Cincinnati CBP Seizes 100 Shipments Containing Counterfeit MLB, MLS, NFL Merchandise
CINCINNATI–- During a one-week period in July, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intensified inspections on incoming shipments moving through the Cincinnati Port of Entry. On July 10-14, during Special Operation Home Plate, officers…
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $700 Million to Connect People in Remote and Rural Areas to High-Speed Internet
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced nearly $700 million in grants and loans to connect thousands of rural residents, farmers and business owners in 22 states and the Marshall Islands to reliable, affordable high-speed internet through the ReConnect Program, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This program is uniquely designed to fund the most difficult high-speed internet projects in the nation, which are the most rural, remote and unserved communities.
Fremont, Calif., Ice Processing Facility Improves Safety, Pays $169,400 Penalty, in Settlement with EPA
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Arctic Glacier U.S.A., Inc., that resolves claims of violations of federal environmental rules at the company’s ice processing facility in Fremont, Calif. Under the settlement, Arctic Glacier has certified that the facility is in compliance with Clean Air Act regulations that are designed to ensure the safe manufacture, use, storage, and handling of anhydrous ammonia, a toxic substance used as a refrigerant. Arctic Glacier will pay a $169,400 penalty as part of the settlement.
“Toxic substances like anhydrous ammonia can pose serious threats to workers, first responders and the public, so it’s imperative that companies using them follow federal requirements to prevent accidents,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This settlement demonstrates that EPA will be vigilant in holding accountable companies that fail to comply with environmental laws.”
Arctic Glacier owns and operates an ice processing, production and storage facility in Fremont that includes a refrigeration system containing about 14,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a toxic substance regulated by EPA under the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive, and exposure may result in chemical-type burns to skin, eyes, and lungs.
Based on an inspection of the Arctic Glacier facility in 2018, EPA determined that the facility’s piping, operating equipment, and safety systems were not in compliance with regulatory requirements. The company has addressed the EPA identified deficiencies at the facility.
EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations work to prevent accidental chemical releases in our communities and the environment. Facilities holding more than a threshold quantity of a regulated substance are required to comply with EPA’s RMP regulations. The regulations require owners or operators of covered facilities to implement a risk management program and to submit a risk management plan to EPA.
Learn more about the Risk Management Program rule.
Learn about the National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative on reducing risks of accidental releases at industrial and chemical facilities.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
“Toxic substances like anhydrous ammonia can pose serious threats to workers, first responders and the public, so it’s imperative that companies using them follow federal requirements to prevent accidents,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This settlement demonstrates that EPA will be vigilant in holding accountable companies that fail to comply with environmental laws.”
Arctic Glacier owns and operates an ice processing, production and storage facility in Fremont that includes a refrigeration system containing about 14,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a toxic substance regulated by EPA under the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive, and exposure may result in chemical-type burns to skin, eyes, and lungs.
Based on an inspection of the Arctic Glacier facility in 2018, EPA determined that the facility’s piping, operating equipment, and safety systems were not in compliance with regulatory requirements. The company has addressed the EPA identified deficiencies at the facility.
EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations work to prevent accidental chemical releases in our communities and the environment. Facilities holding more than a threshold quantity of a regulated substance are required to comply with EPA’s RMP regulations. The regulations require owners or operators of covered facilities to implement a risk management program and to submit a risk management plan to EPA.
Learn more about the Risk Management Program rule.
Learn about the National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative on reducing risks of accidental releases at industrial and chemical facilities.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
EPA Initiates New Review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards to Reflect the Latest Science
WASHINGTON – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to ensure the standards reflect the most current, relevant science and protect people’s health from these harmful pollutants. EPA Administrator Michael Regan reached this decision after carefully considering advice provided by the independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). In October 2021, EPA announced a reconsideration of the previous Administration’s decision to retain the NAAQS for ozone. EPA will incorporate the ongoing reconsideration into the review announced today, and will consider the advice and recommendations of the CASAC in that review. The Agency will move swiftly to execute this new review of the underlying science and the standards – prioritizing transparency, scientific integrity, inclusive public engagement, and environmental justice.
