BOSTON (Aug. 15, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that four organizations in New England will receive $346,000 in grants to help address career development, water and air quality issues, climate change and environmental justice. They were among 33 organizations across the country that will receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under EPA's Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program

"EPA is proud of the EE Grants Program and our region's grant recipients, all of whom plan programs and activities that will help offer engaging opportunities to students from historically disadvantaged communities," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W Cash. "We applaud their commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all."

The following New England organizations have been selected to receive this year's EE Grants:

• University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
• Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland, ME
• Campus Compact, Lewiston, ME
• Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

University of Connecticut - $100,000
Nicole Freidenfelds, Storrs, CT
School Based Green Infrastructure Initiative

Over the past 35 years, Connecticut has experienced a rapid increase in the amount of developed land compared to a relative loss of pervious land cover types, such as forest and agriculture. Developed land comprises impervious surfaces that result in stormwater runoff, a major source of water pollution and cause of localized flooding. To empower educators and students to address stormwater related issues within their communities, the University of Connecticut's School Based Green Infrastructure Initiative will train 20 high school teachers through a professional development workshop focused on stormwater management and green infrastructure.

Also, students with educator support will plan and implement local projects focused on stormwater management and green infrastructure. This project targets low-income areas and communities that contain Title I schools. This program will provide educators from underserved communities with resources and instruction as they carry out customized watershed-based lessons, leveraging Next Generation Science Standards-designed curriculum created by the project team, in their classrooms. Approximately 600 high school students will use a watershed-modeling web app to analyze land use and soil data in their neighborhoods, model stormwater runoff and water-quality impacts, and compare how different conservation or development scenarios could modify runoff and water quality.

Working with undergraduate students from UConn's Stormwater Corps, participating partner school teams will then be guided through planning and implementing local green infrastructure projects either on their school property or in the nearby community. Projects will be 1) site-specific and include tree planting, rainwater harvesting, building and installation of planter boxes, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, and/or permeable pavements, and 2) explicitly connected to lessons that introduce students to a variety of green infrastructure career paths, such as landscaping, plumbing, horticulture, construction, and engineering.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute - $96,000
Maggie Harvey, Portland, ME
Hemlock Stewards Northeast

This two-year project capitalizes on Gulf of Maine Research Institute's (GMRI) expertise partnering with middle school teachers and students in authentic, place-based, participatory science investigations of Maine's ecosystems. This project will directly support 8 middle schools from a range of communities reaching approximately 800-1,200 students from across Maine. The work will connect those schools with schools across New England engaged in related hemlock investigations and monitoring efforts.

Over the course of two years, the project will: 1) enhance teacher skill engaging students in the full environmental education continuum in the context of a participatory science investigation of hemlock forests and water quality, 2) build student understanding of ecosystem complexity and the implications of that complexity for understanding and stewarding local forests and waterways and managing invasive species, 3) connect participating students, teachers, and scientists and resource managers as they collaborate to monitor and steward forest and aquatic ecosystem health in Maine and across New England, 4) develop student and teacher knowledge about the work of scientists and resource managers and 5) move students from environmental monitors to stewards and community leaders as they participate in and engage their communities in stewardship opportunities.

Participating students will engage in the full environmental education continuum. They will develop their own knowledge and awareness as they engage in investigations in local contexts. They will think critically as they analyze their data and the data contributed by their peers and consider what their findings mean for their communities and for the region. They will leverage that powerful learning experience to bring a deeper understanding to stewardship activities and will work with project advisors to develop long-term stewardship action plans for their schools that include a range of monitoring, research, and management. This work will culminate in student-led events that increase community understanding of the hemlock forests and engage communities in stewardship activities.

Maine Campus Contact – $90,000
Sally Slovenski, Lewiston, ME
Energy Maine Environmental Education Program

The primary goal of Maine Campus Compact's (MCC) Energy Maine project is to support environmental education (EE) efforts that address climate change/air quality and energy efficiency stewardship through problem-based curriculum and activities for Maine elementary school students in underserved communities. This project will award $4,500 sub-grants to five teams throughout Maine, each consisting of a 4th grade teacher from a diverse, low-income area and/or rural community paired with a pre-service college student and faculty advisor to implement the research-based, EE curriculum, Connect Science (CS).

With an extensive network of colleges around the state, MCC will pair higher education students with 4th grade teachers to support the implementation of this EE curriculum. Each team will attend a five-day CS training and implement a 12-week energy unit in their classroom culminating with a student-led service-learning project. Each team will organize and lead at least one EE community event to promote energy efficiency to the broader community.

Finally, teachers and pre-service teachers will lead one professional learning opportunity to share information with their peers and to expand the impacts of the Energy ME model. This grant project will reach a total of over 750 Mainers. Educational methodologies that will be utilized during the project period include: a five-day in-person/virtual training workshop for Energy ME team members, implementation of the CS Curriculum, student impact activities, continuous coaching for teams as they implement CS, community education forums led by team members to educate the public. This curriculum weaves together three key branches: science content learning on par with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), student-driven service learning, and social emotional learning.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum - $60,000
Katharine Noiva, Vergennes, VT
Giant Lake Champlain Basin Map Project

The Giant Lake Champlain Basin Map Project will use Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's one-of-a-kind 35' x 27' giant floor map of the Lake Champlain watershed to increase the capability of educators to use environmental education (EE) in their own teaching and increase stewardship behaviors in teachers and students. The project has 3 connected components: training for 50 teachers at 5 Title 1 schools on EE and how to use the Giant Map; Giant Map programming for students at 5 Title 1 schools led by museum staff and partners; and Giant Map programming led by teachers at 5 Title 1 schools.

The Museum will work with local partners to connect teachers with resources and provide opportunities for students to meet environmental professionals and increase their interest in careers in environmental fields. Staff from the VT Fish and Wildlife Department and the VT Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation will partner on program development and implementation. Experiences with this unique teaching tool of the Giant Map will inspire students and teachers to develop their own sense of place that will result in stewardship behaviors and actions that support the health of the Lake Champlain watershed.

