EPA Announces $4 Million Now Available for Technical Assistance Providing Evaluation Support for EPA Grant Funding Recipients
WASHINGTON – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will make up to $4 million available for technical assistance providers with program evaluation expertise that will help support and enhance the data, reporting, and evidence-building capacity of EPA grant recipients representing small, underserved, and/or Tribal communities. The Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data (PREPARED) program will provide awards for technical assistance that helps enhance EPA grant recipients’ ability to generate the data and information necessary to evaluate program outcomes and improve impacts for communities. EPA intends to make awards over three years to as many as eight recipients.
Data, reporting, and evidence-building are vitally important responsibilities for EPA grant programs. However, many EPA grant recipients face capacity challenges in engaging in these activities. Small, underserved, and/or Tribal communities that are eligible for EPA grants sometimes choose to pass on funding opportunities in part because of these capacity challenges. With this Cooperative Agreement, EPA seeks to fund technical assistance providers to equip communities with strategies, tools, and training that enhance their capacity for data, reporting, and evidence-building.
Applications are due Nov. 30, 2023, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET), and the Request for Application notice is now posted on www.grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-I-R-OCFO-01.
EPA is committed to implementing strategies designed to help small and underserved communities address data and reporting requirements for EPA grants. Also, consistent with principles defined under the EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations, the EPA is committed to working with federally recognized tribes in enhancing capacity to carry out program responsibilities affecting tribal communities and the health and welfare of the populace, including capacity for data, reporting, and evidence-building.
EPA will host two informational webinars for potential applicants, currently scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. ET and Thursday, October 26, 2023, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. ET. Registration instructions and more information on the funding opportunity are available on EPA’s PREPARED webpage.
Data, reporting, and evidence-building are vitally important responsibilities for EPA grant programs. However, many EPA grant recipients face capacity challenges in engaging in these activities. Small, underserved, and/or Tribal communities that are eligible for EPA grants sometimes choose to pass on funding opportunities in part because of these capacity challenges. With this Cooperative Agreement, EPA seeks to fund technical assistance providers to equip communities with strategies, tools, and training that enhance their capacity for data, reporting, and evidence-building.
Applications are due Nov. 30, 2023, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET), and the Request for Application notice is now posted on www.grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-I-R-OCFO-01.
EPA is committed to implementing strategies designed to help small and underserved communities address data and reporting requirements for EPA grants. Also, consistent with principles defined under the EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations, the EPA is committed to working with federally recognized tribes in enhancing capacity to carry out program responsibilities affecting tribal communities and the health and welfare of the populace, including capacity for data, reporting, and evidence-building.
EPA will host two informational webinars for potential applicants, currently scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. ET and Thursday, October 26, 2023, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. ET. Registration instructions and more information on the funding opportunity are available on EPA’s PREPARED webpage.
Upgrades to Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Called for Under EPA – Hawaii DOH Consent Decree Are Completed
HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) have announced the City and County of Honolulu (CCH) and Waste Management of Hawaii Inc. (WMH) have completed required upgrades to maintain compliance with stormwater regulations at the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill in Kapolei, Oahu. CCH, which owns the landfill, and WMH, which operates the facility, made these upgrades under a 2019 consent decree they entered into with EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice, and DOH.
"By completing critical upgrades at Oahu’s largest landfill, Waimanalo Gulch, Waste Management and the City and County of Honolulu have taken necessary steps to protect Oahu’s environment and public health from harmful stormwater discharges," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "Addressing pollution in stormwater is a vital part of the Clean Water Act. Enforcement action such as the now completed consent decree helps protect the cherished groundwater, surface water, and beaches of Oahu.”
In 2009, WMH and CCH began work on a landfill expansion and new stormwater diversion structure. During construction, Waste Management used temporary stormwater pipes to divert stormwater around the landfill. Those pipes were breached in 2010 and 2011, resulting in discharges of waste to the Pacific Ocean. EPA and DOH entered into a consent decree in 2019 with both the owner and operator to address ongoing compliance issues at the landfill.
CCH and WMH completed a series of facility upgrades pursuant to the consent decree to maintain compliance with stormwater regulations, including retrofitting the landfill’s existing stormwater drainage pipeline, installing a trash screen, revising and upgrading their stormwater pollution control plan, complying with specific operational and monitoring limits to control pollution from the stormwater basin, and obtaining an individual stormwater permit for the facility.
CCH and WMH paid a combined penalty of $425,000, which was split evenly between the U.S. and the State of Hawai’i. The state has used the funds for coral reef and habitat restoration, monitoring and conservation on the leeward coast of Oahu.
EPA concluded that all requirements of the consent decree have been satisfied and therefore requested termination of the consent decree, which the U.S. District Court of Hawai‘i granted on August 31, 2023. The termination of the consent decree marks the end of a long-term effort by EPA and the state of Hawai‘i to bring the landfill – the largest on Oahu – into compliance with laws designed to protect public health, natural ecosystems, and wildlife.
