EPA Press Office:

EPA Finalizes Plan to Clean Up Contaminated Soil at CPS/Madison Superfund Site in Old Bridge, NJ

NEW YORK (September 28, 2023) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final cleanup plan to address contaminated soil at the CPS/Madison Superfund site in Old Bridge, New Jersey.

“Finalizing this clean-up plan brings us one step closer to addressing the contamination at this site to protect the people of Old Bridge,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Our final plan will ensure that the contaminated soil is safely removed, and that the existing pavement cover or cap is maintained and monitored in the long term to prevent any further impacts.”

The final cleanup plan will address the soil contamination at the Madison property portion of the site. Most of the property is covered by pavement that acts as a cap, preventing the soil contaminants from spreading. Under the final cleanup plan the existing cap would remain in place.

The plan includes inspecting and repairing the cap if any areas are damaged, removing contaminated soil in unpaved areas and transporting it to a licensed disposal facility off-site for disposal. In addition, EPA will file a deed notice with property records to avoid future residential use. Finally, contractors will monitor sediment and surface water long-term to assess how effectively the actions are at preventing contaminants from getting into the water and sediment in the nearby creeks and river.

The CPS/Madison site covers 35 acres and includes two adjacent facilities: the now-inactive CPS Chemical plant property and the still-operating Madison Industries/Old Bridge Chemical property.

The Madison Industries facility produces chemicals for fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, and food additives, and the Old Bridge Chemicals facility, operated by a related company, produces zinc salts and copper sulfate. At the CPS facility, organic chemicals were used in the production of water treatment agents, lubricants, oil field chemicals, and anti-corrosive agents.

The site operations led to the release of chemicals, polluting the soil, sediment and groundwater with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In 2019, EPA chose a plan to address contaminated site groundwater and soil at the CPS property. The engineering work needed to carry out that plan is underway.

Prior to finalizing the cleanup plan, which is called a Record of Decision, EPA held a public meeting and received public comments.

Visit the CPS/Madison Industries Old Bridge Township, NJ Superfund site profile page for additional background and site documents including EPA’s responses to the public comments that were received.

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

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For further information: Contact: Carlos Vega, (646) 988-2996, vega.carlos@epa.gov

EPA penalizes American Seafoods Company almost $1M for Clean Water Act violations off Oregon, Washington coasts

 EPA Press Office:

Issued: Sep 28, 2023 (1:27pm EDT)

EPA penalizes American Seafoods Company almost $1M for Clean Water Act violations off Oregon, Washington coasts

EPA penalizes American Seafoods Company almost $1M for Clean Water Act violations off Oregon, Washington coasts

SEATTLE (Sept. 28, 2023) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency penalized American Seafoods Company LLC of Seattle and the owners of its fish-processing vessels nearly $1 million for significant violations of the Clean Water Act committed while harvesting and processing fish in the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon and Washington coast. 

EPA cited the companies for hundreds of violations including discharging waste in the protected Heceta/Stonewall Banks complex along the Oregon coast, failure to monitor its discharges and missing or inaccurate information in required annual reports. 

Discharge of seafood processing waste in prohibited areas and within the 100-meter depth contour of Washington and Oregon exacerbates already existing low-oxygen conditions which negatively impact most fishes, crabs and other marine life.  

EPA evaluated the compliance of the Oregon and Washington seafood processing industry and found that American Seafoods Company and the owners of its vessels stood apart from the other Oregon and Washington offshore fish processors in the number and severity of violations. The vessels are the American Dynasty, American Triumph, Northern Eagle, Northern Jaeger and Ocean Rover. 

In an Administrative Order on Consent effective Aug. 17, EPA requires the companies to conduct corporate-wide, systemic improvements to ensure compliance with its permits. In separate Consent Agreements, EPA also requires the companies pay $999,000 in penalties. 

