EPA Files Complaint Against California Company for Unlawful Import of HFCs
WASHINGTON – Today, April 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a complaint against USA Wholesale, Inc. (“USA Wholesale”), a San Jose corporation which sells engine lubricants, for unlawfully importing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) through the port of Santa Theresa, NM in 2022. This is the first time EPA has used its authority under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (“AIM Act”), to file an administrative complaint for illegally importing HFCs. The AIM Act, which implements the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, by 2036 requires the United States to phase down HFC production and consumption by 85%.
EPA designated climate change mitigation as a National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative (pdf), which includes addressing the illegal import of HFCs under the current phasedown. Over the last several months, the agency has taken several enforcement actions against companies for their illegal import of HFCs.
“EPA is using every enforcement tool available to hold companies accountable for the illegal importation of refrigerants that damage our climate and imperil future generations,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This first-ever administrative complaint for the unlawful import of super-polluting HFCs advances EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative on Mitigating Climate Change and demonstrates how EPA intensifying its efforts to prevent the illegal importation of HFCs.”
USA Wholesale attempted to illegally import 34,480.3 pounds of HFC-134a, which is a potent greenhouse gas with a 100-year global warming potential of 1,430. EPA issued a letter recommending that Customs and Border Patrol deny the shipment entry into the U.S., and the HFCs were subsequently exported. If released into the atmosphere, these HFCs are the equivalent of 22,365 metric tons of carbon dioxide (“CO2”) or the same amount of CO2 produced from powering 4,414 homes with electricity for a year.
The complaint seeks a ruling by the administrative law court that USA Wholesale’s importation and failure to submit required reports to EPA constitutes violations of the AIM Act and seeks civil penalties.
HFCs are a super climate pollutant with global warming potentials hundreds to thousands of times higher than CO2. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 2016, is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
Since January 2022, EPA and CBP have denied entry to over 80 shipments of illegal HFCs. Under EPA’s HFC phasedown regulations, importers must expend allowances to import HFCs. Illegal imports of HFCs undermine the phasedown, disadvantage companies who follow the rules, and contribute to global warming.
Achieving the goals of the HFC phasedown also requires accurate data. Thus, in addition to preventing illegal imports of HFCs, EPA is also using its enforcement authorities to target HFC importers that fail to accurately report their import quantities to EPA. The agency will continue to scrutinize the reporting data to ensure that it and the public have the best data available to make informed decisions on fighting climate change.
Background Information
More information related to HFCs, greenhouse gases, the AIM Act, and the climate change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative are available on EPA’s website:
Addressing Climate Change in Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Enforcement of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: HFC Importers
Enforcement of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
Fiscal Years 2024 – 2027 National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs)
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP)
Information on Global Warming Potential
If you suspect someone is illegally importing HFCs, tell EPA at its Report Environmental Violations website. Information you submit will be forwarded to EPA environmental enforcement personnel or to the appropriate regulatory authority.
EPA designated climate change mitigation as a National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative (pdf), which includes addressing the illegal import of HFCs under the current phasedown. Over the last several months, the agency has taken several enforcement actions against companies for their illegal import of HFCs.
“EPA is using every enforcement tool available to hold companies accountable for the illegal importation of refrigerants that damage our climate and imperil future generations,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This first-ever administrative complaint for the unlawful import of super-polluting HFCs advances EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative on Mitigating Climate Change and demonstrates how EPA intensifying its efforts to prevent the illegal importation of HFCs.”
USA Wholesale attempted to illegally import 34,480.3 pounds of HFC-134a, which is a potent greenhouse gas with a 100-year global warming potential of 1,430. EPA issued a letter recommending that Customs and Border Patrol deny the shipment entry into the U.S., and the HFCs were subsequently exported. If released into the atmosphere, these HFCs are the equivalent of 22,365 metric tons of carbon dioxide (“CO2”) or the same amount of CO2 produced from powering 4,414 homes with electricity for a year.
The complaint seeks a ruling by the administrative law court that USA Wholesale’s importation and failure to submit required reports to EPA constitutes violations of the AIM Act and seeks civil penalties.
HFCs are a super climate pollutant with global warming potentials hundreds to thousands of times higher than CO2. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 2016, is expected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
Since January 2022, EPA and CBP have denied entry to over 80 shipments of illegal HFCs. Under EPA’s HFC phasedown regulations, importers must expend allowances to import HFCs. Illegal imports of HFCs undermine the phasedown, disadvantage companies who follow the rules, and contribute to global warming.
Achieving the goals of the HFC phasedown also requires accurate data. Thus, in addition to preventing illegal imports of HFCs, EPA is also using its enforcement authorities to target HFC importers that fail to accurately report their import quantities to EPA. The agency will continue to scrutinize the reporting data to ensure that it and the public have the best data available to make informed decisions on fighting climate change.
Background Information
More information related to HFCs, greenhouse gases, the AIM Act, and the climate change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative are available on EPA’s website:
Addressing Climate Change in Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Enforcement of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: HFC Importers
Enforcement of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
Fiscal Years 2024 – 2027 National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs)
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP)
Information on Global Warming Potential
If you suspect someone is illegally importing HFCs, tell EPA at its Report Environmental Violations website. Information you submit will be forwarded to EPA environmental enforcement personnel or to the appropriate regulatory authority.
Colonial Oil to Pay $2.8 Million Penalty for Failure to Meet Clean Air Act Fuels Regulations
WASHINGTON – Today, April 10, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice reached a settlement with Colonial Oil Industries Inc., that will require the company to pay a civil penalty of more than $2.8 million and spend an estimated $12.2 million to offset the detrimental human health and environmental impacts of Colonial’s alleged failure to meet obligations under the Clean Air Act’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and gasoline volatility standards.
“Renewable fuels play a critical role in diversifying our country’s energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all while providing good paying jobs and economic benefits to communities across the country,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement once more puts gasoline and diesel refiners and importers on notice that they must meet their obligations to reduce climate- and health-harming pollution and that there will be consequences if they do not.”
Between 2013 and 2019, Colonial excluded certain fuel it supplied to marine vessels from its renewable volume obligations calculations in violation of the RFS regulations. Fuel intended for use only in ocean-going vessels is not required to be included in renewable volume obligation calculations. But not all marine vessels are ocean-going vessels, and volumes supplied to non-oceangoing vessels must be included in such calculations. Colonial’s actions resulted in less renewable fuel being used in lieu of gasoline and diesel fuel, causing increased greenhouse gas emissions.
“The creation and use of renewable fuels reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This proposed settlement will hold Colonial to the same renewable fuel requirements that all importers and producers must adhere to.”
Under the RFS program, refiners or importers of gasoline or diesel fuel are required to either blend renewable fuels into transportation fuel or purchase credits known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) to meet their renewable volume obligations. Between 2013 and 2019, Colonial failed to purchase and retire enough RINs. The settlement requires Colonial to purchase and retire over 9 million RINs within two years at an estimated cost of approximately $12.2 million. The RIN purchase and retirements is estimated to result in over 18,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent reductions which equates to powering 2,386 homes’ energy use or 4,355 gasoline cars for a year.
Colonial also sold over a million gallons of gasoline that failed to meet the applicable volatility standard which is intended to reduce evaporative emissions during the summer season from gasoline that contributes to smog and to reduce the effects of ozone-related health problems such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
The proposed settlement, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.
Additional Information
For more information about today’s settlement, please visit the Colonial Oil Clean Air Act Settlement webpage.
Information on submitting comments is available on the Justice Department’s website.
“Renewable fuels play a critical role in diversifying our country’s energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all while providing good paying jobs and economic benefits to communities across the country,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement once more puts gasoline and diesel refiners and importers on notice that they must meet their obligations to reduce climate- and health-harming pollution and that there will be consequences if they do not.”
Between 2013 and 2019, Colonial excluded certain fuel it supplied to marine vessels from its renewable volume obligations calculations in violation of the RFS regulations. Fuel intended for use only in ocean-going vessels is not required to be included in renewable volume obligation calculations. But not all marine vessels are ocean-going vessels, and volumes supplied to non-oceangoing vessels must be included in such calculations. Colonial’s actions resulted in less renewable fuel being used in lieu of gasoline and diesel fuel, causing increased greenhouse gas emissions.
