USDA Is Delivering on its Commitment to Fair, Competitive, and Transparent Markets
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2024 – The pandemic revealed how bottlenecks in the food and agriculture supply chain threatened consumers with higher costs and reduced access to key products, while producers faced collapsed markets and unfair prices. Meanwhile, marketplace abuses in concentrated markets have been longstanding concerns in key sectors such as meat and poultry.
Carriers halt India bookings to Europe, US amid capacity crunch: forwarders
Sources are reporting a "sold-out window" for spot bookings on most services connecting the two trade lanes through a large part of July.
Carriers halt India bookings to Europe, US amid capacity crunch: forwarders
Sources are reporting a “sold-out window” for spot bookings on most services connecting the two trade lanes through a large part of July.
EPA awards over $8.8 million to reduce air pollution from wood heaters
BOSTON (June 25, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the award of an $8,804,000 grant under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and its nationwide network of partner air agencies. This funding will support emissions testing and other activities aimed at reducing air pollution from wood heaters. EPA is committed to addressing air pollution and protecting public health through science-based initiatives and collaboration with local, state, and Tribal partners.
"Addressing air pollution is a top priority for EPA – science-based initiatives and strong collaboration with our local, state, and Tribal partners makes that possible. We know that wood stoves and heaters can be a good option for people, but inefficient ones can lead to bad indoor and outdoor pollution," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This grant, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will inform the selection of replacement devices eligible for funding for woodstove change-out programs, helping control air pollution and protecting our communities. Congratulations to NESCAUM – Keep up the good work!"
NESCAUM will conduct emissions testing on wood stoves to gather data that is independent of existing certification tests. The collected data will assist in the development of a ranked appliance performance list based on collected project emissions data. By providing reliable data on wood heater emissions, this project aims to improve air quality in affected communities, making it easier to purchase wood heating devices with the lowest emissions of air pollution and meet national air quality standards.
"Wood is an important resource for home heating in New England, but smoke from wood heaters can have serious health impacts in local communities, including increased risk of premature death," said NESCAUM Executive Director Paul Miller. "This grant will provide a stronger basis for the public and states in making decisions on home heating options that are more efficient and cleaner, a win for consumers and public health."
The data will help EPA determine Clean Air Act emissions limits in a future wood heater standard, which could lower wood heater emissions and improve air quality for areas across the country. Cleaner-burning wood stoves will reduce harmful emissions, benefiting public health and the environment, particularly in vulnerable and rural communities.
During the winter, many New Englanders seek to avoid high heating costs by turning to wood as a fuel. Unfortunately, many wood heaters are inefficient and emit more pollutants into the air than heating with oil, natural gas or electricity. In 2020, approximately 11 million U.S. homes used woodstoves as a heat source. However, wood smoke can contain harmful gases that can cause health problems such as eye irritation, runny nose, bronchitis, and even worsening chronic heart and lung diseases. These fine particles can be particularly harmful to children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions.
Residential wood heating significantly contributes to air pollution, especially in rural areas and disadvantaged communities already overburdened by legacy emissions and other environmental issues. The smoke from wood stoves is a major factor in some rural areas of the country failing to meet federal air quality standards for particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious public health risks.
Background
Section 60105(d) of the Inflation Reduction Act provides funding "for testing and other agency activities to address emissions from wood heaters."
NESCAUM, a longtime leader in addressing wood heater emissions, provided public comment during EPA's public outreach on the Inflation Reduction Act. The organization submitted a plan to collaborate with state, local and Tribal air agencies in testing emissions from residential wood heating devices. NESCAUM has a history of forming coalitions and partnerships with states, local agencies, and Tribal nations around the country.
More information:
Air Grants and FundingBurnwiseIndoor Air Quality and Wood Burning
"Addressing air pollution is a top priority for EPA – science-based initiatives and strong collaboration with our local, state, and Tribal partners makes that possible. We know that wood stoves and heaters can be a good option for people, but inefficient ones can lead to bad indoor and outdoor pollution," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This grant, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will inform the selection of replacement devices eligible for funding for woodstove change-out programs, helping control air pollution and protecting our communities. Congratulations to NESCAUM – Keep up the good work!"
