WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $50.4 million in annual funding to states and territories for communities most in need of access to clean and safe drinking water. The funding will support projects and activities in underserved, small and disadvantaged communities to access and invest in water infrastructure and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

“Across the country, too many communities struggle with accessing clean, safe water,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “These grants will invest in solutions that upgrade infrastructure, improve water reliability, and deliver safe drinking water to our most vulnerable communities. This grant, along with other funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will strengthen our nation’s water infrastructure and ensure everyone has access to clean, safe water.”

Grant funding can support a broad range of approaches to help communities address drinking water concerns, from household water quality testing to monitoring for unregulated drinking water contaminants. Funds may also support efforts to build the technical, financial, and managerial abilities of a water system’s operations and staff. Infrastructure projects—from transmission, distribution, and storage—that support drinking water quality improvements are also eligible for grant funding.

The Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Community grant program, established under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, awards funding to states and territories on a non-competitive basis. EPA awards funding to states based on an allocation formula that includes factors for population below the poverty level, small water systems, and underserved communities. There is a 10% Tribal allotment. For more information, visit the WIIN SUDC Grant website.  

FY23 WIIN Funding for Small, Underserved and Disadvantaged Community Grant

State/Territory

Available Funding

Alaska

$1,157,000

Alabama

$739,000

Arkansas

$724,000

American Samoa

$279,000

Arizona

$1,021,000

California

$3,304,000

Colorado

$942,000

Connecticut

$562,000

District of Columbia

$303,000

Delaware

$396,000

Florida

$1,966,000

Georgia

$1,338,000

Guam

$262,000

Hawaii

$341,000

Iowa

$711,000

Idaho

$642,000

Illinois

$1,417,000

Indiana

$854,000

Kansas

$780,000

Kentucky

$703,000

Louisiana

$1,303,000

Massachusetts

$695,000

Maryland

$621,000

Maine

$476,000

Michigan

$1,294,000

Minnesota

$761,000

Missouri

$1,059,000

Northern Mariana

$277,000

Mississippi

$818,000

Montana

$642,000

North Carolina

$1,401,000

North Dakota

$430,000

Nebraska

$581,000

New Hampshire

$534,000

New Jersey

$798,000

New Mexico

$812,000

Nevada

$601,000

New York

$2,037,000

Ohio

$1,232,000

Oklahoma

$1,019,000

Oregon

$826,000

Pennsylvania

$1,633,000

Puerto Rico

$541,000

Rhode Island

$342,000

South Carolina

$748,000

South Dakota

$506,000

Tennessee

$807,000

Texas

$3,692,000

Utah

$604,000

Virginia

$974,000

Virgin Islands

$273,000

Vermont

$421,000

Washington

$1,165,000

Wisconsin

$907,000

West Virginia

$648,000

Wyoming

$475,000

Total

$50,394,000

For more information visit the WIIN Grant: Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program webpage.

DENVER (June 26, 2023) – At an event today at the newly-opened Thrive residential complex in Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood, Kelly Watkins of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 office joined Denver Mayor Michael Hancock; Denver Housing Authority CEO David Nisivoccia; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Regional Administrator, Erik Amundson; Denver City Council President, Jamie Torres; and Sun Valley resident, Craig Allen to announce a $1,049,300 Brownfields cleanup grant to the Denver Housing Authority (DHA).

The grant, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used to clean up the eight-acre Former Zuni Tank Farm at 2514 West 13th Avenue and 2501 West 11th Avenue in Denver.   DHA will oversee the redevelopment of the site into new, energy-efficient affordable housing units and a riverfront park expanding the greenway and connecting the neighborhood to the river. The park will feature environmental education, a water-feature play area, cafes, play fields and courts and multi-use trails.

“EPA continues to support city and community leaders as they work to revitalize the Sun Valley neighborhood,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This cleanup grant will address contamination at a critical property along the South Platte River, improving green infrastructure and water quality and providing opportunities for new housing and recreational amenities.”  

