EPA Fines Omaha Chemical Manufacturing Facility for Alleged Violations of Multiple Environmental Laws
LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 24, 2024) – Chemical manufacturer Nox-Crete Inc. will pay a $37,026 civil penalty and install a fire suppression system to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act, Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act at its facility in Omaha, Nebraska.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the facility was inspected by EPA after a May 2022 fire at the facility that resulted in the release of an estimated 659,543 pounds of chemicals, including 40,262 pounds of extremely hazardous substances, and an evacuation of over 2,000 residents.
“Nox-Crete’s operations presented a significant risk to its workers and the surrounding community, which is already overburdened by pollution,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement, including the installation of the improved fire suppression system, will reduce the risk to workers and residents from future harmful accidents.”
Nox-Crete’s facility manufactures chemicals used to make specialized concrete construction products, including chemicals defined as “extremely hazardous substances” by EPA because they are combustible, flammable, and/or toxic. As outlined in the settlement, EPA alleges that Nox-Crete violated multiple legal requirements, including:
Failure to identify hazards that may result from releases of hazardous substances.
Failure to minimize the consequences of the release prior to and after the May 2022 fire, including the failure to adequately coordinate with local response authorities regarding the facility’s fire prevention design and plans.
Failure to immediately notify EPA and local response authorities after the company was aware of a hazardous substance release.
Failure to report the use and storage of two hazardous substances to local response authorities for use in emergency planning prior to the May 2022 fire.
In addition to paying the civil penalty, Nox-Crete also agreed to install a foam-deluge fire suppression system in its manufacturing and raw material storage areas, costing about $244,000. EPA says that the project will help protect workers, responders, and the surrounding area from accidental releases of hazardous substances.
EPA identified the community surrounding the Nox-Crete facility as a potentially sensitive area with respect to air toxics, diesel particulate matter, lead-based paint, and underground storage tanks. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.
Facilities that use hazardous, toxic, and/or flammable substances are required to comply with the Clean Air Act. The law’s “General Duty Clause” makes facility owners and operators responsible for managing chemicals safely. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) both have reporting requirements for facilities that manage hazardous substances and help communities plan for chemical emergencies.
Learn more about the General Duty Clause
Learn more about reporting requirements under EPCRA and CERCLA
Read the 2021 Safety Advisory: Risks of Improper Storage of Hazardous Chemicals at Chemical Warehouses and Chemical Distribution Facilities, jointly issued by EPA and OSHA
Watch the YouTube video covering management of hazardous materials at chemical warehousing and distribution facilities
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the facility was inspected by EPA after a May 2022 fire at the facility that resulted in the release of an estimated 659,543 pounds of chemicals, including 40,262 pounds of extremely hazardous substances, and an evacuation of over 2,000 residents.
“Nox-Crete’s operations presented a significant risk to its workers and the surrounding community, which is already overburdened by pollution,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement, including the installation of the improved fire suppression system, will reduce the risk to workers and residents from future harmful accidents.”
Nox-Crete’s facility manufactures chemicals used to make specialized concrete construction products, including chemicals defined as “extremely hazardous substances” by EPA because they are combustible, flammable, and/or toxic. As outlined in the settlement, EPA alleges that Nox-Crete violated multiple legal requirements, including:
Failure to identify hazards that may result from releases of hazardous substances.
Failure to minimize the consequences of the release prior to and after the May 2022 fire, including the failure to adequately coordinate with local response authorities regarding the facility’s fire prevention design and plans.
Failure to immediately notify EPA and local response authorities after the company was aware of a hazardous substance release.
Failure to report the use and storage of two hazardous substances to local response authorities for use in emergency planning prior to the May 2022 fire.
In addition to paying the civil penalty, Nox-Crete also agreed to install a foam-deluge fire suppression system in its manufacturing and raw material storage areas, costing about $244,000. EPA says that the project will help protect workers, responders, and the surrounding area from accidental releases of hazardous substances.
EPA identified the community surrounding the Nox-Crete facility as a potentially sensitive area with respect to air toxics, diesel particulate matter, lead-based paint, and underground storage tanks. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.
Facilities that use hazardous, toxic, and/or flammable substances are required to comply with the Clean Air Act. The law’s “General Duty Clause” makes facility owners and operators responsible for managing chemicals safely. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) both have reporting requirements for facilities that manage hazardous substances and help communities plan for chemical emergencies.
