EPA, HUD, DOE Sign Joint Letter Asking Utility Companies to Make Energy and Water Usage Data Available for Multifamily Properties
WASHINGTON (Jan. 25, 2024) – The leaders of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Department of Energy announced a joint letter asking for the nation’s leading utility companies to make energy and water use data freely available to the owners of multifamily properties to eliminate barriers to energy efficiency improvements for families who live in multifamily assisted housing.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, we’re seeing a historic transition to clean energy across the entire economy. Thanks to leaders like Secretary Fudge and Secretary Granholm, this transition includes our nation’s housing, leading to a reduction in household pollution and resulting in significant cost savings for families,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “There’s more work to be done, especially for the communities that have been left behind for far too long. This joint effort will provide improved critical energy data, creating brighter, more efficient homes, and further reducing costs, ensuring we can build a sustainable future for all.”
“Thanks to the President’s Inflation Reduction Act, we are investing billions in much-needed energy efficiency upgrades at the properties where many of our most vulnerable populations call home,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “In order to do that, we need to provide the properties we serve with accurate data. Today, we join the DOE and EPA to ask utility companies to help us by making information available on energy and water usage for all.”
“Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, DOE’s Home Energy Rebates will help American households save nearly a billion dollars annually on their energy bills by making it easier to install upgrades like insulation or new electric Energy Star appliances,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “We are proud to join HUD and EPA to call for utility companies to provide accurate usage data and maximize the ability for all households – including renters – to live in more comfortable, energy efficient homes.”
Multifamily properties are home to more than 19 million low-income households – over 15 percent of all U.S. households. Upgrades to these properties targeting utility conservation could significantly reduce energy and water costs. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris Administration delivered more than $6.6 billion in funding for U.S. multifamily properties to improve energy and water efficiency and lower costs. This includes programs like HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) and DOE’s Home Efficiency Rebate Program.
To maximize the impact of these investments, owners of multifamily properties need access to complete energy use data for their buildings – data that many utility companies currently fail to share. EPA offers Guidance for Utilities on Providing Whole-Building Energy Data, as well as one-on-one support to utilities interested in making this data available to owners.
By championing the availability of whole-building utility data access, utility companies will facilitate cost-effective investments in the communities they serve. See the full letter sent to major utility companies today.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, we’re seeing a historic transition to clean energy across the entire economy. Thanks to leaders like Secretary Fudge and Secretary Granholm, this transition includes our nation’s housing, leading to a reduction in household pollution and resulting in significant cost savings for families,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “There’s more work to be done, especially for the communities that have been left behind for far too long. This joint effort will provide improved critical energy data, creating brighter, more efficient homes, and further reducing costs, ensuring we can build a sustainable future for all.”
“Thanks to the President’s Inflation Reduction Act, we are investing billions in much-needed energy efficiency upgrades at the properties where many of our most vulnerable populations call home,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “In order to do that, we need to provide the properties we serve with accurate data. Today, we join the DOE and EPA to ask utility companies to help us by making information available on energy and water usage for all.”
“Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, DOE’s Home Energy Rebates will help American households save nearly a billion dollars annually on their energy bills by making it easier to install upgrades like insulation or new electric Energy Star appliances,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “We are proud to join HUD and EPA to call for utility companies to provide accurate usage data and maximize the ability for all households – including renters – to live in more comfortable, energy efficient homes.”
Multifamily properties are home to more than 19 million low-income households – over 15 percent of all U.S. households. Upgrades to these properties targeting utility conservation could significantly reduce energy and water costs. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris Administration delivered more than $6.6 billion in funding for U.S. multifamily properties to improve energy and water efficiency and lower costs. This includes programs like HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) and DOE’s Home Efficiency Rebate Program.
To maximize the impact of these investments, owners of multifamily properties need access to complete energy use data for their buildings – data that many utility companies currently fail to share. EPA offers Guidance for Utilities on Providing Whole-Building Energy Data, as well as one-on-one support to utilities interested in making this data available to owners.
By championing the availability of whole-building utility data access, utility companies will facilitate cost-effective investments in the communities they serve. See the full letter sent to major utility companies today.
