Biden-Harris Administration Announces $4.3 Billion in Grants for Community-Driven Solutions to Cut Climate Pollution Across America
When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years
WASHINGTON – Today, July 22, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced selected recipients of over $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The 25 selected applications will fund projects in 30 states, including one Tribe, that target reducing greenhouse gas pollution from six sectors: transportation, electric power, commercial and residential buildings, industry, agriculture/ natural and working lands, and waste and materials management. In addition to today’s selected applications for specific projects, this first-of-its kind program secured by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is also helping 45 states and dozens of metro areas, Tribes and territories develop Climate Action Plans and is the single largest effort to spur the development of concrete local climate action goals across the nation.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will announce selections today in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Governor Josh Shapiro as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s fifth Investing in America tour. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has been selected to receive a more than $396 million grant for their proposed RISE PA project which will reduce industrial GHG emissions in the industrial sector through a competitive grants program and incentives for small-, medium- and large-scale decarbonization projects across the state. EPA senior leadership will also join Senator Alex Padilla (CA) and officials to announce that the South Coast Air Quality Management District has been selected to receive nearly $500 million for transportation and freight decarbonization through incentives for electric charging equipment and zero-emission freight vehicles.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“My Administration is taking real action to address climate change while continuing to create energy jobs and grow the economy – and today, I’m proud to announce that thanks to our partnership with the Biden Administration, Pennsylvania has been awarded $396 million in federal funding to start a new initiative called RISE PA,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “This is one of the largest federal grants Pennsylvania has ever received, and through RISE PA, we will offer grants for companies working to make their operations more efficient. This investment will help us reduce toxic air pollution, create thousands of jobs, invest in our energy sector, and continue Pennsylvania’s legacy of energy leadership.”
“President Biden’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants put local governments in the driver’s seat to develop climate solutions that work for their communities,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “These grants will help state and local governments improve the air quality and health of their communities, while accelerating America’s progress toward our climate goals.”
“Under President Biden’s leadership, this Administration has mobilized every tool and resource to reduce climate pollution, advance environmental justice, and spark economic growth in communities across America, and today’s transformational investments will further empower Governors and Mayors to seize these opportunities,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “As part of President Biden’s historic climate laws, today’s funding announcement for locally led projects will support community priorities while animating a race to the top on climate jobs. These awards will supercharge American climate progress across sectors – from reaching 100% clean electricity to slashing super-pollutants like methane to harnessing the power of nature across our farms and forests in the fight against climate change. This is a big deal.”
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis. For example:
The Montana Forest, Community and Working Landscapes Climate Resiliency Project will fund measures that improve forest management and expand urban and community forests. The selected application will also assist efforts to mitigate wildfires and coal seam fires and support local initiatives to improve soil health and reduce pollution from agriculture.
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will fund measures to increase the adoption of climate-smart and precision agriculture and reduce agricultural waste from livestock. The selected application will also fund projects to improve energy efficiency in commercial and industrial facilities and low-income households as well as deploy solar and electrify irrigation wells.
The Clean Corridor Coalition’s proposal for ZE-MHDV Infrastructure along the I-95 Corridor project will deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the Interstate-95 freight corridor. This is a joint venture amongst the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Delaware Department of Transportation, and Maryland Departments of the Environment and Transportation. The selected application will provide technical assistance for workforce development and corridor planning across New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland.
The Accelerating Siting, Zoning, and Permitting of 60% Renewable Energy in Michigan grant will provide incentives and technical assistance to local and Tribal governments to accelerate the siting, zoning, and permitting of renewable energy. The selected application will help spur the adoption of renewable energy at the scale and pace needed to reach Michigan's goal of 60 percent renewable energy by 2030.
The Atlantic Conservation Coalition is a regional approach focused on natural climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The selected application will fund efforts across North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia to leverage the carbon sequestration power of natural and working lands, including coastal wetlands, peatlands, forests, and urban forestry. The Atlantic Conservation Coalition is a partnership amongst the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, South Carolina Office of Resilience, Maryland Department of the Environment, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
The Accelerating Clean Energy Savings in Alaska's Coastal Communities grant will provide advisory services and incentives to replace residential oil burning systems with energy-efficient heat pumps in 50 Alaskan communities.
