EPA Settlement Holds Tanker Truck Company Accountable for Two 2021 Oil Spills in Athol and Revere, Mass.
BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Goguen Transportation, Inc. of Gardner, Mass., resolving alleged violations of the Clean Water Act associated with two tanker truck accidents in Revere and Athol, Mass. that resulted in oil discharges to local waters.
"EPA takes our role of protecting public health and our environmental resources very seriously, with a special emphasis on communities that have been historically burdened with high levels of pollution," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Carefully following safety measures to prevent oil spills from occurring is Job One for companies that handle, store and transport oil, and Goguen Transportation failed to take the necessary care."
On two separate occasions, fuel oil was spilled from tanker trucks owned and operated by Goguen Transportation, polluting local waters and violating the Clean Water Act. On October 13, 2021, a Goguen oil tank trailer truck rolled over while navigating a traffic circle in Revere, releasing between 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of fuel oil into areas including Rumney Marsh, Diamond Creek and the Pines River. A second incident occurred on December 22, 2021, when a Goguen oil tank trailer truck rolled over at an intersection in Athol, releasing approximately 4,500 gallons of fuel oil into waters including Mill Brook and Millers River. On both occasions, the released fuel oil created a sheen and accumulated on the shoreline of impacted waters.
The Revere spill occurred in an area (Brown Circle Rotary) where residents have been historically overburdened with environmental concerns, including proximity to traffic and industrial facilities. Rumney Marsh encompasses approximately 2,274 acres and is an important coastal estuary that is home to a variety of wildlife. EPA's coordination with Commonwealth of Massachusetts officials showed that waterfowl were also negatively affected by the Revere spill, and the spill delayed the opening of the clam flat. Rumney Marsh is a 600-acre salt marsh located within the Saugus and Pines River Inlet. The Marsh is designated as an "Area of Critical Environmental Concern" under the Commonwealth and supports numerous activities to the public including canoeing and kayaking, fishing and clam harvesting, hiking and bird watching.
The company will pay a $35,354 penalty. EPA estimates that the company has spent over $570,000 to clean up the Revere spill, and that remediation for the Athol spill will be no less than $300,000 based on the distance oil traveled and amount of oil spilled.
More information: EPA Oil Spill enforcement
"EPA takes our role of protecting public health and our environmental resources very seriously, with a special emphasis on communities that have been historically burdened with high levels of pollution," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Carefully following safety measures to prevent oil spills from occurring is Job One for companies that handle, store and transport oil, and Goguen Transportation failed to take the necessary care."
On two separate occasions, fuel oil was spilled from tanker trucks owned and operated by Goguen Transportation, polluting local waters and violating the Clean Water Act. On October 13, 2021, a Goguen oil tank trailer truck rolled over while navigating a traffic circle in Revere, releasing between 3,000 to 5,000 gallons of fuel oil into areas including Rumney Marsh, Diamond Creek and the Pines River. A second incident occurred on December 22, 2021, when a Goguen oil tank trailer truck rolled over at an intersection in Athol, releasing approximately 4,500 gallons of fuel oil into waters including Mill Brook and Millers River. On both occasions, the released fuel oil created a sheen and accumulated on the shoreline of impacted waters.
The Revere spill occurred in an area (Brown Circle Rotary) where residents have been historically overburdened with environmental concerns, including proximity to traffic and industrial facilities. Rumney Marsh encompasses approximately 2,274 acres and is an important coastal estuary that is home to a variety of wildlife. EPA's coordination with Commonwealth of Massachusetts officials showed that waterfowl were also negatively affected by the Revere spill, and the spill delayed the opening of the clam flat. Rumney Marsh is a 600-acre salt marsh located within the Saugus and Pines River Inlet. The Marsh is designated as an "Area of Critical Environmental Concern" under the Commonwealth and supports numerous activities to the public including canoeing and kayaking, fishing and clam harvesting, hiking and bird watching.
The company will pay a $35,354 penalty. EPA estimates that the company has spent over $570,000 to clean up the Revere spill, and that remediation for the Athol spill will be no less than $300,000 based on the distance oil traveled and amount of oil spilled.
