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.
Biden-Harris Administration Invests $207 Million in Clean Energy and Domestic Fertilizer Projects to Strengthen American Farms and Businesses as part of Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $207 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.
EPA Settlement Addresses Contractor’s Actions on Renovation TV Show Violating the Lead-Based Paint Rule
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement agreement with Marrs Construction Co., of Bella Vista, Arkansas, addressing the company’s violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. Under the settlement, Marrs agrees to provide information about lead safety rules on its cable TV program “Fixer to Fabulous” on the Home Garden Television (HGTV) Network and through Marrs’ social media sites. Marrs is also required to pay a $35,000 civil penalty. As detailed below, this is one of multiple cases that EPA has settled involving improper lead-based paint renovation practices demonstrated on home renovation television shows on the HGTV/Discovery network.
In 2018, Marrs performed two renovations at residential properties constructed prior to 1978 without complying with applicable RRP Rule requirements. Specifically, Marrs failed to: (1) obtain recertification before beginning renovations, (2) assign a certified renovator to each renovation, (3) maintain records showing their compliance with RRP measures, and (4) perform work in accordance with the work practice standards. Since being contacted by EPA, Marrs obtained RRP firm certification, certified its complying with the RRP Rule, and pledged to comply in all future renovation activities.
“It’s important that the public understand that any renovation, repair or painting project in a pre-1978 home can easily create dangerous lead dust or expose children to dangerous, sometimes deadly, paint chips,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Home renovation TV programs in particular have an obligation to show the public how to renovate old homes safely and lawfully, not in a manner that is dangerous, misleading, and puts the wellbeing of children at risk.”
Lead exposure can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including decreasing IQ, focus, and academic achievement in children. While lead is dangerous to all children, not all children are equally exposed to lead, nor do they suffer the same consequences of exposure. The harmful impacts of lead disproportionately impact environmentally overburdened, low-income families and their communities.
As part of the settlement, Marrs will help raise awareness about the EPA Lead RRP program by including educational information about compliance with the Lead RRP Rules in future episodes of “Fixer to Fabulous,” one episode in their upcoming season five and two episodes in season six. The company has also agreed to produce and post on their social media sites a 30-second video public service announcement that focuses on EPA lead safety measures. The company will also make it available to EPA for future use.
EPA has designated the reduction of childhood lead exposures as a high priority. The action announced today supports the agency’s continuing commitment to implement the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts.
EPA has settled several other RRP enforcement cases with programs that air on HGTV/Discovery, the same network that airs Fixer to Fabulous, including Maine Cabin Masters, Two Chicks and a Hammer, Magnolia Homes, Texas Flip N Move, and Rehab Addict and Bargain Mansions.
More information about EPA’s Lead RRP Rule is available on the Agency’s Lead website.
In 2018, Marrs performed two renovations at residential properties constructed prior to 1978 without complying with applicable RRP Rule requirements. Specifically, Marrs failed to: (1) obtain recertification before beginning renovations, (2) assign a certified renovator to each renovation, (3) maintain records showing their compliance with RRP measures, and (4) perform work in accordance with the work practice standards. Since being contacted by EPA, Marrs obtained RRP firm certification, certified its complying with the RRP Rule, and pledged to comply in all future renovation activities.
“It’s important that the public understand that any renovation, repair or painting project in a pre-1978 home can easily create dangerous lead dust or expose children to dangerous, sometimes deadly, paint chips,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Home renovation TV programs in particular have an obligation to show the public how to renovate old homes safely and lawfully, not in a manner that is dangerous, misleading, and puts the wellbeing of children at risk.”
Lead exposure can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including decreasing IQ, focus, and academic achievement in children. While lead is dangerous to all children, not all children are equally exposed to lead, nor do they suffer the same consequences of exposure. The harmful impacts of lead disproportionately impact environmentally overburdened, low-income families and their communities.
As part of the settlement, Marrs will help raise awareness about the EPA Lead RRP program by including educational information about compliance with the Lead RRP Rules in future episodes of “Fixer to Fabulous,” one episode in their upcoming season five and two episodes in season six. The company has also agreed to produce and post on their social media sites a 30-second video public service announcement that focuses on EPA lead safety measures. The company will also make it available to EPA for future use.
