Following Topline Budget Agreement, Congress Must Act to Fully Fund WIC in 2024
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2024 – For the past 25 years, Congress has upheld a bipartisan commitment to provide full funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to serve every eligible participant that applies.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Awards to Increase Access to Clean, Affordable Domestic Biofuels as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
Altoona, Iowa, Jan. 11, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is awarding $19 million in grants to U.S. business owners to increase the availability of domestic biofuels in 22 states and give Americans cleaner, more affordable fuel options at gas station pumps as part of President Biden’s Bidenomics agenda to lower costs and invest in America.
Biden-Harris administration announces availability of $32M in grant funding to tackle air pollution at schools and deliver cleaner air for America’s children
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced the availability of up to $32 million to address indoor air pollution in schools as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The funding opportunity, which is made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and available through EPA’s Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Program, will protect children’s health by providing resources to organizations that help K-12 schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities develop and adopt comprehensive indoor air quality management plans to reduce indoor air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in schools.
“Every student should be able to learn and thrive in a healthy school environment,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “Through President Biden’s historic investment in America, EPA is working with our partners to equip schools in overburdened communities with resources to develop and implement plans that improve air quality and energy efficiency, ensuring that students and staff are breathing cleaner and healthier air in school every day.”
"Thanks to this critical EPA funding, made possible by Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act, schools across the country will now be able to improve air quality for our students,” said House Minority Whip Katherine Clark. “Currently, too many kids do not have access to clean air, and this funding will enhance their overall health and academic performance. This is what Democrats’ agenda is all about – giving communities the resources they need to ensure every child has a great future.”
“At a time when their lungs are still developing, children exposed to unsafe air can develop lifelong health problems, including serious respiratory illnesses,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee. “That is why we prioritized funding to address air pollution in our schools in the Inflation Reduction Act. I’m thrilled that EPA is taking vital steps through this announcement that will build upon their decades of work to help schools across the country develop strategies to ensure that as children attend school, learn, and grow, they are breathing clean, healthy air.”
Air pollution has been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school or reduce normal activities. Children face risks from indoor air pollutants like radon, asbestos, mold, methane, and pollution, such as particulate matter from vehicle exhaust, that gets into classrooms from the outdoors. There are also serious risks to children from greenhouse gas pollution, like more frequent exposure to heat waves and wildfire smoke. Helping schools to develop comprehensive plans to tackle air pollution will help prevent respiratory illnesses in children and staff working in schools, while improving student attendance, performance, and comfort, particularly for vulnerable students with asthma.
This program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Program
EPA anticipates awarding four to six grants of $5 million to $8 million to support five years of school indoor air quality and energy efficiency activities. Eligible projects to benefit schools include indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction capacity building, training and education campaigns, and research and demonstration projects.
Nonprofit organizations, state governments, and other eligible entities with experience administering national, regional, or multi-state indoor air quality programs that have achieved positive impacts in communities (especially with schools and Tribal entities) are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply for the competitive grants is March 19, 2024. EPA estimates that the grants will be awarded by fall 2024.
For more information on this funding opportunity, including details on informational webinars, visit the Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools webpage.
Background
EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. Often, indoor air quality is poor because indoor sources of air pollution, like asbestos, radon, mold, methane, and particulates, are not controlled and the pollutant levels can become concentrated without adequate ventilation of fresh outdoor air. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of concern because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Indoor pollution in schools is a particular concern because children’s developing bodies breathe more air in proportion to their body weight than adults.
Indoor air problems can increase long- and short-term health effects for students and staff, increase absenteeism, reduce academic performance, and shorten the lifespan and effectiveness of facility systems and equipment. Examples of the health effects of indoor air pollution include coughing, respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, cancer and aggravated asthma.
In addition to indoor air problems that children face at schools, EPA and the broader scientific community have also identified significant risks to children’s health and the environment from climate change. These risks include exposure to extreme heat, worsened air quality, wildfire smoke, and other climate impacts, in school, the playground, and beyond. Implementing energy efficiency measures while simultaneously improving indoor air quality in schools can help mitigate climate and reduce pollution while providing long-term savings for schools through lower energy consumption.
“Every student should be able to learn and thrive in a healthy school environment,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “Through President Biden’s historic investment in America, EPA is working with our partners to equip schools in overburdened communities with resources to develop and implement plans that improve air quality and energy efficiency, ensuring that students and staff are breathing cleaner and healthier air in school every day.”
