EPA to Review Cleanups at 45 Southeast Superfund Sites
ATLANTA (Oct. 19, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that comprehensive reviews will be conducted of completed cleanup work at 45 National Priority List (NPL) Superfund sites in the Southeast.
The sites, located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, will undergo a legally required Five-Year Review to ensure that previous remediation efforts at the sites continue to protect public health and the environment.
"The Southeast Region will benefit tremendously from the full restoration of Superfund sites, which can become valuable parts of the community landscape," said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackmon. “The Five-Year Review evaluations ensure that remedies put in place to protect public health remain effective over time.”
The Superfund Sites where EPA will conduct Five-Year Reviews in 2022 are listed below. The web links provide detailed information on site status as well as past assessment and cleanup activity. Once the Five-Year Review is complete, its findings will be posted in a final report at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/search-superfund-five-year-reviews.
Alabama
Alabama Army Ammunition Plant https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alabama-army-ammunition-plant
Alabama Plating Company, Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alabama-plating-co
Mowbray Engineering Co. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/mowbray-engineering
US NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
US Army/NASA Redstone Arsenal https://www.epa.gov/superfund/redstone-aresenal
Florida
ALARIC Area GW Plume https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alaric-area-groundwater-plume
Beulah Landfill https://www.epa.gov/superfund/beulah-landfill
Chevron Chemical Co. (Ortho Division) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/chevron-chemical-company
Florida Petroleum Reprocessors https://www.epa.gov/superfund/florida-petroleum-reprocessors
Miami Drum Services https://www.epa.gov/superfund/miami-drum-services
Pensacola Naval Air Station https://www.epa.gov/superfund/naval-air-station-pensacola
Raleigh Street Dump https://www.epa.gov/superfund/raleigh-street-dump
Taylor Road Landfill https://www.epa.gov/superfund/taylor-road-landfill
Tower Chemical Co. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/tower-chemical-company
Georgia
Alternate Energy Resources Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alternate-energy-resources
Peach Orchard & Nutrition Co. Rd PCE Groundwater Plume Site https://www.epa.gov/superfund/peach-orchard-road-pce-plume
Powersville Site https://www.epa.gov/superfund/powersville-site
T.H. Agriculture & Nutrition Co (Albany Plant) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/t-h-agriculture
Kentucky
A.L. Taylor (Valley of the Drums) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/al-taylor-valley-of-drums
Brantley Landfill https://www.epa.gov/superfund/brantley-landfill
Distler Brickyard https://www.epa.gov/superfund/distler-brickyard
Distler Farm https://www.epa.gov/superfun https://www.epa.gov/superfund/lee-lane-landfilld/distler-farm
Lee’s Lane Landfill https://www.epa.gov/superfund/lee-lane-landfill
National Electric Coil Co./Cooper Industries https://www.epa.gov/superfund/national-electric-coil-cooper-industries
Tri City Disposal Co. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/tri-city-disposal
North Carolina
ABC One Hour Cleaners https://www.epa.gov/superfund/abc-one-hour-cleaners
Aberdeen Pesticide Dumps https://www.epa.gov/superfund/aberdeen-contaminated-groundwater
Benfield Industries, Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/benfield-industries
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station https://www.epa.gov/superfund/cherry-point-marine-corps
CTS of Ashville, Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/cts-millsgap
GEIGY Chemical Corp (Aberdeen Plant) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/ciba-geigy-corporation
Gurley Pesticide Burial https://www.epa.gov/superfund/gurley-pesticide-burial
North Carolina State University (Lot 86, Farm Unit #1) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/north-carolina-state-university
Sigmon’s Septic Tank Service https://www.epa.gov/superfund/sigmon-septic-tank
South Carolina
Admiral Home Appliances https://www.epa.gov/superfund/admiral-home-appliances
Beaunit Corp (Circular Knit & Dyeing Plant) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/beaunit
Carolawn Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/carolawn
Elmore Waste Disposal https://www.epa.gov/superfund/elmore-waste-disposal
International Minerals and Chemicals (IMC) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/imc
Kalama Specialty Chemicals https://www.epa.gov/superfund/kalama-specialty-chemicals
Koppers Company, Inc. (Charleston Plant) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/koppers-charleston-plant
Savannah River Site (USDOE) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/savannah-river-site
SCRDI Bluff Road https://www.epa.gov/superfund/scrdi-dixiana
Tennessee
Mallory Capacitor Co. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/mallory-capacitor
Memphis Defense Depot (DLA) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/memphis-defense-depot
Background
Throughout the process of designing and constructing a cleanup at a hazardous waste site, EPA’s primary goal is to make sure the remedy will be protective of public health and the environment. At many sites, where the remedy has been constructed, EPA continues to ensure it remains protective by requiring reviews of cleanups every five years. It is important for EPA to regularly check on these sites to ensure the remedy is working properly. These reviews identify issues (if any) that may affect the protectiveness of the completed remedy and, if necessary, recommend action(s) necessary to address them.
There are many phases of the Superfund cleanup process including considering future use and redevelopment at sites and conducting post cleanup monitoring of sites. EPA must ensure the remedy is protective of public health and the environment and any redevelopment will uphold the protectiveness of the remedy into the future.
The Superfund program, a federal program established by Congress in 1980, investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the country and endeavors to facilitate activities to return them to productive use. In total, there are more than 280 Superfund sites across the Southeast.
More information:
EPA’s Superfund program: https://www.epa.gov/superfund
The sites, located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, will undergo a legally required Five-Year Review to ensure that previous remediation efforts at the sites continue to protect public health and the environment.
"The Southeast Region will benefit tremendously from the full restoration of Superfund sites, which can become valuable parts of the community landscape," said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackmon. “The Five-Year Review evaluations ensure that remedies put in place to protect public health remain effective over time.”
The Superfund Sites where EPA will conduct Five-Year Reviews in 2022 are listed below. The web links provide detailed information on site status as well as past assessment and cleanup activity. Once the Five-Year Review is complete, its findings will be posted in a final report at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/search-superfund-five-year-reviews.