More information:

Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques.

Summaries of each project, grant winners, and information on how to apply for future EE grant competitions

Environmental Education at EPA

SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations nationwide to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program, including a grant for $90,000 to Envirolution in Reno, Nev.

“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in Nevada,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in Nevada. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”

The grant to Envirolution will fund the organization’s Project ReCharge, a hands-on, project-based science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) curriculum and training program committed to educating and preparing students to become future sustainability and environmental leaders. It will provide 50 new Nevada teachers with quality curriculum, training, material resources, and career development opportunities for their students. During the 2023-2024 school year, approximately 3,750 students will engage in hands-on STEAM education that encourages them to pursue careers in related disciplines and take an active role in creating a more sustainable world. This grant will also support the development of the Project ReCharge curriculum by revising and adding three lessons focused on geothermal energy, transportation and electric vehicles, and climate change.

In addition, Project ReCharge will provide Northern Nevada students the opportunity to collaborate with the City of Reno employees and renewable energy industry professionals to develop two educational resources to be integrated into the new community pool, the Moana Aquatic Fitness Center. Once the facility is completed, approximately 50 Washoe County students will have the added benefit of touring the new educational community pool to engage in place-based learning.

The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage. 

To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.

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

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the third Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) test order requiring testing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under EPA’s National PFAS Testing Strategy, the latest action taken under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to confront contamination from forever chemicals nationwide. 

Today’s action orders the Chemours Company FC LLC, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, and 3M Company to conduct and submit testing on 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoyl fluoride (HFPO-DAF), a substance used as a reactant in organic chemical manufacturing. HFPO-DAF is known to be used to make the chemical Hexafluoropropylene Oxide (HFPO) Dimer Acid (CASRN 13252-13-6), also known by the trade name GenX. HFPO-DA is used in the production of nonstick coatings, stain repellent, and other consumer and industrial products and was widely used to replace PFOA. More than 1 million pounds of HFPO-DAF are manufactured each year, according to TSCA Chemical Data Reporting rule reports.

“We still don’t know enough about the dangers that many PFAS might pose to human health,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “We’re using all the tools at our disposal to rapidly gather data about these substances so that we can better understand the potential environmental and human health impacts of PFAS and take any necessary steps to address them.”  

After thoroughly examining existing hazard and exposure data, EPA has concluded that HFPO-DAF may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. The potential hazards from exposure to this chemical could include organ damage, including to the eyes and skin, as well as cancer. EPA has also concluded that workers may be exposed to HFPO-DAF. Additionally, EPA’s recent proposal to regulate six PFAS in drinking water, including HFPO-DA and its salts, isomers, and derivatives which includes HFPO-DAF, found there was a meaningful opportunity to reduce health risks to people consuming drinking water contaminated by these PFAS. The test order will help EPA better understand the potential hazards and potential exposures associated with HFPO-DAF. 

The information EPA receives under this order will not only improve the Agency’s understanding of human health effects of HFPO-DAF, but also the potential effects of dozens of PFAS that are structurally similar to HFPO-DAF and in the same Testing Strategy category of PFAS, improving the agency’s overall data on PFAS.  

The companies subject to the test order may either conduct the tests as described in the order, including testing of physical-chemical properties and health effects following inhalation, or provide EPA with existing information they believe EPA did not identify in its search, but which satisfies the order requirements.  

EPA encourages companies to jointly conduct testing to avoid unnecessary duplication of tests and will also consider possible combinations of tests that cover all required endpoints to diminish the amount of time, animal subjects and costs required.  

The order employs a tiered testing process, as TSCA requires. The results of all the first-tier testing are required to be submitted to EPA within 446 days of the effective date of the order and will inform the decision as to which additional tests are necessary. The order and any data submitted in response to this order will be made publicly available on EPA’s website and in the applicable docket on www.regulations.gov, subject to confidentiality considerations under TSCA section 14. 

PFAS National Testing Strategy 

In the National Testing Strategy, EPA assigned PFAS into smaller categories based on similarities in structure, physical-chemical properties, and existing toxicity data. EPA is issuing test orders for PFAS in specific categories that lack toxicity data to inform EPA’s understanding of the potential human health effects.  

The first test order was for 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine, a PFAS used in commercial firefighting foam. The second was for HFPO, a PFAS used to manufacture plastics. As EPA continues to further develop the Strategy, refine its universe and categorization of PFAS, and consider stakeholder feedback, the Agency also plans to increase the weight it places on the potential for exposures when identifying which specific PFAS to require testing on. 

 Section 4 Test Orders 

Developing section 4 test orders is a complex and resource-intensive process involving many scientific and regulatory considerations, as explained in this Overview of Activities Involved in Issuing a TSCA Section 4 Order. Given the complexity of the testing requirements, a broad spectrum of experts across the agency worked to determine testing methodology and needs and address other details of drafting and issuing an order, such as assessing the economic burden of an order. 

 Additionally, one order often applies to multiple companies. EPA must identify these companies and their associated points of contact. To improve the transparency of the process, EPA also works to resolve confidential business information claims that could prevent EPA from publicly connecting the company to the chemical substance prior to issuing test orders. 

View the test order issued today and other section 4 test orders. 

Learn more about the PFAS National Testing Strategy. 

DALLAS, TEXAS (August 15, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of approximately $50 million in grants through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program. Approximately $4,526,000 of that funding will be available for the Region 6 states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to help Region 6 communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs. Thanks to program updates made by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program will also ensure small and financially distressed communities receive grant assistance at no cost.

“Heavy rainfall can flood communities, overload facilities that treat wastewater, and contaminate our waterways with sewage and pollution. Investing in America means investing in managing stormwater and sewer overflows with resilient infrastructure to prevent these serious issues,” said Assistant EPA Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “With $50 million in grant funding and new requirements under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping address the threat of stormwater inundation in communities that need it most.”

