s Brownfields program. Of that investment, $30 million will be directed into future Brownfields Job Training grants. During the next five years, communities, states, and tribes will have the opportunity to apply for larger grants expand and enhance environmental job training programs. This investment will help trained individuals access jobs created through brownfields revitalization activities within their communities. EPA anticipates awarding as many as 50 additional grants to job training entities with BIL funding, beginning in fiscal year 2023. Application guidelines will be available in Spring/Summer 2022.

Additionally, EPA is planning a listening session to receive feedback from current and potential grant applicants regarding the BIL and the future of the Brownfields Job Training Grant Program. The listening session is scheduled for February 9, 2022, 12:30-2pm EST. https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1604678094

For more information on the selected Brownfields Job Training grant recipients, including past grantees, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicants-selected-fy22-brownfields-job-training-grants

For more information on this, and other types of Brownfields grants, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/brownfields-job-training-jt-grants

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

EPA Recognizes Daikin Texas Technology Park as National WasteWise Award Winner for Innovations in Waste Reduction

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Recognizes Daikin Texas Technology Park as National WasteWise Award Winner for Innovations in Waste Reduction

Virco Mfg. Corporation of Conway, Ark., & Owens PLLC of DeSoto, Texas, win regional awards

 

DALLAS (Jan. 31, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized Daikin Texas Technology Park of Waller, Texas, among the WasteWise program’s national award winners for 2020 and 2021. In total, the winners prevented and diverted close to 408,000 tons of waste that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills or incinerators, contributing to climate change. Instead, they saved over $22.5 million in avoided landfill costs and prevented emissions that contribute to climate change and other environmental impacts. 

 

“Innovation, courage, and knowledge to overcome pandemic-related challenges are the cornerstones of the WasteWise award winners,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Their actions to creatively develop and implement solutions to reduce waste during a global health crisis contributed to reducing the pollution that’s fueling climate change, while helping conserve natural resources.”  

 

“Companies that make it a priority to reduce waste benefit the environment and reduce strain on our resources, and quite often see a financial return on their investment,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Congratulations to national winner Daikin Texas Technology Park and our regional winners on their many levels of success with the WasteWise program.”

 

Daikin received the 2021 America Recycles Award for their efforts to achieve zero waste to landfills from the company’s processes and at their facility in Waller, Texas. Daikin developed a returnable container system for supply packaging to reduce several hundred tons of wood and cardboard waste, and send 4,000 tons of pallets to be recycled instead of to a landfill. The company also invested in reducing recycling stream contamination to increase recyclability of plastic film by 274 tons. These efforts also saved the company nearly $1.25 million over two years.

 

“Alignment is a force multiplier. Having our employees, suppliers, vendor partners, and contractors all aligned with Daikin’s goal to achieve zero waste by 2035 makes this herculean task achievable,” said Satara Henry, Environmental Director for Daikin.

 

Virco Mfg. Corporation of Conway, Arkansas, was recognized as a regional winner for continuing and expanding recycling and reuse efforts of school furniture and supplies during the business disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 2019 and 2020, Virco diverted more than 6,400 tons of potential landfill waste and distributed more than $300,000 in recycling incentives to participating schools.

 

“Virco Mfg. is very proud of our recycling efforts and of the employees who make it happen. Virco will continue to maintain a strong waste management program and we are committed to finding new markets for our recyclables,” said Scotty Bell, Chief Operating Officer of Virco Mfg. Corporation.

 

EPA also honored regional awardee Owens PLLC of DeSoto, Texas, for continuing to reduce waste and convert many of their functions to paperless, electronic versions.

 

As one of EPA’s longest-running voluntary programs, WasteWise celebrated its 27^th year in 2021. Over the years, WasteWise partners prevented and diverted close to 249 million tons of waste from landfills and incinerators, preventing more than 488 million tons of associated greenhouse gas emissions, and saving over $13.7 billion in avoided landfill costs. 