NESCAUM will conduct emissions testing on wood stoves to gather data that is independent of existing certification tests. The collected data will assist in the development of a ranked appliance performance list based on collected project emissions data. By providing reliable data on wood heater emissions, this project aims to improve air quality in affected communities, making it easier to purchase wood heating devices with the lowest emissions of air pollution and meet national air quality standards.
"Wood is an important resource for home heating in New England, but smoke from wood heaters can have serious health impacts in local communities, including increased risk of premature death," said NESCAUM Executive Director Paul Miller. "This grant will provide a stronger basis for the public and states in making decisions on home heating options that are more efficient and cleaner, a win for consumers and public health."
The data will help EPA determine Clean Air Act emissions limits in a future wood heater standard, which could lower wood heater emissions and improve air quality for areas across the country. Cleaner-burning wood stoves will reduce harmful emissions, benefiting public health and the environment, particularly in vulnerable and rural communities.
During the winter, many New Englanders seek to avoid high heating costs by turning to wood as a fuel. Unfortunately, many wood heaters are inefficient and emit more pollutants into the air than heating with oil, natural gas or electricity. In 2020, approximately 11 million U.S. homes used woodstoves as a heat source. However, wood smoke can contain harmful gases that can cause health problems such as eye irritation, runny nose, bronchitis, and even worsening chronic heart and lung diseases. These fine particles can be particularly harmful to children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions.
Residential wood heating significantly contributes to air pollution, especially in rural areas and disadvantaged communities already overburdened by legacy emissions and other environmental issues. The smoke from wood stoves is a major factor in some rural areas of the country failing to meet federal air quality standards for particulate matter (PM2.5), which poses serious public health risks.
Background
Section 60105(d) of the Inflation Reduction Act provides funding "for testing and other agency activities to address emissions from wood heaters."
NESCAUM, a longtime leader in addressing wood heater emissions, provided public comment during EPA's public outreach on the Inflation Reduction Act. The organization submitted a plan to collaborate with state, local and Tribal air agencies in testing emissions from residential wood heating devices. NESCAUM has a history of forming coalitions and partnerships with states, local agencies, and Tribal nations around the country.
More information:
Air Grants and FundingBurnwiseIndoor Air Quality and Wood Burning
EPA fines Gloucester, Mass. company for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act
BOSTON (June 25, 2024) – The Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with a seafood processor in Gloucester, Massachusetts, resolving alleged violations of the General Duty Clause of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. The violations stem from the company's handling of anhydrous ammonia at its facility. NSDJ Real Estate, LLC, Gloucester Cold Storage, and NSD Seafood Inc. d/b/a Atlantic Fish and Seafood have agreed to pay a $25,000 penalty, finish addressing a final compliance action, and implement two Supplemental Environmental Projects ("SEPs"). The SEPs, which are estimated to cost $129,000, involve installing equipment that will eliminate a common source of ammonia leakage and donating ammonia emergency response equipment to the Gloucester Fire Department to support its chemical accident response capabilities.
"EPA's mission is rooted in safeguarding all communities from pollution, including chemical releases," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This is even more critical with the changing climate and the increased vulnerabilities associated with facilities situated in populated or hurricane-prone areas."
Atlantic Fish uses two ammonia refrigeration systems to maintain the needed temperatures for the processing and storage of seafood products. Anhydrous ammonia is an efficient refrigerant with low global warming potential, but it must be handled with care because it is toxic and highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs.
The facility is in an urban setting alongside Gloucester's Inner Harbor in a large and densely populated residential area. It is near hundreds of homes, restaurants and other businesses, an elementary school, and houses of worship.
An EPA inspection revealed multiple deviations from the GDC requirements to design and maintain a safe facility, taking such steps as are necessary to prevent releases, and to minimize the consequences of accidental releases that do occur. EPA consults industry standards of care to determine what it means to violate these requirements, and Respondents deviated from many of these standards. Respondents have corrected most of the deficiencies identified by EPA.