Stormwater management is a complex environmental challenge for communities across the country. The costs to construct, operate, and maintain stormwater infrastructure can be significant, which can strain ratepayers, especially those in small and financially distressed communities. This investment follows changes made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to prioritize projects for small and/or financially distressed communities and prevents cost share requirements from being passed on to these communities. Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.

The breakdown of each state is below:

• Arkansas will receive $343,000
• Louisiana will receive $705,000
• New Mexico will receive $248,000
• Oklahoma will receive $406,000
• Texas will receive $2,824,000

Background

Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.

EPA is working with local and state partners to leverage the resources of the federal government to meet the needs of these communities. In the past, states and communities shared a portion of the costs associated with projects funded through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law changed the program so that 25 percent of Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program funds go to available projects in small and/or financially distressed communities; it also limited states’ abilities to pass on the burden of cost sharing to these communities. To encourage investment in these critical projects, EPA modified the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program so that state grantees are not required to contribute cost share money for Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program projects located in small or financially distressed communities.

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

NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging the pubic to comment on its proposed cleanup plan to address lead-contaminated soil and groundwater at the Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. A 30-day public comment period for the proposed plan begins August 15, 2023. EPA will host a public meeting at Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marin #7, Arecibo on Tuesday, August 29 at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to explain the cleanup proposal.

“Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to a child’s ability to learn and a range of health problems in adults,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA first addressed the most serious risks posed by this site years ago, and now we are focused on finalizing a full-scale clean-up of the site to protect public health well into the future. EPA’s proposed plan for the site is to remove the remaining contaminated soil and monitor and restrict groundwater that could pose a risk to public health. We encourage the public to join our meeting, ask questions and share their views on the proposed plan.”

The cleanup outlined in today’s proposed plan will address remaining contaminated soil and groundwater on and off the property that is the source of the site contamination. Under the proposed plan, EPA would remove contaminated soil for on-site treatment and containment.  Treated soil would be stored in a secure and restricted area at the source property, the former operations of The Battery Recycling Company, Inc. (BRC). EPA would also monitor the groundwater and limit the public’s access to groundwater through existing Puerto Rico laws and regulations as well as notifications to local governments and ensure future land use does not conflict with long-term cleanup goals.

The main property at the site was operated as a secondary lead smelter and battery recycling operation until 2014. Prior to the secondary lead smelting operation, the site was used for the manufacture of organic chemicals to produce fumaric acid and phthalic acid. These activities left behind high levels of lead and other contaminants in the soil and groundwater.  The lead in soil presented an immediate risk to human health. In 2011, EPA entered into an order with then-operator, BRC, to clean areas of lead contamination at the source property under EPA oversight. However, when the company failed to finish the work, EPA took over the cleanup and removed lead contamination from employee’s homes, vehicles, and nearby pastures. EPA also decontaminated the source property to limit the further spread of lead. EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2017 and commenced a cleanup investigation of the site. EPA finished its early cleanup activities in 2022. The cleanup investigation along with an analysis of cleanup alternatives, led to the proposed cleanup plan announced today.

Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed or emailed to Zolymar Luna Díaz, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, Caribbean Environmental Protection Division #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, Email: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.

For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the Battery Recycling Company Superfund site profile page.

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

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SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations nationwide to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program, including two organizations in California.

“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in California,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in California. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”

The California recipients and projects are:

• Orange County Coastkeeper (Orange County, $98,492 grant) – This grant will enable Orange County Coastkeeper and Inside the Outdoors to develop and implement a solutions-based climate resilience curriculum for middle and high school students in underserved communities in Orange County. The program will provide students a combination of in-class lessons and field trips to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. Participating students will also complete a community action project and attend a symposium where they share their stewardship projects with the members of their community.
• Sequoia Riverlands Trust (Tulare County, $100,000 grant) – This grant will support EARTH Academy, a year-long, project-based learning program offered by Sequoia Riverlands Trust to high school students in Tulare County. Tulare County is one of the top agriculturally productive counties in the country, and has regularly suffered from severe droughts, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and poor air quality. The majority of students in the county come from immigrant or migratory families, live in rural areas, and are low-income. The EARTH Academy program aims to address these issues by increasing awareness and understanding about ecosystem health and management techniques that can improve water quality, air quality, and carbon sequestration.

The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage. 

To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.

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

NUEVA YORK - La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) exhorta al público a comentar sobre su plan de limpieza propuesto para abordar el suelo contaminado con plomo y el agua subterránea en el Sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company en Arecibo, Puerto Rico. El periodo de comentarios públicos de 30 días para el plan propuesto comienza el 15 de agosto de 2023. La EPA organizará una reunión pública en Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marín #7, Arecibo el martes, 29 de agosto de 2023 entre 5-7 pm para explicar la nueva propuesta de limpieza.

“El plomo es un metal tóxico que puede causar daño a la capacidad de aprendizaje de un niño y una variedad de problemas de salud en los adultos”, señaló la administradora regional Lisa F. García. “La EPA abordó hace años por primera vez los riesgos más graves planteados por este sitio, y ahora estamos enfocados en finalizar una limpieza a gran escala del sitio para proteger la salud pública en el futuro. El plan propuesto por la EPA para el sitio es eliminar el suelo contaminado restante y monitorear y restringir el acceso a las aguas subterráneas que podrían representar un riesgo a la salud pública. Alentamos al público a unirse a nuestra reunión, hacer preguntas y comunicar sus puntos de vista sobre el plan propuesto”.

La limpieza descrita en el plan propuesto hoy atenderá el suelo contaminado restante y el agua subterránea dentro y fuera de la propiedad del sitio. Según el plan propuesto, la EPA eliminará el suelo contaminado que se encuentran fuera y dentro del sitio para su tratamiento y contención. El suelo tratado fuera y dentro del sitio se almacenaría en un área segura y restringida en la antigua instalación. La EPA también monitoreará las aguas subterráneas y limitará el acceso a éstas a través de leyes y regulaciones existentes en Puerto Rico, al igual que con notificaciones a los gobiernos locales y asegurar que el uso futuro de los terrenos no conflija con las metas de limpieza a largo plazo.

