La Región 7 de la EPA invita al público a asistir a las reuniones comunitarias sobre el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead en el área céntrica de Omaha, Nebraska
LENEXA, KANSAS (17 DE JUNIO DE 2024) – Funcionarios de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA), Región 7, organizarán dos reuniones comunitarias el lunes 24 y el martes 25 de junio para actualizar a los miembros de la comunidad sobre el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead y los hallazgos de la revisión cada cinco años del sitio.
Las revisiones cada cinco años brindan la oportunidad de evaluar la implementación y el rendimiento de un remedio, y de determinar si este sigue protegiendo la salud humana y el medioambiente.
Los miembros de la comunidad también tendrán la posibilidad de conocer mejor las actualizaciones del asesoramiento sobre el plomo en suelos residenciales y el modo en el que la disminución de los niveles recomendados para la detección del plomo puede influir en el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead.
“Este tipo de reuniones permite que los equipos del sitio se informen mejor sobre las preguntas y las inquietudes que los miembros de la comunidad pueden tener acerca de los sitios Superfund de su barrio o cercanos a él”, expresó Bob Jurgens, director de la División de Manejo de Emergencias y sitios Superfund de la Región 7 de la EPA. “La Región 7 de la EPA tiene el compromiso de asegurar que los comentarios de los miembros de la comunidad se registren e incorporen en los procesos de limpieza de los sitios Superfund”.
Las reuniones comunitarias serán las siguientes:
Lunes 24 de junio
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m.
Edificio del Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), sala 120
2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave, Omaha, NE 68107
Martes 25 de junio
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m.
The Venue, en Highlander
2120 N. 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68111
Contexto
Hace un tiempo, Omaha fue sede de una gran fundición de plomo y una planta de reciclaje de baterías de plomo que, según los cálculos, han emitido más de 400 millones de libras (200,000 toneladas) de partículas de plomo en el medioambiente. Gran parte de esas partículas fueron a parar a zonas residenciales, ubicadas dentro de las 27 millas cuadradas del centro de Omaha en donde funcionaban las instalaciones de procesamiento del plomo.
En el documento de decisión del sitio Superfund Omaha Lead, se incluye la remediación del suelo afectado por el plomo proveniente de las actividades históricas de fundición y procesamiento del plomo en el sitio. El remedio también abarca la estabilización de la pintura exterior a base de plomo, que se incluyó para proteger las medidas de protección del suelo.
Obtenga más información sobre el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead.
Obtenga más información sobre los programas de peligros relacionados con el plomo en Omaha.
Obtenga más información sobre el Programa de Prevención del Envenenamiento por Plomo en el condado de Douglas.
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Obtenga más información sobre la Región 7 de la EPA
Las revisiones cada cinco años brindan la oportunidad de evaluar la implementación y el rendimiento de un remedio, y de determinar si este sigue protegiendo la salud humana y el medioambiente.
Los miembros de la comunidad también tendrán la posibilidad de conocer mejor las actualizaciones del asesoramiento sobre el plomo en suelos residenciales y el modo en el que la disminución de los niveles recomendados para la detección del plomo puede influir en el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead.
“Este tipo de reuniones permite que los equipos del sitio se informen mejor sobre las preguntas y las inquietudes que los miembros de la comunidad pueden tener acerca de los sitios Superfund de su barrio o cercanos a él”, expresó Bob Jurgens, director de la División de Manejo de Emergencias y sitios Superfund de la Región 7 de la EPA. “La Región 7 de la EPA tiene el compromiso de asegurar que los comentarios de los miembros de la comunidad se registren e incorporen en los procesos de limpieza de los sitios Superfund”.
Las reuniones comunitarias serán las siguientes:
Lunes 24 de junio
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m.
Edificio del Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), sala 120
2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave, Omaha, NE 68107
Martes 25 de junio
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m.