Read the 2019 Consent Decree.
Read more about the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and the Clean Water Act.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
"By completing critical upgrades at Oahu’s largest landfill, Waimanalo Gulch, Waste Management and the City and County of Honolulu have taken necessary steps to protect Oahu’s environment and public health from harmful stormwater discharges," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "Addressing pollution in stormwater is a vital part of the Clean Water Act. Enforcement action such as the now completed consent decree helps protect the cherished groundwater, surface water, and beaches of Oahu.”
In 2009, WMH and CCH began work on a landfill expansion and new stormwater diversion structure. During construction, Waste Management used temporary stormwater pipes to divert stormwater around the landfill. Those pipes were breached in 2010 and 2011, resulting in discharges of waste to the Pacific Ocean. EPA and DOH entered into a consent decree in 2019 with both the owner and operator to address ongoing compliance issues at the landfill.
CCH and WMH completed a series of facility upgrades pursuant to the consent decree to maintain compliance with stormwater regulations, including retrofitting the landfill’s existing stormwater drainage pipeline, installing a trash screen, revising and upgrading their stormwater pollution control plan, complying with specific operational and monitoring limits to control pollution from the stormwater basin, and obtaining an individual stormwater permit for the facility.
CCH and WMH paid a combined penalty of $425,000, which was split evenly between the U.S. and the State of Hawai’i. The state has used the funds for coral reef and habitat restoration, monitoring and conservation on the leeward coast of Oahu.
EPA concluded that all requirements of the consent decree have been satisfied and therefore requested termination of the consent decree, which the U.S. District Court of Hawai‘i granted on August 31, 2023. The termination of the consent decree marks the end of a long-term effort by EPA and the state of Hawai‘i to bring the landfill – the largest on Oahu – into compliance with laws designed to protect public health, natural ecosystems, and wildlife.
Read the 2019 Consent Decree.
Read more about the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and the Clean Water Act.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on X.
EPA Makes $336 Million Investment to Spur Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements Across New York State
NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded New York State over $336 million to support cleaner water across the state, of which over $253 million is funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. New York’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides interest-free or low-interest rate financing for wastewater and sewer infrastructure projects to municipalities. A variety of projects are eligible for financing, including construction or restoration of sewers and wastewater treatment facilities and piping, stormwater management projects and habitat restoration and protection projects.
“Across America, EPA is investing in communities by supporting modern, stronger and more resilient infrastructure, projects that also provide good jobs,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA’s investment in New York’s water infrastructure means less pollution and cleaner water in our own local waterways.”
“New York continues to make critical investments in our wastewater infrastructure from Buffalo to New York City,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. “With this critical commitment from the EPA, paired with our historic $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act, New York will continue to lead the country in proactively protecting our waterways and environment.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a difference in modernizing New York’s aging drinking water and sewer systems, with EFC recently awarding grants and interest-free loans to the Village of Newark in Wayne County, the Village of Sydney in Delaware County, the City of Watervliet in Albany County, and beyond,” New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, coupling federal grants made available through BIL with state grants is the difference between a community needing new water infrastructure and that community constructing and completing new infrastructure.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s support of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) will propel infrastructure projects that are vital to protecting New York’s water quality throughout the state,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “DEC applauds EPA for investing more than $366 million in this latest commitment to help address our state’s infrastructure needs and bolster our ongoing efforts to implement water quality projects critical to our environment, economy, and our communities.”
Under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program, EPA provides grants to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico to capitalize state CWSRF loan programs for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, estuary protection, and water reuse.
The 51 CWSRF programs function like environmental infrastructure banks by providing low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. As money is paid back into the state’s revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans to other recipients for high priority, water quality activities. CWSRF’s may offer a variety of assistance including loans, purchase of debt or refinance and provision of loan guarantees.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
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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“Across America, EPA is investing in communities by supporting modern, stronger and more resilient infrastructure, projects that also provide good jobs,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA’s investment in New York’s water infrastructure means less pollution and cleaner water in our own local waterways.”
“New York continues to make critical investments in our wastewater infrastructure from Buffalo to New York City,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. “With this critical commitment from the EPA, paired with our historic $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act, New York will continue to lead the country in proactively protecting our waterways and environment.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a difference in modernizing New York’s aging drinking water and sewer systems, with EFC recently awarding grants and interest-free loans to the Village of Newark in Wayne County, the Village of Sydney in Delaware County, the City of Watervliet in Albany County, and beyond,” New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, coupling federal grants made available through BIL with state grants is the difference between a community needing new water infrastructure and that community constructing and completing new infrastructure.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s support of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) will propel infrastructure projects that are vital to protecting New York’s water quality throughout the state,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “DEC applauds EPA for investing more than $366 million in this latest commitment to help address our state’s infrastructure needs and bolster our ongoing efforts to implement water quality projects critical to our environment, economy, and our communities.”
