EPA Awards Nearly $2.5M for Research to Assess Perchlorate after Firework Events

 U.S. EPA News Release:

EPA Awards Nearly $2.5M for Research to Assess Perchlorate after Firework Events

DALLAS, TEXAS (May 22, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $2,499,579 in research grant funding to Texas Tech University for research on the behavior of perchlorate after fireworks events near water sources.

“Communities rely on states and local utilities to keep their water clean, and to understand what contaminants could be present,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “As one of the nation’s premier research universities, Texas Tech is well-placed to steward this grant and help us learn how perchlorate from fireworks could be affecting water resources.”

“Protecting our water resources and ensuring clean drinking water is one of EPA’s top priorities,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “With this research grant, Texas Tech University will be able to provide states and utilities with further knowledge on how to protect drinking water from perchlorate contamination.”

Perchlorate is a chemical used in rocket propellants, explosives, flares and fireworks. Recent increases in the use of fireworks have caused concern over potential increases of perchlorate in ambient waters that serve as sources of drinking water. Perchlorate in drinking water sources can be a health concern because above certain exposure levels, perchlorate can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Prior research has investigated water contamination from fireworks; however, there are gaps in understanding the magnitude and extent of perchlorate contamination before, during, and after fireworks are discharged around drinking water sources.

The awarded researchers at Texas Tech University will evaluate the relative impacts of perchlorate from fireworks on six drinking water sources across the U.S. including a groundwater source. Observations from the sites will be integrated into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a public domain model, to expand its ability to assess the impact of firework-driven perchlorate emissions. Project results will provide states and utilities with data on the behavior of perchlorate after fireworks events which could be used to determine whether any actions are needed to reduce exposure via drinking water.

 

Learn more about the project.

 

Learn more about EPA research grants.

BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) Demonstration - How it ...

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Awards Nearly $2.5M for Research to Assess Perchlorate after Firework Events

WASHINGTON (May 22, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $2,499,579 in research grant funding to Texas Tech University for research on the behavior of perchlorate after fireworks events near water sources.

“Protecting our water resources and ensuring clean drinking water is one of EPA’s top priorities,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “With this research grant, Texas Tech University will be able to provide states and utilities with further knowledge on how to protect drinking water from perchlorate contamination.”

Perchlorate is a chemical used in rocket propellants, explosives, flares and fireworks. Recent increases in the use of fireworks have caused concern over potential increases of perchlorate in ambient waters that serve as sources of drinking water. Perchlorate in drinking water sources can be a health concern because above certain exposure levels, perchlorate can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Prior research has investigated water contamination from fireworks; however, there are gaps in understanding the magnitude and extent of perchlorate contamination before, during, and after fireworks are discharged around drinking water sources.

The awarded researchers at Texas Tech University will evaluate the relative impacts of perchlorate from fireworks on six drinking water sources across the U.S. including a groundwater source. Observations from the sites will be integrated into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a public domain model, to expand its ability to assess the impact of firework-driven perchlorate emissions. Project results will provide states and utilities with data on the behavior of perchlorate after fireworks events which could be used to determine whether any actions are needed to reduce exposure via drinking water.

Learn more about the project.

Learn more about EPA research grants.

 

Contact: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Announces Completion of Groundwater Treatment Plant at Chem Fab Superfund Site in Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Expedite Cleanup

PHILADELPHIA (May 19, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the completion of the groundwater treatment system at the Chem Fab Superfund Site in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, thanks to $2.9 million under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to expedite the cleanup.

“This historic funding boost from the BIL invests $3.5 billion in Superfund cleanups nationally, making a dramatic impact on EPA’s ability to address legacy pollution that threatens the health of communities across the country,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “By expediting these cleanups, we’re ensuring the protection of affected communities and moving these sites closer in the direction for potential redevelopment.”

The Chem Fab Superfund Site is located on North Broad Street in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  From the mid-1960s to the late 1970s, Chem Fab, Inc. operated an electroplating and metal etching facility which stored and disposed of processing chemicals on-site. 

Groundwater underlying the Site is contaminated with metals, volatile organic compounds, and per-and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). The chemicals in the groundwater are commonly found in solvents and degreasers and associated with electroplating operations.  Volatile organic compounds were previously detected in two municipal and several residential wells.  

EPA also issued a proposed cleanup plan for public comment from May 10 through June 9 to address soil and sediment contamination on the site. This proposed cleanup plan is another step towards a final comprehensive long term site clean-up and demonstrates EPA’s ongoing commitment to the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment.  

For more information visit: : https://www.epa.gov/superfund/chemfab

 EPA Press Office:

EPA announces funding for New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas to tackle climate pollution

Albany, Buffalo, New York City, and Rochester metropolitan areas will each receive $1 million made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act

Contact: Barbara Khan, (720) 595-8698, khan.barbara@epa.gov

NEW YORK (May 18, 2023) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award $1 million each from the agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to Albany, Buffalo, New York City and Rochester metropolitan areas to plan innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies for the benefit of New York and northern New Jersey communities. The funding announced today is in addition to the $3 million that each of the States of New York and New Jersey will receive through the CPRG program. Working in tandem with other programs also funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, CPRG provides flexible planning resources to local governments, states, tribes and territories for climate solutions that protect communities from pollution and advance environmental justice.

