Biden-Harris Administration announces latest action to better protect communities from treatment of waste explosives
WASHINGTON – Today, Mar. 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing a rule to amend standards for facilities that use open burning and open detonation (OB/OD) to treat waste explosives such as munitions, fireworks, flares or airbag propellants. If finalized, the rule would strengthen existing regulatory requirements to use safe and available alternative technologies to treat waste explosives and provide new technical standards for open burning and open detonation designed to better protect communities and military families from pollution. EPA also proposed a framework for permitting mobile treatment units aimed to expand potential treatment options for waste explosives and reduce the use of open burning and open detonation.
“Open burning and open detonation of waste explosives like fireworks or munitions can have serious environmental and public health impacts, oftentimes in communities already overburdened by pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “In close coordination with federal, state and local partners, EPA’s proposal will work to better protect local communities from environmental and health harm while ensuring facilities are supported in the transition to new alternative technologies that safely manage explosive wastes.”
Explosive wastes include a range of items, including munitions, propellants, fireworks, and flares and are often treated by OB/OD because historically, other safe modes of treatment have not been available. However, as described in 2019 reports by EPA and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, alternative technologies are now available to safely treat certain waste explosives.
Unlike treatment of other hazardous waste, OB/OD occurs in the open, and emissions are released directly into the environment. The proposed rule responds to community concerns, including the potential for exposure to pollutants released into the air, deposited into soil and surface water, and leached into groundwater after an OB/OD event. Communities raised additional concerns about noise and vibration from facilities using OB/OD to treat waste explosives.
If finalized, the proposal is expected to reduce existing disproportionate and adverse impacts on communities with environmental justice concerns. Specifically, more frequent evaluations of alternatives to OB/OD and new technical permitting standards for OB/OD may accelerate the implementation of cleaner, safer alternative technologies.
In 1980, due to the potential risks to human health and the environment, EPA prohibited open burning of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) with one exception for waste explosives “which cannot safely be disposed of through other modes of treatment.” Since that time, facilities have been required to determine whether alternatives are safe and available. EPA committed to monitoring the progress of ongoing development of safe alternatives, as this explosives exception from the ban on open burning of hazardous waste was not intended to be indefinite.
In developing this proposal, EPA engaged with Tribes, state regulators, communities, and operators of OB/OD facilities, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In June 2022, EPA also issued a policy memorandum to communicate existing requirements for OB/OD facilities and to provide guidance to EPA Regions, states, and territories for permitting OB/OD units under RCRA to protect human health and the environment.
After publication in the Federal Register, EPA will take public comment for 60 days on the proposed rule.
Review a prepublication copy of the proposed rule on our Revisions to Standards for the Open Burning / Open Detonation of Waste Explosives webpage.
Learn about energetic hazardous waste.
“Open burning and open detonation of waste explosives like fireworks or munitions can have serious environmental and public health impacts, oftentimes in communities already overburdened by pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “In close coordination with federal, state and local partners, EPA’s proposal will work to better protect local communities from environmental and health harm while ensuring facilities are supported in the transition to new alternative technologies that safely manage explosive wastes.”
Explosive wastes include a range of items, including munitions, propellants, fireworks, and flares and are often treated by OB/OD because historically, other safe modes of treatment have not been available. However, as described in 2019 reports by EPA and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, alternative technologies are now available to safely treat certain waste explosives.
Unlike treatment of other hazardous waste, OB/OD occurs in the open, and emissions are released directly into the environment. The proposed rule responds to community concerns, including the potential for exposure to pollutants released into the air, deposited into soil and surface water, and leached into groundwater after an OB/OD event. Communities raised additional concerns about noise and vibration from facilities using OB/OD to treat waste explosives.
If finalized, the proposal is expected to reduce existing disproportionate and adverse impacts on communities with environmental justice concerns. Specifically, more frequent evaluations of alternatives to OB/OD and new technical permitting standards for OB/OD may accelerate the implementation of cleaner, safer alternative technologies.
