Herramientas de la EPA para ayudar a limpiar tras el huracán Ian
ATLANTA (30 de septiembre de 2022) – La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) está coordinando estrechamente con socios federales, estatales, locales y tribales tras el paso el huracán Ian y recuerda a las comunidades, familias y propietarios de negocios afectados por el huracán que tomen medidas para que la limpieza después de la tormenta sea lo más segura y efectiva posible.
“Las actividades de limpieza relacionadas con el regreso a los hogares y negocios después de un desastre pueden plantear importantes desafíos ambientales y de salud”, indicó el administrador de la Región 4 de la EPA, Daniel Blackman. “La EPA está lista para ayudar a nuestros socios en todos los niveles a responder a cualquier desafío que pueda haber ocasionado Ian y garantizar que la salud pública y el medioambiente estén protegidos”.
Los desastres pueden generar toneladas de escombros, incluidos escombros de viviendas, árboles y plantas, pertenencias personales y desechos domésticos peligrosos. La forma en que una comunidad maneja los escombros tras desastres depende de los escombros generados y las opciones de manejo de desechos disponibles. Los residentes deben ser precavidos para asegurarse de que todos los materiales de desecho se retiren y eliminen adecuadamente, siguiendo las pautas locales.
La EPA ofrece varios recursos y consejos para manejar los escombros durante la limpieza de tormentas:
Utilice generadores portátiles de forma segura
Nunca use un generador portátil dentro de casas, garajes, sótanos de baja altura, cobertizos o áreas similares. Se pueden acumular rápidamente niveles mortales de monóxido de carbono (CO) en estas áreas y pueden persistir durante horas, incluso después de que el generador se haya apagado. Debido a que es imposible ver, saborear u oler los humos tóxicos, el CO puede matar antes de que uno se dé cuenta de que en su presencia en el hogar. Los efectos de la exposición al CO pueden variar mucho de una persona a otra dependiendo de la edad, la salud general y la concentración y duración de la exposición.
Evite el contacto con los escombros de viviendas
Los escombros de casas y edificios dañados pueden contener sustancias peligrosas, especialmente en construcciones más antiguas. Puede haber concentraciones elevadas de asbesto en el aire si se alteran los materiales presentes en el hogar que contienen asbesto. El asbesto en el aire puede causar cáncer de pulmón y mesotelioma, un cáncer del tórax y los revestimientos abdominales. como el plomo y el asbesto. El plomo es un metal altamente tóxico que produce una serie de efectos adversos para la salud, particularmente en niños pequeños. La perturbación o eliminación de materiales que contienen pintura a base de plomo puede dar lugar a una concentración elevada de polvo de plomo en el aire. Al ingresar a un edificio dañado por la tormenta, como mínimo, use una mascarilla respiratoria N-95, gafas y guantes protectores.
Mantenga la seguridad personal
Siempre use el equipo de seguridad adecuado, como gafas, una mascarilla respiratoria N-95 y guantes cuando manipule escombros. Esté alerta a los contenedores con fugas y productos químicos domésticos reactivos, como limpiadores de drenaje cáusticos o blanqueador de cloro. Limpie y deseche los productos químicos por separado, incluso si sabe cuáles son. Tenga cuidado al perturbar los materiales de construcción para evitar lesiones físicas u otros efectos sobre la salud, ya que pueden contener materiales peligrosos como el asbesto que, cuando se transportan por el aire, pueden inhalarse y causar efectos adversos para la salud. Si sospecha que puede haber materiales que contienen asbesto, no deben perturbarse estos materiales.
Separe los desechos por tipo
El daño de la tormenta crea muchos tipos de escombros domésticos y de edificios. Algunos de estos incluyen materiales de construcción, como paneles de yeso, ladrillo y madera; línea blanca o electrodomésticos, como refrigeradores y lavadoras; ropa, muebles y otros artículos personales; y desechos domésticos peligrosos, incluyendo pintura, limpiadores, fluidos automotrices, baterías y pesticidas. Es crucial separar los desechos para que las comunidades gestionen eficazmente el gran volumen de escombros después de una tormenta. Consulte con su municipio o gobierno local para obtener pautas específicas sobre cuándo y cómo separar los desechos. Obtenga más información sobre los tipos de escombros y cómo manejarlos aquí: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/dealing-debris-and-damaged-buildings#cautions
Puede formarse moho después de las inundaciones
El agua de inundación puede hacer que el aire de su hogar se torne insalubre, porque cuando las cosas permanecen húmedas durante más de dos días, generalmente se enmohecen. La inhalación de moho puede causar efectos adversos para la salud, incluso reacciones alérgicas. El moho también puede dañar los materiales en su hogar. Al ingresar a un edificio dañado por inundaciones, como mínimo, use una mascarilla respiratoria N-95, gafas y guantes protectores.