More information: EPA Oil Spill enforcement
EPA To Host Public Discussion of Exide Cleanup October 25
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 20, 2022) --The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public availability session on Wednesday, October 25, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Muhlenberg High School Auditorium, 400 Sharp Ave. in Reading, Pennsylvania. Residents will have a chance to learn about past, current, and future cleanup efforts at the former Exide Technologies Site located at 3000 Montrose Ave, in Laureldale.
The public will have a chance to meet one-on-one with the EPA Exide site team who will be sharing maps and various site information. EPA will also hold a formal presentation followed by a question and answer session about the site.
The former Exide Technologies Site consists of an approximately 40-acre former lead battery recycling and manufacturing facility. Under its Superfund Removal Program, EPA has removed significant lead contamination from the on-site baghouses and associated ductwork. Lead contamination is also being removed from the former process equipment, and containers are being cleaned as a protective measure.
To learn more about EPA’s removal program, visit: www.epa.gov/emergency-response/ epas-role-emergency-response
The public will have a chance to meet one-on-one with the EPA Exide site team who will be sharing maps and various site information. EPA will also hold a formal presentation followed by a question and answer session about the site.
The former Exide Technologies Site consists of an approximately 40-acre former lead battery recycling and manufacturing facility. Under its Superfund Removal Program, EPA has removed significant lead contamination from the on-site baghouses and associated ductwork. Lead contamination is also being removed from the former process equipment, and containers are being cleaned as a protective measure.
To learn more about EPA’s removal program, visit: www.epa.gov/emergency-response/ epas-role-emergency-response
EPA protects Big Island water resources by ordering closure of three illegal cesspools
HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken an enforcement action to close two illegal large capacity cesspools (LCCs) at the Wailuku Professional Plaza in Hilo and one cesspool at the SKS Management LLC self-storage business in Kailua-Kona. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA banned LCCs in 2005.
“Big Island companies must do their part to protect our surface water and groundwater resources from the disease-causing pollution found in large capacity cesspools,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is committed to finding and closing all remaining illegal cesspools in Hawai‘i.”
The Wailuku Professional Plaza is located about 100 feet from the Wailuku River in Hilo. In July 2021, EPA conducted an inspection of the Plaza and found two unlawful cesspools serving the multi-tenant commercial office building. Wailuku Professional Plaza, LLC – which owns and operates the Wailuku Professional Plaza – settled the case, agreeing to close the illegal cesspools and pay a $43,000 penalty on May 4, 2022.
EPA also found that the Power Self Storage – Kuakini facility in Kailua-Kona has a restroom that is served by a large capacity cesspool. SKS Management LLC – the facility’s operator – settled the case, agreeing to pay a $28,780 penalty and close the illegal cesspool by September 1, 2023.
These cesspools meet the regulatory criteria of unlawful non-residential large capacity cesspools because they have the capacity to serve 20 or more persons per day. EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s cesspool regulations.
Cesspools collect and release untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean.
Since the 2005 federal ban, more than 3,750 large capacity cesspools in Hawaii have been closed; however, hundreds remain in operation. Cesspools are used more widely in Hawaii than any other state and pose a unique challenge as groundwater provides 95% of all water supply for the islands.
To encourage regulated entities to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and expeditiously close these pollution-causing systems, EPA provides penalty mitigation and other incentives for companies that proactively find and close LCCs on their property.
Information on how to self-disclose potential large-capacity cesspool violations is available at: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/epas-edisclosure.
For more information on the federal ban and definition of a large-capacity cesspool, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/large-capacity-cesspools.
For more information on cesspools in Hawai’i, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/cesspools-hawaii.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
“Big Island companies must do their part to protect our surface water and groundwater resources from the disease-causing pollution found in large capacity cesspools,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “EPA is committed to finding and closing all remaining illegal cesspools in Hawai‘i.”
The Wailuku Professional Plaza is located about 100 feet from the Wailuku River in Hilo. In July 2021, EPA conducted an inspection of the Plaza and found two unlawful cesspools serving the multi-tenant commercial office building. Wailuku Professional Plaza, LLC – which owns and operates the Wailuku Professional Plaza – settled the case, agreeing to close the illegal cesspools and pay a $43,000 penalty on May 4, 2022.
EPA also found that the Power Self Storage – Kuakini facility in Kailua-Kona has a restroom that is served by a large capacity cesspool. SKS Management LLC – the facility’s operator – settled the case, agreeing to pay a $28,780 penalty and close the illegal cesspool by September 1, 2023.