Under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program, EPA provides grants to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico to capitalize state CWSRF loan programs for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, estuary protection, and water reuse.
The 51 CWSRF programs function like environmental infrastructure banks by providing low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. As money is paid back into the state’s revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans to other recipients for high priority, water quality activities. CWSRF’s may offer a variety of assistance including loans, purchase of debt or refinance and provision of loan guarantees.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
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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EPA approves Kentucky’s Ozone Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan for the Northern Kentucky portion of the Cincinnati OH-KY 2015 8-Hour Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Nonattainment Area
FRANKFORT (October 5, 2023) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published EPA’s approval of the Kentucky Redesignation Request and Maintenance Plan, redesignating the Kentucky portion of the Cincinnati OH-KY 2015 8-Hour ozone NAAQS Nonattainment Area to Attainment.
“This approval is a milestone that the state of Kentucky, along with its neighboring state of Ohio can celebrate,” said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Meeting the health-based air quality standards is one of this administration’s top priorities because all Americans have the right to breathe clean air.”
“This is great news for public health, the environment, and the economy,” said Energy & Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “Today’s announcement means northern Kentuckians are breathing cleaner, healthier air. It’s also a win for our economy, as redesignation to attainment means fewer regulatory burdens on local businesses.”
“Air quality continues to improve in northern Kentucky and across the commonwealth,” said Division for Air Quality Director Michael Kennedy. “From better business practices to cleaner buses and cars, our efforts to reduce pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone have paid off.”
This action redesignates the previous Kentucky portion of the Cincinnati OH-KY 2015 Ozone NAAQS Nonattainment Area, consisting of partial counties of Boone, Campbell, and Kenton in Kentucky to Attainment for the 2015 8-Hour ozone NAAQS and approves implementation of a maintenance plan to keep the area in attainment for the next 10 years. A second 10-year maintenance plan is due to be submitted to the EPA by Kentucky in 2031. The Ohio side of the Cincinnati OH-KY 2015 Ozone NAAQS Nonattainment Area, composed of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio, was redesignated to attainment in a prior action. See 87 FR 35104 (June 9, 2022).
Background
Effective August 3, 2018, EPA designated areas as nonattainment, attainment/unclassifiable or unclassifiable for the 2015 8-Hour ozone NAAQS that was promulgated on October 1, 2015. See 80 FR 65292 (October 26, 2015). The Cincinnati OH-KY Area was designated as nonattainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS and classified as a marginal nonattainment area. Subsequently, after the area did not meet its original deadline to attain the 2015 ozone NAAQS, the EPA reclassified this area to a higher classification which required more prescriptive controls. On September 21, 2022, after achieving acceptable levels of the ozone NAAQS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky requested that the EPA redesignate the Kentucky portion of the Cincinnati OH-KY Area to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Kentucky also submitted the Commonwealth’s plan for maintaining attainment of the 2015 8-hour ozone standard in the Area.
In a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published on July 28, 2023, see 88 FR 48772, EPA proposed to approve Kentucky’s plan, and to redesignate the Area to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Today, the EPA is announcing that EPA signed a final action on September 28, 2023, to approve Kentucky’s plan, and to redesignate the Kentucky portion of the Area to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
“This approval is a milestone that the state of Kentucky, along with its neighboring state of Ohio can celebrate,” said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Meeting the health-based air quality standards is one of this administration’s top priorities because all Americans have the right to breathe clean air.”
“This is great news for public health, the environment, and the economy,” said Energy & Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “Today’s announcement means northern Kentuckians are breathing cleaner, healthier air. It’s also a win for our economy, as redesignation to attainment means fewer regulatory burdens on local businesses.”
“Air quality continues to improve in northern Kentucky and across the commonwealth,” said Division for Air Quality Director Michael Kennedy. “From better business practices to cleaner buses and cars, our efforts to reduce pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone have paid off.”
This action redesignates the previous Kentucky portion of the Cincinnati OH-KY 2015 Ozone NAAQS Nonattainment Area, consisting of partial counties of Boone, Campbell, and Kenton in Kentucky to Attainment for the 2015 8-Hour ozone NAAQS and approves implementation of a maintenance plan to keep the area in attainment for the next 10 years. A second 10-year maintenance plan is due to be submitted to the EPA by Kentucky in 2031. The Ohio side of the Cincinnati OH-KY 2015 Ozone NAAQS Nonattainment Area, composed of Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties in Ohio, was redesignated to attainment in a prior action. See 87 FR 35104 (June 9, 2022).
Background
Effective August 3, 2018, EPA designated areas as nonattainment, attainment/unclassifiable or unclassifiable for the 2015 8-Hour ozone NAAQS that was promulgated on October 1, 2015. See 80 FR 65292 (October 26, 2015). The Cincinnati OH-KY Area was designated as nonattainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS and classified as a marginal nonattainment area. Subsequently, after the area did not meet its original deadline to attain the 2015 ozone NAAQS, the EPA reclassified this area to a higher classification which required more prescriptive controls. On September 21, 2022, after achieving acceptable levels of the ozone NAAQS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky requested that the EPA redesignate the Kentucky portion of the Cincinnati OH-KY Area to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Kentucky also submitted the Commonwealth’s plan for maintaining attainment of the 2015 8-hour ozone standard in the Area.