“The creation and use of renewable fuels reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This proposed settlement will hold Colonial to the same renewable fuel requirements that all importers and producers must adhere to.”
Under the RFS program, refiners or importers of gasoline or diesel fuel are required to either blend renewable fuels into transportation fuel or purchase credits known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) to meet their renewable volume obligations. Between 2013 and 2019, Colonial failed to purchase and retire enough RINs. The settlement requires Colonial to purchase and retire over 9 million RINs within two years at an estimated cost of approximately $12.2 million. The RIN purchase and retirements is estimated to result in over 18,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent reductions which equates to powering 2,386 homes’ energy use or 4,355 gasoline cars for a year.
Colonial also sold over a million gallons of gasoline that failed to meet the applicable volatility standard which is intended to reduce evaporative emissions during the summer season from gasoline that contributes to smog and to reduce the effects of ozone-related health problems such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
The proposed settlement, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.
Additional Information
For more information about today’s settlement, please visit the Colonial Oil Clean Air Act Settlement webpage.
Information on submitting comments is available on the Justice Department’s website.
Shasta-Siskiyou Transport of Redding, Calif. to Pay Over $208,000 Penalty for Fuel Spill that Reached Sacramento River
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a proposed settlement with Shasta-Siskiyou Transport of Redding, Calif. to resolve claims of Clean Water Act (CWA) violations after one of the company’s trucks overturned and a fuel product spilled into storm drains in downtown Redding. The fuel reached the Sacramento River. The proposed settlement requires Shasta-Siskiyou Transport to pay a civil penalty of $208,840.
“Fuel products can cause severe harm to our waters, wildlife and ecosystems, so it’s imperative that they be transported in a safe manner,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This proposed settlement shows EPA’s commitment to holding accountable entities that pollute waterways in the San Francisco Bay watershed.”
On Jan. 21, 2022, one of Shasta-Siskiyou Transport’s trucks was transporting transmix, a mixture of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum distillates, when the truck overturned in downtown Redding, releasing transmix into nearby storm drains, which led directly to Calaboose Creek and subsequently into the Sacramento River. The Sacramento River flows into the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and EPA alleges that Shasta-Siskiyou Transport’s truck released transmix in such quantities that may be harmful.
The proposed settlement is subject to public notice and comment. Members of the public can comment on the proposed settlement on EPA’s website.
Additional Information:
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
“Fuel products can cause severe harm to our waters, wildlife and ecosystems, so it’s imperative that they be transported in a safe manner,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This proposed settlement shows EPA’s commitment to holding accountable entities that pollute waterways in the San Francisco Bay watershed.”
On Jan. 21, 2022, one of Shasta-Siskiyou Transport’s trucks was transporting transmix, a mixture of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum distillates, when the truck overturned in downtown Redding, releasing transmix into nearby storm drains, which led directly to Calaboose Creek and subsequently into the Sacramento River. The Sacramento River flows into the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and EPA alleges that Shasta-Siskiyou Transport’s truck released transmix in such quantities that may be harmful.
The proposed settlement is subject to public notice and comment. Members of the public can comment on the proposed settlement on EPA’s website.
Additional Information:
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
EPA Deputy Administrator Announces $35 Million Sediment Cleanup to Restore St. Louis River in Minnesota
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe joined state, Tribal and local officials to announce the $35 million cleanup will begin this summer at the Thomson Reservoir in Carlton, Minnesota. The EPA is investing more than $22 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the project in partnership with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and a non-federal partner to clean up dioxin-contaminated sediment in the Thomson Reservoir on the St. Louis River.
“Thanks to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the historic funding made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, significant progress is being made to protect public health and the environment and clean up the St. Louis River Area of Concern,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “I want to thank our state, local, and Tribal partners for their commitment to our cleanup efforts and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make once the Thomson Reservoir project getting underway this summer.”
“This vital project and investment moves us one step closer to our ultimate goal of removing one of the Great Lakes’ most important waterways from the Great Lakes Area of Concern List,” said MPCA Deputy Commissioner Peter Tester. “In partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as other stakeholders, our work to restore and revitalize the St. Louis River will support healthy families, recreation, and a vibrant local economy well into the future.”
“Projects like cleaning up the Thomson Reservoir are possible thanks to the federal funding provided from President Biden’s Infrastructure Law. This isn’t just about safeguarding our waterways, it’s about protecting the St. Louis River’s ecosystem, and ensuring the health and well-being of our communities,” said Sen. Tina Smith. “It’s always great to see federal resources making a tangible difference in local communities. I’m glad I could help make this project possible.”
Cleanup at the 330-acre Thomson Reservoir will protect human health, wildlife, and the environment from legacy contamination left behind by historic industrial activity. The EPA, MPCA and a non-federal partner will work together under a Great Lakes Legacy Act voluntary partnership to apply a thin layer of activated carbon pellets over 225,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment. The activated carbon rapidly binds to contaminants in the sediment, preventing accumulation in bottom-dwelling organisms, safeguarding the aquatic food chain, and protecting human health.
The project is part of the larger effort to restore and delist the St. Louis River as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC). This is the seventh and final project agreement between MPCA and EPA to complete sediment remediation work in the St. Louis River AOC. Under the agreement, EPA is responsible for 62.5% of the total project cost of approximately $35 million. The other 37.5% will be funded by MPCA and a non-federal partner.
EPA’s portion of the funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $1 billion investment to accelerate cleanup and restoration of the Great Lakes. The agency is leveraging this funding with annual Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations and funding from other sources for partnership projects to finish cleanups and restoration at the remaining 22 United States AOCs. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding directly supports 11 of these cleanups including those in the St. Louis River AOC.
More information about the St. Louis River AOC is available on EPA’s webpage.
“Thanks to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the historic funding made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, significant progress is being made to protect public health and the environment and clean up the St. Louis River Area of Concern,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “I want to thank our state, local, and Tribal partners for their commitment to our cleanup efforts and I look forward to seeing the progress that we will make once the Thomson Reservoir project getting underway this summer.”
“This vital project and investment moves us one step closer to our ultimate goal of removing one of the Great Lakes’ most important waterways from the Great Lakes Area of Concern List,” said MPCA Deputy Commissioner Peter Tester. “In partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as other stakeholders, our work to restore and revitalize the St. Louis River will support healthy families, recreation, and a vibrant local economy well into the future.”
“Projects like cleaning up the Thomson Reservoir are possible thanks to the federal funding provided from President Biden’s Infrastructure Law. This isn’t just about safeguarding our waterways, it’s about protecting the St. Louis River’s ecosystem, and ensuring the health and well-being of our communities,” said Sen. Tina Smith. “It’s always great to see federal resources making a tangible difference in local communities. I’m glad I could help make this project possible.”
Cleanup at the 330-acre Thomson Reservoir will protect human health, wildlife, and the environment from legacy contamination left behind by historic industrial activity. The EPA, MPCA and a non-federal partner will work together under a Great Lakes Legacy Act voluntary partnership to apply a thin layer of activated carbon pellets over 225,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment. The activated carbon rapidly binds to contaminants in the sediment, preventing accumulation in bottom-dwelling organisms, safeguarding the aquatic food chain, and protecting human health.
The project is part of the larger effort to restore and delist the St. Louis River as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC). This is the seventh and final project agreement between MPCA and EPA to complete sediment remediation work in the St. Louis River AOC. Under the agreement, EPA is responsible for 62.5% of the total project cost of approximately $35 million. The other 37.5% will be funded by MPCA and a non-federal partner.
EPA’s portion of the funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $1 billion investment to accelerate cleanup and restoration of the Great Lakes. The agency is leveraging this funding with annual Great Lakes Restoration Initiative appropriations and funding from other sources for partnership projects to finish cleanups and restoration at the remaining 22 United States AOCs. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding directly supports 11 of these cleanups including those in the St. Louis River AOC.