These cesspools meet the regulatory criteria of unlawful non-residential large capacity cesspools because they have the capacity to serve 20 or more persons per day. EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s cesspool regulations.
Cesspools collect and release untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean.
Since the 2005 federal ban, more than 3,750 large capacity cesspools in Hawaii have been closed; however, hundreds remain in operation. Cesspools are used more widely in Hawaii than any other state and pose a unique challenge as groundwater provides 95% of all water supply for the islands.
To encourage regulated entities to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and expeditiously close these pollution-causing systems, EPA provides penalty mitigation and other incentives for companies that proactively find and close LCCs on their property.
Information on how to self-disclose potential large-capacity cesspool violations is available at: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/epas-edisclosure.
For more information on the federal ban and definition of a large-capacity cesspool, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/large-capacity-cesspools.
For more information on cesspools in Hawai’i, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/cesspools-hawaii.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
EPA to Hold Open Houses and Community Meetings for New Tazewell Residents about Health Risks from Ethylene Oxide
NEW TAZEWELL, Tenn. (October 20, 2022) - On Tuesday, October 25, 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
EtO is a colorless, odorless gas that is often used for sterilization purposes. Inhalation of EtO at elevated levels over a lifetime can increase a person’s risk of getting cancer. However, single-day exposures to the concentrations found in residential communities are not an immediate threat to an individual’s health.
EPA scientists and analysts recently completed a risk assessment to understand the impact of EtO emissions from the DeRoyal Industries facility. As part of this risk assessment, we used the most recent available information about how much EtO the company emits into the air and we modeled estimated cancer risks to people living nearby. The risk assessment identified elevated cancer risk in the New Tazewell community. EPA is committed to working with state and local agencies, facilities, and communities to reduce this risk.
BACKGROUND
EPA has regulated EtO emissions for 30 years, however in 2016, new scientific information revealed that EtO is more toxic than previously understood. This prompted EPA to conduct nationwide analyses and intensive data collection, which has revealed that certain communities near commercial sterilizers could have elevated cancer risks due to lifetime exposures to EtO. Please visit www.epa.gov/eto for additional information, including a link to view EPA’s August 10th National Public Webinar, location-specific maps, information about individual commercial sterilizers, and health risks for residents and workers.
For more information about EtO in New Tazwell, please visit: www.epa.gov/eto/new-tazewell.
###
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
EtO is a colorless, odorless gas that is often used for sterilization purposes. Inhalation of EtO at elevated levels over a lifetime can increase a person’s risk of getting cancer. However, single-day exposures to the concentrations found in residential communities are not an immediate threat to an individual’s health.
EPA scientists and analysts recently completed a risk assessment to understand the impact of EtO emissions from the DeRoyal Industries facility. As part of this risk assessment, we used the most recent available information about how much EtO the company emits into the air and we modeled estimated cancer risks to people living nearby. The risk assessment identified elevated cancer risk in the New Tazewell community. EPA is committed to working with state and local agencies, facilities, and communities to reduce this risk.
BACKGROUND
EPA has regulated EtO emissions for 30 years, however in 2016, new scientific information revealed that EtO is more toxic than previously understood. This prompted EPA to conduct nationwide analyses and intensive data collection, which has revealed that certain communities near commercial sterilizers could have elevated cancer risks due to lifetime exposures to EtO. Please visit www.epa.gov/eto for additional information, including a link to view EPA’s August 10th National Public Webinar, location-specific maps, information about individual commercial sterilizers, and health risks for residents and workers.
For more information about EtO in New Tazwell, please visit: www.epa.gov/eto/new-tazewell.
###
USDA and USAID announce the Global Food Security Research Strategy to Fight Hunger and Build Sustainable Systems
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2022 - Today, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and USAID Administrator Samantha Power released the U.S. government’s Global Food Security Research Strategy, underscoring the U.S. government’s commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition and building medium to long-term sustainable resilient food systems. The new research strategy emphasizes priority objectives and the use of data to help strengthen the impact of U.S.
USDA Makes Major Investments in WIC to Improve Maternal and Child Health
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture acknowledges major progress and promise in several modernization and innovation efforts for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC. Efforts include the award of nearly $53 million across three major grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
EPA Awards Over $14 Million to Improve and Protect Water Quality in Arizona, California, Nevada & Hawaii
SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $14,504,000 for water improvement projects in Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawai’i to implement Nonpoint Source (NPS) management plans. Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall moving over the ground, leading to runoff which picks up natural and man-made pollutants as it flows. NPS pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources.
