EPA Awards Nearly $1.2M to Three California Small Businesses to Research Environmental Issues and Help Grow the Green Economy
SAN FRANCISCO – This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing almost $1.2 million in research funding to three California small businesses to further develop and commercialize their environmental technologies. The funding comes through the agency’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant program.
“California’s small businesses are leaders in creating innovative and practical zero waste solutions that have far-reaching benefits for communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These companies’ efforts to bring their technologies to market will advance the circular economy while reducing waste that ends up in a landfill and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.”
Each year, EPA issues an SBIR solicitation for technology proposals for targeted environmental topics. The SBIR program consists of two phases of funding. The companies announced today earlier received Phase I contracts of up to $100,000 for six months during the “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Now, for this Phase II announcement, companies are awarded up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.
This year’s SBIR Phase II award recipients in California are:
Hydrova Inc. (Santa Ana; $400,000) - A novel process to recover resources and produce hydrogen from secondary aluminum processing waste. The technology transforms traditionally landfilled wastes into valuable products that can be reused by the aluminum and cement industries.
"The EPA's Phase II grant will support the commercialization of Hydrova's DrossZero™ systems,” said Julian Davis, CEO of Hydrova Inc. “By closing the loop in the aluminum industry, Hydrova is furthering the United States' leadership in advanced recycling technologies."
Kamilo, Inc. (San Francisco; $399,989) - Digital verification of the percentage of recycled content in individual products to advance plastic circularity. Kamilo’s patented geospatial technology tracks waste plastic. This project will expand the ability to calculate the percentage of recycled content in products and convey this information with a Kamilo “TrustMark” verification label supporting regulatory compliance and substantiating marketing claims.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by EPA for our innovative technologies and for the opportunity to make a real impact on U.S. recycling and plastic circularity,” said Anna-Marie Cook, CEO of Kamilo, Inc. “Thanks to the EPA SBIR program we are ready to commercialize our Kamilo % Recycled Content TrustMark."
Zabble Inc. (Walnut Creek; $400,000) - An artificial intelligence-based (AI) tagging platform for contamination monitoring audits to improve recycling and composting. The AI powered platform enables jurisdictions to manage their lid flip or site visit programs end-to-end and measure the effectiveness of contamination reduction outreach campaigns.
“Our solution represents more than just streamlined, hassle-free operations; it embodies our commitment to turning AI from a buzzword into a tangible force that drives real progress for jurisdictions in California and beyond,” said Nik Balachandran, Founder and CEO of Zabble. “With the invaluable support from the EPA, we've delved deep into the needs of waste and recycling managers, enabling them to create lasting impact—from reducing contamination systemwide to minimizing costs for taxpayers to lowering emissions for our planet.”
Learn more about the recipients.
Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR program.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
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“California’s small businesses are leaders in creating innovative and practical zero waste solutions that have far-reaching benefits for communities,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These companies’ efforts to bring their technologies to market will advance the circular economy while reducing waste that ends up in a landfill and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.”
Each year, EPA issues an SBIR solicitation for technology proposals for targeted environmental topics. The SBIR program consists of two phases of funding. The companies announced today earlier received Phase I contracts of up to $100,000 for six months during the “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Now, for this Phase II announcement, companies are awarded up to $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.
This year’s SBIR Phase II award recipients in California are:
Hydrova Inc. (Santa Ana; $400,000) - A novel process to recover resources and produce hydrogen from secondary aluminum processing waste. The technology transforms traditionally landfilled wastes into valuable products that can be reused by the aluminum and cement industries.
"The EPA's Phase II grant will support the commercialization of Hydrova's DrossZero™ systems,” said Julian Davis, CEO of Hydrova Inc. “By closing the loop in the aluminum industry, Hydrova is furthering the United States' leadership in advanced recycling technologies."
Kamilo, Inc. (San Francisco; $399,989) - Digital verification of the percentage of recycled content in individual products to advance plastic circularity. Kamilo’s patented geospatial technology tracks waste plastic. This project will expand the ability to calculate the percentage of recycled content in products and convey this information with a Kamilo “TrustMark” verification label supporting regulatory compliance and substantiating marketing claims.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by EPA for our innovative technologies and for the opportunity to make a real impact on U.S. recycling and plastic circularity,” said Anna-Marie Cook, CEO of Kamilo, Inc. “Thanks to the EPA SBIR program we are ready to commercialize our Kamilo % Recycled Content TrustMark."
