Norfolk, VA CBP Officers Seize $130k in Counterfeit Goods, Including Infant and Children’s Products
NORFOLK, Va. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News, Va., seized more than $130,000 in counterfeit consumer goods recently, including infant loungers and children’s clothing and backpacks featuring…
QB 23 –311 2023 Specialty Sugar Period 2 Results
COMMODITY
Specialty Sugar
The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 2 opened on Tuesday October 11, 2022 and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 38.58049% or .3858049 was calculated via ACE, a UC message was…
Specialty Sugar
The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 2 opened on Tuesday October 11, 2022 and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 38.58049% or .3858049 was calculated via ACE, a UC message was…
CBP Announces Additional Partnerships for New and Expanded Services
These public-private partnerships will allow approved private sector and state and local government entities to reimburse CBP for expanded services for incoming commercial and cargo traffic and international traveler arrivals in Arkansas; California…
QB 22-299 2022 Bulk Infant Formula Base Powders
The President signed H.R. 8982, the Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act on October 10, 2022. The effective date is October 13, 2022, the third day after signature.
Duty-free treatment will only be provided to importers of base powder to be…
Duty-free treatment will only be provided to importers of base powder to be…
QB 22 – 310 2023 Specialty Sugar Period 1 Results
COMMODITY:
Specialty Sugar
The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 1opened on Monday 3, 2022 and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 13.75633% or .1375633 was calculated via ACE, a UC message was generated…
Specialty Sugar
The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 1opened on Monday 3, 2022 and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 13.75633% or .1375633 was calculated via ACE, a UC message was generated…
Tomorrow: EPA to Hold Open Houses and Community Meetings for New Tazewell Residents about Health Risks from Ethylene Oxide
NEW TAZEWELL, Tenn. (October 24, 2022) – Tomorrow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host several public forums at the Walters State Community College, 1325 Claiborne St., New Tazewell, Tenn. to share information about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions and risk information impacting the city.
EPA is reaching out to communities facing the highest risks from commercial sterilizer facilities that use EtO, including the DeRoyal Industries facility located at 1135 Highway 33, South New Tazewell, Tenn.
EPA is sharing this information because communities have a right to know about emissions that could affect their health and well-being. EPA will host two open houses and two community meetings. The open houses are in-person events; however, residents may participate in the community meetings in-person or virtually – either by phone or online on the Zoom platform.
Open House: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
* In-person only
Community Meeting: 11:15 am - 12:45 pm
In person: Walters State Community College, located at 1325 Claiborne St. in New Tazewell
By phone: Call in number: (669) 216-1590; Webinar ID: 1615247813
Register to join the community meeting virtually: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Brtqq3vHSwe87mAHxclimg
Open House: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
* In-person only
Community Meeting: 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm
In person: Walters State Community College, located at 1325 Claiborne St. in New Tazewell
By phone: Call in number: (833) 435-1820; Webinar ID: 1612906416
Register to join the community meeting virtually: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_pSuQZND7SpauaOvhXz0xyw
***5:30 p.m. - Press Availability*** Interested credentialed media should e-mail an RSVP to region4press@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information.
###
EPA is reaching out to communities facing the highest risks from commercial sterilizer facilities that use EtO, including the DeRoyal Industries facility located at 1135 Highway 33, South New Tazewell, Tenn.
EPA is sharing this information because communities have a right to know about emissions that could affect their health and well-being. EPA will host two open houses and two community meetings. The open houses are in-person events; however, residents may participate in the community meetings in-person or virtually – either by phone or online on the Zoom platform.
Open House: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
* In-person only
Community Meeting: 11:15 am - 12:45 pm
In person: Walters State Community College, located at 1325 Claiborne St. in New Tazewell
By phone: Call in number: (669) 216-1590; Webinar ID: 1615247813
Register to join the community meeting virtually: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Brtqq3vHSwe87mAHxclimg
Open House: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
* In-person only
Community Meeting: 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm
In person: Walters State Community College, located at 1325 Claiborne St. in New Tazewell
By phone: Call in number: (833) 435-1820; Webinar ID: 1612906416
Register to join the community meeting virtually: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_pSuQZND7SpauaOvhXz0xyw
***5:30 p.m. - Press Availability*** Interested credentialed media should e-mail an RSVP to region4press@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information.
###
EPA fines 22 home renovators and contractors for lead-based paint safety violations in Idaho and Washington
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 10 has reached settlements with 22 residential home renovators in Idaho and Washington for violations of federal lead-based paint regulations. EPA’s compliance and enforcement program also conducted 137 inspections of home renovation contractors, the highest number of inspections the region has completed in previous years, half of which were in communities with environmental justice concerns. EPA is highlighting these cases as part of this year’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 23-29, and Children’s Health Month, to raise awareness about children’s environmental health, including the dangers and potential health impacts of lead.
“Lead exposure has disproportionately affected communities of color and low-income residents for far too long,” said EPA Region 10 Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “Our actions are helping to protect families, workers, and customers while increasing accountability and transparency. EPA’s efforts are helping to raise community awareness and ensure companies comply with certification, training, and safety requirements to reduce lead-based paint health hazards.”
The Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule was created to protect the public –especially children under the age of 6– from lead-based paint hazards during repair or remodeling activities in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. Lead exposure can cause behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems and diminished IQ. Although the federal government banned residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, it is still present in millions of older homes, sometimes under layers of new paint.
Renovators of pre-1978 housing are required by federal law to obtain EPA Firm Certification under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. They must also obtain renovator certification or assign certified renovators to projects; inform tenants and residents of possible lead-based paint and/or known lead hazards; and comply with work practice requirements intended to reduce lead-based paint exposure.
Under the terms of the settlements, the companies agreed to pay civil penalties and to certify that they are complying with the Renovation, Repair and Painting certification requirements prior to offering and performing renovations, as required by the RRP Rule. Companies whose enforcement cases were concluded this year in EPA’s Region 10 include:
Hydra LLC (Idaho)
Standard Restoration LLC (Idaho)
Owyhee Enterprises LLC (Idaho)
Home Enhancement Company, LLC (Idaho)
Andy Thompson Construction, Inc. (Idaho)
Clearwater Home Services (Idaho)
Disaster Response LLC (Idaho)
C & N Construction LLC (Idaho)
Pella Inland Northwest, Inc. (Wash.)
A1 Asbestos, LLC (Wash.)
Five Star Associates Inc. (Wash.)
Kustom US, Inc. (Wash.)
Integrity Remodeling Inc. (Wash.)
Blue Sound Construction Inc. (Wash.)
Walther IHA LLC (Wash.)
George Conkle LLC dba Complete Restoration (Wash.)
Asbestos Central LLC (Wash.)
Kline Construction & Associates LLC (Wash.)
TK Hudson LLC (Wash.)
M-Property Management (Wash.)
JVM Painting Services LLC (Wash.)
Gu-Wi Gutters & Windows LLC (Wash.)
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 23-29, is an effort to raise awareness of the many ways parents, caregivers and communities can reduce children's exposure to lead and prevent its harmful health effects. EPA partners with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to raise awareness about lead exposure and lead poisoning by providing resources for the public to use to encourage preventive actions.
This year, EPA is offering the following webinars during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation:
Understanding Lead: Learn about lead and actions we can take to reduce exposure. Oct. 25, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific. Register for webinar: Understanding Lead.
Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness: Learn about EPA’s RRP Rule. Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Pacific. Register for webinar: Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness.
Lead Awareness Curriculum Train-the-Trainer: Learn how to use and modify the Lead Awareness Curriculum. Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Pacific. Register for webinar: Lead Awareness Curriculum Train-the-Trainer.
Learn more about EPA’s lead poisoning prevention programs and resources.
“Lead exposure has disproportionately affected communities of color and low-income residents for far too long,” said EPA Region 10 Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “Our actions are helping to protect families, workers, and customers while increasing accountability and transparency. EPA’s efforts are helping to raise community awareness and ensure companies comply with certification, training, and safety requirements to reduce lead-based paint health hazards.”
The Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule was created to protect the public –especially children under the age of 6– from lead-based paint hazards during repair or remodeling activities in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. Lead exposure can cause behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems and diminished IQ. Although the federal government banned residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, it is still present in millions of older homes, sometimes under layers of new paint.
Renovators of pre-1978 housing are required by federal law to obtain EPA Firm Certification under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. They must also obtain renovator certification or assign certified renovators to projects; inform tenants and residents of possible lead-based paint and/or known lead hazards; and comply with work practice requirements intended to reduce lead-based paint exposure.
Under the terms of the settlements, the companies agreed to pay civil penalties and to certify that they are complying with the Renovation, Repair and Painting certification requirements prior to offering and performing renovations, as required by the RRP Rule. Companies whose enforcement cases were concluded this year in EPA’s Region 10 include:
Hydra LLC (Idaho)
Standard Restoration LLC (Idaho)
Owyhee Enterprises LLC (Idaho)
Home Enhancement Company, LLC (Idaho)
Andy Thompson Construction, Inc. (Idaho)
Clearwater Home Services (Idaho)
Disaster Response LLC (Idaho)
C & N Construction LLC (Idaho)
Pella Inland Northwest, Inc. (Wash.)
A1 Asbestos, LLC (Wash.)
Five Star Associates Inc. (Wash.)
Kustom US, Inc. (Wash.)
Integrity Remodeling Inc. (Wash.)
Blue Sound Construction Inc. (Wash.)
Walther IHA LLC (Wash.)
George Conkle LLC dba Complete Restoration (Wash.)
Asbestos Central LLC (Wash.)
Kline Construction & Associates LLC (Wash.)
TK Hudson LLC (Wash.)
M-Property Management (Wash.)
JVM Painting Services LLC (Wash.)
Gu-Wi Gutters & Windows LLC (Wash.)
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 23-29, is an effort to raise awareness of the many ways parents, caregivers and communities can reduce children's exposure to lead and prevent its harmful health effects. EPA partners with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to raise awareness about lead exposure and lead poisoning by providing resources for the public to use to encourage preventive actions.
