EPA Begins Cleanup at the Cheboygan Tissue Fire Site in Michigan
CHICAGO (April 18, 2024) – This spring, U.S Environmental Protection Agency began cleanup of the remaining hazardous waste exposed by a structural fire at a warehouse on Sept. 13, 2023, at 502 N. Main St. in Cheboygan, Michigan. The agency anticipates the ongoing cleanup will take a few months.
The cleanup involves removing hazardous debris including a catch basin contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, along with a large quantity of mixed recyclable material that is ignitable--or potentially combustible under certain conditions. Waste will be separated from scrap metal, treated to reduce residual heat and disposed at an approved, off-site facility. The EPA will continue to monitor the air for soot and volatile organic compounds at the site and in the adjacent neighborhood during the cleanup is finished.
The EPA is coordinating with the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Cheboygan County, the city of Cheboygan, and facility owner’s representatives to ensure a safe, timely, and effective cleanup.
During the fire and its aftermath last year, the EPA monitored the air, sampled surface water on the Cheboygan River, and removed debris from the river and affected neighborhoods as requested by local emergency responders.
For more information, please visit the Cheboygan Tissue Fire website.
The cleanup involves removing hazardous debris including a catch basin contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, along with a large quantity of mixed recyclable material that is ignitable--or potentially combustible under certain conditions. Waste will be separated from scrap metal, treated to reduce residual heat and disposed at an approved, off-site facility. The EPA will continue to monitor the air for soot and volatile organic compounds at the site and in the adjacent neighborhood during the cleanup is finished.
The EPA is coordinating with the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Cheboygan County, the city of Cheboygan, and facility owner’s representatives to ensure a safe, timely, and effective cleanup.
During the fire and its aftermath last year, the EPA monitored the air, sampled surface water on the Cheboygan River, and removed debris from the river and affected neighborhoods as requested by local emergency responders.
For more information, please visit the Cheboygan Tissue Fire website.
USDA Partners With Reinvestment Fund to Increase Equitable Access to Healthy Foods Across Country
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 17, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is partnering with Reinvestment Fund to help organizations strengthen local food financing programs and improve access to healthy foods in underserved communities across the country.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments and Promotions
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the names of individuals who hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.
Alysia K. Peters has been appointed Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs
Alysia K. Peters has been appointed Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs
EPA paves the way for clean buses at Fairfax County Public Schools
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz and U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11) celebrated one of EPA's first Clean School Bus grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law being awarded to Fairfax County Public Schools during a ceremony at Lorton Station Elementary School in Lorton, Virginia.
A Student from Fairfax County Public School speaks during the event.With county and local leaders, school officials, and representatives from nonprofits also in attendance, the event commemorated the $16.5 million grant, made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, that will bring 42 electric buses to the Fairfax County Public School bus fleet for cleaner air and a healthier quality of life for children across the county.
“This is an exciting day to celebrate Fairfax County Public Schools on its journey to a greener future,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the EPA's Clean School Bus grant, this community will receive a boost in its efforts to reduce emissions through sustainable transportation, marking a significant investment that will lead to cleaner air, healthier students and a greener tomorrow.”
During the event, elected leaders and other stakeholders highlighted the importance of EPA’s Clean School Bus program in transitioning from older diesel engines linked to asthma and other conditions.
“Fairfax County is home to one of the largest school districts in the country,” said U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11). “Every day, thousands of students, staff, and parents are in and around school buses, exposed by no choice of their own to diesel exhaust and other toxins. That changes today. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I voted for, and President Biden signed into law, Fairfax County will soon be home to 42 brand new electric school buses. That’s good news for our planet and it’s good news for our students. Today is a great day for Fairfax County, and I am so proud to be part of it.”
The EPA announced Fairfax County Public Schools’ selection through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program grants competition in January 2024.
This grant will provide some of the first EPA-funded electric clean school buses to Fairfax County Public Schools, which partnered with Dominion Energy for infrastructure installation. The 42 new electric buses will join the current Fairfax County Public Schools bus fleet responsible for transporting more than 141,000 students daily.
