CHICAGO (March 27, 2023) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the Federated Metals Corp. site in Hammond, Indiana, has been proposed to the Superfund National Priorities List, a list of sites where releases of contamination pose significant human health and environmental risks. The 60-day public comment period begins March 29.

“When we add a site to the National Priorities List, EPA is committing to permanently addressing contamination on-site and ensuring surrounding communities receive the protection and support they deserve,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks to President Biden’s investments in America, EPA is making sure complex hazardous waste sites get the long-term federal financial assistance and cleanup support they need to safeguard critical resources families rely on, like clean drinking water.”

The Federated Metals site is a former metal smelting, refining, recovery, and recycling facility that operated for nearly 50 years in Hammond along the shore of Lake George. The proposed site includes the former smelting facility, contaminated sediments in nearby Lake George and contaminated soils at residential properties in nearby neighborhoods of Hammond and Whiting. Federated Metals closed operations in 1983 but various smelting facilities subsequently operated on the property. The property was regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act until 2016 when the site was referred to EPA’s Superfund removal program to investigate potential contamination in the surrounding neighborhood. Lead was found at elevated concentrations in residential yards and arsenic was also found at elevated concentrations in residential yards near the facility. During the evaluation of the site for the NPL, Lake George sediments were found to have elevated lead concentrations which may impact wildlife.

EPA has confirmed that approximately 130 residential properties have lead-contaminated soil and an estimated 700 residential properties still need to be sampled. The state of Indiana referred the site to EPA to be proposed to the NPL due to needed long-term response action. Other federal and state cleanup programs were evaluated but are not viable at this time due to the extent of the contamination and complexity of the site.

Thousands of contaminated sites, from landfills, to processing plants, to manufacturing facilities, exist nationally due to hazardous waste being dumped, left out in the open, or otherwise improperly managed. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law accelerates EPA’s work to clean up this pollution with a $3.5 billion investment in the Superfund Remedial Program. The law also reinstates the Superfund chemical excise taxes, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address legacy pollution. This historic investment strengthens EPA’s ability to tackle threats to human health and the environment from Superfund National Priorities List sites.

Before EPA adds a site to the National Priorities List, a site must meet EPA’s requirements and be proposed for addition to the list in the Federal Register, subject to a 60-day public comment period. EPA will add the site to the National Priorities List if it continues to meet the listing requirements after the public comment period closes and the agency has responded to any comments.

Background: 

The National Priorities List includes the nation’s most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination. This list serves as the basis for prioritizing EPA Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. Only releases at non-federal sites included on the National Priorities List are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term, permanent cleanup.

Superfund cleanups provide health and economic benefits to communities. The program is credited for significant reductions in both birth defects and blood-lead levels among children living near sites, and research has shown residential property values increase up to 24 percent within three miles of sites after cleanup.

Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has followed through on updating the National Priorities List twice a year, as opposed to once per year. Today’s announcement is the first time EPA is updating the National Priorities List in 2023.

More information about Superfund and the National Priorities List.

Federal Register notices, supporting documents for the National Priorities List and proposed sites are on the website.

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NEW HAVEN, CONN. (March 27, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently reached a settlement with Trelleborg Coated Systems US, Inc., located in New Haven, Conn., for allegedly violating the federal Clean Air Act. The company has agreed to pay a penalty of $305,305 under the terms of the settlement and come into compliance or permanently shut down all of its coating operations at their New Haven facility by July 1, 2023.

"This settlement will result in improved air quality for the people of New Haven, a community that has historically been overburdened by environmental pollution," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "No one should be worried that the air that they breathe has been compromised due to a company's alleged failure to follow federal laws, and I'm glad to say the community of New Haven is now better protected as a result of EPA's action."

Trelleborg Coated Systems US, Inc. is a manufacturing facility that primarily performs urethane coating and laminating processes on various fabrics to achieve water and chemical repellant and flame-retardant properties for fabrics used for products such as escape slides for aircrafts, blood pressure cuffs, mattresses, and protective clothing.

EPA, along with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), conducted a comprehensive inspection of Trelleborg's facility. As a result of the inspection EPA alleged that Trelleborg had various violations of its New Source Review Permit to Construct and Operate a Stationary Source. The alleged violations involve the operation of six coating lines and two laminating lines, the associated capture systems (e.g., permanent total enclosures or "PTEs") and the control system.

EPA discovered additional alleged violations after the facility performed stack testing to evaluate whether the facility's oxidizer, used to minimize and control Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from the coating lines, and the PTEs, used to capture and direct VOC emissions to the oxidizer, were functioning properly. The stack testing results indicated that Trelleborg was not achieving the required destruction efficiency for VOCs and therefore was emitting hazardous air pollutants. In addition, the facility had not been achieving the required capture efficiency until late October 2021 and was not maintaining all required VOC usage records.

Background Information

VOCs include a variety of chemicals that may produce adverse health effects such as eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; nausea; and damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Moreover, emissions of VOCs contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, which is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and VOCs in the presence of sunlight. Ground level ozone can trigger various respiratory problems and can also harm sensitive vegetation and ecosystems.

EPA brought a similar action against Trelleborg's affiliated entity in North Smithfield, Rhode Island a few years ago. In that case, EPA found that the capture system associated with the one coating line maintained by that facility was not meeting the required capture efficiency and that the oxidizer was not correctly sized to accommodate all VOC emissions generated by the line, had the line been properly capturing VOC emissions.  

More information:

EPA Clean Air Act Enforcement

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced Minnesota would receive a $3 million planning grant to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of the funds from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

“We know that tackling the climate crisis demands a sense of urgency to protect people and the planet,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is a historic opportunity to provide communities across the country with the resources they need to protect people from harmful climate pollution and improve our economy. These Climate Pollution Reduction Grants are an important first step to equip communities with the resources to create innovative strategies that reduce climate emissions and drive benefits across the country.”

On March 17, 2023, Minnesota submitted the state’s intent to participate in the new program. The state will use the funds to support its Climate Action Framework. The framework identifies immediate actions Minnesota must take to achieve a carbon-neutral, resilient, and equitable future for the state. The funds will also be used to conduct meaningful engagement including with low income and disadvantaged communities throughout Minnesota.

