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.
Biden-Harris Administration Reports Significant Progress Toward Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning
WASHINGTON-Today, May 9, the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children is publishing the Progress Report on the Federal Lead Action Plan, a comprehensive update on the government’s progress since 2018 toward reducing childhood lead exposures. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as co-leading members of the Task Force’s Lead Exposures Subcommittee, are leading aggressive actions to combat lead exposure.
“We’ve made excellent progress toward protecting children from the risks of lead exposure, advancing President Biden’s commitment to environmental justice and protections for all communities,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The federal family has taken meaningful steps that will reduce lead exposure, and we are united in our commitment to improve children’s health and to ensure that populations overburdened with pollution have the opportunity to lead healthier lives.”
Children are our future. We must ensure that they have safe places to learn and grow. This progress report outlines the steps we are taking to ensure that healthier future by reducing childhood exposure to lead and shows the Biden-Harris commitment to environmental justice and health equity for all,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine.
"Protecting the health of vulnerable populations, especially children and families with limited resources, is paramount. Our Task Force's progress in implementing the Action Plan reflects the Biden-Harris administration's shared commitment to investing resources in lead safety programs," said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. "The individual programs to implement Justice40 and additional administration initiatives are complemented by the many interagency activities described in the progress report."
The 2018 Federal Lead Action Plan was released with a clear vision: to reduce childhood exposure to lead and its harmful effects. Since then, the federal government has been working to implement strategies outlined in the plan, and leveraging partnerships with states, Tribes, local communities, business, and caregivers to achieve this shared goal.
The progress report summarizes the significant strides made toward reducing lead exposure and improving children’s health through landmark initiatives including:
Reducing lead in drinking water, land, air, food, housing, and consumer products,
Improving childhood lead poisoning testing to improve children’s health outcomes,
Enhancing lead hazard communication with partners and the public with streamlined messaging,
Supporting critical research that informs efforts to reduce lead exposures and health risks, and much more.
The President’s Task Force is the focal point for the federal government to scope, plan, and act together for the betterment of children’s environmental health and safety. The Task Force engages multiple government departments, agencies, and other federal partners to coordinate efforts to address the array of environmental and social stressors that threaten the health of children, with particular focus on areas including lead exposures, asthma disparities, chemical exposures, climate change, emergencies, and disasters. These efforts have complemented the Biden-Harris Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, which laid out over 15 new commitments from more than 10 federal agencies to make sure that the federal government marshals every resource and every tool it can to make rapid progress towards ensuring a lead-free future. These efforts have also complemented the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Read the Progress Report on the Federal Lead Action Plan.
Learn more about The President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children.
Join the Task Force email list
“We’ve made excellent progress toward protecting children from the risks of lead exposure, advancing President Biden’s commitment to environmental justice and protections for all communities,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “The federal family has taken meaningful steps that will reduce lead exposure, and we are united in our commitment to improve children’s health and to ensure that populations overburdened with pollution have the opportunity to lead healthier lives.”
Children are our future. We must ensure that they have safe places to learn and grow. This progress report outlines the steps we are taking to ensure that healthier future by reducing childhood exposure to lead and shows the Biden-Harris commitment to environmental justice and health equity for all,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine.
"Protecting the health of vulnerable populations, especially children and families with limited resources, is paramount. Our Task Force's progress in implementing the Action Plan reflects the Biden-Harris administration's shared commitment to investing resources in lead safety programs," said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. "The individual programs to implement Justice40 and additional administration initiatives are complemented by the many interagency activities described in the progress report."
The 2018 Federal Lead Action Plan was released with a clear vision: to reduce childhood exposure to lead and its harmful effects. Since then, the federal government has been working to implement strategies outlined in the plan, and leveraging partnerships with states, Tribes, local communities, business, and caregivers to achieve this shared goal.
The progress report summarizes the significant strides made toward reducing lead exposure and improving children’s health through landmark initiatives including:
Reducing lead in drinking water, land, air, food, housing, and consumer products,
Improving childhood lead poisoning testing to improve children’s health outcomes,
Enhancing lead hazard communication with partners and the public with streamlined messaging,
Supporting critical research that informs efforts to reduce lead exposures and health risks, and much more.
