EPA approves revisions to Louisiana Water Quality Standards

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA approves revisions to Louisiana Water Quality Standards

 

Contact: Joe Hubbard or Jennah Durant at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

 

DALLAS – (Feb. 12, 2021) The U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) recently completed its review of provisions of the new and revised Louisiana water quality standards submitted to EPA by the state. The approved provisions are now effective for implementation purposes under the Clean Water Act.
 

“Water quality is a high priority and our partnership continues to bring safe water to communities throughout the region,” said EPA Acting Regional Administrator David Gray. “EPA is proud to support Louisiana’s plan and remains committed to helping communities improve and protect their waters.”

 

“Nothing is more critical to a society than reliable sources of clean water,” LDEQ Secretary Dr. Chuck Carr Brown said. “These revisions will help us make sure that Louisiana continues to enjoy excellent water quality.”

 

EPA’s approved revisions are predominately a series of changes to clarify, correct and improve consistency in the state’s water quality standards. These changes allow the state to improve their application of these standards and better protect water quality in Louisiana. 

 

The goal of the Clean Water Act includes restoring and protecting the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation's waters. Water quality standards established under the Clean Water Act set the states’ expectations for water quality. These standards also serve as water quality goals for individual surface waters, guide and inform monitoring and assessment activities, and provide a legal basis for permitting and regulatory pollution controls.

 

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EPA Awards Contracts Worth up to $220 million to Three Companies for Cleanup at Navajo Nation Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Awards Contracts Worth up to $220 million to Three Companies for Cleanup at Navajo Nation Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced three contract awards for cleanup efforts at more than 50 abandoned uranium mine sites in and around the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Area Abandoned Mine Remedial Construction and Services Contracts (AMRCS), worth up to $220 million over the next five years, were awarded to Red Rock Remediation Joint Venture, Environmental Quality Management Inc. and Arrowhead Contracting Inc. 

“EPA continues to work with the Navajo Nation EPA and local communities to address the legacy of abandoned uranium mines,” said Deborah Jordan, Acting Regional Administrator for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest office. “These contract awards mark a significant step in this ongoing work.” 

Most of the funding for the contracts comes from the nearly $1 billion settlement reached in 2015 for the cleanup of more than 50 abandoned uranium mine sites for which Kerr McGee Corporation and its successor, Tronox, have responsibility. In addition to the funds from that Tronox settlement, EPA and Navajo Nation have secured funding agreements, through enforcement agreements and other legal settlements, for the assessment and cleanup of approximately 200 abandoned uranium mine sites on the Navajo Nation.

Work is slated to begin later this year following the completion of assessments in coordination with Navajo Nation’s environmental agency, the Navajo Nation EPA. The sites are in New Mexico’s Grants Mining District and ten Navajo Nation chapters. The companies selected have experience working on hazardous waste sites across the country including cleaning up other abandoned mine sites in the southwest U.S.

EPA worked closely with Navajo Nation to develop contracts that incentivize creating employment opportunities for Navajo residents and building local economic and institutional capacity. The contractors selected are classified as small businesses, two of which are owned by Native Americans. In addition, the companies have partnered with other Navajo-owned firms to ensure Navajo communities benefit economically from the ongoing work to clean up their land. To further direct benefits from this cleanup investment to the Navajo communities affected by this legacy pollution, each company will develop training programs for Navajo individuals and businesses to promote professional growth in areas related to the AMRCS contract. Workforce training that could be offered by the contractors may cover radiological contamination, health and safety, construction and road building. In addition, the contracts require the selectees to provide quarterly reports to the EPA, Navajo Nation, and the public on cleanup progress, training, and Navajo job and business opportunities.

Cleanup of the abandoned uranium mines is a closely coordinated effort between multiple federal agencies and the Navajo Nation. During the Cold War, 30 million tons of uranium ore were mined on or adjacent to the Navajo Nation, leaving more than 500 abandoned mines. Since 2008, EPA has conducted preliminary investigations at all of the mines, completed 113 detailed assessments, cleaned up over 50 contaminated structures, provided safe drinking water to over 3,000 families in partnership with the Indian Health Service, and completed cleanup, stabilization or fencing at 29 mines.

For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation-uranium-cleanup

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

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Toxics Release Inventory Website Now Available in Spanish

 U.S. EPA Region 6 News Release:

Toxics Release Inventory Website Now Available in Spanish

Today, EPA launched a Spanish version of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) website. Spanish-speaking communities across the United States, including those in Puerto Rico, will be able to use this new website to learn about chemical releases and other waste management in their communities—expanding their access to environmental information and making TRI data easier to access.