“We are honored and excited to be among the recipients of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Awards,” said Dr. Michelle Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. “This recognition not only underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship but also reflects our ongoing efforts to provide healthier, cleaner transportation for all Fairfax County Public Schools students.”
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. It funds clean school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air.
The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
Visit the EPA’s website for more information on the Clean School Bus program.
A Student from Fairfax County Public School speaks during the event.With county and local leaders, school officials, and representatives from nonprofits also in attendance, the event commemorated the $16.5 million grant, made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, that will bring 42 electric buses to the Fairfax County Public School bus fleet for cleaner air and a healthier quality of life for children across the county.
“This is an exciting day to celebrate Fairfax County Public Schools on its journey to a greener future,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the EPA's Clean School Bus grant, this community will receive a boost in its efforts to reduce emissions through sustainable transportation, marking a significant investment that will lead to cleaner air, healthier students and a greener tomorrow.”
During the event, elected leaders and other stakeholders highlighted the importance of EPA’s Clean School Bus program in transitioning from older diesel engines linked to asthma and other conditions.
“Fairfax County is home to one of the largest school districts in the country,” said U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11). “Every day, thousands of students, staff, and parents are in and around school buses, exposed by no choice of their own to diesel exhaust and other toxins. That changes today. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I voted for, and President Biden signed into law, Fairfax County will soon be home to 42 brand new electric school buses. That’s good news for our planet and it’s good news for our students. Today is a great day for Fairfax County, and I am so proud to be part of it.”
The EPA announced Fairfax County Public Schools’ selection through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program grants competition in January 2024.
This grant will provide some of the first EPA-funded electric clean school buses to Fairfax County Public Schools, which partnered with Dominion Energy for infrastructure installation. The 42 new electric buses will join the current Fairfax County Public Schools bus fleet responsible for transporting more than 141,000 students daily.
“We are honored and excited to be among the recipients of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Awards,” said Dr. Michelle Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. “This recognition not only underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship but also reflects our ongoing efforts to provide healthier, cleaner transportation for all Fairfax County Public Schools students.”
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. It funds clean school buses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air.
The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
Visit the EPA’s website for more information on the Clean School Bus program.
$15 million construction project for the Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site slated to start this summer
WILLISTON, Vt. (April 17, 2024) – Starting this summer, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC), with EPA oversight, will break ground on a remedial action for the cleanup of groundwater at the Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site in Williston, Vermont. The goal of this work is to cleanup groundwater to meet VTDEC drinking water requirements and prevent the spread of trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination. More information on this work can be found in VTDEC factsheet: Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site Groundwater Remedial Action Update (pdf) (1.1 MB).
In order to inform the local community about the construction activities happening at the site, VTDEC is hosting a public meeting on April 29, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Williston Town Hall (7900 Williston Rd, Williston, VT 05495) with representatives from EPA in attendance. Join the meeting in person or virtually by clicking this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84071718141.
"Superfund cleanups can be a long road for communities. Fortunately, the influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is propelling these cleanups forward, especially in communities with environmental justice concerns," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This is once again a positive partnership between the federal government and the state. When partners can come together and do necessary work, local communities are the ones who reap the benefits."
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $15 million to this project in the form of a Cooperative Agreement to VTDEC with oversight from EPA to start the physical construction of the groundwater cleanup. This work is expected to begin the summer of 2024 and will be on various properties throughout the Williston, Vermont community.
"Investments like these not only clean up contaminated sites but also protect the health and well-being of our communities. I commend the collaborative efforts between our federal and state partners for their commitment to environmental stewardship for the betterment of Vermonters," said VTDEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder.
Background
The Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site is located in an industrial park in Williston, Vermont. The site includes a one-acre property at 96 Commerce Street containing a 6,000-square-foot building. Beginning in 1960, various manufacturing and electroplating operations occurred on the property. Due to the site's previous use in manufacturing operations, the primary source of contamination was an unlined lagoon at the property which was used to dispose of industrial rinse water and sludge waste. During a 1982 investigation of the site, the State of Vermont found the company operating there in violation of hazardous waste regulations for the disposal of chromium-contaminated wastes. Facility operations and disposal practices resulted in contaminated soil, sediment and groundwater with metals and industrial solvents. The site was added to EPA's Superfund National Priority List in 2005.