La propiedad principal en el sitio operaba como una instalación de   fundición secundaria de plomo y reciclaje de baterías hasta 2014. Antes de la operación de fundición secundaria de plomo, el sitio se utilizó para fabricar productos químicos orgánicos para producir ácido fumárico y ácido ftálico. Estas actividades dejaron altos niveles de plomo y otros contaminantes en el suelo y las aguas subterráneas que presentaban un riesgo inmediato para la salud humana. En 2011, la EPA formalizó una orden con Battery Recycling Company Inc. para limpiar las áreas de contaminación por plomo en el sitio; sin embargo, cuando la compañía no pudo terminar el trabajo, la EPA se hizo cargo de la limpieza y eliminó la contaminación por plomo de los hogares, vehículos y praderas cerca de los empleados. La EPA también descontaminó la instalación para evitar una mayor propagación del plomo. La EPA agregó el sitio a la Lista Nacional de Prioridades en 2017 y terminó sus primeras actividades de limpieza en 2022.

Los comentarios escritos sobre el plan propuesto pueden enviarse por correo postal a Zolymar Luna Díaz, gerente de proyectos de recuperación, Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos Región 2, División de Protección Ambiental del Caribe #48 Rd, PR-165 Km 1.2 Citi View Plaza II, Suite 7000 Guaynabo, P.R. 00968-8069, correo electrónico: Luna.Zolymar@epa.gov.

Para obtener información adicional y ver el plan de limpieza propuesto, visite la página de perfil del sitio Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company.

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

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WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $8,492,000 in grant funding to four institutions for research on the occurrence and concentration of pathogens and disinfection by-products and the environmental conditions favorable to their growth in drinking water distribution systems.

“New strategies for monitoring and controlling contaminants in drinking water will help ensure that science underpins the protection of our health and our ecosystems,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “The research funded today will provide key information for innovative scientific and technological solutions to improve current drinking water infrastructure.”

Opportunistic pathogens (OPs) such as Legionella, mycobacteria, and Pseudomonas can grow in drinking water systems and pose potential risks to public health. The occurrence of these and other microbial pathogens is also associated with contaminated storage facilities and other problems in water distribution systems such as backflow and low-pressure incidents. If left untreated, these contamination events can lead to outbreaks of gastrointestinal and other waterborne illnesses. The disinfectants used to control these pathogens can cause additional problems by reacting with natural organic matter, bromide, and other contaminants to form disinfectant by-products (DBPs), which also have the potential to be harmful to human health.

The research announced today will improve our understanding of how to control these contaminants and help inform water infrastructure management and risk-mitigation practices to ensure cleaner drinking water for all Americans.

The following institutions are receiving awards:

• University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn., to develop strategies for limiting exposure to OPs and DBPs and generate new data on OP and DBP occurrences in U.S. water distribution systems, including understudied small systems in rural Alaska that serve economically disadvantaged native populations.
• Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., to better understand and predict occurrences of DBPs, OPs, and their associated health risk tradeoffs. Project outcomes will support better evaluation, monitoring, and risk management strategies in drinking water distribution systems across the U.S.
• University of Texas, Austin, Texas, to conduct a nationwide study of contaminants across a wide variety of drinking water distribution systems and help identify occurrence patterns of OPs and DBPs. Research will demonstrate how health risks are correlated with general water quality and distribution system factors to inform strategies that will reduce risks to people from drinking water.
• Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta, Ga., to monitor the drinking water microbiome and manage pathogen and DBP risks in drinking water storage and distribution systems. The project will also assess pathogen and DBP impact on the availability of safe water to inform appropriate health risk interventions.

Learn more about the grantees.

Learn more about EPA research grants.

SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations nationwide to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program, including a grant for $96,000 to the University of Arizona.

“We know that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions, especially in Arizona,” said Mike Alpern, Public Affairs Director for EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the most innovative thinking about advancing environmental protection in Arizona. They demonstrate the power of environmental education, and a true commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”

The grant to the University of Arizona will fund a roving, interactive exhibit on the groundwater system for underserved communities across Arizona and include a professional development opportunity for educators to learn about the groundwater system. The exhibit will travel to 12 underserved communities, one per month, and each location will feature an opening movie night showcasing newly developed videos on the groundwater system combined with a guest speaker who will discuss specific groundwater conditions in their community. Educators will be provided with ready-to-implement lessons on the groundwater system and have an opportunity to use groundwater models with their students while the exhibit is on display.

The EPA funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000 to each of the 33 organizations nationwide. The groups all provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions. EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage. 

To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.

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

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of 33 organizations to receive over $3.1 million in funding for projects under the Environmental Education Grants Program. Among the grant recipients are four Minority Serving Institutions.  

“We know that climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, and it demands bold and innovative solutions,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This year’s grant recipients represent some of the brightest minds from across the country, and they demonstrate what it means to couple the power of environmental education with a commitment to creating a future with clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all.”

