Breathe. Boston firm wins EPA clean indoor air challenge
BOSTON – (Feb. 22, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the winners of the "Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires" Challenge. One of the two winners – who received a prize of $50,000 for their innovative prototype designed to clean indoor air during wildfires – was Metalmark Innovations, Inc. of Boston, Mass.
"Wildland fires destroy air quality, can clog air monitors and damage lungs with copious amount of pollutants, and force you and your family indoors to avoid the hazardous health risks they create," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "We got a taste of the bad air from Canada's wildfires last summer, but it's unimaginably worse when you live closer to a burning forest or fields. Heartfelt congratulations and thanks to our winners who came up with novel technologies that have the potential to provide effective and lower cost options to those who truly need it to breathe clean air when surviving wildfire events."
The acreage burned by wildfire in the U.S. has increased for the last three decades and is predicted to continue to increase in the future. Wildfires release many pollutants that worsen air quality in surrounding areas. Particle pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5 or particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers), is a significant component of wildfire smoke and a known health risk.
Wildfire smoke exposure is particularly harmful for people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Smoke can spread many miles during wildfires causing poor air quality that can lead to significant health effects in surrounding communities. Smoke exposures during wildfires can be reduced by staying indoors with closed doors and windows and cleaning the indoor air, if possible.
Current indoor air cleaning technologies have multiple limitations that prevent widespread use, including the cost of purchase, operation, and maintenance, as well as noise levels and dependence on electrical power, which wildfires or rolling blackouts can disrupt.
To address these limitations, EPA developed this Challenge to focus attention on the problem, inspire the development of innovative solutions, and spur the market to commercialize effective solutions. Phase One Challenge Winners developed detailed design proposals for affordable approaches to keep indoor air as clean as possible during periods when outdoor PM2.5 concentrations are elevated, such as during wildfire smoke events. Winners and honorable mentions from this first phase of the Challenge were invited to submit prototypes of their technologies for evaluation in the second phase of the Challenge.
During Phase Two of the Challenge, five teams submitted prototype technologies for evaluation. EPA worked closely with partners from federal, state, and local agencies as well as academia and industry to assess the prototypes through qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
Phase Two award winner Metalmark's Clean Air Device uses a novel nanomaterial coating on a filter to enable self-cleaning, prolonging the life of the filter and thereby minimizing the operating costs. It was proposed by Sissi Liu, Tanya Shirman, and Elijah Shirman of Metalmark Innovations, Inc., of Boston, Mass.
More information:
Read the full descriptions of winning and honorable mention proposals at: www.epa.gov/air-research/winners-cleaner-indoor-air-during-wildfires-challenge
Learn more about EPA's wildfire research at: www.epa.gov/air-research/wildland-fire-research-protect-health-and-environment
Check out the air quality in your neighborhood at airnow.gov.
"Wildland fires destroy air quality, can clog air monitors and damage lungs with copious amount of pollutants, and force you and your family indoors to avoid the hazardous health risks they create," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "We got a taste of the bad air from Canada's wildfires last summer, but it's unimaginably worse when you live closer to a burning forest or fields. Heartfelt congratulations and thanks to our winners who came up with novel technologies that have the potential to provide effective and lower cost options to those who truly need it to breathe clean air when surviving wildfire events."
The acreage burned by wildfire in the U.S. has increased for the last three decades and is predicted to continue to increase in the future. Wildfires release many pollutants that worsen air quality in surrounding areas. Particle pollution, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5 or particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers), is a significant component of wildfire smoke and a known health risk.
Wildfire smoke exposure is particularly harmful for people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, lung disease or cardiovascular disease. Smoke can spread many miles during wildfires causing poor air quality that can lead to significant health effects in surrounding communities. Smoke exposures during wildfires can be reduced by staying indoors with closed doors and windows and cleaning the indoor air, if possible.
Current indoor air cleaning technologies have multiple limitations that prevent widespread use, including the cost of purchase, operation, and maintenance, as well as noise levels and dependence on electrical power, which wildfires or rolling blackouts can disrupt.
To address these limitations, EPA developed this Challenge to focus attention on the problem, inspire the development of innovative solutions, and spur the market to commercialize effective solutions. Phase One Challenge Winners developed detailed design proposals for affordable approaches to keep indoor air as clean as possible during periods when outdoor PM2.5 concentrations are elevated, such as during wildfire smoke events. Winners and honorable mentions from this first phase of the Challenge were invited to submit prototypes of their technologies for evaluation in the second phase of the Challenge.
