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Lahaina, Hawaii – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed drinking water sampling in the wildfire-impacted areas of Lahaina, which is a critical step in helping the County of Maui restore drinking water services to the community.

The County of Maui uses data from the sampling results to evaluate whether it is appropriate to amend the Unsafe Water Advisories. The current Unsafe Water Advisory remains in effect for certain areas of Lahaina Town, and water should not be used until the County of Maui amends the advisory.

“EPA has worked closely with county, state, and community leaders since the fires to assist in restoring drinking water and wastewater services to Lahaina Town,” said EPA Incident Commander Dawn Ison. “Finishing drinking water sample collection is a major step towards achieving that goal. EPA is honored to do our part in getting families back home.”

 "EPA’s assistance has been absolutely critical to the speedy recovery, and I’ve been extremely impressed with the skill and dedication of the EPA staff. They have coordinated seamlessly with County staff and applied excellent problem-solving skills,” said County of Maui Drinking Water Supply Director John Stufflebean. 

As requested by the County of Maui and state under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), EPA tested drinking water quality in the lateral service lines that connect water mains to properties with burned structures. If contamination was detected, or if a lateral was too damaged to be sampled, the line will be isolated from the main distribution line and marked for future replacement. To prepare for sampling the lateral lines, EPA also sampled the main drinking water distribution lines at hydrants to ensure they were clear of contaminants.

The completion of sampling marks a significant step in helping the County of Maui restore drinking water. EPA will continue working with the County of Maui to isolate lines for eventual replacement. In addition, staff from EPA Region 9 will continue to engage with the community and work with our government partners on a variety of recovery initiatives. EPA’s response teams continue to deeply appreciate the hospitality and aloha of the Lahaina community.

The County of Maui continues to make determinations on whether the water is potable and ready for use in areas of Lahaina Town that are under an Unsafe Water Advisory. Residents can track where to access safe drinking water and more at the County of Maui’s website, mauirecovers.org, or by calling the county directly at (808) 270-7550.

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ATLANTA – Today, June 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 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.

“Every summer Americans flock to oceanside and Great Lakes beaches to enjoy recreation time with family and friends, making these important destinations as well as economic and tourism engines for our economy,” said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Protecting water quality at beaches is a priority for EPA and with these grants we are helping our state, Tribal, and local partners monitor water quality to ensure it is safe for residents and visitors.”

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.

“The Southeast is home to some of the most toured beaches in the nation,” said Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle.  “BEACH Act funds ensure the communication of vital information concerning coastal recreation water quality, beach conditions and public safety on the East and Gulf Coast.”

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 in Region 4 contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:

Alabama $260,000
Florida $478,000
Georgia $279,000
Mississippi $256,000

North Carolina $293,000
South Carolina $289,000

Learn more about the BEACH Act grants.

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

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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 Massachusetts, 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.

EPA awards $730k to support water quality monitoring and protect beachgoers in PNW, Alaska

SEATTLE – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 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.

“Every summer Americans flock to oceanside and Great Lakes beaches to enjoy recreation time with family and friends, making these important destinations as well as economic and tourism engines for our economy,” said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Protecting water quality at beaches is a priority for EPA and with these grants we are helping our state, Tribal, and local partners monitor water quality to ensure it is safe for residents and visitors.” 

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. 

In Region 10, 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:

• Alaska $161,029
• Oregon $235,103
• Washington $280,192
• Swinomish Indian Tribal Community $53,676

Learn more about the BEACH Act grants.

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

NEW YORK – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $315,000 in grant funding to help New York's coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist New York in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches.

“This funding helps keep beaches and coastal waters clean so that people can have fun, relax and enjoy all the beauty that New York coastlines have to offer,” said Lisa F. Garcia, Regional Administrator. “EPA funding is vital for successful beach monitoring and notification programs.”

“Protecting the health of beachgoers from bacteria in our waters is of the utmost importance for New Yorkers to enjoy this summer swimming season,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “This federal EPA funding will help ensure safe water at both downstate beaches and Great Lakes beaches by giving New York the resources needed to closely monitor water quality.” 

“As thousands of beachgoers enjoy New York’s coastal and Great Lakes beaches this summer, they deserve to enjoy the waters without a threat to their health,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “This federal funding will help local authorities monitor beach water quality and ensure that swimmers know when the waters are safe. I am proud to see EPA making this critical investment and will continue to fight to ensure all can safely enjoy New York’s beaches.”

"I have always called the Long Island Sound our 'National Park.' Safeguarding and conserving the Sound and our coastal beach areas has consistently been a priority of mine throughout my decades-long career in public service. This grant funding from the EPA will significantly contribute to guaranteeing that the water quality at our local beaches remains safe for everyone to enjoy throughout the entire summer season," said Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-03).

“Water quality monitoring and public notification programs are crucial to protecting public health and I thank the EPA for awarding this funding, especially as New Yorkers hit the beaches for the summer,” said Representative Grace Meng (NY-06). “As New York's representative on the House of Representatives’ Regional Leadership Council – which works to promote and implement legislation signed by President Biden – I am glad that critical federal funding continues to flow to our state.”

