EPA Highlights Boston Harbor as a National Success Story to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act
BOSTON (Oct. 7, 2022)—Today at an event in East Boston, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox joined EPA Regional Administrator David Cash, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu, and others to feature Boston Harbor – the history of its cleanup and the investments for the future – as a national success story and part of the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act celebration tour.
“When Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972—with an overwhelming bipartisan majority—it charted a new path for America’s waters. As a result, we have seen transformational progress over the last 50 years—waters that were once polluted are now fishable and swimmable,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “President Biden and Congress have laid the foundation for the next 50 years of progress by investing $50 billion in EPA’s water programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
“The cleanup of Boston Harbor was transformational for the city of Boston,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Access to a swimmable and fishable harbor is now a vital part of our culture, and one we must protect and extend to every community – especially those who have been historically underserved.”
Five decades of Clean Water Act implementation have reduced direct pollution discharges to our nation’s waters and improved wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. This progress was built on strong partnerships between EPA and state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as community and environmental organizations, industry, and agriculture.
Boston Harbor was once one of the most polluted harbors in the country. Thanks to tireless efforts by federal, state and local officials as well as community and environmental organizations, it is now both fishable and swimmable. There is still work to be done to protect these resources, and ensure it is accessible and safe for Boston communities, including those who have historically faced environmental injustice. To that end, EPA is making historic investments in water infrastructure across the country through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These investments are the foundation for the future of clean water in places like Boston and its surrounding communities.
“Thanks to billions of dollars in federal and state investments in partnership with our communities, the Boston Harbor has been transformed from one of the dirtiest harbors in the country to one of the cleanest,” said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. “The harbor is now a safe and beautiful destination for recreational and economic opportunities. We have much to celebrate, but also more work ahead to ensure the harbor remains accessible to all communities, particularly those that have shouldered the disproportionate burden of pollution and climate change impacts.”
"The days of the Boston Harbor being used as a polluter's paradise are long over. Thanks to the last 50 years of the Clean Water Act, Boston Harbor is now one of the cleanest harbors in the United States," said U.S. Senator Edward Markey. "With climate change causing summers to be hotter and longer than ever before, it is vital that people have access to safe, clean waterways. I look forward to working with the EPA to continue to protect our waterways and expand access to historically underserved communities."
“Climate justice is a racial, health, and economic justice issue, and the Boston Harbor is a beautiful example of what happens when we make bold, intentional federal investments that make our communities safer and more resilient,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m proud to join the EPA, Senator Markey, Mayor Wu, and local leaders to celebrate the successful impact of the Clean Water Act on Boston and recommit ourselves to confronting the climate crisis head-on.”
“The extensive cleanup of the Boston Harbor is a tremendous example of the dedication and commitment among federal, state, and local partners to improve water quality and providing environmental, public health, and economic benefits,” said Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The Baker-Polito Administration has made it a priority to invest in clean water programs and projects across the Commonwealth so that we continue to protect special places like Boston Harbor and our many other water resources for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
“As a coastal city, Boston is creating a resilient, climate-ready waterfront that advances priorities for open space, mobility, affordable housing, social and racial equity, and natural resource conservation,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m proud to join our federal, state and local partners to mark the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and recommit to advancing our climate goals by creating healthy and resilient communities.”
EPA has been touring the country highlighting the tremendous impact of the Clean Water Act. The agency is also collaborating with its partners to chart a course for the next fifty years of progress for clean water. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided a historic investment in water infrastructure, including $12.7 billion through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs that were established by the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act. This funding is a significant investment in the future of clean water in the country. And our investments in improved, resilient infrastructure will have positive impacts on our waterways for years to come.
What They Are Saying:
“The Boston Harbor cleanup of the 1980s and 1990s is a phenomenal example of how we can accomplish the unthinkable by working together,” said Kathy Abbott, president and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “Its impact on our lives, and the city and region, is a reminder that with that same spirit of partnership, we can tackle this century’s climate crisis.”
“We celebrate the Clean Water Act everyday as a small grassroots coastal stewardship organization in East Boston, but today we are truly enthusiastic to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the CWA alongside our local, state and federal partners,” said Magdalena La Battaglia, Executive Director of Harbor Keepers. We spent many hours engaging with and empowering hundreds of local residents on the importance of fostering local coastal stewardship of the Boston Harbor, through shoreline clean-ups, waterfront advocacy and coastal educational initiatives. We could not have done that and more without the monumental task and success of the Clean Water Act’s protection of our waterways for 50 years.”
“The Clean Water Act is a critical tool in the fight for clean water, however by itself no law is enough to guarantee environmental victories. If it were, every harbor in the nation would be as clean as Boston Harbor is today. Sadly, many are not,” said Bruce Berman Director of Strategy & Communications at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. “The best protection we have is an unassailable and enduring consensus of thousands of people from every community and all walks of life who believe in the power of clean water to transform communities and improve people’s lives. That’s precisely what we have created here in the Bay State, where access to clean water is a core family value."