More information about the St. Louis River AOC is available on EPA’s webpage.
EPA and Federal Partners Seek Public Input on Great Lakes Action Plan
CHICAGO (April 10, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its federal partners are seeking input from the public on the draft Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan IV. The plan outlines the goals and objectives of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for the years 2025 to 2029. Input will be accepted until May 24.
“Great Lakes communities and ecosystems face many challenges, but our strong partnerships and extensive community input help us overcome them,” said Debra Shore, EPA Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager. “I encourage Great Lakes residents to keep sharing their views. Together, we'll shape restoration efforts for years to come.”
Last summer, the EPA and its federal partners received more than 3,500 suggestions from the public on priorities for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan IV through five public engagement sessions across the Great Lakes basin and two virtual engagement sessions. The EPA also consulted with the Great Lakes states and Tribes throughout the plan’s development.
The draft plan and means to provide input are available at: https://glri.us/action-plan.
Additional Background
Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has funded more than 7,500 restoration and protection projects totaling more than $3.7 billion to target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and to accelerate progress toward long-term goals. Action Plan III was published in 2019 to guide restoration and protection through 2024. Action Plan IV will cover 2025 through 2029.
Read more about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Sign up for the Great Lakes News email list to get information about funding opportunities to support Great Lakes environmental work and get updates about Great Lakes environmental projects.
“Great Lakes communities and ecosystems face many challenges, but our strong partnerships and extensive community input help us overcome them,” said Debra Shore, EPA Region 5 Administrator and Great Lakes National Program Manager. “I encourage Great Lakes residents to keep sharing their views. Together, we'll shape restoration efforts for years to come.”
Last summer, the EPA and its federal partners received more than 3,500 suggestions from the public on priorities for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan IV through five public engagement sessions across the Great Lakes basin and two virtual engagement sessions. The EPA also consulted with the Great Lakes states and Tribes throughout the plan’s development.
The draft plan and means to provide input are available at: https://glri.us/action-plan.
Additional Background
Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has funded more than 7,500 restoration and protection projects totaling more than $3.7 billion to target the biggest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem and to accelerate progress toward long-term goals. Action Plan III was published in 2019 to guide restoration and protection through 2024. Action Plan IV will cover 2025 through 2029.
Read more about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Sign up for the Great Lakes News email list to get information about funding opportunities to support Great Lakes environmental work and get updates about Great Lakes environmental projects.
EPA and the City of Lexington work to extend the compliance deadline for sanitary sewer system improvement projects
Lexington, Kentucky (April 10, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Commonwealth of Kentucky are working with the City of Lexington, Kentucky to extend the compliance deadline of an existing consent decree to resolve issues related to the city’s sanitary sewer systems. The amended consent decree, which will be lodged with the Court and subject to a public comment period before it is entered by the Court, will extend the current compliance deadline for the city to complete sewer system improvements from December 2026 to December 2030.
Since the original consent decree was signed, the City of Lexington has completed 75 remedial projects focused on improvements to the sewer system, but the City needs additional time to complete the remaining projects. In addition to addressing supply chain delays and workforce disruptions, the extension of the deadline will allow for timely completion of an expanded scope of projects that was not contemplated at the time the existing compliance schedule was established, including a 50 percent increase in the flow capacity of the East Hickman Force Main, a 2-million gallons per day upgrade to the East Hickman Pump Station, and a nearly 50 percent increase to the East Hickman wet weather storage facility.
The original consent decree, which was finalized in January 2011, resolved a lawsuit that the EPA and the Commonwealth of Kentucky filed against the City of Lexington for violations of the Clean Water Act related to sanitary sewer overflows. The consent decree required the study, design, and implementation of numerous construction projects to repair and upgrade sewer system infrastructure to prevent the discharge of sewage into surface water streams during periods of heavy rainfall. Improvement projects already implemented by the city have abated 85 recurring sanitary sewer overflows. These results have contributed to the reduction of pollutants to waters that can cause water quality problems and human health impacts due to exposure to raw sewage. Furthermore, the proposed schedule of the amended consent decree also anticipates having 90% of the listed recurring sanitary sewer overflows abated by December 2026.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. The consent decree can be viewed on the Department of Justice website.
For more information, please visit the website for this consent decree.
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Since the original consent decree was signed, the City of Lexington has completed 75 remedial projects focused on improvements to the sewer system, but the City needs additional time to complete the remaining projects. In addition to addressing supply chain delays and workforce disruptions, the extension of the deadline will allow for timely completion of an expanded scope of projects that was not contemplated at the time the existing compliance schedule was established, including a 50 percent increase in the flow capacity of the East Hickman Force Main, a 2-million gallons per day upgrade to the East Hickman Pump Station, and a nearly 50 percent increase to the East Hickman wet weather storage facility.
The original consent decree, which was finalized in January 2011, resolved a lawsuit that the EPA and the Commonwealth of Kentucky filed against the City of Lexington for violations of the Clean Water Act related to sanitary sewer overflows. The consent decree required the study, design, and implementation of numerous construction projects to repair and upgrade sewer system infrastructure to prevent the discharge of sewage into surface water streams during periods of heavy rainfall. Improvement projects already implemented by the city have abated 85 recurring sanitary sewer overflows. These results have contributed to the reduction of pollutants to waters that can cause water quality problems and human health impacts due to exposure to raw sewage. Furthermore, the proposed schedule of the amended consent decree also anticipates having 90% of the listed recurring sanitary sewer overflows abated by December 2026.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. The consent decree can be viewed on the Department of Justice website.
For more information, please visit the website for this consent decree.
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La administración Biden-Harris finaliza la primera norma nacional de agua potable para proteger a 100 millones de personas de la contaminación por PFAS
WASHINGTON - Hoy, 10 de abril, la Administración Biden-Harris emitió la primera norma nacional de agua potable legalmente exigible para proteger a las comunidades de la exposición a sustancias dañinas perfluoroalquiladas y polifluoroalquiladas (PFAS), también conocidas como “productos químicos para siempre”. La exposición a PFAS se ha relacionado con cánceres mortales, impactos en el hígado y el corazón, y daños inmunológicos y de desarrollo en bebés y niños. Esta regla final representa el paso más significativo para proteger la salud pública según la Hoja de Ruta Estratégica de la EPA para PFAS (en inglés). La norma final reducirá la exposición a PFAS para aproximadamente 100 millones de personas, evitará miles de muertes y reducirá decenas de miles de enfermedades graves. El anuncio de hoy complementa el Plan de acción del Presidente Biden en todo el gobierno (en inglés) para combatir la contaminación por PFAS.
A través de la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden, la EPA también está poniendo a disposición fondos sin precedentes para ayudar a garantizar que todas las personas tengan agua limpia y segura. Además de la regla final de hoy, la EPA anuncia casi $1 mil millones en fondos recién disponibles (en inglés); a través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura para ayudar a los estados y territorios a implementar pruebas y tratamientos de PFAS en los sistemas públicos de agua y para ayudar a los propietarios de pozos privados a abordar la contaminación por PFAS. Esto es parte de una inversión de $9 mil millones a través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura para ayudar a las comunidades que tienen agua potable afectada por PFAS y otros contaminantes emergentes, la mayor inversión jamás realizada para abordar la contaminación por PFAS. A través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, se dispone de $12 mil millones adicionales para mejoras generales en el agua potable, incluido el tratamiento de contaminantes emergentes como las PFAS.
El administrador de la EPA, Michael Regan, se unirá a la presidenta del Consejo de Calidad Ambiental de la Casa Blanca, Brenda Mallory, para anunciar hoy la norma final en un evento en Fayetteville, Carolina del Norte. En 2017, los residentes de la zona se enteraron de que el río Cape Fear, la fuente de agua potable para 1 millón de personas en la región, había sido gravemente contaminado con PFAS provenientes de una fábrica cercana. Los anuncios de hoy ayudarán a proteger a comunidades como Fayetteville de los impactos devastadores de las PFAS.