“Ensuring the resiliency of Great Lakes communities is a key part of protecting our environment and providing recreational opportunities for our families,” said Representative Joe Morelle (NY-25). “I’m grateful to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Biden Administration for their ongoing commitment to investing in New York’s shoreline communities as both economic and recreational assets—including this latest $315,000 grant to support water quality monitoring and beach public notification programs. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the EPA to safeguard our Great Lakes for generations to come.”

“New York State is home to many beautiful beaches from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, and we encourage people to get out and enjoy these areas this summer,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “These BEACH Act grants through the Environmental Protection Agency will allow communities to keep their beaches safe for all New Yorkers, while allowing the Department and our partners to monitor beach water quality and share information with the public to ensure everyone can enjoy safe and healthy beach days.” 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Our beaches and coastal ecosystems in the Great Lakes and across the state provide essential habitats and world-class recreational opportunities, and through productive collaborations with U.S. EPA and other state, federal, and local partners, the water quality along New York’s coastal regions continues to significantly improve. As we continue to work together, DEC applauds EPA for this latest investment of $315,000 in water quality monitoring to ensure New Yorkers are protected, informed, and prepared when they head outside to enjoy the many recreational opportunities our  coastal waters provide.”

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.

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.

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

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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 Rhode Island, who will receive $210,000 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 New Hampshire, who will receive $194,000 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.

WASHINGTON – Today, June 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 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.

“Every summer Americans flock to oceanside and Great Lakes beaches to enjoy recreation time with family and friends, making these important destinations as well as economic and tourism engines for our economy,” said Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “Protecting water quality at beaches is a priority for EPA and with these grants we are helping our state, Tribal, and local partners monitor water quality to ensure it is safe for residents and visitors.” 

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 $206,000
Maine $254,000
Massachusetts $254,000
New Hampshire $194,000
Rhode Island $210,000

EPA Region 2
New Jersey $258,000
New York $315,000
Puerto Rico $319,000
U.S. Virgin Islands $302,000

EPA Region 3
Delaware $209,000
Maryland $258,000
Pennsylvania $214,000
Virginia $263,000

EPA Region 4
Alabama $260,000
Florida $478,000
Georgia $279,000
Mississippi $256,000
North Carolina $293,000
South Carolina $289,000

EPA Region 5
Illinois $232,000
Indiana $205,000
Michigan $260,000
Minnesota $203,000
Ohio $216,000
Wisconsin $220,000
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians $50,000
Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe $50,000
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community $50,000

EPA Region 6
Louisiana $347,000
Texas $373,000

EPA Region 9
American Samoa $302,000
California $477,000
Guam $302,000
Hawaii $319,000
Northern Mariana Islands $303,000

EPA Region 10
Alaska $161,029
Oregon $235,103
Washington $280,192
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community $53,676

Learn more about the BEACH Act grants.

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

Today U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation under the Toxic Substances Control Act to ACCEL Schools Ohio LLC for asbestos and lead paint concerns at three of its public charter schools that may present hazards to students, faculty and staff. EPA discovered these issues during inspections at: Youngstown Academy of Excellence (1408 Rigby St., Youngstown); Niles Preparatory Academy (45 Chestnut Ave., Niles); STEAM Academy of Warren (261 Elm Road, Warren).

ACCEL must investigate the risk of exposure to lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, address materials which pose an imminent danger and monitor any other asbestos-containing material and lead-based paint at the three schools. EPA will also require ACCEL to prohibit anyone from entering affected areas until abatement work is finished.

“Protecting children’s health is a top priority for the agency – every child deserves a safe and healthy learning environment completely free of asbestos and lead paint hazards,” said EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA will use its authority to make sure that ACCEL takes all actions necessary to safeguard all students and staff before returning to the schools.”

Invoking TSCA, EPA has subpoenaed ACCEL for records regarding Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act, or AHERA, compliance and lead-based paint renovations in all its schools located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. AHERA requires public school districts, charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions to inspect their schools for asbestos, prepare management plans and take action to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards. AHERA also requires schools to notify parents about potential hazards inside the buildings.

ACCEL is a public charter school system that operates 77 in-person charter schools, primarily in Ohio, and 15 online schools across the nation. In March 2024, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency received a complaint with concerns about asbestos at Youngstown Academy of Excellence. The state conducted a visual inspection shortly after and notified EPA of the complaint and inspection findings due to EPA’s authority under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, or AHERA. In April 2024, EPA conducted its own visual inspections at Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy and STEAM Academy of Warren. As a result of the inspections, Ohio EPA and EPA learned ACCEL schools do not have required asbestos management plans, and informed ACCEL representatives of legal requirements, provided information about hazards and recommended hiring licensed and trained contractors.

The three schools are located in communities with environmental justice concerns. Environmental justice is the fair treatment of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to environmental laws, regulations, and policies. 

Next Steps:

Blood lead testing can accurately measure children’s exposure to lead, including lead paint. EPA is working with state and local health officials to establish resources for impacted families. Concerned parents and guardians can contact their pediatrician or primary health care provider for information on blood lead testing.

EPA will ensure communication between families, teachers and staff and the local health departments while the abatement work is ongoing.

