QB 23-315 2024 Raw Sugar Reallocations
Commodity:
Raw Cane Sugar as provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5
Quota Period:
October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024
Reference:
QB 23-305
Background:
USTR announced in the Federal Register Notice Volume 88, No.229…
Raw Cane Sugar as provided for in Chapter 17, Additional U.S. Note 5
Quota Period:
October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024
Reference:
QB 23-305
Background:
USTR announced in the Federal Register Notice Volume 88, No.229…
Shippers weigh costly routing changes against possibility of East Coast strike
Shippers who have built East and Gulf coast routings into their supply chains are taking no chances, raising the need for contingency plans in discussions with carriers and NVOs ahead of 2024 contract renewals.
Media Advisory: U.S. Finishing/Cone Mills receives EPA’s Excellence in Site Re-Use Award
GREENVILLE, S.C. (December 5, 2023)- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold an award ceremony on Thursday December 7, 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina to present the EPA Excellence in Site Re-Use Award to Cone Mills Acquisition Group (CMAG) in recognition of their commitment and dedication for remediating the U.S Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site.
To date the entire project is expected to be valued at $1.9 to $3.4 billion dollars at completion. Construction of 20 million square feet of commercial, recreational, and residential space over next 15 years.
WHO: EPA, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and CMAG
WHAT: Excellence in Site Re-Use Award Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday December 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Est
WHERE: 3335 Old Buncombe Road, Greenville, South Carolina
** The event will be held outside. Please also note that there is no power at the site **
Learn more about the 2023 National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Awards.
*** Interested media must RSVP via email to region4press@epa.gov to confirm your participation by COB Wednesday December 6, 2023.
To date the entire project is expected to be valued at $1.9 to $3.4 billion dollars at completion. Construction of 20 million square feet of commercial, recreational, and residential space over next 15 years.
WHO: EPA, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and CMAG
WHAT: Excellence in Site Re-Use Award Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday December 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Est
WHERE: 3335 Old Buncombe Road, Greenville, South Carolina
** The event will be held outside. Please also note that there is no power at the site **
Learn more about the 2023 National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Awards.
*** Interested media must RSVP via email to region4press@epa.gov to confirm your participation by COB Wednesday December 6, 2023.
EPA Reaches Settlement with R.J. Torching for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations at Facility in Flint, Michigan
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached a settlement with scrap metal recycler R.J. Torching, for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. Under the agreement, known as a consent decree, R.J. Torching will install a pollution capture and control system at its facility on G-5167 North Dort Highway in Flint, Michigan. This system is expected to significantly reduce visible emissions of inhalable metallic particulate matter from the facility and will better protect human health and the environment. The company will also pay $150,000 in civil penalties.
R.J. Torching is a scrap metal recycler that uses high powered torches to cut large metal objects such as automotive manufacturing machines. EPA alleges that the company violated visible emissions limitations, illegally conducted open burning, and failed to properly operate air pollution control devices. EPA also alleges that the company violated a 2015 administrative settlement to use a specified air pollution cleansing device when needed, to comply with applicable Michigan visible emission requirements.
R.J. Torching’s torch-cutting operations can generate significant amounts of pollution, which can lead to a variety of health problems. EPA has also worked with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to issue violation notices addressing the company’s excess torch-cutting emissions at its facilities in Flint and Battle Creek, Michigan.
In 2019, R.J. Torching installed a movable enclosure to better contain torch-cutting emissions at the Flint facility. The current settlement will require R.J. Torching to use the enclosure to house the company’s torch-cutting operations and construct a new pollution control system to capture the emissions and remove particulate matter from the air through a fabric filter system. It will also require air pollution testing, and improved monitoring and compliance with a more stringent air emission standard to mitigate past harm to the environment.