“Minnesota is leading the way on combatting climate change and advancing the clean energy economy in the process,” said Gov. Tim Walz. “We’re grateful for federal, state, and local partners who continue to work together to invest in our future – this is good news for Minnesota and the nation.”

Later this year, EPA will launch a competition for an additional $4.6 billion in funding to implement projects and initiatives included in the plans, which Minnesota is eligible to receive. The state can also use this funding to develop strategies for using the other grant, loan, and tax provisions secured by President Biden’s historic legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to achieve it clean energy, climate, and environmental justice goals.

“Climate change is already hurting Americans throughout the country,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “The Climate Pollution Reduction grants made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act will help urban and rural residents, cities and states become more resilient so that Americans can live in healthy, vibrant communities for generations to come.”

“In order to preserve Minnesota’s lakes and natural beauty for future generations and protect our communities, we need to come together to combat climate change,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar. “This federal funding will help our state take action.”

“If we were to do nothing, climate change will be an economic, environmental and public health disaster. The good news is that taking action on climate also presents enormous opportunities,” said Sen. Tina Smith. “This funding, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will help Minnesota build on all the great work we’re doing to cut greenhouse emissions, lower energy bills, and build out a clean energy economy. I look forward to working with state leaders to make sure everyone in Minnesota, especially low-income and other overburdened communities, benefits from these investments.”

“Fantastic to hear Minnesota will receive $3 million through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program created by the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Rep. Betty McCollum. “This planning grant will help Minnesota update and expand its existing climate action plan, including outreach with low-income and historically-excluded communities throughout our state. Cutting climate pollution and improving public health is a meaningful investment in our future—exactly the kind of progress I voted for when passing the Inflation Reduction Act!”

“We passed the Inflation Reduction Act last year to accelerate our transition to clean energy and create good-paying jobs for Minnesotans, and I’m working on the Regional Leadership Council to ensure those investments make a difference in our communities,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “Today’s announcement puts Minnesota in a strong position to accomplish our climate and energy goals, and I’ll continue working to deliver for the Second District.”

“Climate change threatens Minnesota’s economy, environment, and way of life, and we’re committed to protecting our communities and treasured forests, rivers, and lakes,” said Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Katrina Kessler. “This federal support will allow us to bring everyone to the table — including low-income and communities of color most impacted by the devastating effects of climate change — to advance our climate strategies and ensure all our communities remain healthy and vibrant.” 

President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes historic funding to combat climate change while creating good-paying jobs and advancing environmental justice. Today’s announcement builds on $550 million announced in February for EPA’s new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program and $100 million announced earlier this year for environmental justice grants to support underserved and overburdened communities. Additionally, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will award nearly $27 billion to leverage private capital for clean energy and clean air investments across the country.

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities. These climate plans will include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

In program guidance released earlier this month, EPA describes how the agency intends to award and manage CPRG funds to eligible entities, including states, metropolitan areas, Tribes, and territories.

Next Steps

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs, and projects created by the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

By summer 2023, EPA regional offices expect to award and administer the funding agreements.

More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

Updates to Community Involvement Plan and site-specific Technical Assistance Needs Assessment will be highlighted in Bridgeton, Missouri

LENEXA, KAN. (MARCH 27, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 will host a Community Meeting at Machinists Hall in Bridgeton, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 28. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m. A Listening Session will be held at the end of the meeting for members of the community to share their thoughts and concerns about the West Lake Landfill Site.

“EPA has been listening to residents and community members over the past year and through these conversations, we have developed a stronger communications approach with the community,” said EPA Region 7 Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director Bob Jurgens. “At this meeting, we’ll report out what we’ve learned, while we also look forward to hearing directly from the community members who will be present.”

A Community Involvement Plan is a site-specific tool that enables meaningful community involvement throughout the Superfund cleanup process with the goal of encouraging and facilitating community engagement throughout the process. The draft site-specific Community Involvement Plan will be available on the Site Profile Page for review by community members prior to the meeting.

The updated draft Community Involvement Plan is available online.

A Technical Assistance Needs Assessment is a site-specific process that identifies whether a community requires additional support from EPA to understand technical information to better support meaningful community involvement in the Superfund process.

The meeting will be held:

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Community Meeting and Listening Session: 6 to 8 p.m.

The meeting and Listening Session will be held at:

Machinists Hall
12365 St. Charles Rock Road
Bridgeton, MO 63044

Registration to attend the meeting is encouraged, but not required. Although it is not required, community members interested in speaking during the listening session are encouraged to register for the limited number of two-minute speaking slots. Community members can register online. Written comments can also be submitted through the registration form.

EPA Region 7 is currently planning to host a separate Public Meeting later this spring to discuss the West Lake Landfill Superfund Site’s Remedial Design Investigation, which is an important step in the Superfund cleanup process. More information about this meeting will be available later.

• Register to attend and speak at the Community Meeting.
• View the West Lake Landfill Dashboard.

# # #

Learn more about EPA Region 7

View all Region 7 news releases

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7

WASHINGTON – Matador Production Company has agreed to pay a penalty and ensure compliance with both state and federal clean air regulations at all 239 of its New Mexico oil and gas well pads to resolve unlawful operations alleged in a civil complaint filed today under the Clean Air Act and state regulations.

The complaint, filed jointly by the United States, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), alleges that Matador failed to capture and control air emissions from storage vessels; comply with inspection, monitoring, and recordkeeping requirements; and obtain required state and federal permits at 25 of its oil and gas production operations in New Mexico. NMED and EPA identified the alleged violations through flyover surveillance and field investigations conducted in 2019.

The consent decree, filed together with the complaint, requires Matador to ensure that all 239 of its well pads in New Mexico are operated lawfully. Under the settlement, Matador will spend at least $2,500,000 to implement extensive design, operation, maintenance and monitoring improvements, including installing new tank pressure monitoring systems that will provide advance notification of potential emissions and allow for immediate response action by the company.

“Matador’s facilities unlawfully released air pollutants associated with several types of respiratory illnesses and that contribute to global warming,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement will not only improve air quality for neighboring communities but also assist with our national effort to slow climate change.  It will also help ensure that Matador does not profit from its violations of environmental laws.”