The Venue, en Highlander
2120 N. 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68111
Contexto
Hace un tiempo, Omaha fue sede de una gran fundición de plomo y una planta de reciclaje de baterías de plomo que, según los cálculos, han emitido más de 400 millones de libras (200,000 toneladas) de partículas de plomo en el medioambiente. Gran parte de esas partículas fueron a parar a zonas residenciales, ubicadas dentro de las 27 millas cuadradas del centro de Omaha en donde funcionaban las instalaciones de procesamiento del plomo.
En el documento de decisión del sitio Superfund Omaha Lead, se incluye la remediación del suelo afectado por el plomo proveniente de las actividades históricas de fundición y procesamiento del plomo en el sitio. El remedio también abarca la estabilización de la pintura exterior a base de plomo, que se incluyó para proteger las medidas de protección del suelo.
Obtenga más información sobre el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead.
Obtenga más información sobre los programas de peligros relacionados con el plomo en Omaha.
Obtenga más información sobre el Programa de Prevención del Envenenamiento por Plomo en el condado de Douglas.
# # #
Obtenga más información sobre la Región 7 de la EPA
TOMORROW: Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and EPA Region Four Acting Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle in Durham to Highlight New Funding and Actions to Protect Children from Lead in Drinking Water
DURHAM (June 17, 2024) – Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 3:30 PM EDT, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region Four Acting Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle will join Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley, state and local representatives and community members for an event to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s latest actions to protect public health and deliver safe drinking water for all Americans.
Who:
Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff
EPA Region Four Acting Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle
Representative Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04)
Mayor of Durham, NC Leonardo Williams
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley
Principal James Hopkins, Lyons Farm Elementary School
When and Where:
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Site Visit: 3:30 PM at 112 Radcliff Circle, Durham NC 27713
Press Conference: 4:10 PM at Lyons Farm Elementary School (906 Scott King Road, Durham NC 27713)
***Please RSVP HERE by Tuesday, June 18 at 11:30 AM EDT if you are interested in covering this event. Additional details to follow.
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Who:
Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff
EPA Region Four Acting Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle
Representative Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04)
Mayor of Durham, NC Leonardo Williams
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley
Principal James Hopkins, Lyons Farm Elementary School
When and Where:
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Site Visit: 3:30 PM at 112 Radcliff Circle, Durham NC 27713
Press Conference: 4:10 PM at Lyons Farm Elementary School (906 Scott King Road, Durham NC 27713)
***Please RSVP HERE by Tuesday, June 18 at 11:30 AM EDT if you are interested in covering this event. Additional details to follow.
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EPA Awards $1.5 million to Support Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data Program
WASHINGTON –Today June 17, US Environmental Protection Agency is announcing it recently awarded $1.5 million to three organizations through the Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data (PREPARED) program. This will provide technical assistance to help enhance EPA grant recipients’ ability to generate data and information necessary to evaluate program outcomes and improve the ability to understand impacts for communities.
Currently, the agency is also seekingadditional proposals to further support and enhance the data, reporting and evidence-building capacity of EPA grant recipients representing small, underserved and Tribal communities. Data, reporting and evidence-building are vitally important elements for EPA grant programs. However, a number of EPA grant recipients face capacity challenges in engaging in these activities. Many small, underserved communities and Tribes that are eligible for EPA grants sometimes choose not to apply for funding opportunities in part because of these capacity challenges. Through PREPARED program cooperative agreements, EPA seeks to fund technical assistance providers to equip communities with strategies, tools and training that enhance their capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building.
To support these efforts, EPA recently awarded:
$500,000 to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth project will build community capacity on evidence-based approaches to advance data dissemination, reporting, and integration of lived community experiences for EPA and State Revolving Fund (Clean and Drinking Water Programs) applicants and grantees.
$500,000 to Palmetto Futures. The Palmetto Futures project will provide comprehensive capacity-building support to community-based organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor. Palmetto Futures’ initiative will focus on bolstering local organizations' capabilities to manage EPA projects by improving data proficiency and project reporting. Additionally, this project will conduct community engagement with organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor in coordination with their partner organization, the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation.
$500,000 to New Growth Innovation Network. The New Growth Innovation Network project will build individual, organizational, and collective capacity for would-be recipients of EPA funds in small, underserved, and/or Tribal Communities on data, reporting and evidence-building so that they are equipped to apply for future or current EPA grant opportunities.