For information on lead regulation, exposure or potential effects, contact the National Lead Information Center Hotline.

For more information on asbestos exposure, visit the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry asbestos webpage or visit EPA’s website for information on asbestos and school buildings.

To report a possible violation of the AHERA and Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule requirements, please use EPA’s enforcement website for Enforcement and Compliance History Online, ECHO.

More information about the notice of violation to ACCEL will be posted on our website.

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LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 13, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Missouri lead-acid battery manufacturer EnerSys Energy Products Inc. to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act at the company’s Warrensburg and two Springfield facilities. The company is a subsidiary of EnerSys Inc., the world’s largest industrial battery manufacturer.

According to EPA, the company will pay a $430,500 civil penalty and spend an estimated $250,000 in compliance costs to resolve the alleged violations.

“In addition to allegedly violating the Clean Air Act, EnerSys Energy’s facilities are located in communities determined by EPA to be disproportionately affected by pollution,” said Jodi Bruno, acting director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “This settlement represents the commitment by EPA and the Biden administration to protecting all communities, especially those overburdened by environmental harm.”

In the settlement documents, EPA alleged that the company’s facilities emit lead, a hazardous air pollutant, as part of their manufacturing process. During 2022 and 2023 inspections at the Warrensburg and Springfield facilities, and after reviewing documents submitted to EPA by the company, EPA determined that the company failed to report to EPA when the facilities’ emission control equipment operated outside of the appropriate pressure range.

Further, the company failed to report what corrective actions the facilities took in response to these occurrences. EPA says that these reporting obligations exist to reduce the possibility of a severe failure of emission control equipment, which could result in excess lead emissions.

EPA identified the community surrounding one of EnerSys Energy’s Springfield facilities as a potentially sensitive area with respect to air toxics cancer risk and releases, Superfund and hazardous waste proximity, and wastewater discharges. The other two facilities were also identified as being close to pollution sources. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address adverse human health or environmental effects of industrial operations on vulnerable populations.

Learn more about EPA’s environmental justice and lead exposure reduction efforts, and its Air Enforcement program.

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BOSTON (June 12, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached an agreement with a railroad transportation company headquartered in Bangor, Maine, resolving alleged Clean Water Act violations for fuel oil discharges into waters of the United States from two separate derailments of company-owned freight train cars.

Central Maine & Quebec Railway US Inc. is a railroad transportation company and subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Kansas City ("Canadian Pacific"). Canadian Pacific, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, operates over 12,500 miles of track, spanning several networks of cities and areas.

"Transportation companies using, storing or handling fuel oils have responsibilities to prevent spills and contamination of the environment," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This settlement highlights EPA’s commitment to protecting America’s waterways and ensures communities, including Tribal communities and the natural resources they depend on, are protected from hazardous substances that can harm human health or the environment."

On two separate occasions in October 2022 and April 2023, the Canadian Pacific freight trains derailed in La Grange, Maine, and in the Sandwich Academy Grant Township near Brassua, Maine. Both derailments resulted in a total of nearly 15,000-gallons of oil being spilled from the trains into local waterways, which ultimately flow into the Atlantic Ocean. These derailments occurred due to flood water erosion undermining railroad track beds, which led to the accumulation of spilled oil on the shoreline, and a fuel oil sheen on surface waters. The company reported the oil spills to the National Response Center as required by law and have been paying for the environmental and emergency response costs in both of these areas.

Under the terms of the settlement, Canadian Pacific paid a penalty of $16,544, in addition to completing a supplemental environmental project (SEP) in the form of an equipment donation. The SEP required the company to purchase and donate emergency equipment, including an off-road response vehicle, for the local fire department that first responded to the Sandwich Academy Grant Township derailment incident. This equipment will help protect the community and surrounding environment from any future oil spill or other release of pollutants.

Background:

Oil discharged into the environment can harm habitats such as wetlands and shell bed reef. Habitat losses may alter migration patterns and disrupt life cycles of animals. Additionally, oil discharges can have an impact to local economies and recreation. Oil spills can result in closures of beaches, parks, waterways, and recreational and commercial fisheries. There may also be restrictions on hunting and boating. As a result, local economies may be severely impacted, both in the short and long term.

Additionally, oil spills can harm animal and plant life, endanger public health, harm drinking water, devastate natural resources, and disrupt the economy. Oils have toxic properties and produce harmful physical effects and pose threats to public health and the environment.

More information:

Clean Water Act

EPA water enforcement

Supplemental Environmental Projects

SAN FRANCISCO – Today, in San Diego, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and the California Water Resources Control Board announced a $37 million investment in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to support the South Mission Storm Drain and Green Infrastructure project. This investment will strengthen resiliency to increasingly intense rain events and help protect residents from flooding in densely populated Mission Beach.

“Improving stormwater infrastructure protects homes, businesses and our environment,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “President Biden promised to strengthen communities across the country by investing in water infrastructure. He delivered on that promise with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and now $37 million is coming to San Diego to reduce the risk of flooding in South Mission Beach.”