In 1980, due to the potential risks to human health and the environment, EPA prohibited open burning of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) with one exception for waste explosives “which cannot safely be disposed of through other modes of treatment.” Since that time, facilities have been required to determine whether alternatives are safe and available. EPA committed to monitoring the progress of ongoing development of safe alternatives, as this explosives exception from the ban on open burning of hazardous waste was not intended to be indefinite.
In developing this proposal, EPA engaged with Tribes, state regulators, communities, and operators of OB/OD facilities, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In June 2022, EPA also issued a policy memorandum to communicate existing requirements for OB/OD facilities and to provide guidance to EPA Regions, states, and territories for permitting OB/OD units under RCRA to protect human health and the environment.
After publication in the Federal Register, EPA will take public comment for 60 days on the proposed rule.
Review a prepublication copy of the proposed rule on our Revisions to Standards for the Open Burning / Open Detonation of Waste Explosives webpage.
Learn about energetic hazardous waste.
EPA Expands Wastewater Infrastructure Program, Invites Rural Communities To Apply for Assistance
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the expansion of its successful Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative to 150 communities across Rural America. The program is already serving McDowell and Raleigh Counties in West Virginia and the agency invites rural communities across the region to apply.
Originally launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative partners with underserved communities across the country to provide technical assistance on accessing federal wastewater funding. This program, along with historic funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will advance President Biden’s environmental justice agenda and help thousands of Americans access the wastewater infrastructure they need to thrive.
“I’ve been on the ground in McDowell County and Raleigh County, and I’ve seen firsthand the environmental and public health impacts of untreated wastewater,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The people in these communities deserve the protection that modern wastewater treatment can provide. This initiative is part of the more than half a billion dollars that EPA has invested in West Virginia under the Biden-Harris Administration.”
In McDowell County, the McDowell County Public Service District will continue to work with partners to identify and pursue funding for wastewater treatment alternatives for the communities of Keystone and Northfork. In Raleigh County, the Crab Orchard-MacArthur Public Service District is exploring affordable wastewater treatment options for the unincorporated communities of Rhodell and Amigo.
An estimated two million people in the U.S. live without adequate wastewater infrastructure and safe and reliable drinking water in their homes. Many more live with wastewater infrastructure that is ineffective and puts people’s health at risk. To date, the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap initiative provided communities with no-cost technical assistance that helps identify affordable options for wastewater infrastructure. For example, technical assistance providers help the community conduct assessments of the community’s specific needs and submit applications for wastewater funding.
Interested communities can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form. Communities will be selected on a rolling basis and there is no deadline to apply. For questions, email SepticHelp@epa.gov.
Learn more about EPA’s WaterTA services and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic $50 billion investment in America.
Originally launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative partners with underserved communities across the country to provide technical assistance on accessing federal wastewater funding. This program, along with historic funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will advance President Biden’s environmental justice agenda and help thousands of Americans access the wastewater infrastructure they need to thrive.
“I’ve been on the ground in McDowell County and Raleigh County, and I’ve seen firsthand the environmental and public health impacts of untreated wastewater,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The people in these communities deserve the protection that modern wastewater treatment can provide. This initiative is part of the more than half a billion dollars that EPA has invested in West Virginia under the Biden-Harris Administration.”
In McDowell County, the McDowell County Public Service District will continue to work with partners to identify and pursue funding for wastewater treatment alternatives for the communities of Keystone and Northfork. In Raleigh County, the Crab Orchard-MacArthur Public Service District is exploring affordable wastewater treatment options for the unincorporated communities of Rhodell and Amigo.
An estimated two million people in the U.S. live without adequate wastewater infrastructure and safe and reliable drinking water in their homes. Many more live with wastewater infrastructure that is ineffective and puts people’s health at risk. To date, the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap initiative provided communities with no-cost technical assistance that helps identify affordable options for wastewater infrastructure. For example, technical assistance providers help the community conduct assessments of the community’s specific needs and submit applications for wastewater funding.
Interested communities can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form. Communities will be selected on a rolling basis and there is no deadline to apply. For questions, email SepticHelp@epa.gov.
