U.S. EPA begins hazardous material removal work in Lahaina Today
Wailuku, Hawaii – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin work in Lāhainā to remove and dispose of household hazardous material from properties affected by the wildfires.
EPA anticipates removing household hazardous material from Lāhainā will take up to several months to complete, but may be done sooner, depending on work conditions. This work is the start of Phase 1.
EPA will not be the lead agency for Phase 2, debris removal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been selected to lead the Phase 2 debris removal efforts.
Household Hazardous Material Removal
Household hazardous material includes paints, cleaners, solvents, oils, batteries, and pesticides. Fuel from pressurized cylinders and tanks will be removed, and some empty containers (of fuel) will be marked for removal during Phase 2 debris removal work.
Workers will also remove items thought to contain asbestos if they are easy to identify, but the property will not be fully cleared of asbestos until debris removal begins.
As part of this work, EPA will have an electrician on-site to advise field teams on safely de-energizing and removing home “powerbank” batteries.
Following a fire, hazardous materials require special handling and disposal, especially if their containers are damaged. These efforts will reduce potential threats to public health and safety and allow other agencies to remove debris and ash in the affected areas.
EPA workers will only remove household hazardous material. EPA will immediately stop work and contact the Maui Police Department if functional firearms or suspected remains are found.
Identifying and Safeguarding Native Hawaiian Cultural Items
EPA is making every effort to approach this work with the utmost respect and reverence. As part of this effort, EPA has given EPA hazardous material health and safety training to over 20 cultural monitors from the Maui community.
The training will enable these monitors to be on-site as EPA removes household hazardous material. The monitors will guide EPA teams during operations.
Minimizing Dust and Runoff
After household hazardous material is removed, EPA may mist a fine adhesive called “Soiltac” on ash on the property. This will prevent ash from blowing off the property and limit runoff.
The adhesive, which dries clear, will be sprayed onto properties in sections as teams complete work. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and approved by the State of Hawaiʻi and Maui County.
EPA is applying this adhesive as part of a multi-pronged effort with the U.S. Coast Guard, Maui County and the State of Hawaiʻi to prevent ash runoff into the environment.
Air Monitoring
While working to remove household hazardous material, EPA will monitor the air for fine particles of dust (called “particulate matter”) in areas EPA is working. The air monitors will be listed on EPA’s Air Now website.
EPA’s work is authorized by a Federal Emergency Management Agency-issued federal disaster declaration mission assignment for wildfire recovery.
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For additional information on EPA’s work, please visit its Maui Wildfires website or contact us at 808-539-0555.
For additional information on the recovery efforts in Maui, please visit the Maui County Website or the Maui Nui Strong website.
Click here for photos, and here for a video of the EPA’s hazardous material removal efforts in Kula last week.
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EPA anticipates removing household hazardous material from Lāhainā will take up to several months to complete, but may be done sooner, depending on work conditions. This work is the start of Phase 1.
EPA will not be the lead agency for Phase 2, debris removal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been selected to lead the Phase 2 debris removal efforts.
Household Hazardous Material Removal
Household hazardous material includes paints, cleaners, solvents, oils, batteries, and pesticides. Fuel from pressurized cylinders and tanks will be removed, and some empty containers (of fuel) will be marked for removal during Phase 2 debris removal work.
Workers will also remove items thought to contain asbestos if they are easy to identify, but the property will not be fully cleared of asbestos until debris removal begins.
As part of this work, EPA will have an electrician on-site to advise field teams on safely de-energizing and removing home “powerbank” batteries.
Following a fire, hazardous materials require special handling and disposal, especially if their containers are damaged. These efforts will reduce potential threats to public health and safety and allow other agencies to remove debris and ash in the affected areas.
EPA workers will only remove household hazardous material. EPA will immediately stop work and contact the Maui Police Department if functional firearms or suspected remains are found.
Identifying and Safeguarding Native Hawaiian Cultural Items
EPA is making every effort to approach this work with the utmost respect and reverence. As part of this effort, EPA has given EPA hazardous material health and safety training to over 20 cultural monitors from the Maui community.
The training will enable these monitors to be on-site as EPA removes household hazardous material. The monitors will guide EPA teams during operations.