The Zuni Tank Farm is a prominent property in Sun Valley near Invesco Field and the South Platte River. Former uses of the site include a scrap metal warehouse, landfill, coal-fired power plant, aboveground storage tanks and detention ponds. Soil sampling identified the presence of benzo[a]pyrene and other polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Heavy metals, asbestos, lead and other inorganic contaminants have also been found in buildings and storage tanks on the site.

“Denver Housing Authority is thrilled to have been selected as an EPA Brownfields Grant recipient,” said David Nisivoccia, Chief Executive Officer of Denver Housing Authority. “Utilizing the grant funds, this site will be cleaned to residential standards and a portion of the land will be converted into a future park that borders the South Platte River. The project property is adjacent to our newest housing developments, GreenHaus and Thrive, which just completed construction, are leasing now and will serve 264 family households, in addition to the 187 families being served by the Gateway Apartments.” 

As new families move into the Sun Valley community, economic benefits of affordability, new jobs, increased tax revenues and more consumer spending will continue to bring new life to the target area and surrounding businesses. 

The City and County of Denver charged DHA with implementing the Sun Valley Neighborhood Transformation Plan. DHA created Sun Valley Zuni, LLC, to assume site ownership and cleanup at the tank farm property.

EPA’s award for the Sun Valley project is among eight Brownfields grants totaling more than $5 million announced this month for cleanup and revitalization projects in communities across Colorado. Other grantees are receiving funds for projects in Brighton, Buena Vista, Pueblo, Silverton, San Luis, San Miguel County and Trinidad. 

 Background 

Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities than ever begin to address the economic, social and environmental challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity and environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities.  

EPA’s Brownfields Program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative to direct 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities. Approximately 84% of the MARC program applications selected to receive funding proposed to work in areas that include historically underserved communities. 

EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.37 billion in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. EPA’s investments in addressing brownfield sites have leveraged more than $36 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Communities that previously received Brownfields Grants used these resources to fund assessments and cleanups of brownfields, and successfully leverage an average of 10.6 jobs per $100,000 of grant funds spent and $19.78 for every dollar. 

More on Brownfields Grants.  

More on EPA’s Brownfields Program. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today proposed a plan to clean up the Keddy Mill Superfund Site, located on Depot Street in Windham, Maine. The proposed plan details measures EPA will take to clean up the soil, sediment (inclusive of fish tissue), and groundwater at the site. This cleanup will be comprehensive and protective of human health and the environment. EPA will also accept public comments on the proposed plan for 30 days, and will hold a public information meeting and public hearing on the proposed plan.

"This proposed cleanup plan reflects EPA's recommendations on how to best address contaminated soil, sediment, and groundwater at the Keddy Mills site," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This is an important step bringing the Windham community closer to an effective cleanup of the site. EPA is eager to get input from the community and other interested stakeholders on this proposed plan."

EPA's proposed plan summarizes risks posed by contamination at the site and presents an evaluation of cleanup options. EPA also identifies the Agency's preferred cleanup alternative along with the other cleanup options considered.

EPA's preferred alternative in the proposed plan, which would be implemented following the substantial completion of an EPA-authorized "Non-Time-Critical Removal Action" to demolish the mill complex and associated structures, generally includes the following components:

• Excavation and off-site disposal of approximately 22,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil;
• Targeted treatment of soil excavations with amendments in support of groundwater cleanup;
• In situ (in place) treatment of groundwater;
• Excavation and off-site disposal of approximately 320 cubic yards of contaminated sediments from the Presumpscot River;
• Site restoration including riverbed, riverbank, wetland and floodplain habitat;
• Land use restrictions (called "Institutional Controls" or ICs) to prevent exposure to Site-related contaminants in groundwater and fish tissue until cleanup levels are met;
• Inspections and limited operation and maintenance (O&M);
• Monitoring of groundwater and fish tissue to evaluate the achievement of cleanup levels; and
• Five-Year Reviews to assess the protectiveness of the remedy.