The funding will range from $50,000 to $100,000, to organizations that provide environmental education activities and programs. This year’s grantees will conduct project activities in 27 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

This year’s education projects include:

• Using a one-of-a-kind 35’ x 27’ giant floor map of the Lake Champlain watershed to increase the capability of educators to use environmental education in their own teaching and increase stewardship behaviors in teachers and students at five Title I schools.
• Empowering students at an HBCU to utilize 21st century skills to address long-standing solid waste management issues in the Virgin Islands.
• Developing a program to increase opportunities for young people in the Pittsburgh area to be exposed to environmental careers and racially diverse environmental professionals, while completing projects that help to green communities and mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Creating innovative solutions to address the low resource recovery of demolition waste while educating the next generation of engineers at an HBCU to make more sustainable decisions related to this waste, which ~90% of is recyclable or reusable.
• Building ecological awareness, as well as introducing conservation practices and environmental careers to young adults from majority Latinx and African American communities on Chicago’s south side through a series of hands-on experiential learning opportunities. 
• Expanding experimental place-based learning on bosque ecosystem heath to reach every seventh-grade student in New Mexico’s Middle Rio Grande Valley.
• Increasing education efforts to help communities build resilience to floods and wildfires in Colorado’s St. Vrain Watershed by developing a publicly accessible curriculum, offering workshops for teachers to implement the curriculum, and providing higher education and leadership opportunities.
• Educating Arizonans in 12 underserved communities about their groundwater conditions by developing a traveling, interactive groundwater exhibit.
• Fostering interconnectivity between formal environmental education curriculum and traditional knowledge of Alaskan indigenous communities by working with underserved communities to infuse traditional application into a culturally sustaining and place-based curriculum.
• Using salmon as a local phenomenon to educate approximately 2,400 eighth-grade students from Title I schools on critical watershed issues through lessons designed to increase student understanding of habitat water quality needs, think critically and brainstorm local stormwater pollution solutions, and take action to physically improve their schoolyard habitats.

The following organizations have been selected to receive this year’s EE Grants:

• Audubon Great Lakes
• Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
• Bergen Community College
• Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program
• Chesapeake Conservancy
• Envirolution
• Environmental Science Center
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU)
• Green & Healthy Homes Initiative
• Groundwork Ohio River Valley
• Gulf of Maine Research Institute
• Hazon
• Kenai Watershed Forum
• Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
• Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
• Left Hand Watershed Center
• Maine Campus Compact
• Mountain Studies Institute
• Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
• Ohio University
• Orange County Coastkeeper
• Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
• Project WET Foundation
• Rowan University
• Sequoia Riverlands Trust
• University of Arizona
• University of Connecticut
• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
• University of Mississippi
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• University of the Virgin Islands
• Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
• Washington State University

EPA anticipates providing funding for these projects once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

Since 1992, EPA has distributed between $2 million and $3.5 million in EE grant funding each year, for a total of over $91.3 million supporting more than 3,922 projects. The program traditionally provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques. For more information, visit the Environmental Education webpage. 

To learn more about current and past award winners, or to apply for future EE grant competitions, visit the Environmental Education Grants webpage. This page is updated as future competitions are announced and additional grants are awarded.

ATLANTA (Aug. 15, 2023) – Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), members of Congress and other elected officials celebrated a $13 million grant over five years to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ). The DSCEJ is among 16 entities selected nationally through a partnership between EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy to house Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) and receive a total of $177 million in grant funding. The grants will help underserved and overburdened communities across the country access funds from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for a variety of activities to advance environmental justice (EJ).

“Almost one year ago on September 24, 2022, Administrator Regan alongside EJ and civil rights leaders in Warren County, North Carolina – the site of protests 40 years ago that launched the EJ movement – announced the establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice and Civil Rights,” said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Today, in partnership with Region 6 and in direct response to feedback from communities, EJ leaders and their partners, I would like to congratulate the DSCEJ for being one of just 16 entities selected nationwide to aid communities throughout the U.S.”

“The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice has accomplished so much since its inception—including building local community capacity to address environmental justice challenges and routinely assisting communities who lack access to federal funding. Their work raises awareness about frontline communities that deserve protection from disproportionate pollution and climate change,” said Region 6 Deputy Regional Administrator Stacey Dwyer. “This grant and the creation of this hub represent a step forward in realizing a dream for Gulf Coast Region families to thrive through clean air, water and energy. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Deep South Center for their innovative work in improving the lives of residents in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast.”

“We are thrilled to receive this grant and to be selected as one of only 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers in the country by the EPA and the Department of Energy,” said Dr. Beverly Wright, Executive Director of DSCEJ. “President Biden’s historic investments in environmental justice are a result of decades of advocacy by communities like ours in the Deep South and across the country. We are proud to be part of this effort, and look forward to helping break down these barriers to help our communities access the federal resources available to them so our children can grow up in an environment free from the dangers of pollution.”

“I’m fighting to ensure federal investments flow to underserved communities that will foster environmental justice in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. I proudly voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made this funding a reality. As one of the sixteen esteemed organizations selected nationwide to host TCTACs, DSCEJ will be critical in advancing environmental justice and sustainable development. This will be more than just a center – it will be a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a hub of expertise. This investment will facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaborative initiatives that empower our community to drive sustainability forward. By addressing environmental justice challenges, we are working towards a world where all Louisianans can flourish,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

"I was proud to vote for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act because I firmly believe that our local communities possess the knowledge to tackle our environmental challenges but they often require a small amount of support to transform these solutions into reality. Today, we see this administration’s commitment to helping communities solve environmental issues materialize in the form of $177 million in funds from the Infrastructure Law dedicated to uplifting underserved and overburdened communities across our nation,” said Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). “These funds will help the new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) at the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) in New Orleans run smoothly and help communities in our region. I look forward to seeing how these new centers help communities across Central Florida and beyond, and commend the efforts of the EPA and DOE.”

“Underserved communities across Florida have long borne the brunt of environmental inequities and lacked the tools needed to overcome these challenges,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20). “Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, this expansive network of assistance centers will remain a fundamental resource and serve communities that are most in need of support.”

“As a strong advocate for environmental justice, I am pleased to see the EPA's announcement of a significant $130 million grant to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. This funding under the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda will undoubtedly play a crucial role in empowering communities across Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District to access historic resources aimed at addressing environmental disparities,” said Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-02). “This investment reaffirms our commitment to addressing environmental injustices in our communities and ensuring that all residents have equal opportunities to live in healthy environments. I commend the EPA for their efforts and look forward to collaborating with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice to achieve a more equitable and sustainable future." 