State, Tribal and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
WASHINGTON – Today, July 22, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced selected recipients of over $4.3 billion in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to implement community-driven solutions that tackle the climate crisis, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The 25 selected applications will fund projects in 30 states, including one Tribe, that target reducing greenhouse gas pollution from six sectors: transportation, electric power, commercial and residential buildings, industry, agriculture/ natural and working lands, and waste and materials management. In addition to today’s selected applications for specific projects, this first-of-its kind program secured by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is also helping 45 states and dozens of metro areas, Tribes and territories develop Climate Action Plans and is the single largest effort to spur the development of concrete local climate action goals across the nation.
The grants will fund projects supporting the deployment of technologies and programs to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful pollution across the country and build the infrastructure, housing, industry, and competitive economy needed for a clean energy future. These grants will also help businesses capitalize on new opportunities, spur economic growth and job creation in new and growing industries, and support development of training programs to prepare workers.
Together, these selected projects will implement ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by states, Tribes and local governments that will achieve significant cumulative GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond. When estimates provided by all selected applicants are combined, the proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by as much as 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050, roughly the emissions from 5 million average homes’ energy use each year for over 25 years.
EPA expects to announce up to an additional $300 million in selections under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and territories later this summer.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will announce selections today in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Governor Josh Shapiro as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s fifth Investing in America tour. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has been selected to receive a more than $396 million grant for their proposed RISE PA project which will reduce industrial GHG emissions in the industrial sector through a competitive grants program and incentives for small-, medium- and large-scale decarbonization projects across the state. EPA senior leadership will also join Senator Alex Padilla (CA) and officials to announce that the South Coast Air Quality Management District has been selected to receive nearly $500 million for transportation and freight decarbonization through incentives for electric charging equipment and zero-emission freight vehicles.
“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”
“My Administration is taking real action to address climate change while continuing to create energy jobs and grow the economy – and today, I’m proud to announce that thanks to our partnership with the Biden Administration, Pennsylvania has been awarded $396 million in federal funding to start a new initiative called RISE PA,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “This is one of the largest federal grants Pennsylvania has ever received, and through RISE PA, we will offer grants for companies working to make their operations more efficient. This investment will help us reduce toxic air pollution, create thousands of jobs, invest in our energy sector, and continue Pennsylvania’s legacy of energy leadership.”
“President Biden’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants put local governments in the driver’s seat to develop climate solutions that work for their communities,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy. “These grants will help state and local governments improve the air quality and health of their communities, while accelerating America’s progress toward our climate goals.”
“Under President Biden’s leadership, this Administration has mobilized every tool and resource to reduce climate pollution, advance environmental justice, and spark economic growth in communities across America, and today’s transformational investments will further empower Governors and Mayors to seize these opportunities,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “As part of President Biden’s historic climate laws, today’s funding announcement for locally led projects will support community priorities while animating a race to the top on climate jobs. These awards will supercharge American climate progress across sectors – from reaching 100% clean electricity to slashing super-pollutants like methane to harnessing the power of nature across our farms and forests in the fight against climate change. This is a big deal.”
EPA made its selections through a rigorous grants competition that was designed to be fair and impartial. The Agency reviewed nearly 300 applications that were submitted by entities from across the country and requested a total of nearly $33 billion in funding.
The 25 selected applications – from states, a Tribe, local governments, and coalitions of these entities – will receive federal funding to implement local and regional solutions. Many of these projects can be expanded and provide examples that other states, local governments, Tribes, and even businesses can replicate in their work to tackle the climate crisis. For example:
The Montana Forest, Community and Working Landscapes Climate Resiliency Project will fund measures that improve forest management and expand urban and community forests. The selected application will also assist efforts to mitigate wildfires and coal seam fires and support local initiatives to improve soil health and reduce pollution from agriculture.