This new website makes the most popular resources from the English version of the website available in Spanish for the first time. The newly available content includes:

• Basic resources explaining what data are available and how to access them.
• Examples of how individuals and organizations have used TRI data.
• Guidance for using TRI for research and analysis.

Also available today is the Spanish version of the 2019 TRI National Analysis released last month, which offers analysis and trends in releases, waste management practices, and pollution prevention activities that occurred during calendar year 2019.

The TRI Program plans to continue to add content to the Spanish TRI website to support more informed decision-making by communities, companies, government agencies, and others.

View the Spanish version of the TRI website.

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El sitio web del Inventario de Emisiones Tóxicas ahora está disponible en español

Hoy, la EPA publicó una versión en español del sitio web del Inventario de Emisiones Tóxicas (TRI, por sus siglas en inglés). Las comunidades hispanohablantes en los Estados Unidos, incluyendo aquellas en Puerto Rico, podrán usar este nuevo sitio web para aprender acerca de las emisiones químicas y otros metodos de manejo de desperdicios en sus comunidades—ampliando su acceso a la información ambiental y facilitando accesibilidad a los datos del TRI.

Por primera vez los recursos más populares de la versión en inglés del sitio web ahora estarán disponibles en español. El contenido ahora disponible incluye:

• Recursos básicos explicando cuáles datos están disponibles y cómo accederlos.
• Ejemplos de cómo los individuos y las organizaciones han usado los datos del TRI.
• Directrices para usar el TRI para la investigación y el análisis.

Además, hoy está disponible la versión en español del Análisis Nacional del TRI de 2019 publicado el mes pasado que ofrece análisis y tendencias sobre las emisiones, prácticas de manejo de desperdicios y actividades de prevención de contaminación que ocurrieron durante el año calendario de 2019.

El programa del TRI planea continuar añadiendo más contenido al sitio web del TRI en español para apoyar la toma de decisiones informadas que realizan las comunidades, compañías, agencias gubernamentales y otros.

Ver la versión en español del sitio web del Inventario de Emisiones Tóxicas.

EPA fines Par Hawaii refining facilities over chemical safety, hazardous waste violations in West Oahu

 U.S. EPA News Release:

For Immediate Release: February 11, 2021
Media Contact: Alejandro Diaz, 808-541-2711, diaz.alejandro@epa.gov

EPA fines Par Hawaii refining facilities over chemical safety, hazardous waste violations in West Oahu

HONOLULU — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced settlements with Par Hawaii Refining, LLC, over violations of the federal Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) at its oil refining facilities on Komohana Street and Malakole Street in Kapolei.

Par Hawaii will carry out changes to reduce the risk of chemical accidents at the Malakole Street facility and conduct sampling at the Komohana Street facility to determine whether improper management of hazardous wastes contaminated local soil. Par Hawaii will also pay a combined $219,638 civil penalty.

“We are acting to ensure that oil refining facilities reduce the risk of releases of toxic substances, and properly store, manage and dispose of hazardous wastes to protect local communities and the environment,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Director of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Amy Miller. “Companies that do not comply with federal requirements will face significant fines.”

Clean Air Act violations at the Malakole Street facility

In March 2019, EPA inspectors found violations of the Clean Air Act’s chemical accident prevention requirements under the facility’s Risk Management Plans (RMPs). These included process safety errors, such as incorrect maximum inventories for some crude unit vessels and inaccurate piping and machine diagrams. EPA also found operating procedures that were unclear and not current, such as an outdated emergency shutdown operating procedure in the control room.

When properly implemented, an RMP may help prevent chemical releases and minimize impacts to public health and the environment at facilities that store large amounts of hazardous substances and flammable chemicals. Under federal law, the facility’s RMP must be up to date and resubmitted at least once every five years. RMPs are used by EPA to assess chemical risks to surrounding communities and to prepare for emergency responses.

For more information on the Risk Management Plan requirements under the Clean Air Act, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/rmp.

Hazardous waste management investigation at the Komohana Street facility

A September 2018 EPA inspection found the Komohana Street facility improperly managed hazardous waste from its refinery processes. EPA inspectors documented an oily residue being released onto an unlined asphalt pad and into nearby soil. The contaminants of concern included hexavalent chromium and benzene, which can escape into the environment and groundwater through improper waste management practices. The settlement requires Par Hawaii to develop and implement a sampling plan to determine the possibility of localized hazardous waste contamination on-site.

