Charleston clears vessel backlog, but expects some delays through November
The port was able to clear all the recently anchored vessels, helped by a temporary reopening of all Wando Welch’s berths last week amid a 10-day pause in project work.
US retailers upgrade import forecast for sixth straight month amid strong sales
The revised forecast from the National Retail Federation comes as US consumer spending remains strong despite higher prices for merchandise and various supply chain challenges that have increased shipping costs.
US retailers upgrade import forecast for sixth straight month amid strong sales
The revised forecast from the National Retail Federation comes as US consumer spending remains strong despite higher prices for merchandise and various supply chain challenges that have increased shipping costs.
US retailers upgrade import forecast for sixth straight month amid strong sales
The revised forecast from the National Retail Federation comes as US consumer spending remains strong despite higher prices for merchandise and various supply chain challenges that have increased shipping costs.
EPA Issues Cleanup Plan for Shaffer Equipment Superfund Site in Minden, West Virginia
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) that addresses a source of contaminated soil at the former Shaffer Equipment Company (SEC) property in Minden, West Virginia. Today’s ROD, which applies to the polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) located at the SEC property at the Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Superfund Site (Site), lays out in detail why EPA has concluded that the proposed plan and selected cleanup method will meet the needs of the project.
“EPA’s Record of Decision is a significant step forward in protecting the community and waterway from the threat of contaminants like PCBs, and there is still more work to be done,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Administrator Adam Ortiz. “EPA will continue to investigate and study the remaining portions of the site and will work with our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prepare for the cleanup of the property.”
The site is comprised of the SEC property, Arbuckle Creek sediments, and a handful of other areas where related contamination may be located. Site soils and sediment were historically contaminated with PCBs, which were used by the Shaffer Equipment Company from 1970 to 1984 to manufacture electrical substations for the local coal mining industry.
The components of the SEC property cleanup plan include the excavation, removal, and disposal of the contaminated soil and cap, and backfilling with clean soil as needed. The cleanup method will be designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Once the design is complete, the remedial action, or property cleanup, can begin.
The EPA is also continuing to direct a very detailed investigation of the contamination in Arbuckle Creek and the New River watershed and properties adjacent the creek (see map below).
In 2017, the EPA, hearing concerns from the community about residual contamination, resampled the site and held public meetings in 2017 and 2018 to share and review the results. Testing found low PCB levels that did not indicate an immediate threat to human health. Most of the contamination was found in the creek floodplains and had moved down and deposited into land parcels along the creek. The EPA listed the Site on the Superfund program’s National Priorities List in 2019.
EPA released the proposed SEC property cleanup plan for public comment in March 2023. During the public comment period, EPA held a public meeting to inform the community of the plan and to receive public comments. To read the EPA’s ROD and to view EPA’s responses to public comments, please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/shaffer.
EPA in West Virginia
The EPA has a new ArcGIS Story Map that explores the infrastructure, community, and revitalization work in West Virginia. This easy-to-use tool shows where some of the $500 million the EPA has invested in West Virginia is being used, what communities and environmental resources are benefiting from infrastructure projects, and how the public and stakeholders can learn more about current EPA activities in the state. Learn more about how the EPA works in West Virginia by visiting our new public Story Map here!
“EPA’s Record of Decision is a significant step forward in protecting the community and waterway from the threat of contaminants like PCBs, and there is still more work to be done,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Administrator Adam Ortiz. “EPA will continue to investigate and study the remaining portions of the site and will work with our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prepare for the cleanup of the property.”
The site is comprised of the SEC property, Arbuckle Creek sediments, and a handful of other areas where related contamination may be located. Site soils and sediment were historically contaminated with PCBs, which were used by the Shaffer Equipment Company from 1970 to 1984 to manufacture electrical substations for the local coal mining industry.
The components of the SEC property cleanup plan include the excavation, removal, and disposal of the contaminated soil and cap, and backfilling with clean soil as needed. The cleanup method will be designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Once the design is complete, the remedial action, or property cleanup, can begin.