Previous Cleanup Activities
In 2017, about 830 cubic yards of contaminated soil was excavated and disposed off-site as part of site restoration activities and in 2018, planting, seeding, and grading were completed. The soil remediation for the site is complete and is currently in the operation and maintenance phase.
From 2018 – 2021, vapor mitigation and construction were performed at a property on South Brownell Road by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. The remedial design for the groundwater component of the remedy was completed in June 2019.
More information:
Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site Webpage
In order to inform the local community about the construction activities happening at the site, VTDEC is hosting a public meeting on April 29, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the Williston Town Hall (7900 Williston Rd, Williston, VT 05495) with representatives from EPA in attendance. Join the meeting in person or virtually by clicking this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84071718141.
"Superfund cleanups can be a long road for communities. Fortunately, the influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is propelling these cleanups forward, especially in communities with environmental justice concerns," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This is once again a positive partnership between the federal government and the state. When partners can come together and do necessary work, local communities are the ones who reap the benefits."
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $15 million to this project in the form of a Cooperative Agreement to VTDEC with oversight from EPA to start the physical construction of the groundwater cleanup. This work is expected to begin the summer of 2024 and will be on various properties throughout the Williston, Vermont community.
"Investments like these not only clean up contaminated sites but also protect the health and well-being of our communities. I commend the collaborative efforts between our federal and state partners for their commitment to environmental stewardship for the betterment of Vermonters," said VTDEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder.
Background
The Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site is located in an industrial park in Williston, Vermont. The site includes a one-acre property at 96 Commerce Street containing a 6,000-square-foot building. Beginning in 1960, various manufacturing and electroplating operations occurred on the property. Due to the site's previous use in manufacturing operations, the primary source of contamination was an unlined lagoon at the property which was used to dispose of industrial rinse water and sludge waste. During a 1982 investigation of the site, the State of Vermont found the company operating there in violation of hazardous waste regulations for the disposal of chromium-contaminated wastes. Facility operations and disposal practices resulted in contaminated soil, sediment and groundwater with metals and industrial solvents. The site was added to EPA's Superfund National Priority List in 2005.
Previous Cleanup Activities
In 2017, about 830 cubic yards of contaminated soil was excavated and disposed off-site as part of site restoration activities and in 2018, planting, seeding, and grading were completed. The soil remediation for the site is complete and is currently in the operation and maintenance phase.
From 2018 – 2021, vapor mitigation and construction were performed at a property on South Brownell Road by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. The remedial design for the groundwater component of the remedy was completed in June 2019.
More information:
Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site Webpage
EPA Region 4 Solicits Applications for the 2024 Pollution Prevention Recognition Program
Atlanta (April 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 4 is announcing the 2024 Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Program. EPA Region 4 encourages Tribal, nonprofit and for-profit organizations that have adopted innovative P2 practices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Tribal lands within the boundaries of Region 4 to apply.
“EPA’s Pollution Prevention Recognition Program celebrates innovative businesses that implement outstanding pollution prevention practices within their organizations,” said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “We are eager to recognize these organizations that uplift EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment while improving performance and reducing costs.”
P2, as defined in the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, is any practice that reduces environmental releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants prior to entering a waste stream for recycling, treatment or disposal. P2 conserves natural resources, including water and energy, by focusing industry, government and public attention on reducing pollution through the implementation of cost-effective changes in production, operation and the use of raw materials. EPA’s P2 program is voluntary and encourages stakeholders to seek innovative ways to prevent pollution from entering waste streams through a competitive grant process and the provision of technical assistance to businesses.
This is an annual, voluntary, and non-monetary recognition program. Those interested in applying for the recognition program should submit a complete application describing their P2 efforts, activities, cost savings, and the replicability of their approach. Region 4 is accepting applications in both English and Spanish this year. The application deadline is May 24, 2024.
