Biden-Harris Administration Announces $411,000 in Available Grants to Upgrade Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (May 10, 2024) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of nearly $411,000 for Alabama through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs. Safely managing stormwater is critical to preventing contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting waterways. EPA’s grant funding is available to states to support projects in cities and towns that will strengthen their stormwater collection systems to be more resilient against increasingly intense rain events made worse by the climate crisis.
“Our nation’s waterways are vital to healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity, and give us opportunities to swim and to fish. Keeping our waterways clean and safe is essential, and stormwater runoff is one of the biggest pollution challenges facing our water ecosystems,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is making grant funds available for stormwater solutions. Because it does not have to be paid back, this funding is especially effective in helping disadvantaged communities protect their waterways.”
“Sewer overflows can cause significant health and environmental problems in communities, and this historic grant funding for stormwater and sewer upgrades will encourage and support better health for people and the environment,” said Jeaneanne M. Gettle, Acting Region 4 Administrator. “By Improving the infrastructure in the Southeast communities will be able to meet the challenges presented by a changing climate.”
When rain and floodwaters overrun combined sewer and stormwater systems, they bypass treatment and transport pollution and sewage directly into creeks, streams, and rivers. These untreated discharges threaten human health, economic prosperity, and ecological function. Stormwater management is a complex challenge for communities across the country. Through changes made by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this grant program will prioritize stormwater infrastructure projects in rural (population of 10,000 or less) and/or financially distressed communities and prevent cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities.
Additional funding for stormwater and wastewater upgrades is available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is providing $11.7 billion to states to upgrade wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Additionally, the seventh round of EPA’s WIFIA financing is available—with $6.5 billion through WIFIA and $1 billion through the State infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA). EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA, a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
These programs advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which sets a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.
Background
Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.
EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a fixed portion of the costs associated with all projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25% of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in rural and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in rural or financially distressed communities. However, grant portions that go to communities other than rural or financially distressed communities will include a cost share requirement.
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“Our nation’s waterways are vital to healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity, and give us opportunities to swim and to fish. Keeping our waterways clean and safe is essential, and stormwater runoff is one of the biggest pollution challenges facing our water ecosystems,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is making grant funds available for stormwater solutions. Because it does not have to be paid back, this funding is especially effective in helping disadvantaged communities protect their waterways.”
“Sewer overflows can cause significant health and environmental problems in communities, and this historic grant funding for stormwater and sewer upgrades will encourage and support better health for people and the environment,” said Jeaneanne M. Gettle, Acting Region 4 Administrator. “By Improving the infrastructure in the Southeast communities will be able to meet the challenges presented by a changing climate.”
When rain and floodwaters overrun combined sewer and stormwater systems, they bypass treatment and transport pollution and sewage directly into creeks, streams, and rivers. These untreated discharges threaten human health, economic prosperity, and ecological function. Stormwater management is a complex challenge for communities across the country. Through changes made by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this grant program will prioritize stormwater infrastructure projects in rural (population of 10,000 or less) and/or financially distressed communities and prevent cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities.
Additional funding for stormwater and wastewater upgrades is available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is providing $11.7 billion to states to upgrade wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Additionally, the seventh round of EPA’s WIFIA financing is available—with $6.5 billion through WIFIA and $1 billion through the State infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA). EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA, a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
These programs advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which sets a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.
Background
Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.
EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a fixed portion of the costs associated with all projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25% of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in rural and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in rural or financially distressed communities. However, grant portions that go to communities other than rural or financially distressed communities will include a cost share requirement.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $327,000 in Available Grants to Upgrade Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, SC (May 10, 2024) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of nearly $327,000 for South Carolina through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs. Safely managing stormwater is critical to preventing contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting waterways. EPA’s grant funding is available to states to support projects in cities and towns that will strengthen their stormwater collection systems to be more resilient against increasingly intense rain events made worse by the climate crisis.
“Our nation’s waterways are vital to healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity, and give us opportunities to swim and to fish. Keeping our waterways clean and safe is essential, and stormwater runoff is one of the biggest pollution challenges facing our water ecosystems,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is making grant funds available for stormwater solutions. Because it does not have to be paid back, this funding is especially effective in helping disadvantaged communities protect their waterways.”
“Sewer overflows can cause significant health and environmental problems in communities, and this historic grant funding for stormwater and sewer upgrades will encourage and support better health for people and the environment,” said Jeaneanne M. Gettle, Acting Region 4 Administrator. “By Improving the infrastructure in the Southeast communities will be able to meet the challenges presented by a changing climate.”