Biden-Harris Administration, EPA announce $1.9 million grant to Arizona for wildfire smoke preparedness
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected the Arizona Board of Regents and Arizona State University to receive a $1,954,130 grant to enhance wildfire smoke preparedness and protection in communities across the state. The grant will help engage diverse communities in Arizona to develop solutions to the challenges that are posed by wildfires. The project is expected to engage community members on the topic of indoor air pollution control and associated health fields, evaluate the capacity of facilities to handle the air pollution and heat impacts of wildfires, and implement sustainable solutions in Arizona facilities.
“Providing the public with tools to protect themselves against the dangers of wildfire smoke is essential for communities across Arizona, especially as climate change accelerates and intensifies wildfires,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This grant to Arizona State University will fund a project to improve the capability of local communities to reduce indoor air pollutants during a wildfire smoke event.”
“The Arizona State University team is exceptionally excited for this opportunity to work with communities in Arizona to develop resilient solutions to the unique air quality and heat challenges that are posed by wildfires, which have increased in size and frequency due to our changing climate,” said Dr. Jean Andino, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University. “This funding will allow ASU to co-develop solutions to environmental problems facing Arizona, engage students in interdisciplinary research, and positively impact the health of our local communities.”
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem. Smoke plumes can have impacts over a large portion of the U.S. population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation to asthma attacks, heart problems, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. Some of the smoke from outdoors, however, can enter homes and buildings and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. Buildings are varied and do not all provide the same level of protection against wildfire smoke.
The Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program is a new federal program to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness by providing grants to states, federally recognized Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and non-profit organizations. Projects are designed to assess, prevent, control, or abate wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings that serve the public, and that serve disadvantaged communities or vulnerable populations. EPA anticipates awarding nine grants across the country, ranging from approximately $350,000 to $2 million – totaling over $10 million.
These grants are provided under Section 103(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act as supplemented by authority provided in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund abatement activities.
Learn more about the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program.
Learn more about wildfires and indoor air quality.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
“Providing the public with tools to protect themselves against the dangers of wildfire smoke is essential for communities across Arizona, especially as climate change accelerates and intensifies wildfires,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This grant to Arizona State University will fund a project to improve the capability of local communities to reduce indoor air pollutants during a wildfire smoke event.”
“The Arizona State University team is exceptionally excited for this opportunity to work with communities in Arizona to develop resilient solutions to the unique air quality and heat challenges that are posed by wildfires, which have increased in size and frequency due to our changing climate,” said Dr. Jean Andino, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University. “This funding will allow ASU to co-develop solutions to environmental problems facing Arizona, engage students in interdisciplinary research, and positively impact the health of our local communities.”
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem. Smoke plumes can have impacts over a large portion of the U.S. population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation to asthma attacks, heart problems, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. Some of the smoke from outdoors, however, can enter homes and buildings and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. Buildings are varied and do not all provide the same level of protection against wildfire smoke.
The Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program is a new federal program to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness by providing grants to states, federally recognized Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and non-profit organizations. Projects are designed to assess, prevent, control, or abate wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings that serve the public, and that serve disadvantaged communities or vulnerable populations. EPA anticipates awarding nine grants across the country, ranging from approximately $350,000 to $2 million – totaling over $10 million.
These grants are provided under Section 103(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act as supplemented by authority provided in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund abatement activities.
Learn more about the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program.
Learn more about wildfires and indoor air quality.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
Biden-Harris Administration, EPA announce $1.8 million to South Los Angeles community organization for wildfire smoke preparedness
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation in Los Angeles to receive a $1,883,040 grant to enhance wildfire smoke preparedness and protection in local communities. The grant will help protect the people of South Los Angeles from wildfire smoke by strengthening preparedness infrastructure in the Mercado La Paloma building and using the site as the launch pad for a grassroots education and outreach campaign.
“Providing the public with tools to protect themselves against the dangers of wildfire smoke is essential for communities in South Los Angeles, especially as climate change accelerates and intensifies wildfires,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This grant to the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation will fund a project to improve the capability of local communities to reduce indoor air pollutants during a wildfire smoke event.”