Public Comment Opportunity, Public Information Meeting, and Formal Public Hearing

EPA will host a hybrid information session on June 27th at 6:00 p.m. The in-person meeting will be held at the South Windham Station 33 Main St. Windham, ME 04062 and virtual meeting links be found on the website at www.epa.gov/superfund/keddy. The public meeting will be to update the community of EPA's findings as a result of completing various studies at the site and answer any questions.  These completed studies (referred to as a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study or "RI/FS" and inclusive of human health and ecological risk assessment documentation), these studies influenced EPA's preferred cleanup alternative (documented in a proposed plan). The formal public comment period for the proposed plan will begin on June 28th and will run for 30 days.

EPA will also hold a hybrid formal public hearing for the Keddy Mill Superfund Site to accept comments on the proposed plan on July 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. The hybrid public hearing will be held 33-35 Main Street in Windham, Maine and in-person attendance is welcomed. Community members can also join virtual with links to the hearing found on EPA's website; www.epa.gov/superfund/keddy. EPA will not respond to comments during the hearing, but all formal comments received during the public comment period will be reviewed by EPA before making a final cleanup decision. EPA will prepare written responses to comments received during the formal public comment period.

Voicemail and written comments may also be submitted until July 28, 2023 via phone, email, fax or mail to: Jeffry Saunders, Remedial Project Manager, US EPA New England, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100, SNR07-1 Boston, MA 02109; EMAIL: saunders.jeffry@epa.gov; PHONE: 617-918-1351; FAX: 617-918-0352.

Background:

EPA added the Keddy Mill Superfund Site to the National Priorities List (aka Superfund) in 2014. The site consists of a 6.93-acre abandoned mill complex property, located at 7 Depot Street (the Mill Complex Property), an adjacent reach of the Presumpscot River, and associated riparian properties in Windham, Maine.

The site has a long history, with operations beginning in the late 1700s and ending in 1997. The building that will be demolished and removed was used as a grist and carding mill, pulp mill, box-board manufacturing facility and as a steel mill. Throughout the industrial history, several buildings have been demolished and others added to the mill complex. The site has contamination from various hazardous substances, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons.

More information:

A copy of the proposed cleanup plan, the Administrative Record supporting the cleanup plan, and instructions how to submit comments and other background information about the Keddy Mill Superfund Site can be found at: www.epa.gov/superfund/keddy

The Windham Public Library located at 217 Windham Center Road, Windham, Maine 04062 (phone: 207-982-1908) can be used as a point of access to reach the online Administrative Record for the Site. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact Charlotte Gray, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator at gray.charlotte@epa.gov or 617-918-1243. tollfree 1-888-372-7341 ext. 8-1243

LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 23, 2023) – On Monday, June 26, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 will present a $211,000 ceremonial check to the City of Maryville, Missouri. The city will host the ceremony at the Maryville Public Safety Building. 

EPA has selected the City of Maryville for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant that will be funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grant funds will be used to clean up Aunt B’s North Property at 602 South Main Street. The cleanup site operated as a gas station from 1951 until it was closed in 2005. The site is currently vacant and contaminated with petroleum. In addition, two underground storage tanks are still on the property. Grant funds also will be used to conduct two public meetings and perform other community outreach activities. 

These investments are part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to grow the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to driving over $470 billion in private-sector manufacturing and clean-energy investments in the United States, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient. 

“This Brownfields grant is a significant step toward cleaning up contamination at a vacant former gas station,” said EPA Region 7 Land, Chemical, and Redevelopment Division Director Jeff Robichaud. “We are proud to partner with the City of Maryville, and we share their commitment to enhancing the lives of those who live near this site by cleaning up contamination and engaging with the community.”

“The City of Maryville is deeply appreciative of the funding from EPA to clean up the former gas station property at 602 South Main,” said Maryville Mayor Tye Parsons. “As the city continues to revitalize the entire South Main corridor, the availability of this property is not only important for the environmental health of our community, but also for the economic development opportunity presented by a non-contaminated site.”