“El agua potable contaminada con PFAS ha afectado a las comunidades de todo el país durante demasiado tiempo”, comentó el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Es por eso que el presidente Biden ha hecho de la lucha contra las PFAS una prioridad absoluta, invirtiendo recursos históricos para abordar estas sustancias químicas nocivas y proteger a las comunidades de todo el país. Nuestra Hoja de Ruta Estratégica para PFAS reúne toda la autoridad y los recursos de la EPA para proteger a las personas de estas sustancias químicas dañinas para siempre. Hoy, me enorgullece finalizar esta pieza fundamental de nuestra Hoja de Ruta y, al hacerlo, salvar miles de vidas y ayudar a garantizar que nuestros niños crezcan más sanos”.
“El presidente Biden cree que todos merecen tener acceso a agua potable limpia y segura, y está cumpliendo esa promesa”, señaló Brenda Mallory, presidenta del Consejo de Calidad Ambiental de la Casa Blanca. “Las primeras normas nacionales de agua potable para PFAS marcan un paso significativo hacia el cumplimiento del compromiso de la Administración Biden-Harris de promover la justicia ambiental, proteger a las comunidades y garantizar el agua limpia para las personas en todo el país”.
“Bajo el liderazgo del presidente Biden, estamos adoptando un enfoque de todo el gobierno para abordar la contaminación por PFAS y garantizar que todos los estadounidenses tengan acceso a agua potable limpia y segura. El anuncio de hoy de la EPA complementa estos esfuerzos y ayudará a mantener a nuestras comunidades a salvo de estos tóxicos “agentes químicos para siempre”, indicó la Dra. Danielle Carnival, Asistente Adjunta del Presidente para Cancer Moonshot. “Junto con la inversión adicional de $1 mil millones de la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden para ayudar a las comunidades a abordar la contaminación por PFAS, las reducciones en la exposición a sustancias tóxicas proporcionadas por las normas de la EPA promoverán el objetivo del plan Biden Cancer Moonshot de reducir la tasa de mortalidad por cáncer en al menos la mitad para 2047 y prevenir más de cuatro millones de muertes por cáncer, y detener el cáncer antes de que comience protegiendo a las comunidades de los riesgos conocidos asociados con la exposición a PFAS y otros contaminantes, incluidos los cánceres de riñón y testículos, y más”.
La EPA está dando un paso importante para proteger la salud pública al establecer niveles legalmente exigibles para varias PFAS que se sabe que se producen individualmente y como mezclas en el agua potable. Esta regla establece límites para cinco PFA INDIVIDUALES: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS y HFPO-DA (también conocidos como “sustancias químicas GenX”). La norma también establece un límite para las mezclas de dos o más de cuatro PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS y “sustancias químicas GenX”. Al reducir la exposición a las PFAS, esta norma final evitará miles de muertes prematuras, decenas de miles de enfermedades graves, incluidos ciertos tipos de cáncer e impactos hepáticos y cardíacos en adultos, e impactos inmunológicos y de desarrollo en bebés y niños.
Esta regla final promueve el compromiso del presidente Biden de poner fin al cáncer tal como lo conocemos como parte del plan Biden Cancer Moonshot, para garantizar que todos los estadounidenses tengan acceso a agua potable limpia y segura, y para promover el compromiso de la Administración Biden-Harris con la justicia ambiental al proteger a las comunidades que están más expuestas a productos químicos tóxicos.
La EPA estima que entre aproximadamente el 6% y el 10% de los 66,000 sistemas públicos de agua potable sujetos a esta regla podrían tener que tomar medidas para reducir las PFAS para cumplir con estas nuevas normas. Todos los sistemas públicos de agua tienen tres años para completar su monitoreo inicial de estos productos químicos. Deben informar al público del nivel de PFAS medido en su agua potable. Cuando se encuentran PFAS en niveles que superan estas normas, los sistemas deben implementar soluciones para reducir las PFAS en su agua potable en un plazo de cinco años.
Los nuevos límites de esta norma se pueden alcanzar utilizando una serie de tecnologías y enfoques disponibles, como el carbón activado granular, la ósmosis inversa y los sistemas de intercambio iónico. Por ejemplo, la Autoridad de Servicios Públicos de Cape Fear, que presta servicios en Wilmington, Carolina del Norte, una de las comunidades más afectadas por la contaminación por PFAS, ha implementado de manera efectiva un sistema de carbón activado granular para eliminar las PFAS reguladas por esta norma. Los sistemas de agua potable tendrán flexibilidad para determinar la mejor solución para su comunidad.
La EPA trabajará en estrecha colaboración con los correguladores estatales para apoyar a los sistemas de agua y a los funcionarios locales a fin de implementar esta regla. En las próximas semanas, la EPA organizará una serie de seminarios web para proporcionar información al público, las comunidades y las empresas de servicios públicos de agua sobre la regulación final del agua potable con PFAS. Para obtener más información sobre los seminarios web, visite la Página web de regulación de agua potable con PFAS (en inglés) de la EPA. La EPA también ha publicado una caja de herramientas de recursos de comunicaciones (en inglés) para ayudar a los sistemas de agua potable y a los líderes comunitarios a educar al público sobre las PFAS, de dónde provienen, sus riesgos para la salud, cómo reducir la exposición y sobre esta regla.
“Estamos agradecidos de que el administrador Regan y la Administración Biden estén tomando esta medida para proteger el agua potable en Carolina del Norte y en todo el país”, declaró el gobernador de Carolina del Norte, Roy Cooper. “Pedimos esto porque sabemos que se necesitan desesperadamente normas basadas en la ciencia para PFAS y otros compuestos”.
“Durante décadas, los estadounidenses han estado expuestos al conjunto de 'sustancias químicas para siempre' increíblemente tóxicas conocidas como PFAS sin protección de su gobierno. Esos productos químicos ahora contaminan prácticamente a todos los estadounidenses desde que nacen. Esto se debe a que, durante generaciones, los productos químicos PFAS se deslizaron de todas las leyes ambientales federales como un huevo frito de una sartén de teflón, hasta que llegó Joe Biden”, explicó el presidente y cofundador del Grupo de Trabajo Ambiental, Ken Cook. “Felicitamos al administrador de la EPA, Michael Regan, por su incansable liderazgo para hacer realidad esta decisión, y a la presidenta de CEQ, Brenda Mallory, por asegurarse de que las PFAS se aborden con el enfoque de 'todo el gobierno' que prometió el presidente Biden. Todavía queda mucho trabajo por hacer para poner fin a la contaminación por PFAS. El hecho de que la EPA haya adoptado la política muy fuerte anunciada hoy debería dar a todos la confianza de que la administración Biden mantendrá el rumbo y cumplirá las promesas del presidente, hasta que los estadounidenses queden protegidos, por fin, del flagelo de la contaminación por PFAS”.
“Aprendimos sobre GenX y otras PFAS en nuestra agua del grifo hace seis años. Crié a mis hijos con esta agua y vi a mis seres queridos sufrir de cánceres raros o recurrentes. Nadie debería preocuparse si el agua del grifo le enfermará o le dará cáncer. Estoy agradecido de que la EPA del gobierno de Biden haya escuchado nuestras súplicas y haya cumplido su promesa al pueblo estadounidense. Seguiremos luchando hasta que terminen todas las exposiciones a las PFAS y rindan cuentas plenamente las empresas químicas responsables de los abusos contra los derechos humanos relacionados con ellas”, enfatizó Emily Donovan, cofundadora de Clean Cape Fear.
Más detalles sobre la financiación para abordar las PFAS en el agua potable
A través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, la EPA está poniendo a disposición una cantidad sin precedentes de $21 mil millones para fortalecer los sistemas de agua potable de nuestra nación, incluso abordando la contaminación por PFAS. De esa cantidad, 9,000 millones de dólares se destinan específicamente a la lucha contra las PFAS y los contaminantes emergentes. Los programas de financiamiento que entregan estos fondos son parte de la Iniciativa Justice40 (en inglés) del President Biden, que estableció el objetivo de que el 40% de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales fluyan a las comunidades desventajadas que históricamente se han visto marginadas por la falta de inversión y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.