During Phase Two of the Challenge, five teams submitted prototype technologies for evaluation. EPA worked closely with partners from federal, state, and local agencies as well as academia and industry to assess the prototypes through qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
Phase Two award winner Metalmark's Clean Air Device uses a novel nanomaterial coating on a filter to enable self-cleaning, prolonging the life of the filter and thereby minimizing the operating costs. It was proposed by Sissi Liu, Tanya Shirman, and Elijah Shirman of Metalmark Innovations, Inc., of Boston, Mass.
More information:
Read the full descriptions of winning and honorable mention proposals at: www.epa.gov/air-research/winners-cleaner-indoor-air-during-wildfires-challenge
Learn more about EPA's wildfire research at: www.epa.gov/air-research/wildland-fire-research-protect-health-and-environment
Check out the air quality in your neighborhood at airnow.gov.
Biden-Harris Administration announces $64,805,000 for Oklahoma to Upgrade Drinking Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Infrastructure as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (February 22, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $64,805,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Oklahoma to implement drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. The funding is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history. Today’s announcement will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the state. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”
“Through President’s Biden Investing in America agenda, EPA can fund long-overdue water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in our nation, and prioritize this work in underfunded areas that need it the most,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Since 2022, EPA has given over $100 million to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico for water infrastructure needs. This new round of funding will help ensure every community can bring reliable water and wastewater services to every resident.”
Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for Oklahoma is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in Oklahoma
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $245,604,000 into water infrastructure projects across the state protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs. In September of 2023, EPA awarded Oklahoma $2,240,000 to create a new iron and manganese water treatment plant in Garfield county.
These investments are unprecedented and transformational. To view some stories about how Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has impacted communities across the country, access the Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To see some additional projects, please view our Quarterly Report.
Background
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.
For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”
“Through President’s Biden Investing in America agenda, EPA can fund long-overdue water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in our nation, and prioritize this work in underfunded areas that need it the most,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Since 2022, EPA has given over $100 million to Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico for water infrastructure needs. This new round of funding will help ensure every community can bring reliable water and wastewater services to every resident.”
Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for Oklahoma is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this Spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in Oklahoma
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $245,604,000 into water infrastructure projects across the state protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs. In September of 2023, EPA awarded Oklahoma $2,240,000 to create a new iron and manganese water treatment plant in Garfield county.
These investments are unprecedented and transformational. To view some stories about how Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has impacted communities across the country, access the Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To see some additional projects, please view our Quarterly Report.
Background
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.
For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
EPA Region 8 requests applications for pollution prevention source reduction projects
DENVER – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is opening the FY2024-2025 Regional Source Reduction Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity for applicants in the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming and 28 Tribal Nations in Region 8. This regional competitive grant provides funding for projects that promote practical source reduction practices, tools and training, or Pollution Prevention (P2) approaches to measurably improve human health and the environment.
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.
Eligible applicants include States, local, interstate, and intrastate government agencies and instrumentalities, federally recognized tribes, inter-tribal consortia and non-profit organizations formed under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (not 501(c)(4) organizations that lobby). All projects must take place within the geographic boundaries of Region 8.
EPA Region 8 anticipates awarding one to four awards ranging from $40,000-$180,000 with up to a total of $180,000 in federal funds. The number of awards is subject to the availability of funds, the quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations. The application deadline is April 15, 2024.
More information on applying for the grant.
More information about pollution prevention and source reduction.
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.
Eligible applicants include States, local, interstate, and intrastate government agencies and instrumentalities, federally recognized tribes, inter-tribal consortia and non-profit organizations formed under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (not 501(c)(4) organizations that lobby). All projects must take place within the geographic boundaries of Region 8.
EPA Region 8 anticipates awarding one to four awards ranging from $40,000-$180,000 with up to a total of $180,000 in federal funds. The number of awards is subject to the availability of funds, the quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations. The application deadline is April 15, 2024.
More information on applying for the grant.
More information about pollution prevention and source reduction.
EPA expands its water technical assistance program to help more communities access historic federal infrastructure funding
WASHINGTON – Feb. 22, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the expansion of its water technical assistance, or WaterTA, program to better support communities applying for federal infrastructure resources through the agency’s State Revolving Fund programs. The addition of engineering support to the WaterTA program will ensure that historic levels of federal infrastructure funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reach disadvantaged communities who need it most.
“In low income and black and brown communities across the country, lack of access to engineering services is a significant barrier to applying for and securing federal water infrastructure funding,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Providing access to these services through our WaterTA program will help break down this barrier and enable more communities to access the Biden-Harris Administration’s unprecedented investments in America.”