When rain and floodwaters overrun combined sewer and stormwater systems, they bypass treatment and transport pollution and sewage directly into creeks, streams, and rivers. These untreated discharges threaten human health, economic prosperity, and ecological function. Stormwater management is a complex challenge for communities across the country. Through changes made by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this grant program will prioritize stormwater infrastructure projects in rural (population of 10,000 or less) and/or financially distressed communities and prevent cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities.
Additional funding for stormwater and wastewater upgrades is available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is providing $11.7 billion to states to upgrade wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Additionally, the seventh round of EPA’s WIFIA financing is available—with $6.5 billion through WIFIA and $1 billion through the State infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA). EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA, a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
These programs advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which sets a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.
Background
Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.
EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a fixed portion of the costs associated with all projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25% of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in rural and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in rural or financially distressed communities. However, grant portions that go to communities other than rural or financially distressed communities will include a cost share requirement.
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“Our nation’s waterways are vital to healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity, and give us opportunities to swim and to fish. Keeping our waterways clean and safe is essential, and stormwater runoff is one of the biggest pollution challenges facing our water ecosystems,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is making grant funds available for stormwater solutions. Because it does not have to be paid back, this funding is especially effective in helping disadvantaged communities protect their waterways.”
“Sewer overflows can cause significant health and environmental problems in communities, and this historic grant funding for stormwater and sewer upgrades will encourage and support better health for people and the environment,” said Jeaneanne M. Gettle, Acting Region 4 Administrator. “By Improving the infrastructure in the Southeast communities will be able to meet the challenges presented by a changing climate.”
When rain and floodwaters overrun combined sewer and stormwater systems, they bypass treatment and transport pollution and sewage directly into creeks, streams, and rivers. These untreated discharges threaten human health, economic prosperity, and ecological function. Stormwater management is a complex challenge for communities across the country. Through changes made by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this grant program will prioritize stormwater infrastructure projects in rural (population of 10,000 or less) and/or financially distressed communities and prevent cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities.
Additional funding for stormwater and wastewater upgrades is available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is providing $11.7 billion to states to upgrade wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Additionally, the seventh round of EPA’s WIFIA financing is available—with $6.5 billion through WIFIA and $1 billion through the State infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA). EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA, a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
These programs advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which sets a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.
Background
Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.
EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a fixed portion of the costs associated with all projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25% of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in rural and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in rural or financially distressed communities. However, grant portions that go to communities other than rural or financially distressed communities will include a cost share requirement.
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Public-private backing pushes Delaware’s Edgemoor terminal project forward
The private-equity backed Enstructure unveiled a public-private partnership with Delaware that will eventually increase Wilmington’s annual capacity to more than 1.5 million TEUs.
Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses
Sun safety is always in season. It’s important to protect your skin from sun damage throughout the year, no matter the weather. The FDA continues to evaluate sunscreen products to ensure that their active ingredients are safe and effective.
Should You Put Sunscreen on Infants? Not Usually
Your infant’s sensitive skin is vulnerable to serious burns. But sunscreen isn’t the answer. Infants are at greater risk than adults of sunscreen side effects, such as a rash. The FDA recommends keeping newborns and babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight.
EPA settles “Clean Air Act” case in Taunton, Mass
BOSTON (May 9, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) settled an administrative penalty case with Professional Contract Sterilization, Inc. (PCS) for alleged violations of Clean Air Act reporting requirements at their Ethylene Oxide sterilization facility in Taunton, Massachusetts.
The case was settled on February 6, 2024, with a Consent Agreement and Final Order with PCS agreeing to pay a settlement penalty of $15,000, an amount determined appropriate by EPA based on its review of the company's financial ability to pay a penalty.
"We need to know if the air we're breathing is safe!" said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Tracking emissions and control measures from permitted facilities is one of the many important ways EPA ensures our loved ones are protected from harmful health issues - and our environment remains resilient."
Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless and carcinogenic gas. Long-term human exposure to ethylene oxide has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including leukemia and breast cancer. While ethylene oxide is primarily used to make other chemicals, such as antifreeze, it is also used as a sterilizing agent. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, approximately 50 percent of sterile medical devices, or roughly 20 billion devices per year, are sterilized with ethylene oxide.
In April 2023, EPA proposed to significantly strengthen and update emissions standards for ethylene oxide emitted into the air from commercial sterilizers like PCS in order to reduce the long-term risks for workers at these sterilization facilities as well as people living in nearby communities.