Zabble Inc. (Walnut Creek; $400,000) - An artificial intelligence-based (AI) tagging platform for contamination monitoring audits to improve recycling and composting. The AI powered platform enables jurisdictions to manage their lid flip or site visit programs end-to-end and measure the effectiveness of contamination reduction outreach campaigns.
“Our solution represents more than just streamlined, hassle-free operations; it embodies our commitment to turning AI from a buzzword into a tangible force that drives real progress for jurisdictions in California and beyond,” said Nik Balachandran, Founder and CEO of Zabble. “With the invaluable support from the EPA, we've delved deep into the needs of waste and recycling managers, enabling them to create lasting impact—from reducing contamination systemwide to minimizing costs for taxpayers to lowering emissions for our planet.”
Learn more about the recipients.
Learn more about EPA’s SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR program.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
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Biden-Harris Administration Agencies Sign Interagency Agreement to Address Wildfire Risk and Protect Communities from Smoke
Biden-Harris Administration Agencies Sign Interagency Agreement to Address Wildfire Risk and Protect Communities from Smoke
WASHINGTON – Today, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mandy Cohen announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further their joint work to protect communities from the impacts of wildfire smoke, while promoting land management practices that reduce the risk of large, severe fires. The four agencies – the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – also released a joint plan outlining wildland fire-related priorities the agencies will focus on over the next two years.
“From coast to coast, the nation is facing a growing threat of wildfire induced by climate change, including from the smoke that can harm people hundreds of miles away,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We can have a bigger impact on protecting people by partnering across the Biden-Harris Administration. With today’s interagency agreement we commit to urgent action to reduce the risk of severe wildfires and dangerous smoke.”
“This year has shown the entire country and the world that wildfires don’t stop at a state or country line – they impact all of us and require a coordinated and collaborative approach,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “The Biden-Harris administration is committed to using every tool available to protect communities from the hazards of wildfire smoke, while also ensuring we have the tools we need to reduce the future risk of large, high severity wildfire events.”
“Since fires and smoke don’t recognize borders or jurisdictions, neither should we, and this agreement will help agencies under the Biden-Harris Administration better protect the people and communities we serve,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“The increasing frequency and magnitude of wildfires pose an ever-growing threat to the health of the American public,” said Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “This MOU demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to mitigating the negative health consequences from wildfire smoke and is a pledge to protect health by reducing the risk of future, large-scale wildfires.”
The MOU outlines how the agencies are working together to advance public health preparedness, minimize smoke impacts to the public and ensure regulatory pathways under the Clean Air Act accommodate greater use of prescribed fire. Under the MOU, the four agencies commit to coordinating the implementation of policies, communications, and programs that relate to the use of prescribed fire to benefit restoration of forests and other wildlands, and protect communities. The agencies will work together to reduce the negative health impacts of smoke on human health and community well-being.
The joint workplan outlines areas of focus for the agencies’ partnership for fiscal years 2024 and 2025:
community preparedness;
ensuring that land management and public health goals are addressed together;
data collection and sharing; and
interagency communication and messaging.
The MOU and workplan follow the recent Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report to Congress, which urged an “all of the above” approach – at all levels of society – to address the impacts of wildfires on communities across the country. While many of the Commission’s recommendations focus on actions Congress must take, this MOU represents a major step forward to the report’s vision of greater coordination and collaboration among agencies working on wildfire.
This work complements the historic investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to increase the resilience of lands facing the threat of wildland fires and to better support federal wildland firefighters. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $1.5 billion for the Department of the Interior and $3 billion for the USDA to invest in preparedness, fuels management, post-fire restoration, and fire science – all of which will help strengthen long-term fire preparedness, reduce fire risk across states, and invest in our wildland firefighter workforce.
Read the MOU and the joint workplan.
Read the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission report.
WASHINGTON – Today, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mandy Cohen announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further their joint work to protect communities from the impacts of wildfire smoke, while promoting land management practices that reduce the risk of large, severe fires. The four agencies – the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – also released a joint plan outlining wildland fire-related priorities the agencies will focus on over the next two years.
“From coast to coast, the nation is facing a growing threat of wildfire induced by climate change, including from the smoke that can harm people hundreds of miles away,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We can have a bigger impact on protecting people by partnering across the Biden-Harris Administration. With today’s interagency agreement we commit to urgent action to reduce the risk of severe wildfires and dangerous smoke.”