“Air quality in the Permian Basin is at risk of not meeting national standards,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We will continue to work with the State of New Mexico to ensure that oil and gas production operations are operating within the law to improve air quality and public health in surrounding communities.”

Matador’s compliance with the consent decree will result in a reduction of more than 16,000 tons of pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide (CO). VOCs and NOx are key components in the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that irritates the lungs, exacerbates diseases such as asthma, and can increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. In addition, as a co-benefit of these reductions, the consent decree will result in significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing methane – a powerful greenhouse gas, by more than 31,000 tons, measured as carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent.  This is similar to the amount of greenhouse gas reductions that would be achieved by taking 6,060 gasoline powered vehicles off the road for one year. Greenhouse gases from human activities are a primary cause of climate change and global warming. 

As part of the settlement, Matador also will pay a civil penalty of $1.15 million to be split between the United States and the State of New Mexico. In addition, Matador will spend no less than $1.25 million on a supplemental environmental project involving diesel engine replacements, which will result in significant reductions of harmful air pollutants and help address the environmental harm caused by the Company’s previous violations. Matador will also spend another $500,000 to conduct aerial monitoring of its facilities for leaks of methane and other pollutants and to address any problems identified. Finally, Matador will spend approximately $800,000 million to offset the harm caused by the alleged violations by reducing emissions from pneumatic devices and vapor recovery units used in its oil and gas operations.

The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants that are considered harmful to public health and the environment. Ozone, CO and nitrogen dioxide (NO2, a component of NOx) are criteria pollutants emitted by oil and gas production facilities, such as those operated by Matador where the alleged violations occurred. During the timeframes of Matador’s alleged violations, air quality monitors in the relevant counties in New Mexico registered rising ozone concentrations exceeding 95% of the NAAQS for ozone. In counties where ozone levels reach 95% of the NAAQS, NMED is required by New Mexico state statute to take action to reduce ozone pollution.

Matador is an independent oil and gas producer engaged in the exploration, development, production and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States. The company is a large producer in the New Mexico portion of the Permian Basin, which is a shale oil and gas producing area located in southeast New Mexico and West Texas.

This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, Creating Cleaner Air for Communities by Reducing Excess Emissions of Harmful Pollutants.

The consent decree is available for public viewing on the Department of Justice website. The United States will publish a notice of the consent decree’s lodging with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico in the Federal Register and will accept public comment for 30 days after the notice is published. The Federal Register notice will also include instructions for submitting public comment.

More information on this settlement can be found here.

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is adding one site and proposing to add four additional sites to the Superfund National Priorities List where releases of contamination pose significant human health and environmental risks.

“When we add a site to the National Priorities List, EPA is committing to permanently addressing contamination on-site and ensuring surrounding communities receive the protection and support they deserve,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks to President Biden’s investments in America, EPA is making sure complex hazardous waste sites get the long-term federal financial assistance and cleanup support they need to safeguard critical resources families rely on, like clean drinking water.”

The sites included in today’s actions demonstrate EPA’s commitment to priority environmental issues like the long-term protection of drinking water, reducing childhood lead exposure, remediating contamination from per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, addressing the legacy of uranium contamination in the Navajo Nation, and advancing environmental justice. All the sites being added or proposed to be added to the National Priorities List are in communities with potential environmental justice concerns based on data from EJSCREEN.

Thousands of contaminated sites, from landfills, to processing plants, to manufacturing facilities, exist nationally due to hazardous waste being dumped, left out in the open, or otherwise improperly managed. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law accelerates EPA’s work to clean up this pollution with a $3.5 billion investment in the Superfund Remedial Program. The law also reinstates the Superfund chemical excise taxes, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address legacy pollution. This historic investment strengthens EPA’s ability to tackle threats to human health and the environment from Superfund National Priorities List sites.

EPA is adding the following site to the National Priorities List:

• East Basin Road Groundwater site in New Castle, Delaware.

EPA is proposing to add the following sites to the National Priorities List:

• Federated Metals Corp Whiting in Hammond, Indiana.
• Capitol Lakes in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
• Fansteel Metals/FMRI in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
• Lukachukai Mountains Mining District in Cove, Navajo Nation, Arizona.

EPA typically proposes sites to the National Priorities List based on a scientific determination of risks to people and the environment, consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. The National Contingency Plan also allows each State to designate a single site as its top-priority to be listed on the National Priorities List, without the need to apply a scientific determination. The State of Oklahoma is designating the Fansteel Metals/FMRI site its top-priority site.

Before EPA adds a site to the National Priorities List, a site must meet EPA’s requirements and be proposed for addition to the list in the Federal Register, subject to a 60-day public comment period. EPA will add the site to the National Priorities List if it continues to meet the listing requirements after the public comment period closes and the agency has responded to any comments.

Background: 

The National Priorities List includes the nation’s most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination. This list serves as the basis for prioritizing EPA Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. Only releases at non-federal sites included on the National Priorities List are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term, permanent cleanup.

Superfund cleanups provide health and economic benefits to communities. The program is credited for significant reductions in both birth defects and blood-lead levels among children living near sites, and research has shown residential property values increase up to 24 percent within three miles of sites after cleanup.

Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has followed through on updating the National Priorities List twice a year, as opposed to once per year. Today’s announcement is the first time EPA is updating the National Priorities List in 2023.

Learn about Superfund and the National Priorities List.

For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the National Priorities List and proposed sites, please visit:

New Proposed and New Superfund National Priorities List Sites.

LENEXA, KAN. (MARCH 27, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3 million each to Missouri and Nebraska to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies across these states.

Earlier this month, EPA announced the availability of the funds, which are a part of the first allotment of funding from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. All 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are eligible to receive $3 million in CPRG planning grants.

“These $3 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grants will allow Missouri and Nebraska to plan for climate impacts with the speed in which this pressing issue demands,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “We hope that all states will follow their lead in leveraging the historic Inflation Reduction Act funds to protect communities and create jobs.”

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) will participate in this new program that provides flexible planning resources for the states to develop and implement scalable solutions that protect people from pollution and advance environmental justice.