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will fund measures to increase the adoption of climate-smart and precision agriculture and reduce agricultural waste from livestock. The selected application will also fund projects to improve energy efficiency in commercial and industrial facilities and low-income households as well as deploy solar and electrify irrigation wells.
The Clean Corridor Coalition’s proposal for ZE-MHDV Infrastructure along the I-95 Corridor project will deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the Interstate-95 freight corridor. This is a joint venture amongst the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Delaware Department of Transportation, and Maryland Departments of the Environment and Transportation. The selected application will provide technical assistance for workforce development and corridor planning across New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maryland.
The Accelerating Siting, Zoning, and Permitting of 60% Renewable Energy in Michigan grant will provide incentives and technical assistance to local and Tribal governments to accelerate the siting, zoning, and permitting of renewable energy. The selected application will help spur the adoption of renewable energy at the scale and pace needed to reach Michigan's goal of 60 percent renewable energy by 2030.
The Atlantic Conservation Coalition is a regional approach focused on natural climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The selected application will fund efforts across North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia to leverage the carbon sequestration power of natural and working lands, including coastal wetlands, peatlands, forests, and urban forestry. The Atlantic Conservation Coalition is a partnership amongst the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, South Carolina Office of Resilience, Maryland Department of the Environment, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
The Accelerating Clean Energy Savings in Alaska's Coastal Communities grant will provide advisory services and incentives to replace residential oil burning systems with energy-efficient heat pumps in 50 Alaskan communities.
State, Tribal and local action is vital to deliver on the President’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by over 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. The innovative measures contained in the selected applications, developed with input from local communities, are expected to achieve substantial public health benefits such as reducing exposure to extreme heat, improving air quality, reducing energy burden for lower income Americans, improving climate resilience, and providing workforce and economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. EPA expects to award the funds later this year, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Many of the proposed projects contained in the selected applications announced today, as well as the $250 million in planning grant funding that EPA is providing under the CPRG program for development of Climate Action Plans by state, local, and Tribal governments across the country, will complement the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic federal actions and national climate strategies across sectors. Those include: the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the Administration’s efforts to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035 and make zero emissions construction common practice by 2030, the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, the U.S. Buildings Decarbonization Blueprint, the Administration’s climate-smart agriculture efforts and Nature Based Solutions Roadmap, the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, the National Climate Resilience Framework, and more.
Learn more about the selected applications
Learn more about the CPRG program
Statement from Secretary Tom Vilsack
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2024 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement:
"In the 38 years that I have known President Biden, he has consistently and selflessly put our country first—and today is no exception. As a result, he will go down in history as one of our most consequential American presidents.
"In the 38 years that I have known President Biden, he has consistently and selflessly put our country first—and today is no exception. As a result, he will go down in history as one of our most consequential American presidents.
Q2 Asian import growth shines light on frontloading by US retailers
The threat of labor unrest and the increased transit times and costlier voyages on all-water services to the East and Gulf coasts are diverting some discretionary cargo to the West Coast.
Q2 Asian import growth shines light on frontloading by US retailers
The threat of labor unrest and the increased transit times and costlier voyages on all-water services to the East and Gulf coasts are diverting some discretionary cargo to the West Coast.
Houston gets USDA approval to handle cold-treated produce cargoes
The certification that Houston can handle cargoes treated for pests while in transit means more fresh produce such as grapes and berries can move quickly through the port.
EPA Seeks Community Input on Proposed Cleanup Plan for Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund Site in Niagara County, NY
NEW YORK – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is inviting the public to comment on its proposed cleanup plan to address contaminated creek sediment and floodplain soil along a portion of the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund site in Niagara County, New York. The 30-day public comment period runs from July 19 to August 19, 2024. EPA will host a public meeting at Newfane Townhall located at 2737 Main Street, Newfane, New York on August 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the cleanup plan.
“EPA’s proposed cleanup for this portion of the creek is to remove and dispose the contaminated sediment and floodplain soil that threaten human health as well as fish and wildlife,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “We encourage the public to join our meeting, ask questions and share their views on the proposed plan.”