In a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published on July 28, 2023, see 88 FR 48772, EPA proposed to approve Kentucky’s plan, and to redesignate the Area to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS. Today, the EPA is announcing that EPA signed a final action on September 28, 2023, to approve Kentucky’s plan, and to redesignate the Kentucky portion of the Area to attainment for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS.
EPA Makes nearly $125 Million Investment to Spur Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements Across New Jersey
NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded New Jersey nearly $125 million to support cleaner water across the state, of which over $93 million is funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. New Jersey’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides interest-free or low-interest rate financing for wastewater and sewer infrastructure projects to municipalities, utilities, and regional authorities. A variety of projects are eligible for financing, including construction or restoration of sewers and wastewater treatment facilities and piping, stormwater management projects and habitat restoration and protection projects.
“EPA’s investment in New Jersey’s water infrastructure means less pollution and cleaner water in our own local waterways,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This critical funding, augmented by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, gives communities the opportunity to continue to modernize infrastructure and reduce water pollution.”
“EPA funding support has been critical to the state’s Water Infrastructure Investment Plan (WIIP), through which the New Jersey Water Bank has provided funding to more than 130 projects totaling $485 million to improve wastewater infrastructure,” said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “In addition, because of EPA’s steadfast commitment to water infrastructure, New Jersey is able to invest in a host of projects to improve the safety of drinking water supplies and reduce flooding impacts from stormwater. My DEP colleagues and I thank Administrator Garcia and the Biden Administration for their support in making our state healthier, safer, and more resilient.”
Under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program, EPA provides annual grants to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico to capitalize state CWSRF loan programs for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, estuary protection, and water reuse.
“As the financing partner in the State’s CWSRF program, the I-Bank is pleased to support the NJDEP through the issuance of low-cost loans that facilitate the construction of critical environmental infrastructure for all communities throughout the State, while meeting the Department’s goal of prioritizing financial assistance to overburdened communities,” said New Jersey Infrastructure Bank Executive Director, David Zimmer.
The 51 CWSRF programs function like environmental infrastructure banks by providing low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. As money is paid back into the state’s revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans to other recipients for high priority, water quality activities. CWSRF’s may offer a variety of assistance including loans, purchase of debt or refinance and provision of loan guarantees.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
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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“EPA’s investment in New Jersey’s water infrastructure means less pollution and cleaner water in our own local waterways,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This critical funding, augmented by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, gives communities the opportunity to continue to modernize infrastructure and reduce water pollution.”
“EPA funding support has been critical to the state’s Water Infrastructure Investment Plan (WIIP), through which the New Jersey Water Bank has provided funding to more than 130 projects totaling $485 million to improve wastewater infrastructure,” said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “In addition, because of EPA’s steadfast commitment to water infrastructure, New Jersey is able to invest in a host of projects to improve the safety of drinking water supplies and reduce flooding impacts from stormwater. My DEP colleagues and I thank Administrator Garcia and the Biden Administration for their support in making our state healthier, safer, and more resilient.”
Under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program, EPA provides annual grants to all 50 states plus Puerto Rico to capitalize state CWSRF loan programs for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, estuary protection, and water reuse.
“As the financing partner in the State’s CWSRF program, the I-Bank is pleased to support the NJDEP through the issuance of low-cost loans that facilitate the construction of critical environmental infrastructure for all communities throughout the State, while meeting the Department’s goal of prioritizing financial assistance to overburdened communities,” said New Jersey Infrastructure Bank Executive Director, David Zimmer.
The 51 CWSRF programs function like environmental infrastructure banks by providing low or no interest loans for water infrastructure projects. As money is paid back into the state’s revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans to other recipients for high priority, water quality activities. CWSRF’s may offer a variety of assistance including loans, purchase of debt or refinance and provision of loan guarantees.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
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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EPA Honors WaterSense Partners for Helping Consumers Save Water
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented 47 awards to WaterSense partners for their support of WaterSense and water efficiency at the WaterSmart Innovations conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s award winners made innovative water-efficient products, built homes using 30% less water than typical new construction, made WaterSense labeled products accessible to consumers, and implemented programs to promote water-saving behaviors and fixtures."This year's WaterSense Award Winners are helping American families save money on their water bills while conserving our precious water resources," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "As climate stress continues to affect communities across the country, prioritizing water efficiency in partnership with manufacturers, homebuilders and families is essential to protecting our water for generations to come."People look for the WaterSense label on plumbing fixtures, homes, and irrigation products and programs, because it means lower water and energy costs and helps save water. People who buy WaterSense products have saved more than 7.5 trillion gallons of water, 880 billion kilowatt-hours of energy, and $171 billion in water and energy bills since the program started in 2006.Award winners include utilities, manufacturers, builders, a retailer, and other organizations that promote, produce, and sell WaterSense labeled products; build WaterSense labeled homes; and operate WaterSense labeled certification programs.2023 Sustained Excellence Award Winners
The Sustained Excellence Awards are the highest level of achievement for WaterSense. This year, WaterSense added three new WaterSense partners to this category.
Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities (Georgia)
Citrus County Utilities (Florida)
City of Charlottesville (Virginia)
City of Durham Water Management (North Carolina)
City of Plano (Texas)
City of Sacramento Department of Utilities (California)
KB Home
Fulton Homes
Kohler Co. (Wisconsin)
Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District
Northern Water (Colorado)
Sonoma-Marin (California) Saving Water Partnership (for certification programs)
Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (California)
2023 Partner of the Year AwardsPartner of the Year Awards are given to WaterSense partners who have achieved success in all the judging categories—strategic collaboration, education and outreach, and producing or promoting WaterSense labeled products and programs.
Promotional: Harris-Galveston (Texas) Subsidence District; Houston Public Works; Rancho Water (California); Valley Water (Santa Clara Valley, California); Tarrant (Texas) Regional Water District, Vallecitos (California) Water District; and the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership
Manufacturer: Niagara®
Retailer: The Home Depot
2023 Excellence Award WinnersExcellence Awards recognize WaterSense partners who have excelled in the following areas:
Excellence in Education and Outreach: City of Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power (California); Irvine Ranch Water District (California); Kearns Improvement District (Utah); and Monte Vista Water District (California)
Excellence in Promotion and Outreach: San Diego County (California) Water Authority
Excellence in Engagement and Outreach: The Toro Company
Excellence in Education, Outreach, and Promoting WaterSense Labeled Products: Sacramento Suburban Water District (California); Cobb County (Georgia) Water System; and Department of Water, County of Kaua‘i (Hawaii)
Excellence in Promoting WaterSense Labeled Products: Alameda County (California) Water District; California Water Service; City of Flagstaff (Arizona) Water Conservation Program; City of Tucson (Arizona)/Tucson Water; Marin Water (California); Metropolitan Council (Minnesota); San Dieguito Water District (California); Tampa Bay (Florida) Water; and Utah Division of Water Resources
Excellence in Promoting WaterSense Labeled Products in the Marketplace: Smart Rain (Utah)
Excellence in Increasing the Visibility of WaterSense Labeled Products: Hunter Industries (California)
Excellence in Strategic Collaboration: Alliance for Water Efficiency; American Water; and G3, Green Gardens Group (Los Angeles)
Excellence in Promoting the EPA Multifamily Water Score: SCV Water (Santa Clarita Valley, California)
Excellence in Certification Program Growth: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Background WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping consumers and businesses save water. WaterSense seeks to protect the future of the nation’s water supply by offering Americans a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products, homes, and services. WaterSense labeled products are independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. The program was launched in 2006, and there are more than 42,000 labeled toilets, faucets/faucet accessories, showerheads, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies.Learn more about the 2023 WaterSense Award winners.
The Sustained Excellence Awards are the highest level of achievement for WaterSense. This year, WaterSense added three new WaterSense partners to this category.
Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities (Georgia)
Citrus County Utilities (Florida)
City of Charlottesville (Virginia)
City of Durham Water Management (North Carolina)
City of Plano (Texas)
City of Sacramento Department of Utilities (California)
KB Home
Fulton Homes
Kohler Co. (Wisconsin)
Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District
Northern Water (Colorado)
Sonoma-Marin (California) Saving Water Partnership (for certification programs)
Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (California)
2023 Partner of the Year AwardsPartner of the Year Awards are given to WaterSense partners who have achieved success in all the judging categories—strategic collaboration, education and outreach, and producing or promoting WaterSense labeled products and programs.
Promotional: Harris-Galveston (Texas) Subsidence District; Houston Public Works; Rancho Water (California); Valley Water (Santa Clara Valley, California); Tarrant (Texas) Regional Water District, Vallecitos (California) Water District; and the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership
Manufacturer: Niagara®
Retailer: The Home Depot
2023 Excellence Award WinnersExcellence Awards recognize WaterSense partners who have excelled in the following areas:
Excellence in Education and Outreach: City of Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power (California); Irvine Ranch Water District (California); Kearns Improvement District (Utah); and Monte Vista Water District (California)
Excellence in Promotion and Outreach: San Diego County (California) Water Authority
Excellence in Engagement and Outreach: The Toro Company
Excellence in Education, Outreach, and Promoting WaterSense Labeled Products: Sacramento Suburban Water District (California); Cobb County (Georgia) Water System; and Department of Water, County of Kaua‘i (Hawaii)
Excellence in Promoting WaterSense Labeled Products: Alameda County (California) Water District; California Water Service; City of Flagstaff (Arizona) Water Conservation Program; City of Tucson (Arizona)/Tucson Water; Marin Water (California); Metropolitan Council (Minnesota); San Dieguito Water District (California); Tampa Bay (Florida) Water; and Utah Division of Water Resources
Excellence in Promoting WaterSense Labeled Products in the Marketplace: Smart Rain (Utah)
Excellence in Increasing the Visibility of WaterSense Labeled Products: Hunter Industries (California)
Excellence in Strategic Collaboration: Alliance for Water Efficiency; American Water; and G3, Green Gardens Group (Los Angeles)
Excellence in Promoting the EPA Multifamily Water Score: SCV Water (Santa Clarita Valley, California)
Excellence in Certification Program Growth: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Background WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping consumers and businesses save water. WaterSense seeks to protect the future of the nation’s water supply by offering Americans a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products, homes, and services. WaterSense labeled products are independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. The program was launched in 2006, and there are more than 42,000 labeled toilets, faucets/faucet accessories, showerheads, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies.Learn more about the 2023 WaterSense Award winners.