Background
The goal of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act is to prevent accidental releases of substances that can cause serious harm to the public and the environment from short-term exposures and to mitigate the severity of releases that do occur. Failure to comply with the section's General Duty Clause requirements to identify hazards, design and maintain a safe facility, and take steps to limit and mitigate the harm from accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances puts the local population and environment at risk.
More information:
EPA information on the General Duty Clause requirements of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act: https://www.epa.gov/rmp/general-duty-clause-under-clean-air-act-section-112r1.
EPA information on Compliance Assistance Tools and Resources for the Ammonia Refrigeration Sector (pdf) (161 KB): https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-11/documents/complianceassistance-ammoniarefrigerationsector0617.pdf.
"EPA's mission is rooted in safeguarding all communities from pollution, including chemical releases," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This is even more critical with the changing climate and the increased vulnerabilities associated with facilities situated in populated or hurricane-prone areas."
Atlantic Fish uses two ammonia refrigeration systems to maintain the needed temperatures for the processing and storage of seafood products. Anhydrous ammonia is an efficient refrigerant with low global warming potential, but it must be handled with care because it is toxic and highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs.
The facility is in an urban setting alongside Gloucester's Inner Harbor in a large and densely populated residential area. It is near hundreds of homes, restaurants and other businesses, an elementary school, and houses of worship.
An EPA inspection revealed multiple deviations from the GDC requirements to design and maintain a safe facility, taking such steps as are necessary to prevent releases, and to minimize the consequences of accidental releases that do occur. EPA consults industry standards of care to determine what it means to violate these requirements, and Respondents deviated from many of these standards. Respondents have corrected most of the deficiencies identified by EPA.
Background
The goal of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act is to prevent accidental releases of substances that can cause serious harm to the public and the environment from short-term exposures and to mitigate the severity of releases that do occur. Failure to comply with the section's General Duty Clause requirements to identify hazards, design and maintain a safe facility, and take steps to limit and mitigate the harm from accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances puts the local population and environment at risk.
More information:
EPA information on the General Duty Clause requirements of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act: https://www.epa.gov/rmp/general-duty-clause-under-clean-air-act-section-112r1.
EPA information on Compliance Assistance Tools and Resources for the Ammonia Refrigeration Sector (pdf) (161 KB): https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-11/documents/complianceassistance-ammoniarefrigerationsector0617.pdf.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $22.4 million to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay through Investing in America agenda
June 25, 2024
Contact Information
R3 Press (R3Press@epa.gov)
PHILADELPHIA (June 25, 2024) – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $22.4 million in grants to 13 selectees, through the Innovative Nutrient & Sediment Reduction grant program as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The 13 grants will leverage $35.3 million in matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of $57.7 million. This program is currently administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through a grant from EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office. Over $12.4 million in funding for these awards comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, while the remaining $10 million comes from annual EPA appropriations.
Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction program
The Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) program aims to accelerate the implementation of water quality improvements, specifically through the collaborative and coordinated efforts of sustainable, regional-scale partnerships and networks of practitioners with a shared focus on water quality restoration and protection.
Since 2006, the INSR Program has provided more than $200 million to over 250 projects that have reduced 36 million pounds of nitrogen, nine million pounds of phosphorus, and nearly 800,000 tons of sediment across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
“These grants reflect our continuing commitment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and preserve our nation’s environmental legacy for future generations,” said EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office Director Martha Shimkin. “It is inspiring to be working with so many awardees who have long been committed to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.”
“A healthy Chesapeake Bay is vital for Maryland’s economy, environment, and the well-being of our families,” said Senator Van Hollen. “With these resources from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we continue to foster partnerships to reduce nutrient runoff into the Bay watershed. These efforts both improve the Bay’s water quality and preserve natural wildlife habitat while supporting Maryland farmers.”
“The Chesapeake Bay is at the heart of Maryland’s economy and culture. And as the nation’s longest estuary, its significance is felt throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Securing its health and vitality is in all our best interests,” said Senator Cardin. “Through community partnerships and government action, we have made considerable progress in Bay restoration, but there is much more we need to do. While our dead zone is shrinking, urban and suburban runoff into the Bay is increasing and oyster crops are still not even close to their historic levels. With this additional support from the Biden Administration, we can invest in more community-led restoration projects that build on our progress and continue to preserve and protect one of our region’s most important natural resources.”