The President’s Task Force is the focal point for the federal government to scope, plan, and act together for the betterment of children’s environmental health and safety. The Task Force engages multiple government departments, agencies, and other federal partners to coordinate efforts to address the array of environmental and social stressors that threaten the health of children, with particular focus on areas including lead exposures, asthma disparities, chemical exposures, climate change, emergencies, and disasters. These efforts have complemented the Biden-Harris Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, which laid out over 15 new commitments from more than 10 federal agencies to make sure that the federal government marshals every resource and every tool it can to make rapid progress towards ensuring a lead-free future. These efforts have also complemented the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Read the Progress Report on the Federal Lead Action Plan.
Learn more about The President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children.
Join the Task Force email list
Strong consumer spending drives another import upgrade from US retailers
The National Retail Federation has once again increased its forecast for imports into the 2024 peak shipping season, saying consumer spending remains strong despite geopolitical turmoil and stubbornly high inflation.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom Highlight California Child Nutrition Programs During School Visit
LOS ANGELES, California, May 8, 2024 – Today, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom visited Sotomayor Academies in Los Angeles to spotlight efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure all children have access to healthy, nutritious meals while at school and spotlight the California Farm to School and universal school meals initiatives.
EPA, FDA, and USDA Issue Joint Regulatory Plan for Biotechnology
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2024 - In response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a plan to update, streamline, and clarify their regulations and oversight mechanisms for products of biotechnology.
Vancouver works through rail dwell woes while warily eyeing labor talks
Terminal operators in Vancouver are bracing for a possible strike by railroad conductors and engineers later this month just as the terminals are beginning to experience reduced rail container dwell times.
EPA Region 7 Invites Public to Attend Virtual Environmental Justice Community Stakeholder Meeting
LENEXA, KAN. (MAY 8, 2024) – EPA Region 7’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Program invites the public to join its quarterly Community Stakeholder Meeting that is open to all community members in Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations.
EPA will hold the virtual meeting on Thursday, May 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
“Environmental justice” means the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, tribal affiliation, or disability, in Agency decision-making and other federal activities that affect human health and the environment, so that people:
Are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects, risks, and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers.
Have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.
During this meeting, EPA officials will provide information on:
EPA Region 7’s new Environmental Justice, Community Engagement, and Environmental Review Division
Asthma Awareness Month: How to access and use various EPA data sources
PFAS updates
Upcoming Kansas City Community, Equity, and Resiliency Roadshow
How to apply for funding and eligible activities:
Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program
Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
EJ Grantee Spotlight:
Springfield Community Gardens, Springfield, Missouri
Center for Rural Affairs, Lyons, Nebraska
This meeting will also provide an opportunity for attendees to speak with EJ program staff and ask questions, highlight concerns, and learn more about EJ updates. Hearing from community members will help EPA better understand and more effectively serve local communities. This meeting will also provide an opportunity to network with other community members and organizations engaged in similar work.
EPA staff may not be able to answer all questions during the virtual meeting, but we will track questions and refer them to the most appropriate subject matter expert within EPA Region 7. Spanish-language interpretation and other interpretive services may be provided if requested during the registration process through the link below.
Register to attend the meeting here.
Individuals are encouraged to submit suggested topics of discussion or questions, at any time, to R7-EJ-Stakeholders@epa.gov.
For any other questions related to the meeting, please call EPA Region 7’s customer service line at 1-800-223-0425 and ask for Monica Espinosa.
# # #
Learn more about environmental justice
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
EPA will hold the virtual meeting on Thursday, May 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
“Environmental justice” means the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, tribal affiliation, or disability, in Agency decision-making and other federal activities that affect human health and the environment, so that people:
Are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects, risks, and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers.
Have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.
During this meeting, EPA officials will provide information on:
EPA Region 7’s new Environmental Justice, Community Engagement, and Environmental Review Division
Asthma Awareness Month: How to access and use various EPA data sources
PFAS updates
Upcoming Kansas City Community, Equity, and Resiliency Roadshow
How to apply for funding and eligible activities:
Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program
Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
EJ Grantee Spotlight:
Springfield Community Gardens, Springfield, Missouri
Center for Rural Affairs, Lyons, Nebraska
This meeting will also provide an opportunity for attendees to speak with EJ program staff and ask questions, highlight concerns, and learn more about EJ updates. Hearing from community members will help EPA better understand and more effectively serve local communities. This meeting will also provide an opportunity to network with other community members and organizations engaged in similar work.