More information on each awardee is available on the PREPARED website.
EPA is committed to implementing strategies designed to help small and underserved communities address data and reporting requirements for EPA grants. Consistent with longstanding agency policy for working with Tribal communities, EPA is committed to working with federally recognized Tribes in enhancing capacity to carry out program responsibilities affecting Tribal communities and the health and welfare of the populace, including capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building.
EPA intends to award up to an additional $2 million over three years to as many as four recipients. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is now posted on the grants.gov website under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-I-R-OCFO-02. Applications are due July 29, 2024, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. More information about this funding opportunity is also available on the PREPARED website.
Currently, the agency is also seekingadditional proposals to further support and enhance the data, reporting and evidence-building capacity of EPA grant recipients representing small, underserved and Tribal communities. Data, reporting and evidence-building are vitally important elements for EPA grant programs. However, a number of EPA grant recipients face capacity challenges in engaging in these activities. Many small, underserved communities and Tribes that are eligible for EPA grants sometimes choose not to apply for funding opportunities in part because of these capacity challenges. Through PREPARED program cooperative agreements, EPA seeks to fund technical assistance providers to equip communities with strategies, tools and training that enhance their capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building.
To support these efforts, EPA recently awarded:
$500,000 to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth project will build community capacity on evidence-based approaches to advance data dissemination, reporting, and integration of lived community experiences for EPA and State Revolving Fund (Clean and Drinking Water Programs) applicants and grantees.
$500,000 to Palmetto Futures. The Palmetto Futures project will provide comprehensive capacity-building support to community-based organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor. Palmetto Futures’ initiative will focus on bolstering local organizations' capabilities to manage EPA projects by improving data proficiency and project reporting. Additionally, this project will conduct community engagement with organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor in coordination with their partner organization, the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation.
$500,000 to New Growth Innovation Network. The New Growth Innovation Network project will build individual, organizational, and collective capacity for would-be recipients of EPA funds in small, underserved, and/or Tribal Communities on data, reporting and evidence-building so that they are equipped to apply for future or current EPA grant opportunities.
More information on each awardee is available on the PREPARED website.
EPA is committed to implementing strategies designed to help small and underserved communities address data and reporting requirements for EPA grants. Consistent with longstanding agency policy for working with Tribal communities, EPA is committed to working with federally recognized Tribes in enhancing capacity to carry out program responsibilities affecting Tribal communities and the health and welfare of the populace, including capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building.
EPA intends to award up to an additional $2 million over three years to as many as four recipients. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is now posted on the grants.gov website under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-I-R-OCFO-02. Applications are due July 29, 2024, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. More information about this funding opportunity is also available on the PREPARED website.
EPA fines Newburyport, Mass. company for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
BOSTON (June 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a settlement with Electronic Products Industries LLC, of Newburyport, Mass. for alleged violations of EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the process hazard review (PHR) requirement of the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act.
The alleged violations stem from Electronic Products’ use of anhydrous ammonia. Electronic Products had not performed a PHR to identify hazards from its use of anhydrous ammonia and failed to timely submit Toxics Release Inventory forms for anhydrous ammonia as required, thereby depriving people of their right to know about the presence of this toxic chemical in their community. The settlement requires Electronic Products to pay a combined cash penalty of $117,647 to resolve these alleged violations.
Exposure to high levels of ammonia in air may be irritating to skin, eyes, throat, and lungs, and cause coughing and burns. Lung damage and death may occur after exposure to very high concentrations of ammonia. Some people with asthma may be more sensitive to breathing ammonia than others.
"Citizens have a right to know about dangerous, toxic substances in their neighborhood," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "There are homes, schools, businesses, a fire station, and a church near this facility – which is less than two miles from downtown Newburyport. EPA's action underscores the importance of companies understanding the hazards of using hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia and using that knowledge to undertake safe handling and management practices to protect public safety."
Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r) General Duty Clause (GDC) Violation:
The EPA alleged that Electronic Products violated CAA Section 112(r)'s GDC by failing to identify hazards related to its use of anhydrous ammonia at the Facility. Specifically, Electronic Products failed to conduct a process hazard review ("PHR") for its ammonia process. Electronic Products hired a consultant who completed a process hazard review shortly after being informed by EPA of the requirement.
The General Duty Clause aims to prevent the accidental release of extremely hazardous chemicals and minimize the consequences of any such releases. Under this provision, owners and operators of facilities that store or use extremely hazardous chemicals have the duty, among others, to identify hazards that may result from a release and document this analysis in a PHR.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Violations:
The EPA alleged that Electronic Products violated EPCRA Section 313(a) and its implementing regulations by failing to timely submit TRI reporting forms for anhydrous ammonia used at the Facility in calendar years 2019, 2020, and 2021. Electronic Products promptly filed its missing TRI forms for ammonia after being informed of the deficiencies.
Under federal TRI regulations, companies that use certain listed toxic chemicals must report their releases of those chemicals each year to EPA. This information serves as the basis for the Toxic Release Inventory, which is a collection of data that can be readily reviewed by communities, government, and industry. With the information being publicly available, companies have an incentive to reduce harmful chemical use and improve their environmental performance. TRI reporting informs surrounding communities about a facility's toxic chemicals that could potentially harm public health and the environment and offers transparency.
Electronic Products produces both glass-to-metal seals and high-temperature co-fired ceramics for use in semiconductor products. This case stems from information learned about the facility in conjunction with an inspection by EPA in February 2023. Electronic Products cooperated with the EPA throughout the enforcement process and quickly came into compliance with the relevant statutes following EPA's inspection.
For more information visit:
Toxics Release Inventory Program: https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program.
EPCRA: https://www.epa.gov/epcra.
General Duty Clause: https://www.epa.gov/rmp/general-duty-clause-under-clean-air-act-section-112r1.
The alleged violations stem from Electronic Products’ use of anhydrous ammonia. Electronic Products had not performed a PHR to identify hazards from its use of anhydrous ammonia and failed to timely submit Toxics Release Inventory forms for anhydrous ammonia as required, thereby depriving people of their right to know about the presence of this toxic chemical in their community. The settlement requires Electronic Products to pay a combined cash penalty of $117,647 to resolve these alleged violations.
Exposure to high levels of ammonia in air may be irritating to skin, eyes, throat, and lungs, and cause coughing and burns. Lung damage and death may occur after exposure to very high concentrations of ammonia. Some people with asthma may be more sensitive to breathing ammonia than others.
"Citizens have a right to know about dangerous, toxic substances in their neighborhood," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "There are homes, schools, businesses, a fire station, and a church near this facility – which is less than two miles from downtown Newburyport. EPA's action underscores the importance of companies understanding the hazards of using hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia and using that knowledge to undertake safe handling and management practices to protect public safety."
Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r) General Duty Clause (GDC) Violation:
The EPA alleged that Electronic Products violated CAA Section 112(r)'s GDC by failing to identify hazards related to its use of anhydrous ammonia at the Facility. Specifically, Electronic Products failed to conduct a process hazard review ("PHR") for its ammonia process. Electronic Products hired a consultant who completed a process hazard review shortly after being informed by EPA of the requirement.
The General Duty Clause aims to prevent the accidental release of extremely hazardous chemicals and minimize the consequences of any such releases. Under this provision, owners and operators of facilities that store or use extremely hazardous chemicals have the duty, among others, to identify hazards that may result from a release and document this analysis in a PHR.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Violations:
The EPA alleged that Electronic Products violated EPCRA Section 313(a) and its implementing regulations by failing to timely submit TRI reporting forms for anhydrous ammonia used at the Facility in calendar years 2019, 2020, and 2021. Electronic Products promptly filed its missing TRI forms for ammonia after being informed of the deficiencies.