“Esperanza Community Housing is excited to partner with the EPA through the new Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grant Program. Support for our Healthy Breathing Program work with our collaborative partners is critical to ensuring health equity in frontline communities of color who often have limited access to information, tools, and resources to prepare for the growing environmental hazards caused by air pollution and increased wildfires,” said Nancy Halpern Ibrahim, Executive Director of Esperanza Community Housing Corporation.
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem. Smoke plumes can have impacts over a large portion of the U.S. population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation to asthma attacks, heart problems, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. Some of the smoke from outdoors, however, can enter homes and buildings and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. Buildings are varied and do not all provide the same level of protection against wildfire smoke.
The Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program is a new federal program to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness by providing grants to states, federally recognized Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and non-profit organizations. Projects are designed to assess, prevent, control, or abate wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings that serve the public, and that serve disadvantaged communities or vulnerable populations. EPA anticipates awarding nine grants across the country, ranging from approximately $350,000 to $2 million – totaling over $10 million.
These grants are provided under Section 103(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act as supplemented by authority provided in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund abatement activities.
Learn more about the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program.
Learn more about wildfires and indoor air quality.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
“Providing the public with tools to protect themselves against the dangers of wildfire smoke is essential for communities in South Los Angeles, especially as climate change accelerates and intensifies wildfires,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This grant to the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation will fund a project to improve the capability of local communities to reduce indoor air pollutants during a wildfire smoke event.”
“Esperanza Community Housing is excited to partner with the EPA through the new Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grant Program. Support for our Healthy Breathing Program work with our collaborative partners is critical to ensuring health equity in frontline communities of color who often have limited access to information, tools, and resources to prepare for the growing environmental hazards caused by air pollution and increased wildfires,” said Nancy Halpern Ibrahim, Executive Director of Esperanza Community Housing Corporation.
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem. Smoke plumes can have impacts over a large portion of the U.S. population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation to asthma attacks, heart problems, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. Some of the smoke from outdoors, however, can enter homes and buildings and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. Buildings are varied and do not all provide the same level of protection against wildfire smoke.
The Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program is a new federal program to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness by providing grants to states, federally recognized Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and non-profit organizations. Projects are designed to assess, prevent, control, or abate wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings that serve the public, and that serve disadvantaged communities or vulnerable populations. EPA anticipates awarding nine grants across the country, ranging from approximately $350,000 to $2 million – totaling over $10 million.
These grants are provided under Section 103(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act as supplemented by authority provided in the 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund abatement activities.
Learn more about the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program.
Learn more about wildfires and indoor air quality.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
EPA Regional Administrator visits VSU to bolster partnership and educational opportunities
PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 25, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz visited Virginia State University on Jan. 24 to meet with VSU President Makola Abdullah to discuss EPA's current partnership with VSU and begin talks for renewing the five-year agreement later this year.
The meeting focused on the collaboration efforts between EPA, VSU, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, expanding student participation in programs and increasing student exposure to environmental science career fields.
“Continuing to invest in our relationship with VSU is paramount to the success of this program and a sustainable environment,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “By aligning EPA’s efforts with VSU and building a stronger partnership, our organizations will continue to contribute to brighter futures for the students and their communities.”
During the meeting, Ortiz expressed EPA’s commitment to supporting VSU's educational initiatives and creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, technical assistance and professional growth. He also expressed a desire to re-focus efforts, bring more faculty and students into the program, and continue adding partners for a greater impact on students.
"We are thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with EPA, which exemplifies Virginia State University's commitment to environmental stewardship,” said VSU President Makola Abdullah. “This collaboration reflects our dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges and offering our students additional research and learning opportunities that prepare them to become leaders in positive change."
The five-year agreement for the partnership, formally known as Linking Environmental and Academic Programs (LEAP), was signed in 2019 to enhance research, teaching, outreach, career development and stewardship in environmental sciences. It is set to expire in May.