“This year has shown the entire country and the world that wildfires don’t stop at a state or country line – they impact all of us and require a coordinated and collaborative approach,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “The Biden-Harris administration is committed to using every tool available to protect communities from the hazards of wildfire smoke, while also ensuring we have the tools we need to reduce the future risk of large, high severity wildfire events.”
“Since fires and smoke don’t recognize borders or jurisdictions, neither should we, and this agreement will help agencies under the Biden-Harris Administration better protect the people and communities we serve,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“The increasing frequency and magnitude of wildfires pose an ever-growing threat to the health of the American public,” said Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “This MOU demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to mitigating the negative health consequences from wildfire smoke and is a pledge to protect health by reducing the risk of future, large-scale wildfires.”
The MOU outlines how the agencies are working together to advance public health preparedness, minimize smoke impacts to the public and ensure regulatory pathways under the Clean Air Act accommodate greater use of prescribed fire. Under the MOU, the four agencies commit to coordinating the implementation of policies, communications, and programs that relate to the use of prescribed fire to benefit restoration of forests and other wildlands, and protect communities. The agencies will work together to reduce the negative health impacts of smoke on human health and community well-being.
The joint workplan outlines areas of focus for the agencies’ partnership for fiscal years 2024 and 2025:
community preparedness;
ensuring that land management and public health goals are addressed together;
data collection and sharing; and
interagency communication and messaging.
The MOU and workplan follow the recent Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report to Congress, which urged an “all of the above” approach – at all levels of society – to address the impacts of wildfires on communities across the country. While many of the Commission’s recommendations focus on actions Congress must take, this MOU represents a major step forward to the report’s vision of greater coordination and collaboration among agencies working on wildfire.
This work complements the historic investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to increase the resilience of lands facing the threat of wildland fires and to better support federal wildland firefighters. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $1.5 billion for the Department of the Interior and $3 billion for the USDA to invest in preparedness, fuels management, post-fire restoration, and fire science – all of which will help strengthen long-term fire preparedness, reduce fire risk across states, and invest in our wildland firefighter workforce.
Read the MOU and the joint workplan.
Read the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission report.
EPA awards Oregon DEQ over $4.5M to improve Klamath County air quality
SEATTLE (Nov. 9, 2023) -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $4,669,372 Targeted Airshed Grant to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to help improve air quality around Klamath County.
Grant funds will be used to reduce harmful fine particle air pollution, known as PM2.5, from residential wood smoke through a wide range of programs, including a woodstove change-out program, increased weatherization and outreach to underserved households in the Klamath area.
The grant allows Klamath County Public Health to change out approximately 300 woodstoves with cleaner heating devices such as heat pumps and natural gas furnaces and weatherize roughly 100 houses over five-years. The funding prioritizes woodstove change outs and weatherization for low-income participants living in both rental properties and primary homes.
“Every resident has a part to play in improving air quality in Klamath County,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding builds on a successful, community-informed approach that we all hope will result in further reduction of harmful PM2.5 air pollution.”
“We are pleased to have collaboratively developed a community program that prioritizes heat pump installation and utility assistance for low-income participants, said Oregon DEQ Air Quality Administrator Ali Mirzakhalili. “DEQ looks forward to continuing to improve both air quality and wildfire resilience in Klamath Falls with technology that combines heating with cooling and air filtration."
“Air quality is an area of public health that requires our constant attention and intention,” said Jennifer Little, director of Klamath County Public Health. “We’ve had two diligent partners in working toward better air for everyone in the DEQ and South Central Oregon Economic Development District. This grant also includes a new element with Klamath Lake Community Action Services, which is an exciting addition to the ongoing work. Our community is better for the work of each and our continued partnership.”
“The partnership between SCOEDD, Klamath County Public Health, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Environmental Protection Agency to implement the targeted airshed grant activities has been instrumental in reducing wood smoke pollution and improving air quality,” said Janine Cheyne, Finance Director at SCOEDD. “SCOEDD looks forward to continuing this vital work in Klamath Falls.”
Background
Since December 2008, the Klamath Falls airshed has been designated a “nonattainment” area for PM2.5 by the EPA, meaning it does not meet the federal health-based Clean Air Act standard for that pollutant. In the winter, residential wood combustion remains a source of significant emissions in Klamath Falls.