Alabama
Alabama Army Ammunition Plant https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alabama-army-ammunition-plant
Alabama Plating Company, Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alabama-plating-co
Mowbray Engineering Co. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/mowbray-engineering
US NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
US Army/NASA Redstone Arsenal https://www.epa.gov/superfund/redstone-aresenal
Florida
ALARIC Area GW Plume https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alaric-area-groundwater-plume
Beulah Landfill https://www.epa.gov/superfund/beulah-landfill
Chevron Chemical Co. (Ortho Division) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/chevron-chemical-company
Florida Petroleum Reprocessors https://www.epa.gov/superfund/florida-petroleum-reprocessors
Miami Drum Services https://www.epa.gov/superfund/miami-drum-services
Pensacola Naval Air Station https://www.epa.gov/superfund/naval-air-station-pensacola
Raleigh Street Dump https://www.epa.gov/superfund/raleigh-street-dump
Taylor Road Landfill https://www.epa.gov/superfund/taylor-road-landfill
Tower Chemical Co. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/tower-chemical-company
Georgia
Alternate Energy Resources Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/alternate-energy-resources
Peach Orchard & Nutrition Co. Rd PCE Groundwater Plume Site https://www.epa.gov/superfund/peach-orchard-road-pce-plume
Powersville Site https://www.epa.gov/superfund/powersville-site
T.H. Agriculture & Nutrition Co (Albany Plant) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/t-h-agriculture
Kentucky
A.L. Taylor (Valley of the Drums) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/al-taylor-valley-of-drums
Brantley Landfill https://www.epa.gov/superfund/brantley-landfill
Distler Brickyard https://www.epa.gov/superfund/distler-brickyard
Distler Farm https://www.epa.gov/superfun https://www.epa.gov/superfund/lee-lane-landfilld/distler-farm
Lee’s Lane Landfill https://www.epa.gov/superfund/lee-lane-landfill
National Electric Coil Co./Cooper Industries https://www.epa.gov/superfund/national-electric-coil-cooper-industries
Tri City Disposal Co. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/tri-city-disposal
North Carolina
ABC One Hour Cleaners https://www.epa.gov/superfund/abc-one-hour-cleaners
Aberdeen Pesticide Dumps https://www.epa.gov/superfund/aberdeen-contaminated-groundwater
Benfield Industries, Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/benfield-industries
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station https://www.epa.gov/superfund/cherry-point-marine-corps
CTS of Ashville, Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/cts-millsgap
GEIGY Chemical Corp (Aberdeen Plant) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/ciba-geigy-corporation
Gurley Pesticide Burial https://www.epa.gov/superfund/gurley-pesticide-burial
North Carolina State University (Lot 86, Farm Unit #1) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/north-carolina-state-university
Sigmon’s Septic Tank Service https://www.epa.gov/superfund/sigmon-septic-tank
South Carolina
Admiral Home Appliances https://www.epa.gov/superfund/admiral-home-appliances
Beaunit Corp (Circular Knit & Dyeing Plant) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/beaunit
Carolawn Inc. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/carolawn
Elmore Waste Disposal https://www.epa.gov/superfund/elmore-waste-disposal
International Minerals and Chemicals (IMC) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/imc
Kalama Specialty Chemicals https://www.epa.gov/superfund/kalama-specialty-chemicals
Koppers Company, Inc. (Charleston Plant) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/koppers-charleston-plant
Savannah River Site (USDOE) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/savannah-river-site
SCRDI Bluff Road https://www.epa.gov/superfund/scrdi-dixiana
Tennessee
Mallory Capacitor Co. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/mallory-capacitor
Memphis Defense Depot (DLA) https://www.epa.gov/superfund/memphis-defense-depot
Background
Throughout the process of designing and constructing a cleanup at a hazardous waste site, EPA’s primary goal is to make sure the remedy will be protective of public health and the environment. At many sites, where the remedy has been constructed, EPA continues to ensure it remains protective by requiring reviews of cleanups every five years. It is important for EPA to regularly check on these sites to ensure the remedy is working properly. These reviews identify issues (if any) that may affect the protectiveness of the completed remedy and, if necessary, recommend action(s) necessary to address them.
There are many phases of the Superfund cleanup process including considering future use and redevelopment at sites and conducting post cleanup monitoring of sites. EPA must ensure the remedy is protective of public health and the environment and any redevelopment will uphold the protectiveness of the remedy into the future.
The Superfund program, a federal program established by Congress in 1980, investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the country and endeavors to facilitate activities to return them to productive use. In total, there are more than 280 Superfund sites across the Southeast.
More information:
EPA’s Superfund program: https://www.epa.gov/superfund
EPA Awards $1 Million to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for COVID-19 Research on Wastewater Systems to Track Current and Future Pandemics
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1,000,000 in research grant funding to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to improve wastewater monitoring to rapidly detect the emergence and spread of infectious disease in the current COVID-19 pandemic, and to detect other pathogens that could cause future pandemics.
“As research by EPA and others have demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater monitoring is an invaluable approach for detecting and tracking infectious disease and ultimately protecting public health,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This forward-looking EPA research grant will improve understanding of the presence of disease-causing pathogens in U.S. communities and support public health officials as they make decisions during pandemics.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for tools to monitor the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Innovative research is needed to help create effective wastewater sampling networks to allow for early detection of the spread of infection from national to local levels. Additionally, the data collected during wastewater sampling needs to be made available in a format that can be readily used by public health agencies nationwide to address pandemics. The research awarded under this grant will improve how wastewater surveillance systems are used to detect pathogens in community populations.
Using funding from this grant, researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign plan to develop a system to rank locations where wastewater monitoring should take place to detect disease-causing pathogens. The research will focus on improving the accuracy of predictions using an integrated analysis of data including weather, human mobility, health care, infrastructure, population density, socio-demographics and information from the current COVID-19 pandemic. Results from the project are expected to include a transmission forecasting model for wastewater monitoring, a tested system to identify optimal monitoring sites, and a secure platform for data storage and analysis to provide actionable wastewater monitoring information to public health officials for pandemic management. Results will be communicated to public health officials through the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), which is collaborating with the grantee on this project. Other collaborators include researchers at the University of Florida and Portland State University in Oregon.
Learn more about the research grant recipient.
Learn more about EPA research grants.