Some of this collaboration's successes include VSU hosting Chesapeake Bay Program events and conducting a sustainability tools workshop series, EPA participation at VSU career fairs, and VSU's involvement in the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region's first HBCU Symposium.
VSU is one of eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a LEAP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region. The LEAP MOUs help strengthen capacity for minority academic institutions and reflect EPA’s strong commitment towards HBCUs.
Visit the EPA website to learn more about its work in Virginia and partnerships throughout the region.
The meeting focused on the collaboration efforts between EPA, VSU, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, expanding student participation in programs and increasing student exposure to environmental science career fields.
“Continuing to invest in our relationship with VSU is paramount to the success of this program and a sustainable environment,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “By aligning EPA’s efforts with VSU and building a stronger partnership, our organizations will continue to contribute to brighter futures for the students and their communities.”
During the meeting, Ortiz expressed EPA’s commitment to supporting VSU's educational initiatives and creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, technical assistance and professional growth. He also expressed a desire to re-focus efforts, bring more faculty and students into the program, and continue adding partners for a greater impact on students.
"We are thrilled to embark on this transformative partnership with EPA, which exemplifies Virginia State University's commitment to environmental stewardship,” said VSU President Makola Abdullah. “This collaboration reflects our dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges and offering our students additional research and learning opportunities that prepare them to become leaders in positive change."
The five-year agreement for the partnership, formally known as Linking Environmental and Academic Programs (LEAP), was signed in 2019 to enhance research, teaching, outreach, career development and stewardship in environmental sciences. It is set to expire in May.
Some of this collaboration's successes include VSU hosting Chesapeake Bay Program events and conducting a sustainability tools workshop series, EPA participation at VSU career fairs, and VSU's involvement in the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region's first HBCU Symposium.
VSU is one of eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with a LEAP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region. The LEAP MOUs help strengthen capacity for minority academic institutions and reflect EPA’s strong commitment towards HBCUs.
Visit the EPA website to learn more about its work in Virginia and partnerships throughout the region.
EPA Region 7 Presents $1.7M Check to City of Lincoln, Nebraska, for Recycling Education and Outreach Grant
Leirion Gaylor Baird, mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska (left), accepts a $1,727,800 ceremonial check for a Recycling Education and Outreach Grant from EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister on Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by U.S. EPA)LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 25, 2024) – Today, EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister presented a $1.7 million ceremonial check to the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, which was selected for a Recycling Education and Outreach Grant.
McCollister was joined by Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director Liz Elliott.
The city will use the grant funds to form three focus groups to engage minorities, new Americans, and low-income individuals living in Lincoln’s 14 underserved census tracts, using evidence-based messaging to increase access to recycling and food waste diversion and develop messages and outreach materials in a variety of methods and languages. Those census tracts include college students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“Reducing barriers to recycling has multiple positive impacts for the community,” McCollister said. “Whether it is saving money by reducing food waste, or being able to enjoy cleaner, healthier neighborhoods, this grant will have positive impacts on Lincoln’s overburdened communities for generations to come.”
“The City of Lincoln is grateful for this EPA Recycling Education and Outreach Grant as we pursue important local goals to reduce food waste 50% by 2030, and to decrease the amount of recyclable materials in our landfill 80% by 2040,” Baird said. “The grant will help promote sound, sustainable waste management practices that extend the life of our landfill, saving taxpayer dollars.”
Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
Recyling Education and Outreach Grants are funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides unprecedented funds to support state and local waste management infrastructure and recyling programs. The grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation.
To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit EPA’s Recycling Grant Selectees and Recipients page.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. EPA offers many free online resources, including:
Model Recycling Program Toolkit
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
McCollister was joined by Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director Liz Elliott.
The city will use the grant funds to form three focus groups to engage minorities, new Americans, and low-income individuals living in Lincoln’s 14 underserved census tracts, using evidence-based messaging to increase access to recycling and food waste diversion and develop messages and outreach materials in a variety of methods and languages. Those census tracts include college students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“Reducing barriers to recycling has multiple positive impacts for the community,” McCollister said. “Whether it is saving money by reducing food waste, or being able to enjoy cleaner, healthier neighborhoods, this grant will have positive impacts on Lincoln’s overburdened communities for generations to come.”