“As we begin planning this effort, we look forward to engaging partners and stakeholders from across Missouri,” said MoDNR Director Dru Buntin. “Missouri’s plan will help industry to finance voluntary projects that will enhance their ability to meet the state’s future energy needs. We will also work to provide new tools and funding opportunities for projects to reduce pollution and improve the environment for all Missourians. Finally, we are committed to improving community engagement efforts so that everyone has a seat at the table.”

MoDNR and NDEE will use these funds to develop a climate action plan in collaboration with municipalities and organizations in their states, and to conduct meaningful engagement, especially with low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Later this year, EPA will launch a $4.6 billion CPRG implementation grant competition to implement projects and initiatives outlined in the climate action plans developed using funding from the CPRG planning grants. Missouri and Nebraska will be eligible to receive funds from this competition, as will the other states that submit their intention to apply prior to the March 31 deadline.

More on Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, tribes, municipalities, and air agencies in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

These climate plans could include:

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories.
• Emissions projections and reduction targets.
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities.
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy.
• Future government staffing and budget needs.

In program guidance released earlier this month, EPA describes how the Agency intends to award and manage CPRG funds to eligible entities, including states, metropolitan areas, tribes, and territories.

By summer 2023, EPA regional offices expect to award and administer the funding agreements.

Next Steps

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies created by the CPRG planning grants, programs, and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.

Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans.

• Learn more about Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
• Read CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidance
• Sign up for notifications about Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

More on Inflation Reduction Act Funding

President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes historic funding to combat climate change while creating good-paying jobs and advancing environmental justice. Earlier this year, EPA announced $550 million toward the new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program, and $100 million for environmental justice grants to support underserved and overburdened communities. Additionally, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will award nearly $27 billion to leverage private capital for clean energy and clean air investments across the country.

# # #

Learn more about EPA Region 7

View all Region 7 news releases

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7

Following a thorough review of public comments, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced its final decision on the cleanup plan for the remaining groundwater and soil contamination from historical operations at the Amphenol/Franklin Power Products Inc. site in Franklin, Indiana.

From prior investigations, EPA determined that a former site owner’s release of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and other chemicals into the environment caused contaminants to migrate outside the company’s fence line. In 2018, Franklin residents raised concerns to EPA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management about VOC vapors from the site seeping into nearby homes. Following further investigation, EPA confirmed that there was potential for vapor intrusion from remaining VOCs in soil and sewer laterals, the run of pipe between the building and the city’s main drain sewer. EPA required the company to install vapor mitigation systems in seven homes and to repair plumbing systems at nine properties. EPA’s final cleanup plan outlines additional, specific requirements to address the remaining VOCs in the groundwater and soil both onsite and in the surrounding area.

EPA held a 45-day public comment period, which was extended by 30-days at the request of the community. All comments received during that time period are addressed in the Final Decision document. The final remedy involves installing permeable reactive barriers, or PRBs, on-site and off-site along Forsythe Road, to degrade remaining VOC contamination in soil and groundwater. In addition to PRBs, EPA will establish long-term monitoring of the site. Please visit the Amphenol website for more information and to review the cleanup plan.

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced Michigan would receive a $3 million planning grant to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of the funds from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.  

“We know that tackling the climate crisis demands a sense of urgency to protect people and the planet,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is a historic opportunity to provide communities across the country with the resources they need to protect people from harmful climate pollution and improve our economy. These Climate Pollution Reduction Grants are an important first step to equip communities with the resources to create innovative strategies that reduce climate emissions and drive benefits across the country.” 

On March 17, 2023, Michigan submitted the state’s intent to participate in the new program. The state will use the funds to update and expand its existing climate action plan. The funds will also be used to conduct meaningful engagement including with low income and disadvantaged communities throughout Michigan.  

Later this year, EPA will launch a competition for an additional $4.6 billion in funding to implement projects and initiatives included in the plans, which Michigan is eligible to receive. The state can also use this funding to develop strategies for using the other grant, loan, and tax provisions secured by President Biden’s historic legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to achieve it clean energy, climate, and environmental justice goals.  

“Climate change is already hurting Americans throughout the country,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “The Climate Pollution Reduction grants made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act will help urban and rural residents, cities and states become more resilient so that Americans can live in healthy, vibrant communities for generations to come.” 

“The MI Healthy Climate Plan was built with input from hundreds of Michiganders over 18 months to chart a path forward for meeting Governor Whitmer’s climate commitments culminating in statewide carbon neutrality by 2050,” said Cory Connolly, climate and energy advisor for the state of Michigan. “This federal support will refine that plan and accelerate its implementation. It also will help in engaging and receiving input from communities across Michigan, especially low-income areas that are typically hit ‘first and worst’ by climate impacts. It is vital that all Michiganders share in the protections and benefits of the Climate Plan, and this moves us toward that goal. 

“Whether it’s extreme flooding, coastal erosion, or the warming of our Great Lakes, Michigan communities are already feeling the effects of the climate crisis. There is simply no time to waste when it comes to taking action,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “This investment will allow our state to continue combating the climate crisis, while creating good-paying American jobs.” 

“Reducing air pollution is critical for the health of families and our communities,” said Sen. Gary Peters. “I’m proud to have helped enact the Inflation Reduction Act that will provide this funding for our state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a clean energy economy that benefits Michiganders across our state.” 

“I am proud to have voted for new laws like the Inflation Reduction Act to help Michigan address climate change. This federal funding will help ensure cleaner air and water for all Michigan families. In Congress, I will keep fighting to protect our Great Lakes, our environment and our planet,” said Rep. Dan Kildee. 

“As the home of the American auto industry, we know that the transportation sector accounts for 30% of our nation’s carbon emissions,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. “Now, the strengths that have driven the growth of the automotive sector for more than a century will help transform Southeast Michigan into a robust and growing clean energy epicenter. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding in the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the single largest investment in clean energy, environmental justice, and climate actions in American history. I’m excited that, given our immense capabilities, infrastructure, and expertise, we are building the clean energy economies that will drive our future right here in Michigan.” 

President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes historic funding to combat climate change while creating good-paying jobs and advancing environmental justice. Today’s announcement builds on $550 million announced in February for EPA’s new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program and $100 million announced earlier this year for environmental justice grants to support underserved and overburdened communities. Additionally, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will award nearly $27 billion to leverage private capital for clean energy and clean air investments across the country.  