For information on how to apply and the application form, visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/epa-pollution-prevention-recognition-awards-program
For more information on R4’s past winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/ga/southeast-regions-pollution-prevention-recognition-awards
For more information about P2 technical assistance in Region 4, visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/pollution-prevention-technical-assistance-epa-region-4
Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program: https://www.epa.gov/p2
“EPA’s Pollution Prevention Recognition Program celebrates innovative businesses that implement outstanding pollution prevention practices within their organizations,” said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “We are eager to recognize these organizations that uplift EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment while improving performance and reducing costs.”
P2, as defined in the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, is any practice that reduces environmental releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants prior to entering a waste stream for recycling, treatment or disposal. P2 conserves natural resources, including water and energy, by focusing industry, government and public attention on reducing pollution through the implementation of cost-effective changes in production, operation and the use of raw materials. EPA’s P2 program is voluntary and encourages stakeholders to seek innovative ways to prevent pollution from entering waste streams through a competitive grant process and the provision of technical assistance to businesses.
This is an annual, voluntary, and non-monetary recognition program. Those interested in applying for the recognition program should submit a complete application describing their P2 efforts, activities, cost savings, and the replicability of their approach. Region 4 is accepting applications in both English and Spanish this year. The application deadline is May 24, 2024.
For information on how to apply and the application form, visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/epa-pollution-prevention-recognition-awards-program
For more information on R4’s past winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/ga/southeast-regions-pollution-prevention-recognition-awards
For more information about P2 technical assistance in Region 4, visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/pollution-prevention-technical-assistance-epa-region-4
Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program: https://www.epa.gov/p2
EPA Extends Public Comment Period on Plan to Address Contamination at the Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site in Brooklyn
NEW YORK (April 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a plan to protect people living and working in residential and commercial buildings at the Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site in the Greenpoint/East Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. Groundwater and soil in the area is contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs), which can vaporize into soil and seep into buildings through their foundations. The agency is extending the public comment period, which was set to end on May 10 to a new deadline for public comments of June 25. The EPA held a public meeting on April 16 to explain this proposed plan.
Under the proposal, EPA would install special systems called sub-slab depressurization systems where needed and take preventative measures such as the sealing of cracks and gaps in the lowest level of a structure, where necessary. Sub-slab depressurization involves connecting a blower (an electric fan) to a small suction pit dug into the slab in order to vent vapors outdoors. EPA’s plan reflects the estimated costs for mitigation of up to 100 structures within the Meeker Ave site study area. The plan estimates that EPA’s work will be conducted on an ongoing basis for at least 5 years, the approximate time frame needed for EPA to complete the vapor intrusion sampling necessary.
The EPA is working closely with property owners and area residents to ensure that work is done with minimal disruption. EPA is continuing to investigate the entire site to determine the full nature and extent of contamination.
Written comments may be mailed or emailed to Rupika Ketu, Remedial Project Manager, EPA, 290 Broadway, 18th floor, NY, NY, 10007, ketu.rupika@epa.gov
EPA’s proposed cleanup proposal will be available at Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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Under the proposal, EPA would install special systems called sub-slab depressurization systems where needed and take preventative measures such as the sealing of cracks and gaps in the lowest level of a structure, where necessary. Sub-slab depressurization involves connecting a blower (an electric fan) to a small suction pit dug into the slab in order to vent vapors outdoors. EPA’s plan reflects the estimated costs for mitigation of up to 100 structures within the Meeker Ave site study area. The plan estimates that EPA’s work will be conducted on an ongoing basis for at least 5 years, the approximate time frame needed for EPA to complete the vapor intrusion sampling necessary.
The EPA is working closely with property owners and area residents to ensure that work is done with minimal disruption. EPA is continuing to investigate the entire site to determine the full nature and extent of contamination.