“After carefully reviewing the advice of the independent scientific panel, I am convinced that a full and complete review of the ozone NAAQS is warranted to ensure a thorough and transparent assessment of the latest science,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From the start, I committed that EPA will uphold the integrity of independent, robust processes to ensure that air quality standards reflect the latest science in order to best protect people from pollution. As we initiate a new review, EPA will continue to work closely with our partners at the state, tribal and local levels to fully implement the existing standards, consistent with our Clean Air Act obligations.”
Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause respiratory issues, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and may lead to missed days of work or school, emergency room visits, and premature deaths. These costly public health impacts can be especially harmful to children and older adults, disproportionately affecting people of color, families with low-incomes, and other vulnerable populations.
Nationally, due in part to strong EPA emission standards that reduce air pollution, ozone air quality is improving. Between 2010 and 2022, national average ozone air quality concentrations have dropped 7%. In many of the areas designated as not meeting the current 2015 standards, work remains. To continue progress in reducing ozone, EPA has initiated important regulatory actions including strong new federal emissions standards for cars and trucks and strengthening rules to reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry – a leading source of ozone forming volatile organic compounds. Taken together, the projected benefits of these and other actions addressing industrial and power sector emissions, such as with the Good Neighbor Plan, would cut emissions of ozone precursors by hundreds of thousands of tons with estimated health benefits adding up to billions of dollars.
The new review will allow EPA to consider fully the information about the latest ozone science and potential implications for the ozone NAAQS provided by the CASAC and the Ozone Review Panel. EPA will conduct the review according to well-established best practices and processes that embrace scientific integrity and the role of the public to provide input at multiple steps along the way.
Concrete, transparent and public next steps include:
Issuing a call for information in the Federal Register in the next few days;
convening a public science and policy workshop in spring 2024 to gather input from the scientific community and the public;
in summer 2024, EPA will summarize the proceedings of the workshop to consider how the information gathered can be used to inform the next review, including specific areas of science that warrant particular focus and analytic enhancements;
in fall 2024 the agency plans to release its Integrated Review Plan, Volume 2 to guide CASAC consideration and development of the Integrated Science Assessment.
EPA established the current standards at a level of 70 parts per billion in 2015 and retained them in 2020, after concluding that there was little new information to suggest the need for revision. The CASAC, however, has identified studies published more recently and also recommended that EPA conduct additional risk analyses that might support more stringent standards. EPA has determined that incorporating the ongoing reconsideration into a new review will best ensure full consideration of this new information and advice.
Find more information about ground-level ozone and the most recent review of the ozone NAAQS.
“After carefully reviewing the advice of the independent scientific panel, I am convinced that a full and complete review of the ozone NAAQS is warranted to ensure a thorough and transparent assessment of the latest science,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From the start, I committed that EPA will uphold the integrity of independent, robust processes to ensure that air quality standards reflect the latest science in order to best protect people from pollution. As we initiate a new review, EPA will continue to work closely with our partners at the state, tribal and local levels to fully implement the existing standards, consistent with our Clean Air Act obligations.”
Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause respiratory issues, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and may lead to missed days of work or school, emergency room visits, and premature deaths. These costly public health impacts can be especially harmful to children and older adults, disproportionately affecting people of color, families with low-incomes, and other vulnerable populations.
Nationally, due in part to strong EPA emission standards that reduce air pollution, ozone air quality is improving. Between 2010 and 2022, national average ozone air quality concentrations have dropped 7%. In many of the areas designated as not meeting the current 2015 standards, work remains. To continue progress in reducing ozone, EPA has initiated important regulatory actions including strong new federal emissions standards for cars and trucks and strengthening rules to reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry – a leading source of ozone forming volatile organic compounds. Taken together, the projected benefits of these and other actions addressing industrial and power sector emissions, such as with the Good Neighbor Plan, would cut emissions of ozone precursors by hundreds of thousands of tons with estimated health benefits adding up to billions of dollars.
The new review will allow EPA to consider fully the information about the latest ozone science and potential implications for the ozone NAAQS provided by the CASAC and the Ozone Review Panel. EPA will conduct the review according to well-established best practices and processes that embrace scientific integrity and the role of the public to provide input at multiple steps along the way.