About the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program 

The CPRG planning grants will support states, territories, Tribes, municipalities and air agencies, in the creation of comprehensive, innovative strategies for reducing pollution and ensuring that investments maximize benefits, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

These climate plans will include: 

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventories. 
• Emissions projections and reduction targets. 
• Economic, health, and social benefits, including to low-income and disadvantaged communities. 
• Plans to leverage other sources of federal funding including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. 
• Workforce needs to support decarbonization and a clean energy economy. 
• Future government staffing and budget needs. 

In program guidance released earlier this month, EPA describes how the agency intends to award and manage CPRG funds to eligible entities, including states, metropolitan areas, Tribes, and territories.

Next Steps  

This funding for climate planning will be followed later this year by $4.6 billion in implementation grant funding that will support the expeditious implementation of investment-ready policies, programs, and projects created by the CPRG planning grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near term. Through the CPRG program, EPA will support the development and deployment of technologies and solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution, as well as transition America to a clean energy economy that benefits all Americans. 

By summer 2023, EPA regional offices expect to award and administer the funding agreements.  

More information on the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants 

CPRG Planning Grant Program Guidances  

Sign up for notifications about the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants 

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $170 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Poseidon Resources in San Diego County, California, to support its Carlsbad Desalination Plant Intake Modification and Wetlands Project, which will help provide sustainable access to drinking water and protect local coastal wetlands.

“Diversifying and stretching precious water supplies is essential in the water scarce West,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Our WIFIA loan to Poseidon Resources in San Diego County will be used for both upgrading the drinking water desalination plant to help address water shortages, stretch precious water supplies, and protect critical marine habitats in the San Diego Bay.”

The Carlsbad Desalination Plant provides approximately 10% of the San Diego County region’s water supply. The plant was opened in 2015 as a public-private partnership with Poseidon Resources and the San Diego County Water Authority and currently requires significant upgrades to add a new intake facility to comply with the State of California’s oceanwater intake regulations and ensure the plant’s continued operation.

The $170 million WIFIA loan will also support the restoration of approximately 125 acres of coastal wetlands on the San Diego Bay to provide habitat for native plants and wildlife, including endangered species, migratory seabirds, and shorebirds.

“Poseidon Resources is excited about its partnership with the EPA as we embark on a modernization of the intake system at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant and creation of 125 acres of coastal wetlands,” said President of Poseidon Resources Sachin Chawla. “We appreciate the EPA’s financial support through a low-cost WIFIA loan.”

Poseidon Resources’ financing package is composed of $160 million in tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds from the State of California and $170 million in WIFIA’s low-cost credit support, and it’s saving San Diego County Water Authority and local ratepayers significantly compared to alternative financing approaches — with WIFIA financing alone saving ratepayers $54 million.

Background

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program’s aim is to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects.

The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs. With this WIFIA loan closing, EPA has announced 101 WIFIA loans that are providing $17 billion in credit assistance to help finance $37 billion for water infrastructure while creating 125,000 jobs and saving ratepayers over $5 billion.

EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. In June, EPA announced the availability of $5.5 billion under the 2022 WIFIA Notice of Funding Availability and an additional $1 billion under the State Infrastructure Financing Authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. Together, this newly available funding will support more than $13 billion in water infrastructure projects while creating more than 40,000 jobs. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA or SWIFIA loan.

SAN FRANCISCO – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an upcoming virtual listening session on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap for communities in the Pacific Southwest region of our country, including the U.S. Pacific Island territories, on April 13, 2023, and is inviting members of the public to participate. This engagement session will provide information about EPA’s ongoing work under the PFAS Strategic Roadmap and what it means for communities in the Pacific Southwest. The session will also provide opportunities for communities to share feedback directly with EPA regional and program leaders to inform the actions described in the roadmap. In November 2022, EPA announced that it would hold a series of virtual regional community engagement sessions across the U.S.

EPA’s virtual regional community engagement session for the Pacific Southwest will be held via Zoom on April 13, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PT. The public can register to participate in the community engagement session at: https://pfascommunityengagement.org/register/region9/

“The goal of this session is for us at EPA to share information about the latest actions EPA is taking to reduce PFAS exposure and contamination,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We want to hear from communities in the Pacific Southwest about their specific concerns and challenges in addressing PFAS contamination and how we can work together to overcome them.”

Background

In October 2021, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap—laying out a whole-of-agency approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are a category of manufactured chemicals that can cause serious health problems, including cancer, if people are exposed to them over a long period of time. The Roadmap sets timelines by which EPA plans to take specific actions and commits to bolder new policies to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. The actions described in the PFAS Roadmap each represent important and meaningful steps to safeguard communities from PFAS contamination. Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions.

In November 2022, EPA released “A Year of Progress Under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap,” which underscores key actions taken by the agency during the first year of implementing the PFAS Roadmap. EPA continues to implement a whole-of-agency approach, advancing science, and following the law to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. Concurrently with this one-year progress report, EPA announced that it will hold virtual community engagement events in each EPA region in 2023, which EPA’s Pacific Southwest region is announcing today.

These engagements align with recommendations from the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and EPA’s Roadmap commitment to engage directly with stakeholders. Recognizing the unique and pervasive impacts of PFAS on Tribal communities, EPA is also planning to hold a session specifically designed to hear from our Tribal partners.

More information on EPA’s efforts on PFAS is available at: www.epa.gov/pfas.

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

WASHINGTON — In celebration of World Water Day, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement:

“This World Water Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment to consider how truly fundamental clean water is to the health of our communities and our environment. Clean water is vital for all life on earth. It supports healthy people, thriving communities and productive agriculture.

Today, in celebration of World Water Day, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox is joining a U.S. delegation to the United Nations Water Conference — the first such conference in 50 years. Assistant Administrator Fox will highlight EPA’s role in accelerating progress toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 — ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.