EPA Enforcement Helps Protect Children in New York from Lead Paint Hazards
NEW YORK – Two New York housing authorities will face penalties if they don’t address alleged violations of lead-based paint regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into settlements with the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) and the Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA), which allege that the housing authorities were aware of lead-based paint in some of their properties, but failed to notify tenants of available information and detailing the potential hazards of living with lead-based paint, as required by federal regulations. Historically overburdened communities suffer from higher rates of childhood lead poisoning, and that is often attributed to high levels of lead-based paint and dust in the home.
“If you rent or sell a home or apartment the rule is clear -- you must disclose its lead-based paint history. Notification of potential and actual lead hazards by landlords to tenants is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce dangerous lead exposure,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Tenants must have the ability to make informed decisions, especially when it comes to protecting their children’s health.”
As part of this enforcement effort, EPA inspected the Frederick Douglass Towers and Shaffer Village Apartments in Buffalo, NY and the James Geddes Row Houses and Pioneer Homes in Syracuse, NY.
Specifically, EPA found that the housing authorities mentioned above did not:
disclose the presence of (or include in lease a statement disclosing the presence of) or indicate no knowledge any lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the housing being leased
provide the lessee with all available records and reports (or include in lease a list of records and reports) pertaining to the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
include in lease a statement by lessee affirming receipt of information of presence of lead-based paint, list of reports or records of lead-based paint and the lead-based paint information pamphlet.
include signatures of lessors, agents and lessees certifying the accuracy of their statements regarding lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.
In the case of the Syracuse Housing Authority, EPA also identified that some renovation work was done without properly certified and trained staff using the lead-safe work practices as required by the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule to prevent exposure to lead dust and debris. BMHA and SHA have already taken some actions, and EPA will monitor whether all the requirements of the settlements are met. BMHA and SHA have both developed and begun to implement EPA reviewed and approved compliance plans to ensure compliance at thousands of units, housing more than 8,300 residents, at which these rules are applicable.
BMHA’s lead disclosure compliance plan states that if a tenant informs the BMHA that their child recently tested positive above a certain blood lead level, the Housing Authority will schedule lead testing in the tenant’s apartment unit and will address the situation if high levels of lead are found in the unit.
Under the terms of the settlements in order to not face the penalties, the two respective housing authorities have to take specific actions. These actions include providing completed Lessor Disclosure Forms and Disclosure Rule Compliance Checklists to EPA for 20 new leases and/or lease renewals each at BMHA and SHA (thus 40 in total) for each quarter; providing to EPA a list of all apartment units where renovation work was conducted during each quarter as well as a description of the work performed, the name of the firm and certified renovator who performed the renovation (including copies of training certificates, completed RRP Rule renovation checklist and completed RRP Rule Forms that show proper performance of the RRP work and post-renovation cleanup. If lead abatement is conducted, the Authorities must provide to EPA the address of each abatement, the reason for the abatement, the name of the EPA –certified lead abatement contractor hired to perform the work (and copy of the certification) and completed lead abatement checklists.
Since the 1970s, the United States has made tremendous progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels. Lead exposure, particularly at higher doses, continues to pose a significant health and safety threat to children, preventing them from reaching the fullest potential of their health, their intellect, and their future. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
EPA is committed to ensuring that public housing complies with the federal lead-based paint regulations, as is reflected by these recent cases and a similar enforcement case against the Housing Authority of the City of Passaic.
Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects. Unborn children are also vulnerable to these effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed.
For more information about lead paint and federal regulations about it, please visit:
Lead Paint RRP Rule
Lead Paint Disclosure Rule
Lead Paint Enforcement
October is National Children’s Health Month. Children are often more vulnerable to pollutants than adults due to differences in behavior and biology, and these differences can lead to greater exposure and/or unique windows of susceptibility.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
23-092
“If you rent or sell a home or apartment the rule is clear -- you must disclose its lead-based paint history. Notification of potential and actual lead hazards by landlords to tenants is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce dangerous lead exposure,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Tenants must have the ability to make informed decisions, especially when it comes to protecting their children’s health.”