Concrete, transparent and public next steps include:
Issuing a call for information in the Federal Register in the next few days;
convening a public science and policy workshop in spring 2024 to gather input from the scientific community and the public;
in summer 2024, EPA will summarize the proceedings of the workshop to consider how the information gathered can be used to inform the next review, including specific areas of science that warrant particular focus and analytic enhancements;
in fall 2024 the agency plans to release its Integrated Review Plan, Volume 2 to guide CASAC consideration and development of the Integrated Science Assessment.
EPA established the current standards at a level of 70 parts per billion in 2015 and retained them in 2020, after concluding that there was little new information to suggest the need for revision. The CASAC, however, has identified studies published more recently and also recommended that EPA conduct additional risk analyses that might support more stringent standards. EPA has determined that incorporating the ongoing reconsideration into a new review will best ensure full consideration of this new information and advice.
Find more information about ground-level ozone and the most recent review of the ozone NAAQS.
EPA Initiates New Review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards to Reflect the Latest Science
WASHINGTON - Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new review of the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to ensure the standards reflect the most current, relevant science and protect people’s health from these harmful pollutants. EPA Administrator Michael Regan reached this decision after carefully considering advice provided by the independent Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC). In October 2021, EPA announced a reconsideration of the previous Administration’s decision to retain the NAAQS for ozone. EPA is incorporating the ongoing reconsideration into the review announced today and will consider the advice and recommendations of the CASAC in that review. The Agency will move swiftly to execute this new review of the underlying science and the standards – prioritizing transparency, scientific integrity, inclusive public engagement, and environmental justice.
“After carefully reviewing the advice of the independent scientific panel, I am convinced that a full and complete review of the ozone NAAQS is warranted to ensure a thorough and transparent assessment of the latest science,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From the start, I committed that EPA will uphold the integrity of independent, robust processes to ensure that air quality standards reflect the latest science in order to best protect people from pollution. As we initiate a new review, EPA will continue to work closely with our partners at the state, tribal and local levels to fully implement the existing standards, consistent with our Clean Air Act obligations.”
Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause respiratory issues, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and may lead to missed days of work or school, emergency room visits, and premature deaths. These costly public health impacts can be especially harmful to children and older adults, disproportionately affecting people of color, families with low-incomes, and other vulnerable populations.Nationally, due in part to strong EPA emission standards that reduce air pollution, ozone air quality is improving. Between 2010 and 2022, national average ozone air quality concentrations have dropped 7 percent. In many of the areas designated as not meeting the current 2015 standards, work remains. To continue progress in reducing ozone, EPA has initiated important regulatory actions including strong new federal emissions standards for cars and trucks and strengthening rules to reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry – a leading source of ozone forming volatile organic compounds. Taken together, the projected benefits of these and other actions addressing industrial and power sector emissions, such as with the Good Neighbor Plan, would cut emissions of ozone precursors by hundreds of thousands of tons with estimated health benefits adding up to billions of dollars.The new review will allow EPA to consider fully the information about the latest ozone science and potential implications for the ozone NAAQS provided by the CASAC and the Ozone Review Panel. EPA will conduct the review according to well-established best practices and processes that embrace scientific integrity and the role of the public to provide input at multiple steps along the way.
Concrete, transparent and public next steps include:
Issuing a call for information in the Federal Register in the next few days;
convening a public science and policy workshop in spring 2024 to gather input from the scientific community and the public;
in summer 2024, EPA will summarize the proceedings of the workshop to consider how the information gathered can be used to inform the next review, including specific areas of science that warrant particular focus and analytic enhancements;
in fall 2024 the agency plans to release its Integrated Review Plan, Volume 2 to guide CASAC consideration and development of the Integrated Science Assessment.
EPA established the current standards at a level of 70 parts per billion in 2015 and retained them in 2020, after concluding that there was little new information to suggest the need for revision. The CASAC, however, has identified studies published more recently and also recommended that EPA conduct additional risk analyses that might support more stringent standards. EPA has determined that incorporating the ongoing reconsideration into a new review will best ensure full consideration of this new information and advice.More information about ground-level ozone and the most recent review of the ozone NAAQS
“After carefully reviewing the advice of the independent scientific panel, I am convinced that a full and complete review of the ozone NAAQS is warranted to ensure a thorough and transparent assessment of the latest science,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “From the start, I committed that EPA will uphold the integrity of independent, robust processes to ensure that air quality standards reflect the latest science in order to best protect people from pollution. As we initiate a new review, EPA will continue to work closely with our partners at the state, tribal and local levels to fully implement the existing standards, consistent with our Clean Air Act obligations.”