"Thanks to this critical EPA funding, made possible by Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act, schools across the country will now be able to improve air quality for our students,” said House Minority Whip Katherine Clark. “Currently, too many kids do not have access to clean air, and this funding will enhance their overall health and academic performance. This is what Democrats’ agenda is all about – giving communities the resources they need to ensure every child has a great future.”
“At a time when their lungs are still developing, children exposed to unsafe air can develop lifelong health problems, including serious respiratory illnesses,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee. “That is why we prioritized funding to address air pollution in our schools in the Inflation Reduction Act. I’m thrilled that EPA is taking vital steps through this announcement that will build upon their decades of work to help schools across the country develop strategies to ensure that as children attend school, learn, and grow, they are breathing clean, healthy air.”
Air pollution has been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school or reduce normal activities. Children face risks from indoor air pollutants like radon, asbestos, mold, methane, and pollution, such as particulate matter from vehicle exhaust, that gets into classrooms from the outdoors. There are also serious risks to children from greenhouse gas pollution, like more frequent exposure to heat waves and wildfire smoke. Helping schools to develop comprehensive plans to tackle air pollution will help prevent respiratory illnesses in children and staff working in schools, while improving student attendance, performance, and comfort, particularly for vulnerable students with asthma.
This program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools Program
EPA anticipates awarding four to six grants of $5 million to $8 million to support five years of school indoor air quality and energy efficiency activities. Eligible projects to benefit schools include indoor air quality and greenhouse gas reduction capacity building, training and education campaigns, and research and demonstration projects.
Nonprofit organizations, state governments, and other eligible entities with experience administering national, regional, or multi-state indoor air quality programs that have achieved positive impacts in communities (especially with schools and Tribal entities) are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply for the competitive grants is March 19, 2024. EPA estimates that the grants will be awarded by fall 2024.
For more information on this funding opportunity, including details on informational webinars, visit the Grant Funding to Address Indoor Air Pollution at Schools webpage.
Background
EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. Often, indoor air quality is poor because indoor sources of air pollution, like asbestos, radon, mold, methane, and particulates, are not controlled and the pollutant levels can become concentrated without adequate ventilation of fresh outdoor air. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of concern because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Indoor pollution in schools is a particular concern because children’s developing bodies breathe more air in proportion to their body weight than adults.
Indoor air problems can increase long- and short-term health effects for students and staff, increase absenteeism, reduce academic performance, and shorten the lifespan and effectiveness of facility systems and equipment. Examples of the health effects of indoor air pollution include coughing, respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, cancer and aggravated asthma.
In addition to indoor air problems that children face at schools, EPA and the broader scientific community have also identified significant risks to children’s health and the environment from climate change. These risks include exposure to extreme heat, worsened air quality, wildfire smoke, and other climate impacts, in school, the playground, and beyond. Implementing energy efficiency measures while simultaneously improving indoor air quality in schools can help mitigate climate and reduce pollution while providing long-term savings for schools through lower energy consumption.
EPA Administrator Reappoints Leaders from Lincoln, Nebraska, and Willow Springs, Missouri, to National Advisory Committee
LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 11, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the appointments of 16 new members to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC), as well as the reappointments of 13 existing members.
For the first time in the committee’s history, the membership will have a female majority, including all members of the committee’s leadership.
The LGAC is comprised of elected and appointed officials from across the nation, who provide independent policy advice to the EPA Administrator on issues affecting local governments.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska, will continue as the LGAC’s chair. Mayor Pro Tem Kimberly Rich of Willow Springs, Missouri, will continue as a member on the LGAC’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS).
“The Biden-Harris administration has made a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the federal government,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s announcement is the latest example of this commitment in action. In addition to a majority of female members, this important committee is comprised of individuals from across the country, representing the diversity of America, so we can reflect a range of input as we craft regulations impacting their communities.”
The 37-member LGAC will have 24 females and 13 males, including 13 people of color, and representation from 27 different states. The Administrator also appointed sixnew and 15 returning members to the LGAC’s SCAS. Read about the members and the communities they represent on EPA’s LGAC Members page.
Mayor Lucy Vinis of Eugene, Oregon, will continue as the LGAC’s vice chair. Administrator Regan also appointed Mayor Katie Rosenberg of Wausau, Wisconsin, to join Ann Mallek, supervisor of Albemarle County, Virginia, as co-chairs of the SCAS.
“I am grateful to Administrator Regan for reappointment as chair of the Local Government Advisory Committee,” Baird said. “Members of the LGAC have a historic opportunity to shape the implementation of EPA policies so that they best serve the diverse interests and concerns of the residents we represent.”