This is the second Targeted Airshed Grant awarded to DEQ to collaborate with partners KCPH and SCOEDD to improve air quality in the Klamath Falls area. The first grant was awarded in 2020 for $1,839,947 million.
For the past three years, South Central Oregon Economic Development District’s woodstove conversion program has overseen approximately 115 woodstove change outs and 50 weatherization upgrades to homes in Klamath Falls. These numbers are in addition to the nearly 500 woodstove change outs and 5.5 tons of reduced emissions in the past 10 years.
Exposure to PM2.5 can have negative health affects on both the lungs and heart. Scientists have linked PM 2.5 exposure to a variety of problems, including irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing.
Grant funds will be used to reduce harmful fine particle air pollution, known as PM2.5, from residential wood smoke through a wide range of programs, including a woodstove change-out program, increased weatherization and outreach to underserved households in the Klamath area.
The grant allows Klamath County Public Health to change out approximately 300 woodstoves with cleaner heating devices such as heat pumps and natural gas furnaces and weatherize roughly 100 houses over five-years. The funding prioritizes woodstove change outs and weatherization for low-income participants living in both rental properties and primary homes.
“Every resident has a part to play in improving air quality in Klamath County,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “This funding builds on a successful, community-informed approach that we all hope will result in further reduction of harmful PM2.5 air pollution.”
“We are pleased to have collaboratively developed a community program that prioritizes heat pump installation and utility assistance for low-income participants, said Oregon DEQ Air Quality Administrator Ali Mirzakhalili. “DEQ looks forward to continuing to improve both air quality and wildfire resilience in Klamath Falls with technology that combines heating with cooling and air filtration."
“Air quality is an area of public health that requires our constant attention and intention,” said Jennifer Little, director of Klamath County Public Health. “We’ve had two diligent partners in working toward better air for everyone in the DEQ and South Central Oregon Economic Development District. This grant also includes a new element with Klamath Lake Community Action Services, which is an exciting addition to the ongoing work. Our community is better for the work of each and our continued partnership.”
“The partnership between SCOEDD, Klamath County Public Health, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Environmental Protection Agency to implement the targeted airshed grant activities has been instrumental in reducing wood smoke pollution and improving air quality,” said Janine Cheyne, Finance Director at SCOEDD. “SCOEDD looks forward to continuing this vital work in Klamath Falls.”
Background
Since December 2008, the Klamath Falls airshed has been designated a “nonattainment” area for PM2.5 by the EPA, meaning it does not meet the federal health-based Clean Air Act standard for that pollutant. In the winter, residential wood combustion remains a source of significant emissions in Klamath Falls.
This is the second Targeted Airshed Grant awarded to DEQ to collaborate with partners KCPH and SCOEDD to improve air quality in the Klamath Falls area. The first grant was awarded in 2020 for $1,839,947 million.
For the past three years, South Central Oregon Economic Development District’s woodstove conversion program has overseen approximately 115 woodstove change outs and 50 weatherization upgrades to homes in Klamath Falls. These numbers are in addition to the nearly 500 woodstove change outs and 5.5 tons of reduced emissions in the past 10 years.
Exposure to PM2.5 can have negative health affects on both the lungs and heart. Scientists have linked PM 2.5 exposure to a variety of problems, including irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing.
EPA Reaches Settlement with the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate to Protect Water Resources from Cesspools
HONOLULU (November 9, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate to resolve claims of violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act related to illegal, pollution-causing cesspools. Under the settlement, the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate has agreed to close three unlawful large capacity cesspools (LCCs) and pay a $58,000 penalty. Technically the settlement is being concluded with the Bank of Hawai‘i as the Trustee of the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate, and not in its individual or corporate capacity.
“EPA is committed to identifying and closing all large capacity cesspools in Hawai‘i, as these are illegal under federal law and threaten public health as well as Hawai‘i's cherished water resources” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "This settlement represents continued progress toward cleaner groundwater, surface water, and beaches for Hawai‘i.”
Located on the Island of Kauai, the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate operates the Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course Pavilion, Comfort Station, and the Kukuiolono Park Campground, and the Estate confirmed each property is served by a cesspool. EPA determined that the cesspools serving the Pavilion and Comfort Station fit the regulatory criteria of illegal LCCs because each cesspool had the capacity to serve 20 or more persons per day, while the cesspool serving the Campground fit the regulatory criteria of an unlawful LCC because it serves multiple dwellings.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Underground Injection Control program, the EPA required the closure of all LCCs by April 5, 2005. Since the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate continued to own and operate the three LCCs past the closure deadline, the EPA reached a settlement agreement with the Bank of Hawaii, in its capacity as Trustee of the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate, that includes a monetary penalty and a requirement to close the cesspools by December 31, 2024.