DSCEJ will receive $13 million over five years to remove barriers and improve accessibility for communities with environmental justice concerns. Their goals include building organizational capacity of least 250 Community Based Organizations (CBO) in underserved communities in Regions 4 and 6 in areas such as research and community engagement; assist CBOs in applying for $50-100 million in grants over the five-year performance period; and scale up the reach and impact of their new Community Investment and Recovery Center to sustain capacity-building services for the long term.

EPA will deliver these resources in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, whose funding allows the EJ TCTACs to provide support for identifying community opportunities for clean energy transition and financing options, including public-private partnerships supporting clean energy demonstration, deployment, workforce development and outreach opportunities that advance energy justice objectives.

The formation of the EJ TCTACs is in direct response to feedback from communities and environmental justice leaders who have long called for technical assistance and capacity building support for communities and their partners as they work to access critical federal resources. The 16 centers will provide comprehensive coverage for the entire United States through a network of over 160 partners including community-based organizations, additional academic institutions, and Environmental Finance Centers, so that more communities can access federal funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The EJ TCTAC program is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network and delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. The new technical assistance centers will help ensure communities with environmental justice concerns can access President Biden’s historic investments in America to address generational disinvestment, legacy pollution, infrastructure challenges, and build a clean energy economy that will lower energy costs, strengthen our energy security, and meet our climate goals. 

Learn more about the selectees, their partners and the EJ TCTAC program.

Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.

HELENA, MT – Today, in response to the Montana First Judicial District Court’s ruling in favor of sixteen Montana youth and their constitutional right to a healthful environment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator KC Becker issued the following statement:

“Across the nation, young people are sounding the alarm about the environment they are set to inherit. The ruling today is a landmark moment in their effort to protect the earth for future generations. Every day the youth in Montana and across their world are watching the impacts of climate change fill their social media feeds as they witness the increased frequency of wildfires and flooding.

No longer are young people demanding action on the climate crisis from the sidelines – they are successfully advocating for it themselves. They are channeling their feelings of concern and frustration into climate activism. They are becoming advocates for change, demanding action from governments and industries to address the crisis and secure a better future. This decision today sets a precedent for intergenerational accountability and environmental justice, ensuring that the decisions made today positively impact the well-being of tomorrow’s generations.”

LENEXA, KAN. (AUG. 14, 2023) – Advanced Heat Treat Corp. of Waterloo, Iowa, has agreed to pay a $85,000 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions.

“It is critical that companies that handle dangerous chemicals comply with the safety requirements of the Clean Air Act,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “EPA is committed to protecting communities from potentially catastrophic releases, particularly those communities that may be disproportionately affected by environmental harm.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company’s metallurgical heat treat facility stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with certain regulations intended to protect the surrounding community from accidental releases, including failure to submit a Risk Management Plan and implement a hazard assessment. Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and death.

Advanced Heat Treat Corp. is in a community identified by EPA as potentially more vulnerable to pollution due to socioeconomic factors. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high effects of pollution on vulnerable populations.

EPA says that Advanced Heat Treat has taken the necessary steps to return the facility to compliance.

Clean Air Act Risk Management Program Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a Risk Management Plan that identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident, identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident, and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for, and respond to, chemical emergencies in their community.

EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks that they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities. Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur per year at regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities.

Reducing risks from accidental releases of hazardous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA, which identified this goal as one of seven National Compliance Initiatives in 2019.

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Learn more about EPA Region 7

View all Region 7 news releases

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WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $11 million in grant funding to 11 institutions for research to address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved and Tribal communities.

“Addressing climate change and environmental justice issues are two priorities that are integral to EPA’s mission,” said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “This research will help us understand how transitioning away from fossil-based energy systems may impact communities and can help pave the way to a just and equitable energy future.”

Energy and transportation systems are rapidly shifting away from fossil-based energy systems. These changes will help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The evolving energy and transportation systems provide both challenges as well as opportunities to improve environmental and public health in ways that also reduce inequities such as environmental health burdens.

This research will increase understanding of the environmental impacts of shifting energy and transportation systems on underserved and Tribal communities as well as what drives decisions to adopt renewable energy sources, energy efficient technologies, and new transportation options. Grantees will engage with communities and Tribes in these projects, learning from their lived experience and expertise to better respond to community needs. These efforts will improve the scientific foundation for the design of robust, behaviorally informed policies and programs to support the sustainable transition to renewable and low-carbon energy systems.

The following institutions are receiving awards: 

• University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Mass., to engage with lower income households and neighborhoods in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to improve knowledge on drivers, barriers, and environmental benefits of shifting to using electric sources of energy within households.
• University of Maine, Orono, Maine, to engage with indigenous, rural, and low-income communities in Maine to understand the role of statewide Local Energy Action Networks (LEANs) in supporting and advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency adoption.
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., to work with rural and urban community members in New England to deliver information and tools that empower community-based environmental organizations to identify and advocate for renewable energy projects that are consistent with community values.
• Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, N.C., to partner with communities living near concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in eastern North Carolina to determine the environmental, public health, economic, and environmental justice impacts of large-scale swine waste-to-energy operations.
• Green Umbrella, Cincinnati, Ohio, to evaluate the effects of using electrical power and energy efficiency on household energy consumption, security, and behavior, as well as on indoor air quality for residents of multi-family dwelling units in urban Cincinnati.
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Ill., to investigate the air quality and public health impacts of transitioning to electric freight vehicles, with a focus on the Little Village neighborhood in southwest Chicago.
• Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich., to engage with Tribal and rural community leaders in forest-dependent communities in northern Michigan to study the impacts of current energy systems and pathways for energy transitions that enhance community well-being through improved public health, economic opportunity, and energy justice outcomes.
• The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, to engage with underserved communities in the Columbus Metropolitan Area to understand community use of electrical power and mobility needs, and to develop assessments and toolkits to support decision-makers on energy transitions that improve health, environmental and social conditions in underserved communities.
• University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif., to assess and communicate the air quality and health implications of a transition from oil refining to biofuel for energy production and to engage with communities near oil refineries in the northeast San Francisco Bay area to develop a web-based tool for informing petroleum refinery conversions or retirement.
• Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz., to develop a framework for evaluating neighborhood air pollution changes arising from shifting to alternative public transportation and electricity generation, using Maricopa County, Arizona, as a case study.
• Portland State University, Portland, Ore., to engage with communities in the western U.S. to understand the environmental justice impacts of renewable energy storage from a community-engaged perspective, focusing on different nodes spanning the life cycle of renewable energy storage infrastructures, activities, and technologies.