"Used for centuries as an open sewer, a clean Boston Harbor now stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Clean Water Act,” said Brad Campbell, President of Conservation Law Foundation. “Waters that were once a public health nightmare are now the centerpiece of Boston’s economic rebirth, but there is still more to do. The climate crisis is threatening to erase hard-earned progress, adding to the urgency and importance of the Biden Administration’s recent steps to curb pollution in the rivers flowing into Boston Harbor."
“Every Friday each summer about 100 kids and teens in our program sail to a harbor island, jump off the boat & swim ashore. It wouldn't have been safe to do that 50 years ago - or even 30 years ago,” said Alex DeFronzo, Executive Director of Piers Park Sailing Center. “The Clean Water Act and the Boston Harbor Cleanup are beautiful examples of repairing a past wrong and looking toward the future. With bold leadership, we can have a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The historic investments in the EPA give me great hope for the future.
“We are proud to be part of this celebration,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. “The Deer Island Treatment Plant embodies the essence of the Clean Water Act. In one generation, this state-of-the-art facility has transformed the dirtiest harbor in the country into a regional jewel.”
“Thanks to a cleaner Boston Harbor, once-vacant waterfront lands have now been transformed with housing; parks, open spaces, and a HarborWalk public access system; recreational and cultural facilities; and jobs such as in wind technology testing,” said Vivien Li, President of The Boston Harbor Association from 1991-2015. “While the progress to date as a result of the Clean Water Act has been very impressive, there is still more to be done to ensure a clean, resilient, and accessible waterfront benefiting all people, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a critical piece in making that goal a reality.”
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“When Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972—with an overwhelming bipartisan majority—it charted a new path for America’s waters. As a result, we have seen transformational progress over the last 50 years—waters that were once polluted are now fishable and swimmable,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “President Biden and Congress have laid the foundation for the next 50 years of progress by investing $50 billion in EPA’s water programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
“The cleanup of Boston Harbor was transformational for the city of Boston,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Access to a swimmable and fishable harbor is now a vital part of our culture, and one we must protect and extend to every community – especially those who have been historically underserved.”
Five decades of Clean Water Act implementation have reduced direct pollution discharges to our nation’s waters and improved wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. This progress was built on strong partnerships between EPA and state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as community and environmental organizations, industry, and agriculture.
Boston Harbor was once one of the most polluted harbors in the country. Thanks to tireless efforts by federal, state and local officials as well as community and environmental organizations, it is now both fishable and swimmable. There is still work to be done to protect these resources, and ensure it is accessible and safe for Boston communities, including those who have historically faced environmental injustice. To that end, EPA is making historic investments in water infrastructure across the country through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These investments are the foundation for the future of clean water in places like Boston and its surrounding communities.
“Thanks to billions of dollars in federal and state investments in partnership with our communities, the Boston Harbor has been transformed from one of the dirtiest harbors in the country to one of the cleanest,” said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. “The harbor is now a safe and beautiful destination for recreational and economic opportunities. We have much to celebrate, but also more work ahead to ensure the harbor remains accessible to all communities, particularly those that have shouldered the disproportionate burden of pollution and climate change impacts.”
"The days of the Boston Harbor being used as a polluter's paradise are long over. Thanks to the last 50 years of the Clean Water Act, Boston Harbor is now one of the cleanest harbors in the United States," said U.S. Senator Edward Markey. "With climate change causing summers to be hotter and longer than ever before, it is vital that people have access to safe, clean waterways. I look forward to working with the EPA to continue to protect our waterways and expand access to historically underserved communities."
“Climate justice is a racial, health, and economic justice issue, and the Boston Harbor is a beautiful example of what happens when we make bold, intentional federal investments that make our communities safer and more resilient,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m proud to join the EPA, Senator Markey, Mayor Wu, and local leaders to celebrate the successful impact of the Clean Water Act on Boston and recommit ourselves to confronting the climate crisis head-on.”
“The extensive cleanup of the Boston Harbor is a tremendous example of the dedication and commitment among federal, state, and local partners to improve water quality and providing environmental, public health, and economic benefits,” said Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The Baker-Polito Administration has made it a priority to invest in clean water programs and projects across the Commonwealth so that we continue to protect special places like Boston Harbor and our many other water resources for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
“As a coastal city, Boston is creating a resilient, climate-ready waterfront that advances priorities for open space, mobility, affordable housing, social and racial equity, and natural resource conservation,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m proud to join our federal, state and local partners to mark the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and recommit to advancing our climate goals by creating healthy and resilient communities.”
EPA has been touring the country highlighting the tremendous impact of the Clean Water Act. The agency is also collaborating with its partners to chart a course for the next fifty years of progress for clean water. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided a historic investment in water infrastructure, including $12.7 billion through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs that were established by the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act. This funding is a significant investment in the future of clean water in the country. And our investments in improved, resilient infrastructure will have positive impacts on our waterways for years to come.
What They Are Saying:
“The Boston Harbor cleanup of the 1980s and 1990s is a phenomenal example of how we can accomplish the unthinkable by working together,” said Kathy Abbott, president and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “Its impact on our lives, and the city and region, is a reminder that with that same spirit of partnership, we can tackle this century’s climate crisis.”