“The City of Lincoln is grateful for this EPA Recycling Education and Outreach Grant as we pursue important local goals to reduce food waste 50% by 2030, and to decrease the amount of recyclable materials in our landfill 80% by 2040,” Baird said. “The grant will help promote sound, sustainable waste management practices that extend the life of our landfill, saving taxpayer dollars.”
Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
Recyling Education and Outreach Grants are funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides unprecedented funds to support state and local waste management infrastructure and recyling programs. The grant projects will help inform the public about local recycling and composting programs and focus on increasing collection rates and decreasing contamination of recycling streams across the nation.
To learn more about the Recycling Education and Outreach funding, please visit EPA’s Recycling Grant Selectees and Recipients page.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. EPA offers many free online resources, including:
Model Recycling Program Toolkit
Composting Food Scraps in Your Community: A Social Marketing Toolkit
Wasted Food Scale: Updated Recommendations
Standardized Terms for Materials Accepted by Municipal Recycling Programs
Creating Messages that Drive Behavior Change
Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
EPA Approves Permits to Begin Construction of Wabash Carbon Services Underground Injection Wells in Indiana’s Vermillion and Vigo Counties
CHICAGO (Jan. 24, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued permits that allow Wabash Carbon Services LLC to construct two wells for the eventual injection and permanent storage of carbon dioxide underground, one at a site in Vermillion County and another in Vigo County, Indiana. Following extensive review and public engagement, EPA determined that the wells meet all requirements for initial approval, including stringent safety measures. Once the wells are constructed, the applicant will require separate approval from EPA before underground injection of carbon dioxide can begin, and the agency will maintain robust oversight. These underground injection wells will be used to store carbon dioxide from nearby fertilizer production that has been captured prior to release to the atmosphere, reducing emissions that contribute to climate change.
“After a thorough technical review and engagement with the public, including consideration of over 1,000 public comments, EPA has determined that the two proposed wells meet public health and safety requirements to move forward,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Today’s action will help reduce industrial carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change while protecting nearby communities and essential groundwater resources in Vermillion and Vigo counties. We look forward to continued engagement with these communities as construction proceeds.”
The process of storing carbon underground to reduce emissions into the atmosphere is known as “carbon sequestration.” If and when EPA authorizes the start of injection, Wabash Carbon Services plans to inject up to 1.67 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year into the wells over an injection period of 12 years. Wabash is required to continuously monitor and fulfill reporting requirements—during the 12 years of proposed carbon dioxide injection and 10 years thereafter—to ensure that the injection wells work properly, the carbon dioxide does not move from its injected location and drinking water sources are protected.
The well sites were selected following extensive research to ensure the carbon dioxide can be safely stored in the rock formations about 5,000 feet below the ground. Studies of the site show that there is about 2,100 feet of solid rock, including very low-permeability shale, between the deepest source of drinking water in the area and the proposed carbon dioxide reservoir below, creating an effective and impermeable confining zone.
EPA follows guidance from the Council on Environmental Quality to ensure that the advancement of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies are done in a responsible manner that incorporates the input of communities and reflects the best available science. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA has developed specific and rigorous criteria to protect underground sources of drinking water from carbon dioxide stored underground. EPA will continue to facilitate extensive public engagement around carbon sequestration projects under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
View a copy of the two final permits and response to public comments.
Read more information on EPA’s injection permit process.
“After a thorough technical review and engagement with the public, including consideration of over 1,000 public comments, EPA has determined that the two proposed wells meet public health and safety requirements to move forward,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Today’s action will help reduce industrial carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change while protecting nearby communities and essential groundwater resources in Vermillion and Vigo counties. We look forward to continued engagement with these communities as construction proceeds.”