 

EPA recognizes WasteWise partners in several data categories that report the best overall improvement in waste prevention and recycling activities when compared to the previous year. This year, EPA also recognizes winners in narrative categories that achieved exemplary waste reductions in their organizations and businesses. 

 

The WasteWise award winners achieved noteworthy accomplishments, such as reprocessing N95 respirators, implementing Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines at a university, and reusing shipping containers for return trips to avoid waste. 

 

The 2020 WasteWise national data winners are: 

 

Very Large Business Category 

• Partner of the Year: Kohl’s (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) 

Large Business Category 

• Partner of the Year: Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (Gaffney, S.C.) 

Mid-size Business Category 

• Partner of the Year: iThink Financial Amphitheatre (West Palm Beach, Fla.) 
• Honorable Mention: Live Nation - PNC Music Pavilion (Charlotte, N.C.) 

Small Business Category 

• Partner of the Year: Ombligo, Inc. (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 

College/University Category 

• Partner of the Year: Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) 

Local Government Category 

• Partner of the Year: City of Chesapeake Central Fleet Management (Chesapeake, Va.) 

Non-profit Organization Category 

• Partner of the Year: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston) 

School/School District Category 

• Partner of the Year: Adams 12 Five Star Schools (Thornton, Colo.) 

 

The 2021 WasteWise national data winners are: 

 

Very Large Business Category 

• Partner of the Year: Walgreens Boots Alliance (Deerfield, Ill.) 

Large Business Category 

• Partner of the Year: Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (Gaffney, S.C.) 

• Honorable Mention:  ComEd (Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) 

Small Business Category 

• Partner of the Year: ECOS (Lacey, Wash.) 

State Government Category 

• Partner of the Year: Delaware River and Bay Authority (New Castle, Del.) 

Local Government Category 

• Partner of the Year: City of Fort Lauderdale (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) 

Tribal Government Category 

• Partner of the Year: Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut (Uncasville, Conn.) 

Non-profit Organization Category 

• Partner of the Year: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston) 

  

The 2021 WasteWise national narrative winners are: 

 

Green Innovator: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston) 

Sustainability Public Education: Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, Mich.) 

America Recycles: Daikin Texas Technology Park (Waller, Texas) 

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA to Hold Public Listening Session on Draft Lead Strategy

EPA to host listening session for Pacific Southwest Region on Feb. 22

SAN FRANCISCO (Jan. 31, 2022) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a series of upcoming public listening sessions, including one for the nation’s Pacific Southwest region on February 22, on the Draft Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities. Communities and stakeholders will be able to provide their comments on the Agency’s plan.

Ongoing exposures to lead in the environment present a health risk to too many people nationwide. Very low levels of lead in children’s blood have been linked to adverse effects on intellect, concentration, and academic achievement. The draft Lead Strategy lays out approaches to strengthen public health protections, address legacy lead contamination for communities with the greatest exposures and promote environmental justice.

“Communities of color and low-income communities are often disproportionately exposed to lead, which can cause life-long negative effects,” said Carlton Waterhouse, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. “Today, we are inviting all communities exposed to lead and other stakeholders to share their perspectives so that EPA can ensure that our Draft Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities is as comprehensive as possible.”

“Unfortunately, overburdened communities across this region of our country are still dealing with the hazards of lead exposure,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We encourage anyone with interest in the ongoing risks of lead – and what EPA is doing about it – to attend the regional listening session on February 22, and consider providing public comment.”

Virtual public listening sessions will be held in all 10 of EPA’s geographic offices. EPA Region 9 will hold a listening session on February 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Registration will be required to attend the event. Registration links to each regional listening session can be found on EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/lead/draft-strategy-reduce-lead-exposures-and-disparities-us-communities. Interpretation and disability access support will be provided.

During this event, registered members of the public will have an opportunity to share their comments on EPA’s draft Lead Strategy with EPA senior officials and managers. Those interested in speaking may sign up for a 3-minute speaking slot at the time of registration.