Visite el sitio web de la EPA para obtener más información sobre la seguridad y calidad del aire interior:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/resources-flood-cleanup-and-indoor-air-quality
Para obtener información sobre la limpieza después de una inundación, consulte:
https://www.epa.gov/flooded-homes
Tenga en cuenta los recursos locales
La EPA ha desarrollado esta herramienta de mapeo interactivo de 12 tipos de recicladores y rellenos sanitarios que manejan los escombros de desastres. Esta herramienta proporciona información y ubicaciones de más de 20,000 instalaciones capaces de manejar diferentes materiales que se pueden encontrar en los escombros del desastre. Obtenga más información sobre esta herramienta aquí:
https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/disaster-debris-recovery-tool
Para obtener más información sobre cómo su comunidad puede planificar futuras limpiezas tras los desastres, consulte:
https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/disaster-debris-planning
La EPA tiene importantes recursos disponibles en línea en inglés y español sobre aguas de inundación, moho, escombros peligrosos, desechos domésticos peligrosos y otros impactos de huracanes. El centro de información de la EPA para desastres y huracanes está disponible en EPA Hurricanes y EPA Huracanes.
“Las actividades de limpieza relacionadas con el regreso a los hogares y negocios después de un desastre pueden plantear importantes desafíos ambientales y de salud”, indicó el administrador de la Región 4 de la EPA, Daniel Blackman. “La EPA está lista para ayudar a nuestros socios en todos los niveles a responder a cualquier desafío que pueda haber ocasionado Ian y garantizar que la salud pública y el medioambiente estén protegidos”.
Los desastres pueden generar toneladas de escombros, incluidos escombros de viviendas, árboles y plantas, pertenencias personales y desechos domésticos peligrosos. La forma en que una comunidad maneja los escombros tras desastres depende de los escombros generados y las opciones de manejo de desechos disponibles. Los residentes deben ser precavidos para asegurarse de que todos los materiales de desecho se retiren y eliminen adecuadamente, siguiendo las pautas locales.
La EPA ofrece varios recursos y consejos para manejar los escombros durante la limpieza de tormentas:
Utilice generadores portátiles de forma segura
Nunca use un generador portátil dentro de casas, garajes, sótanos de baja altura, cobertizos o áreas similares. Se pueden acumular rápidamente niveles mortales de monóxido de carbono (CO) en estas áreas y pueden persistir durante horas, incluso después de que el generador se haya apagado. Debido a que es imposible ver, saborear u oler los humos tóxicos, el CO puede matar antes de que uno se dé cuenta de que en su presencia en el hogar. Los efectos de la exposición al CO pueden variar mucho de una persona a otra dependiendo de la edad, la salud general y la concentración y duración de la exposición.
Evite el contacto con los escombros de viviendas
Los escombros de casas y edificios dañados pueden contener sustancias peligrosas, especialmente en construcciones más antiguas. Puede haber concentraciones elevadas de asbesto en el aire si se alteran los materiales presentes en el hogar que contienen asbesto. El asbesto en el aire puede causar cáncer de pulmón y mesotelioma, un cáncer del tórax y los revestimientos abdominales. como el plomo y el asbesto. El plomo es un metal altamente tóxico que produce una serie de efectos adversos para la salud, particularmente en niños pequeños. La perturbación o eliminación de materiales que contienen pintura a base de plomo puede dar lugar a una concentración elevada de polvo de plomo en el aire. Al ingresar a un edificio dañado por la tormenta, como mínimo, use una mascarilla respiratoria N-95, gafas y guantes protectores.
Mantenga la seguridad personal
Siempre use el equipo de seguridad adecuado, como gafas, una mascarilla respiratoria N-95 y guantes cuando manipule escombros. Esté alerta a los contenedores con fugas y productos químicos domésticos reactivos, como limpiadores de drenaje cáusticos o blanqueador de cloro. Limpie y deseche los productos químicos por separado, incluso si sabe cuáles son. Tenga cuidado al perturbar los materiales de construcción para evitar lesiones físicas u otros efectos sobre la salud, ya que pueden contener materiales peligrosos como el asbesto que, cuando se transportan por el aire, pueden inhalarse y causar efectos adversos para la salud. Si sospecha que puede haber materiales que contienen asbesto, no deben perturbarse estos materiales.
Separe los desechos por tipo
El daño de la tormenta crea muchos tipos de escombros domésticos y de edificios. Algunos de estos incluyen materiales de construcción, como paneles de yeso, ladrillo y madera; línea blanca o electrodomésticos, como refrigeradores y lavadoras; ropa, muebles y otros artículos personales; y desechos domésticos peligrosos, incluyendo pintura, limpiadores, fluidos automotrices, baterías y pesticidas. Es crucial separar los desechos para que las comunidades gestionen eficazmente el gran volumen de escombros después de una tormenta. Consulte con su municipio o gobierno local para obtener pautas específicas sobre cuándo y cómo separar los desechos. Obtenga más información sobre los tipos de escombros y cómo manejarlos aquí: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/dealing-debris-and-damaged-buildings#cautions
Puede formarse moho después de las inundaciones
El agua de inundación puede hacer que el aire de su hogar se torne insalubre, porque cuando las cosas permanecen húmedas durante más de dos días, generalmente se enmohecen. La inhalación de moho puede causar efectos adversos para la salud, incluso reacciones alérgicas. El moho también puede dañar los materiales en su hogar. Al ingresar a un edificio dañado por inundaciones, como mínimo, use una mascarilla respiratoria N-95, gafas y guantes protectores.
Visite el sitio web de la EPA para obtener más información sobre la seguridad y calidad del aire interior:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/resources-flood-cleanup-and-indoor-air-quality
Para obtener información sobre la limpieza después de una inundación, consulte:
https://www.epa.gov/flooded-homes
Tenga en cuenta los recursos locales
La EPA ha desarrollado esta herramienta de mapeo interactivo de 12 tipos de recicladores y rellenos sanitarios que manejan los escombros de desastres. Esta herramienta proporciona información y ubicaciones de más de 20,000 instalaciones capaces de manejar diferentes materiales que se pueden encontrar en los escombros del desastre. Obtenga más información sobre esta herramienta aquí:
https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/disaster-debris-recovery-tool
Para obtener más información sobre cómo su comunidad puede planificar futuras limpiezas tras los desastres, consulte:
https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/disaster-debris-planning
La EPA tiene importantes recursos disponibles en línea en inglés y español sobre aguas de inundación, moho, escombros peligrosos, desechos domésticos peligrosos y otros impactos de huracanes. El centro de información de la EPA para desastres y huracanes está disponible en EPA Hurricanes y EPA Huracanes.
EPA Tools to Assist Cleanup in the Wake of Hurricane Ian
ATLANTA (September 30, 2022)– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is coordinating closely with federal, state, local and tribal partners in the wake of Hurricane Ian and reminds communities, families, and business owners affected by the hurricane to take steps to make storm cleanup as safe and effective as possible.
"Cleanup activities related to returning to homes and businesses after a disaster can pose significant health and environmental challenges," said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman. “EPA stands ready to assist our partners on every level to respond to any challenges that may result from Ian and to ensure that public health and the environmental are protected.”
Disasters can generate tons of debris, including building rubble, trees and plants, personal property, and household hazardous wastes. How a community manages disaster debris depends on the debris generated and the waste management options available. Residents should use caution to assure that all waste materials are removed and disposed of properly, following local guidelines.
EPA offers several resources and tips for managing debris during storm cleanup:
Use portable generators safely
Never use a portable generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Avoid contact with building debris
Debris from damaged homes and buildings can contain hazardous substances, especially in older buildings. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. such as lead and asbestos. Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint may result in an elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. When entering a storm-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Maintain personal safety
Always wear proper safety equipment, such as goggles, an N95 respirator mask, and gloves when handling debris. Be on the alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, such as caustic drain cleaners or chlorine bleach. Clean up and discard chemicals separately, even if you know what they are. Use caution when disturbing building materials to prevent physical injury or other health effects, as they may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos that, when carried by the air, can be inhaled and cause adverse health effects. If you suspect asbestos-containing materials may be present, the materials should not be disturbed.
Separate wastes by type
Storm damage creates many types of household and building debris. Some of these include building materials, such as drywall, brick, and wood; white goods or appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines; clothes, furniture, and other personal items; and household hazardous wastes, including paint, cleaners, automotive fluids, batteries, and pesticides. Separating wastes is crucial for communities to effectively manage the large volume of debris following a storm. Please check with your city or local government for specific guidelines on when and how to separate waste. Learn more about types of debris and how to manage them here: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/dealing-debris-and-damaged-buildings#cautions
Mold can form after floods
Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy, because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. Mold also can damage materials in your home. When entering a flood-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Please visit EPA’s website for more information on indoor air quality safety:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/resources-flood-cleanup-and-indoor-air-quality
For information on cleanup after flood, see:
https://www.epa.gov/flooded-homes
Be aware of local resources
EPA has developed this interactive mapping tool of 12 types of recyclers and landfills that manage disaster debris. This tool provides information and locations of over 20,000 facilities capable of managing different materials which may be found in disaster debris. Learn more about this tool here:
https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/disaster-debris-recovery-tool
For more information on how your community can plan for future disaster cleanups, see:
https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/disaster-debris-planning
EPA has important resources available online in English and Spanish about floodwaters, mold, hazardous debris, household hazardous waste, and other hurricane impacts. EPA's central hub for disaster and hurricane information is available at EPA Hurricanes and EPA Huracanes.
"Cleanup activities related to returning to homes and businesses after a disaster can pose significant health and environmental challenges," said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman. “EPA stands ready to assist our partners on every level to respond to any challenges that may result from Ian and to ensure that public health and the environmental are protected.”
Disasters can generate tons of debris, including building rubble, trees and plants, personal property, and household hazardous wastes. How a community manages disaster debris depends on the debris generated and the waste management options available. Residents should use caution to assure that all waste materials are removed and disposed of properly, following local guidelines.
EPA offers several resources and tips for managing debris during storm cleanup:
Use portable generators safely
Never use a portable generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Avoid contact with building debris
Debris from damaged homes and buildings can contain hazardous substances, especially in older buildings. Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. such as lead and asbestos. Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint may result in an elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. When entering a storm-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Maintain personal safety
Always wear proper safety equipment, such as goggles, an N95 respirator mask, and gloves when handling debris. Be on the alert for leaking containers and reactive household chemicals, such as caustic drain cleaners or chlorine bleach. Clean up and discard chemicals separately, even if you know what they are. Use caution when disturbing building materials to prevent physical injury or other health effects, as they may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos that, when carried by the air, can be inhaled and cause adverse health effects. If you suspect asbestos-containing materials may be present, the materials should not be disturbed.
Separate wastes by type
Storm damage creates many types of household and building debris. Some of these include building materials, such as drywall, brick, and wood; white goods or appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines; clothes, furniture, and other personal items; and household hazardous wastes, including paint, cleaners, automotive fluids, batteries, and pesticides. Separating wastes is crucial for communities to effectively manage the large volume of debris following a storm. Please check with your city or local government for specific guidelines on when and how to separate waste. Learn more about types of debris and how to manage them here: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/dealing-debris-and-damaged-buildings#cautions
Mold can form after floods
Flood water can make the air in your home unhealthy, because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic reactions. Mold also can damage materials in your home. When entering a flood-damaged building, at a minimum, wear an N-95 respirator mask, goggles and protective gloves.
Please visit EPA’s website for more information on indoor air quality safety:
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/resources-flood-cleanup-and-indoor-air-quality
For information on cleanup after flood, see:
https://www.epa.gov/flooded-homes
Be aware of local resources
EPA has developed this interactive mapping tool of 12 types of recyclers and landfills that manage disaster debris. This tool provides information and locations of over 20,000 facilities capable of managing different materials which may be found in disaster debris. Learn more about this tool here:
https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/disaster-debris-recovery-tool
For more information on how your community can plan for future disaster cleanups, see:
https://www.epa.gov/large-scale-residential-demolition/disaster-debris-planning
EPA has important resources available online in English and Spanish about floodwaters, mold, hazardous debris, household hazardous waste, and other hurricane impacts. EPA's central hub for disaster and hurricane information is available at EPA Hurricanes and EPA Huracanes.
EPA Confirms No Further Cleanup Needed at the Universal Oil Products Superfund Site in East Rutherford, New Jersey
NEW YORK – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its decision that no further cleanup action is needed to address groundwater that discharges to nearby surface water at the Universal Oil Products Superfund site in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Sampling data indicates that contaminant levels will not pose a risk to the surrounding community. In addition, to further ensure long-term protection, EPA is amending the original cleanup action, requiring notices to be filed with property records and incorporating monitoring and other measures to ensure the integrity of the work done at the site.
“The major sources of contamination have been removed, and EPA also treated the groundwater," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "We will remain at the job by continuing to monitor this site in the long term to ensure it poses no serious risk to people living and working nearby."
This final decision comes after extensive work has already been done under a 1993 cleanup plan selected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in close consultation with EPA. Under that plan, contaminated soil was dug up and treated, groundwater was extracted and treated, the area was capped, and long-term monitoring was required. The addition finalized by EPA today requires that property owners planning new construction on the land portion of the site evaluate conditions to ensure pollutants in indoor air will not exceed levels protective of human health for building occupants. In addition, property owners may be required to install certain engineering controls, such as a vapor barrier or a sub-slab-depressurization system, which uses a fan-powered vent to draw air from beneath the foundation slab, redirecting potentially harmful vapor from entering the building.
The Universal Oil Products Superfund site is a 75-acre area located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Site operations starting in the 1930s included chemical manufacturing and solvent recovery, later expanding in the mid-1950s to include a wastewater treatment plant and storage lagoons. Seepage from the wastewater lagoons and the routine handling of products and wastes resulted in the release of hazardous substances to the upland soil, groundwater, tidal marshes, and waterways.
EPA placed the site on the Superfund National Priorities List in 1983 and divided the site into two distinct areas called operable units (OUs). Today's final decision is for the first operable unit, which addresses the upland soil and shallow groundwater. EPA selected a cleanup plan for an interim remedy for OU2 in 2019, which addresses a former lagoon area, low-lying marshes, and the waterway channels of Ackermans Creek and its tributaries. The design for that cleanup is currently underway.
On July 22, 2022, EPA released its proposed plan to the public and held a virtual public meeting on July 27, 2022, to explain the plan and take comments. The Record of Decision released today addresses the comments received and formalizes EPA’s selected cleanup plan.
Visit the Universal Oil Products Superfund site profile page for additional background and to view the Record of Decision.
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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Sampling data indicates that contaminant levels will not pose a risk to the surrounding community. In addition, to further ensure long-term protection, EPA is amending the original cleanup action, requiring notices to be filed with property records and incorporating monitoring and other measures to ensure the integrity of the work done at the site.
“The major sources of contamination have been removed, and EPA also treated the groundwater," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "We will remain at the job by continuing to monitor this site in the long term to ensure it poses no serious risk to people living and working nearby."
This final decision comes after extensive work has already been done under a 1993 cleanup plan selected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in close consultation with EPA. Under that plan, contaminated soil was dug up and treated, groundwater was extracted and treated, the area was capped, and long-term monitoring was required. The addition finalized by EPA today requires that property owners planning new construction on the land portion of the site evaluate conditions to ensure pollutants in indoor air will not exceed levels protective of human health for building occupants. In addition, property owners may be required to install certain engineering controls, such as a vapor barrier or a sub-slab-depressurization system, which uses a fan-powered vent to draw air from beneath the foundation slab, redirecting potentially harmful vapor from entering the building.
The Universal Oil Products Superfund site is a 75-acre area located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Site operations starting in the 1930s included chemical manufacturing and solvent recovery, later expanding in the mid-1950s to include a wastewater treatment plant and storage lagoons. Seepage from the wastewater lagoons and the routine handling of products and wastes resulted in the release of hazardous substances to the upland soil, groundwater, tidal marshes, and waterways.
EPA placed the site on the Superfund National Priorities List in 1983 and divided the site into two distinct areas called operable units (OUs). Today's final decision is for the first operable unit, which addresses the upland soil and shallow groundwater. EPA selected a cleanup plan for an interim remedy for OU2 in 2019, which addresses a former lagoon area, low-lying marshes, and the waterway channels of Ackermans Creek and its tributaries. The design for that cleanup is currently underway.
On July 22, 2022, EPA released its proposed plan to the public and held a virtual public meeting on July 27, 2022, to explain the plan and take comments. The Record of Decision released today addresses the comments received and formalizes EPA’s selected cleanup plan.
Visit the Universal Oil Products Superfund site profile page for additional background and to view the Record of Decision.
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 Announces $26 Million in Funding for New Mexico Water Infrastructure Improvements
DALLAS, TEXAS (September 30, 2022) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced more than $26 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Finance Authority for water infrastructure improvements.
At an event in Santa Fe, EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance presented a ceremonial check to the New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney, who accepted on behalf of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Officials from the EPA and the state of New Mexico joined a tour of a municipal water facility in Dixon, New Mexico, an example of the type of facility that would benefit from increased funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The grants mark the first significant distribution of water infrastructure funds following the passage of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The BIL allocates more than $50 billion 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.
“Water is an essential right for all individuals and is critical for community growth,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Through this funding, and working with state partners, the EPA continues to make significant clean water advancements for communities in New Mexico. The EPA remains committed to modernizing water infrastructure to improve public health and the environment, including assisting vulnerable communities.”
“We worked diligently to ensure that New Mexico quickly received our share of infrastructure funding so that we can begin to put it to use as soon as possible,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “The people of New Mexico will have more access to quality drinking water and healthy watersheds thanks to our successful efforts to leverage these unprecedented federal investments. I thank the members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation for their work to deliver this important funding for our state.”
“Every home should have access to safe and clean water," said Senator Luján. “I’m pleased to celebrate this grant from the EPA that will fund improvements to New Mexican acequias, water quality, and waterways infrastructure. This is one step towards ensuring clean and safe water is accessible to all.”
“I’m proud the historic investments we secured in the Infrastructure Law continue delivering on the promise to improve and rebuild our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Heinrich. “In the face of severe drought and the ever-growing impacts of the climate crisis, it is critical that we have strong drinking and wastewater infrastructure moving forward. This funding helps our state achieve that goal.”
“Today’s announcement of $25 million in funding for clean and drinking water infrastructure will drive further growth in our communities and improve quality of life,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Our gente deserve reliable access to clean drinking water, no matter where they live or what background they come from. I will keep advocating for these critical projects in our New Mexico communities.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for New Mexico. While we know that water is life—far too many of our communities are struggling to meet their basic water needs. Today’s announcement that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will send over $26.7 million for critical water infrastructure projects is a crucial step in addressing our state’s water security needs,” said Rep. Stansbury. “This funding will help rebuild our infrastructure, create meaningful jobs, and improve the quality of life in our communities for generations to come.”
The New Mexico Drinking Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grant is being awarded to the New Mexico Finance Authority in the amount of $17,992,00 for their drinking water program. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is a financial assistance program to help water systems and states to achieve the health protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The focus of this program is to improve drinking water treatment, fixing aging water distribution system, improve sources of water supply and replace or repair water storage tanks.
The New Mexico Clean Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grant is being awarded to the New Mexico Environment Department in the amount of $8,738,000. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund is a financial assistance program to provide loans to eligible recipients to construct municipal wastewater facilities, control nonpoint sources of pollution, build decentralized wastewater systems, create green infrastructure projects, protect estuaries, and fund other water quality projects. Nearly half of the grant will focus on assisting disadvantaged communities across the state.
Capitalization grants will continue to be awarded, on a state-by-state basis, over the course of the next four years. As grants are awarded, the state SRF programs can begin to distribute the funds to communities across their state.
While the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest low-cost and no-cost funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure, other programs do exist to help communities manage their water resources. More information about funding is available here.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
At an event in Santa Fe, EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance presented a ceremonial check to the New Mexico Environment Department Secretary James Kenney, who accepted on behalf of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Officials from the EPA and the state of New Mexico joined a tour of a municipal water facility in Dixon, New Mexico, an example of the type of facility that would benefit from increased funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The grants mark the first significant distribution of water infrastructure funds following the passage of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The BIL allocates more than $50 billion 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.
“Water is an essential right for all individuals and is critical for community growth,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Through this funding, and working with state partners, the EPA continues to make significant clean water advancements for communities in New Mexico. The EPA remains committed to modernizing water infrastructure to improve public health and the environment, including assisting vulnerable communities.”
“We worked diligently to ensure that New Mexico quickly received our share of infrastructure funding so that we can begin to put it to use as soon as possible,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “The people of New Mexico will have more access to quality drinking water and healthy watersheds thanks to our successful efforts to leverage these unprecedented federal investments. I thank the members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation for their work to deliver this important funding for our state.”
“Every home should have access to safe and clean water," said Senator Luján. “I’m pleased to celebrate this grant from the EPA that will fund improvements to New Mexican acequias, water quality, and waterways infrastructure. This is one step towards ensuring clean and safe water is accessible to all.”
“I’m proud the historic investments we secured in the Infrastructure Law continue delivering on the promise to improve and rebuild our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Heinrich. “In the face of severe drought and the ever-growing impacts of the climate crisis, it is critical that we have strong drinking and wastewater infrastructure moving forward. This funding helps our state achieve that goal.”
“Today’s announcement of $25 million in funding for clean and drinking water infrastructure will drive further growth in our communities and improve quality of life,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “Our gente deserve reliable access to clean drinking water, no matter where they live or what background they come from. I will keep advocating for these critical projects in our New Mexico communities.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for New Mexico. While we know that water is life—far too many of our communities are struggling to meet their basic water needs. Today’s announcement that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will send over $26.7 million for critical water infrastructure projects is a crucial step in addressing our state’s water security needs,” said Rep. Stansbury. “This funding will help rebuild our infrastructure, create meaningful jobs, and improve the quality of life in our communities for generations to come.”
The New Mexico Drinking Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grant is being awarded to the New Mexico Finance Authority in the amount of $17,992,00 for their drinking water program. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is a financial assistance program to help water systems and states to achieve the health protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The focus of this program is to improve drinking water treatment, fixing aging water distribution system, improve sources of water supply and replace or repair water storage tanks.
The New Mexico Clean Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grant is being awarded to the New Mexico Environment Department in the amount of $8,738,000. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund is a financial assistance program to provide loans to eligible recipients to construct municipal wastewater facilities, control nonpoint sources of pollution, build decentralized wastewater systems, create green infrastructure projects, protect estuaries, and fund other water quality projects. Nearly half of the grant will focus on assisting disadvantaged communities across the state.
Capitalization grants will continue to be awarded, on a state-by-state basis, over the course of the next four years. As grants are awarded, the state SRF programs can begin to distribute the funds to communities across their state.
While the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest low-cost and no-cost funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure, other programs do exist to help communities manage their water resources. More information about funding is available here.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.
EPA Finalizes Environmental Justice Action Plan for Land Protection and Cleanup Programs
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Land and Emergency Management announced it has finalized the agency’s “EJ Action Plan: Building Up Environmental Justice in EPA’s Land Protection and Cleanup Programs” (EJ Action Plan). The plan highlights projects, tools, and practices to be applied to the Superfund, Brownfields, Emergency Response, Solid Waste Management, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action, and Underground Storage Tank programs. The plan aligns with President Biden’s commitment to elevate environmental justice to the highest levels of the federal government and advances the agency’s commitment to delivering justice and equity for all.
Last week, EPA announced the creation of the new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights to uphold this commitment. The Office of Land and Emergency Management will work with this new office to ensure that the relevant actions described in the EJ Action Plan adhere to the agency’s priority that entities receiving any federal financial assistance from EPA comply with the federal civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, sex and age.
“From day one, I pledged that the perspectives of underserved and overburdened communities across the country would be at the forefront of EPA’s decision-making.” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA’s EJ Action Plan reflects the voices of communities who’ve historically been left behind and will enable stronger and faster progress in addressing contaminated land across the country.”
The historic $3.5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments will significantly enhance implementation of the plan, including the first wave of $1 billion to initiate cleanup and clear the backlog of 49 previously unfunded Superfund sites and accelerate cleanup at dozens of other sites across the country.
When finalizing the EJ Action Plan, EPA incorporated feedback from various stakeholders, including Tribal partners. EPA heard a strong interest in having a larger role in our decision-making when it comes to the Superfund cleanup process, with the goal of improving EPA’s understanding of foundational values. EPA also received input regarding the eligibility requirements for entities and/or projects to receive new Infrastructure Grants, and the Recycling Education and Outreach Grants being funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The EJ Action Plan is a working document and EPA will be reporting on progress as part of a whole-of-government and EPA-wide effort to address the nation’s environmental justice challenges, in-line with the priorities identified by President Biden and EPA Administrator Regan.
The plan includes four main goals:
Strengthening compliance with cornerstone environmental statutes: This includes developing a “Good Governance” process and referral list to help address follow-up actions on communities’ environmental concerns.
Incorporating environmental justice considerations during the regulatory development process: This includes assessing impacts to pollution-burdened, underserved, and tribal communities when developing Office of Land and Emergency Management regulations, while developing tools to identify, track, and consider the implications of potential environmental justice-related factors throughout the Superfund process.
Improving community engagement in rulemakings, permitting decisions, and policies: This includes providing earlier and more frequent engagement with pollution-burdened and underserved communities in carrying out Office of Land and Emergency Management programs, and increasing technical support and risk communication resources for communities through the Agency’s Technical Assistance Services for Communities program and various grants.
Implementing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative: This includes providing direct and indirect benefits to underserved communities with grant application resources and in making grant award decisions, to the extent allowed by law.
The EJ Action Plan also complements the recommendations for integrating environmental justice into the cleanup and redevelopment of Superfund and other contaminated sites highlighted in the May 2021 National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) report titled “Superfund Remediation and Redevelopment for Environmental Justice Communities.” The agency appreciates and supports the NEJAC’s overall goal to continue to address barriers, develop solutions, and recommend best practices for improving EPA’s ability to expedite Superfund cleanups. EPA also embraces the need for better outcomes in communities where there are unique burdens and vulnerabilities for populations living in and around Superfund sites.
Background:
In 2021, President Biden issued two executive orders – Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government) and Executive Order 14008 (Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad) – that directed federal agencies to promote and work toward proactively achieving environmental justice. Federal agencies were directed to develop and implement policies and strategies that strengthen compliance and enforcement, incorporate environmental justice considerations in their work, increase community engagement, and ensure that at least 40 percent of the benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy flow to underserved communities.
This EJ Action Plan builds on the best lessons in existing and new cleanup programs, incorporates public input on those programs, and works toward the implementation of projects and practices to achieve EPA’s environmental justice goals. Using new recommendations along with years of cleanup experiences, success stories, and lessons learned from working toward environmental justice, the agency is committed to new approaches and investments of time, staffing and funding that will improve quality of cleanups in communities with environmental justice concerns.
Learn more about the EJ Action Plan for EPA’s Land Protection and Cleanup Programs.
Last week, EPA announced the creation of the new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights to uphold this commitment. The Office of Land and Emergency Management will work with this new office to ensure that the relevant actions described in the EJ Action Plan adhere to the agency’s priority that entities receiving any federal financial assistance from EPA comply with the federal civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, sex and age.
“From day one, I pledged that the perspectives of underserved and overburdened communities across the country would be at the forefront of EPA’s decision-making.” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA’s EJ Action Plan reflects the voices of communities who’ve historically been left behind and will enable stronger and faster progress in addressing contaminated land across the country.”
The historic $3.5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments will significantly enhance implementation of the plan, including the first wave of $1 billion to initiate cleanup and clear the backlog of 49 previously unfunded Superfund sites and accelerate cleanup at dozens of other sites across the country.
When finalizing the EJ Action Plan, EPA incorporated feedback from various stakeholders, including Tribal partners. EPA heard a strong interest in having a larger role in our decision-making when it comes to the Superfund cleanup process, with the goal of improving EPA’s understanding of foundational values. EPA also received input regarding the eligibility requirements for entities and/or projects to receive new Infrastructure Grants, and the Recycling Education and Outreach Grants being funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The EJ Action Plan is a working document and EPA will be reporting on progress as part of a whole-of-government and EPA-wide effort to address the nation’s environmental justice challenges, in-line with the priorities identified by President Biden and EPA Administrator Regan.
The plan includes four main goals:
Strengthening compliance with cornerstone environmental statutes: This includes developing a “Good Governance” process and referral list to help address follow-up actions on communities’ environmental concerns.
Incorporating environmental justice considerations during the regulatory development process: This includes assessing impacts to pollution-burdened, underserved, and tribal communities when developing Office of Land and Emergency Management regulations, while developing tools to identify, track, and consider the implications of potential environmental justice-related factors throughout the Superfund process.
Improving community engagement in rulemakings, permitting decisions, and policies: This includes providing earlier and more frequent engagement with pollution-burdened and underserved communities in carrying out Office of Land and Emergency Management programs, and increasing technical support and risk communication resources for communities through the Agency’s Technical Assistance Services for Communities program and various grants.
Implementing President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative: This includes providing direct and indirect benefits to underserved communities with grant application resources and in making grant award decisions, to the extent allowed by law.
The EJ Action Plan also complements the recommendations for integrating environmental justice into the cleanup and redevelopment of Superfund and other contaminated sites highlighted in the May 2021 National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) report titled “Superfund Remediation and Redevelopment for Environmental Justice Communities.” The agency appreciates and supports the NEJAC’s overall goal to continue to address barriers, develop solutions, and recommend best practices for improving EPA’s ability to expedite Superfund cleanups. EPA also embraces the need for better outcomes in communities where there are unique burdens and vulnerabilities for populations living in and around Superfund sites.
Background:
In 2021, President Biden issued two executive orders – Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government) and Executive Order 14008 (Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad) – that directed federal agencies to promote and work toward proactively achieving environmental justice. Federal agencies were directed to develop and implement policies and strategies that strengthen compliance and enforcement, incorporate environmental justice considerations in their work, increase community engagement, and ensure that at least 40 percent of the benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy flow to underserved communities.
This EJ Action Plan builds on the best lessons in existing and new cleanup programs, incorporates public input on those programs, and works toward the implementation of projects and practices to achieve EPA’s environmental justice goals. Using new recommendations along with years of cleanup experiences, success stories, and lessons learned from working toward environmental justice, the agency is committed to new approaches and investments of time, staffing and funding that will improve quality of cleanups in communities with environmental justice concerns.
Learn more about the EJ Action Plan for EPA’s Land Protection and Cleanup Programs.
CBP Seizes Vehicle Smuggled from Mexico into Puerto Rico
The individual, a US citizen, purchased in Mexico a 2022 Suzuki “Jimny” and obtained Mexican plates driving the vehicle across the Southwest border all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. A US flagged ship transported the vehicle to Puerto Rico.…
CBP incauta vehículo contrabandeado desde México a Puerto Rico
El individuo, un ciudadano estadounidense, compró en México un Suzuki “Jimny” 2022 y obtuvo una tablilla mexicana conduciendo el vehículo a través de la frontera suroeste hasta Jacksonville, Florida. Un barco con bandera estadounidense transportó el…
USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Hurricane Fiona
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2022 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers and residents affected by Hurricane Fiona. USDA staff in offices across the country are ready to respond with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to producers and communities in need.