Learn more about the General Duty Clause
Learn more about reporting requirements under EPCRA and CERCLA
Read the 2021 Safety Advisory: Risks of Improper Storage of Hazardous Chemicals at Chemical Warehouses and Chemical Distribution Facilities, jointly issued by EPA and OSHA
Watch the YouTube video covering management of hazardous materials at chemical warehousing and distribution facilities
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
QB 24-312 2024 Specialty Sugar 3 Results
Commodity
Specialty Sugar
The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 3 opened on Friday, January 19, 2024
and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 33.10338% or .3310338
was calculated via ACE, a UC message…
Specialty Sugar
The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 3 opened on Friday, January 19, 2024
and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 33.10338% or .3310338
was calculated via ACE, a UC message…
USDA Urban and Community Forestry Program Award to Spur New Tree Cover Near Urban Congregations
ATLANTA, Jan. 23, 2024 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program will go to the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), to help church leaders plant trees, expand access to green spaces and develop the local workforce in the communities they serve.
Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $11M in grants for wildfire smoke preparedness in community buildings
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday announced the selection of nine grant applicants to receive an expected $10.67 million in funding to enhance wildfire smoke preparedness and protection in communities throughout the West.
“After the wildfires in Maui, the wildfire smoke that blanketed the East Coast last summer, and the many devastating wildfires in the West, we are all aware of the very real health impacts of smoke as well as the critical importance of smoke preparedness,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “EPA is providing more than $10 million in grant funding that will help provide important public health protections in communities across our country, especially in those communities who have been overburdened by smoke pollution for far too long.”
“As climate chaos intensifies, so do extreme wildfires and hazardous smoke events — events that endanger public health and impact everyday life for those under the plumes of dark smoke,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. “I created this program to help ensure communities in Oregon and across the West have access to the resources they need to protect themselves from the dangerous smoke and heat that has unfortunately become expected with our increasingly hot summer months.”
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 award of nine grants, ranging from approximately $350,000 to $2 million – totaling over $10 million.
The following entities have been selected for awards, which are contingent on completion of all legal and administrative requirements relating to the grant:
Arizona Board of Regents-Arizona State University, Arizona - To engage diverse communities in Arizona to develop resilient solutions to the challenges that are posed by wildfires. The project is expected to: (1) engage community members with knowledge of indoor air pollution control and associated health fields, (2) evaluate the resilient capacity of facilities to handle the air pollution and heat impacts of wildfires, and (3) implement sustainable solutions in facilities to enhance resiliency towards the air quality and heat impacts of wildfires.
Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, California - To protect the people of South Los Angeles from wildfire smoke by strengthening wildfire smoke preparedness infrastructure in the Mercado La Paloma building and using the site as the launch pad for a grassroots education and outreach campaign.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado - To design and implement a statewide program to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke.
Nez Perce Tribe, Tribal land within boundaries of Idaho - To improve public health protection against smoke from wildfires by strengthening preparedness in community buildings. The project will enhance smoke readiness planning, outreach and training, deploy portable air cleaners, conduct indoor/outdoor air monitoring, complete weatherization, and upgrade HVAC systems. Three community centers, nine public libraries, and four youth centers will be upgraded to provide cleaner air spaces to the public during wildfire smoke events for effective reduction of occupants’ exposure.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana - To engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
Oregon State University, Oregon - To develop a set of interventions that includes tailored toolkits and resources that can be used by schools, preschools, and daycares to reduce wildfire smoke exposures and increase community resilience across Oregon.
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Utah - To enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke by (1) deploying indoor/outdoor low-cost PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, (2) developing air quality alerts, and (3) distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools/preschools and residents in target underserved areas.
Gonzaga University, Washington - For activities that will reduce indoor exposure to pollutants in wildfire smoke in the City of Spokane and in three community centers serving disadvantaged communities.
Bellingham School District No.501, Washington - To focus on smoke readiness assessment and planning as well as indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring.
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.
“After the wildfires in Maui, the wildfire smoke that blanketed the East Coast last summer, and the many devastating wildfires in the West, we are all aware of the very real health impacts of smoke as well as the critical importance of smoke preparedness,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “EPA is providing more than $10 million in grant funding that will help provide important public health protections in communities across our country, especially in those communities who have been overburdened by smoke pollution for far too long.”
“As climate chaos intensifies, so do extreme wildfires and hazardous smoke events — events that endanger public health and impact everyday life for those under the plumes of dark smoke,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. “I created this program to help ensure communities in Oregon and across the West have access to the resources they need to protect themselves from the dangerous smoke and heat that has unfortunately become expected with our increasingly hot summer months.”
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 award of nine grants, ranging from approximately $350,000 to $2 million – totaling over $10 million.