Minimizing Dust and Runoff
After household hazardous material is removed, EPA may mist a fine adhesive called “Soiltac” on ash on the property. This will prevent ash from blowing off the property and limit runoff.
The adhesive, which dries clear, will be sprayed onto properties in sections as teams complete work. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and approved by the State of Hawaiʻi and Maui County.
EPA is applying this adhesive as part of a multi-pronged effort with the U.S. Coast Guard, Maui County and the State of Hawaiʻi to prevent ash runoff into the environment.
Air Monitoring
While working to remove household hazardous material, EPA will monitor the air for fine particles of dust (called “particulate matter”) in areas EPA is working. The air monitors will be listed on EPA’s Air Now website.
EPA’s work is authorized by a Federal Emergency Management Agency-issued federal disaster declaration mission assignment for wildfire recovery.
---
For additional information on EPA’s work, please visit its Maui Wildfires website or contact us at 808-539-0555.
For additional information on the recovery efforts in Maui, please visit the Maui County Website or the Maui Nui Strong website.
Click here for photos, and here for a video of the EPA’s hazardous material removal efforts in Kula last week.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $800 Million to Strengthen Rural Infrastructure and Create Jobs
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $808 million to help rural cooperatives and utilities build and improve electric infrastructure and increase electric grid reliability and security, connecting hundreds of thousands of people in rural areas. This funding will also help provide clean drinking water and sanitary wastewater systems in rural areas for years to come.
EPA Selects University of Nebraska-Lincoln for Nearly $100K Grant Toward Groundwater Environmental Project
LENEXA, KAN. (AUG. 28, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the selection of 33 organizations to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants program, including $99,795 to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will use the funding to expand the Know Your Well Project and develop a science curriculum that will be rolled out to over 100 rural Nebraska high school students with the goals of increasing science literacy, awareness of agricultural practices, and groundwater stewardship.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the brightest minds from across the country, and they demonstrate what it means to couple the power of environmental education with a commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
“We look forward to adding curriculum to the set of tools currently available to teachers involved in the Know Your Well program,” said Nebraska Water Center Assistant Director Rachael Herpel. “This will help us build capacity and eventually expand the program beyond Nebraska.”
Nationwide, the funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions.
EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Background
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in Environmental Education Grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education page.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants page. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will use the funding to expand the Know Your Well Project and develop a science curriculum that will be rolled out to over 100 rural Nebraska high school students with the goals of increasing science literacy, awareness of agricultural practices, and groundwater stewardship.
“We know that climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the brightest minds from across the country, and they demonstrate what it means to couple the power of environmental education with a commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”
“We look forward to adding curriculum to the set of tools currently available to teachers involved in the Know Your Well program,” said Nebraska Water Center Assistant Director Rachael Herpel. “This will help us build capacity and eventually expand the program beyond Nebraska.”
Nationwide, the funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions.
EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
Background
Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in Environmental Education Grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education page.
To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants page. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
EPA penalizes Yakima companies $194,000 for violating federal rules aimed at preventing accidental chemical releases
SEATTLE (August 28, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Congdon Packing Company, LLC, and D&H Properties Yakima, LLC, agreed to pay $194,302 for violations of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act.
Under the Clean Air Act, facility owners or operators handling or storing 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are required to develop and implement a risk management plan to prevent accidental chemical releases.
In violation of this requirement, the owner and operator of the facility failed to:
Keep safety information up to date
Adequately address process hazard analysis recommendations
Perform a timely process hazard analysis every five years
Provide initial safety training for three employees
Replace and maintain process equipment for safe operation
“Ammonia is extremely dangerous, so risk management planning can save people’s lives,” said EPA Region 10 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “By creating a solid plan and making it central to their business operations, companies can reduce the chances of a chemical release and lower risks to plant workers, first responders and the surrounding community – and minimize the risk of a hefty EPA penalty.”
Exposure to ammonia may result in chemical-type burns to skin, eyes and lungs. Accidental ammonia releases can cause injuries and death to employees, emergency response personnel and people in surrounding communities.
This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, “Reducing Risks of Accidental Releases at Industrial and Chemical Facilities.” Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement.
Background
Congdon Packing Company, LLC operated a cold storage facility in Yakima, Washington, which was owned by D&H Properties. In October 2021, Congdon Packing Company, LLC terminated operations at the facility. D&H Properties Yakima, LLC subsequently sold the ammonia refrigeration facility and removed ammonia from the refrigeration system.