Members of the public who are unable to attend any of the 10 listening sessions can submit comments via the docket at: http://www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2021-0762 until March 16, 2022.

For details on the draft Lead Strategy, the virtual listening sessions, or how to provide public comment, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/lead/draft-strategy-reduce-lead-exposures-and-disparities-us-communities.

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

EPA Names City of Chesapeake Central Fleet Management WasteWise Partner of the Year for Local Government

 U.S. EPA News Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: R3press@epa.gov

EPA Names City of Chesapeake Central Fleet Management WasteWise Partner of the Year for Local Government

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 31, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the accomplishments of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia, Central Fleet Management as one of 20 WasteWise National Partners of the Year. These national award winners for 2020 and 2021 prevented and diverted close to 408,000 tons of waste that would otherwise have been disposed of in landfills or incinerators, increasing global greenhouse gas emissions.  Instead, they saved over $22.5 million in landfill tipping fees and prevented climate and other environmental impacts.

The City of Chesapeake Central Fleet Management, winning the Waste Wise Partner of the Year Award for Local Government, recycles five items in the current program: scrap metal, used oil, used tires, mixed recyclables and antifreeze. In 2019, Central Fleet Management recycled 311,020 pounds of scrap metal, mixed recyclables, and tires; as well as 5,750 gallons of used oil and antifreeze. 

The city is also making every effort to only purchase new hybrid vehicles or operate on alternative fuels – 41 percent of the vehicles in the 1,495-vehicle fleet run on alternative fuel. Since starting the recycling and environmental program in 2005, City of Chesapeake Central Fleet Management has saved the city over $1.1 million. 

“EPA applauds the courage, innovation and knowledge of the City of Chesapeake Central Fleet Management” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “By creatively developing and implementing solutions to reduce waste, they and our other partners are reducing the effects of climate change, and conserving natural resources; the importance of which cannot be overstated.”

EPA recognizes WasteWise partners in several data categories for the best overall improvement in waste prevention and recycling activities when compared to the previous year. This year, EPA also recognizes winners in narrative categories who achieved exemplary waste reductions in their organizations and businesses.

The WasteWise award winners achieved noteworthy accomplishments, such as reprocessing N95 respirators, implementing Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines at a university, and reusing shipping containers for return trips to avoid waste.

For more information and to learn about WasteWise https://www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise

EPA Names Delaware River and Bay Authority WasteWise Partner of the Year for State Government

 U.S. EPA News Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: R3press@epa.gov

EPA Names Delaware River and Bay Authority WasteWise Partner of the Year for State Government

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 31, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the accomplishments of the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) as one of 20 WasteWise National Partners of the Year. These national award winners for 2020 and 2021 prevented and diverted close to 408,000 tons of waste that would otherwise have been disposed of in landfills or incinerators, increasing global greenhouse gas emissions.  Instead, they saved over $22.5 million in landfill tipping fees and prevented climate and other environmental impacts.

DRBA which won the Partner of the Year award for State Government, is a multifaceted transportation authority responsible for a network of bridges crossed by 35 million vehicles annually, three ferries carrying 800,000 passengers per year, and five regional airports in two states.  DRBA prides itself as an organization connecting people and places in the heart of the northeast corridor that recognizes the importance of sound environmental practices in delivering these services.

Over the past six years, DRBA has increased its focus on resource conservation. In 2020, the authority reduced various waste streams and recycled over 4 million pounds of waste. DRBA increased the amount of waste material they recycle to 25 unique commodities, including aluminum, asphalt, lead acid and NiCad batteries, cardboard, concrete, e-waste electronics, oil filters, parts washer fluids, polycarbonate plastic, used cooking oil, aerosol cans, shredded paper, used motor oil, scrap metal, soil, spent lamps, tires, wood pallets, and vegetative waste. The program’s growth is tied to collaboration with employees, the public and suppliers through measurement, education, working together, and advancing sustainable business practices.