Exposure to ground-level ozone can cause respiratory issues, aggravate asthma and other lung diseases, and may lead to missed days of work or school, emergency room visits, and premature deaths. These costly public health impacts can be especially harmful to children and older adults, disproportionately affecting people of color, families with low-incomes, and other vulnerable populations.Nationally, due in part to strong EPA emission standards that reduce air pollution, ozone air quality is improving. Between 2010 and 2022, national average ozone air quality concentrations have dropped 7 percent. In many of the areas designated as not meeting the current 2015 standards, work remains. To continue progress in reducing ozone, EPA has initiated important regulatory actions including strong new federal emissions standards for cars and trucks and strengthening rules to reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry – a leading source of ozone forming volatile organic compounds. Taken together, the projected benefits of these and other actions addressing industrial and power sector emissions, such as with the Good Neighbor Plan, would cut emissions of ozone precursors by hundreds of thousands of tons with estimated health benefits adding up to billions of dollars.The new review will allow EPA to consider fully the information about the latest ozone science and potential implications for the ozone NAAQS provided by the CASAC and the Ozone Review Panel. EPA will conduct the review according to well-established best practices and processes that embrace scientific integrity and the role of the public to provide input at multiple steps along the way.
Concrete, transparent and public next steps include:
Issuing a call for information in the Federal Register in the next few days;
convening a public science and policy workshop in spring 2024 to gather input from the scientific community and the public;
in summer 2024, EPA will summarize the proceedings of the workshop to consider how the information gathered can be used to inform the next review, including specific areas of science that warrant particular focus and analytic enhancements;
in fall 2024 the agency plans to release its Integrated Review Plan, Volume 2 to guide CASAC consideration and development of the Integrated Science Assessment.
EPA established the current standards at a level of 70 parts per billion in 2015 and retained them in 2020, after concluding that there was little new information to suggest the need for revision. The CASAC, however, has identified studies published more recently and also recommended that EPA conduct additional risk analyses that might support more stringent standards. EPA has determined that incorporating the ongoing reconsideration into a new review will best ensure full consideration of this new information and advice.More information about ground-level ozone and the most recent review of the ozone NAAQS
EPA deletes portion of Anaconda Superfund site in Montana from National Priorities List
Anaconda, Mont. (August 21, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced deletion of the Anaconda Co. Smelter site from Superfund’s National Priorities List (NPL), benefitting the environment, the community of Anaconda and the people of Montana.
This deletion includes operable unit (OU15) of the site. NPL site deletion helps communities move forward in reusing and redeveloping properties by making it clear that cleanup is complete.
“EPA has worked hard to ensure Anaconda and surrounding areas are safe for people, the environment and beneficial reuse,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This deletion represents a major milestone in the transformation of the Superfund site. The agency will conduct five-year reviews of the property to ensure that completed cleanup and response actions remain protective.”
EPA and Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) determined that no further response is necessary at OU15, which includes a total of 160 acres of surface and subsurface soils. This area includes the former Mill Creek subdivision and 70 acres formerly owned by the Anaconda Minerals Co. After completion of the permanent relocation of residents, most of this area was transferred by Atlantic Richfield to Anaconda Deer Lodge County for commercial and industrial use. All response activities at OU15 are complete, and the Operable Unit poses no unacceptable risk to human health or the environment. Therefore, the EPA and Montana DEQ have determined that no further response is necessary at OU15.
EPA deletes sites from the NPL when no further cleanup is required to protect human health or the environment. This important milestone indicates that cleanup is complete and that sites are protective of human health and the environment. EPA and Montana DEQ will continue to monitor, evaluate and ensure the protectiveness of completed actions through operations and maintenance activities, including annual inspections and five-year reviews.
