EPA to Award $9.75 Million in Grants to Support Water Quality Monitoring and Protect the Health of Beachgoers
ATLANTA – Today, June 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $9.75 million in grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches.
“Every summer Americans flock to oceanside and Great Lakes beaches to enjoy recreation time with family and friends, making these important destinations as well as economic and tourism engines for our economy,” said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Protecting water quality at beaches is a priority for EPA and with these grants we are helping our state, Tribal, and local partners monitor water quality to ensure it is safe for residents and visitors.”
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
“The Southeast is home to some of the most toured beaches in the nation,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “BEACH Act funds ensure the communication of vital information concerning coastal recreation water quality, beach conditions and public safety on the East and Gulf Coast.”
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA’s allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
The EPA’s 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories in Region 4 contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
Alabama $260,000
Florida $478,000
Georgia $279,000
Mississippi $256,000
North Carolina $293,000
South Carolina $289,000
Learn more about the BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
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“Every summer Americans flock to oceanside and Great Lakes beaches to enjoy recreation time with family and friends, making these important destinations as well as economic and tourism engines for our economy,” said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Protecting water quality at beaches is a priority for EPA and with these grants we are helping our state, Tribal, and local partners monitor water quality to ensure it is safe for residents and visitors.”
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
“The Southeast is home to some of the most toured beaches in the nation,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “BEACH Act funds ensure the communication of vital information concerning coastal recreation water quality, beach conditions and public safety on the East and Gulf Coast.”
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA’s allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
The EPA’s 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories in Region 4 contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
Alabama $260,000
Florida $478,000
Georgia $279,000
Mississippi $256,000
North Carolina $293,000
South Carolina $289,000
Learn more about the BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
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EPA to Award $9.75 Million in Grants to Support Water Quality Monitoring and Protect the Health of Beachgoers
WASHINGTON – Today, June 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $9.75 million in grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches.
“Every summer Americans flock to oceanside and Great Lakes beaches to enjoy recreation time with family and friends, making these important destinations as well as economic and tourism engines for our economy,” said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Protecting water quality at beaches is a priority for EPA and with these grants we are helping our state, Tribal, and local partners monitor water quality to ensure it is safe for residents and visitors.”
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA’s allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
The EPA’s 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
Connecticut $206,000
Maine $254,000
Massachusetts $254,000
New Hampshire $194,000
Rhode Island $210,000
EPA Region 2
New Jersey $258,000
New York $315,000
Puerto Rico $319,000
U.S. Virgin Islands $302,000
EPA Region 3
Delaware $209,000
Maryland $258,000
Pennsylvania $214,000
Virginia $263,000
EPA Region 4
Alabama $260,000
Florida $478,000
Georgia $279,000
Mississippi $256,000
North Carolina $293,000
South Carolina $289,000
EPA Region 5
Illinois $232,000
Indiana $205,000
Michigan $260,000
Minnesota $203,000
Ohio $216,000
Wisconsin $220,000
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians $50,000
Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe $50,000
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community $50,000
EPA Region 6
Louisiana $347,000
Texas $373,000
EPA Region 9
American Samoa $302,000
California $477,000
Guam $302,000
Hawaii $319,000
Northern Mariana Islands $303,000
EPA Region 10
Alaska $161,029
Oregon $235,103
Washington $280,192
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community $53,676
Learn more about the BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
“Every summer Americans flock to oceanside and Great Lakes beaches to enjoy recreation time with family and friends, making these important destinations as well as economic and tourism engines for our economy,” said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Protecting water quality at beaches is a priority for EPA and with these grants we are helping our state, Tribal, and local partners monitor water quality to ensure it is safe for residents and visitors.”