“As research by EPA and others have demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater monitoring is an invaluable approach for detecting and tracking infectious disease and ultimately protecting public health,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This forward-looking EPA research grant will improve understanding of the presence of disease-causing pathogens in U.S. communities and support public health officials as they make decisions during pandemics.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for tools to monitor the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Innovative research is needed to help create effective wastewater sampling networks to allow for early detection of the spread of infection from national to local levels. Additionally, the data collected during wastewater sampling needs to be made available in a format that can be readily used by public health agencies nationwide to address pandemics. The research awarded under this grant will improve how wastewater surveillance systems are used to detect pathogens in community populations.
Using funding from this grant, researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign plan to develop a system to rank locations where wastewater monitoring should take place to detect disease-causing pathogens. The research will focus on improving the accuracy of predictions using an integrated analysis of data including weather, human mobility, health care, infrastructure, population density, socio-demographics and information from the current COVID-19 pandemic. Results from the project are expected to include a transmission forecasting model for wastewater monitoring, a tested system to identify optimal monitoring sites, and a secure platform for data storage and analysis to provide actionable wastewater monitoring information to public health officials for pandemic management. Results will be communicated to public health officials through the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), which is collaborating with the grantee on this project. Other collaborators include researchers at the University of Florida and Portland State University in Oregon.
Learn more about the research grant recipient.
Learn more about EPA research grants.
New York receives over $200 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding
NEW YORK - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced New York has received nearly $207 million in clean water funding awarded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for water infrastructure improvements. This is the first installment of a total of nearly $427 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding going to New York for water infrastructure, with an additional $220 million expected to be awarded later this fall.
EPA Office of Water Assistant Administrator Radhika Fox highlighted the funding award at an event in Buffalo, New York where she joined Congressman Brian Higgins and Mayor Byron Brown to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Clean Water Act and to break ground on a Bird Island Treatment Facility rehabilitation and upgrades project, funded partly by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia and New York Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen Coleman also attended the celebration.
“The upgrades to the Bird Island Treatment Facility will not only improve water quality for residents of Buffalo, they will also help downstream communities and Lake Ontario for generations to come,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “I want to congratulate the city of Buffalo and the State of New York on this project, which is one of the first water infrastructure projects to receive Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. We look forward to many more water projects as New York invests $427 million—the first of five years of funding through this historic law.”
“Improving water quality remains a top priority in New York as we continue to modernize our infrastructure to provide safe and reliable water systems statewide,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “This significant investment, awarded through the groundbreaking Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow us to do even more to protect our natural resources, promote sustainable and resilient communities in the face of climate change, and ensure each and every New Yorker has access to clean water for generations to come.”
“As the administrator of the State Revolving Funds, EFC celebrates with EPA today the historic level of federal funding awarded to New York from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These federal funds when added to the nation-leading capital investment in clean water infrastructure at the state level will help New York build on the incredible progress we’ve made on our water infrastructure under the leadership of Governor Hochul,” said NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman. “For eligible municipalities, the coupling of state grants with federal grants available to disadvantaged communities will mean the difference between a community with antiquated or failing facilities and one being able to move forward with constructing new resilient infrastructure.”
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates more than $50 billion to EPA toward repairing the nation’s essential water infrastructure, which helps communities access clean, safe and reliable drinking water, increase resilience, collect and treat wastewater to protect public health, clean up pollution, and safeguard vital waterways.
EPA has awarded New York nearly $207 million in capitalization grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through its Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. These grants supplement nearly $128 million in regular funding to New York’s Clean Water SRF program in fiscal year (FY) 2022. EPA expects to award New York an additional $220 million in FY 2022 capitalization grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Drinking Water SRF, which will supplement nearly $29 million in regular funding to New York’s Drinking Water SRF program in FY 2022.
Planned projects in New York that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund include projects like the secondary treatment system rehabilitation and upgrades project at the Bird Island Treatment Facility where officials gathered to celebrate the project’s groundbreaking.
EPA’s SRFs are part of President Biden’s Justice40 initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40% of the benefits from certain federal programs to underserved communities. Furthermore, nearly half the funding available through the SRFs thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law must be grants or principal forgiveness loans that remove barriers to investing in essential water infrastructure in underserved communities across rural America and in urban centers.
New York has submitted and obtained EPA’s approval of its plans for the use of the FY 2022 funding announced today. Capitalization grants will continue to be awarded, on a rolling, state-by-state basis, as more states receive approval throughout FY 2023; states will also receive awards over the course of the next four years. Once grants are awarded, state programs will begin to deliver the funds as grants and loans to communities across their state.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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EPA Office of Water Assistant Administrator Radhika Fox highlighted the funding award at an event in Buffalo, New York where she joined Congressman Brian Higgins and Mayor Byron Brown to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Clean Water Act and to break ground on a Bird Island Treatment Facility rehabilitation and upgrades project, funded partly by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia and New York Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen Coleman also attended the celebration.
“The upgrades to the Bird Island Treatment Facility will not only improve water quality for residents of Buffalo, they will also help downstream communities and Lake Ontario for generations to come,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “I want to congratulate the city of Buffalo and the State of New York on this project, which is one of the first water infrastructure projects to receive Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. We look forward to many more water projects as New York invests $427 million—the first of five years of funding through this historic law.”
“Improving water quality remains a top priority in New York as we continue to modernize our infrastructure to provide safe and reliable water systems statewide,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “This significant investment, awarded through the groundbreaking Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow us to do even more to protect our natural resources, promote sustainable and resilient communities in the face of climate change, and ensure each and every New Yorker has access to clean water for generations to come.”
“As the administrator of the State Revolving Funds, EFC celebrates with EPA today the historic level of federal funding awarded to New York from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These federal funds when added to the nation-leading capital investment in clean water infrastructure at the state level will help New York build on the incredible progress we’ve made on our water infrastructure under the leadership of Governor Hochul,” said NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman. “For eligible municipalities, the coupling of state grants with federal grants available to disadvantaged communities will mean the difference between a community with antiquated or failing facilities and one being able to move forward with constructing new resilient infrastructure.”
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates more than $50 billion to EPA toward repairing the nation’s essential water infrastructure, which helps communities access clean, safe and reliable drinking water, increase resilience, collect and treat wastewater to protect public health, clean up pollution, and safeguard vital waterways.