EPA has designated the reduction of childhood lead exposures as a high priority. The action announced today supports the agency’s continuing commitment to implement the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts.
EPA has settled several other RRP enforcement cases with programs that air on HGTV/Discovery, the same network that airs Fixer to Fabulous, including Maine Cabin Masters, Two Chicks and a Hammer, Magnolia Homes, Texas Flip N Move, and Rehab Addict and Bargain Mansions.
More information about EPA’s Lead RRP Rule is available on the Agency’s Lead website.
EPA and Montana State University partner to enhance environmental justice efforts
BOZEMAN, Mont. – At an event in Bozeman on Friday, January 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Montana State University (MSU) will receive at least $10 million to serve as an environmental justice resource center for six states and 28 Tribal nations in the region.
EPA Region 8 designed this cooperative agreement to establish and operate an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTAC) with a physical location and virtual presence in the region. The Region 8 EJ TCTAC at MSU will provide technical assistance, training and other forms of assistance, resources and support to program participant organizations throughout EPA Region 8, which includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 28 Tribal nations.
“Together, EPA and MSU will help break down the barriers to resources that underserved and overburdened communities have always faced,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “These communities deserve support and fair access to the historic levels of funding EPA offers to protect families’ health and homes.”
The new EJ TCTAC will be funded by President Biden’s historic Investing in America agenda. EPA partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate applicants for this competitive funding opportunity. They selected MSU based on its ability to provide technical assistance related to energy justice as well as environmental justice in its workplan. The Region 8 EJ TCTAC will serve as a resource for program participants interested in environmental and energy justice policy development and will help participants understand and use grant programs to advance environmental and energy justice.
There was no award for a dedicated Region 8 EJ TCTAC under a previous national competition. EPA determined that for program effectiveness and to successfully serve communities within this geographic area, it was appropriate to open a competition for a Region 8-specific EJ TCTAC.
EPA Region 8, with potential DOE funding, anticipates providing about $10 million in total funding for this award from the original $100 million offered nationwide.
More information on the new Technical Assistance Centers Program is available on the EPA website.
EPA Region 8 designed this cooperative agreement to establish and operate an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTAC) with a physical location and virtual presence in the region. The Region 8 EJ TCTAC at MSU will provide technical assistance, training and other forms of assistance, resources and support to program participant organizations throughout EPA Region 8, which includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 28 Tribal nations.
“Together, EPA and MSU will help break down the barriers to resources that underserved and overburdened communities have always faced,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “These communities deserve support and fair access to the historic levels of funding EPA offers to protect families’ health and homes.”
The new EJ TCTAC will be funded by President Biden’s historic Investing in America agenda. EPA partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate applicants for this competitive funding opportunity. They selected MSU based on its ability to provide technical assistance related to energy justice as well as environmental justice in its workplan. The Region 8 EJ TCTAC will serve as a resource for program participants interested in environmental and energy justice policy development and will help participants understand and use grant programs to advance environmental and energy justice.
There was no award for a dedicated Region 8 EJ TCTAC under a previous national competition. EPA determined that for program effectiveness and to successfully serve communities within this geographic area, it was appropriate to open a competition for a Region 8-specific EJ TCTAC.
EPA Region 8, with potential DOE funding, anticipates providing about $10 million in total funding for this award from the original $100 million offered nationwide.
More information on the new Technical Assistance Centers Program is available on the EPA website.
EPA Completes Hazardous Material Removal from Illegal Lab in Reedley, California
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed removal of hazardous chemicals from an unlicensed laboratory in Reedley, California. The cleanup of the material from the unauthorized lab owned by Universal MediTech Inc. and Prestige Biotech Inc. was carried out by contractors overseen by an onsite EPA official. All recovered hazardous material was safely packaged and transported offsite for incineration at standard disposal facilities. The work was undertaken in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies.