Everyone deserves access to safe, clean, and reliable water. Yet too many communities across America—rural, urban, and suburban, small, and large—face challenges in providing safe drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services to their residents. An estimated 2.2 million people in the U.S. lack basic drinking water and plumbing in their homes. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents an unprecedented opportunity to change the odds for these communities by investing $50 billion in water.
Disadvantaged and underserved communities often struggle to access this funding for a variety of reasons such as financial constraints, limited expertise, procurement of engineers, competing priorities in resource allocation, geographic isolation, and/or other historical factors.
EPA's free Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs address this need by helping communities identify their water challenges, develop plans, build capacity, and develop their application materials. The expansion of engineering services enhances EPA’s WaterTA programs and includes the development of project needs assessments, preliminary engineering reports, and other studies needed to support community applications for State Revolving Funds.
EPA is partnering with states, Tribes, territories, other federal agencies, local governments, community groups, and other technical assistance providers to meet the needs of communities nationwide. The WaterTA Engineering Support Team will work with local engineers where available to ensure adequate local expertise and to build relationships and trust.
Examples of WaterTA Success
EPA recently kicked off a project to address significant wastewater treatment system challenges for the Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians Water District. The wastewater system is experiencing, structural integrity failures and poor effluent quality, which is impacting public health and the environment. The WaterTA Engineering Support will include a structural evaluation of the wastewater treatment plant, environmental review, and preliminary engineering report development, which will meet the requirements for, and support the Tribe’s Clean Water Indian Set-Aside (CWISA) funding application. The project will provide sustainable, reliable wastewater treatment for approximately 400 tribal members.
WaterTA is prioritized for disadvantaged and underserved communities, communities that have never accessed SRF funding before, and communities that are not currently receiving an equivalent kind of technical assistance. Communities can request technical assistance through the WaterTA Request Form or be referred by a WaterTA provider, state program staff, EPA Region or other means.
Learn more about WaterTA.
“In low income and black and brown communities across the country, lack of access to engineering services is a significant barrier to applying for and securing federal water infrastructure funding,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Providing access to these services through our WaterTA program will help break down this barrier and enable more communities to access the Biden-Harris Administration’s unprecedented investments in America.”
Everyone deserves access to safe, clean, and reliable water. Yet too many communities across America—rural, urban, and suburban, small, and large—face challenges in providing safe drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services to their residents. An estimated 2.2 million people in the U.S. lack basic drinking water and plumbing in their homes. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents an unprecedented opportunity to change the odds for these communities by investing $50 billion in water.
Disadvantaged and underserved communities often struggle to access this funding for a variety of reasons such as financial constraints, limited expertise, procurement of engineers, competing priorities in resource allocation, geographic isolation, and/or other historical factors.
EPA's free Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs address this need by helping communities identify their water challenges, develop plans, build capacity, and develop their application materials. The expansion of engineering services enhances EPA’s WaterTA programs and includes the development of project needs assessments, preliminary engineering reports, and other studies needed to support community applications for State Revolving Funds.
EPA is partnering with states, Tribes, territories, other federal agencies, local governments, community groups, and other technical assistance providers to meet the needs of communities nationwide. The WaterTA Engineering Support Team will work with local engineers where available to ensure adequate local expertise and to build relationships and trust.
Examples of WaterTA Success
EPA recently kicked off a project to address significant wastewater treatment system challenges for the Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians Water District. The wastewater system is experiencing, structural integrity failures and poor effluent quality, which is impacting public health and the environment. The WaterTA Engineering Support will include a structural evaluation of the wastewater treatment plant, environmental review, and preliminary engineering report development, which will meet the requirements for, and support the Tribe’s Clean Water Indian Set-Aside (CWISA) funding application. The project will provide sustainable, reliable wastewater treatment for approximately 400 tribal members.
WaterTA is prioritized for disadvantaged and underserved communities, communities that have never accessed SRF funding before, and communities that are not currently receiving an equivalent kind of technical assistance. Communities can request technical assistance through the WaterTA Request Form or be referred by a WaterTA provider, state program staff, EPA Region or other means.
Learn more about WaterTA.
EPA Finds Chiquita Canyon Landfill Presents Imminent and Substantial Endangerment to Nearby Communities
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Chiquita Canyon LLC (CCL) to take immediate steps to protect human health and the environment at its non-hazardous municipal solid waste landfill in Castaic, California. The order requires Chiquita to mitigate off-site community impacts caused by noxious odors and hazardous waste leachate and to contain and reduce the smoldering or reaction event occurring at the landfill.