“We celebrate the Clean Water Act everyday as a small grassroots coastal stewardship organization in East Boston, but today we are truly enthusiastic to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the CWA alongside our local, state and federal partners,” said Magdalena La Battaglia, Executive Director of Harbor Keepers. We spent many hours engaging with and empowering hundreds of local residents on the importance of fostering local coastal stewardship of the Boston Harbor, through shoreline clean-ups, waterfront advocacy and coastal educational initiatives. We could not have done that and more without the monumental task and success of the Clean Water Act’s protection of our waterways for 50 years.”
“The Clean Water Act is a critical tool in the fight for clean water, however by itself no law is enough to guarantee environmental victories. If it were, every harbor in the nation would be as clean as Boston Harbor is today. Sadly, many are not,” said Bruce Berman Director of Strategy & Communications at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. “The best protection we have is an unassailable and enduring consensus of thousands of people from every community and all walks of life who believe in the power of clean water to transform communities and improve people’s lives. That’s precisely what we have created here in the Bay State, where access to clean water is a core family value."
"Used for centuries as an open sewer, a clean Boston Harbor now stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Clean Water Act,” said Brad Campbell, President of Conservation Law Foundation. “Waters that were once a public health nightmare are now the centerpiece of Boston’s economic rebirth, but there is still more to do. The climate crisis is threatening to erase hard-earned progress, adding to the urgency and importance of the Biden Administration’s recent steps to curb pollution in the rivers flowing into Boston Harbor."
“Every Friday each summer about 100 kids and teens in our program sail to a harbor island, jump off the boat & swim ashore. It wouldn't have been safe to do that 50 years ago - or even 30 years ago,” said Alex DeFronzo, Executive Director of Piers Park Sailing Center. “The Clean Water Act and the Boston Harbor Cleanup are beautiful examples of repairing a past wrong and looking toward the future. With bold leadership, we can have a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The historic investments in the EPA give me great hope for the future.
“We are proud to be part of this celebration,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. “The Deer Island Treatment Plant embodies the essence of the Clean Water Act. In one generation, this state-of-the-art facility has transformed the dirtiest harbor in the country into a regional jewel.”
“Thanks to a cleaner Boston Harbor, once-vacant waterfront lands have now been transformed with housing; parks, open spaces, and a HarborWalk public access system; recreational and cultural facilities; and jobs such as in wind technology testing,” said Vivien Li, President of The Boston Harbor Association from 1991-2015. “While the progress to date as a result of the Clean Water Act has been very impressive, there is still more to be done to ensure a clean, resilient, and accessible waterfront benefiting all people, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a critical piece in making that goal a reality.”
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EPA Orders East Chicago Sanitary District to Cease Discharges of Untreated Wastewater to the Grand Calumet River
CHICAGO (October 7, 2022) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an administrative order under its Clean Water Act authority to the East Chicago Sanitary District in East Chicago, Indiana, to stop an ongoing discharge of untreated wastewater to the Grand Calumet River following the rupture of a major sewer line. The agency urges residents and visitors to the area to avoid contact with the river until further notice.
On September 28, a semi-truck fell through a sinkhole and ruptured a 42-inch sewer pipe carrying raw wastewater to the East Chicago wastewater treatment plant. The incident caused raw sewage to flood the wastewater treatment plant site and Indianapolis Boulevard, which was temporarily blocked. Discharges are also flowing out of a combined sewer overflow point (located on the west side of the Cline Avenue frontage road) into the east branch of the Grand Calumet River at a rate of about 8 million gallons per day.
EPA’s order requires East Chicago Sanitary District (ECSD) to stop discharges of untreated sewage to the Grand Calumet River by October 11. ECSD will install bypass piping and begin repairs to the ruptured sewer pipe, which carries almost 80% of the system’s wastewater to the treatment plant. EPA’s order also requires ECSD to improve communication with the public by supplementing a public service advisory that was previously issued about the combined sewer overflow and posting results of daily sampling in the river online.
EPA is coordinating closely with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). IDEM on-scene coordinators responded to the spill on the first day and its wastewater treatment plant inspectors have been on-site each weekday since.
On September 28, a semi-truck fell through a sinkhole and ruptured a 42-inch sewer pipe carrying raw wastewater to the East Chicago wastewater treatment plant. The incident caused raw sewage to flood the wastewater treatment plant site and Indianapolis Boulevard, which was temporarily blocked. Discharges are also flowing out of a combined sewer overflow point (located on the west side of the Cline Avenue frontage road) into the east branch of the Grand Calumet River at a rate of about 8 million gallons per day.
EPA’s order requires East Chicago Sanitary District (ECSD) to stop discharges of untreated sewage to the Grand Calumet River by October 11. ECSD will install bypass piping and begin repairs to the ruptured sewer pipe, which carries almost 80% of the system’s wastewater to the treatment plant. EPA’s order also requires ECSD to improve communication with the public by supplementing a public service advisory that was previously issued about the combined sewer overflow and posting results of daily sampling in the river online.