Under the proposed cleanup plan and with EPA oversight, contractors would remove and dispose of contaminated sediment, replace clean fill and monitor sediment, surface water and fish tissue long term. The plan recommends that contractors remove and properly disposed of floodplain soil that is contaminated with lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) within a specific 11-acre area. By targeting these specific areas, the EPA can accelerate the cleanup by removing some known sources of contamination while continuing to evaluate the downstream segment of the creek. EPA will propose further cleanup for the areas of the creek not covered by this proposed plan.
Eighteen Mile Creek has a long history of industrial use dating back to the 19th century when it was used to produce hydropower. The main channel of the creek originates just south of the New York State Barge Canal and flows north for about 15 miles until it discharges to Lake Ontario in Olcott, New York. The Eighteen Mile Creek watershed includes the two main tributaries: East Branch of Eighteen Mile Creek and Gulf Creek.
EPA added the Eighteen Mile Creek site to the National Priorities List in 2012 and is cleaning up the site in several phases, or Operable Units (OUs). OU1 addressed residential soil contamination and structural hazards posed by buildings at the former Flintkote Plant property. OU2 focuses on soil cleanup at nearby commercial properties acting as sources of contamination to the Creek Corridor and sediment within the Creek Corridor. The current proposal relates to OU3 and will address contaminated sediment and the contaminated creek floodplain soil, extending roughly 5.3 miles downstream from Harwood Street. OU4 is dedicated to resolving lead contamination in residential soil near the former Flintkote Plant property. Cleanup actions for OU1, OU2, and OU4 are underway, with construction set for Summer 2024, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Written comments on the proposed plan may be submitted to Christopher O’Leary, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway – 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007 or via email: OLeary.Christopher@epa.gov.
For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund site profile page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page.
For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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“EPA’s proposed cleanup for this portion of the creek is to remove and dispose the contaminated sediment and floodplain soil that threaten human health as well as fish and wildlife,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “We encourage the public to join our meeting, ask questions and share their views on the proposed plan.”
Under the proposed cleanup plan and with EPA oversight, contractors would remove and dispose of contaminated sediment, replace clean fill and monitor sediment, surface water and fish tissue long term. The plan recommends that contractors remove and properly disposed of floodplain soil that is contaminated with lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) within a specific 11-acre area. By targeting these specific areas, the EPA can accelerate the cleanup by removing some known sources of contamination while continuing to evaluate the downstream segment of the creek. EPA will propose further cleanup for the areas of the creek not covered by this proposed plan.
Eighteen Mile Creek has a long history of industrial use dating back to the 19th century when it was used to produce hydropower. The main channel of the creek originates just south of the New York State Barge Canal and flows north for about 15 miles until it discharges to Lake Ontario in Olcott, New York. The Eighteen Mile Creek watershed includes the two main tributaries: East Branch of Eighteen Mile Creek and Gulf Creek.
EPA added the Eighteen Mile Creek site to the National Priorities List in 2012 and is cleaning up the site in several phases, or Operable Units (OUs). OU1 addressed residential soil contamination and structural hazards posed by buildings at the former Flintkote Plant property. OU2 focuses on soil cleanup at nearby commercial properties acting as sources of contamination to the Creek Corridor and sediment within the Creek Corridor. The current proposal relates to OU3 and will address contaminated sediment and the contaminated creek floodplain soil, extending roughly 5.3 miles downstream from Harwood Street. OU4 is dedicated to resolving lead contamination in residential soil near the former Flintkote Plant property. Cleanup actions for OU1, OU2, and OU4 are underway, with construction set for Summer 2024, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Written comments on the proposed plan may be submitted to Christopher O’Leary, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway – 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007 or via email: OLeary.Christopher@epa.gov.
For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund site profile page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page.
For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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EPA Orders the Closure of Seven Cesspools to Protect County of Maui Water
HONOLULU – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with the County of Maui to close seven Large Capacity Cesspools (Cesspools) – potential sources of harmful water contamination – on the Islands of Maui and Molokai.
Cesspools collect and release untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals and pharmaceuticals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean.
Under the proposed terms, the County of Maui has agreed to close the seven Cesspools by June 30, 2025, and pay a penalty. The County will also review all County owned or operated properties to identify any additional Large Capacity Cesspools and close them within an agreed upon time frame.