Below is a list of the selectees:
Chesapeake Conservancy, INC. – Accelerating Stream Delisting in Central Pennsylvania
Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley – Accelerating Clean Water and Conservation Outcomes in Shenandoah Valley (VA)
James River Association – Growing Riparian Partnerships to Improve Water Quality in the James River Watershed (VA)
Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District – Stream Corridor Restoration in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed (NY, PA)
Sustainable Chesapeake – Improving Manure and Nutrient Management in the Chesapeake Bay Region (MD, NY, VA, PA)
Friends of the Rappahannock – Advancing Climate-Smart Conservation Through Innovation and Collaboration (VA)
Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County – Reducing Runoff and Reaching New Leaders in Lancaster (PA)
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake – Developing Community Partnerships for Green Infrastructure and Equity Enhancement (PA)
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. – Sustainable Dairy Partnerships and Corporate Investment in the Chesapeake Bay (MD, NY, PA, VA)
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Implementing Forestry Best Management Practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (PA)
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. – Increasing Riparian Forest Buffer Adoption Across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (MD, PA, VA, WV)
Trout Unlimited, Inc. – Improving Water Quality Through Riparian Restoration Practices (VA, WV)
The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association – Accelerating Water Quality Outcomes through Stronger Nutrient Stewardship Partnerships (DE, MD, PA)
For more information and a complete list of the 2024 Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grants recipients, please see: https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/nfwf-chesapeake-insr-20240531-gs.pdf
These awards reflect EPA’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Program and demonstrate its focus on strengthening partnerships to restore the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay. Funding for these programs will empower communities to implement local programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality while advancing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Background:
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership made up of federal agencies, six states, local governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations that lead and direct the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its 64,000-square-mile watershed.
Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about its support for the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit the EPA website to learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available funding opportunities.
Contact Information
R3 Press (R3Press@epa.gov)
PHILADELPHIA (June 25, 2024) – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $22.4 million in grants to 13 selectees, through the Innovative Nutrient & Sediment Reduction grant program as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The 13 grants will leverage $35.3 million in matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of $57.7 million. This program is currently administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through a grant from EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office. Over $12.4 million in funding for these awards comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, while the remaining $10 million comes from annual EPA appropriations.
Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction program
The Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) program aims to accelerate the implementation of water quality improvements, specifically through the collaborative and coordinated efforts of sustainable, regional-scale partnerships and networks of practitioners with a shared focus on water quality restoration and protection.
Since 2006, the INSR Program has provided more than $200 million to over 250 projects that have reduced 36 million pounds of nitrogen, nine million pounds of phosphorus, and nearly 800,000 tons of sediment across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
“These grants reflect our continuing commitment to protect the Chesapeake Bay and preserve our nation’s environmental legacy for future generations,” said EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office Director Martha Shimkin. “It is inspiring to be working with so many awardees who have long been committed to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.”
“A healthy Chesapeake Bay is vital for Maryland’s economy, environment, and the well-being of our families,” said Senator Van Hollen. “With these resources from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we continue to foster partnerships to reduce nutrient runoff into the Bay watershed. These efforts both improve the Bay’s water quality and preserve natural wildlife habitat while supporting Maryland farmers.”
“The Chesapeake Bay is at the heart of Maryland’s economy and culture. And as the nation’s longest estuary, its significance is felt throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Securing its health and vitality is in all our best interests,” said Senator Cardin. “Through community partnerships and government action, we have made considerable progress in Bay restoration, but there is much more we need to do. While our dead zone is shrinking, urban and suburban runoff into the Bay is increasing and oyster crops are still not even close to their historic levels. With this additional support from the Biden Administration, we can invest in more community-led restoration projects that build on our progress and continue to preserve and protect one of our region’s most important natural resources.”