EPA is coordinating closely with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). IDEM on-scene coordinators responded to the spill on the first day and its wastewater treatment plant inspectors have been on-site each weekday since.
EPA Highlights Boston Harbor as a National Success Story to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act
BOSTON (Oct. 7, 2022)—Today at an event in East Boston, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox joined EPA Regional Administrator David Cash, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu, and others to feature Boston Harbor – the history of its cleanup and the investments for the future – as a national success story and part of the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act celebration tour.
"When Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972—with an overwhelming bipartisan majority—it charted a new path for America's waters. As a result, we have seen transformational progress over the last 50 years—waters that were once polluted are now fishable and swimmable," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "President Biden and Congress have laid the foundation for the next 50 years of progress by investing $50 billion in EPA's water programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law."
"The cleanup of Boston Harbor was transformational for the city of Boston," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Access to a swimmable and fishable harbor is now a vital part of our culture, and one we must protect and extend to every community – especially those who have been historically underserved."
Five decades of Clean Water Act implementation have reduced direct pollution discharges to our nation's waters and improved wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. This progress was built on strong partnerships between EPA and state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as community and environmental organizations, industry, and agriculture.
Boston Harbor was once one of the most polluted harbors in the country. Thanks to tireless efforts by federal, state and local officials as well as community and environmental organizations, it is now both fishable and swimmable. There is still work to be done to protect these resources, and ensure it is accessible and safe for Boston communities, including those who have historically faced environmental injustice. To that end, EPA is making historic investments in water infrastructure across the country through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These investments are the foundation for the future of clean water in places like Boston and its surrounding communities.
"Thanks to billions of dollars in federal and state investments in partnership with our communities, the Boston Harbor has been transformed from one of the dirtiest harbors in the country to one of the cleanest," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. "The harbor is now a safe and beautiful destination for recreational and economic opportunities. We have much to celebrate, but also more work ahead to ensure the harbor remains accessible to all communities, particularly those that have shouldered the disproportionate burden of pollution and climate change impacts."
"The days of the Boston Harbor being used as a polluter's paradise are long over. Thanks to the last 50 years of the Clean Water Act, Boston Harbor is now one of the cleanest harbors in the United States," said U.S. Senator Edward Markey. "With climate change causing summers to be hotter and longer than ever before, it is vital that people have access to safe, clean waterways. I look forward to working with the EPA to continue to protect our waterways and expand access to historically underserved communities."
"Climate justice is a racial, health, and economic justice issue, and the Boston Harbor is a beautiful example of what happens when we make bold, intentional federal investments that make our communities safer and more resilient," said Congresswoman Pressley. "I'm proud to join the EPA, Senator Markey, Mayor Wu, and local leaders to celebrate the successful impact of the Clean Water Act on Boston and recommit ourselves to confronting the climate crisis head-on."
"The extensive cleanup of the Boston Harbor is a tremendous example of the dedication and commitment among federal, state, and local partners to improve water quality and providing environmental, public health, and economic benefits," said Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. "The Baker-Polito Administration has made it a priority to invest in clean water programs and projects across the Commonwealth so that we continue to protect special places like Boston Harbor and our many other water resources for residents and visitors to enjoy."
"As a coastal city, Boston is creating a resilient, climate-ready waterfront that advances priorities for open space, mobility, affordable housing, social and racial equity, and natural resource conservation," said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. "I'm proud to join our federal, state and local partners to mark the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and recommit to advancing our climate goals by creating healthy and resilient communities."
EPA has been touring the country highlighting the tremendous impact of the Clean Water Act. The agency is also collaborating with its partners to chart a course for the next fifty years of progress for clean water. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided a historic investment in water infrastructure, including $12.7 billion through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs that were established by the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act. This funding is a significant investment in the future of clean water in the country. And our investments in improved, resilient infrastructure will have positive impacts on our waterways for years to come.
What They Are Saying:
"The Boston Harbor cleanup of the 1980s and 1990s is a phenomenal example of how we can accomplish the unthinkable by working together," said Kathy Abbott, president and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. "Its impact on our lives, and the city and region, is a reminder that with that same spirit of partnership, we can tackle this century's climate crisis."
"We celebrate the Clean Water Act everyday as a small grassroots coastal stewardship organization in East Boston, but today we are truly enthusiastic to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the CWA alongside our local, state and federal partners," said Magdalena La Battaglia, Executive Director of Harbor Keepers. We spent many hours engaging with and empowering hundreds of local residents on the importance of fostering local coastal stewardship of the Boston Harbor, through shoreline clean-ups, waterfront advocacy and coastal educational initiatives. We could not have done that and more without the monumental task and success of the Clean Water Act's protection of our waterways for 50 years."