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA’s allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
The EPA’s 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
Connecticut $206,000
Maine $254,000
Massachusetts $254,000
New Hampshire $194,000
Rhode Island $210,000
EPA Region 2
New Jersey $258,000
New York $315,000
Puerto Rico $319,000
U.S. Virgin Islands $302,000
EPA Region 3
Delaware $209,000
Maryland $258,000
Pennsylvania $214,000
Virginia $263,000
EPA Region 4
Alabama $260,000
Florida $478,000
Georgia $279,000
Mississippi $256,000
North Carolina $293,000
South Carolina $289,000
EPA Region 5
Illinois $232,000
Indiana $205,000
Michigan $260,000
Minnesota $203,000
Ohio $216,000
Wisconsin $220,000
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians $50,000
Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe $50,000
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community $50,000
EPA Region 6
Louisiana $347,000
Texas $373,000
EPA Region 9
American Samoa $302,000
California $477,000
Guam $302,000
Hawaii $319,000
Northern Mariana Islands $303,000
EPA Region 10
Alaska $161,029
Oregon $235,103
Washington $280,192
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community $53,676
Learn more about the BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
EPA Settles Alleged Clean Air Act Violations with EnerSys Energy Products Inc. in Missouri
LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 13, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Missouri lead-acid battery manufacturer EnerSys Energy Products Inc. to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act at the company’s Warrensburg and two Springfield facilities. The company is a subsidiary of EnerSys Inc., the world’s largest industrial battery manufacturer.
According to EPA, the company will pay a $430,500 civil penalty and spend an estimated $250,000 in compliance costs to resolve the alleged violations.
“In addition to allegedly violating the Clean Air Act, EnerSys Energy’s facilities are located in communities determined by EPA to be disproportionately affected by pollution,” said Jodi Bruno, acting director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement represents the commitment by EPA and the Biden administration to protecting all communities, especially those overburdened by environmental harm.”
In the settlement documents, EPA alleged that the company’s facilities emit lead, a hazardous air pollutant, as part of their manufacturing process. During 2022 and 2023 inspections at the Warrensburg and Springfield facilities, and after reviewing documents submitted to EPA by the company, EPA determined that the company failed to report to EPA when the facilities’ emission control equipment operated outside of the appropriate pressure range.
Further, the company failed to report what corrective actions the facilities took in response to these occurrences. EPA says that these reporting obligations exist to reduce the possibility of a severe failure of emission control equipment, which could result in excess lead emissions.
EPA identified the community surrounding one of EnerSys Energy’s Springfield facilities as a potentially sensitive area with respect to air toxics cancer risk and releases, Superfund and hazardous waste proximity, and wastewater discharges. The other two facilities were also identified as being close to pollution sources. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.
Learn more about EPA’s environmental justice and lead exposure reduction efforts, and its Air Enforcement program.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
According to EPA, the company will pay a $430,500 civil penalty and spend an estimated $250,000 in compliance costs to resolve the alleged violations.
“In addition to allegedly violating the Clean Air Act, EnerSys Energy’s facilities are located in communities determined by EPA to be disproportionately affected by pollution,” said Jodi Bruno, acting director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement represents the commitment by EPA and the Biden administration to protecting all communities, especially those overburdened by environmental harm.”
In the settlement documents, EPA alleged that the company’s facilities emit lead, a hazardous air pollutant, as part of their manufacturing process. During 2022 and 2023 inspections at the Warrensburg and Springfield facilities, and after reviewing documents submitted to EPA by the company, EPA determined that the company failed to report to EPA when the facilities’ emission control equipment operated outside of the appropriate pressure range.
Further, the company failed to report what corrective actions the facilities took in response to these occurrences. EPA says that these reporting obligations exist to reduce the possibility of a severe failure of emission control equipment, which could result in excess lead emissions.
EPA identified the community surrounding one of EnerSys Energy’s Springfield facilities as a potentially sensitive area with respect to air toxics cancer risk and releases, Superfund and hazardous waste proximity, and wastewater discharges. The other two facilities were also identified as being close to pollution sources. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.