EPA has awarded New York nearly $207 million in capitalization grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through its Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. These grants supplement nearly $128 million in regular funding to New York’s Clean Water SRF program in fiscal year (FY) 2022. EPA expects to award New York an additional $220 million in FY 2022 capitalization grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Drinking Water SRF, which will supplement nearly $29 million in regular funding to New York’s Drinking Water SRF program in FY 2022.
Planned projects in New York that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund include projects like the secondary treatment system rehabilitation and upgrades project at the Bird Island Treatment Facility where officials gathered to celebrate the project’s groundbreaking.
EPA’s SRFs are part of President Biden’s Justice40 initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40% of the benefits from certain federal programs to underserved communities. Furthermore, nearly half the funding available through the SRFs thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law must be grants or principal forgiveness loans that remove barriers to investing in essential water infrastructure in underserved communities across rural America and in urban centers.
New York has submitted and obtained EPA’s approval of its plans for the use of the FY 2022 funding announced today. Capitalization grants will continue to be awarded, on a rolling, state-by-state basis, as more states receive approval throughout FY 2023; states will also receive awards over the course of the next four years. Once grants are awarded, state programs will begin to deliver the funds as grants and loans to communities across their state.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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Biden-Harris Administration and EPA Announce Delivery of Historic Water Infrastructure Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Wisconsin
CHICAGO (October 19, 2022) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $79 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to the state of Wisconsin for water infrastructure improvements.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates more than $50 billion to EPA toward repairing the nation’s essential water infrastructure, in turn helping communities access clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, prevent flooding, collect and treat wastewater to protect public health, and safeguard vital waterways.
“President Biden has been clear—we cannot leave any community behind as we rebuild America's infrastructure with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. "Because of his Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly half of the additional SRF funding will now be grants or forgivable loans, making accessing these critical water resources easier for small, rural and disadvantaged communities."
“The historic investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is accelerating critical infrastructure upgrades in communities, especially those overburdened by water challenges,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is proud to partner with Wisconsin to maximize the benefits of these resources – including modernized infrastructure, lead service line replacement, and increased resiliency to climate impacts – in communities where they’re most needed.”
“Every Wisconsin community needs access to clean drinking water and an environment free of toxic chemicals. Now we have an investment from the EPA that will create jobs and help make that a reality,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “This is a major federal investment will help local communities in Wisconsin replace dangerous lead service lines and address PFAS contaminants so that we can provide safe and clean drinking water to people across our state. This federal funding will also help Wisconsin rebuild wastewater and storm water management systems, and build stronger infrastructure that is more resilient to damage from extreme weather events and flooding. We also have federal support to better protect our Great Lakes and waterways to ensure that they continue to serve as vital economic and recreational assets. I am proud to stand with the Biden Administration and deliver results for the people of Wisconsin.”
“All of our communities deserve clean drinking water. One of the reasons why I was excited to vote in support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was its major investments in improving our water infrastructure - a major priority for me and my district,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “These funds are long overdue and vital to protecting the health of my constituents and Wisconsinites statewide.”
“Every Wisconsinite should have access to safe, clean drinking water. Period. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made over the last three years to invest in our water infrastructure—from declaring 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water to investing in farmer-led water quality efforts to signing some of the first bipartisan bills addressing clean water in years,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “I look forward to continuing this important work with support from the historic level of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help us make significant progress on ensuring clean water for every kid, family, and community in our state.”
“These once in a generation investments will allow Wisconsin to increase our commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural resources in disadvantaged communities, accelerate progress on lead service line replacements, address PFAS contamination, and support infrastructure improvements for our local communities to plan for climate resiliency,” said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston D. Cole.
“Milwaukee’s history, industry and recreation were largely built around water, and water is key to our future,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “The investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will improve both access to, and the quality of, our most important natural resource. That will positively affect the life of every resident here in my city.”
“These investments will help address the water infrastructure crisis that is threatening our drinking water, our public health, and our communities,” said Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition Director Laura Rubin. “These investments will provide much-needed help to the people who have been most impacted by pollution and environmental harm – and will put the Great Lakes region on the path to providing clean, safe, and affordable drinking water for all.”
“Low-income, Black, and Brown communities in Milwaukee have been disproportionately burdened by crumbling and unsafe water infrastructure. It’s good to see this money coming in, but it’s just a start,” said Brenda Coley, Milwaukee Water Commons. “There is still a lot of work to be done to empower communities, invest funds where they’re needed most, and ensure that all have access to safe, clean water.”
Wisconsin has been awarded $79 million in capitalization grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through its State Revolving Funds (SRFs) program. These grants supplement $43 million in regular FY22 funding to Wisconsin’s SRFs program. An additional $64 million in FY22 capitalization grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are forthcoming.
EPA's SRFs are part of President Biden's Justice40 initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40% of the benefits from certain federal programs flow to underserved communities. Furthermore, nearly half the funding available through the SRFs thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law must be grants or principal forgiveness loans that remove barriers to investing in essential water infrastructure in underserved communities across America.
Wisconsin has submitted and obtained EPA’s approval of their plans for use of the FY22 funding announced today. Capitalization grants will continue to be awarded, on a rolling, state-by-state basis, as more states submit applications; states will also receive awards over the course of the next four years. Once grants are awarded, state programs will begin to deliver the funds as grants and loans to communities across their state.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates more than $50 billion to EPA toward repairing the nation’s essential water infrastructure, in turn helping communities access clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, prevent flooding, collect and treat wastewater to protect public health, and safeguard vital waterways.
“President Biden has been clear—we cannot leave any community behind as we rebuild America's infrastructure with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. "Because of his Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, nearly half of the additional SRF funding will now be grants or forgivable loans, making accessing these critical water resources easier for small, rural and disadvantaged communities."
“The historic investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is accelerating critical infrastructure upgrades in communities, especially those overburdened by water challenges,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is proud to partner with Wisconsin to maximize the benefits of these resources – including modernized infrastructure, lead service line replacement, and increased resiliency to climate impacts – in communities where they’re most needed.”