Federal regulations under the RCRA law require the safe management of hazardous waste to protect public health and the environment, and to prevent costly cleanups. For more information on RCRA, please visit: www.epa.gov/rcra.

This settlement is part of EPA’s National Compliance Initiative (NCI): Reducing Accidental Releases at Industrial and Chemical Facilities. To learn more about this NCI: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-reducing-accidental-releases-industrial-and-chemical.

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

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EPA settlement with Fleur de Lis resolves oil spills affecting surface waters in Wyoming

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA settlement with Fleur de Lis resolves oil spills affecting surface waters in Wyoming 

Agreement resolves spills and lack of adequate spill prevention and response plans at facilities in Natrona and Johnson Counties 

Cheyenne, Wyo. (February 10, 2021) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a Clean Water Act (CWA) settlement with Fleur de Lis Energy and Fleur de Lis Operating, LLC (Fleur de Lis) in which the companies have agreed to pay  $1.9 million for alleged Clean Water Act violations associated with the operation of oil and gas facilities in the state of Wyoming.    

The settlement, lodged today in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming, involves six separate discharges of crude oil and produced water from Fleur de Lis operated facilities into waters of the United States and their adjoining shorelines; inadequate Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans for five facilities; inadequate Facility Response Plans (FRP) for three facilities; and no FRP for one facility.  

"Companies that store oil must ensure they have adequate spill prevention and discharge response plans to protect public health and the environment," said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. "EPA is committed to ensuring compliance with federal requirements that safeguard our rivers and streams.” 

EPA alleges Fleur de Lis oil and gas operations were responsible for spills of oil and produced water to surface waters in Wyoming between October 5, 2016, through May 29, 2018, including one spill in the Linch Complex Field in Johnson County and five spills in the Salt Creek Field in Natrona County. Each of the spills impacted adjoining shoreline and/or caused a sheen on tributaries to Salt Creek, a tributary of the Powder River. The two largest were reported to be 7,307 barrels (306,907 gallons) and 559 barrels (23,478 gallons).  

EPA also alleges that Fleur de Lis failed to prepare adequate SPCC plans for five facilities. Discharges from these facilities have the potential to impact tributaries to Salt Creek in the Salt Creek Field and Indian Draw, a tributary to Salt Creek in the Linch Complex Field.  

In addition, EPA alleges that Fleur de Lis failed to prepare adequate FRPs, or had no FRPs in place, from April 2015 through December 2017 at four facilities and failed to develop and implement a facility response training and drill/exercise program. The planning distance for these four facilities, which represents the extent of potential impacts associated with a worst-case spill scenario, extends over 90 miles to the Powder River.  

The Clean Water Act prohibits discharges of oil to waters of the United States that violate applicable water quality standards; or cause a film or sheen upon or discoloration of the surface of the water or adjoining shorelines; or cause a sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the surface of the water or upon adjoining shorelines.  

The Oil Pollution Prevention requirements of the Clean Water Act are intended to prevent and facilitate the response to the discharge of oil from non-transportation-related onshore facilities. All facilities with 1,320 gallons of oil that have the potential for a spill to reach waters of the United States are required to have an SPCC Plan. Facilities with storage capacity of one million gallons or more and have the potential to impact fish, wildlife and sensitive environments are also required to meet FRP requirements. 

The $1.9 million penalty will be deposited into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, a fund used by federal agencies to respond to discharges of oil and hazardous substances. Fleur de Lis has submitted SPCC and FRP plans that satisfy regulatory requirements; is satisfactorily continuing its pipeline maintenance program; and has demonstrated that it can implement its FRP and respond to discharges into Salt Creek and the Powder River.  

For more information on the Clean Water Act, visit EPA's compliance web page: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/cwa/index.html   

For more information on SPCC and FRP regulatory requirements visit EPA's compliance web page: http://www.epa.gov/oil-spills-prevention-and-preparedness-regulations 

Help EPA protect our nation's land, air and water by reporting violations: http://www.epa.gov/tips/ 

EPA Registers Copper Surfaces for Residual Use Against Coronavirus

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Registers Copper Surfaces for Residual Use Against Coronavirus

 

WASHINGTON (February 10, 2021) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that certain copper alloys provide long-term effectiveness against viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As a result of EPA’s approval, products containing these copper alloys can now be sold and distributed with claims that they kill certain viruses that come into contact with them. This is the first product with residual claims against viruses to be registered for use nationwide. Testing to demonstrate this effectiveness was conducted on harder-to-kill viruses.