All across this country, millions of Americans lack access to clean water, and this is simply unacceptable. But, thanks to President Biden’s leadership, we are making the single-largest investment in water infrastructure in the history of our country. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides EPA with more than $50 billion to revitalize our country’s drinking, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

At EPA we work every single day to ensure that all people — regardless of the color of their skin, the community they live in or the money in their pocket — have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and the opportunity to lead a healthy life.

Through projects like closing rural America’s wastewater access gap, accelerating lead service line replacements, securing a sustainable water future for Tribes, and advancing climate adaptation, we are ensuring that communities across this country — particularly those that have been overburdened and underserved — have the critical resources they need to address their most pervasive and longstanding water challenges.”

Learn more about our technical assistance for communities.

WASHINGTON – EPA, The Justice Department, and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts have entered into a consent decree with the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, to resolve the Clean Water Act and Massachusetts state law. The proposed consent decree calls for Holyoke to take further remedial action to reduce ongoing sewage discharges into the Connecticut River from the city’s sewer collection and stormwater systems.

As detailed in the consent decree, Holyoke discharges pollutants from combined sewer overflow (CSO) into the Connecticut River in violation of its federal and state wastewater discharge permits. A combined sewer system collects rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater into one pipe. Under normal conditions, it transports all of the wastewater to a sewage treatment plant for treatment, before discharging to a waterbody. However, during periods of heavy rain the wastewater volume can exceed the carrying capacity of the sewer system or the treatment facility, resulting in the discharge of untreated wastewater to the Connecticut River. CSO discharges contain raw sewage and are a major water pollution concern.

In full cooperation with federal and state environmental agencies, the city has taken steps in recent years to address these unlawful discharges, including finalizing a long-term overflow control plan, separating sewers and eliminating overflows in the Jackson Street area. The consent decree will require the city to undertake further sewer separation work that will eliminate or reduce additional CSO discharges, as well as requiring a $50,000 penalty for past permit violations resulting in illegal discharges to the Connecticut River.

The city will also conduct sampling of its storm sewer discharges, work to remove illicit connections, and take other actions to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff. The total cost to comply with the proposed consent decree is estimated at approximately $27 million.

“Under the terms of today’s settlement, the City of Holyoke will take additional steps to reduce the amount of untreated sewage discharged during heavy rain events,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The result of this work will be cleaner, safer water for communities that make use of the Connecticut River.”

“Today’s settlement will significantly reduce pollution in the Connecticut River and improve water quality for the Holyoke community,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department will continue pursuing environmental justice in communities burdened by pollution in rivers and streams to support the health and safety of all communities.”

“This settlement is good news for Holyoke citizens, and for the health and enjoyment of the Connecticut River and downstream communities. As Holyoke includes historically disadvantaged communities, this settlement is especially important for ensuring that all citizens can enjoy a clean and healthy environment,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “EPA is committed to continuing to work with the city to ensure that residents who live along the Connecticut River have clean and safe water. The timing of this is fortunate, as funding assistance available in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law may help defray costs borne by local ratepayers.”

“Fiercely protecting our environment is a civil and human rights issue and ensuring that every community has clean water is a vital part of that work. This consent decree better protects the residents of Holyoke and every single community that lives along and enjoys the Connecticut River,” said U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins for the District of Massachusetts. “We will continue to require with the full force of the federal government that every community is healthy and safe.”

“We are grateful to have worked with our federal partners on this settlement that will improve the water quality of the Connecticut River, and thus the overall health of Holyoke and its residents,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “My office is committed to fighting environmental injustices like this as part of our ongoing efforts to create healthier, safer communities across the Commonwealth.”

“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is pleased to enter this settlement agreement with the City of Holyoke to further the city’s work toward the elimination of contaminated discharges to the Connecticut River,” said Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. “CSO discharges are a legacy problem of early infrastructure that can be expensive to redesign and upgrade. Properly addressing those discharges will improve the health of the river’s ecosystem and the better protect those who use and recreate in the river.”

This settlement is part of EPA’s continuing efforts to keep raw sewage and contaminated stormwater out of our nation’s waters. Raw sewage overflows and inadequately controlled stormwater discharges from municipal sewer systems introduce a variety of harmful pollutants, including disease causing organisms, metals and nutrients that threaten our communities’ water quality and can contribute to disease outbreaks, beach and shellfish bed closings, flooding, stream scouring, fishing advisories and basement backups of sewage.

The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. Once it is published in the Federal Register, a copy of the consent decree will be available on the Justice Department website.

DALLAS, TEXAS (March 22nd, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a Consent Agreement and Final Order to Chisholm Energy Operating, LLC for emissions from storage tanks that the EPA identified using a helicopter equipped with a special infrared camera that detects hydrocarbon leaks, and for construction of facilities prior to permit approval. Chisholm performed corrective actions at eight of the company’s oil and gas facilities in the Permian Basin in New Mexico, resulting in an estimated reduction of 1715 tons of volatile organic compounds emissions. Volatile organic compounds emissions, or VOCs, contribute to the formation of ozone, or smog, which can result in health problems such as asthma, lung infections, bronchitis, and cancer. The settlement also achieved climate change co-benefits through the reduction of 6,168 tons of methane emissions. Methane is a potent climate pollutant that also impacts human health.

“By using advanced technology, the EPA, working in partnership with the NMED, was able to detect Clean Air Act violations and ensure that the company took prompt action to address unauthorized emissions.” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “The CAA is designed to protect and enhance the quality of our nation’s air; companies (or facilities) must continue to uphold that standard or expect to be held accountable when failing to safeguard public health.”

The settlement addresses violations of air regulations that the EPA identified from its flyover of the Permian Basin in 2020. The company failed to comply with requirements for tanks in the federal New Source Performance Standards and the New Mexico State Implementation Plan, and constructed facilities prior to permit approval. Chisholm performed corrective actions to address the components that were causing the emissions, including repairing thief hatches, pressure relief valves and resizing vapor recovery units at the sites. Additionally, Chisholm must pay a penalty of $440,000 to resolve the violations at the facilities, which the company sold in February 2022. The New Mexico Environment Department assisted the EPA as it conducted the investigation into noncompliance with state requirements.

Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our homepage.

NUEVA YORK - La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) ha anunciado hoy que ha emprendido una acción de cumplimiento, al amparo de la Ley de Agua Limpia, contra Calrincón Corp. y Karimar Construction Inc. por rellenar humedales sin permiso en el municipio de Rincón, Puerto Rico.