“Every Wisconsin community needs access to clean drinking water and an environment free of toxic chemicals. Now we have an investment from the EPA that will create jobs and help make that a reality,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “This is a major federal investment will help local communities in Wisconsin replace dangerous lead service lines and address PFAS contaminants so that we can provide safe and clean drinking water to people across our state. This federal funding will also help Wisconsin rebuild wastewater and storm water management systems, and build stronger infrastructure that is more resilient to damage from extreme weather events and flooding. We also have federal support to better protect our Great Lakes and waterways to ensure that they continue to serve as vital economic and recreational assets. I am proud to stand with the Biden Administration and deliver results for the people of Wisconsin.”
“All of our communities deserve clean drinking water. One of the reasons why I was excited to vote in support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was its major investments in improving our water infrastructure - a major priority for me and my district,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “These funds are long overdue and vital to protecting the health of my constituents and Wisconsinites statewide.”
“Every Wisconsinite should have access to safe, clean drinking water. Period. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made over the last three years to invest in our water infrastructure—from declaring 2019 the Year of Clean Drinking Water to investing in farmer-led water quality efforts to signing some of the first bipartisan bills addressing clean water in years,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “I look forward to continuing this important work with support from the historic level of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help us make significant progress on ensuring clean water for every kid, family, and community in our state.”
“These once in a generation investments will allow Wisconsin to increase our commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural resources in disadvantaged communities, accelerate progress on lead service line replacements, address PFAS contamination, and support infrastructure improvements for our local communities to plan for climate resiliency,” said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston D. Cole.
“Milwaukee’s history, industry and recreation were largely built around water, and water is key to our future,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “The investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will improve both access to, and the quality of, our most important natural resource. That will positively affect the life of every resident here in my city.”
“These investments will help address the water infrastructure crisis that is threatening our drinking water, our public health, and our communities,” said Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition Director Laura Rubin. “These investments will provide much-needed help to the people who have been most impacted by pollution and environmental harm – and will put the Great Lakes region on the path to providing clean, safe, and affordable drinking water for all.”
“Low-income, Black, and Brown communities in Milwaukee have been disproportionately burdened by crumbling and unsafe water infrastructure. It’s good to see this money coming in, but it’s just a start,” said Brenda Coley, Milwaukee Water Commons. “There is still a lot of work to be done to empower communities, invest funds where they’re needed most, and ensure that all have access to safe, clean water.”
Wisconsin has been awarded $79 million in capitalization grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through its State Revolving Funds (SRFs) program. These grants supplement $43 million in regular FY22 funding to Wisconsin’s SRFs program. An additional $64 million in FY22 capitalization grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are forthcoming.
EPA's SRFs are part of President Biden's Justice40 initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40% of the benefits from certain federal programs flow to underserved communities. Furthermore, nearly half the funding available through the SRFs thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law must be grants or principal forgiveness loans that remove barriers to investing in essential water infrastructure in underserved communities across America.
Wisconsin has submitted and obtained EPA’s approval of their plans for use of the FY22 funding announced today. Capitalization grants will continue to be awarded, on a rolling, state-by-state basis, as more states submit applications; states will also receive awards over the course of the next four years. Once grants are awarded, state programs will begin to deliver the funds as grants and loans to communities across their state.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest-ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and other programs that help communities manage their water resources on EPA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law page.
EPA Region 7 and Haskell Indian Nations University Partner to Promote Student Career Opportunities and Environmental Outreach on Campus
EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister and Haskell Indian Nations University Interim President Julia Good Fox sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the organizations’ partnership to promote environmental outreach and student career opportunities during the signing ceremony at Haskell Auditorium on Oct. 19, 2022. (Photo credit: U.S. EPA)
LENEXA, KAN. (OCT. 19 , 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 and Haskell Indian Nations University (Haskell) have partnered to promote environmental collaboration and career opportunities for Haskell students.
A five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the partnership was signed on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at an event held on the Haskell campus in Lawrence, Kansas. EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister and Haskell Interim President Julia Good Fox signed the MOU. EPA Region 7 and Haskell signed their first MOU in 1999.
“We are so excited to continue our longstanding and fruitful history with Haskell Indian Nations University,” McCollister said. “We’ve been partners for more than 20 years, and our newest MOU carries on that tradition of working on community-driven events and programs that support equity in education and environmental justice, while maintaining federal respect for tribal sovereignty.”
"This reaffirmation of the partnership between Haskell and the EPA will continue to provide excellent opportunities for our undergraduates,” Good Fox said. “After the uncertainty of the past couple of years, we are truly excited to honor the importance of the MOU. The projects and initiatives from our partnership clearly reverberate beyond the University campus."
The MOU outlines eight areas for collaboration and partnership between EPA Region 7 and Haskell:
Joint Research Projects – EPA Region 7 and Haskell will coordinate on a regular basis to identify mutually beneficial research priorities.
Faculty Research Participation – EPA Region 7 and Haskell will encourage and facilitate visits to each other’s facilities for research-related consultations, meetings, workshops, tours, and project participation. Adjunct faculty appointments may be offered to EPA Region 7 personnel, in conjunction with classes or research.
Student Internships and Employment Preparation – EPA Region 7 will share information regarding programs that are designed for student employment, participation and training. Haskell will facilitate the participation of students and staff in EPA internship outreach opportunities.
Technical Assistance – EPA Region 7 and Haskell will consider opportunities to work together on research-related consultations, meetings, workshops and seminars.
Mini-Courses/Lectures/Seminars – EPA Region 7 and Haskell will consider opportunities to inform each other about training support, including research-related mini-courses, inspections/certification courses, lectures and seminars.
Outreach Program – EPA Region 7 will make best efforts to attend Haskell-sponsored career fairs and outreach events, and will encourage Haskell students to apply for internship opportunities.
Mentorship – EPA Region 7 may provide mentors for high-performing students identified by Haskell staff who are interested in a field of study related to EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment.
Environmental Student Initiatives – EPA Region 7 will support Haskell’s efforts to increase on-campus environmental awareness through activities such as helping educate Haskell students on environmental sustainability, climate change, and environmental management systems.
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Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
LENEXA, KAN. (OCT. 19 , 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 and Haskell Indian Nations University (Haskell) have partnered to promote environmental collaboration and career opportunities for Haskell students.