Learn more about EPA’s environmental justice and lead exposure reduction efforts, and its Air Enforcement program.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
EPA Issues Notice of Violation to ACCEL Schools and Seeks Immediate Action to Address Asbestos and Lead Paint Concerns at Schools in Youngstown, Niles and Warren, Ohio
Today U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation under the Toxic Substances Control Act to ACCEL Schools Ohio LLC for asbestos and lead paint concerns at three of its public charter schools that may present hazards to students, faculty and staff. EPA discovered these issues during inspections at: Youngstown Academy of Excellence (1408 Rigby St., Youngstown); Niles Preparatory Academy (45 Chestnut Ave., Niles); STEAM Academy of Warren (261 Elm Road, Warren).
ACCEL must investigate the risk of exposure to lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, address materials which pose an imminent danger and monitor any other asbestos-containing material and lead-based paint at the three schools. EPA will also require ACCEL to prohibit anyone from entering affected areas until abatement work is finished.
“Protecting children’s health is a top priority for the agency – every child deserves a safe and healthy learning environment completely free of asbestos and lead paint hazards,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA will use its authority to make sure that ACCEL takes all actions necessary to safeguard all students and staff before returning to the schools.”
Invoking TSCA, EPA has subpoenaed ACCEL for records regarding Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act, or AHERA, compliance and lead-based paint renovations in all its schools located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. AHERA requires public school districts, charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions to inspect their schools for asbestos, prepare management plans and take action to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. AHERA also requires schools to notify parents about potential hazards inside the buildings.
ACCEL is a public charter school system that operates 77 in-person charter schools, primarily in Ohio, and 15 online schools across the nation. In March 2024, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency received a complaint with concerns about asbestos at Youngstown Academy of Excellence. The state conducted a visual inspection shortly after and notified EPA of the complaint and inspection findings due to EPA’s authority under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, or AHERA. In April 2024, EPA conducted its own visual inspections at Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy and STEAM Academy of Warren. As a result of the inspections, Ohio EPA and EPA learned ACCEL schools do not have required asbestos management plans, and informed ACCEL representatives of legal requirements, provided information about hazards and recommended hiring licensed and trained contractors.
The three schools are located in communities with environmental justice concerns. Environmental justice is the fair treatment of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Next Steps:
Blood lead testing can accurately measure children’s exposure to lead, including lead paint. EPA is working with state and local health officials to establish resources for impacted families. Concerned parents and guardians can contact their pediatrician or primary health care provider for information on blood lead testing.
EPA will ensure communication between families, teachers and staff and the local health departments while the abatement work is ongoing.
For information on lead regulation, exposure or potential effects, contact the National Lead Information Center Hotline.
For more information on asbestos exposure, visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry asbestos webpage or visit EPA’s website for information on asbestos and school buildings.
To report a possible violation of the AHERA and Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule requirements, please use EPA’s enforcement website for Enforcement and Compliance History Online, ECHO.
More information about the notice of violation to ACCEL will be posted on our website.
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ACCEL must investigate the risk of exposure to lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, address materials which pose an imminent danger and monitor any other asbestos-containing material and lead-based paint at the three schools. EPA will also require ACCEL to prohibit anyone from entering affected areas until abatement work is finished.
“Protecting children’s health is a top priority for the agency – every child deserves a safe and healthy learning environment completely free of asbestos and lead paint hazards,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA will use its authority to make sure that ACCEL takes all actions necessary to safeguard all students and staff before returning to the schools.”
Invoking TSCA, EPA has subpoenaed ACCEL for records regarding Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act, or AHERA, compliance and lead-based paint renovations in all its schools located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. AHERA requires public school districts, charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions to inspect their schools for asbestos, prepare management plans and take action to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. AHERA also requires schools to notify parents about potential hazards inside the buildings.
ACCEL is a public charter school system that operates 77 in-person charter schools, primarily in Ohio, and 15 online schools across the nation. In March 2024, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency received a complaint with concerns about asbestos at Youngstown Academy of Excellence. The state conducted a visual inspection shortly after and notified EPA of the complaint and inspection findings due to EPA’s authority under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, or AHERA. In April 2024, EPA conducted its own visual inspections at Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy and STEAM Academy of Warren. As a result of the inspections, Ohio EPA and EPA learned ACCEL schools do not have required asbestos management plans, and informed ACCEL representatives of legal requirements, provided information about hazards and recommended hiring licensed and trained contractors.