The EPA is also continuing to direct a very detailed investigation of the contamination in Arbuckle Creek and the New River watershed and properties adjacent the creek (see map below).
In 2017, the EPA, hearing concerns from the community about residual contamination, resampled the site and held public meetings in 2017 and 2018 to share and review the results. Testing found low PCB levels that did not indicate an immediate threat to human health. Most of the contamination was found in the creek floodplains and had moved down and deposited into land parcels along the creek. The EPA listed the Site on the Superfund program’s National Priorities List in 2019.
EPA released the proposed SEC property cleanup plan for public comment in March 2023. During the public comment period, EPA held a public meeting to inform the community of the plan and to receive public comments. To read the EPA’s ROD and to view EPA’s responses to public comments, please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/shaffer.
EPA in West Virginia
The EPA has a new ArcGIS Story Map that explores the infrastructure, community, and revitalization work in West Virginia. This easy-to-use tool shows where some of the $500 million the EPA has invested in West Virginia is being used, what communities and environmental resources are benefiting from infrastructure projects, and how the public and stakeholders can learn more about current EPA activities in the state. Learn more about how the EPA works in West Virginia by visiting our new public Story Map here!
U.S. EPA Signs New Bargaining Agreement with AFGE
PHILADELPHIA – Today, July 9, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed a new collective bargaining agreement with its largest union, the American Federation of Government Employees, Council 238. The new agreement was unanimously ratified by the union in May and implemented on June 14, 2024. It incorporates historic firsts for EPA and AFGE including articles dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and Scientific Integrity.
“We are thrilled to reach an agreement with AFGE Council 238. AFGE represents over 8,400 EPA employees who work every day to improve public health and protect our environment,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The new agreement demonstrates this Administration’s strong support of unions and our commitment to providing a work environment that attracts and retains the best qualified employees so that we can protect all of the communities that we serve.”
“We are proud of the groundbreaking firsts and other protections gained in this agreement. We need a strong workforce that has the resources and protections required to combat climate change, address natural disasters, and support affected communities,” said Marie Owens Powell, President, AFGE Council 238. “We wanted a contract that fosters a healthy work-life balance, enhances workforce retention and talent recruitment, and supports the vital work of EPA’s workforce. And we got it.”
In addition to the new DEIA and Scientific Integrity Articles, other highlights of the agreement include extensions of current procedures and requirements for remote work, telework and work schedules. The new contract expires in 2028.
More information on the agreement.
“We are thrilled to reach an agreement with AFGE Council 238. AFGE represents over 8,400 EPA employees who work every day to improve public health and protect our environment,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The new agreement demonstrates this Administration’s strong support of unions and our commitment to providing a work environment that attracts and retains the best qualified employees so that we can protect all of the communities that we serve.”
“We are proud of the groundbreaking firsts and other protections gained in this agreement. We need a strong workforce that has the resources and protections required to combat climate change, address natural disasters, and support affected communities,” said Marie Owens Powell, President, AFGE Council 238. “We wanted a contract that fosters a healthy work-life balance, enhances workforce retention and talent recruitment, and supports the vital work of EPA’s workforce. And we got it.”
In addition to the new DEIA and Scientific Integrity Articles, other highlights of the agreement include extensions of current procedures and requirements for remote work, telework and work schedules. The new contract expires in 2028.
More information on the agreement.
Biden-Harris Administration Establishes Four Stormwater Centers of Excellence with $5 Million in Grants under Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON – Today, July 9, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would award $5 million in grants to establish four new Centers of Excellence for Stormwater Control Infrastructure Technologies and a national clearinghouse for new and emerging stormwater control technologies. The Centers of Excellence will play an important role in improving stormwater infrastructure across the country by conducting research and providing technical assistance to State, Tribal and local governments.