Please RSVP to: Jonathan Klusmeyer, Klusmeyer.jonathan@epa.gov, 913-343-2991.

WHO: 

• EPA Region 7 Land, Chemical, and Redevelopment Division Director Jeff Robichaud
• Maryville City Councilmember Benjamin Lipiec
• Maryville City Administrator Greg McDanel
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources Project Manager Christine O’Keefe

WHAT: Brownfields grant ceremonial check presentation to the City of Maryville, Missouri

WHEN: Monday, June 26, at 5 p.m. CDT

WHERE: Maryville Public Safety Building, 101 N. Vine St., Maryville, Missouri

Background

EPA has selected these organizations to receive funding to address and support the reuse of brownfield sites. EPA anticipates making all the awards announced recently, once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.37 billion in Brownfields Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. EPA’s investments in addressing brownfield sites have leveraged over $36 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Over the years, the relatively small investment of federal funding has leveraged nearly 260,000 jobs from both public and private sources. Communities that previously received Brownfields Grants used these resources to fund assessments and cleanups of brownfields, and successfully leveraged an average of 10.6 jobs per $100,000 of EPA Brownfield Grant funds spent and $19.78 for every dollar.

The next National Brownfields Training Conference will be held on Aug. 8-11, 2023, in Detroit. Offered every two years, this conference is the largest gathering of stakeholders focused on cleaning up and reusing former commercial and industrial properties. EPA co-sponsors this event with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

• Learn more about Brownfields Grants
• Learn more about EPA’s Brownfields Program

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EPA, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and Morgan County School Board Celebrate Transformation of Brownfields Site to Soccer Complex

PHILADELPHIA (June 15, 2023) –  EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz joined  representatives of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), the Morgan County School Board and Morgan County Parks and Recreation today in a tour and celebration of what is now the “Alex” Rickli Memorial Soccer Complex in Berkely Springs, West Virginia.

This nearly 10-acre once underutilized former industrial property is now a state-of-the-art soccer complex, including multi-use recreation fields, bioretention gardens, a concession stand, and a beautiful playground with a soon-to- be installed covered pavilion and expanded parking facilities. 

“I’ve been to West Virginia more than a dozen times in the past two years and have seen firsthand how Brownfields funding is cleaning up the land, returning it to productive use, and helping to revitalize communities,” said Ortiz. “Brownfields can be unsightly, but EPA sees them as acres of opportunities.”

Ortiz also congratulated WVDEP for being selected for a $1 million Supplemental Revolving Loan Fund Grant from EPA to continue brownfields cleanups across West Virginia.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the transformation of what is now the 'Alex' Rickli Memorial Soccer Complex, a shining example of the remarkable impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts," said WVDEP Cabinet Secretary Harold Ward. "With the support of Governor Justice, the WVDEP is proud to have played a crucial role in revitalizing this once underutilized property. The complex now stands as a testament to the power of brownfields funding, which turns community liabilities into community assets, and fosters positive impacts across our state."

Revitalization of this brownfield property along the main highway into Berkeley Springs and the main gateway into the majority of Morgan County was achieved utilizing the Morgan County School Board’s $200,000 Brownfields Cleanup Grant awarded in October 2013. WVDEP also provided assessment funds utilizing EPA Brownfields assessment grant funds totaling more than $56,000. In addition, West Virginia University Northern Brownfields Assistance Center provided grant application services, a technical assistance grant, and community involvement coordination.

The soccer complex was named for Joy Alexandria “Alex” Rickli, a local student and soccer player, who was killed in June 2010 when she was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle to soccer practice. The complex significantly benefits the area’s community and youth by providing a space for recreation and improved health and wellness, and overall positive impact in the community.