The process of storing carbon underground to reduce emissions into the atmosphere is known as “carbon sequestration.” If and when EPA authorizes the start of injection, Wabash Carbon Services plans to inject up to 1.67 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year into the wells over an injection period of 12 years. Wabash is required to continuously monitor and fulfill reporting requirements—during the 12 years of proposed carbon dioxide injection and 10 years thereafter—to ensure that the injection wells work properly, the carbon dioxide does not move from its injected location and drinking water sources are protected.
The well sites were selected following extensive research to ensure the carbon dioxide can be safely stored in the rock formations about 5,000 feet below the ground. Studies of the site show that there is about 2,100 feet of solid rock, including very low-permeability shale, between the deepest source of drinking water in the area and the proposed carbon dioxide reservoir below, creating an effective and impermeable confining zone.
EPA follows guidance from the Council on Environmental Quality to ensure that the advancement of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration technologies are done in a responsible manner that incorporates the input of communities and reflects the best available science. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA has developed specific and rigorous criteria to protect underground sources of drinking water from carbon dioxide stored underground. EPA will continue to facilitate extensive public engagement around carbon sequestration projects under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
View a copy of the two final permits and response to public comments.
Read more information on EPA’s injection permit process.
EPA penalizes private landowner for violating the Clean Water Act by discharging fill into the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Michael Gagliano agreed to pay a penalty of $8,000 for violating the Clean Water Act when he discharged fill material into the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River at his property in Pinehurst, Idaho.
Beginning in September 2022, Gagliano discharged large rocks below the ordinary high-water mark of the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River without a Clean Water Act permit. The unauthorized discharges occurred within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. As a result, these discharges likely mobilized highly contaminated sediment and mine tailings frequently found throughout the site. This type of mobilization is often exacerbated by high-flow events following heavy rains or snowmelt.
“Property owners must get the necessary Clean Water Act permits to make sure that any work impacting waters of the United States is done in a way that protects the health of the ecosystem and minimizes the impact to sources of drinking water and water used for recreation.” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “These types of Clean Water Act enforcement actions are important in protecting our valuable water resources and are especially important in areas within Superfund sites with highly contaminated sediments.”
The unauthorized discharges occurred when the landowner attempted to increase armoring of the riverbank. This activity, especially when combined with similar bank armoring activities throughout a river system, can have dramatic and long-term impacts on ecosystem health and can result in increased riverbank scouring and erosion on adjacent properties.
In addition to paying the penalty, Gagliano agreed to remove the fill material and restore the site prioritizing slope stabilization, erosion reduction, and establishing vegetation along the riverbank.
EPA Region 10 worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and the Panhandle Health District on an appropriate resolution to the violation.
This is the second Clean Water Act enforcement action brought by EPA within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site during the last couple of years. In 2022, Cody Karst of Pinehurst was required to pay a $14,000 penalty and restore wetlands that he damaged, also along a portion of the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, and a tributary to the river.
Additional details of the Gagliano matter can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.
Beginning in September 2022, Gagliano discharged large rocks below the ordinary high-water mark of the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River without a Clean Water Act permit. The unauthorized discharges occurred within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. As a result, these discharges likely mobilized highly contaminated sediment and mine tailings frequently found throughout the site. This type of mobilization is often exacerbated by high-flow events following heavy rains or snowmelt.
“Property owners must get the necessary Clean Water Act permits to make sure that any work impacting waters of the United States is done in a way that protects the health of the ecosystem and minimizes the impact to sources of drinking water and water used for recreation.” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “These types of Clean Water Act enforcement actions are important in protecting our valuable water resources and are especially important in areas within Superfund sites with highly contaminated sediments.”
The unauthorized discharges occurred when the landowner attempted to increase armoring of the riverbank. This activity, especially when combined with similar bank armoring activities throughout a river system, can have dramatic and long-term impacts on ecosystem health and can result in increased riverbank scouring and erosion on adjacent properties.
In addition to paying the penalty, Gagliano agreed to remove the fill material and restore the site prioritizing slope stabilization, erosion reduction, and establishing vegetation along the riverbank.
EPA Region 10 worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and the Panhandle Health District on an appropriate resolution to the violation.