More information on the Anaconda Co. Smelter Superfund site is available on the EPA Anaconda Co. Smelter webpage. Additional information about EPA’s NPL deletions and information about these and other NPL sites are available online.
This deletion includes operable unit (OU15) of the site. NPL site deletion helps communities move forward in reusing and redeveloping properties by making it clear that cleanup is complete.
“EPA has worked hard to ensure Anaconda and surrounding areas are safe for people, the environment and beneficial reuse,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This deletion represents a major milestone in the transformation of the Superfund site. The agency will conduct five-year reviews of the property to ensure that completed cleanup and response actions remain protective.”
EPA and Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) determined that no further response is necessary at OU15, which includes a total of 160 acres of surface and subsurface soils. This area includes the former Mill Creek subdivision and 70 acres formerly owned by the Anaconda Minerals Co. After completion of the permanent relocation of residents, most of this area was transferred by Atlantic Richfield to Anaconda Deer Lodge County for commercial and industrial use. All response activities at OU15 are complete, and the Operable Unit poses no unacceptable risk to human health or the environment. Therefore, the EPA and Montana DEQ have determined that no further response is necessary at OU15.
EPA deletes sites from the NPL when no further cleanup is required to protect human health or the environment. This important milestone indicates that cleanup is complete and that sites are protective of human health and the environment. EPA and Montana DEQ will continue to monitor, evaluate and ensure the protectiveness of completed actions through operations and maintenance activities, including annual inspections and five-year reviews.
More information on the Anaconda Co. Smelter Superfund site is available on the EPA Anaconda Co. Smelter webpage. Additional information about EPA’s NPL deletions and information about these and other NPL sites are available online.
EPA deletes portion of Eagle Mine Superfund site in Colorado from National Priorities List
Minturn, Colo. (August 21, 2023) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the deletion of a portion of the Eagle Mine Superfund site in Minturn, Colorado, from the National Priorities List (NPL), benefitting the environment, nearby communities and the people of Colorado. The deleted portion of the site consists of 5.31 acres of soils at what is known as Operable Unit 3 North Property Redevelopment: Trestle Area.
“This partial deletion of the Eagle Mine Superfund site reflects the cooperation between EPA, Colorado, the community and private industry to secure the site and protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “EPA will conduct five-year reviews at the property to ensure the remedies in place remain protective.”
EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) have determined all appropriate response actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or the Superfund law, have been completed. Institutional controls to prevent activities that could lead to exposure to contamination will remain in place on the property. These site controls and use restrictions are in effect under the State Environmental Covenant Statute and will ensure the long-term protectiveness of cleanup and response actions.
Remaining portions of Operable Unit 3 are not currently eligible for deletion from the NPL. EPA and CDPHE will continue to monitor, evaluate and ensure the protectiveness of completed actions through operations and maintenance activities, including annual inspections and five-year reviews.
For more information about the Eagle Mine Superfund site, visit the EPA Eagle Mine webpage and the Partial Deletion Justification. Additional information about EPA’s NPL deletions and information about these and other NPL sites are available online.
“This partial deletion of the Eagle Mine Superfund site reflects the cooperation between EPA, Colorado, the community and private industry to secure the site and protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “EPA will conduct five-year reviews at the property to ensure the remedies in place remain protective.”
EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) have determined all appropriate response actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or the Superfund law, have been completed. Institutional controls to prevent activities that could lead to exposure to contamination will remain in place on the property. These site controls and use restrictions are in effect under the State Environmental Covenant Statute and will ensure the long-term protectiveness of cleanup and response actions.
Remaining portions of Operable Unit 3 are not currently eligible for deletion from the NPL. EPA and CDPHE will continue to monitor, evaluate and ensure the protectiveness of completed actions through operations and maintenance activities, including annual inspections and five-year reviews.
For more information about the Eagle Mine Superfund site, visit the EPA Eagle Mine webpage and the Partial Deletion Justification. Additional information about EPA’s NPL deletions and information about these and other NPL sites are available online.
Deputy Secretary Torres Small Visits Texas to Highlight Biden-Harris Administration Support for Producers and Communities
Dallas, Texas, August 18, 2023 – U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small visited the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, where she toured organizations critical to the U.S.