The three schools are located in communities with environmental justice concerns. Environmental justice is the fair treatment of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Next Steps:
Blood lead testing can accurately measure children’s exposure to lead, including lead paint. EPA is working with state and local health officials to establish resources for impacted families. Concerned parents and guardians can contact their pediatrician or primary health care provider for information on blood lead testing.
EPA will ensure communication between families, teachers and staff and the local health departments while the abatement work is ongoing.
For information on lead regulation, exposure or potential effects, contact the National Lead Information Center Hotline.
For more information on asbestos exposure, visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry asbestos webpage or visit EPA’s website for information on asbestos and school buildings.
To report a possible violation of the AHERA and Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule requirements, please use EPA’s enforcement website for Enforcement and Compliance History Online, ECHO.
More information about the notice of violation to ACCEL will be posted on our website.
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EPA completes drinking water sampling in Lahaina
Lahaina, Hawaii – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed drinking water sampling in the wildfire-impacted areas of Lahaina, which is a critical step in helping the County of Maui restore drinking water services to the community.
The County of Maui uses data from the sampling results to evaluate whether it is appropriate to amend the Unsafe Water Advisories. The current Unsafe Water Advisory remains in effect for certain areas of Lahaina Town, and water should not be used until the County of Maui amends the advisory.
“EPA has worked closely with county, state, and community leaders since the fires to assist in restoring drinking water and wastewater services to Lahaina Town,” said EPA Incident Commander Dawn Ison. “Finishing drinking water sample collection is a major step towards achieving that goal. EPA is honored to do our part in getting families back home.”
"EPA’s assistance has been absolutely critical to the speedy recovery, and I’ve been extremely impressed with the skill and dedication of the EPA staff. They have coordinated seamlessly with County staff and applied excellent problem-solving skills,” said County of Maui Drinking Water Supply Director John Stufflebean.
As requested by the County of Maui and state under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), EPA tested drinking water quality in the lateral service lines that connect water mains to properties with burned structures. If contamination was detected, or if a lateral was too damaged to be sampled, the line will be isolated from the main distribution line and marked for future replacement. To prepare for sampling the lateral lines, EPA also sampled the main drinking water distribution lines at hydrants to ensure they were clear of contaminants.
The completion of sampling marks a significant step in helping the County of Maui restore drinking water. EPA will continue working with the County of Maui to isolate lines for eventual replacement. In addition, staff from EPA Region 9 will continue to engage with the community and work with our government partners on a variety of recovery initiatives. EPA’s response teams continue to deeply appreciate the hospitality and aloha of the Lahaina community.
The County of Maui continues to make determinations on whether the water is potable and ready for use in areas of Lahaina Town that are under an Unsafe Water Advisory. Residents can track where to access safe drinking water and more at the County of Maui’s website, mauirecovers.org, or by calling the county directly at (808) 270-7550.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
The County of Maui uses data from the sampling results to evaluate whether it is appropriate to amend the Unsafe Water Advisories. The current Unsafe Water Advisory remains in effect for certain areas of Lahaina Town, and water should not be used until the County of Maui amends the advisory.
“EPA has worked closely with county, state, and community leaders since the fires to assist in restoring drinking water and wastewater services to Lahaina Town,” said EPA Incident Commander Dawn Ison. “Finishing drinking water sample collection is a major step towards achieving that goal. EPA is honored to do our part in getting families back home.”
"EPA’s assistance has been absolutely critical to the speedy recovery, and I’ve been extremely impressed with the skill and dedication of the EPA staff. They have coordinated seamlessly with County staff and applied excellent problem-solving skills,” said County of Maui Drinking Water Supply Director John Stufflebean.