“Our waterways are treasured resources and economic engines for communities, and at EPA we strive to make sure waterways are both fishable and swimmable,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Stormwater runoff carries pollution from streets and land into our waterways and poses a significant challenge for water quality. Thanks to this investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are working with our partners to advance critical stormwater technology and solutions that will protect communities across the country.”
The grants are made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Four of the awards are to establish new Centers of Excellence for Stormwater, which will enhance efforts to support the nation’s water infrastructure and protect water quality. EPA anticipates that once all the legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, it will award funding to establish the new Stormwater Centers of Excellence to the following recipients:
The University of New Hampshire,
The University of Oklahoma,
The Board of Regents Nevada System of Higher Education, and
The Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.
EPA has also selected the Center for Watershed Protection, Inc., to establish a national electronic clearinghouse that contains information about new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and funding approaches. The national electronic clearinghouse will be populated with research, best practices, and outreach from each Center of Excellence, and promoted with other organizations to expand the availability of water technical assistance, including States, Tribes, local government and disadvantaged communities.
Stormwater is a significant source of water pollution and a threat to the health of waterways across the country. It is a complicated problem for communities to manage, however, because of the engineering and financial challenges associated with stormwater. These grant recipients will play an important role in conducting research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches. As Centers for Excellence, they will also provide technical assistance and support stormwater infrastructure improvements that safeguard the environment, improve stormwater management and climate resilience, and advance environmental justice.
Learn more about the Stormwater Centers of Excellence Request for Applications.
“Our waterways are treasured resources and economic engines for communities, and at EPA we strive to make sure waterways are both fishable and swimmable,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Stormwater runoff carries pollution from streets and land into our waterways and poses a significant challenge for water quality. Thanks to this investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are working with our partners to advance critical stormwater technology and solutions that will protect communities across the country.”
The grants are made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Four of the awards are to establish new Centers of Excellence for Stormwater, which will enhance efforts to support the nation’s water infrastructure and protect water quality. EPA anticipates that once all the legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, it will award funding to establish the new Stormwater Centers of Excellence to the following recipients:
The University of New Hampshire,
The University of Oklahoma,
The Board of Regents Nevada System of Higher Education, and
The Center for Watershed Protection, Inc.
EPA has also selected the Center for Watershed Protection, Inc., to establish a national electronic clearinghouse that contains information about new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and funding approaches. The national electronic clearinghouse will be populated with research, best practices, and outreach from each Center of Excellence, and promoted with other organizations to expand the availability of water technical assistance, including States, Tribes, local government and disadvantaged communities.
Stormwater is a significant source of water pollution and a threat to the health of waterways across the country. It is a complicated problem for communities to manage, however, because of the engineering and financial challenges associated with stormwater. These grant recipients will play an important role in conducting research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches. As Centers for Excellence, they will also provide technical assistance and support stormwater infrastructure improvements that safeguard the environment, improve stormwater management and climate resilience, and advance environmental justice.
Learn more about the Stormwater Centers of Excellence Request for Applications.
Multi-agency settlement resolves Clean Air Act violations at Meeker Gas Plant
DENVER – The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Colorado today announced a settlement with Enterprise Gas Processing, LLC, and Enterprise Products Operating, LLC (jointly, “Enterprise”). The agreement, which includes a $1 million civil penalty, will protect community health and the environment by strengthening leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant in Rio Blanco County, Colorado.
A complaint filed concurrently with the settlement alleges that Enterprise violated leak detection and repair requirements in accordance with the Clean Air Act and state clean air laws. The violations resulted in excess emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants to the atmosphere.
“All gas refining and processing facilities must comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement includes important provisions to improve leak detection, repair practices and staff training, which applied here will help protect public health in western Colorado.”
As part of the settlement, Enterprise will take corrective actions and pay the $1 million civil penalty. Half of the penalty will go to the federal government and half will go to the State of Colorado, where a portion will fund projects to benefit disproportionately impacted communities through the state's environmental justice grant program.