“In amassing hundreds of violations from illegal discharges to sloppy and even non-existent record-keeping American Seafoods Company demonstrated a clear disregard for the fragile and valuable resources that sustain its business,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division in Seattle. “When issuing a permit, EPA confers to the permit holder the responsibility to protect our nation’s resources. We expect the company-wide, systematic overhaul of its operations will re-focus American Seafoods Company on the true value of its permit, the importance of tracking compliance with the permit, and the resources that permit entrusts it with protecting.” 

Additional details can be found in the following documents: 

Consent Agreement and Final Order: American Seafood & American Dynasty  

Consent Agreement and Final Order: American Seafood & American Triumph 

Consent Agreement and Final Order: American Seafood & Northern Eagle

Consent Agreement and Final Order: American Seafood & Northern Jaeger

Consent Agreement and Final Order: American Seafood & Ocean Rover

Contact Information: R10 Public Affairs (r10_press_team@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

September 28, 2023

Biden-Harris Administration Makes $500 Million Available to Fund School Buses that Reduce Pollution, Save Money, and Protect Health

Second rebate competition from President’s Investing in America Agenda builds on nearly $1 billion investment that will put thousands of clean school buses on the road

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of at least $500 million in funding from the Clean School Bus rebate competition that is transforming school bus fleets across America and protecting children from air pollution. This second round of funding will build on the previous nearly $1 billion investment to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, more students, teachers, and staff are breathing easier this school year as brand-new clean school buses are hitting the road in communities across America,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We’ve seen incredible demand for this program from school districts that want to benefit from the transition to cleaner school buses, leading to cost savings for districts, better air quality, and less pollution. We’re committed to building on this work and continuing to accelerate the transition of America’s school bus fleet.”

“Clean school buses mean clean air and a brighter future for our students,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “I fought to deliver robust funding that deploys clean school buses across the country and across New York, and I am proud to see EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration getting that funding out to our school districts as the school year begins. Clean air, tackling climate change, and cost savings is a win-win-win.”

“It’s no surprise that we are seeing such a strong demand for clean school buses across our country,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper (DE), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “By replacing older school buses with cleaner buses, we improve air quality for students, teachers, and other school officials, while reducing planet-warming pollution and supporting American manufacturing jobs. I applaud the Biden administration for using the unprecedented investments we made in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deliver clean school buses to more and more of our nation’s school districts.”

EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.  

Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other public health problems that cause serious health concerns and missed days of school, with outsized impacts in overburdened communities. New zero- and low-emission buses will not only reduce air pollution and help address the outsized role of the transportation sector on climate change, but will also produce cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and people living in communities that buses drive through each day. And over the lifespan of the vehicles, clean school buses can also cost less to maintain and fuel than the older buses they are replacing – freeing up needed resources for schools.

EPA’s 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program received enthusiastic interest and has awarded approximately $965 million to support the purchase of about 2,600 buses, 95% of which are electric. These rebates were awarded to approximately 400 school districts in nearly all 50 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. Territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected.

In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million in grants that will fund electric, propane, and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that produce either zero or low tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel counterparts. This application period is now closed and EPA anticipates announcing selections for the grant program this winter.

“The word is out - school districts across the country have jumped at the opportunity to replace dirty diesel buses with cleaner school buses through the Clean School Bus program,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29). “President Biden’s investment in electrifying America’s massive school bus fleet has been met with an unprecedented demand. I commend the Environmental Protection Agency for making more funds available to our school districts to improve the air-quality to protect the health of our communities and achieve a clean commute for America’s students.”

“The electrification of our fleet – and especially school buses – is vital to our region. It will improve the air quality for young students across Houston and reduce asthma and other public health problems associated with increased particulate matter produced by diesel engines. As the former Chair of Climate Mayors, these are exactly the type of investments that communities need,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for making these needed investments.”

The 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Competition

This year’s $500 million Clean School Bus Rebate Program will provide a combined funding amount to cover bus, workforce development costs, and infrastructure costs for awardees requesting electric school buses. Applicants can request up to $345,000 per bus. Selectees may be eligible for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits applicable to their bus and infrastructure purchases. For example, the clean vehicle tax credits for qualifying school buses are worth up to $40,000. Narrowing the cost difference between clean school buses and diesel school buses remains an integral goal of EPA’s CSB Program and the agency adjusted electric school bus funding levels in this rebate program to help stretch funding further and drive down long-term electric school bus market costs.