The facility is located in an area with environmental justice concerns, according to data from EPA’s EJSCREEN tool. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
The settlement is subject to a public comment period and final court approval. There will be a virtual public meeting on the consent decree January 18, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. EST. Information on how to submit a public comment and participate in the public meeting is available on the Department of Justice website
R.J. Torching is a scrap metal recycler that uses high powered torches to cut large metal objects such as automotive manufacturing machines. EPA alleges that the company violated visible emissions limitations, illegally conducted open burning, and failed to properly operate air pollution control devices. EPA also alleges that the company violated a 2015 administrative settlement to use a specified air pollution cleansing device when needed, to comply with applicable Michigan visible emission requirements.
R.J. Torching’s torch-cutting operations can generate significant amounts of pollution, which can lead to a variety of health problems. EPA has also worked with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to issue violation notices addressing the company’s excess torch-cutting emissions at its facilities in Flint and Battle Creek, Michigan.
In 2019, R.J. Torching installed a movable enclosure to better contain torch-cutting emissions at the Flint facility. The current settlement will require R.J. Torching to use the enclosure to house the company’s torch-cutting operations and construct a new pollution control system to capture the emissions and remove particulate matter from the air through a fabric filter system. It will also require air pollution testing, and improved monitoring and compliance with a more stringent air emission standard to mitigate past harm to the environment.
The facility is located in an area with environmental justice concerns, according to data from EPA’s EJSCREEN tool. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
The settlement is subject to a public comment period and final court approval. There will be a virtual public meeting on the consent decree January 18, 2024, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. EST. Information on how to submit a public comment and participate in the public meeting is available on the Department of Justice website
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $30.7 Million in Grants to Support Water Systems in Small and Rural Communities
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of up to $30.7 million in grant funding for technical assistance and training to support small drinking water and wastewater systems, including those in rural communities. This grant provides funding to organizations that work side-by-side with water systems by giving them the necessary tools and training to ensure communities have safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment systems.
“Many small drinking water systems face challenges when working to provide reliable and safe drinking water to their communities,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Funding to support upgrading water infrastructure is central to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. With this grant funding, the EPA is building on our technical assistance efforts by providing another resource for disadvantaged and often rural, communities to gain access to their fair share of federal investment through training and technical assistance.”
Small water systems often face unique financial and operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, and declining rate bases. Many small systems also serve disadvantaged communities with environmental justice concerns. With this action, EPA is investing in small and underserved communities to ensure safe drinking water and wastewater services are provided to those that are most in need.
Additionally, this grant will help expand on the Agency’s water technical assistance (WaterTA) commitment, which aims to provide a range of assistance to help communities identify solutions for water challenges — from capacity building to helping navigate the federal funding application process, and strategically investing in reliable infrastructure solutions.
EPA is seeking applications to fund grant projects that will benefit small and rural communities. Eligible applicants for this competitive agreement are nonprofit organizations, nonprofit private universities and colleges, and public institutions of higher education. The application period for these competitive grants is now open.
Questions about applying for EPA funding for training and technical assistance must be received by January 18, 2024 and applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 2, 2024. EPA expects to award these cooperative agreements by summer of 2024 and encourages all eligible organizations who have an interest in these projects to apply.
This grant will be competed through a Request for Application process. The funding opportunity will remain open for 60 days on Grants.gov. For more information on the grant visit EPA’s website on Training and Technical Assistance for Small Systems Funding.
Background
Since 2012, the Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Water Quality and Enable Small PWSs to Provide Safe Drinking Water grant program has provided over $170 million in funding to technical assistance and training providers. EPA expects to award three to nine cooperative agreements totaling up to $30.7 million in federal funds. The purpose of the agreements is to provide training and technical assistance to:
Small public water systems to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA);
Small public water systems on a wide range of managerial and/or financial topics to achieve and maintain compliance with the SDWA;
Small publicly-owned wastewater systems, communities served by onsite-decentralized wastewater systems to help improve water quality; or
Private well owners to help improve water quality.
EPA's free WaterTA services supports communities in states, Tribes and territories, with developing solutions to localized water challenges. Learn more about WaterTA services visit EPA’s Water Technical Assistance website.