San Diego will receive a $32 million low-interest loan and $5 million grant from the State Revolving Fund program, which is a longstanding federal-state partnership. This investment will enable San Diego to upgrade storm drain infrastructure in the South Mission Beach neighborhood that dates back to the 1940s and is inadequately sized, resulting in regular flooding in one of the City’s most densely populated neighborhoods. Ultimately these upgrades will not only reduce flooding, but it will also improve beach water quality in areas of Mariner’s Basin and support the city’s broader stormwater management goals.

“San Diegans know all too well from recent flooding that the city’s aging stormwater infrastructure is no match for severe weather events,” said U.S. Representative Scott Peters. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are upgrading this infrastructure to protect residents and businesses from flooding and our beaches from contamination.”

“Our storm drain system is largely underground and out of sight, but the implications of this aging infrastructure failing are massive – from serious flooding in our neighborhoods to pollution of our bays and the ocean,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “While upgrading and modernizing storm drains doesn’t capture the public’s attention like fixing potholes, these major investments in critical infrastructure are incredibly important to our neighborhoods and quality of life.”

“The historic infusion of BIL dollars in recent years is helping California address the huge needs of our aging water and wastewater infrastructure,” said Joe Karkoski, Deputy Director of the Water Board and head of its Division of Financial Assistance. “Thanks to this federal commitment and the work of local partners like the City of San Diego, the state is leveraging this funding to launch major projects that will help us be more resilient in the years ahead. But while historic, we know that the BIL is a down payment on the investment that will be required to overcome climate change impacts and that the partnerships we’ve built will be just as critical as funding to the work ahead of us.”

In 2022, EPA awarded San Diego a $225 million WIFIA loan to support the city’s Stormwater Capital Improvement Program. With the additional funding awarded today, San Diego will continue to improve stormwater measures that reduce flooding and protect the Pacific Ocean. The city’s plans include green infrastructure solutions that improve wetland habitats for plants and animals, reduce urban heat islands and create green space.

Background 

The Biden-Harris Administration and bipartisan Congressional action have delivered the single-largest investment in U.S. water infrastructure ever. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests more than $50 billion through EPA’s highly successful water infrastructure programs. With this funding, EPA, states, Tribes, and localities have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and rebuild America’s water infrastructure. EPA is committed to ensuring that all communities, particularly disadvantaged and underserved communities, get their fair share of this federal water infrastructure investment. More information about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is available at www.epa.gov/infrastructure.

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

WASHINGTON—Today, June 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program has made it easy for consumers and businesses to save trillions of gallons of water. In 2023, alone WaterSense labeled products helped save 1.2 trillion gallons of water. Since the conception of the WaterSense label, EPA has helped save nearly 8.7 trillion gallons of water, which is the amount of water that is used by all U.S. households in a year.

“By reducing the energy associated with delivering, heating, and treating that water, EPA’s WaterSense program has also reduced a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions,” said EPA Director of the Office of Wastewater Management Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “We’re proud to have helped American businesses and homes save over a trillion gallons of water in 2023 alone.”

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping you save water. WaterSense seeks to protect the future of the nation’s water supply by offering Americans a simple guide to use less water with water-efficient products, homes, and services. WaterSense labeled products are independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. The program was launched in 2006, and there are more than 45,900 labeled toilets, faucets, faucet accessories, showerheads, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies; and more than 10,000 WaterSense labeled homes.

More than 2,200 utilities, communities, manufacturers, home builders, retailers, and other organizations have partnered with WaterSense to create and promote toilets, faucets, showerheads, spray sprinkler bodies, irrigation controllers, and homes that are independently certified to use less water while maintaining performance. With an easy-to-spot label, WaterSense makes it easy to save not just water but also energy and money on utility bills.

Since 2006, WaterSense labeled products have helped save 997 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in the United States—enough energy to supply a year’s worth of power to more than 92 million homes—and eliminated more than 379 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is the equivalent of removing more than 90 million cars from the roads for a year. Using WaterSense labeled products has also saved consumers $207 billion in water and energy bills over the past 17 years.

To make it easy to find plumbing and irrigation products that are certified to save water and perform well, consumers and businesses can search for WaterSense labeled products. Learn more about the 2023 WaterSense Accomplishments report.

WASHINGTON – Today, June 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, announced the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” as part of President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to tackle climate change, feed people, address environmental justice, and promote a circular economy.

 

The strategy released today provides tangible goals that the U.S. government partners along with retailers and consumers can work toward to help further prevent the loss and waste of food, increase recycling of food and other organic materials to support a more circular economy for all, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save households and businesses money, and build cleaner, healthier communities. This strategy is also a deliverable in the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022.  

“Each year, too much food produced in the United States ends up in landfills instead of on dining room tables. This hurts our economy by raising the cost of food and contributing to climate pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The National Strategy we are announcing today provides a comprehensive set of actions that the Biden-Harris Administration will take to reduce waste and protect our environment while improving food security and saving money for families and businesses.” 

“USDA is committed to reducing food loss and waste, facilitating many programs and activities to assist farmers, producers, communities and businesses,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This National Strategy charts a course to reduce our nation's food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, and I am proud of the actions outlined for USDA and our Federal partners. Everyone has a role to play in reducing food loss and waste, and I hope that these federal commitments will inspire and catalyze action in the private sector and communities around the US.” 