“This order reflects EPA’s commitment to ensuring landfill operators mitigate noxious odors and comply with federal law to prevent public exposure to hazardous wastes,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Today’s order is the result of local, state, and federal collaboration to better protect the health of nearby residents as well as the surrounding environment.”
The 639-acre Chiquita Canyon Landfill, located in the northern section of Los Angeles County, has garnered thousands of complaints from nearby residents about noxious odors and leachate (the result of rainwater or other liquid filtering through or draining from wastes placed in a landfill) and prompted the issuance of over one hundred notices of violation from state and local regulatory agencies to CCL. The source of the complaints is a sub-surface smoldering or elevated temperature reaction at the landfill that began in May 2022 and has grown in size and impact. As of January 17, 2024, the reaction area was located approximately 1,000 feet from the nearest resident.
In 2023, residents of the communities surrounding the landfill submitted more than 6,800 complaints of odor nuisance to the South Coast Air Quality Monitoring District (SCAQMD). Residents reported numerous health impacts from the noxious odors, including eye irritation, respiratory symptoms, and skin issues. SCAQMD has consistently traced odors back to the landfill and the reaction area and it has taken independent enforcement actions to mitigate the public health impacts caused to the community by the odors.
The leachate seeping from the reaction area contains elevated levels of benzene, a hazardous substance. Benzene can adversely affect human health through air exposure or the consumption of benzene-contaminated water. The sub-surface reaction has caused a significant increase in leachate production, which CCL failed to properly manage as hazardous waste and has not been properly treating, storing, or disposing of the leachate.
On November 30, 2023, local, state, and federal agencies formed a multi-agency critical action team to address the human health and environmental impacts caused by the deteriorating conditions at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill.
The Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) issued by EPA, in coordination with the multi-agency team, requires Chiquita Canyon LLC to comply with the law and properly manage, treat, and dispose of hazardous waste and to take steps to mitigate the odors emanating from the landfill.
EPA can issue a UAO when the agency finds there may be an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or the environment. The order issued by EPA incorporates on-going enforcement efforts by state and local agencies to ensure a comprehensive response to the challenges posed by the landfill. Once approved by the agency, EPA will oversee implementation of the plan.
For more information about the order and EPA’s actions, visit Chiquita Canyon Landfill.
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.
“This order reflects EPA’s commitment to ensuring landfill operators mitigate noxious odors and comply with federal law to prevent public exposure to hazardous wastes,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Today’s order is the result of local, state, and federal collaboration to better protect the health of nearby residents as well as the surrounding environment.”
The 639-acre Chiquita Canyon Landfill, located in the northern section of Los Angeles County, has garnered thousands of complaints from nearby residents about noxious odors and leachate (the result of rainwater or other liquid filtering through or draining from wastes placed in a landfill) and prompted the issuance of over one hundred notices of violation from state and local regulatory agencies to CCL. The source of the complaints is a sub-surface smoldering or elevated temperature reaction at the landfill that began in May 2022 and has grown in size and impact. As of January 17, 2024, the reaction area was located approximately 1,000 feet from the nearest resident.
In 2023, residents of the communities surrounding the landfill submitted more than 6,800 complaints of odor nuisance to the South Coast Air Quality Monitoring District (SCAQMD). Residents reported numerous health impacts from the noxious odors, including eye irritation, respiratory symptoms, and skin issues. SCAQMD has consistently traced odors back to the landfill and the reaction area and it has taken independent enforcement actions to mitigate the public health impacts caused to the community by the odors.
The leachate seeping from the reaction area contains elevated levels of benzene, a hazardous substance. Benzene can adversely affect human health through air exposure or the consumption of benzene-contaminated water. The sub-surface reaction has caused a significant increase in leachate production, which CCL failed to properly manage as hazardous waste and has not been properly treating, storing, or disposing of the leachate.
On November 30, 2023, local, state, and federal agencies formed a multi-agency critical action team to address the human health and environmental impacts caused by the deteriorating conditions at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill.
The Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) issued by EPA, in coordination with the multi-agency team, requires Chiquita Canyon LLC to comply with the law and properly manage, treat, and dispose of hazardous waste and to take steps to mitigate the odors emanating from the landfill.
EPA can issue a UAO when the agency finds there may be an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or the environment. The order issued by EPA incorporates on-going enforcement efforts by state and local agencies to ensure a comprehensive response to the challenges posed by the landfill. Once approved by the agency, EPA will oversee implementation of the plan.