Since 1997, EPA has awarded more than $48 million through 114 Brownfields grants in 43 West Virginia communities. To date, this funding has leveraged an additional $1.7 billion in public and private investment, returning 1,798 acres to readiness for reuse, and creating more than 5,400 new jobs.

For further information on the grants, brownfields news and events, and publications and links, visit the EPA Brownfields website at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields.  

Messer LLC to pay $1.9 million penalty
for Clean Water Act violations at New Cumberland, WV facility

PHILADELPHIA (June 23, 2023) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Messer LLC has agreed to pay a $1.9 million civil penalty for Clean Water Act permit violations at its air products manufacturing facility in New Cumberland, West Virginia. 

Along with the financial penalty, Messer has agreed to take actions to eliminate ongoing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit violations and prevent future violations. This includes constructing a new treatment system at the facility and conducting enhanced stormwater discharge inspections to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act and parallel West Virginia laws.  The facility exceeded permit limits for copper, aluminum, residual chlorine, phenolics and iron.  

“The protection of our nation’s natural resources and public health is the primary goal of EPA’s enforcement efforts,” said EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “The obligations of today’s settlement will better ensure that the waters of West Virginia and the health of communities that rely on them are a top priority.”

The penalty will be divided equally between the United States and West Virginia, who are co-plaintiffs in this consent decree. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection assisted EPA in the investigation, litigation and settlement. The settlement addresses alleged federal and state environmental law violations, which threaten to degrade receiving streams and impact public health and harm aquatic life and the environment. 

The facility is bordered by the Ohio River and discharges into the river. 

The proposed consent decree, filed in the federal district court for the Northern District of West Virginia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal district court.

A copy of the consent decree with more specifics about the violations is available online at : https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decree/us-et-al-v-messer-llc

LENEXA, KAN. (JUNE 22, 2023) – Kansas City, Kansas, diesel service and auto repair shop KC Performance Diesel LLC agreed to settle an enforcement action with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allegedly tampering with car engines to render emissions controls inoperative and for failing to permit EPA access to inspect and copy records. These actions were violations of the federal Clean Air Act, according to EPA.

“The installation of defeat devices or any illegal tampering of auto emissions controls is both a violation of federal law and a significant contributor of air pollution,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “The federal government is serious about holding accountable individuals and companies who profit from these unlawful actions and protecting communities, particularly those that are already overburdened by pollution from harmful emissions.”

The settlement documents allege that KC Performance Diesel sold or installed so-called “defeat devices” on at least 96 occasions and refused to grant EPA access to records as part of a compliance evaluation conducted by the Agency. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to destroy its defeat device inventory and certify that it will not sell or install defeat device components in the future.

Tampering of car engines, including installation of aftermarket defeat devices intended to bypass manufacturer emissions controls, results in significantly higher releases of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, both of which contribute to serious public health problems in the United States. These problems include premature mortality, aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, aggravation of existing asthma, acute respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, and decreased lung function. Numerous studies also link diesel exhaust to increased incidence of lung cancer. Further, emission controls tampering impedes federal, state, and local efforts to implement air quality standards that protect public health.

KC Performance Diesel is in an area identified by EPA as already having high levels of air pollution, including higher than average levels of diesel particulate matter, and socioeconomic burdens. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high effects of pollution on vulnerable populations.

Stopping aftermarket defeat devices for vehicles and engines is a top priority for EPA. The Agency identified this goal as one of seven National Compliance Initiatives in 2019.

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WASHINGTON — Today, during National Pollinator Week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing its work to protect pollinators by proposing geographically-specific protections that would limit the use of pesticides in the habitat of 27 endangered and threatened (listed) species, including some pollinators. The Agency is releasing for public comment a draft white paper that describes these proposed mitigation measures as part of its Vulnerable Species Pilot announced last year. EPA is also updating the interactive endangered species StoryMaps released last month to include information on all 27 listed species and the proposed mitigation measures for each.