“The FDA is committed to completing the actions outlined in the National Strategy that incentivize and encourage food loss and waste prevention and organics recycling,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Along with the FDA, USDA and EPA efforts, U.S. consumers and retailers play an important role in meeting the National Strategy’s goal of reducing food loss and waste by 2030. As part of the release of this Strategy, the FDA has made important resources available to guide, support, and accelerate their food loss and waste activities including the 2022 Food Code, Tips to Reduce Food Waste and the Food Loss and Waste Social Media Toolkit. We encourage all stakeholders to take advantage of these resources as we work together to reduce food loss and waste.”

 

Recent EPA research shows that 58% of methane emissions released to the atmosphere from landfills are from food waste. Each year in the U.S., food loss and waste create potent greenhouse gas pollutants equal to the emissions of 60 coal-fired power plants. The strategy aims to prevent and divert organic waste from landfills to reduce GHG emissions and highlights opportunities, especially where there are environmental justice concerns, to build community-scale organics recycling infrastructure, reduce pollution and create jobs.  

 

The strategy drives progress toward the National Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal to reduce the loss and waste of food by 50% by 2030. In 2021, EPA updated its U.S. baseline to align the 2030 goal with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3, which aims to reduce the amount of food from food retail, food service, and households that has been removed from the human supply chain. In addition, this goal supports the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan. Because methane is both a powerful GHG and short-lived compared to carbon dioxide, achieving significant reductions to food loss and waste would have a rapid and significant effect on reducing GHG emissions. 

 

The strategy highlights four objectives: 

Objective 1: Prevent food loss.

Objective 2: Prevent food waste. 

Objective 3: Increase the recycling rate for all organic waste.  

Objective 4: Support policies that incentivize and encourage the prevention of food loss and waste and organics recycling.

 

For each objective, the strategy highlights actions that EPA, FDA, or USDA could take. Examples of specific EPA actions include:

• Develop and lead a national consumer education and behavior change campaign. 
• Test innovative approaches to reducing food waste across the supply chain. 
• Support the development of additional organics recycling infrastructure through grants and other assistance for all communities, and especially those that are underserved. 
• Expand the market for products made from recycled organic waste. 

 

Access the final strategy. 

 

Background  

• In the U.S., more than one-third (nearly 100 million tons per year) of the municipal waste stream is organic waste, of which food is the majority. Wasting food impacts the climate, releases air pollutants, contributes to water scarcity and biodiversity loss, and degrades soil and water quality.  
• One-third of all available food goes uneaten. (USDA) 
• 24% of municipal solid waste in landfills is food waste. (EPA) 
• Globally, food loss and waste represent 8% of anthropogenic GHG emissions (4.4 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually). (United Nations) 
• 58% of methane emissions released to the atmosphere from municipal solid waste landfills is from food waste. (EPA) 
• In the U.S., the average family of four spends $1,500 each year on food that ends up uneaten. (USDA) 

 

In addition to the release of this national strategy, EPA is funding projects announced at the end of 2023 for nearly $200 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program, as well as Recycling Education and Outreach grants, which is the largest federal investment in recycling in 30 years. Both of these programs advance the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Over $83 million of the new funding will support 72 projects that include organics recycling, composting, or anaerobic digestion. The activities outlined in these projects are critical in mitigating the effects of climate change. 

 

Learn more about:

• Sustainable management of food.
• Food: material specific data. 
• EPA’s work to promote a circular economy. 
• USDA’s work about food loss and waste.
• FDA’s work about food loss and waste. 
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Transforming U.S. Recycling and Waste Management.

White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

###

WASHINGTON – Today, June 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, announced the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” as part of President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to tackle climate change, feed people, address environmental justice, and promote a circular economy.

The strategy released today provides tangible goals that the U.S. government partners along with retailers and consumers can work toward to help further prevent the loss and waste of food, increase recycling of food and other organic materials to support a more circular economy for all, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save households and businesses money, and build cleaner, healthier communities. This strategy is also a deliverable in the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022.  

“Each year, too much food produced in the United States ends up in landfills instead of on dining room tables. This hurts our economy by raising the cost of food and contributing to climate pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The National Strategy we are announcing today provides a comprehensive set of actions that the Biden-Harris Administration will take to reduce waste and protect our environment while improving food security and saving money for families and businesses.” 

“USDA is committed to reducing food loss and waste, facilitating many programs and activities to assist farmers, producers, communities and businesses,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This National Strategy charts a course to reduce our nation's food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, and I am proud of the actions outlined for USDA and our Federal partners. Everyone has a role to play in reducing food loss and waste, and I hope that these federal commitments will inspire and catalyze action in the private sector and communities around the US.” 

“The FDA is committed to completing the actions outlined in the National Strategy that incentivize and encourage food loss and waste prevention and organics recycling,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Along with the FDA, USDA and EPA efforts, U.S. consumers and retailers play an important role in meeting the National Strategy’s goal of reducing food loss and waste by 2030. As part of the release of this Strategy, the FDA has made important resources available to guide, support, and accelerate their food loss and waste activities including the 2022 Food Code, Tips to Reduce Food Waste and the Food Loss and Waste Social Media Toolkit. We encourage all stakeholders to take advantage of these resources as we work together to reduce food loss and waste.”