The amount of funding per bus will depend on the applicant’s prioritization status, as well as the type and size of bus replacement(s) requested. EPA will prioritize applications that will replace buses serving low-income, rural, and Tribal communities. Large school districts with communities of concentrated poverty also will be prioritized if their application focuses on clean school buses serving those communities.

EPA is committed to ensuring the Clean School Bus Program advances environmental justice and delivers on the President’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that at least 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. In addition, EPA will conduct outreach to underserved communities, including partnering with stakeholders to reach communities that may have never applied for a Federal rebate.

The Biden-Harris Administration is similarly committed to investing federal dollars in a responsible way that drives high-quality job creation and inclusive economic growth in the clean energy economy. It’s a priority for EPA that school districts prepare for how to support their workers, including bus drivers, mechanics, and other essential personnel, to safely operate and maintain the new buses and maintain high labor standards. As a result, workforce training is an eligible use of program funds, and EPA strongly encourages school districts to develop comprehensive workforce plans in partnership with their employees to help them prepare for the transition to clean school buses. EPA also requires all electricians installing and maintaining electric infrastructure with this funding to be certified in the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVTIP) to guarantee the equipment is safely installed by properly trained workers.

Additionally, EPA wants to see high-quality jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union for the workers across the country manufacturing clean school buses. EPA has collaborated with clean school bus manufacturers to publish information about their workforce development and job quality practices on the Clean School Bus website that funding recipients are encouraged to review. EPA has also published workforce development resources for school districts and will continue to provide additional materials to assist districts with successful bus deployment.

EPA is also working closely with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (JOET) to provide school districts with support as they plan for and implement adding electric school buses to their fleet. Clean School Bus Program applicants and participants can receive technical assistance from JOET through one-on-one meetings, public webinars, and coordination on resource materials.

Finally, EPA has learned from previous funding opportunities and stakeholder feedback that proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders like school boards and local utilities is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. As such, all applicants must submit certification that the school board was made aware of the application, applicants requesting rebates for electric buses must submit documentation confirming they initiated the infrastructure planning process with their local utility, and third-party applicants must submit documentation confirming the school district is aware and supportive of the Clean School Bus deployment project. Additional details on all required application materials are available in the Program Guide on the Clean School Bus Program webpage.

EPA is accepting rebate applications from September 28, 2023 until January 31, 2024.

To learn more about the rebate program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates, visit the Clean School Bus Program webpage. Questions about applying may be directed to CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.

DOE Awards $53.8 Million in Grants and Cooperative Agreements

1. Office of Environmental Management
 
2. DOE Awards $53.8 Million in Grants and Cooperative Agreements

September 28, 2023

Cincinnati – Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded nearly $54 million in non-competitive financial assistance grants and cooperative agreements. The grants and agreements cover a broad range of key activities supporting the Office of Environmental Management (EM) cleanup program, from emergency response and regulatory oversight to lessons learned and stakeholder engagement. The grants and agreements award today include:

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Agency (SCDHEC) of Columbia, South Carolina, has been awarded a financial assistance Grant (#DE-EM0005299) to provide financial support to the Agreement in Principle with SCDHEC for environmental monitoring and emergency response oversight activities; oversight and implementation of the Federal Facility Agreement and to evaluate DOE’s plans for developing treatment capacities and technologies to treat mixed waste in accordance with the Site Treatment Plan.  The total estimated value of the Grant is $19 million with a period of performance of 5 years from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2028.

New Mexico Environment Department of Sante Fe, New Mexico, has been awarded a non-competitive financial assistance Grant (#DE-EM0005293) to continue to provide monitoring, oversight, technical reviews, public outreach, and general administration including developing work plans, budgets, and training requirements at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. The total estimated value of the Grant is $10,755,108 million with a period of performance of 5 years from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2028.