"Arizona appreciates EPA's continued support of our work to improve the quality of important surface waters," said ADEQ Water Division Director Trevor Baggiore. "ADEQ will use these funds to continue surface water remediation projects that are reducing heavy metals in waters near legacy mine sites and reducing E. coli in Oak Creek, a designated Outstanding Arizona Water and popular recreation area. Our on-the-ground projects have already produced measurable improvements in surface water quality, including the return of fish and wildlife to these areas and significantly less E. coli in Oak Creek."
“These funds will accelerate California’s efforts to reduce the impacts of runoff pollution on the state’s water bodies,” said Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the California State Water Resources Control Board. “It will help us prevent future harmful algal blooms, collaborate with ranching and agriculture communities to implement sustainable operating practices, and restore watersheds affected by historic and active mining and timber activities. We are grateful for the reliable support of our federal partners for our work to protect California’s waters.”
“Nonpoint source pollution is the major cause of brown water advisories and overall water quality degradation in Hawai’i. These Federal grant funds will be combined with State funding to protect water quality and restore healthy ecosystems in watersheds throughout Hawai’i,” said Kathleen Ho, Deputy Director, Hawai’i Department of Health.
“Nonpoint sources continue to be a leading cause of water quality impairment which can be particularly challenging to manage since it cannot be traced to a specific source,” said NDEP Nonpoint Source Pollution Program Manager Jon Paul Kiel. “Grants from EPA, leveraged with local funding sources, support the implementation of NDEP’s Nonpoint Source State Management Plan to reduce these sources of pollution.”
“These grants will do much to advance our shared goal of protecting water resources in Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii,” said EPA Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Combined with state matching funds, EPA’s awards will help put into place the best practices needed to reduce runoff-related pollution and improve water quality for our communities.”
EPA awarded the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) $2,765,000. In addition to using funding for projects at legacy mine sites at Lynx Creek (Middle Gila Watershed), Cienega Creek (Santa Cruz watershed) and the Babocamari River (San Pedro watershed), Arizona will also use a portion of the funds to monitor progress at previously remediated sites and conduct pollution source identification.
EPA awarded $9,008,000 to the California Water Boards to support implementation of California’s NPS management program plan. Over $4 million will be used by partners conducting on-the-ground implementation projects, including projects to reduce excess sediment loading and enhance habitat in the Noyo River, Big River and Navarro River watersheds in Mendocino County, and tributaries to the Truckee River, the Napa River, Sonoma Creek and the Ventura River. The California Water Boards are currently accepting proposals through Dec 19, 2022, for future NPS projects. The State will also use grant funds to advance implementation of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Policy (e.g., septic systems) and other efforts addressing priority NPS pollution such as nutrients, sediments, pathogens (bacteria), salts, and pesticides.
EPA awarded $1.3 million to the Hawai’i Department of Health to support implementation of Hawai’i’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan. Grant funds will support several on-the-ground projects working to reduce NPS pollution and restore water quality in priority watersheds with watershed-based plans. Hawai’i recently completed its annual solicitation seeking proposals for watershed implementation projects. More information on projects Hawai’i has funded is available at the projects viewer. Hawai’i will also use funds to implement the recently approved NPS requirements under Hawai’i Administrative Rules 11-56.
EPA awarded $1,432,000 to the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) to support implementation of Nevada’s Nonpoint Source State Management Plan. Nevada will focus these resources on priority watersheds, environmental education, and providing for enhanced coordination to identify the most effective methods to address NPS pollution. The State is currently reviewing proposals for projects with emphasis on the Las Vegas Wash, Carson River Basin, Lake Tahoe Basin, and Truckee River watersheds, and programs to reduce nonpoint sources of pollution, which is the leading cause of water quality impairments in the state (2022 319(h) Grant Funding Opportunity).
Background
Nonpoint source pollution can impact lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Controlling nonpoint source pollution is especially important due to the harmful effects that the pollutants have on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.