Below is a list of the selectees:
Chesapeake Conservancy, INC. – Accelerating Stream Delisting in Central Pennsylvania
Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley – Accelerating Clean Water and Conservation Outcomes in Shenandoah Valley (VA)
James River Association – Growing Riparian Partnerships to Improve Water Quality in the James River Watershed (VA)
Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District – Stream Corridor Restoration in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed (NY, PA)
Sustainable Chesapeake – Improving Manure and Nutrient Management in the Chesapeake Bay Region (MD, NY, VA, PA)
Friends of the Rappahannock – Advancing Climate-Smart Conservation Through Innovation and Collaboration (VA)
Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County – Reducing Runoff and Reaching New Leaders in Lancaster (PA)
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake – Developing Community Partnerships for Green Infrastructure and Equity Enhancement (PA)
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. – Sustainable Dairy Partnerships and Corporate Investment in the Chesapeake Bay (MD, NY, PA, VA)
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Implementing Forestry Best Management Practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (PA)
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc. – Increasing Riparian Forest Buffer Adoption Across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (MD, PA, VA, WV)
Trout Unlimited, Inc. – Improving Water Quality Through Riparian Restoration Practices (VA, WV)
The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association – Accelerating Water Quality Outcomes through Stronger Nutrient Stewardship Partnerships (DE, MD, PA)
For more information and a complete list of the 2024 Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction grants recipients, please see: https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/2024-06/nfwf-chesapeake-insr-20240531-gs.pdf
These awards reflect EPA’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Program and demonstrate its focus on strengthening partnerships to restore the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay. Funding for these programs will empower communities to implement local programs to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality while advancing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Background:
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership made up of federal agencies, six states, local governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations that lead and direct the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its 64,000-square-mile watershed.
Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about its support for the Chesapeake Bay.
Visit the EPA website to learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available funding opportunities.
Connecticut property owner to pay penalty and perform lead abatement for violations of federal lead-based paint rules
DANBURY, CONN. (June 25, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a settlement with a Connecticut property owner based in Danbury for alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Disclosure Rule). As a result of the settlement, J. Da Silva Properties, LLC agreed to come into compliance with the Disclosure Rule, pay a penalty of $68,078, and perform two lead-based paint abatement Supplemental Environmental Projects estimated to cost a total of $44,453.
"It's unacceptable that a property owner would not inform their tenants of known lead-based paint hazards," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This is especially important in Danbury, an area that's had more than its fair share of environmental pollution. It's encouraging to know that because of EPA's action, the residents and their children will be made safer through the company's lead abatement work and compliance with the Disclosure Rule in the future."
J. Da Silva Properties owns six residential apartment buildings totaling 39 units in Danbury, Connecticut. In January of 1997, Danbury's Department of Health and Housing (DHH) issued an abatement order to the company to perform lead testing and abatement at the Tower Pace buildings in Danbury. Based on the positive test results in the properties for lead-based paint, DHH issued a Notice of Violation. In August of 1999, J. Da Silva Properties submitted a Certificate of Compliance to DHH.
In August 2022, an EPA representative conducted an inspection to determine the company's compliance with the Disclosure Rule at its properties. Based on EPA's review of the information and documents obtained from J. Da Silva Properties, LLC, EPA identified violations of TSCA and the Disclosure Rule. In addition, at least one child under the age of six and children between the ages of six and 18 resided in three of the units.
EPA alleges that the company violated the Disclosure Rule in the following ways:
failure to provide lessee with an EPA-approved Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet;
failure to disclose the presence of known lead-based paint/hazards;
failure to provide a Lead Warning Statement;
failure to include a statement disclosing the presence of known lead-based paint and/or hazards; and
failure to include a list of records/reports pertaining to lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards at the property.
In addition to certifying compliance with the Disclosure Rule and paying a penalty, J. Da Silva Properties, LLC agreed to perform a lead-based paint abatement Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) at two properties. The SEP at the first property, located at Tower Place in Danbury, consists of removing, properly disposing, and replacing baseboards containing lead-based paint. The SEP at the second property, located at Keeler Street in Danbury, consists of removing, properly disposing, and replacing front entrance exterior doors, casings, and jambs containing lead-based paint. Both projects will be performed by a licensed lead abatement contractor and are located in an environmental justice area of concern.
This inspection was part of EPA New England's Connecticut Geographic Initiative for lead-based paint.