Pollination is crucial to over 1,200 food crops and provides nourishment to nearly 200,000 different plants that yield various oils, cotton, clean air, seeds, and vegetables. As a result, one-third of the nation’s food supply depends on pollination. Earlier this week, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan issued a proclamation in support of National Pollinator Week. The proclamation recognizes the importance of pollinators to America’s food systems and ecosystems. It also highlights EPA’s work to protect pollinators by developing new strategies like the geographically-specific mitigations discussed below and the importance of continued collaboration with other federal agencies.

“Pollinator health affects biodiversity, ecosystems, global food supplies, and human health,” said EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticide Programs Jake Li. “The proposed mitigations we’re announcing today are tailored to where these 27 listed species, including pollinators, live and our new maps make it easy for people to find and visualize this important information.”

White Paper Proposing Mitigations for the 27 Vulnerable Species

EPA is releasing a draft white paper for public comment in support of the Agency’s Vulnerable Species Pilot that identifies draft mitigation measures for the 27 vulnerable listed species, all of which EPA identified as being particularly vulnerable to pesticide exposure. The species include several pollinators like the Poweshiek skipperling butterfly, the rusty patched bumble bee, and the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly. Through the pilot, EPA selected these species and developed proposed mitigations and an implementation plan to reduce their exposure to outdoor uses of conventional pesticides.

The pilot species are particularly vulnerable because of a combination of factors including a limited geographic range, small population size, and high susceptibility to environmental stressors such that effects to even a small number of individuals can harm the entire species.

EPA is proposing mitigations to protect areas where species most likely live from being exposed to spray drift and runoff from pesticide-treated areas. Because the pilot species are some of the most vulnerable, EPA designed the mitigation measures to be both broad enough that the mitigations are protective of the pilot species and simple enough that pesticide users can easily understand and implement the mitigations.

This initiative is part of EPA’s work to meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and furthers the goals outlined in EPA’s ESA Workplan to provide practical protections for listed species from pesticides. The draft white paper includes:

• how EPA selected the 27 species;
• proposed mitigations;
• a plan for implementing the proposed mitigations; and
• a proposed plan to consider expanding the pilot to other vulnerable listed species in the future.

The goal of these mitigations is to avoid and minimize exposure, and thus advance EPA's ability to meet its ESA obligations and develop efficiencies for future consultations.

The draft white paper is available in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0327 for public comment for 45 days. 

Additional StoryMaps on Endangered Species

EPA also continues to advance pollinator and other vulnerable species outreach efforts through StoryMaps to raise public awareness about protecting endangered species from pesticides. Last month, EPA released StoryMaps for 11 pilot species. This week, the Agency is updating these StoryMaps to add 16 additional pilot species and include information on the proposed mitigations announced today.

These StoryMaps use an interactive format to describe the pilot species, their habitats, and why they are potentially at risk from pesticide exposure. These StoryMaps offer the unique ability to convey geospatial information about the location of these species and the proposed protections identified. For example, users can zoom in on the maps to view specific locations that may be of interest to them (e.g., where pesticide restrictions may apply to protect each species). Engaging the public and stakeholders through maps, other visuals, and narratives can help convey complex information in an easy-to-understand manner, offering a greater sense of place-based mitigations for listed species.

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

CHICAGO (June 22, 2023) – This week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began oversight of the potentially responsible party’s additional groundwater investigations in Uniontown and Green, Ohio, west of the Industrial Excess Landfill Superfund site at 12646 Cleveland Ave., Uniontown.

Previous sampling around the site found dioxane in private residential wells, which led EPA to connect several residences to municipal water. The continued groundwater investigation will help determine the size of the dioxane plume and if additional municipal water hookups will be necessary.