In March 2024, EPA announced a rule that will reduce lifetime cancer risks for people living near commercial sterilization facilities across the country. The final amendments to the air toxics standards for ethylene oxide commercial sterilization facilities put in place the strongest measures in U.S. history to reduce emissions of EtO, one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals. Through the installation of proven and achievable air pollution controls, commercial sterilizers will reduce emissions by more than 90%.
Background:
In September 2021, EPA issued an information collection request to commercial Ethylene Oxide sterilization facilities nationwide, including PCS, to determine whether these sterilizers contributed to elevated cancer risk for residents of surrounding communities. After PCS allegedly failed to provide the information, EPA issued a testing requirement in April 2022 directing the company to test its Ethylene Oxide sterilization facility's emissions control system.
Subsequently, EPA filed an administrative complaint against the company in June 2022 alleging that PCS failed to submit information regarding its sterilization operation and to timely submit a plan to test whether its emissions control system was working properly. PCS completed its submission of the information requested in July 2022 after the complaint was filed and tested the performance of its emissions control system in April 2023. EPA staff was present during the performance test, reviewed the test results, and determined that PCS's control systems were meeting the current control efficiency standards.
A copy of the Consent Agreement and Final Order can be provided upon request.
The case was settled on February 6, 2024, with a Consent Agreement and Final Order with PCS agreeing to pay a settlement penalty of $15,000, an amount determined appropriate by EPA based on its review of the company's financial ability to pay a penalty.
"We need to know if the air we're breathing is safe!" said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Tracking emissions and control measures from permitted facilities is one of the many important ways EPA ensures our loved ones are protected from harmful health issues - and our environment remains resilient."
Ethylene oxide is a flammable, colorless and carcinogenic gas. Long-term human exposure to ethylene oxide has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including leukemia and breast cancer. While ethylene oxide is primarily used to make other chemicals, such as antifreeze, it is also used as a sterilizing agent. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, approximately 50 percent of sterile medical devices, or roughly 20 billion devices per year, are sterilized with ethylene oxide.
In April 2023, EPA proposed to significantly strengthen and update emissions standards for ethylene oxide emitted into the air from commercial sterilizers like PCS in order to reduce the long-term risks for workers at these sterilization facilities as well as people living in nearby communities.
In March 2024, EPA announced a rule that will reduce lifetime cancer risks for people living near commercial sterilization facilities across the country. The final amendments to the air toxics standards for ethylene oxide commercial sterilization facilities put in place the strongest measures in U.S. history to reduce emissions of EtO, one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals. Through the installation of proven and achievable air pollution controls, commercial sterilizers will reduce emissions by more than 90%.
Background:
In September 2021, EPA issued an information collection request to commercial Ethylene Oxide sterilization facilities nationwide, including PCS, to determine whether these sterilizers contributed to elevated cancer risk for residents of surrounding communities. After PCS allegedly failed to provide the information, EPA issued a testing requirement in April 2022 directing the company to test its Ethylene Oxide sterilization facility's emissions control system.
Subsequently, EPA filed an administrative complaint against the company in June 2022 alleging that PCS failed to submit information regarding its sterilization operation and to timely submit a plan to test whether its emissions control system was working properly. PCS completed its submission of the information requested in July 2022 after the complaint was filed and tested the performance of its emissions control system in April 2023. EPA staff was present during the performance test, reviewed the test results, and determined that PCS's control systems were meeting the current control efficiency standards.
A copy of the Consent Agreement and Final Order can be provided upon request.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $41 million in Available Grants to Upgrade Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – Today, May 9, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of nearly $41 million in funding through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs. Safely managing stormwater is critical to preventing contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting waterways. EPA’s grant funding is available to states to support projects in cities and towns that will strengthen their stormwater collection systems to be more resilient against increasingly intense rain events made worse by the climate crisis.
“Our nation’s waterways are vital to healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity, and give us opportunities to swim and to fish. Keeping our waterways clean and safe is essential, and stormwater runoff is one of the biggest pollution challenges facing our water ecosystems,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is making grant funds available for stormwater solutions. Because it does not have to be paid back, this funding is especially effective in helping disadvantaged communities protect their waterways.”
When rain and floodwaters overrun sewer and stormwater systems, they bypass treatment and transport pollution and sewage directly into creeks, streams, and rivers. These untreated discharges threaten human health, economic prosperity, and ecological function. Stormwater management is a complex challenge for communities across the country. Through changes made by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this grant program will prioritize stormwater infrastructure projects in small and/or financially distressed and disadvantaged communities and prevent cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities.