“Eco-design features, intelligent procurement, and sustainable business practices are our long-term vision, said Albert Fralinger III, DRBA Environment, Health & Safety Manager. “It’s a credit to our employees who have embraced our ongoing environmental sustainability efforts and to our partners for their assistance in building on past successes. We will continue to pursue opportunities and initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint and have a positive impact on our environment.”

As one of EPA’s longest-running voluntary programs, WasteWise celebrated its 27^th year in 2021. Over the years, WasteWise partners prevented and diverted close to 249 million tons of waste from landfills and incinerators, preventing more than 488 million tons of associated greenhouse gas emissions, and saving more than  $13.7 billion in avoided landfill tipping fees.

“EPA applauds the courage, innovation and knowledge of the Delaware River and Bay Authority,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “By creatively developing and implementing solutions to reduce waste during a global health crisis, they and our other partners are reducing the effects of climate change and conserving natural resources; the importance of which cannot be overstated.”

EPA recognizes WasteWise partners in several data categories for the best overall improvement in waste prevention and recycling activities when compared to the previous year. This year, EPA also recognizes winners in narrative categories who achieved exemplary waste reductions in their organizations and businesses.

The WasteWise award winners achieved noteworthy accomplishments, such as reprocessing N95 respirators, implementing Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines at a university, and reusing shipping containers for return trips to avoid waste.

For More information and to learn about WasteWise https://www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise

 EPA Press Release:

EPA and DOJ Seek Public Input on Potential Settlement Order to Require Immediate Actions to Address Deficiencies at Toa Alta Municipal Landfill

EPA to hold a public meeting on February 23, 2022

Contact: Stephen McBay, (212)-637-3672, mcbay.stephen@epa.gov

NEW YORK (January 31, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released for public comment a summary of options for a settlement order currently under negotiation that would require immediate actions to address violations at the Toa Alta Municipal Landfill, in Puerto Rico. Seeking input into a settlement order is an unusual step taken here to ensure that EPA and DOJ are including input from the overburdened community that has been adversely impacted by the landfill.

To begin gathering comments, EPA today released a summary in English and Spanish of the requirements that are under consideration for the order and is asking for written input by March 4, 2022. EPA will also hold a public meeting on February 23 to explain the options for addressing the landfill conditions and obtain public input. 

"We are taking this necessary step of getting input because this community has suffered for too long from this open dump,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia." EPA is working to address the problems and we appreciate that the municipality is willing to agree to take immediate actions to address the worst and most urgent issues. We want to issue a strong settlement order that will be a start to getting this open dump on track immediately as we continue to negotiate a longer-term solution.”

The terms being considered for the landfill are aimed at implementing measures to protect public health and environment in the short term and positioning Toa Alta to close the landfill completely, safely, and permanently under the supervision of the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Shorter term measures under consideration would call for Toa Alta to: (1) cover any newly disposed waste with soil at the end of each day; (2) apply thicker soil cover over time; (3) maintain the soil cover to correct any soil erosion; and (4) plan and implement measures to reduce and control storm water runoff and leachate (Leachate is liquid — often contaminant laden — that seeps from landfills). Longer term, permanent measures under consideration include barring any further waste disposal at the landfill, except for waste placement as warranted to fix a steep slope located on the north side of the landfill.

EPA is planning to hold a public meeting on February 23, at 5:30 p.m. AST to describe options for addressing the conditions at the landfill, answer questions, and hear from community members. This public meeting will occur at the Coliseo Lauro Davila, located at PR-165R, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico 00953.

Community members can email comments to pubcoment-ees.enrd@usdoj.gov with the subject line "Toa Alta Landfill Comments." Community members also may mail their comments to Eduardo Gonzalez, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division, City View Plaza II, Suite 7000, #48 PR165 Km. 1.2, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00968-8069. Comments and information received will be considered in determining the final terms of the potential settlement order. The final agreed upon terms will then be submitted to the Federal Court for its review and approval. If the parties cannot reach an agreement after the community engagement period, or if the Court does not approve the agreement, the Court will instead conduct a separate public hearing about the matter.