From June through September, EPA plans to oversee investigations that will take place Monday through Sunday between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., weather permitting. Crews will use large drilling equipment at sampling locations, with most of the work in public rights-of-way. Street access may be temporarily controlled in these areas. EPA anticipates each drilling location will take one week to complete. Work may be seen along East Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Ontario Road, Superior Drive, Spade Road, Fen Way Court, Millview Avenue, Crestview Circle, Kreighbaum Road NW, and Cleveland Avenue NW. Field work is expected to start west/northwest and move in a southeasterly direction towards the Industrial Excess Landfill Superfund site. Crews will do their best to minimize disturbances in the area as much as possible. Sampling locations can be found on the EPA website.

If you are a Uniontown or Green resident that has received an EPA factsheet or postcard in the mail and have a private well on your property that has not been sampled, please contact EPA to discuss well use and the need for potential sampling:
 

• Aaron Green, remedial project manager, 312-353-4633, green.aaron.m@epa.gov, or
   
• Ruth Muhtsun, community involvement coordinator, 312-886-6595; muhtsun.ruth@epa.gov

EPA listed the Industrial Excess Landfill site on its National Priorities List in June 1986 to address soil and groundwater contamination as a result of a former gravel mine being used as an industrial and municipal landfill between 1966 and 1980. Most of the cleanup was completed by 2004. Groundwater and landfill gas continues to be monitored both on and off site. In 2021, sampling confirmed dioxane (an emerging contaminant) in groundwater west of the site. This prompted further investigations and the municipal water connection of several residences. EPA conducted a five-year review in 2021 and will be issuing an addendum to the report in 2024 further detailing investigation findings.
 

For more information, please visit our website.

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WASHINGTON (June 22, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the formal establishment of the agency’s first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). The NEYAC will provide independent advice and recommendations to Administrator Michael S. Regan on how to increase EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues as they relate to youth communities. The NEYAC will provide a critical perspective on how the impacts of climate change and other environmental harms affect youth communities. The Administrator announced his intent to launch the youth council last June at the Austrian World Summit.

EPA is soliciting applications for youth to fill 16 vacancies on the NEYAC. Selected applicants will contribute to a balance of perspectives, backgrounds, and experience of the council and will be appointed by the Administrator. As a first-of-its-kind committee, all members of NEYAC will be between the ages of 16 and 29. 

As part of the agency’s commitment to centering environmental justice communities, at least 50% of the overall membership of NEYAC will come from, reside primarily in, and/or do most of their work in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) as part of Justice40. 

“We can’t tackle the environmental challenges of our time without input from our younger communities, who’ve long been at the forefront of social movements,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This committee will help ensure that the voices and perspectives of our youth are included and valued in EPA’s decision-making as we continue to advance President Biden’s commitment to ensuring everyone in this country has access to clean air, safe water and healthy land, now and for generations to come.”

Applications to the NEYAC are due by August 22, 2023 at 11:59PM ET. To apply for appointment to the council, the below information is required:

• Contact information 
• Resume OR short biography OR qualification essay 
• Statement of interest 
• Media Project 

Visit the EPA NEYAC webpage for more information on the council and to apply.

EPA will be hosting virtual application webinars where the public can ask EPA staff questions live. The webinars will be on Zoom and will be hosted at the following times: 

• Friday, June 30, 2023 @ 3PM – 4PM ET // Register here 
• Monday, August 7, 2023 @ 12PM – 1PM ET // Register here 

HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Seven-Eleven Hawai‘i Inc. in which the company has agreed to audit all of its properties for the presence of large capacity cesspools (LCCs) after EPA discovered three LCCs serving Seven-Eleven Hawai‘i facilities. Under the settlement, Seven-Eleven Hawai‘i will pay a $145,000 penalty, conduct a self-audit of the 58 locations it operates in Hawai‘i, and work with EPA to close all remaining LCCs.

“It is crucial that businesses use proper wastewater treatment systems to protect groundwater from disease-causing pollution,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "This settlement will help protect the islands’ groundwater by requiring the closure of all remaining Seven-Eleven Hawai‘i illegal cesspools.”