A five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the partnership was signed on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at an event held on the Haskell campus in Lawrence, Kansas. EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister and Haskell Interim President Julia Good Fox signed the MOU. EPA Region 7 and Haskell signed their first MOU in 1999.
“We are so excited to continue our longstanding and fruitful history with Haskell Indian Nations University,” McCollister said. “We’ve been partners for more than 20 years, and our newest MOU carries on that tradition of working on community-driven events and programs that support equity in education and environmental justice, while maintaining federal respect for tribal sovereignty.”
"This reaffirmation of the partnership between Haskell and the EPA will continue to provide excellent opportunities for our undergraduates,” Good Fox said. “After the uncertainty of the past couple of years, we are truly excited to honor the importance of the MOU. The projects and initiatives from our partnership clearly reverberate beyond the University campus."
The MOU outlines eight areas for collaboration and partnership between EPA Region 7 and Haskell:
Joint Research Projects – EPA Region 7 and Haskell will coordinate on a regular basis to identify mutually beneficial research priorities.
Faculty Research Participation – EPA Region 7 and Haskell will encourage and facilitate visits to each other’s facilities for research-related consultations, meetings, workshops, tours, and project participation. Adjunct faculty appointments may be offered to EPA Region 7 personnel, in conjunction with classes or research.
Student Internships and Employment Preparation – EPA Region 7 will share information regarding programs that are designed for student employment, participation and training. Haskell will facilitate the participation of students and staff in EPA internship outreach opportunities.
Technical Assistance – EPA Region 7 and Haskell will consider opportunities to work together on research-related consultations, meetings, workshops and seminars.
Mini-Courses/Lectures/Seminars – EPA Region 7 and Haskell will consider opportunities to inform each other about training support, including research-related mini-courses, inspections/certification courses, lectures and seminars.
Outreach Program – EPA Region 7 will make best efforts to attend Haskell-sponsored career fairs and outreach events, and will encourage Haskell students to apply for internship opportunities.
Mentorship – EPA Region 7 may provide mentors for high-performing students identified by Haskell staff who are interested in a field of study related to EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment.
Environmental Student Initiatives – EPA Region 7 will support Haskell’s efforts to increase on-campus environmental awareness through activities such as helping educate Haskell students on environmental sustainability, climate change, and environmental management systems.
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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 Announces $3.65 Million Grant to Rural Community Assistance Partnership to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water
LENEXA, KAN. (OCT. 21, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the projects selected to receive over $30 million in grant funding under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, including $3.65 million to the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP). This grant funding, and additional funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help make rapid progress on the goal of addressing lead and removing lead pipes across the country.
“A pillar of our work at EPA is ensuring that every person in every community has safe drinking water,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “The science on lead is settled – there is no safe level of exposure. This grant funding will help reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and should be used to support underserved communities that are most at risk for exposure.”
“Region 7 is a rural region and this grant to the Rural Community Assistance Partnership is an important way EPA is investing in reducing childhood lead exposure in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister.
“RCAP plays a key role in fostering the technical, managerial, and financial capacity for our nation’s small water systems,” said Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of RCAP. “We are pleased to lead and coordinate this project to help small water systems, rural schools, and child care centers overcome systemic lead-related challenges, and we thank EPA for investing in our rural infrastructure and communities.”
Other selected projects are:
National Priority Area 1 – Reduction of Lead Exposure in the Nation’s Drinking Water Systems through Infrastructure and Treatment Improvements
City of Trenton, New Jersey - $5,530,000
City of Fall River, Maine - $10,000,000
Detroit, Michigan, Water and Sewerage Dept. - $5,000,000
National Priority Area 2 – Reduction of Children’s Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities
Hawaii Dept. of Health - $2,000,000
School District of Philadelphia - $4,999,658
These selected projects will assist disadvantaged communities and schools with removing sources of lead in drinking water. These projects will work to further the goals of the Biden-Harris administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, in addition to the Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to deliver 40% of benefits from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities in need.
Learn more about this grant and EPA’s WIIN grant programs.
Background
Lead poses serious health risks to both children and adults – children are especially vulnerable. Low-income and other historically underserved communities typically experience high levels of lead in their drinking water because they are disproportionately served by lead service lines. The six new projects selected across the country will receive grant funding under the WIIN Act through the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water grant program.
To date, over 2,400 lead service line replacements have been completed as a result of support from that grant program.
In addition to this announcement of funding availability, the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water WIIN grant program also awarded over $1 million in grant awards toward tribal lead reduction projects coordinated through interagency agreements between Indian Health Services and EPA. Additionally, EPA is working with states, tribes, and territories to award additional grant funding through EPA’s two other drinking water grant programs established by WIIN – the Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care grant program and the Small, Underserved and Disadvantaged Communities (SUDC) Grant.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
“A pillar of our work at EPA is ensuring that every person in every community has safe drinking water,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “The science on lead is settled – there is no safe level of exposure. This grant funding will help reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and should be used to support underserved communities that are most at risk for exposure.”
“Region 7 is a rural region and this grant to the Rural Community Assistance Partnership is an important way EPA is investing in reducing childhood lead exposure in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister.
“RCAP plays a key role in fostering the technical, managerial, and financial capacity for our nation’s small water systems,” said Olga Morales-Pate, CEO of RCAP. “We are pleased to lead and coordinate this project to help small water systems, rural schools, and child care centers overcome systemic lead-related challenges, and we thank EPA for investing in our rural infrastructure and communities.”
Other selected projects are:
National Priority Area 1 – Reduction of Lead Exposure in the Nation’s Drinking Water Systems through Infrastructure and Treatment Improvements
City of Trenton, New Jersey - $5,530,000
City of Fall River, Maine - $10,000,000
Detroit, Michigan, Water and Sewerage Dept. - $5,000,000
National Priority Area 2 – Reduction of Children’s Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities
Hawaii Dept. of Health - $2,000,000
School District of Philadelphia - $4,999,658
These selected projects will assist disadvantaged communities and schools with removing sources of lead in drinking water. These projects will work to further the goals of the Biden-Harris administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan, in addition to the Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to deliver 40% of benefits from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities in need.