In 2024, the LGAC will provide input on the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, the draft Strategy for Reducing Plastic Pollution, EPA’s efforts to develop a cumulative impact framework, and improving community-level communication and engagement on climate change issues.
Members were chosen from a pool of over 60 highly qualified candidates. Selections for the one- and two-year terms were based on the applicant pool and in accordance with the LGAC charter to achieve balance and diversity in terms of geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and stakeholder perspective.
Background
Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) is comprised of elected and appointed officials at local, state, tribal, and territorial governments within the U.S., who provide independent policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments.
The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS) was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities. New members are recruited every fall.
Learn more about the LGAC and SCAS.
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For the first time in the committee’s history, the membership will have a female majority, including all members of the committee’s leadership.
The LGAC is comprised of elected and appointed officials from across the nation, who provide independent policy advice to the EPA Administrator on issues affecting local governments.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska, will continue as the LGAC’s chair. Mayor Pro Tem Kimberly Rich of Willow Springs, Missouri, will continue as a member on the LGAC’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS).
“The Biden-Harris administration has made a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the federal government,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s announcement is the latest example of this commitment in action. In addition to a majority of female members, this important committee is comprised of individuals from across the country, representing the diversity of America, so we can reflect a range of input as we craft regulations impacting their communities.”
The 37-member LGAC will have 24 females and 13 males, including 13 people of color, and representation from 27 different states. The Administrator also appointed sixnew and 15 returning members to the LGAC’s SCAS. Read about the members and the communities they represent on EPA’s LGAC Members page.
Mayor Lucy Vinis of Eugene, Oregon, will continue as the LGAC’s vice chair. Administrator Regan also appointed Mayor Katie Rosenberg of Wausau, Wisconsin, to join Ann Mallek, supervisor of Albemarle County, Virginia, as co-chairs of the SCAS.
“I am grateful to Administrator Regan for reappointment as chair of the Local Government Advisory Committee,” Baird said. “Members of the LGAC have a historic opportunity to shape the implementation of EPA policies so that they best serve the diverse interests and concerns of the residents we represent.”
In 2024, the LGAC will provide input on the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, the draft Strategy for Reducing Plastic Pollution, EPA’s efforts to develop a cumulative impact framework, and improving community-level communication and engagement on climate change issues.
Members were chosen from a pool of over 60 highly qualified candidates. Selections for the one- and two-year terms were based on the applicant pool and in accordance with the LGAC charter to achieve balance and diversity in terms of geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and stakeholder perspective.
Background
Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) is comprised of elected and appointed officials at local, state, tribal, and territorial governments within the U.S., who provide independent policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments.
The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS) was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities. New members are recruited every fall.
Learn more about the LGAC and SCAS.
# # #
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 Fines COIM USA for Inaccurate Reporting of Hazardous Chemical
NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with COIM USA, Inc. (COIM) for allegedly violating the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) at their chemical manufacturing facility in West Deptford, New Jersey. Failure of facilities to accurately disclose chemical information deprives local community members and officials of their right to know about releases and the presence of chemicals in their neighborhoods. Under the settlement, COIM will pay a $101,400 penalty. Additionally, the company will undertake a supplemental environmental project (SEP) estimated to cost approximately $25,000 to purchase emergency planning and preparedness equipment for the West Deptford Fire Department.
"COIM failed to meet their obligation to public safety by inaccurately reporting their activities involving 1,4-Dioxane, a hazardous chemical,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "This settlement not only holds the company accountable for their violations, but also supports the local fire department in enhancing their emergency preparedness and response capabilities.”
The settlement resolves EPA’s allegations that COIM failed to accurately report the off-site transfers and disposal methods of 1,4-Dioxane, in their Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reports for the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The TRI program requires facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use certain toxic chemicals above threshold levels to report annually on their releases and other waste management activities. In response to EPA’s request for the raw data and information that supported their 1,4-Dioxane TRI reports, COIM identified chemical records they had previously not considered and reevaluated their calculations and waste transfer descriptions. Accordingly, COIM updated its calculations and waste transfer descriptions, fixed its TRI reports, and set up internal controls to prevent future violations.
In addition to the penalty, COIM agreed to perform a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), which involves purchasing and providing fire turnout gear (safety clothing) for the West Deptford Fire Department. The SEP will help the fire department improve their ability to respond to emergencies involving hazardous chemicals such as 1,4-Dioxane in West Deptford and the surrounding communities.