"Construir en humedales sin permiso provoca inundaciones, destruye hábitats importantes de vida silvestre e impacta la calidad de vida de las comunidades", señaló la administradora regional de la EPA, Lisa F. García. "La EPA hará cumplir la Ley de Agua Limpia y otras leyes ambientales, acorde necesario, para proteger la salud pública y el medio ambiente."

Karimar Construction Inc. vertió material de relleno en humedales de la propiedad de Calrincón Corp sin el permiso requerido de la Ley de Aguas Limpias (CWA). Karimar Construction colocó aproximadamente 8 pies de material de relleno por encima del nivel existente en aproximadamente 0,89 acres de humedales utilizando equipo mecánico.

La EPA ha ordenado a Karimar Construction Inc. que retire el material de relleno colocado en los humedales en un plazo de ocho meses y permita que los humedales se regeneren de forma natural con vegetación autóctona en un plazo de cinco años a partir del 14 de marzo de 2023.

La restauración y protección de los humedales es importante para mantener el hábitat crítico de la fauna autóctona, ayudar a cumplir con la salud de las cuencas hidrográficas y contribuir al bienestar económico. Mediante esta acción, la EPA ayuda a alcanzar estos objetivos en beneficio de los ecosistemas costeros sensibles y de las comunidades de Rincón.

Esta zona de Rincón es vital para fines recreativos y está cerca de la Reserva Marina de Tres Palmas, una reserva establecida en 2004 gracias a los esfuerzos impulsados por la comunidad que protege importantes playas para deportes acuáticos y recreación en la costa, junto con especies de coral en peligro de extinción.  

La Ley de Agua Limpia federal se estableció en 1972 para restaurar y mantener la integridad química, física y biológica de los ríos, lagos y arroyos de la nación, así como algunos de los hábitats de humedales más frágiles y vitales. La Sección 404 de la antes mencionada ley,  exige un permiso del Secretario del Ejército, actuando a través del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de Estados Unidos, antes de que pueda disponerse de material de dragado o relleno en aguas de Estados Unidos, incluidos los humedales sujetos a jurisdicción federal.

Siga a la EPA Región 2 en Twitter y visite nuestra página de Facebook. Para más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web. 

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NEW YORK - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has taken an enforcement action against Calrincón Corp. and Karimar Construction Inc. for discharging fill material into wetlands without a permit in the Municipality of Rincon, Puerto Rico. 

“Building on wetlands without permits causes flooding, destroys important wildlife habitats and decreases the quality of life for communities," said Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Regional Administrator. "EPA will enforce the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws to protect public health and the environment.”

Karimar Construction Inc. discharged fill material into wetlands on Calrincón Corp’s property without the required Clean Water Act (CWA) permit. Using mechanized equipment, Karimar Construction placed approximately 8 feet of fill material above the existing grade in approximately 0.89 acres of wetlands.  

EPA has ordered Karimar Construction Inc. to remove the fill material placed on wetlands within eight months and allow the wetlands to naturally regenerate with native vegetation within five years from March 14, 2023. 

Wetland restoration and protection are important to maintain critical wildlife habitat, help meet state and tribal watershed goals and contribute to economic well-being. Through this action, EPA helps in achieving these goals for the benefit of sensitive coastal ecosystems and communities in Rincon.  

This area of Rincón is vital for recreational purposes and is near Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, a marine reserve established in 2004 through community-driven efforts that protect the Tres Palmas surfing break, along with endangered coral species.   

The CWA was established in 1972 to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s rivers, lakes and streams, as well as some of the more fragile and vital wetland habitats. CWA’s Section 404 requires a permit from the Secretary of the Army, acting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, before dredged or fill material may be discharged into waters of the United States, including wetlands that are subject to federal jurisdiction. 

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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BOSTON – A cold storage warehouse and distribution company, Maritime International and its subsidiaries, Bridge Terminal and Connecticut Freezers, has paid penalties of over $195,000 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it violated federal laws regulating companies that handle hazardous chemicals relating to its use of ammonia at facilities in New Bedford, Mass. and East Hartford, Conn.

The company will also perform supplemental environmental projects worth about $163,000 that make safety upgrades to its facilities and provide local first responders with emergency response equipment and training.

"EPA's action underscores the importance of the safe handling and management of hazardous substances like anhydrous ammonia, and when a company like Maritime International does not comply with its safety obligations, it threatens the safety of our communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "EPA's work is designed to protect all communities from chemical releases, and we have a special responsibility to reduce the burden of environmental pollution and risks of chemical accidents to the workers and residents of communities that have shouldered a greater share of these impacts. This case clearly illustrates the critical importance of complying with chemical accident planning, prevention, and mitigation requirements."

According to EPA, Maritime International and its subsidiaries, Bridge Terminal and Connecticut Freezers, violated the Clean Air Act's General Duty Clause, which requires users of extremely hazardous substances to take steps to prevent and mitigate accidental releases, and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, which requires companies handling hazardous chemicals to notify state and local emergency response personnel of the presence of those chemicals. Maritime had not taken all required steps to design and maintain a safe facility and had not adequately minimized the consequences of an accidental release of ammonia. Maritime also failed to file hazardous chemical inventory reports with state and local emergency response agencies.

As part of the supplemental environmental projects agreed to, Maritime will install beyond- compliance safety upgrades at two of its New Bedford facilities to help prevent ammonia releases, donated emergency response equipment to the New Bedford Fire Department, and provided ammonia-related emergency response training to 26 local first responders and refrigeration operators in the Hartford area.

Anhydrous ammonia is an efficient refrigerant with low global warming potential, but it must be handled with care because it is highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure to 300 parts per million is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at certain concentrations and can explode if it is released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition present, or if a vessel containing anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fire.

Steps required under the General Duty Clause help prevent accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances and reduce the severity of releases that do occur. A company that fails to take these steps can leave the public and environment at risk from accidental releases. Failure of a facility to identify hazards, design and maintain a safe facility, and take steps to limit and mitigate the harm from accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances puts the local population and environment at risk.