Además, la EPA tiene un programa nacional de Asistencia Técnica del Agua para ayudar a las comunidades pequeñas, rurales y desventajadas a acceder a los recursos federales trabajando directamente con los sistemas de agua para identificar desafíos como las PFAS; elaborar planes; desarrollar la capacidad técnica, gerencial y financiera; y solicitar financiación para infraestructuras hídricas. Conozca más detalles sobre los programas de Asistencia Técnica del Agua de la EPA (en inglés) .
Más detalles sobre las normas finales de PFAS para el agua potable:
Para PFOA y PFOS, la EPA establece una meta de nivel máximo de contaminantes, una meta no exigible basada en la salud, en cero. Esto refleja la ciencia más reciente que muestra que no hay nivel de exposición a estos contaminantes sin riesgo de impactos en la salud, incluidos ciertos tipos de cáncer.
La EPA establece niveles máximos de contaminantes exigibles en 4.0 partes por billón para PFOA y PFOS, individualmente. Esta norma reducirá la exposición a estas PFAS en nuestra agua potable a los niveles más bajos que sean factibles para una implementación efectiva.
Para PFNA, PFHxS y “sustancias químicas GenX”, la EPA establece los MCLG y MCL en 10 partes por billón.
Debido a que las PFAS a menudo se pueden encontrar juntas en mezclas, y las investigaciones muestran que estas mezclas pueden tener impactos combinados en la salud, la EPA también establece un límite para cualquier mezcla de dos o más de las siguientes PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS y “sustancias químicas GenX”.
La EPA emite esta regla después de revisar una amplia investigación y ciencia sobre cómo las PFAS afectan la salud pública, al tiempo que se involucra con el sector del agua y con los reguladores estatales para garantizar una implementación efectiva. La EPA también consideró 120,000 comentarios sobre la regla propuesta de una amplia variedad de partes interesadas.
Antecedentes:
Las PFAS, también conocidas como “sustancias químicas para siempre”, prevalecen en el medioambiente. Las PFAS son una categoría de productos químicos utilizados desde la década de 1940 para repeler el aceite y el agua y resistir el calor, lo que los hace útiles en productos cotidianos como utensilios de cocina antiadherentes, ropa resistente a las manchas y espuma contra incendios. La ciencia es clara en cuanto a que la exposición a ciertas PFAS durante un largo periodo de tiempo puede causar cáncer y otras enfermedades. Además, la exposición a PFAS durante etapas críticas de la vida, como el embarazo o la primera infancia, también puede tener efectos adversos para la salud.
En todo el país, la contaminación por PFAS está afectando la salud y el bienestar de millones de personas. Las personas pueden estar expuestas a las PFAS a través del agua potable o los alimentos contaminados con PFAS, al entrar en contacto con productos que contienen PFAS o a través de exposiciones en el lugar de trabajo en ciertas industrias.
Desde que el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan, anunció la Hoja de Ruta Estratégica para PFAS (en inglés) en octubre de 2021, la EPA ha tomado medidas, dentro del enfoque de todo el gobierno de la Administración Biden-Harris, al promover la ciencia y cumplir con la ley para salvaguardar la salud pública, proteger el medioambiente y responsabilizar a los contaminadores. Cada una de las acciones descritas en la Hoja de Ruta Estratégica para PFAS representa pasos importantes y significativos destinados a proteger a las comunidades de la contaminación por PFAS. En conjunto, estas acciones se basarán unas en otras y conducirán a soluciones más duraderas y protectoras. En diciembre de 2023, la EPA publicó su segundo informe anual del avance sobre PFAS (pdf) (en inglés). El informe destaca los logros significativos alcanzados en el marco de la Hoja de Ruta Estratégica para PFAS de la EPA.
A través de la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden, la EPA también está poniendo a disposición fondos sin precedentes para ayudar a garantizar que todas las personas tengan agua limpia y segura. Además de la regla final de hoy, la EPA anuncia casi $1 mil millones en fondos recién disponibles (en inglés); a través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura para ayudar a los estados y territorios a implementar pruebas y tratamientos de PFAS en los sistemas públicos de agua y para ayudar a los propietarios de pozos privados a abordar la contaminación por PFAS. Esto es parte de una inversión de $9 mil millones a través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura para ayudar a las comunidades que tienen agua potable afectada por PFAS y otros contaminantes emergentes, la mayor inversión jamás realizada para abordar la contaminación por PFAS. A través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, se dispone de $12 mil millones adicionales para mejoras generales en el agua potable, incluido el tratamiento de contaminantes emergentes como las PFAS.
El administrador de la EPA, Michael Regan, se unirá a la presidenta del Consejo de Calidad Ambiental de la Casa Blanca, Brenda Mallory, para anunciar hoy la norma final en un evento en Fayetteville, Carolina del Norte. En 2017, los residentes de la zona se enteraron de que el río Cape Fear, la fuente de agua potable para 1 millón de personas en la región, había sido gravemente contaminado con PFAS provenientes de una fábrica cercana. Los anuncios de hoy ayudarán a proteger a comunidades como Fayetteville de los impactos devastadores de las PFAS.
“El agua potable contaminada con PFAS ha afectado a las comunidades de todo el país durante demasiado tiempo”, comentó el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan. “Es por eso que el presidente Biden ha hecho de la lucha contra las PFAS una prioridad absoluta, invirtiendo recursos históricos para abordar estas sustancias químicas nocivas y proteger a las comunidades de todo el país. Nuestra Hoja de Ruta Estratégica para PFAS reúne toda la autoridad y los recursos de la EPA para proteger a las personas de estas sustancias químicas dañinas para siempre. Hoy, me enorgullece finalizar esta pieza fundamental de nuestra Hoja de Ruta y, al hacerlo, salvar miles de vidas y ayudar a garantizar que nuestros niños crezcan más sanos”.
“El presidente Biden cree que todos merecen tener acceso a agua potable limpia y segura, y está cumpliendo esa promesa”, señaló Brenda Mallory, presidenta del Consejo de Calidad Ambiental de la Casa Blanca. “Las primeras normas nacionales de agua potable para PFAS marcan un paso significativo hacia el cumplimiento del compromiso de la Administración Biden-Harris de promover la justicia ambiental, proteger a las comunidades y garantizar el agua limpia para las personas en todo el país”.
“Bajo el liderazgo del presidente Biden, estamos adoptando un enfoque de todo el gobierno para abordar la contaminación por PFAS y garantizar que todos los estadounidenses tengan acceso a agua potable limpia y segura. El anuncio de hoy de la EPA complementa estos esfuerzos y ayudará a mantener a nuestras comunidades a salvo de estos tóxicos “agentes químicos para siempre”, indicó la Dra. Danielle Carnival, Asistente Adjunta del Presidente para Cancer Moonshot. “Junto con la inversión adicional de $1 mil millones de la agenda Invertir en Estados Unidos del presidente Biden para ayudar a las comunidades a abordar la contaminación por PFAS, las reducciones en la exposición a sustancias tóxicas proporcionadas por las normas de la EPA promoverán el objetivo del plan Biden Cancer Moonshot de reducir la tasa de mortalidad por cáncer en al menos la mitad para 2047 y prevenir más de cuatro millones de muertes por cáncer, y detener el cáncer antes de que comience protegiendo a las comunidades de los riesgos conocidos asociados con la exposición a PFAS y otros contaminantes, incluidos los cánceres de riñón y testículos, y más”.
La EPA está dando un paso importante para proteger la salud pública al establecer niveles legalmente exigibles para varias PFAS que se sabe que se producen individualmente y como mezclas en el agua potable. Esta regla establece límites para cinco PFA INDIVIDUALES: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS y HFPO-DA (también conocidos como “sustancias químicas GenX”). La norma también establece un límite para las mezclas de dos o más de cuatro PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS y “sustancias químicas GenX”. Al reducir la exposición a las PFAS, esta norma final evitará miles de muertes prematuras, decenas de miles de enfermedades graves, incluidos ciertos tipos de cáncer e impactos hepáticos y cardíacos en adultos, e impactos inmunológicos y de desarrollo en bebés y niños.