Learn more about EPA’s WaterTA services and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic $50 billion investment in America.
EPA requires Dyno Nobel, Inc. to correct Clean Air Act violations at Cheyenne plant
Cheyenne, Wyoming (March 12, 2024) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a Clean Air Act settlement in which Dyno Nobel, Inc. (Dyno Nobel) has agreed to pay a $394,906 civil administrative penalty as part of an ongoing, multi-step effort to address violations of Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements at the company’s ammonium nitrate production plant in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
An EPA inspection of the Dyno Nobel facility revealed several violations of RMP requirements related to the management of ammonia and chlorine. Deficiencies included failures to adhere to the Clean Air Act’s RMP standards for process safety information, process hazard analysis, mechanical integrity and operating procedures at the plant.
“EPA continues to protect communities by ensuring that facilities that handle hazardous chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine comply with the safety requirements intended to prevent accidents,” said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “The measures Dyno Nobel has taken in response to EPA’s compliance actions are significantly reducing the risks of chemical releases that can harm residents, workers and first responders.”
The settlement, filed as a Consent Agreement and entered through a Final Order on March 8, 2024, follows Dyno Nobel’s recent successful completion of several compliance actions required by a January 4, 2023, EPA Administrative Compliance Order on Consent (AOC). The company has been responsive to the prior order and has corrected all identified deficiencies to reduce the possibility of an accidental release or other harm.
This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative to reduce risks from chemical accidents. The initiative focuses on improving compliance with environmental laws within the chemical manufacturing industry sector, where accidental chemical releases can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
The Dyno Nobel facility is subject to Clean Air Act RMP regulations because it stores and processes large quantities of ammonia and chlorine. The RMP rule requires facilities holding more than 10,000 pounds of ammonia or 2,500 pounds of chlorine to develop a site-specific risk management plan and submit that plan to EPA.
Risk management plans address the proper design and maintenance of equipment such as pipes and vessels, a facility’s emergency preparedness and the ability to minimize releases that may occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police and emergency response personnel to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. Making these plans available to the public also fosters communication and awareness to improve accident prevention and emergency response practices at the local level.
For more information on the Clean Air Act and RMP rule requirements, please visit the EPA RMP rule webpage.
An EPA inspection of the Dyno Nobel facility revealed several violations of RMP requirements related to the management of ammonia and chlorine. Deficiencies included failures to adhere to the Clean Air Act’s RMP standards for process safety information, process hazard analysis, mechanical integrity and operating procedures at the plant.
“EPA continues to protect communities by ensuring that facilities that handle hazardous chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine comply with the safety requirements intended to prevent accidents,” said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “The measures Dyno Nobel has taken in response to EPA’s compliance actions are significantly reducing the risks of chemical releases that can harm residents, workers and first responders.”
The settlement, filed as a Consent Agreement and entered through a Final Order on March 8, 2024, follows Dyno Nobel’s recent successful completion of several compliance actions required by a January 4, 2023, EPA Administrative Compliance Order on Consent (AOC). The company has been responsive to the prior order and has corrected all identified deficiencies to reduce the possibility of an accidental release or other harm.
This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative to reduce risks from chemical accidents. The initiative focuses on improving compliance with environmental laws within the chemical manufacturing industry sector, where accidental chemical releases can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
The Dyno Nobel facility is subject to Clean Air Act RMP regulations because it stores and processes large quantities of ammonia and chlorine. The RMP rule requires facilities holding more than 10,000 pounds of ammonia or 2,500 pounds of chlorine to develop a site-specific risk management plan and submit that plan to EPA.
Risk management plans address the proper design and maintenance of equipment such as pipes and vessels, a facility’s emergency preparedness and the ability to minimize releases that may occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police and emergency response personnel to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. Making these plans available to the public also fosters communication and awareness to improve accident prevention and emergency response practices at the local level.
For more information on the Clean Air Act and RMP rule requirements, please visit the EPA RMP rule webpage.
Public meeting scheduled to update community on status of Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site in Waterbury, Conn.