Under the Clean Air Act, facility owners or operators handling or storing 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are required to develop and implement a risk management plan to prevent accidental chemical releases.
In violation of this requirement, the owner and operator of the facility failed to:
Keep safety information up to date
Adequately address process hazard analysis recommendations
Perform a timely process hazard analysis every five years
Provide initial safety training for three employees
Replace and maintain process equipment for safe operation
“Ammonia is extremely dangerous, so risk management planning can save people’s lives,” said EPA Region 10 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “By creating a solid plan and making it central to their business operations, companies can reduce the chances of a chemical release and lower risks to plant workers, first responders and the surrounding community – and minimize the risk of a hefty EPA penalty.”
Exposure to ammonia may result in chemical-type burns to skin, eyes and lungs. Accidental ammonia releases can cause injuries and death to employees, emergency response personnel and people in surrounding communities.
This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, “Reducing Risks of Accidental Releases at Industrial and Chemical Facilities.” Additional details can be found in the Consent Agreement.
Background
Congdon Packing Company, LLC operated a cold storage facility in Yakima, Washington, which was owned by D&H Properties. In October 2021, Congdon Packing Company, LLC terminated operations at the facility. D&H Properties Yakima, LLC subsequently sold the ammonia refrigeration facility and removed ammonia from the refrigeration system.
Pilot project aims to open more trucker slots in Los Angeles-Long Beach
The Harbor Trucking Association is teaming with Yusen Terminals in Los Angeles to increase the number of appointment slots each day by cutting the container receiving window from two hours to 90 minutes.
QB 23-401 2023 Cotton Note 5
Commodity:
Cotton provided for in Chapter 52, Additional U.S. Note 5, Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Quota Period:
September 20, 2023 through September 19, 2024.
Opening Date:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Restraint Level:
Aggregate 20,207…
Cotton provided for in Chapter 52, Additional U.S. Note 5, Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Quota Period:
September 20, 2023 through September 19, 2024.
Opening Date:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Restraint Level:
Aggregate 20,207…
QB 23-405 2023 Cotton Note 9
Commodity:
Card strips made from cotton provided for in Chapter 52, Additional U.S. Note 9, Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Quota Period:
September 20, 2023, through September 19, 2024
Opening Date:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Restraint…
Card strips made from cotton provided for in Chapter 52, Additional U.S. Note 9, Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Quota Period:
September 20, 2023, through September 19, 2024
Opening Date:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Restraint…
EPA to Hold Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program Meeting in Metairie, La.
DALLAS, TEXAS (August 25, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold the next Management Conference meeting for the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program (PRP) in Metairie, Louisiana, on September 5 at 2 pm. PRP stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the meeting.,
If your organization is interested in becoming an active and committed Management Conference member, please RSVP to this meeting at https://www.epa.gov/la/lake-pontchartrain-basin-restoration-program (via the Management Conference meeting form under current activities) by August 29, 2023. EPA will send additional information to interested parties prior to the September 5, 2023, meeting. Due to room capacity limitations, we can only accommodate one representative per organization.
Diverse stakeholders—including all levels of government, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, affected industries and the public—come together during the Management Conference to discuss issues and build consensus toward collaborative decision-making. The Management Conference also develops and implements the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP), and seeks to provide public input. The Management Conference and/or subcommittees meet regularly to ensure the PRP is accomplishing priority goals for the Basin and implementing the CCMP appropriately.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
If your organization is interested in becoming an active and committed Management Conference member, please RSVP to this meeting at https://www.epa.gov/la/lake-pontchartrain-basin-restoration-program (via the Management Conference meeting form under current activities) by August 29, 2023. EPA will send additional information to interested parties prior to the September 5, 2023, meeting. Due to room capacity limitations, we can only accommodate one representative per organization.
Diverse stakeholders—including all levels of government, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, affected industries and the public—come together during the Management Conference to discuss issues and build consensus toward collaborative decision-making. The Management Conference also develops and implements the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP), and seeks to provide public input. The Management Conference and/or subcommittees meet regularly to ensure the PRP is accomplishing priority goals for the Basin and implementing the CCMP appropriately.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.