For more information about the order and EPA’s actions, visit Chiquita Canyon Landfill.
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.
White House counters risk of Chinese port cranes with $20 billion for US sourcing
Along with new funding for the domestic manufacturing of container cranes, the Biden Administration has given the US Coast Guard more power to monitor cyberattacks on port and maritime infrastructure.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $770 Million for Rural Infrastructure Projects During Investing in America Tour
Edgecombe County, N.C., Feb. 21, 2024 – During a visit to Edgecombe, N.C., a Rural Partners Network community, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden today announced that USDA is funding 216 projects in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands to bring high-speed internet, clean water, state-of-the-art infrastructure and economic growth to rural communities as part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda.
EPA announces $74M for Oregon drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure upgrades
SEATTLE (Feb. 21, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced over $74,444,000 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for Oregon drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades. The funding is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history. Today’s announcement will support essential water infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the state. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”
“All Americans, no matter your zip code, deserve safe and clean water,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “These historic investments give our local communities and tribal governments the crucial dollars needed to help replace aging water infrastructure such as lead pipes, improve wastewater and sanitation, and clean up dangerous toxins like PFAS in our water.”
“Aging water infrastructure continues to seriously undermine water quality in rural and small towns across Oregon,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This is a critical investment from the Biden Administration in drinking water quality and needed infrastructure upgrades to ensure that all Oregonians have access to safe, clean drinking water.”
“Clean and accessible drinking water is essential for communities, especially in rural areas, to thrive,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “Not only does this historic investment open more avenues of funding for much needed drinking water infrastructure upgrades in Oregon and across the nation, but also helps to increase resilience for communities struggling to recover from natural disasters by investing in stormwater infrastructure upgrades.”
“Clean drinking water is vital to the health and safety of any community, and modernizing outdated water infrastructure ensures Americans have reliable access to safe drinking water and sanitation,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chair of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the program. “I’ll continue to do all I can to secure federal investments that support clean and reliable drinking water and safe sanitation for all communities.”
Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for Oregon is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in Oregon
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $264,758,000 into water infrastructure projects across the state protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.
To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Oregon -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to:
https://www.oregon.gov/deq/wq/cwsrf/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/SRF/Pages/index.aspx
To view stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s new Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects
Background
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.
For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”
“All Americans, no matter your zip code, deserve safe and clean water,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “These historic investments give our local communities and tribal governments the crucial dollars needed to help replace aging water infrastructure such as lead pipes, improve wastewater and sanitation, and clean up dangerous toxins like PFAS in our water.”
“Aging water infrastructure continues to seriously undermine water quality in rural and small towns across Oregon,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This is a critical investment from the Biden Administration in drinking water quality and needed infrastructure upgrades to ensure that all Oregonians have access to safe, clean drinking water.”
“Clean and accessible drinking water is essential for communities, especially in rural areas, to thrive,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “Not only does this historic investment open more avenues of funding for much needed drinking water infrastructure upgrades in Oregon and across the nation, but also helps to increase resilience for communities struggling to recover from natural disasters by investing in stormwater infrastructure upgrades.”
“Clean drinking water is vital to the health and safety of any community, and modernizing outdated water infrastructure ensures Americans have reliable access to safe drinking water and sanitation,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chair of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the program. “I’ll continue to do all I can to secure federal investments that support clean and reliable drinking water and safe sanitation for all communities.”
Communities across the country are facing water infrastructure challenges. Many cities and towns have aging water infrastructure – old, broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water and wastewater treatment plants in need of major upgrades. Some communities struggle to maintain adequate stormwater infrastructure to effectively manage flood impacts from climate change and others need to upgrade their water treatment to address emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The funding EPA announced for Oregon is part of a $5.8 billion investment through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, one of EPA’s signature water investment programs. This multi-billion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges, with $2.6 billion going to the Clean Water SRF for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and $3.2 billion going to the Drinking Water SRF for drinking water infrastructure nationwide. Today’s announcement includes allotments for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law General Supplemental funds and Emerging Contaminant funds for SRF programs for fiscal year 2024. EPA anticipates announcing allocations for billions of dollars in additional resources for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Lead Service Line Replacement fund later this spring.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Action in Oregon
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected $264,758,000 into water infrastructure projects across the state protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.
To learn about the intended uses of the SRFs in Oregon -- and to see how prior years’ funding has been used -- go to:
https://www.oregon.gov/deq/wq/cwsrf/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/SRF/Pages/index.aspx
To view stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s new Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects
Background
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.
For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.