Both Maritime facilities are located less than a half mile from residential homes, restaurants, and businesses. Maritime no longer operates the East Hartford facility. New Bedford, in particular, is home to several ammonia refrigeration facilities and has experienced a number of ammonia releases in recent years, including a release at one of the facilities subject to EPA's enforcement action.

This case stems from information learned about Maritime's facilities following inspections by EPA in the summer of 2018 following an ammonia release at the Fish Island, New Bedford facility. In July 2018, approximately 3,200 pounds of anhydrous ammonia were released from the New Bedford Facility. Following EPA's inspections, Agency staff notified the company about the alleged violations. The company was cooperative and took the necessary steps to bring its facilities into compliance with the Clean Air Act, in accordance with administrative compliance orders Maritime entered into with EPA in 2019 and 2020.

More information:

• General Duty Clause Fact Sheet
• EPA information on the General Duty Clause requirements of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act
• Overview of EPCRA and associated reporting requirements
  • EPCRA Quick Reference Fact Sheet (pdf) (183 K)
  • Guide to EPCRA (pdf) ( 838 K)
• EPA information on Compliance Assistance Tools and Resources for the Ammonia Refrigeration Sector (pdf) (161 K)
• EPA information on key safety measures for ammonia refrigeration systems

SAN FRANCISCO – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced settlements with six California companies for claims they failed to comply with Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures requirements for handling oil under the Clean Water Act. The payments to the United States under these settlements range from $1,050 to $175,000. 

“Facilities must comply with federal clean water requirements,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “To protect our communities and waterways, it is imperative that companies managing oil take actions to prevent and ensure they’re prepared for the possibility of spills.”

The six companies are: AAK USA Richmond Inc. in Richmond; Baker Commodities Inc. in Vernon; Imerys Filtration Minerals Inc. in Lompoc; Marborg Industries, Liquid Waste Division in Santa Barbara; Mission Foods in Hayward; and Penny Newman Grain Company in Stockton. These firms store, process, refine, transfer, distribute or use animal fats or vegetable oils.

EPA's spill-related requirements help facilities handling animal fats and vegetable oils (AFVO) prevent discharges into navigable waters or onto adjoining shorelines. While AFVO are governed under EPA’s federal oil pollution prevention regulations, California’s Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act does not extend to this industry sector. It is important that AFVO facilities are aware of their obligations to comply with federal regulations.

The six companies that are settling with EPA have certified that they have corrected their violations and are now in compliance with the spill-related requirements under the Clean Water Act.

EPA has proposed a Consent Agreement and Final Order and is accepting public comment. For more information and to submit comments, click here.

Learn more about EPA's oil spill prevention and preparedness regulations. 

For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.

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

WASHINGTON — In celebration of National Agriculture Day, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued the following statement:

“On this National Agriculture Day, just like every day, I’m grateful for the farmers, ranchers, and laborers who work tirelessly to produce the food, fuel and fiber that powers our Nation’s economy.  The agricultural community is the backbone of this country, and remains a vital partner in EPA’s mission to ensure clean air and clean water for all. 

We know that farmers, ranchers, and laborers, are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, and recently, the newly appointed members of EPA’s Farm, Ranch & Rural Communities Advisory Committee, held its first in-person meeting since 2016. The committee provides independent advice and recommendations on environmental issues essential to our agriculture and rural communities, and reviews the agency’s policies and programs concerning agriculture and climate change. I’m looking forward to hearing from the committee over the next year about how EPA can support the agricultural community in reaching its climate mitigation and adaptation goals to ensure a more resilient food and agricultural system.

The Biden-Harris Administration continues to show its commitment to strengthening the agricultural community. Both the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have contributed billions of dollars to support climate-smart agriculture, provide relief to stressed borrowers, and bolster conservation. EPA is committed to working hand-in-hand with farmers and ranchers to protect public health and the environment.”

Learn more information on EPA’s partnership with the agricultural community.

Learn more information on climate-smart agriculture practices.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a motion for preliminary injunction under the Clean Air Act (CAA) requesting that the Court order Denka Performance Elastomer LLC (Denka) to require significant pollution controls to reduce chloroprene emissions, a pollutant that EPA has determined to be a likely carcinogen. The request for immediate relief by EPA and the Justice Department follows the United States’ complaint filed on Feb. 28, alleging an imminent and substantial endangerment to the communities surrounding the facility as a result of Denka’s manufacturing operations.

The Clean Air Act section 303 imminent and substantial endangerment lawsuit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

“All communities deserve to breathe fresh, clean air, it is one of EPA’s top priorities as we work to protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This is another action that sends a clear message that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to the health and safety of St. John the Baptist Parish, and I will continue to pledge that EPA will use all legal remedies available to reduce harmful air pollution in this community.”

“Today’s motion asks the court to require Denka to take strong action to protect neighboring communities from the urgent dangers caused by its harmful emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This action shows our determination to address environmental justice concerns of overburdened communities, and to protect children living and studying today near this facility.”

Denka’s facility, located in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, manufactures neoprene, a flexible, synthetic rubber used to produce common goods like wetsuits, beverage cozies, laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces, and automotive belts and hoses. Chloroprene is a liquid raw material used to produce neoprene that is emitted into the air from various areas at the facility.

“As Regional Administrator, I am committed to reducing exposure to chloroprene in St. John the Baptist Parish,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Transparent engagement with the community is a top priority because people who live near Denka deserve to understand the purpose of the motion filed today and what EPA hopes to achieve by bringing this Clean Air Act Imminent and Substantial Endangerment case.”

In 2010, EPA published its peer-reviewed assessment of chloroprene that concluded it is “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” Approximately 20% of the total population living within two-and-a-half miles of Denka are children under the age of 18, and between 800-1,000 are children under the age of five. Children under the age of 16 are particularly vulnerable to mutagenic carcinogens like chloroprene. Denka’s chloroprene emissions reach more than 300 young children who attend the 5th Ward Elementary School, located within approximately 450 feet of Denka’s facility. Additionally, 1,200 children who attend East St. John High School, located about a mile-and-a-half north of Denka, are also exposed to the facility’s chloroprene emissions.

More information on EPA’s actions to reduce chloroprene emissions from the Denka facility