Learn more about this grant and EPA’s WIIN grant programs.
Background
Lead poses serious health risks to both children and adults – children are especially vulnerable. Low-income and other historically underserved communities typically experience high levels of lead in their drinking water because they are disproportionately served by lead service lines. The six new projects selected across the country will receive grant funding under the WIIN Act through the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water grant program.
To date, over 2,400 lead service line replacements have been completed as a result of support from that grant program.
In addition to this announcement of funding availability, the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water WIIN grant program also awarded over $1 million in grant awards toward tribal lead reduction projects coordinated through interagency agreements between Indian Health Services and EPA. Additionally, EPA is working with states, tribes, and territories to award additional grant funding through EPA’s two other drinking water grant programs established by WIIN – the Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care grant program and the Small, Underserved and Disadvantaged Communities (SUDC) Grant.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
UPS Settles with EPA to Correct Alleged Hazardous Waste Violations Nationwide
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) to resolve violations of hazardous waste regulations at 1,160 facilities across forty-five (45) states and the territory of Puerto Rico.
EPA’s consent agreement and final order with UPS resolves violations of hazardous waste regulations, including failure to make land disposal determinations, and conduct proper on-site management of hazardous waste, among other requirements. The company has 36 months to come into compliance across 1,160 locations and will pay a civil penalty of $5,323,008. UPS generates hazardous waste regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) when a package containing certain hazardous materials is damaged, as well as during day-to-day operations such as maintenance.
“This settlement is another example of EPA’s commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of hazardous waste,” said Larry Starfield, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s action requires UPS to address RCRA violations at all of its facilities, as well as implement policies that prevent future noncompliance.”
In 2021, EPA Region 6 entered into a settlement agreement with UPS for its facilities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Following this settlement, EPA expanded its investigation into other UPS facilities across the country and identified similar claims as was alleged in the Region 6 case. Many UPS facilities were generating and managing hazardous waste in all three generator categories without complying with all the RCRA requirements for each of the three generation categories. Using the e-Manifest system, EPA’s national system for electronically tracking hazardous waste shipments and other reporting databases, EPA was able to determine that these additional facilities also generated, accumulated, and offered for transport, treatment, and/or disposal certain hazardous waste streams, including ignitable, corrosive, and reactive substances, including acute hazardous wastes.
As a result of UPS’s cooperation and their willingness to apply the enhanced programs, which it has developed and is currently implementing at its facilities in Region 6 to address non-compliance, UPS has started similar implementations at its facilities nationwide.
Under the settlement, UPS has agreed to comply with all relevant state and federal RCRA laws and regulations with a focus on: (1) accurate hazardous waste determinations; (2) complete RCRA Notification; (3) proper employee training; (4) timely annual and biennial hazardous waste reporting; (5) Land Disposal Restrictions determination; (6) proper onsite management of hazardous waste; and (7) all applicable manifest requirements.
The signed Consent Agreement and Final Order can be found on the Environmental Appeals Board website.
EPA’s consent agreement and final order with UPS resolves violations of hazardous waste regulations, including failure to make land disposal determinations, and conduct proper on-site management of hazardous waste, among other requirements. The company has 36 months to come into compliance across 1,160 locations and will pay a civil penalty of $5,323,008. UPS generates hazardous waste regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) when a package containing certain hazardous materials is damaged, as well as during day-to-day operations such as maintenance.
“This settlement is another example of EPA’s commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of hazardous waste,” said Larry Starfield, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s action requires UPS to address RCRA violations at all of its facilities, as well as implement policies that prevent future noncompliance.”
In 2021, EPA Region 6 entered into a settlement agreement with UPS for its facilities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Following this settlement, EPA expanded its investigation into other UPS facilities across the country and identified similar claims as was alleged in the Region 6 case. Many UPS facilities were generating and managing hazardous waste in all three generator categories without complying with all the RCRA requirements for each of the three generation categories. Using the e-Manifest system, EPA’s national system for electronically tracking hazardous waste shipments and other reporting databases, EPA was able to determine that these additional facilities also generated, accumulated, and offered for transport, treatment, and/or disposal certain hazardous waste streams, including ignitable, corrosive, and reactive substances, including acute hazardous wastes.
As a result of UPS’s cooperation and their willingness to apply the enhanced programs, which it has developed and is currently implementing at its facilities in Region 6 to address non-compliance, UPS has started similar implementations at its facilities nationwide.
Under the settlement, UPS has agreed to comply with all relevant state and federal RCRA laws and regulations with a focus on: (1) accurate hazardous waste determinations; (2) complete RCRA Notification; (3) proper employee training; (4) timely annual and biennial hazardous waste reporting; (5) Land Disposal Restrictions determination; (6) proper onsite management of hazardous waste; and (7) all applicable manifest requirements.
The signed Consent Agreement and Final Order can be found on the Environmental Appeals Board website.
EPA Awards $750,000 Pollution Prevention Grants to Oregon, Idaho and the Knik Tribal Council, Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
This week at an event in Portland, Oregon, EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer announced that Oregon, Idaho, and the Knik Tribal Council have been awarded a total of $751,550 in pollution prevention (P2) grant funding. P2 grants allow states and tribes to provide businesses with technical assistance to help develop and adopt practices to prevent or reduce pollution before it is even created, while also reducing business costs. The grants announced today are in addition to $12 million in P2 grants announced in September under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s historic $100 million program investment in EPA’s P2 program.
“For more than 30 years, EPA’s Pollution Prevention grants have helped businesses implement P2 practices that reduce air and water pollution in communities, including those that are overburdened and vulnerable,” said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer. “Pollution prevention is an important way to help advance President Biden’s ambitious environmental goals of taking action on climate change and delivering on environmental justice.”
“We’re proud to support businesses, states and Tribes that are dedicated to preventing pollution in all of its forms,” said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “And we appreciate Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer coming out to the Northwest to see firsthand our partners’ important P2 work.”
“EPA’s presence today in Portland signifies a continued commitment to a program that’s good for the economy, public health and the environment to prevent pollution before it happens,” said Leah Feldon, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Interim Director. “Oregon DEQ’s P2 program helps local businesses become more sustainable and provides financial support to underserved communities.”