Background
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
The Disclosure Rulerequires sellers, landlords, and agents to provide potential buyers and renters of housing built before 1978 information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the residence prior to becoming obligated to buy or rent the housing and provides the opportunity for an independent lead inspection for buyers. Sellers, landlords, and agents are responsible for compliance.
Supplemental Environmental Projects
Most federal actions against businesses or individuals for failure to comply with the environmental laws are resolved through settlement agreements. As part of a settlement, an alleged violator may propose to undertake a project to provide tangible environmental or public health benefits to the affected community or environment, that is closely related to the violation being resolved, but goes beyond what is required under federal, state, or local laws. The voluntary agreement to perform an SEP is one factor that is considered in determining an appropriate settlement penalty. EPA supports the inclusion of SEPs in appropriate settlements.
More information:
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
Real Estate Disclosures for Lead Hazards
Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs)
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
"It's unacceptable that a property owner would not inform their tenants of known lead-based paint hazards," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This is especially important in Danbury, an area that's had more than its fair share of environmental pollution. It's encouraging to know that because of EPA's action, the residents and their children will be made safer through the company's lead abatement work and compliance with the Disclosure Rule in the future."
J. Da Silva Properties owns six residential apartment buildings totaling 39 units in Danbury, Connecticut. In January of 1997, Danbury's Department of Health and Housing (DHH) issued an abatement order to the company to perform lead testing and abatement at the Tower Pace buildings in Danbury. Based on the positive test results in the properties for lead-based paint, DHH issued a Notice of Violation. In August of 1999, J. Da Silva Properties submitted a Certificate of Compliance to DHH.
In August 2022, an EPA representative conducted an inspection to determine the company's compliance with the Disclosure Rule at its properties. Based on EPA's review of the information and documents obtained from J. Da Silva Properties, LLC, EPA identified violations of TSCA and the Disclosure Rule. In addition, at least one child under the age of six and children between the ages of six and 18 resided in three of the units.
EPA alleges that the company violated the Disclosure Rule in the following ways:
failure to provide lessee with an EPA-approved Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet;
failure to disclose the presence of known lead-based paint/hazards;
failure to provide a Lead Warning Statement;
failure to include a statement disclosing the presence of known lead-based paint and/or hazards; and
failure to include a list of records/reports pertaining to lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards at the property.
In addition to certifying compliance with the Disclosure Rule and paying a penalty, J. Da Silva Properties, LLC agreed to perform a lead-based paint abatement Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) at two properties. The SEP at the first property, located at Tower Place in Danbury, consists of removing, properly disposing, and replacing baseboards containing lead-based paint. The SEP at the second property, located at Keeler Street in Danbury, consists of removing, properly disposing, and replacing front entrance exterior doors, casings, and jambs containing lead-based paint. Both projects will be performed by a licensed lead abatement contractor and are located in an environmental justice area of concern.
This inspection was part of EPA New England's Connecticut Geographic Initiative for lead-based paint.
Background
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
The Disclosure Rulerequires sellers, landlords, and agents to provide potential buyers and renters of housing built before 1978 information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the residence prior to becoming obligated to buy or rent the housing and provides the opportunity for an independent lead inspection for buyers. Sellers, landlords, and agents are responsible for compliance.
Supplemental Environmental Projects
Most federal actions against businesses or individuals for failure to comply with the environmental laws are resolved through settlement agreements. As part of a settlement, an alleged violator may propose to undertake a project to provide tangible environmental or public health benefits to the affected community or environment, that is closely related to the violation being resolved, but goes beyond what is required under federal, state, or local laws. The voluntary agreement to perform an SEP is one factor that is considered in determining an appropriate settlement penalty. EPA supports the inclusion of SEPs in appropriate settlements.
More information:
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
Real Estate Disclosures for Lead Hazards
Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs)
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
USDA and Reinvestment Fund Launch New Program to Increase Access to Healthy Foods in Underserved Communities
MONTGOMERY, Ala., June 24, 2024 – At the National Rural Grocer’s Summit today, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA and Reinvestment Fund are launching a new program under the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) to increase access to healthy foods in communities underserved by grocery stores. Funding for the new Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund (FARE Fund) is made possible by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.