Recent EPA research shows that 58% of methane emissions released to the atmosphere from landfills are from food waste. Each year in the U.S., food loss and waste create potent greenhouse gas pollutants equal to the emissions of 60 coal-fired power plants. The strategy aims to prevent and divert organic waste from landfills to reduce GHG emissions and highlights opportunities, especially where there are environmental justice concerns, to build community-scale organics recycling infrastructure, reduce pollution and create jobs.  

The strategy drives progress toward the National Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal to reduce the loss and waste of food by 50% by 2030. In 2021, EPA updated its U.S. baseline to align the 2030 goal with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3, which aims to reduce the amount of food from food retail, food service, and households that has been removed from the human supply chain. In addition, this goal supports the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan. Because methane is both a powerful GHG and short-lived compared to carbon dioxide, achieving significant reductions to food loss and waste would have a rapid and significant effect on reducing GHG emissions. 

The strategy highlights four objectives: 

Objective 1: Prevent food loss.

Objective 2: Prevent food waste. 

Objective 3: Increase the recycling rate for all organic waste.  

Objective 4: Support policies that incentivize and encourage the prevention of food loss and waste and organics recycling.

For each objective, the strategy highlights actions that EPA, FDA, or USDA could take. Examples of specific EPA actions include:

• Develop and lead a national consumer education and behavior change campaign. 
• Test innovative approaches to reducing food waste across the supply chain. 
• Support the development of additional organics recycling infrastructure through grants and other assistance for all communities, and especially those that are underserved. 
• Expand the market for products made from recycled organic waste. 

Access the final strategy. 

Background  

• In the U.S., more than one-third (nearly 100 million tons per year) of the municipal waste stream is organic waste, of which food is the majority. Wasting food impacts the climate, releases air pollutants, contributes to water scarcity and biodiversity loss, and degrades soil and water quality.  
• One-third of all available food goes uneaten. (USDA) 
• 24% of municipal solid waste in landfills is food waste. (EPA) 
• Globally, food loss and waste represent 8% of anthropogenic GHG emissions (4.4 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually). (United Nations) 
• 58% of methane emissions released to the atmosphere from municipal solid waste landfills is from food waste. (EPA) 
• In the U.S., the average family of four spends $1,500 each year on food that ends up uneaten. (USDA) 

In addition to the release of this national strategy, EPA is funding projects announced at the end of 2023 for nearly $200 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program, as well as Recycling Education and Outreach grants, which is the largest federal investment in recycling in 30 years. Both of these programs advance the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Over $83 million of the new funding will support 72 projects that include organics recycling, composting, or anaerobic digestion. The activities outlined in these projects are critical in mitigating the effects of climate change. 

Learn more about:

• Sustainable management of food.
• Food: material specific data. 
• EPA’s work to promote a circular economy. 
• USDA’s work about food loss and waste.
• FDA’s work about food loss and waste. 
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Transforming U.S. Recycling and Waste Management.
• White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

DURHAM, CONN. (June 12, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed an update to the agency's plan to clean up the Durham Meadows Superfund Site in Durham, Connecticut. The proposed update, formally called an "Explanation of Significant Differences" (ESD), will not fundamentally change the scope, performance, or cost of EPA's plan to clean up the Durham Meadows site that was selected in 2005.

In 2005, EPA selected a remedy for the Durham Meadows Superfund Site to address risks to human health from groundwater contamination and contamination in soil and soil vapor. The 2005 remedy, as documented in a Record of Decision (ROD), defined the area where groundwater contamination exists and cannot be remediated, known as the "Technical Impracticability Zone." Groundwater data collected since has shown the extent of the groundwater contamination is further southwest than previously documented.

EPA is issuing an ESD to document the revised extent of the Technical Impracticability Zone. This change will not impact the cleanup work at the site, because the extent of groundwater contamination was fully documented prior to the initiation of the Durham waterline project. In addition, all contaminated wells within that zone have been eliminated and those properties were connected to the new water system, which was also extended to include properties close to the zone that could be impacted in the future. The State of Connecticut has reviewed and commented on the proposed update and concurs with its issuance.

The public can comment on the proposed update from Wednesday, June 12 through Tuesday, July 2, 2024 by following the steps listed below.

Background

The site is located in the Town of Durham, and includes an area of groundwater contamination generally centered on Main Street. The outer limits of the site are defined by the extent of the groundwater contamination. The site is centered around the two source areas: Durham Manufacturing Company, a currently operating manufacturing facility located at 201 Main Street; and the former location of Merriam Manufacturing Company at 281 Main Street. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contamination has been detected in the soil and groundwater at these facilities. The groundwater contamination migrating from these facilities has impacted over 50 private drinking water wells. The major contaminant at the site is trichloroethylene (TCE), which continues to be detected in groundwater at concentrations at levels unsafe for consumption. The initial cleanup action, at the former Merriam Manufacturing Company, was completed in 2013. The installation of a new water system to provide clean water to the properties with contaminated water began in 2019 and became functional in 2022. EPA expects to begin the cleanup of contaminated soil at the Durham Manufacturing Company in 2025. The Durham Meadows Superfund Site received over $10.3 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund ongoing work to address legacy groundwater and soil contamination at the site.