Additional funding for stormwater and wastewater upgrades is available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is providing $11.7 billion to states to upgrade wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Additionally, the seventh round of EPA’s WIFIA financing is available—with $6.5 billion through WIFIA and $1 billion through SWIFIA. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA, a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
These programs advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which sets a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.
Background
Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.
EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a fixed portion of the costs associated with all projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25% of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in small and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in small or financially distressed communities. However, grant portions that go to communities other than small or financially distressed communities will include a cost share requirement.
“Our nation’s waterways are vital to healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity, and give us opportunities to swim and to fish. Keeping our waterways clean and safe is essential, and stormwater runoff is one of the biggest pollution challenges facing our water ecosystems,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is making grant funds available for stormwater solutions. Because it does not have to be paid back, this funding is especially effective in helping disadvantaged communities protect their waterways.”
When rain and floodwaters overrun sewer and stormwater systems, they bypass treatment and transport pollution and sewage directly into creeks, streams, and rivers. These untreated discharges threaten human health, economic prosperity, and ecological function. Stormwater management is a complex challenge for communities across the country. Through changes made by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this grant program will prioritize stormwater infrastructure projects in small and/or financially distressed and disadvantaged communities and prevent cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities.
Additional funding for stormwater and wastewater upgrades is available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is providing $11.7 billion to states to upgrade wastewater infrastructure through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Additionally, the seventh round of EPA’s WIFIA financing is available—with $6.5 billion through WIFIA and $1 billion through SWIFIA. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA, a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.
These programs advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative which sets a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.
Background
Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.
EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a fixed portion of the costs associated with all projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25% of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in small and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in small or financially distressed communities. However, grant portions that go to communities other than small or financially distressed communities will include a cost share requirement.
EPA Emergency Response Team Prepares for Hurricane Season
DALLAS, TEXAS – (May 9, 2024) Emergency response teams at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are preparing for the Gulf Coast hurricane season, which begins June 1. Staff members known as on-scene coordinators (OSCs) are trained in disaster response and work with state, local and Tribal partners to prepare for potential storms. This includes providing guidelines for industrial facilities for preventing, minimizing and reporting chemical releases. Facility operators are obligated to maintain safety, minimize releases that do occur, and report chemical or oil releases and discharges in a timely manner, as required under regulations such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.
Unlike some natural disasters, hurricanes and tropical storms are predictable and usually allow facilities to prepare for potential impacts. EPA reminds operators of some basic steps to prepare for hazardous weather:
Review procedures for shutting down processes and securing facilities appropriately—especially hazardous chemical storage—or otherwise implement appropriate safe operating procedures.
Review updated state-federal guidelines for flooding preparedness, https://response.epa.gov/sites/5083/files/RRT-6-Fact.Sheets.Compendium.pdf.
Assure all employees are familiar with requirements and procedures to contact the National Response Center in case a spill or release occurs.
Review local response contacts, including Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs). A list of these contacts by state is available here.
In the spring, OSCs from EPA Region 6 coordinate with LEPCs, which include local response personnel from city or county emergency management, police, fire, and other departments to prepare for hurricane season. OSCs also regularly coordinate and train with state emergency management teams and other federal agencies to prepare for various disaster scenarios.
Prevention and reporting requirements for facilities are available at our Hazardous Weather Release Prevention and Reporting webpage.
In the event of a hazardous weather incident, please visit our Natural Disasters webpage for updated emergency information.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Unlike some natural disasters, hurricanes and tropical storms are predictable and usually allow facilities to prepare for potential impacts. EPA reminds operators of some basic steps to prepare for hazardous weather:
Review procedures for shutting down processes and securing facilities appropriately—especially hazardous chemical storage—or otherwise implement appropriate safe operating procedures.
Review updated state-federal guidelines for flooding preparedness, https://response.epa.gov/sites/5083/files/RRT-6-Fact.Sheets.Compendium.pdf.
Assure all employees are familiar with requirements and procedures to contact the National Response Center in case a spill or release occurs.
Review local response contacts, including Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs). A list of these contacts by state is available here.
In the spring, OSCs from EPA Region 6 coordinate with LEPCs, which include local response personnel from city or county emergency management, police, fire, and other departments to prepare for hurricane season. OSCs also regularly coordinate and train with state emergency management teams and other federal agencies to prepare for various disaster scenarios.
Prevention and reporting requirements for facilities are available at our Hazardous Weather Release Prevention and Reporting webpage.
In the event of a hazardous weather incident, please visit our Natural Disasters webpage for updated emergency information.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.