Learn more about the funded grant recipients.
Learn more about EPA research grants.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a civil complaint in the United States District Court for the Central District of California today against the operators of Oasis Mobile Home Park, located in the Eastern Coachella Valley in Southern California. The complaint alleges that the Administrator of the Estate of Scott Lawson and a corporation called Lopez to Lawson, Inc. failed to properly maintain and operate Oasis’ primary drinking water well, treatment and distribution systems and wastewater system, and failed to perform corrective measures to protect the health of those who consume the drinking water. Today’s legal action seeks a judicial order that will require Oasis Mobile Home Park to address the imminent and substantial endangerment conditions related to the drinking and wastewater systems, comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act and pay a civil penalty.

“This complaint is an outcome of many years of failure by the operators of the Oasis Mobile Home Park to follow EPA’s orders and provide safe drinking water and sanitation to the families living in their park”, said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “We now seek action by a federal court to enforce our orders, to provide justice to the residents that have lived for so long without safe drinking water.”

The Oasis Mobile Home Park is designed to house up to 1,500 people. The Park’s drinking water system uses groundwater that has naturally occurring arsenic. Arsenic is a known carcinogen, and drinking high levels over many years can increase the chance of lung, bladder, and skin cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and neurological damage.

In August 2019, EPA issued an emergency order to Scott Lawson, the owner and operator of the Park, for providing drinking water that contained impermissibly high levels of arsenic as provided by the Safe Drinking Water Act and its implementing regulations. In September 2020, EPA issued a second emergency order for failure to comply with arsenic levels after Oasis switched to a backup well that continued to provide water with prohibitively high arsenic levels. The 2020 Order required the respondents to provide consumers with alternative drinking water, fix its treatment system, reduce arsenic levels in the drinking water distribution system, and monitor the water for contamination. After the death of Scott Lawson in May 2021, EPA issued another emergency order against the defendants named in the complaint, largely mirroring the requirements of the 2020 emergency order. In April 2023, EPA conducted sampling of the drinking water system and found arsenic still present, thereby determining that the problems with arsenic and the drinking water system remain unabated. As a result, EPA issued an amended order that requires the defendants to address issues with the drinking water storage tanks.

In addition to the drinking water system compliance failures, Oasis has failed to properly operate and maintain a wastewater system that complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act and its implementing regulations. The chronic issues related to the design and operation of Oasis’s wastewater system have created an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and the environment because contaminants, such as E. Coli and other disease-causing organisms, are likely to threaten groundwater sources and enter the drinking water system.

EPA’s February 2021 and May 2022 wastewater inspections found the Park lacked a dedicated wastewater operator and a septic maintenance and pumping program for approximately 90 septic tanks located there. EPA also observed evidence of sewage overflows and wastewater line breaks. EPA visited Oasis in May 2023 and observed that the wastewater system issues remain unabated.

For more information on EPA’s drinking water standards, visit EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act webpage.

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

NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed cleanup plan to address contaminated groundwater at a portion of the New Cassel/Hicksville Groundwater Contamination Superfund site in Nassau County, New York to September 22, 2023. The original public comment period was scheduled to end on August 23rd. EPA held a public meeting at the East Meadow Public Library on August 10, 2023, to explain the cleanup proposal to the public.

EPA’s proposed plan will prevent people from potentially being exposed to the contaminated groundwater in the future, help minimize the potential for the contaminated groundwater to migrate further and treat the groundwater to meet strict federal and state standards for drinking water. 

The cleanup plan proposes installing a network of wells and underground pipes in a residential neighborhood and parkland to move contaminated groundwater to a new water treatment facility. Options for how the treated water will be released will be evaluated during the design of the cleanup plan. The potential options outlined in the proposed plan include that treated water can be returned back to the ground, released to surface water or a recharge basin, or released into the sewer.

Once the cleanup plan is finalized, EPA will decide where the wells and water treatment facility will be built and where the treated water will go. The plan also requires long-term monitoring of the groundwater treatment program and relies on existing county and state restrictions on groundwater use to ensure that public drinking water wells are not installed on site without a permit.

Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed or emailed by September 22, 2023 to Aidan Conway, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway – 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007, Email: conway.aidan@epa.gov.

For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the New Cassel/Hicksville Groundwater Contamination Superfund site profile page. 

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

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CHICAGO (August 11, 2023) – In response to requests from the public at last night’s public hearing in Terre Haute, Indiana, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today extended the comment period on its draft federal permits that would allow Wabash Carbon Services, LLC, to inject and store carbon dioxide underground. EPA is now accepting comments until 5 p.m. on Monday, August 21. EPA’s comment period was originally scheduled to end today (August 11).
 

Written comments should be sent to Marc Fisher at fisher.marc@epa.gov (specifically referencing draft permit numbers: IN-165-6A-0001 and/or IN-167-6A-0001).
 

Those without access to email may contact Marc Fisher at (312) 886-4240 for instructions.
 

To view a copy of the two draft permits, click here.

BOSTON (Aug. 11, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $228,000 grant to the Rhode Island Department of Health to protect the health of beachgoers. This funding is part of $10.6 million in grants, announced in May, to help coastal and Great Lakes communities. The funding will support water quality monitoring and public notification programs for beaches.