New Mexico Environment Department of Sante Fe, New Mexico, has been awarded a non-competitive financial assistance Grant (#DE-EM005294) to continue to provide monitoring, oversight, technical reviews, public outreach, and general administration including developing work plans, budgets, and training requirements at the Sandia National Laboratory The total estimated value of the Grant is $5,733,806 million with a period of performance of 5 years from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2028.

California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), of Sacramento, California, has been awarded a non-competitive financial assistance Grant (#DE-EM0005300) to fund regulatory oversight activities in the State of California as it pertains to DOE and site cleanup of the 90-acre Energy Technology Engineering Center.  Through the Grant, DTSC will continue to provide regulatory oversight of DOE clean-up activities at the site in accordance with two Consent Orders issued by the State of California, as well as applicable California laws and statutes. The total estimated value of the Grant is $9,950,773 with a period of performance of 5 years from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2028.

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), of Denver, Colorado, has been awarded a non-competitive financial assistance Cooperative Agreement (#DE-EM0005289) to work collaboratively with Governors to address challenges posed by waste management and cleanup at DOE sites by improving the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures; fostering interstate communication and cooperation; and ensuring that state legislatures have a strong, cohesive voice in DOE actions and decisions. Through the Cooperative Agreement, NCSL will continue to provide a forum for states to work with DOE on an array of subjects including budget and regulatory issues, waste treatment and disposal options, and equitable decisions on waste management. The total estimated value of the Grant is $3,597,667 million with a period of performance of 5 years from September 17, 2023 through September 16, 2028. 

NuVision Engineering Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a non-competitive financial assistance Cooperative Agreement (#DE-EM0005297) to complete an independent comparison of the EM cleanup program with the programs of the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries of interest.  In doing so, NuVision will assist in identifying key lessons learned, best practices, as well as evaluating and demonstrating innovative technologies and approaches which have the potential to reduce the costs, accelerate cleanup activities, and/or improve the effectiveness of the EM program. The total estimated value of the Cooperative Agreement is $3,524,151 million with a period of performance of 3 years from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026.

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, of Atlanta, Georgia, has been awarded a non-competitive financial assistance Grant (#DE-EM0005301) for support services to maintain the emergency planning and response capabilities to assure the citizens of Georgia that their health and safety are being protected through existing DOE programs and independent monitoring and oversight by Georgia officials, The total estimated value of the Grant is $1.2 million with a period of performance of 5 years from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2028.

For more than 30 years, EM has remained focused on addressing the environmental legacy of nuclear weapons development and nuclear energy research that helped end World War II, win the Cold War, and position the United States as a leader in clean nuclear energy. Collectively, EM is delivering results that are protecting the environment, supporting communities and enabling a concerted focus on safely completing the mission sooner and more efficiently.

 

 EPA Press Office:

EPA and Justice Department File Complaint Alleging Environmental Violations by eBay

Lawsuit Alleges that eBay Unlawfully Sold Pesticides, Banned Chemical Products and Devices that Defeat Pollution Controls on Motor Vehicles

WASHINGTON (September 27, 2023) - Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of EPA, filed a complaint against eBay Inc. (“eBay”) for unlawfully selling, offering for sale, causing the sale of, and distributing hundreds of thousands of products in violation of the Clean Air Act (“CAA”); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”); and the Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”).

“Our nation’s environmental laws protect public health and the environment by prohibiting the unlawful sale of defeat devices; unregistered, misbranded and restricted use pesticides; and unsafe products containing toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The complaint filed today demonstrates that EPA will hold online retailers responsible for the unlawful sale of products on their websites that can harm consumers and the environment.”

“Laws that prohibit selling products that can severely harm human health and the environment apply to e-commerce retailers like eBay just as they do to brick-and-mortar stores,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to preventing the unlawful sale and distribution of emissions defeating devices and dangerous chemicals that, if used improperly, can lead to dire consequences for individuals and communities.”

“eBay’s sale of emission control defeat devices, pesticides and other unsafe products poses unacceptable risks to our communities disproportionately impacted by environmental and health hazards,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Together with our partners, this Office will vigorously enforce federal law against those whose conduct endangers public health and the environment.”