Visit EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory Program webpage for additional information about the program.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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"COIM failed to meet their obligation to public safety by inaccurately reporting their activities involving 1,4-Dioxane, a hazardous chemical,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "This settlement not only holds the company accountable for their violations, but also supports the local fire department in enhancing their emergency preparedness and response capabilities.”
The settlement resolves EPA’s allegations that COIM failed to accurately report the off-site transfers and disposal methods of 1,4-Dioxane, in their Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reports for the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The TRI program requires facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use certain toxic chemicals above threshold levels to report annually on their releases and other waste management activities. In response to EPA’s request for the raw data and information that supported their 1,4-Dioxane TRI reports, COIM identified chemical records they had previously not considered and reevaluated their calculations and waste transfer descriptions. Accordingly, COIM updated its calculations and waste transfer descriptions, fixed its TRI reports, and set up internal controls to prevent future violations.
In addition to the penalty, COIM agreed to perform a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), which involves purchasing and providing fire turnout gear (safety clothing) for the West Deptford Fire Department. The SEP will help the fire department improve their ability to respond to emergencies involving hazardous chemicals such as 1,4-Dioxane in West Deptford and the surrounding communities.
Visit EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory Program webpage for additional information about the program.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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EPA proposes stronger air pollution standards for large facilities that burn municipal solid waste
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced a proposal to strengthen Clean Air Act standards for large facilities that burn municipal solid waste. If finalized, the updated standards would reduce emissions of nine pollutants, including smog- and soot-forming sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, by approximately 14,000 tons per year, improving air quality for overburdened communities living near these facilities. These proposed standards reflect current technologies available to control pollution in a cost-effective fashion.
“President Biden believes every person deserves clean air to breathe and the opportunity to lead a healthy life, and EPA’s proposal is just the latest action to achieve this vision. By reducing harmful pollution and improving air quality, this rule will also advance environmental justice for nearby communities already overburdened with pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA is committed to working with communities and state, local, and Tribal governments to ensure that large facilities burning municipal waste utilize the most up-to-date and cost-effective control technologies to reduce pollution and protect public health.”
The proposed standards would apply to 57 facilities with 152 units that have the capacity to combust more than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste. Nearly 4 million Americans live within 3 miles of these large facilities, which are disproportionately located in low-income communities and communities of color. Today’s proposal supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s unprecedented and ongoing efforts to protect overburdened communities from harmful pollution, and is likely to reduce existing disproportionate and adverse effects on communities with environmental justice concerns. The proposed standards are based on emission levels achieved by the best controlled and lower-emitting sources, and limit emissions of nine pollutants: particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, cadmium, mercury, and dioxins/furans.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to evaluate these standards every five years in order to take into account developments in pollution control technologies and techniques. EPA last revised these standards in 2006. From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates to pollution standards.
The estimated benefits of this action far outweigh the expected pollution control costs. After accounting for compliance costs of the rule, EPA estimated the net present value of health benefits from the proposed rule, due to reductions in particulate matter and ozone alone, to be up to $14 billion over 20 years. Reductions of mercury, lead, and other hazardous air pollutants required by the proposal are expected to result in additional unquantified economic and public health benefits. EPA believes this action is also likely to advance environmental justice by reducing existing disproportionate and adverse effects on overburdened communities.
EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. EPA will hold an informational webinar and will announce details on our website shortly.
Read more information on the proposal and upcoming webinar for large municipal waste combustors.
“President Biden believes every person deserves clean air to breathe and the opportunity to lead a healthy life, and EPA’s proposal is just the latest action to achieve this vision. By reducing harmful pollution and improving air quality, this rule will also advance environmental justice for nearby communities already overburdened with pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA is committed to working with communities and state, local, and Tribal governments to ensure that large facilities burning municipal waste utilize the most up-to-date and cost-effective control technologies to reduce pollution and protect public health.”
The proposed standards would apply to 57 facilities with 152 units that have the capacity to combust more than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste. Nearly 4 million Americans live within 3 miles of these large facilities, which are disproportionately located in low-income communities and communities of color. Today’s proposal supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s unprecedented and ongoing efforts to protect overburdened communities from harmful pollution, and is likely to reduce existing disproportionate and adverse effects on communities with environmental justice concerns. The proposed standards are based on emission levels achieved by the best controlled and lower-emitting sources, and limit emissions of nine pollutants: particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, cadmium, mercury, and dioxins/furans.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to evaluate these standards every five years in order to take into account developments in pollution control technologies and techniques. EPA last revised these standards in 2006. From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has made advancing environmental justice a top priority, including by delivering on long overdue updates to pollution standards.