This is the second Clean Water Act enforcement action brought by EPA within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site during the last couple of years. In 2022, Cody Karst of Pinehurst was required to pay a $14,000 penalty and restore wetlands that he damaged, also along a portion of the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, and a tributary to the river.
Additional details of the Gagliano matter can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.
La EPA multa a la instalación de fabricación química de Omaha por presuntas violaciones de varias leyes ambientales
LENEXA, KAN. (24 DE ENERO DE 2024) – El fabricante químico Nox-Crete Inc. Deberá pagar una multa civil de $37 026 e instalar un sistema de supresión de incendios para resolver las presuntas violaciones a las siguientes leyes federales: Ley de Aire Limpio, Ley de Planificación para Emergencias y Derecho a Saber de la Comunidad y Ley Integral de Responsabilidad, Compensación y Recuperación Ambiental, en su instalación en Omaha, Nebraska.
Conforme a la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) de EE. UU., la EPA inspeccionó la instalación después de un incendio en mayo de 2022 que provocó una liberación estimada de 659 543 libras de químicos, incluidas 40 262 libras de sustancias extremadamente peligrosas y la evacuación de más de 2000 residentes.
“Las operaciones de Nox-Crete presentaban un significativo riesgo para sus empleados y la comunidad cercana, que ya está sobrecargada de contaminación”, mencionó David Cozad, director de la División de Implementación y Aseguramiento de Cumplimiento de la Región 7 de la EPA. “Esta decisión, incluida la instalación de un sistema mejorado de supresión de incendios, reducirá el riesgo para los empleados y residentes de accidentes dañinos en el futuro”.
La instalación de Nox-Crete fabrica químicos utilizados para construir productos de construcción de concreto especializados, incluidos químicos definidos como “sustancias extremadamente peligrosas” por la EPA debido a que son combustibles, inflamables y/o tóxicas. Como se describe en la decisión, la EPA presume que Nox-Crete violó varios requisitos legales, incluidos los siguientes:
No identificó los peligros que podrían surgir por las liberaciones de sustancias peligrosas.
No minimizó las consecuencias de la liberación antes ni después del incendio de 2022, ni tampoco logró la coordinación adecuada con las autoridades locales de respuesta en relación al diseño y los planes de prevención de incendios de la instalación.
No notificó de inmediato a la EPA y a las autoridades locales de respuesta una vez que la empresa estaba al tanto de la liberación de sustancias peligrosas.
No informó el uso y almacenamiento de dos sustancias peligrosas a las autoridades locales de respuesta para uso en la planificación de emergencias antes del incendio de mayo de 2022.
Además de pagar la multa civil, Nox-Crete también aceptó instalar un sistema de supresión de incendios por inundación de espuma en las áreas de fabricación y almacenamiento de materia prima, por un costo aproximado de $244 000. La EPA afirma que el proyecto ayudará a proteger a los trabajadores, equipos de respuesta a emergencias y al área cercana de las liberaciones accidentales de sustancias peligrosas.
La EPA identificó a la comunidad que rodea a la instalación de Nox-Crete como un área potencialmente sensible en lo que respecta a tóxicos aéreos, material particulado de diésel, pintura a base de plomo y tanques de almacenamiento subterráneos. La EPA está reforzando la aplicación de normas en dichas comunidades para abordar los efectos adversos y desproporcionadamente altos para la salud humana y el medio ambiente de las operaciones industriales en poblaciones vulnerables.
Las instalaciones que utilizan sustancias peligrosas, tóxicas y/o inflamables deben cumplir con la Ley de Aire Limpio. La “Cláusula de obligación general” de esta ley hace responsables a los propietarios y operadores de la instalación de la gestión segura de químicos. La Ley de Planificación para Emergencias y Derecho a Saber de la Comunidad (EPCRA) y la Ley Integral de Responsabilidad, Compensación y Recuperación Ambiental (CERCLA) poseen requisitos de presentación de informes para las instalaciones que gestionan sustancias peligrosas y ayudan a las comunidades a planificar en casos de emergencias químicas.