Under federal TRI regulations, companies that use certain listed toxic chemicals must report their releases of those chemicals each year to EPA. This information serves as the basis for the Toxic Release Inventory, which is a collection of data that can be readily reviewed by communities, government, and industry. With the information being publicly available, companies have an incentive to reduce harmful chemical use and improve their environmental performance. TRI reporting informs surrounding communities about a facility's toxic chemicals that could potentially harm public health and the environment and offers transparency.
Electronic Products produces both glass-to-metal seals and high-temperature co-fired ceramics for use in semiconductor products. This case stems from information learned about the facility in conjunction with an inspection by EPA in February 2023. Electronic Products cooperated with the EPA throughout the enforcement process and quickly came into compliance with the relevant statutes following EPA's inspection.
For more information visit:
Toxics Release Inventory Program: https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program.
EPCRA: https://www.epa.gov/epcra.
General Duty Clause: https://www.epa.gov/rmp/general-duty-clause-under-clean-air-act-section-112r1.
TOMORROW: EPA Administrator Regan to Join Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff in Durham, North Carolina to Highlight New Funding and Actions to Protect Children from Lead in Drinking Water
WASHINGTON – Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 18 at 3:30 p.m. EDT, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan will join Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley, state and local representatives, and community members for an event to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s latest actions to protect public health and deliver safe drinking water for all Americans.
Who:
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan
Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff
Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
Mayor of Durham, NC, Leonardo Williams
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley
Principal James Hopkins, Lyons Farm Elementary School
When and Where:
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Site Visit: 3:30 p.m. at 112 Radcliff Circle, Durham, NC 27713
Press Conference: 4:10 p.m. at Lyons Farm Elementary School (906 Scott King Road, Durham, NC 27713)
***Please RSVP HERE by Monday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m. EDT if you are interested in covering this event. Additional details to follow.
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Who:
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan
Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff
Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
Mayor of Durham, NC, Leonardo Williams
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley
Principal James Hopkins, Lyons Farm Elementary School
When and Where:
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Site Visit: 3:30 p.m. at 112 Radcliff Circle, Durham, NC 27713
Press Conference: 4:10 p.m. at Lyons Farm Elementary School (906 Scott King Road, Durham, NC 27713)
***Please RSVP HERE by Monday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m. EDT if you are interested in covering this event. Additional details to follow.
###
United States Files Court Settlement for Reimbursement of Costs at Findett Corp. Superfund Site in St. Charles, Missouri
LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 17, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the filing of a settlement agreement with three parties, requiring the payment of cleanup costs at the Findett Corp. Superfund Site in St. Charles, Missouri. The settlement was filed in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Missouri.
The settlement agreement is issued under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund. The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The public comment period ends July 17.
Under the terms of the settlement, the parties – Santolubes LLC, Santolubes Manufacturing LLC, and Santolubes Spartanburg Holdings LLC – will pay a total of $300,000 to resolve their liability to the United States. The settlement funds will be utilized at, or in connection with, the site or to otherwise fund EPA’s Superfund work.
The Superfund site includes areas where industrial operations of the Findett Corporation, which conducted chemical manufacturing and recycling operations between 1962 and 2009, resulted in the contamination of groundwater and soil from releases of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and volatile organic compounds. EPA has been overseeing investigation and cleanup at the site since the 1980s.
For more information, visit the Findett Corp. Superfund Site Profile page.
Learn more about the Superfund program.
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Learn more about EPA Region 7
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
The settlement agreement is issued under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund. The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The public comment period ends July 17.
Under the terms of the settlement, the parties – Santolubes LLC, Santolubes Manufacturing LLC, and Santolubes Spartanburg Holdings LLC – will pay a total of $300,000 to resolve their liability to the United States. The settlement funds will be utilized at, or in connection with, the site or to otherwise fund EPA’s Superfund work.
The Superfund site includes areas where industrial operations of the Findett Corporation, which conducted chemical manufacturing and recycling operations between 1962 and 2009, resulted in the contamination of groundwater and soil from releases of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and volatile organic compounds. EPA has been overseeing investigation and cleanup at the site since the 1980s.
For more information, visit the Findett Corp. Superfund Site Profile page.