The EPA’s removal action took place at the request of state officials and began after the removal of all biological and medical waste had been completed. The EPA contractors removed over 800 containers of standard lab chemicals such as nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and sodium hydroxide, along with flammable liquids. Some of the hazardous chemicals were found stored in containers that were incorrectly marked or incompatible for chemical storage, such as water bottles and laundry detergent containers. The EPA had initially planned on spending one to two weeks on site but was able to complete the removal actions in four days.
Chemicals and other types of hazardous material that are improperly stored and managed can pose serious threats to human health and the environment.
Learn more about EPA’s enforcement program and how to report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations to the EPA.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
The EPA’s removal action took place at the request of state officials and began after the removal of all biological and medical waste had been completed. The EPA contractors removed over 800 containers of standard lab chemicals such as nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and sodium hydroxide, along with flammable liquids. Some of the hazardous chemicals were found stored in containers that were incorrectly marked or incompatible for chemical storage, such as water bottles and laundry detergent containers. The EPA had initially planned on spending one to two weeks on site but was able to complete the removal actions in four days.
Chemicals and other types of hazardous material that are improperly stored and managed can pose serious threats to human health and the environment.
Learn more about EPA’s enforcement program and how to report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations to the EPA.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
Hood Canal property owners penalized $250,000 for illegal bulkhead replacement resulting in Chinook salmon deaths
SEATTLE (January 22, 2024) -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Joan Bayley, Philip Bayley, and Big D’s Beach Cabin LLC of Union, Washington have been ordered by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to pay a $250,000 penalty and provide $33,492 to the Hood Canal Coordinating Council as mitigation for illegal bulkhead replacement work that resulted in the death of Chinook salmon.
In August 2017, Mr. Bayley, Ms. Bayley, and Big D’s Beach Cabin LLC removed an old, sloped concrete bulkhead along the shoreline of the Hood Canal and replaced it with a new, vertical one. The project, which was performed without the required Clean Water Act permit, discharged dredged and fill material, such as dirt, spoil, rock, sand and concrete into the Hood Canal. In August 2020, Mr. Bayley directed contractors to build a stairway adjacent to the new bulkhead and fill the shoreline behind it, again discharging concrete and other fill material in Hood Canal.
The construction projects permanently and negatively changed the patterns of tidal water flow and circulation along the shoreline. These changes advance beach erosion and decrease the overall ecosystem functions of Hood Canal, particularly as a spawning habitat for several species of fish. Construction of the bulkhead also likely increased the pH of the water that came into contact with it, which can kill or injure fish. Mr. Bayley, Ms. Bayley, and Big D’s Beach Cabin LLC admitted to the death of endangered Chinook salmon during construction of the bulkhead.
“This final judgment by the U.S. District Court sends a strong and clear message that federal, state, and local permits and approvals are required prior to constructing along the shoreline of Hood Canal and Puget Sound which is important habitat for Chinook salmon and other fish and wildlife,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division in EPA’s Region 10 office in Seattle. “Compliance with the Clean Water Act also ensures no one gains an unfair financial advantage by violating the law.”
Construction projects within Puget Sound, such as concrete bulkheads, require additional agency and public review to ensure adequate protection and recovery of salmon species and their habitat listed under the Endangered Species Act.
In addition to the $250,000 penalty, Mr. Bayley, Ms. Bayley, and Big D’s Beach Cabin LLC will pay a $33,492.10 compensatory mitigation payment to the Hood Canal Coordinating Council, which includes Jefferson, Kitsap, and Mason counties, and the Port Gamble S’Klallam and Skokomish Tribes. The Council will use the funds to create and protect aquatic resources throughout Hood Canal.
For more information, please view the Court Order.
In August 2017, Mr. Bayley, Ms. Bayley, and Big D’s Beach Cabin LLC removed an old, sloped concrete bulkhead along the shoreline of the Hood Canal and replaced it with a new, vertical one. The project, which was performed without the required Clean Water Act permit, discharged dredged and fill material, such as dirt, spoil, rock, sand and concrete into the Hood Canal. In August 2020, Mr. Bayley directed contractors to build a stairway adjacent to the new bulkhead and fill the shoreline behind it, again discharging concrete and other fill material in Hood Canal.
