EPA Region 8 announces the 2024 Pollution Prevention Recognition Program
DENVER (April 8, 2024) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 8 is announcing the 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Program. EPA Region 8 will recognize Tribal, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 28 Tribal Nations for demonstrated leadership in innovative P2 practices.
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 Pollution Prevention Recognition Program allows organizations to be celebrated as innovators in preventing pollution at the source,” said KC Becker, EPA Region 8 Regional Administrator. “We are excited to identify and recognize the forward-thinking organizations that are reducing their environmental impact, improving the quality of life in their communities, and often realizing cost savings as an added benefit.”
This is an annual, voluntary, and non-monetary recognition program. Those interested in applying or nominating an organization to be considered for recognition should submit a complete application describing the nominee’s P2 efforts, which includes their activities, cost savings, pounds of hazardous chemicals reduced, energy conserved, or gallons of water saved, as well as the replicability of their approach. The application deadline is May 24, 2024. For information on how to apply, visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/epa-regional-pollution-prevention-recognition-awards-program
For more information on other regional winners visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/2023-regional-pollution-prevention-award-winners
For more information on P2 and the P2 Grant Program: https://www.epa.gov/p2
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 Pollution Prevention Recognition Program allows organizations to be celebrated as innovators in preventing pollution at the source,” said KC Becker, EPA Region 8 Regional Administrator. “We are excited to identify and recognize the forward-thinking organizations that are reducing their environmental impact, improving the quality of life in their communities, and often realizing cost savings as an added benefit.”
This is an annual, voluntary, and non-monetary recognition program. Those interested in applying or nominating an organization to be considered for recognition should submit a complete application describing the nominee’s P2 efforts, which includes their activities, cost savings, pounds of hazardous chemicals reduced, energy conserved, or gallons of water saved, as well as the replicability of their approach. The application deadline is May 24, 2024. For information on how to apply, visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/epa-regional-pollution-prevention-recognition-awards-program
For more information on other regional winners visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/2023-regional-pollution-prevention-award-winners
For more information on P2 and the P2 Grant Program: https://www.epa.gov/p2
EPA Awards $1.275M to Advance Resilience in Disadvantaged Communities
BOSTON (Apr. 8, 2024) – EPA's Southeast New England Program (SNEP) is announcing funding to improve climate resiliency in disadvantaged communities throughout Southeast New England. The SNEP Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) grant program is committed to investing at least $5 million in disadvantaged communities by 2027 with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In this first year of the program, EPA selected five grantees across Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts, representing $1.275M in direct investment in disadvantaged communities.
"It is incredible to see the positive impacts the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to produce for our communities and neighborhoods," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Reinvigorating our communities, especially those that have been disadvantaged for far too long, is a key component of EPA's mission. With this additional funding for our awardees, we continue to work towards restoring ecosystems, replenishing watersheds and our natural lands, and strengthening communities and making them resilient to the volatile changes in climate we face every day."
"I spearheaded the creation of SNEP to bring people together – across communities and state lines – to take a strategic, scientific-based approach to protecting and improving the health of the Bay and our entire coastal watershed," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
"Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, almost a million dollars in federal grants from Senator Reed's Southeast New England Program are headed to Rhode Island to harden frontline communities against climate-related threats," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "These investments will help build climate resiliency in disadvantaged neighborhoods, mitigate flooding, and sustain the coastal areas that are so vital to Rhode Island's economy and way of life."
"Rhode Islanders across our state know all too well the devastating impacts of climate change on their lives and livelihoods, and we must treat this issue with the urgency it deserves," said Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02). "This starts with investing in climate solutions that will reduce flooding, ensure clean water, address climate vulnerabilities, and protect our most vulnerable residents."
"These grant awards are a testament to the role of Rhode Island as a leader not only in recognizing the disproportionate climate risks facing our disadvantaged communities, but also as a leader in preparing for and mitigating those risks using methods that are innovative and sustainable." said Congressman Gabe Amo. "I am grateful for the over $1.2 million in federal funds being provided by the Environmental Protection Agency's Southeast New England Program network that will directly impact and improve the lives of Rhode Islanders. I look forward to the work ahead."