"The Clean Water Act is a critical tool in the fight for clean water, however by itself no law is enough to guarantee environmental victories. If it were, every harbor in the nation would be as clean as Boston Harbor is today. Sadly, many are not," said Bruce Berman Director of Strategy & Communications at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. "The best protection we have is an unassailable and enduring consensus of thousands of people from every community and all walks of life who believe in the power of clean water to transform communities and improve people's lives. That's precisely what we have created here in the Bay State, where access to clean water is a core family value."
"Used for centuries as an open sewer, a clean Boston Harbor now stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Clean Water Act," said Brad Campbell, President of Conservation Law Foundation. "Waters that were once a public health nightmare are now the centerpiece of Boston's economic rebirth, but there is still more to do. The climate crisis is threatening to erase hard-earned progress, adding to the urgency and importance of the Biden Administration's recent steps to curb pollution in the rivers flowing into Boston Harbor."
"Every Friday each summer about 100 kids and teens in our program sail to a harbor island, jump off the boat & swim ashore. It wouldn't have been safe to do that 50 years ago - or even 30 years ago," said Alex DeFronzo, Executive Director of Piers Park Sailing Center. "The Clean Water Act and the Boston Harbor Cleanup are beautiful examples of repairing a past wrong and looking toward the future. With bold leadership, we can have a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The historic investments in the EPA give me great hope for the future.
"We are proud to be part of this celebration," said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. "The Deer Island Treatment Plant embodies the essence of the Clean Water Act. In one generation, this state-of-the-art facility has transformed the dirtiest harbor in the country into a regional jewel."
"Thanks to a cleaner Boston Harbor, once-vacant waterfront lands have now been transformed with housing; parks, open spaces, and a HarborWalk public access system; recreational and cultural facilities; and jobs such as in wind technology testing," said Vivien Li, President of The Boston Harbor Association from 1991-2015. "While the progress to date as a result of the Clean Water Act has been very impressive, there is still more to be done to ensure a clean, resilient, and accessible waterfront benefiting all people, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a critical piece in making that goal a reality."
"When Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972—with an overwhelming bipartisan majority—it charted a new path for America's waters. As a result, we have seen transformational progress over the last 50 years—waters that were once polluted are now fishable and swimmable," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "President Biden and Congress have laid the foundation for the next 50 years of progress by investing $50 billion in EPA's water programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law."
"The cleanup of Boston Harbor was transformational for the city of Boston," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Access to a swimmable and fishable harbor is now a vital part of our culture, and one we must protect and extend to every community – especially those who have been historically underserved."
Five decades of Clean Water Act implementation have reduced direct pollution discharges to our nation's waters and improved wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. This progress was built on strong partnerships between EPA and state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as community and environmental organizations, industry, and agriculture.
Boston Harbor was once one of the most polluted harbors in the country. Thanks to tireless efforts by federal, state and local officials as well as community and environmental organizations, it is now both fishable and swimmable. There is still work to be done to protect these resources, and ensure it is accessible and safe for Boston communities, including those who have historically faced environmental injustice. To that end, EPA is making historic investments in water infrastructure across the country through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These investments are the foundation for the future of clean water in places like Boston and its surrounding communities.
"Thanks to billions of dollars in federal and state investments in partnership with our communities, the Boston Harbor has been transformed from one of the dirtiest harbors in the country to one of the cleanest," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. "The harbor is now a safe and beautiful destination for recreational and economic opportunities. We have much to celebrate, but also more work ahead to ensure the harbor remains accessible to all communities, particularly those that have shouldered the disproportionate burden of pollution and climate change impacts."
"The days of the Boston Harbor being used as a polluter's paradise are long over. Thanks to the last 50 years of the Clean Water Act, Boston Harbor is now one of the cleanest harbors in the United States," said U.S. Senator Edward Markey. "With climate change causing summers to be hotter and longer than ever before, it is vital that people have access to safe, clean waterways. I look forward to working with the EPA to continue to protect our waterways and expand access to historically underserved communities."
"Climate justice is a racial, health, and economic justice issue, and the Boston Harbor is a beautiful example of what happens when we make bold, intentional federal investments that make our communities safer and more resilient," said Congresswoman Pressley. "I'm proud to join the EPA, Senator Markey, Mayor Wu, and local leaders to celebrate the successful impact of the Clean Water Act on Boston and recommit ourselves to confronting the climate crisis head-on."
"The extensive cleanup of the Boston Harbor is a tremendous example of the dedication and commitment among federal, state, and local partners to improve water quality and providing environmental, public health, and economic benefits," said Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. "The Baker-Polito Administration has made it a priority to invest in clean water programs and projects across the Commonwealth so that we continue to protect special places like Boston Harbor and our many other water resources for residents and visitors to enjoy."
"As a coastal city, Boston is creating a resilient, climate-ready waterfront that advances priorities for open space, mobility, affordable housing, social and racial equity, and natural resource conservation," said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. "I'm proud to join our federal, state and local partners to mark the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and recommit to advancing our climate goals by creating healthy and resilient communities."