“Together, EPA and CDPHE are committed to delivering enforcement, inspections and compliance assistance that provide tangible benefits for Colorado’s communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This action will secure facility compliance and reduce emissions of air pollutants in Meeker and the surrounding area.”
The EPA and CDPHE signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to enhance coordination while working to protect clean air for all.
“We are grateful for the partnership between the EPA, Department of Justice and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in working together to protect Colorado’s air quality," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. "This enforcement package requires not only a fine to be paid, but for the facility to conduct more frequent air measurements and respond more quickly to leaks, which will continue to reduce air pollution.”
Under the settlement, Enterprise will strengthen its leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant. These commitments include:
installing equipment that leaks less pollution to the atmosphere,
reviewing compliance with leak detection and repair requirements and
repairing leaking equipment faster.
Enterprise will also improve staff training and use optical gas imaging technology to improve the visual detection of leaks to address them more quickly.
“The protection of Colorado’s air quality made possible through this settlement with Enterprise is a testament to the power of collaboration between dedicated state and federal public officials,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “We are proud to support the state’s Air Pollution Control Division as it continues to lead the way to reduce air pollution from oil and gas operations and pursue better air for all Coloradans.”
Equipment leaks at the Meeker Gas Plant emit VOCs, which lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone contributes to serious public health concerns, including respiratory illness, aggravation of existing heart disease and temporary breathing difficulty for people with asthma. Young children and older people are especially sensitive to these impacts. Leaks from equipment at the Meeker Gas Plant also emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
The EPA investigated the case. Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.
The Justice Department filed the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and is available on the Justice Department’s website.
A complaint filed concurrently with the settlement alleges that Enterprise violated leak detection and repair requirements in accordance with the Clean Air Act and state clean air laws. The violations resulted in excess emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants to the atmosphere.
“All gas refining and processing facilities must comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement includes important provisions to improve leak detection, repair practices and staff training, which applied here will help protect public health in western Colorado.”
As part of the settlement, Enterprise will take corrective actions and pay the $1 million civil penalty. Half of the penalty will go to the federal government and half will go to the State of Colorado, where a portion will fund projects to benefit disproportionately impacted communities through the state's environmental justice grant program.
“Together, EPA and CDPHE are committed to delivering enforcement, inspections and compliance assistance that provide tangible benefits for Colorado’s communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This action will secure facility compliance and reduce emissions of air pollutants in Meeker and the surrounding area.”
The EPA and CDPHE signed a memorandum of understanding in 2022 to enhance coordination while working to protect clean air for all.
“We are grateful for the partnership between the EPA, Department of Justice and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in working together to protect Colorado’s air quality," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment. "This enforcement package requires not only a fine to be paid, but for the facility to conduct more frequent air measurements and respond more quickly to leaks, which will continue to reduce air pollution.”
Under the settlement, Enterprise will strengthen its leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant. These commitments include:
installing equipment that leaks less pollution to the atmosphere,
reviewing compliance with leak detection and repair requirements and
repairing leaking equipment faster.
Enterprise will also improve staff training and use optical gas imaging technology to improve the visual detection of leaks to address them more quickly.
“The protection of Colorado’s air quality made possible through this settlement with Enterprise is a testament to the power of collaboration between dedicated state and federal public officials,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “We are proud to support the state’s Air Pollution Control Division as it continues to lead the way to reduce air pollution from oil and gas operations and pursue better air for all Coloradans.”
Equipment leaks at the Meeker Gas Plant emit VOCs, which lead to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone contributes to serious public health concerns, including respiratory illness, aggravation of existing heart disease and temporary breathing difficulty for people with asthma. Young children and older people are especially sensitive to these impacts. Leaks from equipment at the Meeker Gas Plant also emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
The EPA investigated the case. Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.
The Justice Department filed the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and is available on the Justice Department’s website.