“Many small drinking water systems face challenges when working to provide reliable and safe drinking water to their communities,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Funding to support upgrading water infrastructure is central to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. With this grant funding, the EPA is building on our technical assistance efforts by providing another resource for disadvantaged and often rural, communities to gain access to their fair share of federal investment through training and technical assistance.”
Small water systems often face unique financial and operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, and declining rate bases. Many small systems also serve disadvantaged communities with environmental justice concerns. With this action, EPA is investing in small and underserved communities to ensure safe drinking water and wastewater services are provided to those that are most in need.
Additionally, this grant will help expand on the Agency’s water technical assistance (WaterTA) commitment, which aims to provide a range of assistance to help communities identify solutions for water challenges — from capacity building to helping navigate the federal funding application process, and strategically investing in reliable infrastructure solutions.
EPA is seeking applications to fund grant projects that will benefit small and rural communities. Eligible applicants for this competitive agreement are nonprofit organizations, nonprofit private universities and colleges, and public institutions of higher education. The application period for these competitive grants is now open.
Questions about applying for EPA funding for training and technical assistance must be received by January 18, 2024 and applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 2, 2024. EPA expects to award these cooperative agreements by summer of 2024 and encourages all eligible organizations who have an interest in these projects to apply.
This grant will be competed through a Request for Application process. The funding opportunity will remain open for 60 days on Grants.gov. For more information on the grant visit EPA’s website on Training and Technical Assistance for Small Systems Funding.
Background
Since 2012, the Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Water Quality and Enable Small PWSs to Provide Safe Drinking Water grant program has provided over $170 million in funding to technical assistance and training providers. EPA expects to award three to nine cooperative agreements totaling up to $30.7 million in federal funds. The purpose of the agreements is to provide training and technical assistance to:
Small public water systems to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA);
Small public water systems on a wide range of managerial and/or financial topics to achieve and maintain compliance with the SDWA;
Small publicly-owned wastewater systems, communities served by onsite-decentralized wastewater systems to help improve water quality; or
Private well owners to help improve water quality.
EPA's free WaterTA services supports communities in states, Tribes and territories, with developing solutions to localized water challenges. Learn more about WaterTA services visit EPA’s Water Technical Assistance website.
$12 Million in Grants Awarded to Improve the Environment of Long Island Sound
LONG ISLAND SOUND WATERSHED, CONN. (Dec. 4, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined federal and state environmental agencies and officials from New England and New York, including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in announcing 39 grants totaling $12 million to organizations and local governments to improve the health of Long Island Sound. The grants are matched by $8 million from the grantees themselves, resulting in $20 million in total conservation impact for projects in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
"Everyone that lives, works, and plays on the Sound deserves clean water and equitable access. By Investing in America, these grants, along with the huge investment in the Sound from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, put us on the right path," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Because of these investments, EPA is making good on its promises to uplift communities, make them more resilient to climate change, and improve the health of the Sound as a whole."
"EPA's continued investments in locally based programs in and around Long Island Sound will tackle water quality improvements, reduce nitrogen pollution and restore coastal habitat," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia of EPA Region 2. "EPA is proud to support these innovative and impactful projects that will improve the health and resilience of this vital estuary for generations to come and ensure that all communities have a voice and a role in the protection and restoration of the Sound."
In all, these 2023 Long Island Sound Futures Fund (Futures Fund) grants will support projects that improve water quality by preventing 2.7 million gallons of stormwater and 101,000 pounds of nitrogen pollution from flowing into Long Island Sound waters. The projects will also remove 120 tons of marine debris from the Sound and support planning for restoration of 880 acres of coastal habitat and 102 miles of river corridor vital to fish and wildlife. In addition, the projects will reach 30,000 people through environmental education programs that increase awareness of how to improve the health and vitality of the Sound. Funding for the grant program comes from the EPA as part of the Long Island Sound Study, with additional support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and The Zoetis Foundation.