These grants are part of EPA's 2022 Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant Program. Congress enacted Section 319 of the Clean Water Act in 1987 to control nonpoint sources of water pollution. For examples of how EPA Region 9 States have used Clean Water Act Section 319 grant funds to improve water quality visit EPA’s Success Stories about Restoring Water Bodies Impaired by Nonpoint Source Pollution webpage.
For more information on watershed projects, visit EPA’s Nonpoint Source (NPS) Watershed Projects : Interactive Map and Reporting webpage.
For more information on polluted runoff, visit EPA’s Nonpoint Source Pollution webpage.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
"Arizona appreciates EPA's continued support of our work to improve the quality of important surface waters," said ADEQ Water Division Director Trevor Baggiore. "ADEQ will use these funds to continue surface water remediation projects that are reducing heavy metals in waters near legacy mine sites and reducing E. coli in Oak Creek, a designated Outstanding Arizona Water and popular recreation area. Our on-the-ground projects have already produced measurable improvements in surface water quality, including the return of fish and wildlife to these areas and significantly less E. coli in Oak Creek."
“These funds will accelerate California’s efforts to reduce the impacts of runoff pollution on the state’s water bodies,” said Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the California State Water Resources Control Board. “It will help us prevent future harmful algal blooms, collaborate with ranching and agriculture communities to implement sustainable operating practices, and restore watersheds affected by historic and active mining and timber activities. We are grateful for the reliable support of our federal partners for our work to protect California’s waters.”
“Nonpoint source pollution is the major cause of brown water advisories and overall water quality degradation in Hawai’i. These Federal grant funds will be combined with State funding to protect water quality and restore healthy ecosystems in watersheds throughout Hawai’i,” said Kathleen Ho, Deputy Director, Hawai’i Department of Health.
“Nonpoint sources continue to be a leading cause of water quality impairment which can be particularly challenging to manage since it cannot be traced to a specific source,” said NDEP Nonpoint Source Pollution Program Manager Jon Paul Kiel. “Grants from EPA, leveraged with local funding sources, support the implementation of NDEP’s Nonpoint Source State Management Plan to reduce these sources of pollution.”
“These grants will do much to advance our shared goal of protecting water resources in Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii,” said EPA Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Combined with state matching funds, EPA’s awards will help put into place the best practices needed to reduce runoff-related pollution and improve water quality for our communities.”
EPA awarded the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) $2,765,000. In addition to using funding for projects at legacy mine sites at Lynx Creek (Middle Gila Watershed), Cienega Creek (Santa Cruz watershed) and the Babocamari River (San Pedro watershed), Arizona will also use a portion of the funds to monitor progress at previously remediated sites and conduct pollution source identification.
EPA awarded $9,008,000 to the California Water Boards to support implementation of California’s NPS management program plan. Over $4 million will be used by partners conducting on-the-ground implementation projects, including projects to reduce excess sediment loading and enhance habitat in the Noyo River, Big River and Navarro River watersheds in Mendocino County, and tributaries to the Truckee River, the Napa River, Sonoma Creek and the Ventura River. The California Water Boards are currently accepting proposals through Dec 19, 2022, for future NPS projects. The State will also use grant funds to advance implementation of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Policy (e.g., septic systems) and other efforts addressing priority NPS pollution such as nutrients, sediments, pathogens (bacteria), salts, and pesticides.
EPA awarded $1.3 million to the Hawai’i Department of Health to support implementation of Hawai’i’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan. Grant funds will support several on-the-ground projects working to reduce NPS pollution and restore water quality in priority watersheds with watershed-based plans. Hawai’i recently completed its annual solicitation seeking proposals for watershed implementation projects. More information on projects Hawai’i has funded is available at the projects viewer. Hawai’i will also use funds to implement the recently approved NPS requirements under Hawai’i Administrative Rules 11-56.
EPA awarded $1,432,000 to the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) to support implementation of Nevada’s Nonpoint Source State Management Plan. Nevada will focus these resources on priority watersheds, environmental education, and providing for enhanced coordination to identify the most effective methods to address NPS pollution. The State is currently reviewing proposals for projects with emphasis on the Las Vegas Wash, Carson River Basin, Lake Tahoe Basin, and Truckee River watersheds, and programs to reduce nonpoint sources of pollution, which is the leading cause of water quality impairments in the state (2022 319(h) Grant Funding Opportunity).