The following entities have been selected for awards, which are contingent on completion of all legal and administrative requirements relating to the grant:
Arizona Board of Regents-Arizona State University, Arizona - To engage diverse communities in Arizona to develop resilient solutions to the challenges that are posed by wildfires. The project is expected to: (1) engage community members with knowledge of indoor air pollution control and associated health fields, (2) evaluate the resilient capacity of facilities to handle the air pollution and heat impacts of wildfires, and (3) implement sustainable solutions in facilities to enhance resiliency towards the air quality and heat impacts of wildfires.
Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, California - To protect the people of South Los Angeles from wildfire smoke by strengthening wildfire smoke preparedness infrastructure in the Mercado La Paloma building and using the site as the launch pad for a grassroots education and outreach campaign.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado - To design and implement a statewide program to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke.
Nez Perce Tribe, Tribal land within boundaries of Idaho - To improve public health protection against smoke from wildfires by strengthening preparedness in community buildings. The project will enhance smoke readiness planning, outreach and training, deploy portable air cleaners, conduct indoor/outdoor air monitoring, complete weatherization, and upgrade HVAC systems. Three community centers, nine public libraries, and four youth centers will be upgraded to provide cleaner air spaces to the public during wildfire smoke events for effective reduction of occupants’ exposure.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana - To engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
Oregon State University, Oregon - To develop a set of interventions that includes tailored toolkits and resources that can be used by schools, preschools, and daycares to reduce wildfire smoke exposures and increase community resilience across Oregon.
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Utah - To enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke by (1) deploying indoor/outdoor low-cost PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, (2) developing air quality alerts, and (3) distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools/preschools and residents in target underserved areas.
Gonzaga University, Washington - For activities that will reduce indoor exposure to pollutants in wildfire smoke in the City of Spokane and in three community centers serving disadvantaged communities.
Bellingham School District No.501, Washington - To focus on smoke readiness assessment and planning as well as indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring.
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.
Utah to reduce indoor air pollution in schools, public buildings from wildfire smoke events through EPA grant
SALT LAKE CITY – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to award $10.67 million in grant funding to nine selected recipients across the country to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness. Of these recipients, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) is anticipating a $854,609 grant to improve community resiliency to wildfire smoke through enhanced deployment of air quality monitors and alerts.
UDEQ will be working with partners to enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke in target underserved areas. The plan will include deploying indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air quality alerts, and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools, preschools and residents. With more than 672,000 kids enrolled in Utah public schools, developing wildfire smoke preparedness programs improves indoor air quality and reduces public health risks for many students.
“Utah is one of the most fire-prone states in the American West, communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front line communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save lives.”
Wildfire smoke in Salt Lake City. Source: Utah Fire InfoAdditional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Colorado, which will be awarded to their public health entities:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been selected to receive $1.89M to design and implement a state-wide program to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has been selected to receive $610,000 to engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western states where large wildfires are becoming increasingly more common. Smoke plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.
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 these grants.
Learn more about Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.
UDEQ will be working with partners to enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke in target underserved areas. The plan will include deploying indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air quality alerts, and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools, preschools and residents. With more than 672,000 kids enrolled in Utah public schools, developing wildfire smoke preparedness programs improves indoor air quality and reduces public health risks for many students.
“Utah is one of the most fire-prone states in the American West, communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front line communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save lives.”
Wildfire smoke in Salt Lake City. Source: Utah Fire InfoAdditional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Colorado, which will be awarded to their public health entities:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been selected to receive $1.89M to design and implement a state-wide program to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has been selected to receive $610,000 to engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western states where large wildfires are becoming increasingly more common. Smoke plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.
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 these grants.
Learn more about Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.
Colorado to reduce indoor air pollution in schools, public buildings from wildfire smoke events through EPA grant
DENVER – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to award $10,670,000 in grant funding to nine selected recipients across the country to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness. Of these recipients, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is anticipating a $1,895,705 grant to design a state-wide program for wildfire smoke awareness and preparation.
CDPHE will use the EPA funds to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke. This includes leveraging the Clean Air for Schools program, which provides air cleaners and indoor air quality monitors to K-12 schools, where CDPHE will partner with local communities to develop response plans for wildfire smoke events. Some of the expected outcomes include Smoke Readiness Plans, providing technical training on ventilation and filtration strategies, preparing school buildings to serve as Community Cleaner Air Shelters, and enabling indoor air quality monitoring in public school buildings to understand wildfire smoke impacts and evaluate effective responses. With more than 880,000 kids enrolled in Colorado public schools, developing wildfire smoke preparedness programs improves indoor air quality and reduces public health risks for many students.