The following projects were selected for funding via the 2023 SOAR Fund RFP:
MASSACHUSETTS AWARDS:
Engaging Environmental Justice Communities to Promote Urban Watershed Health and Equitable Access to Nature | $299,926 (Federal), $72,349 (Match)
Worcester, MA | Massachusetts Audubon Society
This project will conduct planning for green infrastructure interventions to reduce flooding predicted to continue to worsen due to climate change, which is a top priority for the City of Worcester as identified in its 2019 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan, based on resident input and data analysis. In addition, building on this proposed work, Mass Audubon seeks to collaborate with community organizations, residents, and municipal departments to launch its Nature in the City initiative in Worcester. The aim of this statewide Mass Audubon program is to co-create city-wide approaches that surface shared concerns and develop a collective vision for green and open spaces with the common goal of increasing access to nature and promoting resident-identified needs, such as improving water quality, reducing flooding and heat islands, enhancing climate resilience, and restoring green spaces in urban settings.
RHODE ISLAND AWARDS:
Understanding Urban Flooding and Finding Community Solutions in Providence, RI | $300,000
City of Providence, RI
The City of Providence is committed to climate justice for frontline communities and plans to develop a community-informed study that models flood risk in disadvantaged communities and recommends proven mitigation strategies. This work will allow the City of Providence to effectively plan for community resilience and seek future funding to address urban flooding in the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Under this project, the City will engage a contractor to 1) conduct an urban flooding mapping analysis of the disadvantaged communities most affected by recent flash flooding events; 2) collect and review recent studies on flooding and recommended mitigation strategies, including those on the Woonasquatucket River watershed, West River, and Pleasant Valley Parkway; 3) coordinate with community organizations to support a series of neighborhood meetings to understand the needs of residents in building a flood-resilient city; and 4) present a coordinated, prioritized approach to urban flood mitigation.
Climate & Change: Where Warren Meets the Water | $75,000
Warren, RI | East Bay Community Action Program *First-time applicant*
In response to rising sea levels that will inundate the Market Street neighborhood of Warren, RI, the Town of Warren has developed the "Market to Metacom" plan (funded previously by the SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants (SWIG) program) to relocate the neighborhood to higher ground. The Town and residents recognize the need for robust resident participation in this transformational process. This project supports outreach, communication, and engagement with residents; the development of a Safety and Climate Resilience Work Group; resident workshops addressing climate anxiety and residents' experience with the ongoing changes; Community Health Worker support to access resources; and leadership development for residents who will participate in Town planning efforts and neighborhood organizations in a holistic approach that supports community resilience.
Rhode Island Advancing Resilience in Disadvantaged Communities | $300,000
East Providence, RI | Rhode Island Department of Health
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the City of East Providence plan to re-designate Crescent Park Beach as a licensed swimmable beach for the residents of the Riverside neighborhood, the City, and the metropolitan region over a 3-year project period. After decades of work by several different levels of government and non-profit organizations, this project will see the return of public swimming to this beach after approximately a century of non-use due to water quality issues. RIDOH and the City of East Providence see this project as a significant environmental justice victory, and a way to celebrate the success of cleanup efforts in Narragansett Bay. The project will entail the construction of ADA compliant public restrooms at Crescent Park and the hiring of lifeguards at the beach to enable formal designation as a swimmable beach. These new restrooms will also benefit the community by enhancing the many public events held every year. The project offers several benefits to residents of Disadvantaged Communities and increases community and environmental resilience. The beach is easily accessible via the East Bay Bike Trail and public transit, making it a safe, family-friendly amenity available to residents region-wide. With the increase of harmful effects of climate change, this opportunity will allow for local residents to have a safe, outdoor recreational space to use during the summer months.
Westerly's Resilient Riverfront Renewal | $300,000
Westerly, RI | Southern Rhode Island Conservation District
The Southern Rhode Island Conservation District plans to further implement the Resilient Riverfront Renewal project underway in Westerly, Rhode Island. Along the tidally influenced Pawcatuck River, in the business district of Main Street and surrounding disadvantaged communities, the project seeks to 1) improve the health of the watershed with nature-based solutions for stormwater quantity and quality; 2) promote safe community engagement with business services and the Pawcatuck River; 3) create long-term resiliency with assessment of vulnerabilities to sea level rise and climate change; and 4) engage disadvantaged community participants in workforce training and employment for the maintenance of nature-based solutions.