Esta regla final promueve el compromiso del presidente Biden de poner fin al cáncer tal como lo conocemos como parte del plan Biden Cancer Moonshot, para garantizar que todos los estadounidenses tengan acceso a agua potable limpia y segura, y para promover el compromiso de la Administración Biden-Harris con la justicia ambiental al proteger a las comunidades que están más expuestas a productos químicos tóxicos.
La EPA estima que entre aproximadamente el 6% y el 10% de los 66,000 sistemas públicos de agua potable sujetos a esta regla podrían tener que tomar medidas para reducir las PFAS para cumplir con estas nuevas normas. Todos los sistemas públicos de agua tienen tres años para completar su monitoreo inicial de estos productos químicos. Deben informar al público del nivel de PFAS medido en su agua potable. Cuando se encuentran PFAS en niveles que superan estas normas, los sistemas deben implementar soluciones para reducir las PFAS en su agua potable en un plazo de cinco años.
Los nuevos límites de esta norma se pueden alcanzar utilizando una serie de tecnologías y enfoques disponibles, como el carbón activado granular, la ósmosis inversa y los sistemas de intercambio iónico. Por ejemplo, la Autoridad de Servicios Públicos de Cape Fear, que presta servicios en Wilmington, Carolina del Norte, una de las comunidades más afectadas por la contaminación por PFAS, ha implementado de manera efectiva un sistema de carbón activado granular para eliminar las PFAS reguladas por esta norma. Los sistemas de agua potable tendrán flexibilidad para determinar la mejor solución para su comunidad.
La EPA trabajará en estrecha colaboración con los correguladores estatales para apoyar a los sistemas de agua y a los funcionarios locales a fin de implementar esta regla. En las próximas semanas, la EPA organizará una serie de seminarios web para proporcionar información al público, las comunidades y las empresas de servicios públicos de agua sobre la regulación final del agua potable con PFAS. Para obtener más información sobre los seminarios web, visite la Página web de regulación de agua potable con PFAS (en inglés) de la EPA. La EPA también ha publicado una caja de herramientas de recursos de comunicaciones (en inglés) para ayudar a los sistemas de agua potable y a los líderes comunitarios a educar al público sobre las PFAS, de dónde provienen, sus riesgos para la salud, cómo reducir la exposición y sobre esta regla.
“Estamos agradecidos de que el administrador Regan y la Administración Biden estén tomando esta medida para proteger el agua potable en Carolina del Norte y en todo el país”, declaró el gobernador de Carolina del Norte, Roy Cooper. “Pedimos esto porque sabemos que se necesitan desesperadamente normas basadas en la ciencia para PFAS y otros compuestos”.
“Durante décadas, los estadounidenses han estado expuestos al conjunto de 'sustancias químicas para siempre' increíblemente tóxicas conocidas como PFAS sin protección de su gobierno. Esos productos químicos ahora contaminan prácticamente a todos los estadounidenses desde que nacen. Esto se debe a que, durante generaciones, los productos químicos PFAS se deslizaron de todas las leyes ambientales federales como un huevo frito de una sartén de teflón, hasta que llegó Joe Biden”, explicó el presidente y cofundador del Grupo de Trabajo Ambiental, Ken Cook. “Felicitamos al administrador de la EPA, Michael Regan, por su incansable liderazgo para hacer realidad esta decisión, y a la presidenta de CEQ, Brenda Mallory, por asegurarse de que las PFAS se aborden con el enfoque de 'todo el gobierno' que prometió el presidente Biden. Todavía queda mucho trabajo por hacer para poner fin a la contaminación por PFAS. El hecho de que la EPA haya adoptado la política muy fuerte anunciada hoy debería dar a todos la confianza de que la administración Biden mantendrá el rumbo y cumplirá las promesas del presidente, hasta que los estadounidenses queden protegidos, por fin, del flagelo de la contaminación por PFAS”.
“Aprendimos sobre GenX y otras PFAS en nuestra agua del grifo hace seis años. Crié a mis hijos con esta agua y vi a mis seres queridos sufrir de cánceres raros o recurrentes. Nadie debería preocuparse si el agua del grifo le enfermará o le dará cáncer. Estoy agradecido de que la EPA del gobierno de Biden haya escuchado nuestras súplicas y haya cumplido su promesa al pueblo estadounidense. Seguiremos luchando hasta que terminen todas las exposiciones a las PFAS y rindan cuentas plenamente las empresas químicas responsables de los abusos contra los derechos humanos relacionados con ellas”, enfatizó Emily Donovan, cofundadora de Clean Cape Fear.
Más detalles sobre la financiación para abordar las PFAS en el agua potable
A través de la Ley Bipartidista de Infraestructura, la EPA está poniendo a disposición una cantidad sin precedentes de $21 mil millones para fortalecer los sistemas de agua potable de nuestra nación, incluso abordando la contaminación por PFAS. De esa cantidad, 9,000 millones de dólares se destinan específicamente a la lucha contra las PFAS y los contaminantes emergentes. Los programas de financiamiento que entregan estos fondos son parte de la Iniciativa Justice40 (en inglés) del President Biden, que estableció el objetivo de que el 40% de los beneficios generales de ciertas inversiones federales fluyan a las comunidades desventajadas que históricamente se han visto marginadas por la falta de inversión y sobrecargadas por la contaminación.
Además, la EPA tiene un programa nacional de Asistencia Técnica del Agua para ayudar a las comunidades pequeñas, rurales y desventajadas a acceder a los recursos federales trabajando directamente con los sistemas de agua para identificar desafíos como las PFAS; elaborar planes; desarrollar la capacidad técnica, gerencial y financiera; y solicitar financiación para infraestructuras hídricas. Conozca más detalles sobre los programas de Asistencia Técnica del Agua de la EPA (en inglés) .
Más detalles sobre las normas finales de PFAS para el agua potable:
Para PFOA y PFOS, la EPA establece una meta de nivel máximo de contaminantes, una meta no exigible basada en la salud, en cero. Esto refleja la ciencia más reciente que muestra que no hay nivel de exposición a estos contaminantes sin riesgo de impactos en la salud, incluidos ciertos tipos de cáncer.
La EPA establece niveles máximos de contaminantes exigibles en 4.0 partes por billón para PFOA y PFOS, individualmente. Esta norma reducirá la exposición a estas PFAS en nuestra agua potable a los niveles más bajos que sean factibles para una implementación efectiva.
Para PFNA, PFHxS y “sustancias químicas GenX”, la EPA establece los MCLG y MCL en 10 partes por billón.
Debido a que las PFAS a menudo se pueden encontrar juntas en mezclas, y las investigaciones muestran que estas mezclas pueden tener impactos combinados en la salud, la EPA también establece un límite para cualquier mezcla de dos o más de las siguientes PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS y “sustancias químicas GenX”.
La EPA emite esta regla después de revisar una amplia investigación y ciencia sobre cómo las PFAS afectan la salud pública, al tiempo que se involucra con el sector del agua y con los reguladores estatales para garantizar una implementación efectiva. La EPA también consideró 120,000 comentarios sobre la regla propuesta de una amplia variedad de partes interesadas.
Antecedentes:
Las PFAS, también conocidas como “sustancias químicas para siempre”, prevalecen en el medioambiente. Las PFAS son una categoría de productos químicos utilizados desde la década de 1940 para repeler el aceite y el agua y resistir el calor, lo que los hace útiles en productos cotidianos como utensilios de cocina antiadherentes, ropa resistente a las manchas y espuma contra incendios. La ciencia es clara en cuanto a que la exposición a ciertas PFAS durante un largo periodo de tiempo puede causar cáncer y otras enfermedades. Además, la exposición a PFAS durante etapas críticas de la vida, como el embarazo o la primera infancia, también puede tener efectos adversos para la salud.
En todo el país, la contaminación por PFAS está afectando la salud y el bienestar de millones de personas. Las personas pueden estar expuestas a las PFAS a través del agua potable o los alimentos contaminados con PFAS, al entrar en contacto con productos que contienen PFAS o a través de exposiciones en el lugar de trabajo en ciertas industrias.