Written comments may be mailed or emailed to Rupika Ketu, Remedial Project Manager, EPA, 290 Broadway, 18th floor, NY, NY, 10007, ketu.rupika@epa.gov
EPA’s proposed cleanup proposal will be available at Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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Registration now open for EPA’s 3rd annual Mid-Atlantic Summit, kicks off 30-day countdown
Registration now open for EPA’s 3rd annual Mid-Atlantic Summit, kicks off 30-day countdown
“Empowering Communities for Environmental Equity” theme provides opportunity for conversation about equitable access to healthy and sustainable communities
PHILADELPHIA (April 17th, 2024) – EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region announced today that registration is now open for its 3rd Annual environmental summit, to be held virtually on May 16, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free and open to the public, this event will convene representatives from communities, non-profits, Tribes, advocacy groups, industry, academia, and state and local governments from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Senior Advisor and Assistant to President Biden, Tom Perez, will join EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe to will offer opening remarks. Anyone interested in the environment, policy, and public health are encouraged to attend.
Building on this year’s theme, “Empowering Communities for Environmental Equity,” the summit is an opportunity to participate in conversations and information sharing about equitable access to healthy and sustainable communities. Sessions and panels will cover topics such as grants, small farmer equity, and how local mayors are putting the environment first.
"Communities across our region are doing the work in protecting the environment. This is an opportunity to engage across geographical boundaries to learn best practices and see what's happening in one community that could be beneficial to another," said U.S. EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, Adam Ortiz. "Environmental concerns are going to take all of us working together, breaking down silos, and sharing information.
Full details on the agenda, session descriptions, speakers, and the registration portal can be found here: https://web.cvent.com/event/a40840fe-b2dc-4848-81d6-dd2afdbe6c70/summary.
The summit will be hosted using Zoom Events, a virtual meeting platform building off the functions of Zoom Meetings & Webinars. Once registered, participants will have access to the Zoom Event portal that will be a central hub for meeting activities and will be the route to the myriad sessions supporting this summit.
Accommodations to participate in this workshop can be made by contacting Joy Lee Pearson via voice telephone at 202-715-3851 or via email at EPAMidAtlSummit@michaeldbaker.com. TTY users should contact the Federal TTY Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Read more about EPA's Reasonable Accommodations. Requests should be made at least 5 business days in advance of the event. Please contact us so we may serve you better.
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“Empowering Communities for Environmental Equity” theme provides opportunity for conversation about equitable access to healthy and sustainable communities
PHILADELPHIA (April 17th, 2024) – EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region announced today that registration is now open for its 3rd Annual environmental summit, to be held virtually on May 16, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free and open to the public, this event will convene representatives from communities, non-profits, Tribes, advocacy groups, industry, academia, and state and local governments from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Senior Advisor and Assistant to President Biden, Tom Perez, will join EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe to will offer opening remarks. Anyone interested in the environment, policy, and public health are encouraged to attend.
Building on this year’s theme, “Empowering Communities for Environmental Equity,” the summit is an opportunity to participate in conversations and information sharing about equitable access to healthy and sustainable communities. Sessions and panels will cover topics such as grants, small farmer equity, and how local mayors are putting the environment first.
"Communities across our region are doing the work in protecting the environment. This is an opportunity to engage across geographical boundaries to learn best practices and see what's happening in one community that could be beneficial to another," said U.S. EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, Adam Ortiz. "Environmental concerns are going to take all of us working together, breaking down silos, and sharing information.
Full details on the agenda, session descriptions, speakers, and the registration portal can be found here: https://web.cvent.com/event/a40840fe-b2dc-4848-81d6-dd2afdbe6c70/summary.
The summit will be hosted using Zoom Events, a virtual meeting platform building off the functions of Zoom Meetings & Webinars. Once registered, participants will have access to the Zoom Event portal that will be a central hub for meeting activities and will be the route to the myriad sessions supporting this summit.
Accommodations to participate in this workshop can be made by contacting Joy Lee Pearson via voice telephone at 202-715-3851 or via email at EPAMidAtlSummit@michaeldbaker.com. TTY users should contact the Federal TTY Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Read more about EPA's Reasonable Accommodations. Requests should be made at least 5 business days in advance of the event. Please contact us so we may serve you better.
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