Background:
SNEP's mission is to foster collaboration among regional partners across southeast New England's coastal watersheds to protect and restore water quality, ecological health, and diverse habitats by sharing knowledge and resources, promoting innovative approaches, and leveraging economic and environmental investments to meet the needs of current and future generations.
More information about SNEP can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/snep
"It is incredible to see the positive impacts the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to produce for our communities and neighborhoods," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Reinvigorating our communities, especially those that have been disadvantaged for far too long, is a key component of EPA's mission. With this additional funding for our awardees, we continue to work towards restoring ecosystems, replenishing watersheds and our natural lands, and strengthening communities and making them resilient to the volatile changes in climate we face every day."
"I spearheaded the creation of SNEP to bring people together – across communities and state lines – to take a strategic, scientific-based approach to protecting and improving the health of the Bay and our entire coastal watershed," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
"Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, almost a million dollars in federal grants from Senator Reed's Southeast New England Program are headed to Rhode Island to harden frontline communities against climate-related threats," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "These investments will help build climate resiliency in disadvantaged neighborhoods, mitigate flooding, and sustain the coastal areas that are so vital to Rhode Island's economy and way of life."
"Rhode Islanders across our state know all too well the devastating impacts of climate change on their lives and livelihoods, and we must treat this issue with the urgency it deserves," said Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02). "This starts with investing in climate solutions that will reduce flooding, ensure clean water, address climate vulnerabilities, and protect our most vulnerable residents."
"These grant awards are a testament to the role of Rhode Island as a leader not only in recognizing the disproportionate climate risks facing our disadvantaged communities, but also as a leader in preparing for and mitigating those risks using methods that are innovative and sustainable." said Congressman Gabe Amo. "I am grateful for the over $1.2 million in federal funds being provided by the Environmental Protection Agency's Southeast New England Program network that will directly impact and improve the lives of Rhode Islanders. I look forward to the work ahead."
The following projects were selected for funding via the 2023 SOAR Fund RFP:
MASSACHUSETTS AWARDS:
Engaging Environmental Justice Communities to Promote Urban Watershed Health and Equitable Access to Nature | $299,926 (Federal), $72,349 (Match)
Worcester, MA | Massachusetts Audubon Society
This project will conduct planning for green infrastructure interventions to reduce flooding predicted to continue to worsen due to climate change, which is a top priority for the City of Worcester as identified in its 2019 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan, based on resident input and data analysis. In addition, building on this proposed work, Mass Audubon seeks to collaborate with community organizations, residents, and municipal departments to launch its Nature in the City initiative in Worcester. The aim of this statewide Mass Audubon program is to co-create city-wide approaches that surface shared concerns and develop a collective vision for green and open spaces with the common goal of increasing access to nature and promoting resident-identified needs, such as improving water quality, reducing flooding and heat islands, enhancing climate resilience, and restoring green spaces in urban settings.
RHODE ISLAND AWARDS:
Understanding Urban Flooding and Finding Community Solutions in Providence, RI | $300,000
City of Providence, RI
The City of Providence is committed to climate justice for frontline communities and plans to develop a community-informed study that models flood risk in disadvantaged communities and recommends proven mitigation strategies. This work will allow the City of Providence to effectively plan for community resilience and seek future funding to address urban flooding in the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods. Under this project, the City will engage a contractor to 1) conduct an urban flooding mapping analysis of the disadvantaged communities most affected by recent flash flooding events; 2) collect and review recent studies on flooding and recommended mitigation strategies, including those on the Woonasquatucket River watershed, West River, and Pleasant Valley Parkway; 3) coordinate with community organizations to support a series of neighborhood meetings to understand the needs of residents in building a flood-resilient city; and 4) present a coordinated, prioritized approach to urban flood mitigation.
Climate & Change: Where Warren Meets the Water | $75,000
Warren, RI | East Bay Community Action Program *First-time applicant*
In response to rising sea levels that will inundate the Market Street neighborhood of Warren, RI, the Town of Warren has developed the "Market to Metacom" plan (funded previously by the SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants (SWIG) program) to relocate the neighborhood to higher ground. The Town and residents recognize the need for robust resident participation in this transformational process. This project supports outreach, communication, and engagement with residents; the development of a Safety and Climate Resilience Work Group; resident workshops addressing climate anxiety and residents' experience with the ongoing changes; Community Health Worker support to access resources; and leadership development for residents who will participate in Town planning efforts and neighborhood organizations in a holistic approach that supports community resilience.