The Long Island Sound Study initiated the Futures Fund in 2005 through EPA's Long Island Sound Office and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The grant program has a strong history of making environmental improvements by supporting people and communities who value the Sound and take a direct role in its future. Since its inception, the Futures Fund has invested $56 million in 640 projects. The program has generated an additional $65 million in grantee matching funds towards these projects for a total conservation impact of $121 million. The projects have opened 121 river miles for fish passage, restored 842 acres of fish and wildlife habitat, treated 208 million gallons of stormwater pollution, and engaged 5 million people in protection and restoration of the Sound.
"This year's grants provide support for grantees and their partners to implement projects that benefit community residents, farmers, fish, and wildlife" said Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. "The Long Island Sound's watershed covers more than 16,000 square miles in six states and the funding today represents a commitment to foster the progress made over many decades towards a healthier, cleaner and more resilient watershed that will benefit wildlife and people for generations to come."
"The projects funded today conserve and restore vital habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife like piping plovers and roseate terns, as well as include working directly with communities to create a future landscape more resilient to climate change," said Wendi Weber, Northeast Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Removing dams and replacing culverts clears the way for migratory fish while reducing the risk of flooding. Living shorelines support fish and shellfish while buffering destructive storm surge. These grants support a brighter future for the people and wildlife of Long Island Sound."
"Since 2005, the State of Connecticut has been privileged to benefit from the groundbreaking and critical work of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through its Long Island Sound Futures Fund. Projects supported by the Futures Fund lead to real world advancement and improvements to the Long Island Sound, our most cherished natural resource," said Emma Cimino, Connecticut Deputy Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. "Today Connecticut joins in celebrating the award of over $7.5 million in 23 grants to 22 recipients in Connecticut, which leverage almost $4 million in additional local funding. These important and forward-thinking projects range from reducing nitrogen pollution and removing barriers to fish passage to improving the resilience of our coastal communities and providing pathways to conservation careers to young people from environmental justice communities. We are grateful to our federal partners for this impactful funding in Connecticut and those awarded in New York."
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "The Long Island Sound is an irreplaceable natural resource to New Yorkers and neighbors alike. Working hand-in-hand with stakeholders and key partners like the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, DEC is proud to see the extensive investments and efforts underway to restore and protect the Sound for future generations by improving water quality, conserving critical habitats, responsibly increasing recreational access, and empowering the public to safeguard this cherished natural resource. DEC congratulates and thanks grant awardees for their sustained dedication to the conservation of this vital ecosystem."
A complete list of the 2023 Long Island Sound Futures Fund grants recipients is available here (pdf) (2.3 MB). See a list of quotes from elected officials and partners about today's grant announcement here.
Background
The Long Island Sound is an estuary that provides economic and recreational benefits to millions of people while also providing habitat for more than 1,200 invertebrates, 170 species of fish and dozens of species of migratory birds. The grant projects contribute to a healthier Long Island Sound for everyone, from nearby area residents to those at the furthest reaches of the Sound. All nine million people who live, work, and play in the watershed impacting the Sound can benefit from and help build on the progress that has already been made.
About the National Fish and Wildlife FoundationChartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,000 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of $8.1 billion. NFWF is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at nfwf.org.
About the Long Island Sound Study The Long Island Sound Study, developed under the EPA's National Estuary Program, is a cooperative effort between the EPA and the states of Connecticut and New York to protect and restore the Sound and its ecosystem. To learn more about the Long Island Sound Study, visit the website.
"Everyone that lives, works, and plays on the Sound deserves clean water and equitable access. By Investing in America, these grants, along with the huge investment in the Sound from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, put us on the right path," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Because of these investments, EPA is making good on its promises to uplift communities, make them more resilient to climate change, and improve the health of the Sound as a whole."