WATERBURY, CONN. (March 12, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host an informational public meeting at the Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School on Tuesday, March 19th from 6-8 p.m. to discuss upcoming site work at the Scovill Industrial Landfill Superfund Site made possible by funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Translation services are available upon request.
The community is invited to attend in person:
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School
116 Beecher Ave
Waterbury, CT
Background
The Scovill Industrial Landfill Site was added to the Superfund "National Priorities List" (NPL) in 2000. The site is a 25-acre property located in Waterbury, Conn.
In December 2021, the Biden Administration announced that this site would receive prioritized funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expedite cleanup activities.
The Scovill Manufacturing Company used the site from 1919 to the mid-1970s for disposal of ash, cinders, demolition debris and other wastes. Contaminants identified at the site and attributed to past site operations include: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
EPA has selected and designed a comprehensive cleanup remedy for the site. Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is now ensuring that the needed – and previously unfunded – cleanup work will proceed. Future work at the site will include construction of a soil cap on the northern portion of the site (the Calabrese parcel); excavation and consolidation of soil under the new cap; and wetlands restoration.
In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund, was passed. The law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, funds appropriated by Congress are used. A tax on chemical and petroleum industries provided funds to the Superfund Trust fund for Superfund cleanups up until 1995. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reinstates the chemical excise taxes and invests an additional $3.5 billion in environmental remediation at Superfund sites, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address the legacy pollution that harms the public health of communities and neighborhoods.
For general site information please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/scovill
Community members wishing to request translation services at the meeting should contact:
Ashlin Brooks, U.S. EPA Community Involvement Coordinatorbrooks.ashlin@epa.gov
617-913-9140
or call toll-free 1-888-372-7341
Translation services are available upon request.
The community is invited to attend in person:
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School
116 Beecher Ave
Waterbury, CT
Background
The Scovill Industrial Landfill Site was added to the Superfund "National Priorities List" (NPL) in 2000. The site is a 25-acre property located in Waterbury, Conn.
In December 2021, the Biden Administration announced that this site would receive prioritized funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expedite cleanup activities.
The Scovill Manufacturing Company used the site from 1919 to the mid-1970s for disposal of ash, cinders, demolition debris and other wastes. Contaminants identified at the site and attributed to past site operations include: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
EPA has selected and designed a comprehensive cleanup remedy for the site. Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is now ensuring that the needed – and previously unfunded – cleanup work will proceed. Future work at the site will include construction of a soil cap on the northern portion of the site (the Calabrese parcel); excavation and consolidation of soil under the new cap; and wetlands restoration.
In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund, was passed. The law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, funds appropriated by Congress are used. A tax on chemical and petroleum industries provided funds to the Superfund Trust fund for Superfund cleanups up until 1995. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reinstates the chemical excise taxes and invests an additional $3.5 billion in environmental remediation at Superfund sites, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address the legacy pollution that harms the public health of communities and neighborhoods.
For general site information please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/scovill
Community members wishing to request translation services at the meeting should contact:
Ashlin Brooks, U.S. EPA Community Involvement Coordinatorbrooks.ashlin@epa.gov
617-913-9140
or call toll-free 1-888-372-7341
Commercial Customs Advisory Committee holds first public meeting of 2024
WASHINGTON – The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) unanimously approved six recommendations on export modernization, CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, and broker modernization during its first public meeting of the…
Commercial Customs Advisory Committee holds first public meeting of 2024
WASHINGTON. — The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) unanimously approved six recommendations on export modernization, CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, and broker modernization during its first public meeting of the…
Statement by Secretary Vilsack on the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
The Biden-Harris Administration today released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Following historic progress made since the President took office—with nearly 15 million jobs created and inflation down two-thirds—the Budget protects and builds on this progress by lowering costs for working families, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, investing in America and the American people, and reducing the deficit by cracking down on fraud, cutting wasteful spending, and making the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share.
CBP launches new dashboards for enhanced visibility into trade violations and enforcement efforts
WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched two dynamic statistics dashboards focusing on the Enforce and Protect Act and e-Allegations programs, marking the latest in a series of actions to improve the transparency and effectiveness of…