Rhode Island Advancing Resilience in Disadvantaged Communities | $300,000
East Providence, RI | Rhode Island Department of Health
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the City of East Providence plan to re-designate Crescent Park Beach as a licensed swimmable beach for the residents of the Riverside neighborhood, the City, and the metropolitan region over a 3-year project period. After decades of work by several different levels of government and non-profit organizations, this project will see the return of public swimming to this beach after approximately a century of non-use due to water quality issues. RIDOH and the City of East Providence see this project as a significant environmental justice victory, and a way to celebrate the success of cleanup efforts in Narragansett Bay. The project will entail the construction of ADA compliant public restrooms at Crescent Park and the hiring of lifeguards at the beach to enable formal designation as a swimmable beach. These new restrooms will also benefit the community by enhancing the many public events held every year. The project offers several benefits to residents of Disadvantaged Communities and increases community and environmental resilience. The beach is easily accessible via the East Bay Bike Trail and public transit, making it a safe, family-friendly amenity available to residents region-wide. With the increase of harmful effects of climate change, this opportunity will allow for local residents to have a safe, outdoor recreational space to use during the summer months.
Westerly's Resilient Riverfront Renewal | $300,000
Westerly, RI | Southern Rhode Island Conservation District
The Southern Rhode Island Conservation District plans to further implement the Resilient Riverfront Renewal project underway in Westerly, Rhode Island. Along the tidally influenced Pawcatuck River, in the business district of Main Street and surrounding disadvantaged communities, the project seeks to 1) improve the health of the watershed with nature-based solutions for stormwater quantity and quality; 2) promote safe community engagement with business services and the Pawcatuck River; 3) create long-term resiliency with assessment of vulnerabilities to sea level rise and climate change; and 4) engage disadvantaged community participants in workforce training and employment for the maintenance of nature-based solutions.
Background:
SNEP's mission is to foster collaboration among regional partners across southeast New England's coastal watersheds to protect and restore water quality, ecological health, and diverse habitats by sharing knowledge and resources, promoting innovative approaches, and leveraging economic and environmental investments to meet the needs of current and future generations.
More information about SNEP can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/snep
D.R. Horton to pay civil penalties complete a Supplemental Environmental Project and implement Stormwater Compliance Measures across the Southeast for Clean Water Act Noncompliance
Atlanta (April 8, 2024) – D.R. Horton, Inc., the nation’s largest homebuilder, and its subsidiary, D.R. Horton, Inc. – Birmingham (collectively “Horton”), have resolved allegations that they violated requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) relating to stormwater discharges associated with construction activity at 16 locations in Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Under the proposed consent decree, Horton will implement a comprehensive stormwater compliance program at the many hundreds of home construction sites they operate within EPA Region 4 and will pay a civil penalty of $400,000, a portion of which will be directed to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the State of South Carolina, who joined this settlement. Horton will also commit to spend at least $400,000 on a Supplemental Environmental Project to improve water quality by decreasing pollutant loads in stormwater runoff through increases in stormwater infiltration.
“All homebuilders, including Horton, must comply with Clean Water Act provisions to prevent waterways from being contaminated by sediment discharges and other pollutants from stormwater runoff,” said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “This consent decree was developed with Horton, along with the cooperation of state agencies, to ensure that Horton implements a comprehensive stormwater management program at the many hundreds of home construction sites they operate across the Southeast to protect nearby waterways and the communities that live along them.”
The injunctive relief measures set forth in the proposed consent decree are designed to result in effective stormwater runoff management at Horton’s construction sites and will result in an estimated annual reduction of 45.5 million pounds of total suspended solids in affected waters.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division, 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.
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“All homebuilders, including Horton, must comply with Clean Water Act provisions to prevent waterways from being contaminated by sediment discharges and other pollutants from stormwater runoff,” said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “This consent decree was developed with Horton, along with the cooperation of state agencies, to ensure that Horton implements a comprehensive stormwater management program at the many hundreds of home construction sites they operate across the Southeast to protect nearby waterways and the communities that live along them.”
The injunctive relief measures set forth in the proposed consent decree are designed to result in effective stormwater runoff management at Horton’s construction sites and will result in an estimated annual reduction of 45.5 million pounds of total suspended solids in affected waters.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division, 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.