“EPA is committed to protecting Hawai’i’s precious water resources and enforcing the law by closing all Large Capacity Cesspools in the state,” said Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator. “These actions taken by Maui County, as a large landowner, will ensure cleaner groundwater, surface water and beaches.”
In June 2022, EPA conducted an inspection of the wastewater disposal systems servicing the Hana Motor Vehicle and Licensing Office and the Hana Public Works Vehicle Maintenance Shop in Hana. During the inspection, EPA observed that both locations utilized cesspools for the disposal of sanitary wastewater that meet the regulatory definition of a Large Capacity Cesspool.
The County then disclosed to EPA that it found five additional Large Capacity Cesspools on properties it owned, including:
Three Cesspools servicing the Makawao Baseyard in Upcountry Maui
One Cesspool servicing the Maui Veterans Cemetary in Makawao
One Cesspool servicing the Molokai Veterans Cemetary in Molokai
EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Underground Injection Control regulations which regulate large capacity cesspools. EPA has assessed a $193,247 penalty for the violations.
For more information on this settlement agreement or to provide public comment, please visit the settlement website. The comment period will be open for 40 days from the date of this notice.
Background on Large Capacity Cesspools
Large Capacity Cesspools were federally banned in 2005. Since then, more than 3,862 Cesspools in Hawai’i have been closed; however, hundreds remain in operation. Cesspools are used more widely in Hawai’i than any other state and pose a unique challenge as groundwater provides 95 percent of all water supply for the islands.
Learn more about cesspools in Hawai‘i and the federal ban and definition of a Large Capacity Cesspool.
Self-Disclosure of Illegal Large Capacity Cesspools
To encourage regulated entities to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and expeditiously close these pollution-causing systems, EPA provides penalty mitigation and other incentives for companies that proactively find and close Cesspools on their property. Information on how to self-disclose potential Large Capacity Cesspool violations is available here.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations, visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
Cesspools collect and release untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals and pharmaceuticals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean.
Under the proposed terms, the County of Maui has agreed to close the seven Cesspools by June 30, 2025, and pay a penalty. The County will also review all County owned or operated properties to identify any additional Large Capacity Cesspools and close them within an agreed upon time frame.
“EPA is committed to protecting Hawai’i’s precious water resources and enforcing the law by closing all Large Capacity Cesspools in the state,” said Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator. “These actions taken by Maui County, as a large landowner, will ensure cleaner groundwater, surface water and beaches.”
In June 2022, EPA conducted an inspection of the wastewater disposal systems servicing the Hana Motor Vehicle and Licensing Office and the Hana Public Works Vehicle Maintenance Shop in Hana. During the inspection, EPA observed that both locations utilized cesspools for the disposal of sanitary wastewater that meet the regulatory definition of a Large Capacity Cesspool.
The County then disclosed to EPA that it found five additional Large Capacity Cesspools on properties it owned, including:
Three Cesspools servicing the Makawao Baseyard in Upcountry Maui
One Cesspool servicing the Maui Veterans Cemetary in Makawao
One Cesspool servicing the Molokai Veterans Cemetary in Molokai
EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Underground Injection Control regulations which regulate large capacity cesspools. EPA has assessed a $193,247 penalty for the violations.
For more information on this settlement agreement or to provide public comment, please visit the settlement website. The comment period will be open for 40 days from the date of this notice.
Background on Large Capacity Cesspools
Large Capacity Cesspools were federally banned in 2005. Since then, more than 3,862 Cesspools in Hawai’i have been closed; however, hundreds remain in operation. Cesspools are used more widely in Hawai’i than any other state and pose a unique challenge as groundwater provides 95 percent of all water supply for the islands.
Learn more about cesspools in Hawai‘i and the federal ban and definition of a Large Capacity Cesspool.