The Clean Air Act prohibits selling, offering for sale, or causing the sale or offer of aftermarket parts that defeat motor vehicle emission controls (commonly known as “aftermarket defeat devices”).  Today’s complaint alleges that eBay sold, offered for sale, or caused the sale of more than 343,000 such parts.  Aftermarket defeat devices can cause motor vehicles to emit hundreds to thousands of times more pollution than a motor vehicle with properly functioning emission controls, including nitrogen oxides (“NOx”), carbon monoxide (“CO”), non-methane hydrocarbons (“NMHCs”), and particulate matter (“PM”), and impede efforts by the EPA, states, tribes, and local agencies to plan for and attain air quality standards. Exposure to these pollutants is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health effects as well as premature death, among other things.

FIFRA prohibits the unlawful distribution or sale of unregistered, misbranded, and restricted use pesticides, and authorizes EPA to issue Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders to anyone with ownership, custody or control of such pesticides being unlawfully sold or distributed. Today’s complaint also alleges that eBay has unlawfully distributed or sold at least 23,000 such products, and that some of those sales were in direct violation of a stop sale order issued to eBay in 2020 and amended in 2021. Examples of these pesticides include a high toxicity insecticide banned in the U.S., restricted use pesticides that only certified applicators may apply, and products fraudulently claiming to protect users against SARS-CoV-2.

TSCA’s Methylene Chloride Rule prohibits retailers from distributing in commerce products containing methylene chloride for paint and coating removal to prevent unreasonable risks, including death, presented by these types of products. The complaint alleges that eBay has distributed over 5,600 items in violation of TSCA’s Methylene Chloride Rule, including illicit paint and coating removal products.

The complaint seeks a ruling that eBay’s business practices as an e-commerce retailer violated the CAA, FIFRA, and TSCA and injunctive relief to enjoin eBay from further violations of these laws, as well as civil penalties for violations of the CAA.

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

 EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $13 Million WIFIA Loan for Water Supply Resiliency and Dam Stabilization in California

WASHINGTON (September 27, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan totaling $13 million to the United Water Conservation District in Oxnard, California. This funding will support the planning and design to modernize the district’s largest surface water source, the Santa Felicia Dam, and expand the local drinking water supply by 20%. Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced $19 billion in financing to support over 110 projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 60,000 jobs.

“EPA’s WIFIA program provides long-term, low-cost loans that help communities like Ventura County, California save money and protect local water resources,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With historic funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and programs like WIFIA, the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in modernizing America’s water infrastructure, so every community has clean, safe and reliable access to water.”

The Santa Felicia Dam is categorized as an extremely high hazard due to risks associated with seismic events, and United Water Conservation District reduced its reservoir capacity by 20% to comply with seismic reservoir restrictions. This WIFIA loan supports the planning and design costs for the dam’s modernization, which will enhance its resiliency to seismic events, improve stormwater management, expand drinking water supply, and protect public safety. The project will be constructed under a future WIFIA loan and will include a new outlet works system, expansion of a dam spillway, and a new outlet channel.

“Securing this low-interest WIFIA loan for the first phase of the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project allows the United Water Conservation District (UWCD) to begin the initial design and construction work that is required to meet the new safety standards established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California’s Division of Safety of Dams,” said UWCD General Manager Mauricio Guardado. “The WIFIA loan reduces the financial burden on our rate payers while enhancing our ability to store more stormwater for groundwater recharge, provide more water resources for our growers and municipalities, protect the nearly 400,000 people, businesses and food growers below the Santa Felicia Dam and continues to support our sustainable water management practices.”

This initial WIFIA loan accelerates the project’s planning and design while establishing a long-term commitment under a $100 million WIFIA master agreement to finance future construction. The district will save approximately $5 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. Investing in the region’s infrastructure will create approximately 100 jobs.

Learn more about EPA’s WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Background 
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program’s aim is to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.

EPA recently made the 7th round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. $6.5 billion is available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.

In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

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