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Baltimore preps for limited port reopening by end of April
And the US Army Corps of Engineers says it expects to clear the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge from Baltimore’s 50-foot-deep shipping channel by the end of May, “restoring port access to normal capacity.”
EPA Proposes Plan to Address Contamination in Buildings at the Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site in Brooklyn
NEW YORK (April 5, 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 most immediate threat to people is that the contamination can seep into buildings where people can breathe it in, so EPA is testing under foundation slabs to determine if there is a problem,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “I encourage people to comment on this proposed plan, which will help EPA take action to reduce and address the potential risk to people in the area.”
The Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site covers over 190 acres across several city blocks in the Greenpoint/East Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. The soil, soil gas and groundwater at the site are contaminated with CVOCs, including toxic tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), which are classified by EPA as likely to cause cancer. This part of Brooklyn included historical petroleum refining and storage operations along the banks of Newtown Creek. The site was discovered when chemical contamination was found in soil and groundwater outside the historic petroleum spill area.
As of December 2023, EPA sampled underneath and inside of 18 residential structures, 11 public housing buildings, and one public school. EPA has results that show no further action is needed at 15 of the residential properties, the 11 public housing buildings, and the public school. Three of the residential properties will require additional monitoring. In addition, in February and March 2024, EPA sampled 18 properties and will be evaluating the results, and will be conducting additional sampling in the future. Because prior sampling from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation did detect CVOC vapors inside several dozen properties, the State installed specialized systems to handle the vapors. This proposed plan would allow EPA to continue to install these systems, as needed, as it continues to sample.
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.
EPA will hold a public meeting on April 16, 2024 to explain the cleanup proposal and to take public comments. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Kostka Lower Church, 607 Humboldt St, Brooklyn, NY. Comments will be accepted until May 10, 2024.
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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“The most immediate threat to people is that the contamination can seep into buildings where people can breathe it in, so EPA is testing under foundation slabs to determine if there is a problem,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “I encourage people to comment on this proposed plan, which will help EPA take action to reduce and address the potential risk to people in the area.”
The Meeker Avenue Plume Superfund Site covers over 190 acres across several city blocks in the Greenpoint/East Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. The soil, soil gas and groundwater at the site are contaminated with CVOCs, including toxic tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), which are classified by EPA as likely to cause cancer. This part of Brooklyn included historical petroleum refining and storage operations along the banks of Newtown Creek. The site was discovered when chemical contamination was found in soil and groundwater outside the historic petroleum spill area.
As of December 2023, EPA sampled underneath and inside of 18 residential structures, 11 public housing buildings, and one public school. EPA has results that show no further action is needed at 15 of the residential properties, the 11 public housing buildings, and the public school. Three of the residential properties will require additional monitoring. In addition, in February and March 2024, EPA sampled 18 properties and will be evaluating the results, and will be conducting additional sampling in the future. Because prior sampling from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation did detect CVOC vapors inside several dozen properties, the State installed specialized systems to handle the vapors. This proposed plan would allow EPA to continue to install these systems, as needed, as it continues to sample.
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.
EPA will hold a public meeting on April 16, 2024 to explain the cleanup proposal and to take public comments. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Kostka Lower Church, 607 Humboldt St, Brooklyn, NY. Comments will be accepted until May 10, 2024.
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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EPA and DEC Launch Statewide Environmental Justice Listening Tour
NEW YORK (April 5, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a series of Environmental Justice listening sessions to support and enhance meaningful engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns. The events support DEC and EPA’s ongoing efforts to promote and enhance existing state and federal Environmental Justice programs to better serve the community, build relationships between the agencies and community members, and help prioritize future outreach efforts for public participation.
“Communities speak for themselves, and EPA is here to listen. We are honored to kick off our EJ Listening Tour in Western New York with DEC to better understand the unique challenges and aspirations of communities affected by the cumulative impacts of legacy pollution, climate change, and historic disinvestment,” Regional EPA Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said. “Our goal is to establish stronger relationships with community leaders and people potentially affected by environmental pollution to promote meaningful engagement.”