The draft ESD and a fact sheet describing the proposed changes are available for review at: www.epa.gov/superfund/durham.

Comments on the ESD should be submitted no later than midnight on July 2, 2024 to:

Ed Hathaway
U.S. EPA Region 1 Mail Code: 07-1
5 Post Office Square, Suite 100
Boston, MA 02109-3912
Or Hathaway.Ed@epa.gov

For more information on the public comment process, please contact: Darriel Swatts, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, Swatts.Darriel@epa.gov, Office: (617) 918-1065.

ANNISTON, Ala. (June 12, 2024) – On June 1, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a 60-day public comment period for the Proposed Plan with cleanup alternatives for Operable Unit 4 (OU4) for the Anniston PCB Site (the Site) in Anniston, Alabama. The public comment period will begin June 1, 2024, and end July 30, 2024. 

Public meetings to explain the Proposed Plan will be offered on June 18 and July 23, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL.

Informal Open House sessions will be offered on June 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Anniston Meeting Center, 1615 Noble St, Anniston, AL and July 20, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Lincoln City Center, 140 Jones St, Lincoln, AL.

 

The Proposed Plan presents the EPA’s preferred cleanup actions to address contamination at the Site. These proposed activities will address contaminated soil and sediment, in OU4 to provide long-term effectiveness and protect surface water, fish, animal and plant life.

The EPA plans to publish a pre-recorded presentation that provides details of the Proposed Plan. Once final, it can be accessed through EPA’s site webpage: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/anniston-pcb-site. The public is encouraged to view the presentation and submit comments on the Proposed Plan.

Comments on the Proposed Plan may be submitted verbally at one of the public meetings offered on June 18 or July 23, 2024. Comments may also be submitted by U.S. postal mail or through email using the information below. Submissions must be postmarked by postal mail or received via email by July 30, 2024. 

Mail: U.S. EPA Region 4; Attn: Pam Scully, 61 Forsyth St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Email: Written comments may be e-mailed to EPA’s Remedial Project Manager at Scully.Pam@epa.gov. Please write Public Comment in the Subject Line.

For further information, please contact Angela Miller, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, via email at miller.angela@epa.gov or by phone at (678) 575-8132.

 

###

DENVER  --   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a settlement with Andersen’s Sales and Salvage Inc. at 1490 E 8th St., in Greeley, Colorado, resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act associated with releases of refrigerants. The consent agreement and final order requires the company to pay a $195,000 penalty for these violations. 

Andersen’s Sales and Salvage failed to verify the proper recovery of all refrigerants from the appliances accepted at its scrapyard. Releases of these refrigerant compounds deplete the stratospheric ozone layer that protects life from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, and also contribute to global warming and climate change. As part of this settlement, the company is required to comply with an administrative compliance order that includes implementation of a refrigerant management plan, among other measures. 

The facility is located in an area with environmental justice concerns. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Learn more about environmental justice.  

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

CHICAGO (June 10, 2024) — Today, the White House and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan, as recipient of rebates from EPA's Clean School Bus program. The school district will receive up to $800,000 from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help purchase four electric school buses for cleaner air in and around the community. 

Heather Boushey of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, Ali Zaidi the Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor, EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell joined state and local officials on a tour of an electric school bus and highlighted how these vehicles will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs. 

“When we protect children, reduce emissions, and improve air quality, we create stronger communities and foster economic opportunity and growth. Through President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we are modernizing and electrifying student transportation, our nation’s largest mass transit system, while creating manufacturing jobs across the nation,” said White House Investing in America Chief Economist Heather Boushey. 

“Under President Biden’s vision and leadership, the iconic yellow school bus is going green,” said Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “Across Michigan and the country, children will jump into a bus that runs clean and no longer pumps toxic chemicals into the air they breathe. This investment from the Biden-Harris Administration, combined with a strong partnership with Congresswoman Dingell and Governor Whitmer, will bolster American manufacturing, create good-paying union jobs, and safeguard the planet for our kids.” 

“Thanks to the President’s Investing in America Agenda and EPA’s Clean School Bus program, Ann Arbor Public Schools is providing a healthier environment for its students, bus drivers, and school staff,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Being able to expand their electric school bus fleet is a major win for the Ann Arbor community and will mean reduced air pollution in and around schools.” 

“Diesel exhaust from school buses hurts our environment, and the health of our children, teachers, bus drivers, and surrounding communities. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to get diesel buses off the roads, reduce our carbon emissions, and ensure the air our children breathe on the way to school is cleaner and free from dangerous pollutants. And I’m proud Michigan is leading the way in demonstrating what is possible when we prioritize and invest in clean energy technology,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. 

“Electric school buses are making a big difference for schools across Michigan – improving air quality and putting more resources in our classrooms. This important funding is another investment by the Biden Administration in Michigan’s future,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow. 

“Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law I helped pass, we are providing safer and more efficient transportation for students in Ann Arbor who ride the bus to school,” said Sen. Gary Peters. “I’m proud that Ann Arbor Public Schools is taking advantage of this EPA program to replace aging school buses with cleaner electric models that will protect both students and staff and improve air quality.” 

“These buses are another step toward a clean energy future that protects our children, improves the health of our communities, keeps more dollars in the classroom where they belong, and helps achieve Michigan's MI Healthy Climate Plan goals," said Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director Phil Roos. "Prior to the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Michigan had just 17 electric school buses, with this new program we'll soon have nearly 300. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration and our hardworking congressional delegation for investing in the Clean School Bus Program. Let’s keep working together to lead on clean energy and protect the state’s most precious resources, our children, from harmful air pollution."  

“We are grateful to the EPA for providing us with important incentive funding that helps us achieve our environmental sustainability goals at Ann Arbor Public Schools. These Clean Bus rebates specifically support our efforts to add more electric school buses to our fleet, which promotes cleaner and healthier air for our students and campuses. It also contributes to our commitment to, reduce our fossil fuel usage and operating costs, and reduce our carbon emissions. Our experience with electric buses has proven their safety and reliability in transporting students, and we welcome this new addition to our fleet,’’ said Ann Arbor Public Schools Interim Superintendent Jazz Parks.

“Michigan is fortunate to have early adopters, such as Ann Arbor Public Schools, coming back for more and showing that electric school buses work well in Michigan,” said It’s Electric Coordinator Kindra Weid. “The experiences of the original 7 school districts from the ESB pilot project has given our pupil transportation community a wealth of knowledge, and it’s because of their dedication that we are seeing such great success as a state in the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program.  We also have our leadership, in Governor Whitmer and our legislature, for prioritizing a clean ride for school children in the 2023 school aid budget.  States need both federal and state support, like the Clean Bus Energy Grant, to launch this school bus transition. Michigan is leading the charge by pursuing a cleaner ride for their students, drivers and communities.” 

In May, EPA announced the selection of roughly 530 districts across the country to receive nearly $900 million in rebate funding to support the purchase of over 3,400 clean school buses, 92% of which will be electric. Under the Clean School Bus Program's multiple grant and rebate funding opportunities to date, EPA has awarded almost $3 billion to fund approximately 8,500 school bus replacements at over 1,000 schools. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution. 

In Michigan, EPA is awarding almost $24 million to 27 school districts to help purchase 100 clean school buses. Michigan’s legislature also included $125 million for clean school buses in the state’s school aid budget, which will support the transition to cleaner buses across the state improving air quality and the health of Michigan’s school children. 

EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Ann Arbor’s Clean School Bus rebate is among the third round of rebate selections announced for the newly created program.  

The EPA will also make selections through additional rounds of funding, as well as through other funding programs. For example, the EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024 – with the EPA offering up to $932 million in available grant funding and anticipates approximately 70% of the available funding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses. The EPA encourages school districts not selected for the 2023 CSB Rebate Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in currently open funding programs, and future CSB funding rounds. 

About the Clean School Bus Program 

The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.  

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.   

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.  

For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.  

View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards. 

### 

WASHINGTON – Today, June 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published water quality screening values under the Clean Water Act related to short-term concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-q). These chemicals have been found in freshwater ecosystems and linked to runoff from automotive tire dust and debris. Once in freshwater, these chemicals are known toxins that can quickly cause fish-kill events. The EPA’s non-regulatory and non-binding screening values provide information that Tribes, states, and local governments can use to monitor their waterways and help protect aquatic life from these harmful pollutants.

“Achieving clean water that protects aquatic life and supports commercial, recreational, and cultural fishing practices takes partnership at all levels of government,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “6PPD and 6PPD-q can be lethal to fish, so it’s important we know where it’s polluting waterways. The EPA’s screening values provide important information that our partners can use to protect fish populations—especially coho salmon on the Pacific coast. Solutions like stormwater treatment and green infrastructure are effective at reducing concentrations of these chemicals in freshwater ecosystems.”

This is the latest in a series of EPA actions to better understand and reduce freshwater aquatic life exposure to these harmful chemicals. In November 2023, the agency committed to consider establishing regulations prohibiting the manufacturing, processing, use and distribution of 6PPD in tires and also announced its intent to publish an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA also announced plans to finalize a rule to require manufacturers (including importers) of 6PPD to report lists and copies of unpublished health and safety studies to the agency. In January 2024, the EPA announced the publication of a draft testing method to help Tribes, states, and key stakeholders determine where and when 6PPD-q is present in local stormwater and surface waters. In March 2024, the agency announced investments in the state of Washington to help treat and control stormwater runoff that can contain 6PPD and 6PPD-q.

The EPA’s screening values are based on the latest scientific knowledge about the short-term toxicity of 6PPD and 6PPD-q to freshwater aquatic life. Based on current science, the agency believes that concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD-q at or below these screening values are likely to protect freshwater aquatic life. The EPA’s recommended screening values are not regulations and they do not impose any legally binding requirements.

Learn more about the EPA’s screening values for 6PPD and 6PPD-q and other work on 6PPD-q.