The estimated benefits of this action far outweigh the expected pollution control costs. After accounting for compliance costs of the rule, EPA estimated the net present value of health benefits from the proposed rule, due to reductions in particulate matter and ozone alone, to be up to $14 billion over 20 years. Reductions of mercury, lead, and other hazardous air pollutants required by the proposal are expected to result in additional unquantified economic and public health benefits. EPA believes this action is also likely to advance environmental justice by reducing existing disproportionate and adverse effects on overburdened communities.
EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. EPA will hold an informational webinar and will announce details on our website shortly.
Read more information on the proposal and upcoming webinar for large municipal waste combustors.
EPA Fines Harvard, Nebraska, Company for Alleged Chemical Risk Prevention Violations
LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 11, 2024) – Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company has agreed to pay a $82,677 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions at its agronomy business in Harvard, Nebraska.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the facility stores, sells, and distributes anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with regulations intended to protect workers and the surrounding community from accidental releases.
“Compliance with Clean Air Act chemical risk prevention regulations saves lives,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “These enforcement actions protect communities and level the playing field with businesses who are following the rules.”
Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and even death. Fires or explosions may result if anhydrous ammonia is ignited.
During a January 2023 inspection, EPA determined that the company violated the law by failing to submit a risk management plan, perform an updated hazard review, and conduct an audit to ensure compliance with the regulations. EPA says that Aurora Cooperative took the necessary steps to return the facility to compliance after the inspection.
The Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Plan Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a Risk Management Plan that identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident, identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident, and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in their community. EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities.
Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur each year at regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities.
Reducing risks from accidental releases of hazardous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA, which identified this goal as one of its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives in 2023.
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Learn more about EPA’s Risk Management Program
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
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Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the facility stores, sells, and distributes anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with regulations intended to protect workers and the surrounding community from accidental releases.
“Compliance with Clean Air Act chemical risk prevention regulations saves lives,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “These enforcement actions protect communities and level the playing field with businesses who are following the rules.”
Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and even death. Fires or explosions may result if anhydrous ammonia is ignited.
During a January 2023 inspection, EPA determined that the company violated the law by failing to submit a risk management plan, perform an updated hazard review, and conduct an audit to ensure compliance with the regulations. EPA says that Aurora Cooperative took the necessary steps to return the facility to compliance after the inspection.
The Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Plan Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a Risk Management Plan that identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident, identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident, and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in their community. EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities.
Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur each year at regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities.
Reducing risks from accidental releases of hazardous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA, which identified this goal as one of its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives in 2023.
# # #
Learn more about EPA’s Risk Management Program
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 Settlement Improves Safety at Cooper Heat Treating LLC Facility in Detroit
CHICAGO (Jan. 11, 2024) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with Cooper Heat Treating LLC of Detroit, Michigan, over alleged violations of Clean Air Act requirements aimed at preventing chemical accidents at facilities that use certain hazardous substances. The company has paid a penalty of $12,300.
Following a June 2022 inspection of the company’s Detroit facility for heat treating automobile parts, EPA determined that Cooper Heat Treating failed to comply with Clean Air Act requirements to help minimize the risk of an accidental release at facilities with more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. Specifically, EPA alleged that Cooper Heat Treating failed to evaluate hazards related to stationary source siting and a potential failure of its engineering and administrative controls, periodically inspect its facility’s piping, and submit an updated risk management plan.
As part of the settlement with EPA, the company will install permanent ammonia and oxygen sensors throughout its facility, install fixed cameras along its ammonia process line, and purchase and use an infrared camera for preventative maintenance.
For more information on the section of the Clean Air Act relevant to this settlement, see EPA’s Clean Air Act Section 112(r): Accidental Release Prevention / Risk Management Plan Rule fact sheet.
Following a June 2022 inspection of the company’s Detroit facility for heat treating automobile parts, EPA determined that Cooper Heat Treating failed to comply with Clean Air Act requirements to help minimize the risk of an accidental release at facilities with more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. Specifically, EPA alleged that Cooper Heat Treating failed to evaluate hazards related to stationary source siting and a potential failure of its engineering and administrative controls, periodically inspect its facility’s piping, and submit an updated risk management plan.
As part of the settlement with EPA, the company will install permanent ammonia and oxygen sensors throughout its facility, install fixed cameras along its ammonia process line, and purchase and use an infrared camera for preventative maintenance.
For more information on the section of the Clean Air Act relevant to this settlement, see EPA’s Clean Air Act Section 112(r): Accidental Release Prevention / Risk Management Plan Rule fact sheet.