EPA Fines Iowa Ethanol Producer for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations
LENEXA, KAN. (NOV. 30, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will collect a $89,860 penalty from POET Biorefining – Menlo LLC, a bioethanol producer in Menlo, Iowa, to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act.
The company is a subsidiary of POET LLC, the world’s largest producer of biofuel. According to EPA, the Menlo facility is a “major air emission source” that failed to comply with federally enforceable permit provisions intended to limit harmful releases of air pollution.
After reviewing POET Biorefining facility records in 2022, EPA alleged that the company failed to properly operate the facility’s scrubber, which is designed to limit releases of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. In response to EPA’s findings, the company corrected the alleged violations and implemented procedures to ensure that the scrubber operates within required parameters.
According to EPA, POET Biorefining creates biofuels through fermentation of corn sugars, which can emit volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and easily evaporate. Direct or long-term exposure to VOCs may result in eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, organ or central nervous system damage, or cancer. Hazardous air pollutants are those known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health impacts, such as reproductive effects, birth defects, or adverse environmental effects.
Reducing air pollution from the largest sources of emissions is a top priority for EPA.
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The company is a subsidiary of POET LLC, the world’s largest producer of biofuel. According to EPA, the Menlo facility is a “major air emission source” that failed to comply with federally enforceable permit provisions intended to limit harmful releases of air pollution.
After reviewing POET Biorefining facility records in 2022, EPA alleged that the company failed to properly operate the facility’s scrubber, which is designed to limit releases of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. In response to EPA’s findings, the company corrected the alleged violations and implemented procedures to ensure that the scrubber operates within required parameters.
According to EPA, POET Biorefining creates biofuels through fermentation of corn sugars, which can emit volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and easily evaporate. Direct or long-term exposure to VOCs may result in eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, organ or central nervous system damage, or cancer. Hazardous air pollutants are those known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health impacts, such as reproductive effects, birth defects, or adverse environmental effects.
Reducing air pollution from the largest sources of emissions is a top priority for EPA.
# # #
Learn more about EPA’s air enforcement programs
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
UP boosts intermodal service with new Houston connections, Phoenix ramp
The Class I railroad sees an opportunity to tap growth at the Gulf Coast’s busiest port with new intermodal lanes, while expanding its inland reach from Los Angeles and Long Beach.
USDA Announces Opening of Application Period for Regional Agricultural Promotion Program
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the first tranche of funding under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). USDA is providing up to $300 million in funding in its first year to support eligible projects that enable exporters to break into new markets and increase market share in growth markets.
EPA Region 3 awards more than $62.36 million for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Virginia
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 29, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Virginia with $62,362,000 to support clean water efforts across the state. More than $47 million of this funding came from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history.
This BIL funding will supplement the $15,352,000 in FY 23 funding appropriated to Virginia’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF).
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Fund (SRF), which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Virginia will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.
The BIL delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made.
Visit the VA DEQ for more information on intended projects for this funding in Virginia.
Visit the EPA website to learn more about projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This BIL funding will supplement the $15,352,000 in FY 23 funding appropriated to Virginia’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF).
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Fund (SRF), which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Virginia will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.
The BIL delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made.
Visit the VA DEQ for more information on intended projects for this funding in Virginia.
Visit the EPA website to learn more about projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
EPA Region 3 Awards Nearly $387M for Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA (November 29, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Pennsylvania $386,932,000 to support clean water efforts and to better deliver safe drinking water across the state. Most of this funding, $340,612,000, came from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history. This BIL funding will supplement the $46,320,000 in FY 2023 funding appropriated to Pennsylvania’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Pennsylvania will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.
“Pennsylvania’s water will always be a top priority for the PA Department of Environmental Protection,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “This funding will support infrastructure projects that enhance clean water efforts across the state, further providing recreation opportunities and protecting drinking water.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For more information on intended projects for this funding in Pennsylvania, please visit: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/InfrastructureFinance/Pages/State-Revolving-Fund.aspx.
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Pennsylvania will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.
“Pennsylvania’s water will always be a top priority for the PA Department of Environmental Protection,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “This funding will support infrastructure projects that enhance clean water efforts across the state, further providing recreation opportunities and protecting drinking water.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For more information on intended projects for this funding in Pennsylvania, please visit: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/CleanWater/InfrastructureFinance/Pages/State-Revolving-Fund.aspx.
EPA Region 3 Awards More Than $109M for Water Infrastructure Upgrades in West Virginia
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award West Virginia $109.88 million to support improvements to water systems and access to safe drinking water across the state. Most of the funding—$93.15 million—comes from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history. This BIL funding will supplement $16.73 million in FY 23 funding assigned to West Virginia’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. West Virginia will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise. Proposed projects for this funding are listed in the states intended use plans.
“Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Governor Jim Justice and the support from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, West Virginia, in cooperation with our federal partners, is set to make significant strides in enhancing our wastewater systems and ensuring safe drinking water for all our residents," said West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Harold Ward. "Governor Justice's proactive approach and collaboration with federal initiatives have been pivotal in securing these funds. The increased funding will not only address immediate needs, but lays the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for communities of need throughout our state."