EPA staff may not be able to answer all questions during the virtual meeting, but we will track questions and refer them to the most appropriate subject matter expert within EPA Region 7. Spanish-language interpretation and other interpretive services may be provided if requested during the registration process through the link below.
Register to attend the meeting here.
Individuals are encouraged to submit suggested topics of discussion or questions, at any time, to R7-EJ-Stakeholders@epa.gov.
For any other questions related to the meeting, please call EPA Region 7’s customer service line at 1-800-223-0425 and ask for Monica Espinosa.
# # #
Learn more about environmental justice
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
EPA and TPWR Developer, LLC, CBG Building Company LLC, and Bowman Consulting DC Settle Stormwater Case, Protecting Water Quality in Washington, D.C.
PHILADELPHIA (May 8, 2024) TPWR Developer, LLC, CBG Building Company LLC, and Bowman Consulting DC have settled alleged violations of regulations designed to protect America’s waterways from polluted stormwater runoff, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.
In an administrative consent agreement with EPA, the companies have agreed to pay a $27,000 penalty, and implement a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), to settle alleged Clean Water Act violations involving storm water runoff from The Parks at Walter Reed construction site to Rock Creek and downstream waterways.
The Parks at Walter Reed is a multi-use development construction site in Washington, D.C. consisting of apartment and commercial spaces, located on the former Walter Reed Army Hospital grounds.
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from construction and industrial sites often contains sediment, oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients and other pollutants. The Clean Water Act requires owners of certain construction and industrial operations to obtain a permit before discharging stormwater runoff into waterways. These permits include pollution-reducing practices such as runoff reduction measures, spill prevention safeguards, material storage and coverage requirements, and employee training.
In the consent agreement, EPA cited the companies for failing to have the required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage for stormwater discharges, in violation of the Clean Water Act. To correct these violations, the companies submitted Notices of Intent for coverage under EPA’s NPDES Construction General Permit, which were approved by EPA.
In addition to the penalty, the companies will also spend at least $40,000 to implement a SEP in Rock Creek Park that will help protect the Hay’s Spring amphipod, Washington D.C.’s only endangered species. The companies will help restore the amphipod’s spring habitats, revegetate social trail entrances, and plant trees and plants native to Rock Creek Park to provide stabilization and tree cover. This project will be performed with oversight from the National Park Service.
For more information about EPA’s storm water program, visit https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program.
In an administrative consent agreement with EPA, the companies have agreed to pay a $27,000 penalty, and implement a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), to settle alleged Clean Water Act violations involving storm water runoff from The Parks at Walter Reed construction site to Rock Creek and downstream waterways.
The Parks at Walter Reed is a multi-use development construction site in Washington, D.C. consisting of apartment and commercial spaces, located on the former Walter Reed Army Hospital grounds.
Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from construction and industrial sites often contains sediment, oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients and other pollutants. The Clean Water Act requires owners of certain construction and industrial operations to obtain a permit before discharging stormwater runoff into waterways. These permits include pollution-reducing practices such as runoff reduction measures, spill prevention safeguards, material storage and coverage requirements, and employee training.
In the consent agreement, EPA cited the companies for failing to have the required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage for stormwater discharges, in violation of the Clean Water Act. To correct these violations, the companies submitted Notices of Intent for coverage under EPA’s NPDES Construction General Permit, which were approved by EPA.
In addition to the penalty, the companies will also spend at least $40,000 to implement a SEP in Rock Creek Park that will help protect the Hay’s Spring amphipod, Washington D.C.’s only endangered species. The companies will help restore the amphipod’s spring habitats, revegetate social trail entrances, and plant trees and plants native to Rock Creek Park to provide stabilization and tree cover. This project will be performed with oversight from the National Park Service.
For more information about EPA’s storm water program, visit https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program.