"EPA's continued investments in locally based programs in and around Long Island Sound will tackle water quality improvements, reduce nitrogen pollution and restore coastal habitat," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia of EPA Region 2. "EPA is proud to support these innovative and impactful projects that will improve the health and resilience of this vital estuary for generations to come and ensure that all communities have a voice and a role in the protection and restoration of the Sound."
In all, these 2023 Long Island Sound Futures Fund (Futures Fund) grants will support projects that improve water quality by preventing 2.7 million gallons of stormwater and 101,000 pounds of nitrogen pollution from flowing into Long Island Sound waters. The projects will also remove 120 tons of marine debris from the Sound and support planning for restoration of 880 acres of coastal habitat and 102 miles of river corridor vital to fish and wildlife. In addition, the projects will reach 30,000 people through environmental education programs that increase awareness of how to improve the health and vitality of the Sound. Funding for the grant program comes from the EPA as part of the Long Island Sound Study, with additional support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and The Zoetis Foundation.
The Long Island Sound Study initiated the Futures Fund in 2005 through EPA's Long Island Sound Office and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The grant program has a strong history of making environmental improvements by supporting people and communities who value the Sound and take a direct role in its future. Since its inception, the Futures Fund has invested $56 million in 640 projects. The program has generated an additional $65 million in grantee matching funds towards these projects for a total conservation impact of $121 million. The projects have opened 121 river miles for fish passage, restored 842 acres of fish and wildlife habitat, treated 208 million gallons of stormwater pollution, and engaged 5 million people in protection and restoration of the Sound.
"This year's grants provide support for grantees and their partners to implement projects that benefit community residents, farmers, fish, and wildlife" said Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. "The Long Island Sound's watershed covers more than 16,000 square miles in six states and the funding today represents a commitment to foster the progress made over many decades towards a healthier, cleaner and more resilient watershed that will benefit wildlife and people for generations to come."
"The projects funded today conserve and restore vital habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife like piping plovers and roseate terns, as well as include working directly with communities to create a future landscape more resilient to climate change," said Wendi Weber, Northeast Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Removing dams and replacing culverts clears the way for migratory fish while reducing the risk of flooding. Living shorelines support fish and shellfish while buffering destructive storm surge. These grants support a brighter future for the people and wildlife of Long Island Sound."
"Since 2005, the State of Connecticut has been privileged to benefit from the groundbreaking and critical work of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through its Long Island Sound Futures Fund. Projects supported by the Futures Fund lead to real world advancement and improvements to the Long Island Sound, our most cherished natural resource," said Emma Cimino, Connecticut Deputy Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. "Today Connecticut joins in celebrating the award of over $7.5 million in 23 grants to 22 recipients in Connecticut, which leverage almost $4 million in additional local funding. These important and forward-thinking projects range from reducing nitrogen pollution and removing barriers to fish passage to improving the resilience of our coastal communities and providing pathways to conservation careers to young people from environmental justice communities. We are grateful to our federal partners for this impactful funding in Connecticut and those awarded in New York."
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "The Long Island Sound is an irreplaceable natural resource to New Yorkers and neighbors alike. Working hand-in-hand with stakeholders and key partners like the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, DEC is proud to see the extensive investments and efforts underway to restore and protect the Sound for future generations by improving water quality, conserving critical habitats, responsibly increasing recreational access, and empowering the public to safeguard this cherished natural resource. DEC congratulates and thanks grant awardees for their sustained dedication to the conservation of this vital ecosystem."
A complete list of the 2023 Long Island Sound Futures Fund grants recipients is available here (pdf) (2.3 MB). See a list of quotes from elected officials and partners about today's grant announcement here.
Background
The Long Island Sound is an estuary that provides economic and recreational benefits to millions of people while also providing habitat for more than 1,200 invertebrates, 170 species of fish and dozens of species of migratory birds. The grant projects contribute to a healthier Long Island Sound for everyone, from nearby area residents to those at the furthest reaches of the Sound. All nine million people who live, work, and play in the watershed impacting the Sound can benefit from and help build on the progress that has already been made.