The U.S. produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling this pollution. Preventing pollution at the source, also known as P2 or source reduction, rather than managing waste after it is produced is an important part of advancing a sustainable economic and environmental infrastructure. P2 can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce financial costs for businesses, particularly costs associated with waste management, disposal, and cleanup. These practices are essential for protecting health and improving environmental conditions in and around disadvantaged communities.
EPA’s P2 funding supports the following programs and projects in Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska:
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ($350,000)
Oregon DEQ will continue the Oregon Applied Sustainability Experience P2 Internship Program, with program partner Oregon Sea Grant, to connect environmental science, chemistry, and engineering students with Oregon businesses to conduct P2 research projects. P2 projects focus on reducing toxic chemicals, energy, water use and waste; jointly benefitting the businesses' bottom line and preventing pollution. DEQ will also expand the successful EcoBiz certification program to provide direct technical assistance to automotive businesses in underserved communities. With P2 program partner Pollution Prevention Resource Center, DEQ will develop a regional green chemistry collaborative and support work with chemical manufacturers to help them gain EPA’s Safer Choice label.
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality ($71,550)
Idaho DEQ will continue its successful P2 for Businesses program to provide technical assistance to local facilities through industry roundtables, webinars, and onsite support to increase efficiency and reduce waste, emissions, and chemical use. As part of this program, DEQ will connect P2 technical assistance providers with businesses to develop P2 action plans specific and appropriate for each facility to increase efficiency, improve workplace safety, and reduce operating costs. Participating businesses will commit to implementing P2 actions that result in measurable reductions of the identified priority pollutant.
Knik Tribal Council ($330,000)
The Knik Tribal Council will partner with the Alaska Forum Green Star for Businesses program to support P2 outreach and technical assistance efforts at businesses located in rural and underserved Alaska communities and tribal villages. This program will support and promote the use and local sale of EPA Safer Choice-certified products.
Background
The P2 Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40 percent of the benefits of certain government programs to underserved communities. State and tribal programs awarded grants will not be required to provide matching funds, as is required by previous P2 grants. The ability to waive the match requirement under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in addition to the new National Emphasis Area for businesses in Indian country, helped to broaden and diversify the applicant pool. Many grants selected will support implementing pollution prevention practices in Indian country.
These grants are awarded from the first of five annual P2 grant installments funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA has announced two other new grant opportunities funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. One will encourage products, purchasing, and/or supply chains that are safer, more sustainable, and environmentally preferable and the other will encourage businesses that are working in, or working with, underserved and disadvantaged communities to adopt P2 practices. On Oct. 13, EPA announced the selection of 32 recipients that will receive over $9 million in traditional P2 grants.
Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program.
“For more than 30 years, EPA’s Pollution Prevention grants have helped businesses implement P2 practices that reduce air and water pollution in communities, including those that are overburdened and vulnerable,” said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer. “Pollution prevention is an important way to help advance President Biden’s ambitious environmental goals of taking action on climate change and delivering on environmental justice.”
“We’re proud to support businesses, states and Tribes that are dedicated to preventing pollution in all of its forms,” said EPA Regional Administrator Casey Sixkiller. “And we appreciate Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer coming out to the Northwest to see firsthand our partners’ important P2 work.”
“EPA’s presence today in Portland signifies a continued commitment to a program that’s good for the economy, public health and the environment to prevent pollution before it happens,” said Leah Feldon, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Interim Director. “Oregon DEQ’s P2 program helps local businesses become more sustainable and provides financial support to underserved communities.”
The U.S. produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling this pollution. Preventing pollution at the source, also known as P2 or source reduction, rather than managing waste after it is produced is an important part of advancing a sustainable economic and environmental infrastructure. P2 can lessen exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources, and reduce financial costs for businesses, particularly costs associated with waste management, disposal, and cleanup. These practices are essential for protecting health and improving environmental conditions in and around disadvantaged communities.
EPA’s P2 funding supports the following programs and projects in Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska:
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ($350,000)
Oregon DEQ will continue the Oregon Applied Sustainability Experience P2 Internship Program, with program partner Oregon Sea Grant, to connect environmental science, chemistry, and engineering students with Oregon businesses to conduct P2 research projects. P2 projects focus on reducing toxic chemicals, energy, water use and waste; jointly benefitting the businesses' bottom line and preventing pollution. DEQ will also expand the successful EcoBiz certification program to provide direct technical assistance to automotive businesses in underserved communities. With P2 program partner Pollution Prevention Resource Center, DEQ will develop a regional green chemistry collaborative and support work with chemical manufacturers to help them gain EPA’s Safer Choice label.
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality ($71,550)
Idaho DEQ will continue its successful P2 for Businesses program to provide technical assistance to local facilities through industry roundtables, webinars, and onsite support to increase efficiency and reduce waste, emissions, and chemical use. As part of this program, DEQ will connect P2 technical assistance providers with businesses to develop P2 action plans specific and appropriate for each facility to increase efficiency, improve workplace safety, and reduce operating costs. Participating businesses will commit to implementing P2 actions that result in measurable reductions of the identified priority pollutant.
Knik Tribal Council ($330,000)
The Knik Tribal Council will partner with the Alaska Forum Green Star for Businesses program to support P2 outreach and technical assistance efforts at businesses located in rural and underserved Alaska communities and tribal villages. This program will support and promote the use and local sale of EPA Safer Choice-certified products.
Background
The P2 Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40 percent of the benefits of certain government programs to underserved communities. State and tribal programs awarded grants will not be required to provide matching funds, as is required by previous P2 grants. The ability to waive the match requirement under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in addition to the new National Emphasis Area for businesses in Indian country, helped to broaden and diversify the applicant pool. Many grants selected will support implementing pollution prevention practices in Indian country.
These grants are awarded from the first of five annual P2 grant installments funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. EPA has announced two other new grant opportunities funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. One will encourage products, purchasing, and/or supply chains that are safer, more sustainable, and environmentally preferable and the other will encourage businesses that are working in, or working with, underserved and disadvantaged communities to adopt P2 practices. On Oct. 13, EPA announced the selection of 32 recipients that will receive over $9 million in traditional P2 grants.
Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program.