Self-Disclosure of Illegal Large Capacity Cesspools
To encourage regulated entities to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and expeditiously close these pollution-causing systems, EPA provides penalty mitigation and other incentives for companies that proactively find and close Cesspools on their property. Information on how to self-disclose potential Large Capacity Cesspool violations is available here.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations, visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
EPA Region 7 Presents Flint Hills Regional Council with $1.5M Check for Brownfields Grant in Kansas
LENEXA, KAN. (JULY 19, 2024) – Today, at the Kansas State University Technology Development Institute (TDI) in Manhattan, Acting EPA Region 7 Deputy Administrator DeAndré Singletary presented a $1.5 million ceremonial check to the Flint Hills Regional Council in Kansas as a Brownfields Grant selectee.
The council has been selected to receive the funding to lead a Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grants program. Community-wide grant funds will be used to conduct 30 Phase I and 27 Phase II environmental site assessments. Grant funds also will be used to update the brownfield site inventory, prepare nine cleanup plans, and support community engagement activities.
"EPA Region 7 is proud to present this funding to the Flint Hills region. The assessments conducted through this grant are the first step in transforming blighted properties into revitalized community assets," Singletary said. "Investing in communities to make them healthier, cleaner and more economically competitive is a top EPA priority, and it’s what our Brownfields program is all about.”
“We are deeply committed to the environmental and economic well-being of the Flint Hills region,” said Flint Hills Regional Council Board President Trish Giardano. “This grant not only supports our vision for a revitalized and thriving region, but also reinforces the trust and partnership we have cultivated with the EPA and our members.”
Proposed Kansas target areas for the coalition grant include:
West Main Street Revitalization Area in Herington.
Historic Downtown and Grant Avenue Revitalization Area in Junction City.
Central Core District Revitalization Area in Manhattan.
The Flint Hills Regional Council will work with target area communities by conducting environmental assessments to determine potential contamination at brownfield sites.
Background
EPA’s Brownfields program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in Brownfields Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. Prior to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program made approximately $60 million available each year. Thanks to the President’s historic investments in America through this law, EPA has now increased that yearly investment nearly 400%.
More than half of the funding available for this grant cycle (approximately $160 million) comes from the historic $1.5 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This investment has also allowed the MAC Grants’ maximum award amounts to increase significantly from $500,000 to a new maximum of $5 million per award.
To see the list of the fiscal year 2024 MAC applicants selected for funding, visit EPA’s webpage.
Learn more about EPA’s Brownfields program.
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Learn more about EPA Region 7
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
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The council has been selected to receive the funding to lead a Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grants program. Community-wide grant funds will be used to conduct 30 Phase I and 27 Phase II environmental site assessments. Grant funds also will be used to update the brownfield site inventory, prepare nine cleanup plans, and support community engagement activities.
"EPA Region 7 is proud to present this funding to the Flint Hills region. The assessments conducted through this grant are the first step in transforming blighted properties into revitalized community assets," Singletary said. "Investing in communities to make them healthier, cleaner and more economically competitive is a top EPA priority, and it’s what our Brownfields program is all about.”
“We are deeply committed to the environmental and economic well-being of the Flint Hills region,” said Flint Hills Regional Council Board President Trish Giardano. “This grant not only supports our vision for a revitalized and thriving region, but also reinforces the trust and partnership we have cultivated with the EPA and our members.”
Proposed Kansas target areas for the coalition grant include:
West Main Street Revitalization Area in Herington.
Historic Downtown and Grant Avenue Revitalization Area in Junction City.
Central Core District Revitalization Area in Manhattan.
The Flint Hills Regional Council will work with target area communities by conducting environmental assessments to determine potential contamination at brownfield sites.
Background
EPA’s Brownfields program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in Brownfields Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. Prior to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program made approximately $60 million available each year. Thanks to the President’s historic investments in America through this law, EPA has now increased that yearly investment nearly 400%.
More than half of the funding available for this grant cycle (approximately $160 million) comes from the historic $1.5 billion investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This investment has also allowed the MAC Grants’ maximum award amounts to increase significantly from $500,000 to a new maximum of $5 million per award.
To see the list of the fiscal year 2024 MAC applicants selected for funding, visit EPA’s webpage.
Learn more about EPA’s Brownfields program.
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