EPA has been touring the country highlighting the tremendous impact of the Clean Water Act. The agency is also collaborating with its partners to chart a course for the next fifty years of progress for clean water. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided a historic investment in water infrastructure, including $12.7 billion through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs that were established by the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act. This funding is a significant investment in the future of clean water in the country. And our investments in improved, resilient infrastructure will have positive impacts on our waterways for years to come.
What They Are Saying:
"The Boston Harbor cleanup of the 1980s and 1990s is a phenomenal example of how we can accomplish the unthinkable by working together," said Kathy Abbott, president and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. "Its impact on our lives, and the city and region, is a reminder that with that same spirit of partnership, we can tackle this century's climate crisis."
"We celebrate the Clean Water Act everyday as a small grassroots coastal stewardship organization in East Boston, but today we are truly enthusiastic to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the CWA alongside our local, state and federal partners," said Magdalena La Battaglia, Executive Director of Harbor Keepers. We spent many hours engaging with and empowering hundreds of local residents on the importance of fostering local coastal stewardship of the Boston Harbor, through shoreline clean-ups, waterfront advocacy and coastal educational initiatives. We could not have done that and more without the monumental task and success of the Clean Water Act's protection of our waterways for 50 years."
"The Clean Water Act is a critical tool in the fight for clean water, however by itself no law is enough to guarantee environmental victories. If it were, every harbor in the nation would be as clean as Boston Harbor is today. Sadly, many are not," said Bruce Berman Director of Strategy & Communications at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. "The best protection we have is an unassailable and enduring consensus of thousands of people from every community and all walks of life who believe in the power of clean water to transform communities and improve people's lives. That's precisely what we have created here in the Bay State, where access to clean water is a core family value."
"Used for centuries as an open sewer, a clean Boston Harbor now stands as a testament to the transformative power of the Clean Water Act," said Brad Campbell, President of Conservation Law Foundation. "Waters that were once a public health nightmare are now the centerpiece of Boston's economic rebirth, but there is still more to do. The climate crisis is threatening to erase hard-earned progress, adding to the urgency and importance of the Biden Administration's recent steps to curb pollution in the rivers flowing into Boston Harbor."
"Every Friday each summer about 100 kids and teens in our program sail to a harbor island, jump off the boat & swim ashore. It wouldn't have been safe to do that 50 years ago - or even 30 years ago," said Alex DeFronzo, Executive Director of Piers Park Sailing Center. "The Clean Water Act and the Boston Harbor Cleanup are beautiful examples of repairing a past wrong and looking toward the future. With bold leadership, we can have a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The historic investments in the EPA give me great hope for the future.
"We are proud to be part of this celebration," said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. "The Deer Island Treatment Plant embodies the essence of the Clean Water Act. In one generation, this state-of-the-art facility has transformed the dirtiest harbor in the country into a regional jewel."
"Thanks to a cleaner Boston Harbor, once-vacant waterfront lands have now been transformed with housing; parks, open spaces, and a HarborWalk public access system; recreational and cultural facilities; and jobs such as in wind technology testing," said Vivien Li, President of The Boston Harbor Association from 1991-2015. "While the progress to date as a result of the Clean Water Act has been very impressive, there is still more to be done to ensure a clean, resilient, and accessible waterfront benefiting all people, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a critical piece in making that goal a reality."
EPA Mid-Atlantic Announces Climate Adaptation Plan to Increase Resilience to Impacts of Climate Change
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 7, 2022) – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Region released its Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan, one of 20 developed across the agency by all regional offices and national programs .
The Plan reaffirms the strong commitments made in EPA’s 2021 Climate Adaptation Action Plan to address the devastating impacts of climate change on communities across the nation, while advancing environmental justice. It also provides specific steps to protect human health and the environment and increase the resilience of the Mid-Atlantic Region.
President Biden has set the most ambitious climate change mitigation and adaptation goals in U.S. history, and EPA will continue to play a central role in delivering on those commitments now that it’s clearer than ever that climate change isn’t a distant threat, it’s impacting communities across the nation every day.
“The climate we had been accustomed to is no longer a reliable guide for what to expect in the future,” said EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Our call to action starts now to safeguard our people and protect our environment from climate impacts, with a focus on our most vulnerable communities.”
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is making bold, transformational investments to strengthen our nation’s resilience to climate change, while reducing harmful air pollution, rebuilding critical infrastructure, advancing environmental equity and saving families money on their energy bills.
The Implementation Plan recognizes that climate disruption often hits already overburdened communities the hardest and the disproportionate impacts on those who are already underserved including low-income communities and communities of color, children, the elderly, tribes, and indigenous people. EPA Mid-Atlantic will continue to engage with underserved communities to ensure the agencies actions follow the principles of environmental justice...
Visit the Region 3 Climate Change Webpage at: https://www.epa.gov/climate-adaptation/climate-change-epa-mid-atlantic-region
To read all 20 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plans that were developed by EPA’s major offices, visit: https://www.epa.gov/climate-adaptation/climate-adaptation-plan
For more information on EPA’s 2021 Climate Adaptation Action Plan, visit: https://www.epa.gov/climate-adaptation/climate-adaptation-plan
For information on President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/
The Plan reaffirms the strong commitments made in EPA’s 2021 Climate Adaptation Action Plan to address the devastating impacts of climate change on communities across the nation, while advancing environmental justice. It also provides specific steps to protect human health and the environment and increase the resilience of the Mid-Atlantic Region.
President Biden has set the most ambitious climate change mitigation and adaptation goals in U.S. history, and EPA will continue to play a central role in delivering on those commitments now that it’s clearer than ever that climate change isn’t a distant threat, it’s impacting communities across the nation every day.
“The climate we had been accustomed to is no longer a reliable guide for what to expect in the future,” said EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Our call to action starts now to safeguard our people and protect our environment from climate impacts, with a focus on our most vulnerable communities.”
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA is making bold, transformational investments to strengthen our nation’s resilience to climate change, while reducing harmful air pollution, rebuilding critical infrastructure, advancing environmental equity and saving families money on their energy bills.
The Implementation Plan recognizes that climate disruption often hits already overburdened communities the hardest and the disproportionate impacts on those who are already underserved including low-income communities and communities of color, children, the elderly, tribes, and indigenous people. EPA Mid-Atlantic will continue to engage with underserved communities to ensure the agencies actions follow the principles of environmental justice...
Visit the Region 3 Climate Change Webpage at: https://www.epa.gov/climate-adaptation/climate-change-epa-mid-atlantic-region
To read all 20 Climate Adaptation Implementation Plans that were developed by EPA’s major offices, visit: https://www.epa.gov/climate-adaptation/climate-adaptation-plan
For more information on EPA’s 2021 Climate Adaptation Action Plan, visit: https://www.epa.gov/climate-adaptation/climate-adaptation-plan
For information on President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/27/executive-order-on-tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad/
QB 22 – 310 2023 Specialty Sugar Period 1 Results
COMMODITY:
Specialty Sugar
The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 1opened on Monday 3, 2022 and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 13.75633% or .1375633 was calculated via ACE, a UC message was generated…
Specialty Sugar
The tariff rate quota for Specialty Sugar Period 1opened on Monday 3, 2022 and over-subscribed at opening moment. The pro rata percentage of 13.75633% or .1375633 was calculated via ACE, a UC message was generated…
U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Andy Berke as Rural Utilities Service Administrator
WASHINGTON, October 6, 2022 — Andy Berke was appointed today by President Biden to serve as Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Nationwide EPA Initiative Aims to Reduce Lead Exposure in Portsmouth Communities
PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 6, 2022) – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing environmental justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is targeting its Enhancing Lead-Safe Work Practices through Education and Outreach (ELSWPEO) initiative to raise awareness about childhood lead exposure and protect environmentally overburdened communities. The next Mid-Atlantic ELSWPEO opportunity is scheduled for Portsmouth, Virginia. The initiative will kick-off in October, in celebration of Children’s Health Month and National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
Many homes, apartments and child-care facilities built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. When disturbed, lead-based paint can release toxic lead dust and cause lead exposure, which is particularly harmful to children. While lead is dangerous to all children, lead exposure disproportionately impacts low-income families and their communities, making the free trainings offered by ELSWPEO an important step toward achieving environmental justice.
“This Program’s goal is to reduce harm to kids from exposure to lead in underrepresented and underserved communities whose populations are disproportionately affected by lead exposure,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “By enhancing lead-safe work practices through education and outreach this EPA training initiative focuses on reducing childhood lead exposure where it is needed most.”
This year’s EPA Mid-Atlantic ELSWPEO activities will center around Portsmouth, Virginia, from October to December, and will include:
On Oct. 26 and 27, EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region will provide: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) training for local officials’ awareness; training sessions to local permitting officials; housing authority inspectors; and Virginia building and code officials in partnership with the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association.
On Nov. 14, from 10 am – 5:45 pm, EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region will be offering a free RRP Renovator training in Portsmouth, VA in English for contractors to become RRP certified.
There will be two in-person Lead Awareness Curriculum sessions with EPA HQ, EPA Region 3, ATSDR Region 3, and partners from the Virginia Department of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in Portsmouth, Virginia, at the City of Portsmouth Social Services Department:
-On Nov. 30, from 5-7 p.m., EPA will provide an “Understanding Lead” session for the public.
-On Dec. 1, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., EPA will hold a “Train-the-Trainer” session on the Lead Awareness Curriculum for community leaders and educators.
Through this two-pronged approach, ELSWEPO is designed to increase consumer demand for lead-safe work practices, and for RRP-certified contractors in selected, underserved communities across the United States and its territories.
Registration Details:
Understanding Lead: Register online at https://PortsmouthUnderstandingLead.eventbrite.com
Train-the-Trainer: Register online at https://PortsmouthTrainTheTrainer.eventbrite.com
RRP Renovator Training: Register online at https://public-health-safety.com/product/rrpi-2022-111422-lead-renovation-repair-painting-8-hour-initial-10-am-start-portsmouth-va-free/ or by phone at 312-491-0081
For more details, see https://www.epa.gov/lead/local-training-and-outreach
Many homes, apartments and child-care facilities built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. When disturbed, lead-based paint can release toxic lead dust and cause lead exposure, which is particularly harmful to children. While lead is dangerous to all children, lead exposure disproportionately impacts low-income families and their communities, making the free trainings offered by ELSWPEO an important step toward achieving environmental justice.