As requested by the County of Maui and state under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), EPA tested drinking water quality in the lateral service lines that connect water mains to properties with burned structures. If contamination was detected, or if a lateral was too damaged to be sampled, the line will be isolated from the main distribution line and marked for future replacement. To prepare for sampling the lateral lines, EPA also sampled the main drinking water distribution lines at hydrants to ensure they were clear of contaminants.
The completion of sampling marks a significant step in helping the County of Maui restore drinking water. EPA will continue working with the County of Maui to isolate lines for eventual replacement. In addition, staff from EPA Region 9 will continue to engage with the community and work with our government partners on a variety of recovery initiatives. EPA’s response teams continue to deeply appreciate the hospitality and aloha of the Lahaina community.
The County of Maui continues to make determinations on whether the water is potable and ready for use in areas of Lahaina Town that are under an Unsafe Water Advisory. Residents can track where to access safe drinking water and more at the County of Maui’s website, mauirecovers.org, or by calling the county directly at (808) 270-7550.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
EPA to award $206,000 in grants to support Connecticut water quality monitoring and protect the health of beachgoers
BOSTON (June 13, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $9.75 million in grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including Connecticut, who will receive $206,000 in grant funding from this program.
"It is such an exciting time of the year for everyone to get outdoors and head out to waterways to have fun and cool off. The last thing anyone wants to have to think about, is if it's safe to go in the water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "With the BEACH Act funding, Massachusetts residents can have the peace of mind that our water quality at beaches is being monitored and protected, and we are all working together to make this summer the best it can be, and focus on splashing in the waves and soaking up the sun…with sunscreen, of course."
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA's allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
The EPA's 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
Connecticut Department of Public Health - $206,000
Maine Department of Environmental Protection - $254,000
Massachusetts Department of Public Health - $254,000
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - $194,000
Rhode Island Department of Health - $210,000
More information on BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
"It is such an exciting time of the year for everyone to get outdoors and head out to waterways to have fun and cool off. The last thing anyone wants to have to think about, is if it's safe to go in the water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "With the BEACH Act funding, Massachusetts residents can have the peace of mind that our water quality at beaches is being monitored and protected, and we are all working together to make this summer the best it can be, and focus on splashing in the waves and soaking up the sun…with sunscreen, of course."
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA's allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
The EPA's 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
Connecticut Department of Public Health - $206,000
Maine Department of Environmental Protection - $254,000
Massachusetts Department of Public Health - $254,000
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - $194,000
Rhode Island Department of Health - $210,000
More information on BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
EPA to award $254,000 in grants to support Maine water quality monitoring and protect the health of beachgoers
BOSTON (June 13, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $9.75 million in grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including Maine, who will receive $254,000 in grant funding from this program.
"It is such an exciting time of the year for everyone to get outdoors and head out to waterways to have fun and cool off. The last thing anyone wants to have to think about, is if it's safe to go in the water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "With the BEACH Act funding, Massachusetts residents can have the peace of mind that our water quality at beaches is being monitored and protected, and we are all working together to make this summer the best it can be, and focus on splashing in the waves and soaking up the sun…with sunscreen, of course."
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA's allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
The EPA's 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
Connecticut Department of Public Health - $206,000
Maine Department of Environmental Protection - $254,000
Massachusetts Department of Public Health - $254,000
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - $194,000
Rhode Island Department of Health - $210,000
More information on BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
"It is such an exciting time of the year for everyone to get outdoors and head out to waterways to have fun and cool off. The last thing anyone wants to have to think about, is if it's safe to go in the water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "With the BEACH Act funding, Massachusetts residents can have the peace of mind that our water quality at beaches is being monitored and protected, and we are all working together to make this summer the best it can be, and focus on splashing in the waves and soaking up the sun…with sunscreen, of course."
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA's allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
The EPA's 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
Connecticut Department of Public Health - $206,000
Maine Department of Environmental Protection - $254,000
Massachusetts Department of Public Health - $254,000
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - $194,000
Rhode Island Department of Health - $210,000
More information on BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
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