Background
Nonpoint source pollution can impact lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Controlling nonpoint source pollution is especially important due to the harmful effects that the pollutants have on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.
These grants are part of EPA's 2022 Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant Program. Congress enacted Section 319 of the Clean Water Act in 1987 to control nonpoint sources of water pollution. For examples of how EPA Region 9 States have used Clean Water Act Section 319 grant funds to improve water quality visit EPA’s Success Stories about Restoring Water Bodies Impaired by Nonpoint Source Pollution webpage.
For more information on watershed projects, visit EPA’s Nonpoint Source (NPS) Watershed Projects : Interactive Map and Reporting webpage.
For more information on polluted runoff, visit EPA’s Nonpoint Source Pollution webpage.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
EPA Issues Burn Ban on Yakama Reservation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10, working with tribal air staff, has issued an air quality advisory and a ban on open burning on the Yakama Reservation due to the elevated pollution levels caused by regional fires. Weather forecasts indicate poor air quality will continue until Friday. This burn ban begins immediately and is in effect until noon on Friday.
The burn ban applies to all outdoor burning - including agricultural, camping and recreational fires - in all areas within external reservation boundaries regardless of ownership or tribal membership. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the burn ban. Burn bans for fire safety may also be in effect.
Air pollution can harm health and may have lasting effects. To protect vulnerable people, EPA requests that reservation residents reduce all additional sources of air pollution, such as automobile exhaust, as much as possible.
People who are at greater risk from the effects of smoke include those with heart disease or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant people. These sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exertion and minimize exposure to smoke as much as possible.
As smoke levels may be variable during this time period, regularly check current air quality conditions at https://fire.airnow.gov/. Take advantage of periods of better air quality for exercise or outdoor activities. If pollution levels increase, the EPA recommends restricting outdoor activity and using N95 masks when outdoor activity is necessary. To reduce exposure to smoke indoors, create and spend time in a clean air room. For more safety tips visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/when-smoke-is-in-the-air/.
When air quality is expected to remain poor for more than 24 hours, the EPA declares a ban on open burning to prevent further deterioration of air quality and associated impacts on human health. Air quality conditions are influenced by factors such as wind, temperature, and time of day, as well as the location, size, and control strategy for regional wildfires. EPA scientists use weather forecasts, satellite pictures, fire incident reports, and air quality models to forecast air quality for tribal communities and predict when burn bans should be declared.
For current burn ban status on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit
https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans. For burning restrictions in areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency or fire department. For smoke and fire information in Washington information visit https://enviwa.ecology.wa.gov/home/text/426#BurnBans
The burn ban applies to all outdoor burning - including agricultural, camping and recreational fires - in all areas within external reservation boundaries regardless of ownership or tribal membership. Ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from the burn ban. Burn bans for fire safety may also be in effect.
Air pollution can harm health and may have lasting effects. To protect vulnerable people, EPA requests that reservation residents reduce all additional sources of air pollution, such as automobile exhaust, as much as possible.
People who are at greater risk from the effects of smoke include those with heart disease or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant people. These sensitive groups should avoid outdoor exertion and minimize exposure to smoke as much as possible.
As smoke levels may be variable during this time period, regularly check current air quality conditions at https://fire.airnow.gov/. Take advantage of periods of better air quality for exercise or outdoor activities. If pollution levels increase, the EPA recommends restricting outdoor activity and using N95 masks when outdoor activity is necessary. To reduce exposure to smoke indoors, create and spend time in a clean air room. For more safety tips visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/when-smoke-is-in-the-air/.
When air quality is expected to remain poor for more than 24 hours, the EPA declares a ban on open burning to prevent further deterioration of air quality and associated impacts on human health. Air quality conditions are influenced by factors such as wind, temperature, and time of day, as well as the location, size, and control strategy for regional wildfires. EPA scientists use weather forecasts, satellite pictures, fire incident reports, and air quality models to forecast air quality for tribal communities and predict when burn bans should be declared.
For current burn ban status on tribal lands, please call the EPA FARR Hotline at 1-800-424-4372, or visit
https://www.epa.gov/farr/burn-bans-indian-reservations-id-or-and-wa#current-bans. For burning restrictions in areas outside reservation boundaries, please contact your local clean air agency or fire department. For smoke and fire information in Washington information visit https://enviwa.ecology.wa.gov/home/text/426#BurnBans