About the National Fish and Wildlife FoundationChartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,000 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of $8.1 billion. NFWF is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at nfwf.org.
About the Long Island Sound Study The Long Island Sound Study, developed under the EPA's National Estuary Program, is a cooperative effort between the EPA and the states of Connecticut and New York to protect and restore the Sound and its ecosystem. To learn more about the Long Island Sound Study, visit the website.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $70 Million WIFIA Loan to Advance Drought Resilience in Southern California
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, at an event in San Bernardino, California, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $70 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. This WIFIA funding will support an innovative regional partnership to help secure a drought-resilient water supply while supporting the long-term ecological health of the Upper Santa Ana River.
Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced nearly $20 billion in financing to support over $43 billion in water infrastructure projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 140,000 jobs.
“I applaud San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District for securing this $70 million WIFIA loan to recharge depleted groundwater basins and secure a climate-resilient water future,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Upgrading water infrastructure is central to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. Through EPA’s WIFIA program and $50 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is investing in communities across the country to address pressing local water challenges, like climate change, while creating family-supporting jobs.”
For many years, the San Bernardino Valley has been challenged by prolonged drought, increased wildfires, and climate uncertainty. In 2021, five Southern California water agencies came together to form the Watershed Connect program to improve water reliability in the drought-prone region. One project funded in part by a WIFIA loan is the Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge Phase 1B, which will expand the existing groundwater basins to capture and recharge local stormwater. Additionally, a new regional recycled water pipeline will be constructed to convey the treated water for groundwater replenishment. At the completion of these projects, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and the Watershed Connect participating agencies will secure a reliable water source in times of drought by capturing up to 80,000 acre-feet of stormwater runoff and recharging up to 23,000 acre-feet of recycled water for future use from the local groundwater aquifer.
"Infrastructure projects of this magnitude require a complex collaboration between technical engineering, environmental stewardship, funding commitments, and regulatory approvals to address our region's water challenges,” said Paul Kielhold, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Board President. “The WIFIA loan is a symbol of progress in the realms of water supply reliability and environmental conservation.”
This is the second WIFIA loan to support the Watershed Connect program. EPA previously announced $81 million to the Yucaipa Valley Water District for other aspects of the program. In total, EPA has committed $216 million in WIFIA financing through master agreements. Through the regional Watershed Connect program, participating agencies will save approximately $47 million by financing with WIFIA loans while project construction and operation will create over 1,000 jobs.
Learn more about EPA’s WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program aims to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.
EPA recently made the 7th round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. $6.5 billion is available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve water infrastructure. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
Since its creation, EPA’s WIFIA program has announced nearly $20 billion in financing to support over $43 billion in water infrastructure projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 140,000 jobs.
“I applaud San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District for securing this $70 million WIFIA loan to recharge depleted groundwater basins and secure a climate-resilient water future,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Upgrading water infrastructure is central to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. Through EPA’s WIFIA program and $50 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is investing in communities across the country to address pressing local water challenges, like climate change, while creating family-supporting jobs.”
For many years, the San Bernardino Valley has been challenged by prolonged drought, increased wildfires, and climate uncertainty. In 2021, five Southern California water agencies came together to form the Watershed Connect program to improve water reliability in the drought-prone region. One project funded in part by a WIFIA loan is the Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge Phase 1B, which will expand the existing groundwater basins to capture and recharge local stormwater. Additionally, a new regional recycled water pipeline will be constructed to convey the treated water for groundwater replenishment. At the completion of these projects, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and the Watershed Connect participating agencies will secure a reliable water source in times of drought by capturing up to 80,000 acre-feet of stormwater runoff and recharging up to 23,000 acre-feet of recycled water for future use from the local groundwater aquifer.
"Infrastructure projects of this magnitude require a complex collaboration between technical engineering, environmental stewardship, funding commitments, and regulatory approvals to address our region's water challenges,” said Paul Kielhold, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District Board President. “The WIFIA loan is a symbol of progress in the realms of water supply reliability and environmental conservation.”