“New York State is making significant progress to address longstanding environmental issues affecting disadvantaged communities, but more work must be done to advance DEC’s environmental justice objectives to improve the health and wellbeing of marginalized New Yorkers,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “DEC is proud to partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to launch this listening tour and hear directly from Indigenous Nations and communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and climate change, particularly greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”
The listening sessions are jointly organized by EPA Region 2 and DEC’s Offices of Environmental Justice and Indian Nation Affairs. The first meeting will be held on April 15 at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls. Doors open at 5 p.m. and participants can attend any time between 5 to 7:30 p.m. to participate in an informal and interactive open house with EPA and DEC technical experts. There will be a formal presentation and brief remarks by DEC and EPA leadership at 6 p.m., with opportunities for attendees to provide input throughout the evening.
Participants will be able to engage with staff from both agencies to provide comments and feedback on environmental issues in their neighborhoods during the listening session. DEC and EPA will also have information on grant and technical assistance opportunities available. Future sessions are planned statewide and will be announced throughout 2024 and 2025.
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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“Communities speak for themselves, and EPA is here to listen. We are honored to kick off our EJ Listening Tour in Western New York with DEC to better understand the unique challenges and aspirations of communities affected by the cumulative impacts of legacy pollution, climate change, and historic disinvestment,” Regional EPA Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said. “Our goal is to establish stronger relationships with community leaders and people potentially affected by environmental pollution to promote meaningful engagement.”
“New York State is making significant progress to address longstanding environmental issues affecting disadvantaged communities, but more work must be done to advance DEC’s environmental justice objectives to improve the health and wellbeing of marginalized New Yorkers,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “DEC is proud to partner with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to launch this listening tour and hear directly from Indigenous Nations and communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and climate change, particularly greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”
The listening sessions are jointly organized by EPA Region 2 and DEC’s Offices of Environmental Justice and Indian Nation Affairs. The first meeting will be held on April 15 at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls. Doors open at 5 p.m. and participants can attend any time between 5 to 7:30 p.m. to participate in an informal and interactive open house with EPA and DEC technical experts. There will be a formal presentation and brief remarks by DEC and EPA leadership at 6 p.m., with opportunities for attendees to provide input throughout the evening.
Participants will be able to engage with staff from both agencies to provide comments and feedback on environmental issues in their neighborhoods during the listening session. DEC and EPA will also have information on grant and technical assistance opportunities available. Future sessions are planned statewide and will be announced throughout 2024 and 2025.
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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Pacific Northwest federal, state agencies to collaborate on prescribed fire, smoke management to confront wildfire crisis
SEATTLE (April 5, 2024) – State and federal agencies and departments in Oregon and Washington have agreed to collaborate on addressing the escalating wildfire crisis by increasing use of prescribed fire and other forest fuel management strategies at larger geographic scales while also increasing outreach to nearby communities as these strategies are deployed. These strategies reduce forest fuels on the ground and allow for strategic burning that minimizes community and public health impacts relative to impacts from uncontrolled wildfires.
“Every community across the Pacific Northwest is experiencing the impacts of a longer, smokier wildfire season. One of the best tools we have for making our forests more resilient against catastrophic wildfires is controlled burning,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “These prescribed fires target hazardous fuels and allow for healthier forests. The agreement we’re announcing today will help to ensure federal and state agencies are working together and utilizing the best available science to identify where and when prescribed fires will occur, bringing local communities into the conversation, and importantly providing resources to residents so that they can prepare for smoke and have access to clean indoor air.”
“In the face of a growing wildfire crisis, it's more critical than ever that we come together and leverage every tool, insight, and innovation," said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service. "This collaboration represents the beginning of a multi-agency effort towards improved cooperation and scale-up of prescribed fire and smoke management, with recognition that a near-term step will be to engage others, particularly Tribes, that are critical to this effort. Together, we're committed to reducing wildfire risk and prioritizing the health and safety of our communities while increasing the resilience of our ecosystems. Our shared efforts with these pilot projects will lay the groundwork for a safer, healthier future for the Pacific Northwest.”
Over the past decade, wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and beyond have intensified, posing significant risks to human health, particularly among vulnerable communities and populations. These dangers are exacerbated by a warming climate and increased human development in fire-prone areas. The recent infusion of federal funds through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has provided an unprecedented opportunity for collective action amongst government agencies.