This year, EPA is offering the following webinars during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation:
Understanding Lead: Learn about lead and actions we can take to reduce exposure. Oct. 25, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific. Register for webinar: Understanding Lead.
Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness: Learn about EPA’s RRP Rule. Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Pacific. Register for webinar: Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness.
Lead Awareness Curriculum Train-the-Trainer: Learn how to use and modify the Lead Awareness Curriculum. Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Pacific. Register for webinar: Lead Awareness Curriculum Train-the-Trainer.
Learn more about EPA’s lead poisoning prevention programs and resources.
EPA Region 8 acts to reduce childhood Lead-Based Paint exposure through compliance with the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
DENVER – October 23rd-29th is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) and EPA is working to reduce childhood lead exposure through improved compliance with the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. As part of NLPPW, EPA Region 8 is summarizing compliance activity related to the Rule and reminding residents and owners of pre-1978 homes about the risks of lead-based paint and the importance of following lead-safe practices to keep families safe.
The RRP Rule protects children, and all individuals, from toxic lead hazards created by renovation activities involving lead-based paint by requiring the certification of individual contractors and firms. Contractors working on homes built prior to 1978 must test for lead in paint, or presume lead is present, and apply lead-safe work practices to minimize the risk of toxic lead exposure. Failing to follow these practices can expose the public to lead dust which is especially damaging to children's development.
“Protecting children’s health is a central part of EPA’s mission and lead exposure in older homes remains a significant risk for families in many communities,” said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s enforcement program. “EPA expects all renovation companies to ensure their contractors are trained and follow lead-safe work practices.”
In 2022, EPA Region 8 conducted 81 compliance monitoring activities, including providing educational materials to commercial renovators to promote compliance with the RRP Rule, and issued 13 Notices of Noncompliance to contractors. EPA also reached agreements with eight contractors in Colorado and Montana to settle violations of the Rule resulting in over $30,000 in penalties.
Contractors settling RRP Rule violations in Colorado include Larsen Development Company, Colorado Quality Painting, A+ Handyman Home Improvement, Specialty Construction, Nehemiah General Contractors, and Capital Roofing and Restoration. Contractors settling RRP violations in Montana include Pella Windows and Doors and Paramount Construction and Remodeling.
Violations included failure to obtain EPA lead-safe firm certification, failure to maintain records documenting compliance, and failure to employ lead-safe work practices when conducting renovations on pre-1978 homes. In all cases, the companies resolved certification and training deficiencies and made commitments to future compliance. These RRP Rule compliance improvements include contractors and firms conducting home renovations in disproportionately impacted communities.
Although the federal government banned residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, it is still present in millions of older homes. Infants, children, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can, even at low levels, cause lifelong impacts including developmental impairment, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity and behavioral problems. A blood-lead test is the only way to determine if a child has an elevated blood-lead level. Parents who think their child has been in contact with lead should contact their health care provider.
For more information on how to protect your family and reduce your lead exposure, visit EPA’s “Protect your family” site.
For more information on the RRP requirements.
To report lead-paint or other environmental violations
The RRP Rule protects children, and all individuals, from toxic lead hazards created by renovation activities involving lead-based paint by requiring the certification of individual contractors and firms. Contractors working on homes built prior to 1978 must test for lead in paint, or presume lead is present, and apply lead-safe work practices to minimize the risk of toxic lead exposure. Failing to follow these practices can expose the public to lead dust which is especially damaging to children's development.
“Protecting children’s health is a central part of EPA’s mission and lead exposure in older homes remains a significant risk for families in many communities,” said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s enforcement program. “EPA expects all renovation companies to ensure their contractors are trained and follow lead-safe work practices.”
In 2022, EPA Region 8 conducted 81 compliance monitoring activities, including providing educational materials to commercial renovators to promote compliance with the RRP Rule, and issued 13 Notices of Noncompliance to contractors. EPA also reached agreements with eight contractors in Colorado and Montana to settle violations of the Rule resulting in over $30,000 in penalties.
Contractors settling RRP Rule violations in Colorado include Larsen Development Company, Colorado Quality Painting, A+ Handyman Home Improvement, Specialty Construction, Nehemiah General Contractors, and Capital Roofing and Restoration. Contractors settling RRP violations in Montana include Pella Windows and Doors and Paramount Construction and Remodeling.
Violations included failure to obtain EPA lead-safe firm certification, failure to maintain records documenting compliance, and failure to employ lead-safe work practices when conducting renovations on pre-1978 homes. In all cases, the companies resolved certification and training deficiencies and made commitments to future compliance. These RRP Rule compliance improvements include contractors and firms conducting home renovations in disproportionately impacted communities.
Although the federal government banned residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, it is still present in millions of older homes. Infants, children, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can, even at low levels, cause lifelong impacts including developmental impairment, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity and behavioral problems. A blood-lead test is the only way to determine if a child has an elevated blood-lead level. Parents who think their child has been in contact with lead should contact their health care provider.
For more information on how to protect your family and reduce your lead exposure, visit EPA’s “Protect your family” site.
For more information on the RRP requirements.
To report lead-paint or other environmental violations