The construction projects permanently and negatively changed the patterns of tidal water flow and circulation along the shoreline. These changes advance beach erosion and decrease the overall ecosystem functions of Hood Canal, particularly as a spawning habitat for several species of fish. Construction of the bulkhead also likely increased the pH of the water that came into contact with it, which can kill or injure fish. Mr. Bayley, Ms. Bayley, and Big D’s Beach Cabin LLC admitted to the death of endangered Chinook salmon during construction of the bulkhead.
“This final judgment by the U.S. District Court sends a strong and clear message that federal, state, and local permits and approvals are required prior to constructing along the shoreline of Hood Canal and Puget Sound which is important habitat for Chinook salmon and other fish and wildlife,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division in EPA’s Region 10 office in Seattle. “Compliance with the Clean Water Act also ensures no one gains an unfair financial advantage by violating the law.”
Construction projects within Puget Sound, such as concrete bulkheads, require additional agency and public review to ensure adequate protection and recovery of salmon species and their habitat listed under the Endangered Species Act.
In addition to the $250,000 penalty, Mr. Bayley, Ms. Bayley, and Big D’s Beach Cabin LLC will pay a $33,492.10 compensatory mitigation payment to the Hood Canal Coordinating Council, which includes Jefferson, Kitsap, and Mason counties, and the Port Gamble S’Klallam and Skokomish Tribes. The Council will use the funds to create and protect aquatic resources throughout Hood Canal.
For more information, please view the Court Order.
Southside Chattanooga Lead Site press event showcases cleanup progress through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (January 22, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlighted the cleanup progress at the Southside Chattanooga Lead Site (SSCL) and over $56 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds issued by the Biden-Harris Administration to accelerate the cleanup.
“Southside Chattanooga Lead is one of just 28 Superfund Sites across the region selected to received BIL funds. Today, almost $70 million has been invested to address legacy contamination at this Site, and $36.3 million of that has come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with more money on the way,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “This additional investment (BIL) has allowed EPA to add additional cleanup crews to expedite the cleanup and address more properties in a shorter period, and to deliver lasting public health protections for this community.”
“The Tennessee Department Energy & Conservation (TDEC) greatly appreciates the partnership with EPA and the City of Chattanooga to advance the cleanup of contaminated properties to benefit Tennesseans,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Greg Young.
SSCL has used Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding since 2022. This is the largest residential lead site in the region. The site consists of residential neighborhoods and non-residential communal areas (parks, schools, playgrounds, childcare centers), where soils have been impacted by lead-bearing foundry material. The pace of cleanup is being significantly accelerated due to the increased funding from BIL.
As of January 17, 2024, a total of 813 properties of 1,346 properties known to have lead concentrations exceeding the site-specific cleanup level have been remediated. To date 3,032 of approximately 5,424 properties within the Site boundary have been sampled. Cleanups are on track to meet or exceed the fiscal year 2024 cleanup goal of 250 properties. As of December 2023, we have disposed of ~154,091 tons of contaminated soil.
“Southside Chattanooga Lead is one of just 28 Superfund Sites across the region selected to received BIL funds. Today, almost $70 million has been invested to address legacy contamination at this Site, and $36.3 million of that has come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with more money on the way,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “This additional investment (BIL) has allowed EPA to add additional cleanup crews to expedite the cleanup and address more properties in a shorter period, and to deliver lasting public health protections for this community.”
“The Tennessee Department Energy & Conservation (TDEC) greatly appreciates the partnership with EPA and the City of Chattanooga to advance the cleanup of contaminated properties to benefit Tennesseans,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Greg Young.
SSCL has used Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding since 2022. This is the largest residential lead site in the region. The site consists of residential neighborhoods and non-residential communal areas (parks, schools, playgrounds, childcare centers), where soils have been impacted by lead-bearing foundry material. The pace of cleanup is being significantly accelerated due to the increased funding from BIL.