The BIL delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For more information on intended projects for this Drinking Water SRF funding in West Virginia, please visit: https://oehs.wvdhhr.org/eed/infrastructure-capacity-development/intended-use-plans/. For information on intended projects for this Clean Water SRF funding, please visit: https://dep.wv.gov/WWE/programs/SRF/Pages/default.aspx.
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. West Virginia will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise. Proposed projects for this funding are listed in the states intended use plans.
“Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Governor Jim Justice and the support from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, West Virginia, in cooperation with our federal partners, is set to make significant strides in enhancing our wastewater systems and ensuring safe drinking water for all our residents," said West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Harold Ward. "Governor Justice's proactive approach and collaboration with federal initiatives have been pivotal in securing these funds. The increased funding will not only address immediate needs, but lays the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for communities of need throughout our state."
The BIL delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For more information on intended projects for this Drinking Water SRF funding in West Virginia, please visit: https://oehs.wvdhhr.org/eed/infrastructure-capacity-development/intended-use-plans/. For information on intended projects for this Clean Water SRF funding, please visit: https://dep.wv.gov/WWE/programs/SRF/Pages/default.aspx.
EPA Region 3 Awards More Than $240M for Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Maryland
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Maryland $240,451,000 to support clean water efforts and to better deliver safe drinking water across the state. Most of this funding, $211,862,000, came from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history. This BIL funding will supplement the $28,589,000 in FY 2023 funding appropriated to Maryland's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Maryland will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
"Investments in our drinking water infrastructure will yield benefits to public health for generations to come," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. "This historic funding provides the resources we need to modernize our drinking water and stormwater management systems. Safe drinking water and clean waterways are at the heart of what we do."
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For more information on intended projects for this funding in Maryland, please visit: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WQFA
EPA awards grants to states annually to capitalize the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) which provide low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. Maryland will use this money to help communities across the state fund necessary water projects that some borrowers may not have been able to afford otherwise.
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
"Investments in our drinking water infrastructure will yield benefits to public health for generations to come," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. "This historic funding provides the resources we need to modernize our drinking water and stormwater management systems. Safe drinking water and clean waterways are at the heart of what we do."
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For more information on intended projects for this funding in Maryland, please visit: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/WQFA
EPA Region 3 Awards Nearly $128M for Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Upgrades in the District of Columbia
PHILADELPHIA (November 29, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the District of Columbia $127,968,093 to support clean water efforts and to better deliver safe drinking water across the District. Most of this funding, $119,248,093 came from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which is the largest federal investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history. This BIL funding will supplement the $8,720,000 in FY 2023 capitalization grants awarded to the District of Columbia for clean water and drinking water projects.
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards capitalization grants annually to the District for water infrastructure projects. Projects include remediating stormwater to protect stream water quality, increasing sewer capacity to prevent sewage overflows during storm events, and replacing lead service lines for homes across the city.
“The District of Columbia is pleased to receive this funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment Director Richard Jackson. “These funds will help to meet Mayor Bowser’s goal of restoring our rivers and streams so that they can be fully enjoyed by residents and visitors, as well as correct long standing environmental justice and equity issues, giving a fair shot to all of the District's residents.”
“The funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is critical for our efforts to ensure everyone in the District of Columbia has access to safe drinking water and clean waterways. This unprecedented federal investment in local water infrastructure supports our Lead Free DC program to replace thousands of lead service lines across the nation’s capital at no cost to customers. It will also help us replace aging water mains and make needed upgrades at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager of DC Water.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For more information on intended projects for this funding in the District of Columbia, please visit the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), https://doee.dc.gov/service/cwc, and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water), https://www.dcwater.com/approved-fiscal-year-2023-2024-priority-project-list-intended-use-plan.
“These awards show that EPA is not just a regulator – but is a funder and partner,” said EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures communities most in need and those grappling with emerging contaminants such as PFAS have access to funding that will deliver cleaner and safer water for generations to come.”
EPA awards capitalization grants annually to the District for water infrastructure projects. Projects include remediating stormwater to protect stream water quality, increasing sewer capacity to prevent sewage overflows during storm events, and replacing lead service lines for homes across the city.
“The District of Columbia is pleased to receive this funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment Director Richard Jackson. “These funds will help to meet Mayor Bowser’s goal of restoring our rivers and streams so that they can be fully enjoyed by residents and visitors, as well as correct long standing environmental justice and equity issues, giving a fair shot to all of the District's residents.”
“The funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is critical for our efforts to ensure everyone in the District of Columbia has access to safe drinking water and clean waterways. This unprecedented federal investment in local water infrastructure supports our Lead Free DC program to replace thousands of lead service lines across the nation’s capital at no cost to customers. It will also help us replace aging water mains and make needed upgrades at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager of DC Water.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law delivers more than $50 billion to EPA to improve our nation’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure - the single largest investment in water that the federal government has ever made. Learn more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For more information on intended projects for this funding in the District of Columbia, please visit the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), https://doee.dc.gov/service/cwc, and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water), https://www.dcwater.com/approved-fiscal-year-2023-2024-priority-project-list-intended-use-plan.