Más información sobre la Cláusula de obligación general
Más información sobre los requisitos de presentación de informes de EPCRA y CERCLA
Lea la Advertencia de seguridad de 2021: Riesgos del almacenamiento incorrecto de químicos peligrosos en depósitos químicos y en instalaciones de distribución de químicos, emitida en conjunto por la EPA y OSHA
Mire el video de YouTube que cubre la gestión de materiales peligrosos en depósitos e instalaciones de distribución de químicos
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Más información sobre la Región 7 de la EPA
Conforme a la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) de EE. UU., la EPA inspeccionó la instalación después de un incendio en mayo de 2022 que provocó una liberación estimada de 659 543 libras de químicos, incluidas 40 262 libras de sustancias extremadamente peligrosas y la evacuación de más de 2000 residentes.
“Las operaciones de Nox-Crete presentaban un significativo riesgo para sus empleados y la comunidad cercana, que ya está sobrecargada de contaminación”, mencionó David Cozad, director de la División de Implementación y Aseguramiento de Cumplimiento de la Región 7 de la EPA. “Esta decisión, incluida la instalación de un sistema mejorado de supresión de incendios, reducirá el riesgo para los empleados y residentes de accidentes dañinos en el futuro”.
La instalación de Nox-Crete fabrica químicos utilizados para construir productos de construcción de concreto especializados, incluidos químicos definidos como “sustancias extremadamente peligrosas” por la EPA debido a que son combustibles, inflamables y/o tóxicas. Como se describe en la decisión, la EPA presume que Nox-Crete violó varios requisitos legales, incluidos los siguientes:
No identificó los peligros que podrían surgir por las liberaciones de sustancias peligrosas.
No minimizó las consecuencias de la liberación antes ni después del incendio de 2022, ni tampoco logró la coordinación adecuada con las autoridades locales de respuesta en relación al diseño y los planes de prevención de incendios de la instalación.
No notificó de inmediato a la EPA y a las autoridades locales de respuesta una vez que la empresa estaba al tanto de la liberación de sustancias peligrosas.
No informó el uso y almacenamiento de dos sustancias peligrosas a las autoridades locales de respuesta para uso en la planificación de emergencias antes del incendio de mayo de 2022.
Además de pagar la multa civil, Nox-Crete también aceptó instalar un sistema de supresión de incendios por inundación de espuma en las áreas de fabricación y almacenamiento de materia prima, por un costo aproximado de $244 000. La EPA afirma que el proyecto ayudará a proteger a los trabajadores, equipos de respuesta a emergencias y al área cercana de las liberaciones accidentales de sustancias peligrosas.
La EPA identificó a la comunidad que rodea a la instalación de Nox-Crete como un área potencialmente sensible en lo que respecta a tóxicos aéreos, material particulado de diésel, pintura a base de plomo y tanques de almacenamiento subterráneos. La EPA está reforzando la aplicación de normas en dichas comunidades para abordar los efectos adversos y desproporcionadamente altos para la salud humana y el medio ambiente de las operaciones industriales en poblaciones vulnerables.
Las instalaciones que utilizan sustancias peligrosas, tóxicas y/o inflamables deben cumplir con la Ley de Aire Limpio. La “Cláusula de obligación general” de esta ley hace responsables a los propietarios y operadores de la instalación de la gestión segura de químicos. La Ley de Planificación para Emergencias y Derecho a Saber de la Comunidad (EPCRA) y la Ley Integral de Responsabilidad, Compensación y Recuperación Ambiental (CERCLA) poseen requisitos de presentación de informes para las instalaciones que gestionan sustancias peligrosas y ayudan a las comunidades a planificar en casos de emergencias químicas.
Más información sobre la Cláusula de obligación general
Más información sobre los requisitos de presentación de informes de EPCRA y CERCLA
Lea la Advertencia de seguridad de 2021: Riesgos del almacenamiento incorrecto de químicos peligrosos en depósitos químicos y en instalaciones de distribución de químicos, emitida en conjunto por la EPA y OSHA
Mire el video de YouTube que cubre la gestión de materiales peligrosos en depósitos e instalaciones de distribución de químicos
# # #
Más información sobre la Región 7 de la EPA