As of January 17, 2024, a total of 813 properties of 1,346 properties known to have lead concentrations exceeding the site-specific cleanup level have been remediated. To date 3,032 of approximately 5,424 properties within the Site boundary have been sampled. Cleanups are on track to meet or exceed the fiscal year 2024 cleanup goal of 250 properties. As of December 2023, we have disposed of ~154,091 tons of contaminated soil.
EPA, KDAQ releases air toxics study for areas surrounding Calvert City Industrial Complex
Calvert City, KY. (January 22, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (KDAQ) announced the completion of a monitoring study for toxic air pollution (air toxics) near the Calvert City Industrial Complex that focused on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including ethylene dichloride (EDC). The air monitoring results from the study were used to determine if residents are being exposed to elevated VOC concentrations.
The air monitoring study found elevated levels of VOCs (specifically EDC), a chemical that can cause cancer. Exposure to EDC in the air over long periods of time can pose an increased risk of cancer and other negative health effects to the liver and kidneys. The EPA and KDAQ are taking steps locally and nationally to limit EDC emissions, reduce exposure and protect people’s health.
The levels identified at two Calvert City air monitoring sites located closer to the industrial complex are estimated to result in elevated chronic cancer risk over a 70-year lifetime of continuous exposure. These levels are at or above the top of the range of risks that the EPA generally uses to protect people from toxic air pollutants.
Next Steps
WHAT: EPA and KDAQ are hosting an in-person and virtual public meeting to provide information about the Calvert City air monitoring study and risk assessment.
WHERE: Tuesday, February 13th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT
Calvert City Library
949 5th Ave SE
Calvert City, KY 42029
To register to attend this public meeting virtually, use this link.
***5:30 p.m. - Press Availability*** Interested credentialed media should e-mail an RSVP to region4press@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information.
The EPA is supporting the KDAQ in developing short-and long-term strategies to reduce EDC exposure in Calvert City, including working with Westlake Vinyls, the largest source of EDC in the area, to explore potential voluntary actions to reduce EDC emissions. The EPA has also proposed revisions to air emissions rules for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry that are applicable to Westlake Vinyls and other similar chemical plants .
KDAQ is continuing air monitoring for EDC and other VOCs at the three Calvert City sites and will work with the EPA to assess any changes or trends in the air pollution concentrations.
The study report, including the monitoring results, is posted online at www.epa.gov/ky/calvert-city-kentucky-air-monitoring.
The air monitoring study found elevated levels of VOCs (specifically EDC), a chemical that can cause cancer. Exposure to EDC in the air over long periods of time can pose an increased risk of cancer and other negative health effects to the liver and kidneys. The EPA and KDAQ are taking steps locally and nationally to limit EDC emissions, reduce exposure and protect people’s health.
The levels identified at two Calvert City air monitoring sites located closer to the industrial complex are estimated to result in elevated chronic cancer risk over a 70-year lifetime of continuous exposure. These levels are at or above the top of the range of risks that the EPA generally uses to protect people from toxic air pollutants.
Next Steps
WHAT: EPA and KDAQ are hosting an in-person and virtual public meeting to provide information about the Calvert City air monitoring study and risk assessment.
WHERE: Tuesday, February 13th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT
Calvert City Library
949 5th Ave SE
Calvert City, KY 42029
To register to attend this public meeting virtually, use this link.
***5:30 p.m. - Press Availability*** Interested credentialed media should e-mail an RSVP to region4press@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information.
The EPA is supporting the KDAQ in developing short-and long-term strategies to reduce EDC exposure in Calvert City, including working with Westlake Vinyls, the largest source of EDC in the area, to explore potential voluntary actions to reduce EDC emissions. The EPA has also proposed revisions to air emissions rules for the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry that are applicable to Westlake Vinyls and other similar chemical plants .
KDAQ is continuing air monitoring for EDC and other VOCs at the three Calvert City sites and will work with the EPA to assess any changes or trends in the air pollution concentrations.
The study report, including the monitoring results, is posted online at www.epa.gov/ky/calvert-city-kentucky-air-monitoring.