Cesspools in Hawaii
Cesspools are used throughout Hawai’i for the disposal of untreated sanitary waste. Unlike LCCs, most cesspools in Hawai’i serve only single-family homes and are not regulated by EPA. Cesspools collect and discharge waterborne pollutants like untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams and rivers, and the ocean, and harm human health. This is particularly a concern in Hawai‘i, as groundwater provides 95% of all drinking water in the state.
EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s large-capacity cesspool regulations. However, to encourage owners and operators to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and quickly close large-capacity cesspools, EPA is willing to forego enforcement actions and penalties under its Self-Disclosed Violations Policies.
The settlement with Bank of Hawai‘i, in its capacity as Trustee as the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate, is subject to a 30-day comment period before becoming final. For more information and to submit comments, click here.
See a list of Hawai'i Cesspool Administrative Orders and information on how to self-disclose potential large-capacity cesspool violations.
Learn more about EPA’s work to close large capacity cesspools in Hawai’i and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
“EPA is committed to identifying and closing all large capacity cesspools in Hawai‘i, as these are illegal under federal law and threaten public health as well as Hawai‘i's cherished water resources” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "This settlement represents continued progress toward cleaner groundwater, surface water, and beaches for Hawai‘i.”
Located on the Island of Kauai, the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate operates the Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course Pavilion, Comfort Station, and the Kukuiolono Park Campground, and the Estate confirmed each property is served by a cesspool. EPA determined that the cesspools serving the Pavilion and Comfort Station fit the regulatory criteria of illegal LCCs because each cesspool had the capacity to serve 20 or more persons per day, while the cesspool serving the Campground fit the regulatory criteria of an unlawful LCC because it serves multiple dwellings.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Underground Injection Control program, the EPA required the closure of all LCCs by April 5, 2005. Since the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate continued to own and operate the three LCCs past the closure deadline, the EPA reached a settlement agreement with the Bank of Hawaii, in its capacity as Trustee of the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate, that includes a monetary penalty and a requirement to close the cesspools by December 31, 2024.
Cesspools in Hawaii
Cesspools are used throughout Hawai’i for the disposal of untreated sanitary waste. Unlike LCCs, most cesspools in Hawai’i serve only single-family homes and are not regulated by EPA. Cesspools collect and discharge waterborne pollutants like untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams and rivers, and the ocean, and harm human health. This is particularly a concern in Hawai‘i, as groundwater provides 95% of all drinking water in the state.
EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s large-capacity cesspool regulations. However, to encourage owners and operators to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and quickly close large-capacity cesspools, EPA is willing to forego enforcement actions and penalties under its Self-Disclosed Violations Policies.
The settlement with Bank of Hawai‘i, in its capacity as Trustee as the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate, is subject to a 30-day comment period before becoming final. For more information and to submit comments, click here.
See a list of Hawai'i Cesspool Administrative Orders and information on how to self-disclose potential large-capacity cesspool violations.
Learn more about EPA’s work to close large capacity cesspools in Hawai’i and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
Weak US imports via Western Canada reveal BC port challenge
The cracks in the gateway’s attractiveness to importers and exporters out of the US Midwest were showing before this July’s work stoppage and the decline in import demand across North America.
USDA Announces Progress to Further Competition in Agriculture, Level Playing Field for Farmers
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced progress on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) comprehensive approach to address the many, complex competition issues in agricultural markets and create a fairer playing field for small- and mid-size farmers. In support of these efforts, USDA has finalized the first in a series of rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act, which is aimed at helping contract poultry growers compete more effectively and better understand the terms of their agreements with major processing companies.
EPA penalizes Boise company $74,000 for asbestos violations
SEATTLE (November 8, 2023) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that First Team Restoration Inc. of Boise, Idaho, has agreed to pay a $74,500 penalty for violations of the Clean Air Act.
In May 2021, First Team Restoration Inc., an asbestos abatement contractor, was hired to remove asbestos-containing roof shingles from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Boise. The roof shingles were removed using tools that shattered and crumbled the roof shingles in the process.