“EPA is providing a total of $10 million through the Inflation Reduction Act to find ways to address and reduce harmful climate pollution in New York and New Jersey, including in some of the largest metropolitan areas in the country,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The States of New York and New Jersey both stepped up to the plate earlier this year, and now all of the largest metro areas in the region are following suit and showing up as real local climate leaders.”

The census-designated metropolitan statistical areas of Albany-Schenectady-Troy (New York); Buffalo-Cheektowaga (New York); New York-Newark-Jersey City (New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania); and Rochester (New York) are among more than 70 metropolitan areas across the nation eligible to receive $1 million each in grant funds. Other New Jersey communities that are part of Pennsylvania’s metropolitan statistical areas will also benefit from these funds. The selected lead agency for each metropolitan statistical area will use the funds to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans in collaboration with municipalities and communities across the metropolitan areas and conduct meaningful public engagement on the plan, focusing on low-income and disadvantaged communities. EPA expects to award and administer the funding agreements later this summer once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

The Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC) will lead the climate pollution reduction planning efforts for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, New York metropolitan area.

David J. Hogenkamp, Chairman of CDRPC said, “The Capital District Regional Planning Commission is pleased to serve as the lead organization for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY metro area to carry out the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The CPRG program will amplify existing state and regional sustainability initiatives supported by CDRPC, such as the NY State Clean Energy Communities and Climate Smart Communities programs, by providing additional resources and outreach to help our communities address the impacts of climate change. We applaud President Biden and our New York Congressional delegation for making this critical investment in the future of our region.”

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), part of the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC), will lead climate pollution reduction planning efforts for the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, New York metropolitan area, in partnership with the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls and Erie and Niagara counties. GBNRTC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Erie and Niagara counties in New York. The member agencies of GBNRTC are the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Thruway Authority, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Erie County, Niagara County, the City of Buffalo and the City of Niagara Falls.

Mayor Byron W. Brown stated, “All of our residents deserve to live in healthy environments with the promise of equitable economic outcomes, and today we’re grateful to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its investment in Buffalo. This $1 million award from the agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will help us continue to address environmental justice in our underserved communities and develop and expand innovative strategies to further cut carbon pollution and support green jobs creation so that all Buffalo residents might live in climate resilient communities."

GBNRTC Executive Director Michael J. Finn, P.E. said, “The Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council, on behalf of its member agencies, is proud to accept the opportunity to prepare a Climate Action Plan for the Buffalo Niagara Region. The plan will build off of efforts already underway at the State and local level to develop a framework for addressing the impacts of climate change in our region.”

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), through the administration of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (NYCDSBS), will lead climate pollution reduction planning efforts for the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) on behalf of the membership within their planning areas.

NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball said, “The EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will help New York City work with our regional partners towards a cleaner, greener future. These funds will strengthen the city’s existing sustainability initiatives, help us reduce emissions throughout the five boroughs and continue making New York City a great place to live, work, and play for now and for future generations.”

The Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council will lead climate pollution reduction planning efforts for the Rochester, New York metropolitan area.

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “I am grateful to Administrator Michael Regan and the Environmental Protection Agency for including the Rochester region as part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program. Working with our partners, this program will greatly accelerate the goal of the Communitywide Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030. I also want to thank and commend our Congressional delegation, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Joseph Morelle, for securing these funds through the Inflation Reduction Act and helping us create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.”

Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council Executive Director Richard Sutherland said, “The EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program will be a valuable opportunity for communities within the Rochester, New York metro area to continue their progress towards developing and implementing plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. This grant, along with involvement in programs like NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities and NYSDEC's Climate Smart Communities programs, will enable local communities to invest in a cleaner economy that can spur innovation and economic growth while building more equitable, resilient communities.”

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by a national grant competition for $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies created by the CPRG planning grants, programs, and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 1, EPA announced the availability of these funds, which are the first series of climate pollution funding opportunities for states, local governments, territories and Tribes. The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

Climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

 EPA Press Office:

EPA ISSUES SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT ORDER TO CITY OF BALTIMORE

PHILADELPHIA (May 17, 2023) To protect Baltimore’s supply of safe, clean drinking water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a unilateral administrative order (UAO) to the City of Baltimore. EPA ordered the City to comply with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) safeguards designed to protect public health from illnesses linked to Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other bacteria from animal waste which can contaminate drinking water. EPA has been working closely with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and MDE supports this action.

EPA has cited the City of Baltimore for noncompliance with the Long-Term Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, a Safe Drinking Water Act regulation designed to protect public drinking water supplies from threats posed by Cryptosporidium and other bacteria. According to EPA, the City has also not fully complied with a July 2010 consent order with EPA requiring Baltimore to cover and/or provide treatment for its uncovered finished water reservoirs by December 31, 2018.  Two of the City’s finished water reservoirs – Druid Lake and Ashburton – remain uncovered and untreated. 