This collaborative initiative is a response to a March 2023 Government Accountability Office report which emphasized the need for aligned air quality and land management goals to mitigate wildfire risks effectively. Building on a national Memorandum of Understanding and recognizing the public health crisis that wildfires represent, this joint statement outlines a commitment to regional collaboration for achieving these critical goals.
At a meeting in November 2023, representatives from federal and state agencies discussed the necessity of increasing prescribed fire activities. Prescribed fires, or burning areas intentionally to manage land and resource objectives, are deemed essential for reducing wildfire risks and enhancing ecosystem resilience. This approach is balanced with strategies to minimize public health impacts from smoke, emphasizing the need for comprehensive community engagement and support for vulnerable populations.
The principles guiding this initiative include acting with urgency, protecting public health and property, overcoming implementation barriers, embracing innovation, and learning from experience. The agencies aim to leverage expertise, resources, and innovative strategies to increase the scale of prescribed fire implementations while ensuring public health protection.
Two pilot projects, one in West Bend, Oregon and another in North Central Washington, will serve as initial test areas for these collaborative efforts. The insights gained from these pilot projects will inform further actions and strategies, demonstrating a united front in addressing wildfire and smoke management challenges.
The Joint Statement was signed by the USDA Forest Service, Region 6; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10; Oregon Department of Environmental Quality; Oregon Department of Forestry; Oregon Health Authority; Washington State Department of Ecology; Washington Department of Health; and Washington Department of Natural Resources. It is available for download on the Forest Service Prescribed Fire & Smoke Collaborative website.
“Every community across the Pacific Northwest is experiencing the impacts of a longer, smokier wildfire season. One of the best tools we have for making our forests more resilient against catastrophic wildfires is controlled burning,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “These prescribed fires target hazardous fuels and allow for healthier forests. The agreement we’re announcing today will help to ensure federal and state agencies are working together and utilizing the best available science to identify where and when prescribed fires will occur, bringing local communities into the conversation, and importantly providing resources to residents so that they can prepare for smoke and have access to clean indoor air.”
“In the face of a growing wildfire crisis, it's more critical than ever that we come together and leverage every tool, insight, and innovation," said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service. "This collaboration represents the beginning of a multi-agency effort towards improved cooperation and scale-up of prescribed fire and smoke management, with recognition that a near-term step will be to engage others, particularly Tribes, that are critical to this effort. Together, we're committed to reducing wildfire risk and prioritizing the health and safety of our communities while increasing the resilience of our ecosystems. Our shared efforts with these pilot projects will lay the groundwork for a safer, healthier future for the Pacific Northwest.”
Over the past decade, wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and beyond have intensified, posing significant risks to human health, particularly among vulnerable communities and populations. These dangers are exacerbated by a warming climate and increased human development in fire-prone areas. The recent infusion of federal funds through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has provided an unprecedented opportunity for collective action amongst government agencies.
This collaborative initiative is a response to a March 2023 Government Accountability Office report which emphasized the need for aligned air quality and land management goals to mitigate wildfire risks effectively. Building on a national Memorandum of Understanding and recognizing the public health crisis that wildfires represent, this joint statement outlines a commitment to regional collaboration for achieving these critical goals.
At a meeting in November 2023, representatives from federal and state agencies discussed the necessity of increasing prescribed fire activities. Prescribed fires, or burning areas intentionally to manage land and resource objectives, are deemed essential for reducing wildfire risks and enhancing ecosystem resilience. This approach is balanced with strategies to minimize public health impacts from smoke, emphasizing the need for comprehensive community engagement and support for vulnerable populations.
The principles guiding this initiative include acting with urgency, protecting public health and property, overcoming implementation barriers, embracing innovation, and learning from experience. The agencies aim to leverage expertise, resources, and innovative strategies to increase the scale of prescribed fire implementations while ensuring public health protection.
Two pilot projects, one in West Bend, Oregon and another in North Central Washington, will serve as initial test areas for these collaborative efforts. The insights gained from these pilot projects will inform further actions and strategies, demonstrating a united front in addressing wildfire and smoke management challenges.
The Joint Statement was signed by the USDA Forest Service, Region 6; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10; Oregon Department of Environmental Quality; Oregon Department of Forestry; Oregon Health Authority; Washington State Department of Ecology; Washington Department of Health; and Washington Department of Natural Resources. It is available for download on the Forest Service Prescribed Fire & Smoke Collaborative website.
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