Learn more about the Superfund program.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
EPA Announces Settlement with Intelligent Design Corp. for Lead Paint Renovation Violations in Maple Grove, Minnesota
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $95,000 settlement with Intelligent Design Corp., in Maple Grove, Minnesota, to resolve alleged violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations.
“Compliance with federal lead paint laws is essential to protect children and is one of EPA’s highest priorities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “We applaud the resident who brought this case to our attention to help keep their community safe.”
After receiving a complaint from a resident, EPA launched an investigation into the company’s renovations around the Minneapolis area. Between 2019 and 2022, Intelligent Design renovated at least six different houses built before 1978. EPA alleges that the company failed to take precautions to contain the work area and contain waste at the complaining resident’s home. EPA also alleges that the company failed to complete a post-renovation cleaning verification and distribute the required “renovate right” educational pamphlet in a timely manner at six homes in the area. Under the settlement, Intelligent Design agreed to pay a civil penalty of $95,000 and will certify compliance with the Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations.
Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint is disturbed by renovation work such as installing windows, demolishing painted surfaces (such as walls or porches), and scraping and repainting of homes. Lead-contaminated dust from disturbed lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead-based paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults. Their brains and nervous systems are also more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects.
For more information about EPA’s enforcement program, visit the Agency’s website.
For more information on the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, or to report a lead paint violation, please visit EPA’s website.
“Compliance with federal lead paint laws is essential to protect children and is one of EPA’s highest priorities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “We applaud the resident who brought this case to our attention to help keep their community safe.”
After receiving a complaint from a resident, EPA launched an investigation into the company’s renovations around the Minneapolis area. Between 2019 and 2022, Intelligent Design renovated at least six different houses built before 1978. EPA alleges that the company failed to take precautions to contain the work area and contain waste at the complaining resident’s home. EPA also alleges that the company failed to complete a post-renovation cleaning verification and distribute the required “renovate right” educational pamphlet in a timely manner at six homes in the area. Under the settlement, Intelligent Design agreed to pay a civil penalty of $95,000 and will certify compliance with the Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations.
Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint is disturbed by renovation work such as installing windows, demolishing painted surfaces (such as walls or porches), and scraping and repainting of homes. Lead-contaminated dust from disturbed lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead-based paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults. Their brains and nervous systems are also more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects.
For more information about EPA’s enforcement program, visit the Agency’s website.
For more information on the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, or to report a lead paint violation, please visit EPA’s website.
EPA to Hold Community Meeting Thursday, June 20, on Cleanup Progress at the Bofors Nobel Superfund Site
CHICAGO (June 14, 2024) - On Thursday, June 20, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold an informal community meeting to discuss cleanup progress at the Bofors Nobel Superfund site, located at 5025 Evanston Ave., Muskegon, Michigan. The EPA will also share upcoming opportunities for community input and the potential formation of a community advisory group.
This meeting will be an opportunity to speak with the site team and share concerns. Representatives from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan’s PFAS Action Response Team, and Bofors Nobel Group will also participate in the meeting.
WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6 - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Egleston Township Hall
5428 E. Apple Ave.
Muskegon, Michigan
If you have any questions or require special accommodations, please contact:
Caitlin McIntyre, community involvement coordinator, by phone at 312-353-2073, or via e-mail at mcintyre.caitlin@epa.gov
Daniel Rodriguez, remedial project manager, by phone at 312-886-6145, or via e-mail at rodriguez.daniel@epa.gov
For additional information visit EPA’s Bofors Nobel website.
This meeting will be an opportunity to speak with the site team and share concerns. Representatives from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan’s PFAS Action Response Team, and Bofors Nobel Group will also participate in the meeting.
WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6 - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Egleston Township Hall
5428 E. Apple Ave.
Muskegon, Michigan
If you have any questions or require special accommodations, please contact:
Caitlin McIntyre, community involvement coordinator, by phone at 312-353-2073, or via e-mail at mcintyre.caitlin@epa.gov
Daniel Rodriguez, remedial project manager, by phone at 312-886-6145, or via e-mail at rodriguez.daniel@epa.gov
For additional information visit EPA’s Bofors Nobel website.