EPA is in communication with the City of Baltimore on this matter and remains hopeful to reach an agreement to address concerns with compliance.  However, EPA has determined that a unilateral order is appropriate at this time because of repeated delays by the City.

Among other actions, EPA’s order requires the City to:

• respond to EPA and MDE in writing within 7 days of the effective date of the order (May 15, 2023) outlining actions it has taken and will take to comply with the order,
• conduct monthly monitoring and sampling of the Druid Lake and Ashburton reservoirs, and
•  submit monthly reports on the progress the City is making to install tanks to replace the two uncovered finished reservoirs. 

The Safe Drinking Water Act is the principal federal law ensuring the quality of Americans' drinking water supply. Under this statute, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality for public water systems and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. The law protects drinking water and its sources -- rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and ground water wells.

For more information about SDWA regulations https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations   For a copy of the order  City of Baltimore SDWA UAO | US EPA

For further information: r3press@epa.gov

 EPA Press Office:

EPA and Justice Department Announce Settlement to Reduce Hazardous Air Emissions at BP Products’ Whiting Refinery in Indiana

BP Products Will Implement Injunctive Relief Valued at more than $197 Million to Correct Deficiencies and Pay a Record-Setting Penalty of $40 Million

WASHINGTON (May 17, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice announced a Clean Air Act Settlement with BP Products North America Inc., (BPP), a subsidiary of BP p.l.c., requiring control technology expected to reduce benzene by an estimated seven tons per year, other hazardous air pollutants (HAP) by 28 tons per year, and other volatile organic compound emissions (VOC) by 372 tons per year at its Whiting Refinery in Indiana. The United States’ complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement, alleges that BPP violated federal regulations limiting benzene in refinery wastewater streams, and HAP and VOC emissions at its Whiting Refinery, as well as the general requirement to use good air pollution control practices. As part of the settlement, BPP will install one or more permanent benzene strippers to reduce benzene in wastewater streams leading to its lakefront wastewater treatment plant.

“This settlement will result in the reduction of hundreds of tons of harmful air pollution a year, which means cleaner, healthier air for local communities, including communities with environmental justice concerns,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This is one of several recent settlements that show that EPA and the Department of Justice are committed to improving air quality in local communities by holding industrial sources accountable for violations of emission standards under the Clean Air Act.”

“This settlement sends an important message to the refining industry that the United States will take decisive action against illegal benzene and VOC emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Under the settlement, the refinery will implement controls that will greatly improve air quality and reduce health impacts on the overburdened communities that surround the facility.”

“This settlement advances my office’s environmental justice initiative by providing cleaner air and reducing the negative health impacts on the low income and minority residents who live near BPP’s refinery,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana Clifford D. Johnson. “My office is committed to continuing to enforce the Nation’s environmental laws so that all residents of Northern Indiana can live, work, and play in a cleaner, healthier environment.”

In addition to securing injunctive relief, including capital investments, estimated to exceed $197 million, the settlement obligates BPP to pay a total financial penalty of $40 million, comprised of civil penalties and stipulated penalties for violations of an earlier settlement. This is the largest civil penalty ever secured for a Clean Air Act stationary source settlement. BPP separately agreed to undertake a $5 million supplemental environmental project to reduce diesel emissions in the communities surrounding the Whiting Refinery. BPP will also install 10 air pollutant monitoring stations to monitor air quality outside of the refinery fenceline. The settlement terms are included in a proposed consent decree filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

Benzene is known to cause cancer in humans. Short-term inhalation exposure to benzene also may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, as well as eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, and, at high levels, unconsciousness. Long-term inhalation exposure can cause various disorders in the blood, including reduced numbers of red blood cells and anemia in occupational settings. Reproductive effects have been reported for women exposed by inhalation to high levels, and adverse effects on the developing fetus have been observed in animal tests.

VOCs along with NO_X, play a major role in the atmospheric reactions that produce ozone, which is the primary constituent of smog. People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active can be affected when ozone levels are unhealthy. Ground-level ozone exposure is linked to a variety of short-term health problems, including lung irritation and difficulty breathing, as well as long-term problems, such as permanent lung damage from repeated exposure, aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

The Whiting Refinery is surrounded by communities with environmental justice concerns. This settlement is part of EPA’s and the Justice Department’s ongoing focus on assisting communities that have been historically marginalized and disproportionately exposed to pollution.  

This settlement also supports EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative (NECI): Creating Cleaner Air for Communities by Reducing Excess Emissions of Harmful Pollutants. Learn more about this NECI.

The State of Indiana assisted in the negotiations and is also a party to the settlement.

The settlement is subject to a public comment period and final court approval. The consent decree will be available for viewing on the Department of Justice website.

For more information about the settlement, please visit: 2023 BP Products Clean Air Act Benzene and Volatile Organic Compounds Settlement Information Sheet | US EPA

 

Contact: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)