Desde que el administrador de la EPA, Michael S. Regan, anunció la Hoja de Ruta Estratégica para PFAS (en inglés) en octubre de 2021, la EPA ha tomado medidas, dentro del enfoque de todo el gobierno de la Administración Biden-Harris, al promover la ciencia y cumplir con la ley para salvaguardar la salud pública, proteger el medioambiente y responsabilizar a los contaminadores. Cada una de las acciones descritas en la Hoja de Ruta Estratégica para PFAS representa pasos importantes y significativos destinados a proteger a las comunidades de la contaminación por PFAS. En conjunto, estas acciones se basarán unas en otras y conducirán a soluciones más duraderas y protectoras. En diciembre de 2023, la EPA publicó su segundo informe anual del avance sobre PFAS (pdf) (en inglés). El informe destaca los logros significativos alcanzados en el marco de la Hoja de Ruta Estratégica para PFAS de la EPA.
Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes First-Ever National Drinking Water Standard to Protect 100M People from PFAS Pollution
WASHINGTON - Today, April 10, the Biden-Harris Administration issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals.’ Exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. This final rule represents the most significant step to protect public health under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses. Today’s announcement complements President Biden’s government-wide action plan to combat PFAS pollution.
Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is also making unprecedented funding available to help ensure that all people have clean and safe water. In addition to today’s final rule, EPA is announcing nearly $1 billion in newly available funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination. This is part of a $9 billion investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities with drinking water impacted by PFAS and other emerging contaminants – the largest-ever investment in tackling PFAS pollution. An additional $12 billion is available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for general drinking water improvements, including addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan will join White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory to announce the final standard today at an event in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In 2017, area residents learned that the Cape Fear River, the drinking water source for 1 million people in the region, had been heavily contaminated with PFAS pollution from a nearby manufacturing facility. Today’s announcements will help protect communities like Fayetteville from further devastating impacts of PFAS.
“Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That is why President Biden has made tackling PFAS a top priority, investing historic resources to address these harmful chemicals and protect communities nationwide. Our PFAS Strategic Roadmap marshals the full breadth of EPA’s authority and resources to protect people from these harmful forever chemicals. Today, I am proud to finalize this critical piece of our Roadmap, and in doing so, save thousands of lives and help ensure our children grow up healthier.”
“President Biden believes that everyone deserves access to clean, safe drinking water, and he is delivering on that promise,” said Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “The first national drinking water standards for PFAS marks a significant step towards delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing environmental justice, protecting communities, and securing clean water for people across the country.”
“Under President Biden’s leadership, we are taking a whole-of-government approach to tackle PFAS pollution and ensure that all Americans have access to clean, safe drinking water. Today’s announcement by EPA complements these efforts and will help keep our communities safe from these toxic ‘forever chemicals,’” said Deputy Assistant to the President for the Cancer Moonshot, Dr. Danielle Carnival. “Coupled with the additional $1 billion investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help communities address PFAS pollution, the reductions in exposure to toxic substances delivered by EPA’s standards will further the Biden Cancer Moonshot goal of reducing the cancer death rate by at least half by 2047 and preventing more than four million cancer deaths — and stopping cancer before it starts by protecting communities from known risks associated with exposure to PFAS and other contaminants, including kidney and testicular cancers, and more.”
EPA is taking a signature step to protect public health by establishing legally enforceable levels for several PFAS known to occur individually and as mixtures in drinking water. This rule sets limits for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (also known as “GenX Chemicals”). The rule also sets a limit for mixtures of any two or more of four PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and “GenX chemicals.” By reducing exposure to PFAS, this final rule will prevent thousands of premature deaths, tens of thousands of serious illnesses, including certain cancers and liver and heart impacts in adults, and immune and developmental impacts to infants and children.
This final rule advances President Biden’s commitment to ending cancer as we know it as part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, to ensuring that all Americans have access to clean, safe, drinking water, and to furthering the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice by protecting communities that are most exposed to toxic chemicals.
EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to this rule may have to take action to reduce PFAS to meet these new standards. All public water systems have three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals. They must inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water. Where PFAS is found at levels that exceed these standards, systems must implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within five years.
The new limits in this rule are achievable using a range of available technologies and approaches including granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems. For example, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, serving Wilmington, NC – one of the communities most heavily impacted by PFAS contamination – has effectively deployed a granular activated carbon system to remove PFAS regulated by this rule. Drinking water systems will have flexibility to determine the best solution for their community.
EPA will be working closely with state co-regulators in supporting water systems and local officials to implement this rule. In the coming weeks, EPA will host a series of webinars to provide information to the public, communities, and water utilities about the final PFAS drinking water regulation. To learn more about the webinars, please visit EPA’s PFAS drinking water regulation webpage. EPA has also published a toolkit of communications resources to help drinking water systems and community leaders educate the public about PFAS, where they come from, their health risks, how to reduce exposure, and about this rule.
“We are thankful that Administrator Regan and the Biden Administration are taking this action to protect drinking water in North Carolina and across the country,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “We asked for this because we know science-based standards for PFAS and other compounds are desperately needed.”
“For decades, the American people have been exposed to the family of incredibly toxic ‘forever chemicals’ known as PFAS with no protection from their government. Those chemicals now contaminate virtually all Americans from birth. That’s because for generations, PFAS chemicals slid off of every federal environmental law like a fried egg off a Teflon pan — until Joe Biden came along,” said Environmental Working Group President and Co-Founder Ken Cook. “We commend EPA Administrator Michael Regan for his tireless leadership to make this decision a reality, and CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory for making sure PFAS is tackled with the ‘whole of government’ approach President Biden promised. There is much work yet to be done to end PFAS pollution. The fact that the EPA has adopted the very strong policy announced today should give everyone confidence that the Biden administration will stay the course and keep the president’s promises, until the American people are protected, at long last, from the scourge of PFAS pollution.”
“We learned about GenX and other PFAS in our tap water six years ago. I raised my children on this water and watched loved ones suffer from rare or recurrent cancers. No one should ever worry if their tap water will make them sick or give them cancer. I’m grateful the Biden EPA heard our pleas and kept its promise to the American people. We will keep fighting until all exposures to PFAS end and the chemical companies responsible for business-related human rights abuses are held fully accountable,” said Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear.
More details about funding to address PFAS in Drinking Water
Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is making an unprecedented $21 billion available to strengthen our nation’s drinking water systems, including by addressing PFAS contamination. Of that, $9 billion is specifically for tackling PFAS and emerging contaminants. The financing programs delivering this funding are part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Additionally, EPA has a nationwide Water Technical Assistance program to help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities access federal resources by working directly with water systems to identify challenges like PFAS; develop plans; build technical, managerial, and financial capacity; and apply for water infrastructure funding. Learn more about EPA’s Water Technical Assistance programs.
More details about the final PFAS drinking water standards:
For PFOA and PFOS, EPA is setting a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, a non-enforceable health-based goal, at zero. This reflects the latest science showing that there is no level of exposure to these contaminants without risk of health impacts, including certain cancers.
EPA is setting enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels at 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually. This standard will reduce exposure from these PFAS in our drinking water to the lowest levels that are feasible for effective implementation.
For PFNA, PFHxS, and “GenX Chemicals,” EPA is setting the MCLGs and MCLs at 10 parts per trillion.
Because PFAS can often be found together in mixtures, and research shows these mixtures may have combined health impacts, EPA is also setting a limit for any mixture of two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and “GenX Chemicals.”
EPA is issuing this rule after reviewing extensive research and science on how PFAS affects public health, while engaging with the water sector and with state regulators to ensure effective implementation. EPA also considered 120,000 comments on the proposed rule from a wide variety of stakeholders.
Background:
PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ are prevalent in the environment. PFAS are a category of chemicals used since the 1940s to repel oil and water and resist heat, which makes them useful in everyday products such as nonstick cookware, stain resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. The science is clear that exposure to certain PFAS over a long period of time can cause cancer and other illnesses. In addition, PFAS exposure during critical life stages such as pregnancy or early childhood can also result in adverse health impacts.