“Colorado is no stranger to wildfires, and now more than ever, communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front line communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save lives.”
Wildfire smoke in Denver. Source: CDPHEAdditional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Utah, which will be awarded to their public health entities:
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, MT has been selected to receive $610,000 to engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, UT has been selected to receive $854,609 to enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke by deploying indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air quality alerts, and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools, preschools and residents in target underserved areas.
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western states like Colorado. Smoke plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.
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 these grants.
Learn more about Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.
CDPHE will use the EPA funds to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke. This includes leveraging the Clean Air for Schools program, which provides air cleaners and indoor air quality monitors to K-12 schools, where CDPHE will partner with local communities to develop response plans for wildfire smoke events. Some of the expected outcomes include Smoke Readiness Plans, providing technical training on ventilation and filtration strategies, preparing school buildings to serve as Community Cleaner Air Shelters, and enabling indoor air quality monitoring in public school buildings to understand wildfire smoke impacts and evaluate effective responses. With more than 880,000 kids enrolled in Colorado public schools, developing wildfire smoke preparedness programs improves indoor air quality and reduces public health risks for many students.
“Colorado is no stranger to wildfires, and now more than ever, communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front line communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save lives.”
Wildfire smoke in Denver. Source: CDPHEAdditional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Utah, which will be awarded to their public health entities:
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, MT has been selected to receive $610,000 to engage a variety of partners to increase wildfire smoke awareness, create and pilot a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, create culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and provide training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
Utah Department of Environmental Quality, UT has been selected to receive $854,609 to enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke by deploying indoor and outdoor PM2.5 and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air quality alerts, and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools, preschools and residents in target underserved areas.
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western states like Colorado. Smoke plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.
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 these grants.
Learn more about Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.
Montana to reduce indoor air pollution in high-need communities from wildfire smoke events through EPA grant
HELENA, Montana – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to award $10.67 million in grant funding to nine selected recipients across the country to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness. Of these recipients, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MDPHHS) is anticipating a $610,000 grant to improve wildfire smoke messaging and awareness, improve HVAC maintenance and develop a clean shelter recognition program.
MDPHHS will use the funds to engage a variety of partners in increasing wildfire smoke awareness and preparation. These plans will include creating and piloting a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, creating culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and providing training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
“Unfortunately, areas of Montana and the Northern Rockies are seeing higher frequencies of large wildfire events, and communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front-line communities,” said Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save lives.”
Montana wildfire. Source: USDAAdditional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Utah, which will be awarded to their public health entities:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been selected to receive $1.89M to design and implement a state-wide program to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke.
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has been selected to receive $854,609 to enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke by deploying indoor and outdoor fine particle (PM2.5) and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air quality alerts and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools, preschools and residents in target underserved areas.
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western states where large wildfires are becoming increasingly more common. Smoke plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.
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 these grants.
Learn more about Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.
MDPHHS will use the funds to engage a variety of partners in increasing wildfire smoke awareness and preparation. These plans will include creating and piloting a clean air shelter recognition program in six communities for easy replication in other high need areas, creating culturally appropriate and tailored messaging on wildfire smoke and air quality, and providing training to building and facility managers on HVAC maintenance and importance of good indoor air quality.
“Unfortunately, areas of Montana and the Northern Rockies are seeing higher frequencies of large wildfire events, and communities who once seemed unlikely to experience wildfire are now front-line communities,” said Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This grant will provide important resources to communities to build awareness and develop plans for wildfire smoke events that will protect public health and save lives.”
Montana wildfire. Source: USDAAdditional states in EPA Region 8 receiving funding for wildfire smoke preparedness include Montana and Utah, which will be awarded to their public health entities:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been selected to receive $1.89M to design and implement a state-wide program to provide outreach, education, and training for local community partners on how to prepare for, and respond to, the public health threat of wildfire smoke.
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has been selected to receive $854,609 to enhance communities’ resilience to wildfire smoke by deploying indoor and outdoor fine particle (PM2.5) and CO2 sensors at public schools, developing air quality alerts and distributing air cleaners and filters to public schools, preschools and residents in target underserved areas.
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem, especially in western states where large wildfires are becoming increasingly more common. Smoke plumes can adversely affect a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation, to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter homes and buildings and can also make indoor air hazardous to breathe. Because buildings vary in their design and construction, they also vary in their levels of protection against wildfire smoke.
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 these grants.
Learn more about Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.
Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $11M in grants for wildfire smoke preparedness in community buildings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday announced the selection of four grant applicants to receive an expected $3,472,516 in funding to enhance wildfire smoke preparedness and protection in communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“After the wildfires in Maui, the wildfire smoke that blanketed the East Coast last summer, and the many devastating wildfires in the West, we are all aware of the very real health impacts of smoke as well as the critical importance of smoke preparedness,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “EPA is providing more than $10 million in grant funding that will help provide important public health protections in communities across our country, especially in those communities who have been overburdened by smoke pollution for far too long.”
“Every community in the Pacific Northwest is impacted by smoke from wildfires,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “EPA is committed to supporting innovative solutions and investing in partnerships with tribes, schools, and other organizations to help these communities prepare for longer wildfire seasons and learn how best to protect their families.”
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem. Smoke plumes can have impacts over a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors 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.
“As climate chaos intensifies, so do extreme wildfires and hazardous smoke events — events that endanger public health and impact everyday life for those under the plumes of dark smoke,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. “I created this program to help ensure communities in Oregon and across the West have access to the resources they need to protect themselves from the dangerous smoke and heat that has unfortunately become expected with our increasingly hot summer months.”
The following entities have been selected for awards, which are contingent on completion of all legal and administrative requirements relating to the grant:
Nez Perce Tribe, Tribal land within boundaries of ID ($1,337,920) To improve public health protection against smoke from wildfires by strengthening preparedness in community buildings. The project will enhance smoke readiness planning, outreach and training, deploy portable air cleaners, conduct indoor/outdoor air monitoring, complete weatherization, and upgrade HVAC systems. Three community centers, nine public libraries, and four youth centers will be upgraded to provide cleaner air spaces to the public during wildfire smoke events for effective reduction of occupants’ exposure.
Bellingham School District No.501, WA ($364,400) To focus on smoke readiness assessment and planning as well as indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring.
Gonzaga University, WA ($1,102,696) For activities that will reduce indoor exposure to pollutants in wildfire smoke in the City of Spokane and in three community centers serving disadvantaged communities.
Oregon State University, OR ($667,500) To develop a set of interventions that includes tailored toolkits and resources that can be used by schools, preschools, and daycares to reduce wildfire smoke exposures and increase community resilience across Oregon.
Background
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 award of nine grants, 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.
“After the wildfires in Maui, the wildfire smoke that blanketed the East Coast last summer, and the many devastating wildfires in the West, we are all aware of the very real health impacts of smoke as well as the critical importance of smoke preparedness,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “EPA is providing more than $10 million in grant funding that will help provide important public health protections in communities across our country, especially in those communities who have been overburdened by smoke pollution for far too long.”
“Every community in the Pacific Northwest is impacted by smoke from wildfires,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “EPA is committed to supporting innovative solutions and investing in partnerships with tribes, schools, and other organizations to help these communities prepare for longer wildfire seasons and learn how best to protect their families.”
Wildfire smoke is a significant public health problem. Smoke plumes can have impacts over a large portion of our population, with health impacts ranging from eye and throat irritation to asthma attacks, cardiovascular events, and even premature death. Local officials often advise people to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors 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.
“As climate chaos intensifies, so do extreme wildfires and hazardous smoke events — events that endanger public health and impact everyday life for those under the plumes of dark smoke,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, Chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. “I created this program to help ensure communities in Oregon and across the West have access to the resources they need to protect themselves from the dangerous smoke and heat that has unfortunately become expected with our increasingly hot summer months.”
The following entities have been selected for awards, which are contingent on completion of all legal and administrative requirements relating to the grant:
Nez Perce Tribe, Tribal land within boundaries of ID ($1,337,920) To improve public health protection against smoke from wildfires by strengthening preparedness in community buildings. The project will enhance smoke readiness planning, outreach and training, deploy portable air cleaners, conduct indoor/outdoor air monitoring, complete weatherization, and upgrade HVAC systems. Three community centers, nine public libraries, and four youth centers will be upgraded to provide cleaner air spaces to the public during wildfire smoke events for effective reduction of occupants’ exposure.
Bellingham School District No.501, WA ($364,400) To focus on smoke readiness assessment and planning as well as indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring.
Gonzaga University, WA ($1,102,696) For activities that will reduce indoor exposure to pollutants in wildfire smoke in the City of Spokane and in three community centers serving disadvantaged communities.
Oregon State University, OR ($667,500) To develop a set of interventions that includes tailored toolkits and resources that can be used by schools, preschools, and daycares to reduce wildfire smoke exposures and increase community resilience across Oregon.
Background
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 award of nine grants, 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.