EPA alleged that the company violated federal laws for asbestos under the Clean Air Act by:
Allowing cracked and broken shingles to fall from the roof to the ground resulting in emissions of asbestos dust and debris
Not applying enough water to control dust and debris
Not marking a waste trailer with warning signs while it was being loaded
“Federal asbestos laws protect the health of workers and the community during demolition and renovation projects,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “When you fail to follow those procedures, your job site can become contaminated and put people at risk of exposure to a known carcinogen.”
Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant regulated by EPA to protect public health. Asbestos fibers are commonly found in building materials such as roofing shingles, floor tiles, and heat resistant fabrics. In general, exposure may occur when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease.
First Team Restoration Inc. previously settled with EPA for violations of the federal asbestos regulations in January 2021.
Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.
In May 2021, First Team Restoration Inc., an asbestos abatement contractor, was hired to remove asbestos-containing roof shingles from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Boise. The roof shingles were removed using tools that shattered and crumbled the roof shingles in the process.
EPA alleged that the company violated federal laws for asbestos under the Clean Air Act by:
Allowing cracked and broken shingles to fall from the roof to the ground resulting in emissions of asbestos dust and debris
Not applying enough water to control dust and debris
Not marking a waste trailer with warning signs while it was being loaded
“Federal asbestos laws protect the health of workers and the community during demolition and renovation projects,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “When you fail to follow those procedures, your job site can become contaminated and put people at risk of exposure to a known carcinogen.”
Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant regulated by EPA to protect public health. Asbestos fibers are commonly found in building materials such as roofing shingles, floor tiles, and heat resistant fabrics. In general, exposure may occur when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease.
First Team Restoration Inc. previously settled with EPA for violations of the federal asbestos regulations in January 2021.
Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.
EPA Workshop Will Ease the Way to Apply for USVI Water Infrastructure Construction Grants
ST. CROIX, USVI - The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites all governmental agencies and eligible stakeholders to participate at the in-person workshop entitled, Title II Construction Grants Application Process Explore How to Streamline Access to EPA Funding for Utility Infrastructure on November 16, 2023, at the Great Hall, University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix.
“It is vital for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to have an efficient and effective wastewater treatment process to avoid discharges in the environment and the beautiful waters of the Territory,” expressed Carmen R. Guerrero Pérez, director of the Caribbean Environmental Caribbean Division (CEPD). “We want to help eligible stakeholders access to Clean and Drinking Water Infrastructure funds which the Territory receives every year to develop reliable drinking and wastewater projects and advance progress towards President Biden’s Environmental Justice Strong Initiative.”
In this workshop eligible applicants will learn how to navigate the process to obtain much needed funding to improve, plan, design, build, operate, or maintain wastewater treatment systems. This workshop will present case studies and group exercises to teach how to use construction grant funding to maximize the completion of important wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects. For registration visit www.horsleywitten.com/title2.
The EPA will also host another training targeted to operators and managers of wastewater infrastructure on how to conduct operations and maintenance, on November 14, 2023, at the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ (DPNR) Conference Room, in St. Thomas. Registration is available via https://horsleywitten.com/wastewater/.
Both trainings are free and have a limit of 60 attendees. If unable to register online for either training, contact Tricia Rood at 508-833-6600.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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“It is vital for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) to have an efficient and effective wastewater treatment process to avoid discharges in the environment and the beautiful waters of the Territory,” expressed Carmen R. Guerrero Pérez, director of the Caribbean Environmental Caribbean Division (CEPD). “We want to help eligible stakeholders access to Clean and Drinking Water Infrastructure funds which the Territory receives every year to develop reliable drinking and wastewater projects and advance progress towards President Biden’s Environmental Justice Strong Initiative.”
In this workshop eligible applicants will learn how to navigate the process to obtain much needed funding to improve, plan, design, build, operate, or maintain wastewater treatment systems. This workshop will present case studies and group exercises to teach how to use construction grant funding to maximize the completion of important wastewater treatment and infrastructure projects. For registration visit www.horsleywitten.com/title2.
The EPA will also host another training targeted to operators and managers of wastewater infrastructure on how to conduct operations and maintenance, on November 14, 2023, at the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ (DPNR) Conference Room, in St. Thomas. Registration is available via https://horsleywitten.com/wastewater/.
Both trainings are free and have a limit of 60 attendees. If unable to register online for either training, contact Tricia Rood at 508-833-6600.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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