Across the country, PFAS contamination is impacting millions of people’s health and wellbeing. People can be exposed to PFAS through drinking water or food contaminated with PFAS, by coming into contact with products that contain PFAS, or through workplace exposures in certain industries.
Since EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the PFAS Strategic Roadmap in October 2021, EPA has taken action – within the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach – by advancing science and following the law to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. The actions described in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap each represent important and meaningful steps to protect communities from PFAS contamination. Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions. In December 2023, the EPA released its second annual report on PFAS progress. The report highlights significant accomplishments achieved under the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is also making unprecedented funding available to help ensure that all people have clean and safe water. In addition to today’s final rule, EPA is announcing nearly $1 billion in newly available funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination. This is part of a $9 billion investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities with drinking water impacted by PFAS and other emerging contaminants – the largest-ever investment in tackling PFAS pollution. An additional $12 billion is available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for general drinking water improvements, including addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan will join White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory to announce the final standard today at an event in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In 2017, area residents learned that the Cape Fear River, the drinking water source for 1 million people in the region, had been heavily contaminated with PFAS pollution from a nearby manufacturing facility. Today’s announcements will help protect communities like Fayetteville from further devastating impacts of PFAS.
“Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That is why President Biden has made tackling PFAS a top priority, investing historic resources to address these harmful chemicals and protect communities nationwide. Our PFAS Strategic Roadmap marshals the full breadth of EPA’s authority and resources to protect people from these harmful forever chemicals. Today, I am proud to finalize this critical piece of our Roadmap, and in doing so, save thousands of lives and help ensure our children grow up healthier.”
“President Biden believes that everyone deserves access to clean, safe drinking water, and he is delivering on that promise,” said Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “The first national drinking water standards for PFAS marks a significant step towards delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing environmental justice, protecting communities, and securing clean water for people across the country.”
“Under President Biden’s leadership, we are taking a whole-of-government approach to tackle PFAS pollution and ensure that all Americans have access to clean, safe drinking water. Today’s announcement by EPA complements these efforts and will help keep our communities safe from these toxic ‘forever chemicals,’” said Deputy Assistant to the President for the Cancer Moonshot, Dr. Danielle Carnival. “Coupled with the additional $1 billion investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help communities address PFAS pollution, the reductions in exposure to toxic substances delivered by EPA’s standards will further the Biden Cancer Moonshot goal of reducing the cancer death rate by at least half by 2047 and preventing more than four million cancer deaths — and stopping cancer before it starts by protecting communities from known risks associated with exposure to PFAS and other contaminants, including kidney and testicular cancers, and more.”
EPA is taking a signature step to protect public health by establishing legally enforceable levels for several PFAS known to occur individually and as mixtures in drinking water. This rule sets limits for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (also known as “GenX Chemicals”). The rule also sets a limit for mixtures of any two or more of four PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and “GenX chemicals.” By reducing exposure to PFAS, this final rule will prevent thousands of premature deaths, tens of thousands of serious illnesses, including certain cancers and liver and heart impacts in adults, and immune and developmental impacts to infants and children.
This final rule advances President Biden’s commitment to ending cancer as we know it as part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot, to ensuring that all Americans have access to clean, safe, drinking water, and to furthering the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to environmental justice by protecting communities that are most exposed to toxic chemicals.
EPA estimates that between about 6% and 10% of the 66,000 public drinking water systems subject to this rule may have to take action to reduce PFAS to meet these new standards. All public water systems have three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals. They must inform the public of the level of PFAS measured in their drinking water. Where PFAS is found at levels that exceed these standards, systems must implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water within five years.
The new limits in this rule are achievable using a range of available technologies and approaches including granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems. For example, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, serving Wilmington, NC – one of the communities most heavily impacted by PFAS contamination – has effectively deployed a granular activated carbon system to remove PFAS regulated by this rule. Drinking water systems will have flexibility to determine the best solution for their community.
EPA will be working closely with state co-regulators in supporting water systems and local officials to implement this rule. In the coming weeks, EPA will host a series of webinars to provide information to the public, communities, and water utilities about the final PFAS drinking water regulation. To learn more about the webinars, please visit EPA’s PFAS drinking water regulation webpage. EPA has also published a toolkit of communications resources to help drinking water systems and community leaders educate the public about PFAS, where they come from, their health risks, how to reduce exposure, and about this rule.
“We are thankful that Administrator Regan and the Biden Administration are taking this action to protect drinking water in North Carolina and across the country,” said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. “We asked for this because we know science-based standards for PFAS and other compounds are desperately needed.”
“For decades, the American people have been exposed to the family of incredibly toxic ‘forever chemicals’ known as PFAS with no protection from their government. Those chemicals now contaminate virtually all Americans from birth. That’s because for generations, PFAS chemicals slid off of every federal environmental law like a fried egg off a Teflon pan — until Joe Biden came along,” said Environmental Working Group President and Co-Founder Ken Cook. “We commend EPA Administrator Michael Regan for his tireless leadership to make this decision a reality, and CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory for making sure PFAS is tackled with the ‘whole of government’ approach President Biden promised. There is much work yet to be done to end PFAS pollution. The fact that the EPA has adopted the very strong policy announced today should give everyone confidence that the Biden administration will stay the course and keep the president’s promises, until the American people are protected, at long last, from the scourge of PFAS pollution.”
“We learned about GenX and other PFAS in our tap water six years ago. I raised my children on this water and watched loved ones suffer from rare or recurrent cancers. No one should ever worry if their tap water will make them sick or give them cancer. I’m grateful the Biden EPA heard our pleas and kept its promise to the American people. We will keep fighting until all exposures to PFAS end and the chemical companies responsible for business-related human rights abuses are held fully accountable,” said Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear.
More details about funding to address PFAS in Drinking Water
Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is making an unprecedented $21 billion available to strengthen our nation’s drinking water systems, including by addressing PFAS contamination. Of that, $9 billion is specifically for tackling PFAS and emerging contaminants. The financing programs delivering this funding are part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
Additionally, EPA has a nationwide Water Technical Assistance program to help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities access federal resources by working directly with water systems to identify challenges like PFAS; develop plans; build technical, managerial, and financial capacity; and apply for water infrastructure funding. Learn more about EPA’s Water Technical Assistance programs.
More details about the final PFAS drinking water standards:
For PFOA and PFOS, EPA is setting a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal, a non-enforceable health-based goal, at zero. This reflects the latest science showing that there is no level of exposure to these contaminants without risk of health impacts, including certain cancers.
EPA is setting enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels at 4.0 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, individually. This standard will reduce exposure from these PFAS in our drinking water to the lowest levels that are feasible for effective implementation.
For PFNA, PFHxS, and “GenX Chemicals,” EPA is setting the MCLGs and MCLs at 10 parts per trillion.
Because PFAS can often be found together in mixtures, and research shows these mixtures may have combined health impacts, EPA is also setting a limit for any mixture of two or more of the following PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and “GenX Chemicals.”
EPA is issuing this rule after reviewing extensive research and science on how PFAS affects public health, while engaging with the water sector and with state regulators to ensure effective implementation. EPA also considered 120,000 comments on the proposed rule from a wide variety of stakeholders.
Background:
PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ are prevalent in the environment. PFAS are a category of chemicals used since the 1940s to repel oil and water and resist heat, which makes them useful in everyday products such as nonstick cookware, stain resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. The science is clear that exposure to certain PFAS over a long period of time can cause cancer and other illnesses. In addition, PFAS exposure during critical life stages such as pregnancy or early childhood can also result in adverse health impacts.
Across the country, PFAS contamination is impacting millions of people’s health and wellbeing. People can be exposed to PFAS through drinking water or food contaminated with PFAS, by coming into contact with products that contain PFAS, or through workplace exposures in certain industries.
Since EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the PFAS Strategic Roadmap in October 2021, EPA has taken action – within the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government approach – by advancing science and following the law to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. The actions described in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap each represent important and meaningful steps to protect communities from PFAS contamination. Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions. In December 2023, the EPA released its second annual report on PFAS progress. The report highlights significant accomplishments achieved under the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap.