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LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 18, 2024) – Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 will host two community meetings on June 25 to present the findings of the Technical Assistance Needs Assessment (TANA) for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)-managed St. Louis Airport Site (SLAPS) and Coldwater Creek.

A TANA is a site-specific process that identifies whether a community requires additional support from EPA to understand technical information and to enable meaningful community involvement in the Superfund decision-making process.

Tuesday, June 25
Session 1: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Session 2: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
JFK Community Center – Lilac Room
315 Howdershell Rd.
Florissant, MO 63031

EPA Region 7 officials held a series of kickoff meetings in January 2024 to provide members of the public with information about a TANA and opportunities to sign up to be interviewed, as part of the TANA process.

EPA Region 7 has provided USACE with a copy of the draft TANA report. While USACE is responsible for the cleanup process at SLAPS and Coldwater Creek, EPA maintains an oversight and technical advisory role to ensure that the Superfund cleanup process is followed.

• Learn more about the St. Louis Airport Site (SLAPS).
• Visit USACE’s website to learn about the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).
• Read more about Community Involvement at Superfund sites.
• Learn more about Technical Assistance Needs Assessment (TANAs).

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Learn more about EPA Region 7

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram

Follow us on X: @EPARegion7

CHICAGO (June 18, 2024) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, announced that Vishal Swamy, a high school student from Novi, Michigan, has won the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award.  

“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions of educators and students across our country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking creative and innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship – we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.” 

“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.” 

Vishal Swamy founded the Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute 4-H Club, a youth program headquartered at Michigan State University’s Tollgate Farm dedicated to educating and involving students in their community. Its primary objective is confronting a lack of confidence and direction among youth against challenges as large as climate change. As a remedy, the program connects students to experts in the field to facilitate their projects. To date, the program has executed several projects by securing more than 30 community partnerships and $16,000 in funding. In 2023, over 15 projects were undertaken, encompassing a diverse array of missions, including an education program for composting that successfully reached over 100 community members. Vishal also spearheaded the establishment of a community pollinator garden at Tollgate Farm, planting more than 250 flowers and shrubs. The leadership institute is also collaborating with a local high school to implement strategies for reducing food waste in school cafeterias. These endeavors represent just a glimpse of Vishal’s multifaceted approach to environmental activism. Vishal hopes to inspire the younger generation to take actions for a sustainable future. 

"I am extremely honored to receive this award from the EPA and am so proud of what we have accomplished at the Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute 4-H Club in building a sustainable future for everyone," said Vishal Swamy.  

Nationally, 29 students who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities. 

The President’s Environmental Youth Award was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourage positive community involvement. Each year, the award honors a variety of projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.  

To read about the winning projects in detail, visit:  PEYA Winners. 

WASHINGTON – Today, June 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). 

“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions educators and students across our country make every day,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”

“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”

The PIAEE award was established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act and seeks to recognize, support, and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning in K-12 education. The CEQ, in partnership with the EPA, administers this award. 

The PEYA was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourage positive community involvement. Each year, PEYA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection. 

From across the country, 9 educators received the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Winning educators demonstrated leadership by integrating environmental education into multiple subjects and using topics such as climate change, environmental justice, water infrastructure, waste management, water quality, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, STEM education, and school gardens to teach about environmental sustainability. The winners also effectively demonstrated how they inspire members of their communities to participate in environmental education activities.   

Additionally, 29 students who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities.  

To read about the winning projects in detail, visit: PEYA Winners and PIAEE Winners.  

LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 18, 2024) – Eight home renovation companies in the St. Louis area have agreed to pay over $65,000 collectively in penalties to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act.

According to EPA, the following companies failed to comply with regulations that reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations:

• A New Look Remodeling LLC
• Advanced Environmental Services Inc.
• Duneman Demolition Inc.
• Fitzsimmons & Associates Inc.
• G.A. Chott and Associates Inc.
• JT McDermott Remodeling Contractors LLC
• Property Maintenance and Development LLC
• Smart Maintenance LLC

EPA says that seven of the companies listed performed renovations on properties built prior to 1978 without obtaining renovator certification from EPA, as required by federal law. Other violations included failure to retain and produce required records and failure to follow lead-safe work practices during renovations.

“Certification is a key requirement to ensure that renovators know how to properly handle and dispose of lead-based paint and to notify residents of the presence of lead-based paint hazards,” said Jodi Bruno, acting director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “Reducing exposure to lead – especially among children and pregnant women and in communities already overburdened with pollution exposure – is a top priority for EPA.”

Lead-contaminated dust from disturbed lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead-based paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint is disturbed by renovation work, such as window installation; demolishing painted surfaces, such as walls or porches; and scraping and repainting of homes.

Companies and individuals that perform home renovations or hire subcontractors to perform renovations on pre-1978 housing are required to comply with regulations under EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program. The regulations include requirements to train employees in proper work practices; obtain certification from EPA prior to performing renovations; as well as compliance with lead safety practices, records retention, and notification to homeowners about the hazards of renovation-related lead exposure.

Please visit these EPA websites for additional lead paint information:

• EPA’s Lead page
• Lead RRP Rule
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
• Find a Lead-Safe Certified Firm
• Apply for Lead-Safe Certification
• Lead Poisoning Awareness Infographics
• Report Lead-Based Paint Complaints, Tips and Violations

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Learn more about EPA Region 7

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram

Follow us on X: @EPARegion7

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), is pleased to recognize two California student group recipients – based in Solana Beach and Ventura -- of the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). 

“We are delighted to celebrate and recognize the remarkable contributions of educators and students across our country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Our awardees exemplify commitment to environmental education and steadfast leadership in taking creative and innovative approaches to protect human health and tackle climate change. To the awardees, we extend our sincere appreciation for your unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship – we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.”

“Environmental stewardship often begins in the classroom with young people and educators who are taking our planet’s most pressing climate change and environmental justice challenges head on,” said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. “This year’s awardees represent passionate and dedicated leaders who are tackling the climate crisis, improving public health, and delivering a more equitable future for all.”

The California winners are:

Go Greenish – Solana Beach, CA

Go Greenish is a youth-led environmental organization in the San Dieguito High School District (SDHSD) working to bridge student empowerment and sustainability through policy, advocacy, and research. Powered by passionate student volunteers, Go Greenish implements and/or funds school site projects and guides the development of positive district policies by equipping students with resources to fight climate change and giving them opportunities to volunteer. Go Greenish has led the initiative to introduce blue and green bins to thirteen schools in SDHSD by the end of 2024, and has established a standing climate committee of students from multiple high schools throughout the district. The organization now boasts 150+ volunteers across 10 school districts and has cultivated two handbooks guiding students across California and the United States on environmentally friendly district policy implementation and site projects.

EnvironMound Club – Ventura, CA

While on a trip to an airport museum, fourth graders Paloma Alpern, Sophia Kuipers, Oscar Smith, and Ivan Kuipers discovered the hidden ecological hazard of lead pollution from small aircraft emissions in their community. They began researching the problem, talked to local pediatricians, and then took action in their school and community by starting an awareness campaign and forming an environmental club at their school. As part of the EnvironMound Club, students have created and installed battery recycling containers at the school, and are in the process of expanding their campaign to promote environmental stewardship and reduce the amount and effects of lead pollution in their community.

Background

The PEYA award program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth. Each year, EPA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees, and youth organizations that promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection. 

This year, 29 students nationwide who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects are receiving the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Their stewardship projects, conducted in 2023, demonstrate the students’ commitment and success in advancing community garden efforts, addressing environmental justice concerns, reducing pollution, conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, and combating climate change while also effectively encouraging the involvement of people in their communities.  

To read about the winning projects in detail, visit:   PEYA Winners and PIAEE Winners.   

Learn about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the final Explanation of Significant Differences that explains changes to the cleanup plan to address contaminated soil and debris at the Woodbrook Road Dump Superfund site in South Plainfield, New Jersey.

“Today, we are announcing our update to the cleanup plan for the Woodbrook Road Dump site, which confirms our original plan to remove the contaminated soil to an approved off-site disposal facility,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This plan will protect the health and environment of the people and wildlife living near the site, which is now part of the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve.”

The update to the final cleanup plan being announced today documents that the estimated cost of the original cleanup rose from $45.4 million in 2018 to $70 million in 2023 due in part to inflation and increased disposal costs. In addition, EPA updated the cleanup goal to 1.1 parts per million (ppm) for the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in the soil and debris at the site. The cleanup plan update also recognizes that in 2021, New Jersey created the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve which includes the Woodbrook Road Dump site.

EPA’s cleanup plan for the site was originally documented in a 2013 Record of Decision and modified in a 2018 Explanation of Significant Differences.

In 2020, then-Administrator Andrew Wheeler asked EPA Region 2 to review the selected cleanup plan for the site. The results of EPA’s review, carried out in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, confirmed that the 2013 selected cleanup plan remains the best option, but the costs had increased due to inflation and increased disposal costs.

The final cleanup plan includes:

• Removing an estimated 4,000 cubic yards of soil and debris that contains capacitors, capacitor parts and PCB-contaminated soil and debris with PCB concentrations greater than 100 ppm for disposal at an approved off-site disposal facility.
• Removing an estimated 143,000 cubic yards of soil and debris that contains PCBs at concentrations greater than 1.1 ppm for disposal at an approved off-site disposal facility.
• Establishing restrictions to prevent a change in land use, such as residential development. 

For additional background and to see the final Explanation of Significant Differences, as well as EPA’s responses to the public comments that were received on the proposed Explanation of Significant Differences, visit the Woodbrook Road Dump Superfund site profile page.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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WASHINGTON – Yesterday, June 17, 2024, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan issued a proclamation announcing June 17-23, 2024, as National Pollinator Week. This year’s proclamation underscores EPA’s commitment to protecting pollinators from pesticides, including through mitigation measures for several pesticides and the upcoming issuance of the final Herbicide Strategy to protect over 900 federally threatened and endangered species, including pollinators.

“Pollinators are essential to human and ecological survival, with more than 150 food crops depending on pollinators in the United States alone,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “They also help plants reproduce, which in turn helps keep the air we breathe clean, purifies the water we drink, and prevents erosion of the soils, protecting us from climate disasters. Now more than ever, we must act to protect them.”

EPA has taken many steps to address the potential effects of pesticides on pollinators. The agency proposed to register four new pesticide active ingredients that include protections for federally listed threatened or endangered species and for pollinators. EPA has also implemented measures to protect listed species and their critical habitats from the effects of three organophosphate insecticides. Those measures also help to protect pollinators.  

This year, EPA expects to finalize the Herbicide Strategy, which will describe whether, how much, and where mitigations are needed to protect listed plant species and those listed species that depend on plants, including pollinators, from agricultural uses of most herbicides. EPA will use this strategy to proactively adopt mitigations as part of the registration of new herbicides and the reevaluation of currently registered herbicides – often years before EPA is required to adopt those mitigations under the Endangered Species Act.

In 2024, EPA also plans to release the first draft of its Insecticide Strategy focused on minimizing impacts to listed insect species, including many pollinators, for most insecticides.  

Pollinator protection is everyone’s job. EPA remains committed to protecting pollinators from the effects of pesticides, and will continue working with our federal, state, and tribal partners, non-governmental organizations, and the public to support pollinator health and habitat.

Learn more about EPA’s pollinator protection efforts and how you can help pollinators by visiting Protecting Bees and Other Pollinators from Pesticides.

HÅGAT, Guam – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with Tristar Terminals Guam, Inc., over Clean Water Act violations for unauthorized discharge of oily wastewater into the Big Guatali River. This river flows into Apra Harbor.

Under the settlement, Tristar Terminals must improve oil water separation processes, perform effluent monitoring, and update their Pollution Prevention Plan to improve operations and maintenance at the petroleum storage facility in Hågat.

"Under the Clean Water Act, companies must improve their facilities to prevent oily wastewater from polluting waterways in Guam," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "This Order will stop contamination from reaching vital Guam water resources."

In 2023, an EPA and a Guam EPA inspector performed an on-site inspection of the Tristar facility and found that an unauthorized discharge of oily wastewater had reached the Big Guatali River.

EPA observed that the facility had not properly operated and maintained treatment units, including the Oil Water Separator, which led to inadequate treatment and excess oily wastewater leaving the facility.

Under the Order, Tristar has agreed to:

• Upgrade and/or replace the Oil Water Separator treatment unit to meet industry design standards
• Clean all treatment units of oily waste materials
• Increase the height of a treatment unit berm to prevent future discharges directly into the Big Guatali River
• Perform effluent monitoring of new Oil Water Separator to ensure compliance
• Update Pollution Prevention Plan to improve operations and maintenance of all treatment units

Tristar Terminals Guam, Inc. owns and operates the over 200-acre facility where it receives, stores, and distributes fuels in over 20 fuel storage tanks. The facility receives, stores, and distributes gasoline, A1 jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, Number 5 residual fuel oil, and ultra-low sulfur fuel oil.

EPA's proposed settlement with Tristar Terminals Guam, Inc. addresses the violations found at the facility.

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.

LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 17, 2024) – Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 will host two community meetings on Monday and Tuesday, June 24 and 25, to provide community members with an update about the Omaha Lead Superfund Site and the findings from the site’s Five-Year Review.

Five-Year Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the implementation and performance of a remedy and to determine if that remedy remains protective of human health and the environment.

Community members will also have the opportunity to learn more about EPA’s updates to the guidance for lead in residential soil and how lowering the recommended lead screening levels may impact the Omaha Lead Superfund Site.

“Meetings like these allow our site teams to learn more about the questions and concerns community members may have regarding Superfund sites in or near their neighborhoods,” said EPA Region 7 Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director Bob Jurgens. “EPA Region 7 is committed to ensuring that feedback received from community members is captured and incorporated into our Superfund cleanup processes.”

Monday, June 24, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) Building, Room 120
2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave., Omaha, NE 68107

Tuesday, June 25, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
The Venue at Highlander
2120 N. 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68111

Omaha was once home to a large lead smelter and lead battery recycling plant that are estimated to have released over 400 million pounds (200,000 tons) of lead particles into the environment. Much of that ended up in residential areas within the 27 square miles of downtown Omaha where the lead processing facilities operated.

The Record of Decision for the Omaha Lead Superfund Site includes remediation of lead-impacted soil from historic smelting and lead processing activities at the site. The remedy also includes exterior lead-based paint stabilization, which was included to protect the soil remedy at the site.

• Learn more about the Omaha Lead Superfund Site.
• Learn more about Omaha’s Lead Hazard Programs.
• Learn more about Douglas County’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

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Learn more about EPA Region 7

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram

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LENEXA, KANSAS (17 DE JUNIO DE 2024) – Funcionarios de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA), Región 7, organizarán dos reuniones comunitarias el lunes 24 y el martes 25 de junio para actualizar a los miembros de la comunidad sobre el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead y los hallazgos de la revisión cada cinco años del sitio.

Las revisiones cada cinco años brindan la oportunidad de evaluar la implementación y el rendimiento de un remedio, y de determinar si este sigue protegiendo la salud humana y el medioambiente.

Los miembros de la comunidad también tendrán la posibilidad de conocer mejor las actualizaciones del asesoramiento sobre el plomo en suelos residenciales y el modo en el que la disminución de los niveles recomendados para la detección del plomo puede influir en el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead.

“Este tipo de reuniones permite que los equipos del sitio se informen mejor sobre las preguntas y las inquietudes que los miembros de la comunidad pueden tener acerca de los sitios Superfund de su barrio o cercanos a él”, expresó Bob Jurgens, director de la División de Manejo de Emergencias y sitios Superfund de la Región 7 de la EPA. “La Región 7 de la EPA tiene el compromiso de asegurar que los comentarios de los miembros de la comunidad se registren e incorporen en los procesos de limpieza de los sitios Superfund”.

Lunes 24 de junio
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m.
Edificio del Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), sala 120
2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave, Omaha, NE 68107

Martes 25 de junio
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m.
The Venue, en Highlander
2120 N. 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68111

Hace un tiempo, Omaha fue sede de una gran fundición de plomo y una planta de reciclaje de baterías de plomo que, según los cálculos, han emitido más de 400 millones de libras (200,000 toneladas) de partículas de plomo en el medioambiente. Gran parte de esas partículas fueron a parar a zonas residenciales, ubicadas dentro de las 27 millas cuadradas del centro de Omaha en donde funcionaban las instalaciones de procesamiento del plomo.

En el documento de decisión del sitio Superfund Omaha Lead, se incluye la remediación del suelo afectado por el plomo proveniente de las actividades históricas de fundición y procesamiento del plomo en el sitio. El remedio también abarca la estabilización de la pintura exterior a base de plomo, que se incluyó para proteger las medidas de protección del suelo.

• Obtenga más información sobre el sitio Superfund Omaha Lead.
• Obtenga más información sobre los programas de peligros relacionados con el plomo en Omaha.
• Obtenga más información sobre el Programa de Prevención del Envenenamiento por Plomo en el condado de Douglas.

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Obtenga más información sobre la Región 7 de la EPA

WASHINGTON –Today June 17, US Environmental Protection Agency is announcing it recently awarded $1.5 million to three organizations through the Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data (PREPARED) program. This will provide technical assistance to help enhance EPA grant recipients’ ability to generate data and information necessary to evaluate program outcomes and improve the ability to understand impacts for communities.

Currently, the agency is also seeking additional proposals to further support and enhance the data, reporting and evidence-building capacity of EPA grant recipients representing small, underserved, and Tribal communities. Data, reporting and evidence-building are vitally important elements for EPA grant programs. However, several EPA grant recipients face capacity challenges in engaging in these activities. Many small, underserved communities and Tribes that are eligible for EPA grants sometimes choose not to apply for funding opportunities in part because of these capacity challenges. Through PREPARED program cooperative agreements, EPA seeks to fund technical assistance providers to equip communities with strategies, tools and training that enhance their capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building.

To support these efforts, EPA recently awarded:

• $500,000 to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.  The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth project will build community capacity on evidence-based approaches to advance data dissemination, reporting, and integration of lived community experiences for EPA and State Revolving Fund (Clean and Drinking Water Programs) applicants and grantees.
• $500,000 to Palmetto Futures.  The Palmetto Futures project will provide comprehensive capacity-building support to community-based organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor. Palmetto Futures’ initiative will focus on bolstering local organizations' capabilities to manage EPA projects by improving data proficiency and project reporting. Additionally, this project will conduct community engagement with organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor in coordination with their partner organization, the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation.
• $500,000 to New Growth Innovation Network. The New Growth Innovation Network project will build individual, organizational, and collective capacity for would-be recipients of EPA funds in small, underserved, and/or Tribal Communities on data, reporting and evidence-building so that they are equipped to apply for future or current EPA grant opportunities.

More information on each awardee is available on the PREPARED website.

EPA is committed to implementing strategies designed to help small and underserved communities address data and reporting requirements for EPA grants. Consistent with longstanding agency policy for working with Tribal communities, EPA is committed to working with federally recognized Tribes in enhancing capacity to carry out program responsibilities affecting Tribal communities and the health and welfare of the populace, including capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building.

EPA intends to award up to an additional $2 million over three years to as many as four recipients. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is now posted on the grants.gov website under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-I-R-OCFO-02. Applications are due July 29, 2024, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. More information about this funding opportunity is also available on the PREPARED website.

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DURHAM (June 17, 2024) – Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 3:30 PM EDT, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region Four Acting Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle will join Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley, state and local representatives and community members for an event to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s latest actions to protect public health and deliver safe drinking water for all Americans.   

Who:  

1. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff  
2. EPA Region Four Acting Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle     
3. Representative Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04)  
4. Mayor of Durham, NC Leonardo Williams    
5. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley   
6. Principal James Hopkins, Lyons Farm Elementary School 

When and Where:  

1. Tuesday, June 18, 2024 

1. Site Visit: 3:30 PM at 112 Radcliff Circle, Durham NC 27713 
2. Press Conference: 4:10 PM at Lyons Farm Elementary School (906 Scott King Road, Durham NC 27713) 

***Please RSVP HERE by Tuesday, June 18 at 11:30 AM EDT if you are interested in covering this event. Additional details to follow.

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LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 17, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the filing of a settlement agreement with three parties, requiring the payment of cleanup costs at the Findett Corp. Superfund Site in St. Charles, Missouri. The settlement was filed in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Missouri.

The settlement agreement is issued under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund. The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. The public comment period ends July 17.

Under the terms of the settlement, the parties – Santolubes LLC, Santolubes Manufacturing LLC, and Santolubes Spartanburg Holdings LLC – will pay a total of $300,000 to resolve their liability to the United States. The settlement funds will be utilized at, or in connection with, the site or to otherwise fund EPA’s Superfund work.

The Superfund site includes areas where industrial operations of the Findett Corporation, which conducted chemical manufacturing and recycling operations between 1962 and 2009, resulted in the contamination of groundwater and soil from releases of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and volatile organic compounds. EPA has been overseeing investigation and cleanup at the site since the 1980s.

For more information, visit the Findett Corp. Superfund Site Profile page.

Learn more about the Superfund program.

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Learn more about EPA Region 7

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram

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WASHINGTON – Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 18 at 3:30 p.m. EDT, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan will join Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley, state and local representatives, and community members for an event to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s latest actions to protect public health and deliver safe drinking water for all Americans.

Who:

• EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan 
• Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff
• Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
• Mayor of Durham, NC, Leonardo Williams 
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley
• Principal James Hopkins, Lyons Farm Elementary School

When and Where:

• Tuesday, June 18, 2024
  • Site Visit: 3:30 p.m. at 112 Radcliff Circle, Durham, NC 27713
  • Press Conference: 4:10 p.m. at Lyons Farm Elementary School (906 Scott King Road, Durham, NC 27713)

***Please RSVP HERE by Monday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m. EDT if you are interested in covering this event. Additional details to follow.

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Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $95,000 settlement with Intelligent Design Corp., in Maple Grove, Minnesota, to resolve alleged violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting  regulations.  

“Compliance with federal lead paint laws is essential to protect children and is one of EPA’s highest priorities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “We applaud the resident who brought this case to our attention to help keep their community safe.” 

After receiving a complaint from a resident, EPA launched an investigation into the company’s renovations around the Minneapolis area. Between 2019 and 2022, Intelligent Design renovated at least six different houses built before 1978. EPA alleges that the company failed to take precautions to contain the work area and contain waste at the complaining resident’s home. EPA also alleges that the company failed to complete a post-renovation cleaning verification and distribute the required “renovate right” educational pamphlet in a timely manner at six homes in the area. Under the settlement, Intelligent Design agreed to pay a civil penalty of $95,000 and will certify compliance with the Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations.   

Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint is disturbed by renovation work such as installing windows, demolishing painted surfaces (such as walls or porches), and scraping and repainting of homes. Lead-contaminated dust from disturbed lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead-based paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults. Their brains and nervous systems are also more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects.

For more information about EPA’s enforcement program, visit the Agency’s website. 

For more information on the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, or to report a lead paint violation, please visit EPA’s website.   

WASHINGTON –Today June 17, US Environmental Protection Agency is announcing it recently awarded $1.5 million to three organizations through the Promoting Readiness and Enhancing Proficiency to Advance Reporting and Data (PREPARED) program. This will provide technical assistance to help enhance EPA grant recipients’ ability to generate data and information necessary to evaluate program outcomes and improve the ability to understand impacts for communities.

Currently, the agency is also seekingadditional proposals to further support and enhance the data, reporting and evidence-building capacity of EPA grant recipients representing small, underserved and Tribal communities. Data, reporting and evidence-building are vitally important elements for EPA grant programs. However, a number of EPA grant recipients face capacity challenges in engaging in these activities. Many small, underserved communities and Tribes that are eligible for EPA grants sometimes choose not to apply for funding opportunities in part because of these capacity challenges. Through PREPARED program cooperative agreements, EPA seeks to fund technical assistance providers to equip communities with strategies, tools and training that enhance their capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building.

To support these efforts, EPA recently awarded:

• $500,000 to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.  The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth project will build community capacity on evidence-based approaches to advance data dissemination, reporting, and integration of lived community experiences for EPA and State Revolving Fund (Clean and Drinking Water Programs) applicants and grantees.
• $500,000 to Palmetto Futures.  The Palmetto Futures project will provide comprehensive capacity-building support to community-based organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor. Palmetto Futures’ initiative will focus on bolstering local organizations' capabilities to manage EPA projects by improving data proficiency and project reporting. Additionally, this project will conduct community engagement with organizations in the Gullah Geechee Corridor in coordination with their partner organization, the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation.
• $500,000 to New Growth Innovation Network. The New Growth Innovation Network project will build individual, organizational, and collective capacity for would-be recipients of EPA funds in small, underserved, and/or Tribal Communities on data, reporting and evidence-building so that they are equipped to apply for future or current EPA grant opportunities.

More information on each awardee is available on the PREPARED website.

EPA is committed to implementing strategies designed to help small and underserved communities address data and reporting requirements for EPA grants. Consistent with longstanding agency policy for working with Tribal communities, EPA is committed to working with federally recognized Tribes in enhancing capacity to carry out program responsibilities affecting Tribal communities and the health and welfare of the populace, including capacity for data, reporting and evidence-building.

EPA intends to award up to an additional $2 million over three years to as many as four recipients. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is now posted on the grants.gov website under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-I-R-OCFO-02. Applications are due July 29, 2024, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. More information about this funding opportunity is also available on the PREPARED website.

BOSTON (June 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a settlement with Electronic Products Industries LLC, of Newburyport, Mass. for alleged violations of EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the process hazard review (PHR) requirement of the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act.

The alleged violations stem from Electronic Products’ use of anhydrous ammonia. Electronic Products had not performed a PHR to identify hazards from its use of anhydrous ammonia and failed to timely submit Toxics Release Inventory forms for anhydrous ammonia as required, thereby depriving people of their right to know about the presence of this toxic chemical in their community. The settlement requires Electronic Products to pay a combined cash penalty of $117,647 to resolve these alleged violations.

Exposure to high levels of ammonia in air may be irritating to skin, eyes, throat, and lungs, and cause coughing and burns. Lung damage and death may occur after exposure to very high concentrations of ammonia. Some people with asthma may be more sensitive to breathing ammonia than others.

"Citizens have a right to know about dangerous, toxic substances in their neighborhood," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "There are homes, schools, businesses, a fire station, and a church near this facility – which is less than two miles from downtown Newburyport. EPA's action underscores the importance of companies understanding the hazards of using hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia and using that knowledge to undertake safe handling and management practices to protect public safety."

Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r) General Duty Clause (GDC) Violation:
The EPA alleged that Electronic Products violated CAA Section 112(r)'s GDC by failing to identify hazards related to its use of anhydrous ammonia at the Facility. Specifically, Electronic Products failed to conduct a process hazard review ("PHR") for its ammonia process. Electronic Products hired a consultant who completed a process hazard review shortly after being informed by EPA of the requirement.

The General Duty Clause aims to prevent the accidental release of extremely hazardous chemicals and minimize the consequences of any such releases. Under this provision, owners and operators of facilities that store or use extremely hazardous chemicals have the duty, among others, to identify hazards that may result from a release and document this analysis in a PHR.

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Violations:
The EPA alleged that Electronic Products violated EPCRA Section 313(a) and its implementing regulations by failing to timely submit TRI reporting forms for anhydrous ammonia used at the Facility in calendar years 2019, 2020, and 2021. Electronic Products promptly filed its missing TRI forms for ammonia after being informed of the deficiencies.

Under federal TRI regulations, companies that use certain listed toxic chemicals must report their releases of those chemicals each year to EPA. This information serves as the basis for the Toxic Release Inventory, which is a collection of data that can be readily reviewed by communities, government, and industry. With the information being publicly available, companies have an incentive to reduce harmful chemical use and improve their environmental performance. TRI reporting informs surrounding communities about a facility's toxic chemicals that could potentially harm public health and the environment and offers transparency.

Electronic Products produces both glass-to-metal seals and high-temperature co-fired ceramics for use in semiconductor products. This case stems from information learned about the facility in conjunction with an inspection by EPA in February 2023. Electronic Products cooperated with the EPA throughout the enforcement process and quickly came into compliance with the relevant statutes following EPA's inspection.

For more information visit:

Toxics Release Inventory Program: https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program.

EPCRA: https://www.epa.gov/epcra.

General Duty Clause: https://www.epa.gov/rmp/general-duty-clause-under-clean-air-act-section-112r1.

CHICAGO (June 14, 2024) - On Thursday, June 20, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold an informal community meeting to discuss cleanup progress at the Bofors Nobel Superfund site, located at 5025 Evanston Ave., Muskegon, Michigan. The EPA will also share upcoming opportunities for community input and the potential formation of a community advisory group. 

This meeting will be an opportunity to speak with the site team and share concerns. Representatives from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan’s PFAS Action Response Team, and Bofors Nobel Group will also participate in the meeting. 

WHEN: Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6 - 8 p.m.  

WHERE: Egleston Township Hall  
5428 E. Apple Ave. 
Muskegon, Michigan 

If you have any questions or require special accommodations, please contact:  

Caitlin McIntyre, community involvement coordinator, by phone at 312-353-2073, or via e-mail at mcintyre.caitlin@epa.gov 

Daniel Rodriguez, remedial project manager, by phone at 312-886-6145, or via e-mail at rodriguez.daniel@epa.gov 

For additional information visit EPA’s Bofors Nobel website.  

BOSTON (June 13, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $9.75 million in grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including Maine, who will receive $254,000 in grant funding from this program.

"It is such an exciting time of the year for everyone to get outdoors and head out to waterways to have fun and cool off. The last thing anyone wants to have to think about, is if it's safe to go in the water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "With the BEACH Act funding, Massachusetts residents can have the peace of mind that our water quality at beaches is being monitored and protected, and we are all working together to make this summer the best it can be, and focus on splashing in the waves and soaking up the sun…with sunscreen, of course."  

Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.

Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA's allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.

To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.

The EPA's 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:

EPA Region 1
Connecticut Department of Public Health - $206,000
Maine Department of Environmental Protection - $254,000
Massachusetts Department of Public Health - $254,000
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - $194,000
Rhode Island Department of Health - $210,000

More information on BEACH Act grants.

Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.

BOSTON (June 13, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $9.75 million in grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including Connecticut, who will receive $206,000 in grant funding from this program.

"It is such an exciting time of the year for everyone to get outdoors and head out to waterways to have fun and cool off. The last thing anyone wants to have to think about, is if it's safe to go in the water," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "With the BEACH Act funding, Massachusetts residents can have the peace of mind that our water quality at beaches is being monitored and protected, and we are all working together to make this summer the best it can be, and focus on splashing in the waves and soaking up the sun…with sunscreen, of course."  

Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.

Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA's allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.

To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.

The EPA's 2024 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following states, Tribes, and territories contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:

EPA Region 1
Connecticut Department of Public Health - $206,000
Maine Department of Environmental Protection - $254,000
Massachusetts Department of Public Health - $254,000
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - $194,000
Rhode Island Department of Health - $210,000

More information on BEACH Act grants.

Check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.