As part of this enforcement effort, EPA inspected the Frederick Douglass Towers and Shaffer Village Apartments in Buffalo, NY and the James Geddes Row Houses and Pioneer Homes in Syracuse, NY.
Specifically, EPA found that the housing authorities mentioned above did not:
disclose the presence of (or include in lease a statement disclosing the presence of) or indicate no knowledge any lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the housing being leased
provide the lessee with all available records and reports (or include in lease a list of records and reports) pertaining to the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
include in lease a statement by lessee affirming receipt of information of presence of lead-based paint, list of reports or records of lead-based paint and the lead-based paint information pamphlet.
include signatures of lessors, agents and lessees certifying the accuracy of their statements regarding lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.
In the case of the Syracuse Housing Authority, EPA also identified that some renovation work was done without properly certified and trained staff using the lead-safe work practices as required by the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule to prevent exposure to lead dust and debris. BMHA and SHA have already taken some actions, and EPA will monitor whether all the requirements of the settlements are met. BMHA and SHA have both developed and begun to implement EPA reviewed and approved compliance plans to ensure compliance at thousands of units, housing more than 8,300 residents, at which these rules are applicable.
BMHA’s lead disclosure compliance plan states that if a tenant informs the BMHA that their child recently tested positive above a certain blood lead level, the Housing Authority will schedule lead testing in the tenant’s apartment unit and will address the situation if high levels of lead are found in the unit.
Under the terms of the settlements in order to not face the penalties, the two respective housing authorities have to take specific actions. These actions include providing completed Lessor Disclosure Forms and Disclosure Rule Compliance Checklists to EPA for 20 new leases and/or lease renewals each at BMHA and SHA (thus 40 in total) for each quarter; providing to EPA a list of all apartment units where renovation work was conducted during each quarter as well as a description of the work performed, the name of the firm and certified renovator who performed the renovation (including copies of training certificates, completed RRP Rule renovation checklist and completed RRP Rule Forms that show proper performance of the RRP work and post-renovation cleanup. If lead abatement is conducted, the Authorities must provide to EPA the address of each abatement, the reason for the abatement, the name of the EPA –certified lead abatement contractor hired to perform the work (and copy of the certification) and completed lead abatement checklists.
Since the 1970s, the United States has made tremendous progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels. Lead exposure, particularly at higher doses, continues to pose a significant health and safety threat to children, preventing them from reaching the fullest potential of their health, their intellect, and their future. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
EPA is committed to ensuring that public housing complies with the federal lead-based paint regulations, as is reflected by these recent cases and a similar enforcement case against the Housing Authority of the City of Passaic.
Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects. Unborn children are also vulnerable to these effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed.
For more information about lead paint and federal regulations about it, please visit:
Lead Paint RRP Rule
Lead Paint Disclosure Rule
Lead Paint Enforcement
October is National Children’s Health Month. Children are often more vulnerable to pollutants than adults due to differences in behavior and biology, and these differences can lead to greater exposure and/or unique windows of susceptibility.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
23-092
EPA Enforcement Helps Protect Children in New Jersey from Lead Paint Hazards
NEW YORK – Since the 1970s, the United States has made tremendous progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels. Lead exposure, particularly at higher doses, continues to pose a significant health and safety threat to children, preventing them from reaching the fullest potential of their health, their intellect, and their future. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
“If you rent or sell a home or apartment the rule is clear -- you must disclose its lead-based paint history. Notification of potential and actual lead hazards by landlords to tenants is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce dangerous lead exposure,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Tenants must have the ability to make informed decisions, especially when it comes to protecting their children’s health.”
Earlier this year, EPA completed a settlement with the Housing Authority of the City of Passaic (HACP) for alleged violations of lead-based paint regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. EPA determined that the housing authority was aware of the presence of lead-based paint in some of its properties but failed to notify tenants of available information and the potential hazards of living with lead-based paint, as required by the federal Lead Disclosure Rule. Compliance with these regulations is vital considering that many historically overburdened communities suffer from higher rates of childhood lead poisoning.
EPA is committed to ensuring that public housing complies with the federal lead-based paint regulations as reflected by this case from earlier in 2023 and including two similar more recent lead based paint enforcement cases against the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and the Syracuse Housing Authority in NY, which resulted in remittable civil penalty amounts of $252,000 by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and $171,630 by the Syracuse Housing Authority to be paid if EPA determines that the housing authorities have not taken the specific and comprehensive steps to prevent future violations at the properties identified in those settlement agreements.
Under the terms of the settlement with HACP, the housing authority has agreed to pay a remittable civil penalty in the amount of $200,000. This penalty will only be paid if EPA determines that the housing authority has not taken the specific and comprehensive steps to prevent future violations at properties identified in the settlement agreement.