EPA has prepared some relevant documents to this matter, which the public can view online at www.epa.gov/pr/toa-alta-municipal-landfill. The public may also obtain the documents at the Toa Alta Mayor's Office. That office is located at Ave. Muñoz Rivera, Esq. Calle Barceló, Toa Alta, PR 00953, and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Background

DOJ filed a complaint on behalf of EPA in federal court in the District of Puerto Rico in February 2021. The complaint called for the Municipality of Toa Alta to stop solid waste disposal at its landfill and to take immediate steps to address public health and environmental threats posed by the conditions at the landfill.

The February 2021 complaint alleged three significant threats posed by the landfill:

• The Municipality of Toa Alta is taking inadequate action to prevent large quantities of leachate – water mixed with hazardous pollutants that seep from the landfill – from escaping into nearby neighborhoods, surface waters and the underlying groundwater aquifer.
• The landfill’s slopes in certain areas are not stable. There is an increased risk of collapse, potentially endangering people working at the landfill.
• The Municipality has not consistently placed required soil on top of the waste disposed at the landfill at the end of each day’s disposal activities. Application of this soil cover – referred to as “daily cover” – cuts off access to landfill waste by insects, vermin, birds and trespassers and helps prevent the spread of diseases, such as dengue and Zika viruses.

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

22-005

EPA Recognizes Virginia Department of Corrections for Diverting Food Waste from Landfills

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Recognizes Virginia Department of Corrections for Diverting Food Waste from Landfills

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 27, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it is recognizing the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) as an awardee in the Regional Partner category of its Food Recovery Challenge (FRC).

In 2019, VADOC had over 30,000 inmates in its 43 correctional facilities and employed 10,000 facility staff. Inmates and staff generated over 17,000 tons of trash that would have cost $1 million in landfill fees, as well as $200–$600 a month per site in dumpster rental fees.

Waste audits have confirmed that approximately half of the waste generated by a correctional facility is compostable.  VADOC had been operating a large-scale compost program in central Virginia for the past eight years and had successfully diverted a small amount of food waste from landfills. The availability of over 30 agribusiness farms allowed VADOC to expand their compost operation and use the compost on soils and gardens throughout the state.

“We are excited to be composting at Green Rock,” said Melvin Davis, Warden at Green Rock Correctional Facility.  “This allows us to divert food waste from the local landfill, which reduces harmful greenhouse gases. This process also allows us to enrich the soil at Green Rock, improving our agribusiness production over time.”

Because of grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and a week-long basic compost course offered to the staff, VADOC developed and implemented twelve compost programs in 2019, composting 892 tons of food waste – a 53 percent increase from 2018. During the first year, many sites were also able to reduce their tipping and dumpster rental fees by half. By closing the food loop, the Agency was able to save money and reduce the burden of waste on staff, operations, and the environment. 

“EPA congratulates VADOC and all of the Food Recovery Challenge partners for their notable achievements and innovative approaches to reduce food waste in their operations,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz.  “By addressing food waste, there is an opportunity to lower our carbon footprint and increase climate resilience, while also addressing inequities in food security and public health.”

Through the FRC, EPA has worked with organizations and businesses for the past decade to set data-driven goals, implement targeted strategies to reduce wasted food in their operations, and report results. During 2019 and 2020, FRC national awardees implemented innovative approaches and engaged in practical, cost-effective best practices to prevent and reduce wasted food. Best practices included waste audits and custom pallet building to maintain flexibility for those picking up recovered food. Many FRC national awardees provided much-needed food during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 600 businesses, governments and organizations actively participated in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge in 2020-2021. Since the launch of the program in 2011, FRC partners prevented and diverted over 5.5 million tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators. In the most recent reporting cycle, FRC partners prevented or diverted about 1.2 million tons of food from entering landfills or incinerators, saving partners up to $61.5 million in avoided landfill tipping fees. 

For more information https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-challenge-results-and-awardees