"With so many beach closures across New England this summer, people want to know 'where can I go swimming in clean water?'," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Today's grant will advance environmental justice in communities vulnerable to and overburdened by water quality impacts by supporting critical monitoring and notification programs. We will continue to work closely with our state, municipal and local partners to deliver information that people need to make good decisions about their health. The results of monitoring can also help us enforce environmental laws and make investments, so beach closures become a thing of the past."

This grant helps fund programs to ensure that beachgoers know when our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation.

Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, 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 or their local partners notify the public and post beach warnings or closings.

Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $216 million in BEACH Act grants, including over $25 million to New England states, and almost $4.7 million to Rhode Island, to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria and help with public notification and identification of the problem. This program is essential for protecting the health of beachgoers across the country.

"Our coasts are an important part of the Ocean State's economy and culture," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "This federal funding will support environmental monitoring to ensure that Rhode Islanders and visitors can safely enjoy the water all summer long."

As Rhode Islanders head to the beach this summer, we all deserve to enjoy our state's waters with peace of mind," said U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner. "This federal funding will be used to monitor water quality to ensure Rhode Island beaches are safe for everyone to enjoy."

EPA's 2023 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following New England states, contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:

EPA Region 1

Rhode Island $228,000
New Hampshire $214,000
Maine $272,000
Massachusetts $275,000
Connecticut $236,000

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.

Rhode Island Department of Health Beaches

BOSTON (Aug. 11, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $236,000 grant to the Connecticut Department of Public Health to protect the health of beachgoers. This funding is part of $10.6 million in grants, announced in May, to help coastal and Great Lakes communities. The funding will support water quality monitoring and public notification programs for beaches.

"With so many beach closures across New England this summer, people want to know 'where can I go swimming in clean water?'," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Today's grant will advance environmental justice in communities vulnerable to and overburdened by water quality impacts by supporting critical monitoring and notification programs. We will continue to work closely with our state, municipal and local partners to deliver information that people need to make good decisions about their health. The results of monitoring can also help us enforce environmental laws and make investments so beach closures become a thing of the past."

This grant helps fund programs to ensure that beachgoers know when our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation.

Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, 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 or their local partners notify the public and post beach warnings or closings.

Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $216 million in BEACH Act grants, including over $25 million to New England states, and almost $5 million to Connecticut, to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria and help with public notification and identification of the problem. This program is essential for protecting the health of beachgoers across the country.

"Connecticut is home to beautiful shoreline beaches that residents and visitors enjoy. This funding through the Environmental Protection Agency will support increased water quality testing to ensure that our waters are clean and safe for beachgoers," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. "I am proud to support this funding for the health of our coastal communities."

"Beachgoers in Connecticut enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing at our beaches. So, it is wonderful that our state is receiving these federal funds to protect human health and the environment," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Beaches are vital natural resources and economic drivers, making them critical to our communities. With this funding, the Connecticut Department of Public Health will help make sure they remain clean, safe, and enjoyable. I will continue to fight to deliver the resources Connecticut's towns need to recreationally swim, boat, hike, and enjoy our outdoors."

"I supported the BEACH Act in Congress to protect Connecticut's 618 miles of coastline and ensure families can safely visit our state beaches for swimming and other recreational activities," said U.S. Representative John B. Larson. "This grant is part of a nearly $5 million commitment over the last two decades from the federal government to support efforts aimed at protecting public health and safety for Connecticut beachgoers. I will continue to support funding so residents can enjoy our state's recreational spaces for years to come."

"There are few greater joys than cooling down in the Sound during a hot summer at one of the many beautiful spots along Southwest Connecticut's coastlines," said U.S. Representative Jim Himes. "The federal government is making real investments in keeping our waters clean, safe, and ready for swimmers. I'm glad that our communities are receiving funding through the BEACH Act to protect Connecticut beachgoers and I will continue working to ensure federal money is flowing to keep the Long Island Sound clean and vibrant."

"The Connecticut coastline attracts visitors from across the state, and protecting their health is paramount," said U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes. "These federal dollars will assist the Connecticut Department of Health in monitoring beach water quality to keep coastal communities safe for all to enjoy. I look forward to continuing to work with the EPA in promoting public health and environmental stewardship."

EPA's 2023 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following New England states, contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:

EPA Region 1

Connecticut $236,000
Maine $272,000
Massachusetts $275,000
New Hampshire $214,000
Rhode Island $228,000

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.

Connecticut Department of Public Health Public Beaches

BOSTON (Aug. 11, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $272,000 grant to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to protect the health of beachgoers. This funding is part of $10.6 million in grants, announced in May, to help coastal and Great Lakes communities. The funding will support water quality monitoring and public notification programs for beaches.

"With so many beach closures across New England this summer, people want to know 'where can I go swimming in clean water?'," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Today's grant will advance environmental justice in communities vulnerable to and overburdened by water quality impacts by supporting critical monitoring and notification programs. We will continue to work closely with our state, municipal and local partners to deliver information that people need to make good decisions about their health. The results of monitoring can also help us enforce environmental laws and make investments, so beach closures become a thing of the past."

This grant helps fund programs to ensure that beachgoers know when our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation.

Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, 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 or their local partners notify the public and post beach warnings or closings.

Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $216 million in BEACH Act grants, including over $25 million to New England states, and almost $5.6 million to Maine, to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria and help with public notification and identification of the problem. This program is essential for protecting the health of beachgoers across the country.

"With 3,500 miles of iconic and pristine coastline, Maine is a haven for beachgoers. Especially during the summer season that draws crowds from across the country, it's critical our beaches and waters are safe," said U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden. "The BEACH Act funding announced for Maine today will help better monitor water quality and inform the public of unsafe conditions, so Mainers and all who visit our state can safely enjoy all Vacationland has to offer."

EPA's 2023 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following New England states, contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:

EPA Region 1

Maine $272,000
Massachusetts $275,000
Connecticut $236,000
New Hampshire $214,000
Rhode Island $228,000

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.

Maine Beaches