As part of this enforcement effort, EPA inspected Vreeland Village and Alfred Speer Village in the city of Passaic, NJ.
The specific violations of the Lead Disclosure Rule alleged by EPA include failure to:
Include in the lease a statement disclosing the presence of (or include in lease a statement disclosing the presence of) or indicate no knowledge any lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the housing being leased
Include in a lease a list of all available records and reports pertaining to the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
Include in lease a statement by lessee affirming receipt of information of presence of lead-based paint, list of reports or records of lead-based paint and the lead-based paint information pamphlet.
Include signatures of lessors, agents and lessees certifying the accuracy of their statements regarding lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.
Provide to lessee an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet.
Include Lead Warning Statement as an attachment to or within the contract to lease.
Establish or maintain records or make records available for copying.
Work done on residential properties constructed prior to 1978 must be done by certified and trained staff using the lead-safe work practices as required by the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule to prevent exposure to lead dust and debris. EPA also determined that uncertified and untrained staff conducted renovation work (window replacements) in units at both Villages and failed to establish or maintain records required by the Rule.
As part of the settlement, HACP developed and has begun implementing EPA-approved plans to ensure compliance with the federal lead-based paint regulations at the Villages. HACP obtained Firm Certification and trained workers who are now certified renovators. The settlement sets out additional injunctive relief that must be completed for remittance of the penalty.
Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects. Unborn children are also vulnerable to these effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed.
For more information about lead paint and federal regulations about it, please visit:
Lead Paint RRP Rule
Lead Paint Disclosure Rule
Lead Paint Enforcement
October is National Children’s Health Month. Children are often more vulnerable to pollutants than adults due to differences in behavior and biology, and these differences can lead to greater exposure and/or unique windows of susceptibility.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
23-093
“If you rent or sell a home or apartment the rule is clear -- you must disclose its lead-based paint history. Notification of potential and actual lead hazards by landlords to tenants is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce dangerous lead exposure,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Tenants must have the ability to make informed decisions, especially when it comes to protecting their children’s health.”
Earlier this year, EPA completed a settlement with the Housing Authority of the City of Passaic (HACP) for alleged violations of lead-based paint regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. EPA determined that the housing authority was aware of the presence of lead-based paint in some of its properties but failed to notify tenants of available information and the potential hazards of living with lead-based paint, as required by the federal Lead Disclosure Rule. Compliance with these regulations is vital considering that many historically overburdened communities suffer from higher rates of childhood lead poisoning.
EPA is committed to ensuring that public housing complies with the federal lead-based paint regulations as reflected by this case from earlier in 2023 and including two similar more recent lead based paint enforcement cases against the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and the Syracuse Housing Authority in NY, which resulted in remittable civil penalty amounts of $252,000 by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and $171,630 by the Syracuse Housing Authority to be paid if EPA determines that the housing authorities have not taken the specific and comprehensive steps to prevent future violations at the properties identified in those settlement agreements.
Under the terms of the settlement with HACP, the housing authority has agreed to pay a remittable civil penalty in the amount of $200,000. This penalty will only be paid if EPA determines that the housing authority has not taken the specific and comprehensive steps to prevent future violations at properties identified in the settlement agreement.
As part of this enforcement effort, EPA inspected Vreeland Village and Alfred Speer Village in the city of Passaic, NJ.
The specific violations of the Lead Disclosure Rule alleged by EPA include failure to:
Include in the lease a statement disclosing the presence of (or include in lease a statement disclosing the presence of) or indicate no knowledge any lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the housing being leased
Include in a lease a list of all available records and reports pertaining to the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards.
Include in lease a statement by lessee affirming receipt of information of presence of lead-based paint, list of reports or records of lead-based paint and the lead-based paint information pamphlet.
Include signatures of lessors, agents and lessees certifying the accuracy of their statements regarding lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.
Provide to lessee an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet.
Include Lead Warning Statement as an attachment to or within the contract to lease.
Establish or maintain records or make records available for copying.
Work done on residential properties constructed prior to 1978 must be done by certified and trained staff using the lead-safe work practices as required by the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule to prevent exposure to lead dust and debris. EPA also determined that uncertified and untrained staff conducted renovation work (window replacements) in units at both Villages and failed to establish or maintain records required by the Rule.
As part of the settlement, HACP developed and has begun implementing EPA-approved plans to ensure compliance with the federal lead-based paint regulations at the Villages. HACP obtained Firm Certification and trained workers who are now certified renovators. The settlement sets out additional injunctive relief that must be completed for remittance of the penalty.
Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects. Unborn children are also vulnerable to these effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed.
For more information about lead paint and federal regulations about it, please visit:
Lead Paint RRP Rule
Lead Paint Disclosure Rule
Lead Paint Enforcement
October is National Children’s Health Month. Children are often more vulnerable to pollutants than adults due to differences in behavior and biology, and these differences can lead to greater exposure and/or unique windows of susceptibility.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
23-093