This is the second WIFIA loan to support the Watershed Connect program. EPA previously announced $81 million to the Yucaipa Valley Water District for other aspects of the program. In total, EPA has committed $216 million in WIFIA financing through master agreements. Through the regional Watershed Connect program, participating agencies will save approximately $47 million by financing with WIFIA loans while project construction and operation will create over 1,000 jobs.
Learn more about EPA’s WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Background
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program aims to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.
EPA recently made the 7th round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. $6.5 billion is available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve water infrastructure. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
EPA Selects Final Cleanup Plan for the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund Site
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the final cleanup plan for the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site, covering the mine site and residential soils in Clearlake Oaks, Calif. EPA’s cleanup plan will combine and cover mine waste piles, remove or cover contaminated residential soils, minimize impacts on nearby tribes, and reduce mercury entering Clear Lake sediments and fish. The mine operated from the late 1800s to the 1950s, spreading waste with toxic levels of mercury and arsenic across the mine property and into nearby neighborhoods and Clear Lake.
“This cleanup plan marks the culmination of years of planning with tribes, local government and the state to develop a joint vision for reviving the local environment and economy around Clear Lake,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is committed to continuing our coordination with local stakeholders, ensuring community-wide benefits, returning land to the Elem Indian colony and collaborating on the protection of tribal and cultural resources.”
“We’re thrilled to see this project move into the next phase,” California Department of Toxic Substances Control Director, Dr. Meredith Williams said. “A cleanup project of this magnitude takes immense coordination and expertise, and we look forward to our continued partnership with the US EPA and the Elem Indian Colony to protect the community.”
Before finalizing the cleanup plan, EPA held a 90-day public comment period and hosted online question and answer sessions, in-person open houses, and hybrid (online and in-person) formal public hearings for both the whole community and a tribal-focused audience. The agency captured both written and verbal comments, considered them in cleanup planning, and responded to them in the final decision document.
The plan is detailed in a document called a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD and other documents on how the EPA decided on this plan are found in the site’s Administrative Record posted on EPA’s website.
EPA has already completed eight earlier cleanups at Sulphur Bank to protect community members and the environment. These prior cleanups included controlling soil erosion, improving surface water management, removing contaminated soil on the Elem Indian Colony, and capping mine waste beneath roadways. EPA also continues to study Clear Lake’s complex ecosystem, sediment, and north wetlands to understand how to reduce mercury pollution.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
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“This cleanup plan marks the culmination of years of planning with tribes, local government and the state to develop a joint vision for reviving the local environment and economy around Clear Lake,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is committed to continuing our coordination with local stakeholders, ensuring community-wide benefits, returning land to the Elem Indian colony and collaborating on the protection of tribal and cultural resources.”
“We’re thrilled to see this project move into the next phase,” California Department of Toxic Substances Control Director, Dr. Meredith Williams said. “A cleanup project of this magnitude takes immense coordination and expertise, and we look forward to our continued partnership with the US EPA and the Elem Indian Colony to protect the community.”
Before finalizing the cleanup plan, EPA held a 90-day public comment period and hosted online question and answer sessions, in-person open houses, and hybrid (online and in-person) formal public hearings for both the whole community and a tribal-focused audience. The agency captured both written and verbal comments, considered them in cleanup planning, and responded to them in the final decision document.
The plan is detailed in a document called a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD and other documents on how the EPA decided on this plan are found in the site’s Administrative Record posted on EPA’s website.
EPA has already completed eight earlier cleanups at Sulphur Bank to protect community members and the environment. These prior cleanups included controlling soil erosion, improving surface water management, removing contaminated soil on the Elem Indian Colony, and capping mine waste beneath roadways. EPA also continues to study Clear Lake’s complex ecosystem, sediment, and north wetlands to understand how to reduce mercury pollution.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
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