“This Program’s goal is to reduce harm to kids from exposure to lead in underrepresented and underserved communities whose populations are disproportionately affected by lead exposure,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “By enhancing lead-safe work practices through education and outreach this EPA training initiative focuses on reducing childhood lead exposure where it is needed most.”
This year’s EPA Mid-Atlantic ELSWPEO activities will center around Portsmouth, Virginia, from October to December, and will include:
On Oct. 26 and 27, EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region will provide: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) training for local officials’ awareness; training sessions to local permitting officials; housing authority inspectors; and Virginia building and code officials in partnership with the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association.
On Nov. 14, from 10 am – 5:45 pm, EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region will be offering a free RRP Renovator training in Portsmouth, VA in English for contractors to become RRP certified.
There will be two in-person Lead Awareness Curriculum sessions with EPA HQ, EPA Region 3, ATSDR Region 3, and partners from the Virginia Department of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in Portsmouth, Virginia, at the City of Portsmouth Social Services Department:
-On Nov. 30, from 5-7 p.m., EPA will provide an “Understanding Lead” session for the public.
-On Dec. 1, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., EPA will hold a “Train-the-Trainer” session on the Lead Awareness Curriculum for community leaders and educators.
Through this two-pronged approach, ELSWEPO is designed to increase consumer demand for lead-safe work practices, and for RRP-certified contractors in selected, underserved communities across the United States and its territories.
Registration Details:
Understanding Lead: Register online at https://PortsmouthUnderstandingLead.eventbrite.com
Train-the-Trainer: Register online at https://PortsmouthTrainTheTrainer.eventbrite.com
RRP Renovator Training: Register online at https://public-health-safety.com/product/rrpi-2022-111422-lead-renovation-repair-painting-8-hour-initial-10-am-start-portsmouth-va-free/ or by phone at 312-491-0081
For more details, see https://www.epa.gov/lead/local-training-and-outreach
Seaport Refining to Pay $127,000 Penalty Under Settlement with EPA Tied to Refinery in Redwood City
San Francisco – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Seaport Refining & Environmental, LLC, the owner and operator of a petroleum refinery in Redwood City, California, over claims of violations of the Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The refinery, which receives and processes waste fuel including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, is located near Redwood Creek and First Slough, which flow to the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Seaport Refining produces approximately 2,200 pounds of hazardous waste per month.
As a result of EPA’s findings, the company will pay $127,192 in civil penalties and implement compliance tasks, including developing an air emission monitoring plan, submitting quarterly air emission monitoring results, and inspecting and repairing the facility’s tanks.
“It is paramount that oil processing facilities, including refineries like the Seaport Refining facility in Redwood City, properly handle hazardous substances,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “When companies do not effectively manage a dangerous substance, in accordance with the law, the local community and workers are endangered. EPA will not hesitate to levy significant penalties.”
U.S. law requires the safe management of hazardous waste to protect public health and the environment and to prevent the need for costly and extensive cleanups. This settlement is part of a national EPA initiative aimed at reducing hazardous air emissions at hazardous waste facilities.
The settlement also addresses violation of the Clean Water Act’s Oil Pollution Prevention Regulations. These aim to prevent oil from reaching navigable waters and adjoining shorelines and to ensure containment of oil discharges in the event of a spill. Specific prevention measures called for in the regulations include developing and implementing spill prevention plans, training staff, and installing physical controls to contain and clean up oil spills.
Visit EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Laws and Regulations and Clean Water Act Hazardous Substances Spill Prevention websites for more information.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
As a result of EPA’s findings, the company will pay $127,192 in civil penalties and implement compliance tasks, including developing an air emission monitoring plan, submitting quarterly air emission monitoring results, and inspecting and repairing the facility’s tanks.
“It is paramount that oil processing facilities, including refineries like the Seaport Refining facility in Redwood City, properly handle hazardous substances,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “When companies do not effectively manage a dangerous substance, in accordance with the law, the local community and workers are endangered. EPA will not hesitate to levy significant penalties.”
U.S. law requires the safe management of hazardous waste to protect public health and the environment and to prevent the need for costly and extensive cleanups. This settlement is part of a national EPA initiative aimed at reducing hazardous air emissions at hazardous waste facilities.
The settlement also addresses violation of the Clean Water Act’s Oil Pollution Prevention Regulations. These aim to prevent oil from reaching navigable waters and adjoining shorelines and to ensure containment of oil discharges in the event of a spill. Specific prevention measures called for in the regulations include developing and implementing spill prevention plans, training staff, and installing physical controls to contain and clean up oil spills.
Visit EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Laws and Regulations and Clean Water Act Hazardous Substances Spill Prevention websites for more information.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.