“Providing Americans with new tools and information to fight the virus that causes COVID-19 is one of EPA’s top priorities,” said Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “Today’s action marks another step forward in EPA’s efforts to listen to the science and provide effective tools to help protect human health.”

In today’s action, EPA is granting an amended registration to the Copper Development Association for an emerging viral pathogen claim to be added to the label of Antimicrobial Copper Alloys- Group 1 (EPA Reg. No. 82012-1), which is made of at least 95.6 percent copper. Amended registrations allow previously registered products to make label changes (e.g., changes to product claims, precautions and/or use directions) and/or formulation changes. In this case, the amended registration is adding virus claims to the product registration.

New efficacy testing supported by the Copper Development Association and conducted according to EPA’s protocols demonstrated certain high-percentage copper alloy products can continuously kill viruses that come into contact with them. Based on testing against harder-to-kill viruses, EPA expects these products to eliminate 99.9 percent of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, within two hours.

Antimicrobial copper alloys can be manufactured into a wide range of surfaces, including doorknobs and handrails. These high-percentage copper alloy products will be added to the List N Appendix, the Agency’s list of residual antiviral products that can be used to supplement routine cleaning and disinfection to combat SARS-CoV-2. To find products for routine cleaning and disinfection, see EPA’s List N.

The use of antimicrobial copper alloy products supplements but does not replace standard infection control practices. Individuals should continue to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC), state, and local public health guidelines, including critical precautions like mask wearing, social distancing, and ventilation. According to the CDC, COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person.

For more information on how copper alloy products can be used against viruses, see EPA’s website or the product’s label in the Pesticide Product and Label System. 

EPA, NFWF Fund Actions to Improve Water Quality in Bay-Linked Rivers and Streams in Pennsylvania

 U.S. EPA News Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: R3Press@epa.gov

EPA, NFWF Fund Actions to Improve Water Quality in Bay-Linked Rivers and

Streams in Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 10, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), today announced the award of approximately $1.2 million for eight projects in Pennsylvania to improve rivers and streams that connect to the Chesapeake Bay.

The funds are part of nearly $5 million provided by EPA as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 to the six Bay watershed states and the District of Columbia for the implementation of restoration projects by local governments.

The Pennsylvania funds, administered by NFWF, will generate more than $2.2 million in matching contributions for a total impact of nearly $3.5 million.

 Among the projects are:

• Implement stream restoration along a tributary of Codorus Creek in York County to remove more than a half million pounds of sediment per year. ($200,000 award; $620,757 match)
• Restore the floodplain of the Conewago Creek and its tributary, Brills Run, in Londonderry and Mount Joy townships (Dauphin and Lancaster counties), reducing the annual sediment load by 1,524 tons. ($200,000 award; $30,000 match)
• Expand a cover crop incentive program on farms in Cumberland County. ($54,600 award; $27,300 match)
• Install animal waste management facilities and barnyard runoff controls as part of a Plain Sect Clean Water Demonstration Farm in Paradise Township, Lancaster County. ($200,000 award; $170,000 match)

A full list and descriptions of the Pennsylvania projects are available at: https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/chesapeake-pennsylvania-2020-grant-slate.pdf  .

“EPA is pleased to support home-grown projects that reflect local needs and improve local water quality,” said EPA Acting Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Diana Esher.  “Our success in restoring the Chesapeake Bay relies on improving the streams and rivers that connect to it.  These projects will help Pennsylvania take the next steps in meeting its shared commitment to restoring the Bay.  We appreciate the support of NFWF in this effort.”

“Local governments are critical partners in identifying and advancing watershed restoration efforts that align with local needs, concerns, and resources,” said Amanda Bassow, NFWF’s Northeast Regional Director. “NFWF is pleased to continue partnering with EPA in delivering funding and technical assistance that supports municipalities and conservation districts at the front lines of implementing our local and regional restoration goals.”

The Local Government Implementation (LGI) funds are part of broader grant programs funded and administered by EPA through its Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO) – the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant (CBIG), the Chesapeake Bay Regulatory and Accountability Program (CBRAP), or both.