The EPA required the closure of all large capacity cesspools by April 5, 2005, under the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Underground Injection Control program. In July 2021, EPA inspected two Seven-Eleven Hawai‘i locations in Hilo and Pahoa on the Big Island, then identified an additional location operating with an LCC during a follow-up request for information that was issued in September 2021. The three cesspools met the large capacity threshold under EPA regulations.

The Self-Audit Process

Seven-Eleven Hawai‘i will perform an audit of all its properties in the state of Hawai‘i to identify all remaining large capacity cesspools. The company will then submit to EPA a closure plan that includes a schedule for the closure of any identified LCCs. Once EPA approves the plan, the company will close the cesspools.

Cesspools in Hawaii

Groundwater provides 95% of all domestic water in Hawaii. Cesspools are used throughout Hawai’i for the disposal of untreated sanitary waste. Unlike LCCs, most cesspools in Hawai’i serve only single-family homes and are not regulated by EPA. Cesspools collect and discharge waterborne pollutants like untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams and rivers, and the ocean, and harm human health.

EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s large-capacity cesspool regulations. However, to encourage owners and operators to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and quickly close large-capacity cesspools, EPA is willing to forego enforcement actions and penalties under its Self-Disclosed Violations Policies.

See a list of Hawai'i Cesspool Administrative Orders and information on how to self-disclose potential large-capacity cesspool violations.

Learn more about EPA’s work to close large capacity cesspools in Hawai’i and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The settlement with Seven-Eleven Inc. is subject to a 30-day comment period before becoming final. For more information and to submit comments, click here.

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

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it  has proposed denying Midwest Generation LLC’s request for an extension to close the East Ash Pond at the Waukegan Generating Station in Waukegan, Illinois. EPA based the denial on preliminary findings that the company failed to comply with the federal coal combustion residuals (CCR) regulations. A community meeting is scheduled for June 27.

“EPA is firmly committed to cleaning up and closing unlined, coal ash impoundments as quickly as possible to protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “The Waukegan community has been burdened for too long by the effects of improper coal ash disposal.”

EPA is proposing to deny the request because preliminary findings indicate the Waukegan facility is not in compliance with the coal ash regulations, including: 

• Failure to consider individual waste streams, conduct a site-specific analysis for alternative capacity, and consider removing the coal ash in the berms. 
• Failure to meet the “closure by removal” standard for the West Ash Pond.   
• Insufficient groundwater monitoring system, inappropriate groundwater statistics, unmonitored groundwater pathways, and inadequate screening of groundwater wells.  
• Incorrect identification of alternate sources of contamination.

To maintain grid reliability, the Agency is also proposing a method for power stations that have coal-fired boilers to request additional time, if necessary, to resolve documented problems. This approach, which ensures a dependable supply of energy while preserving public health, is based in part on reliability evaluations by the relevant regional transmission agencies.  

EPA will accept public comments on this proposal until August 4 via the docket on Regulations.gov. Access a prepublication copy of the proposed denial on our website.

On June 27, EPA will hold a community meeting from 5-7p.m. on the 5th floor of the College of Lake County (34 N Sheridan Rd) to discuss the impacts and regulation of coal ash. At the meeting, EPA plans to present information on the national coal ash program, this proposed decision, and information on resources available to the community.

Learn more about coal ash. 

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program that establishes the biofuel volume requirements for 2023 to 2025. This final rule builds on the RFS program’s progress over the previous two years and reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthen the nation’s energy independence, advance low-carbon fuels, and support agricultural communities.

The final rule strengthens U.S. energy security by reducing reliance on foreign sources of oil by roughly 130,000 to 140,000 barrels of oil per day over the time frame of the final rule, 2023–2025. The final rule also discusses EPA’s intent to monitor the ongoing implementation of the RFS program and its impacts on domestic refineries, which have a critical role to play in our energy security.

“From day one, EPA has been committed to the growth of renewable fuels that play a critical role in diversifying our country’s energy mix and combatting climate change, all while providing good paying jobs and economic benefits to communities across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s final rule reflects our efforts to ensure stability of the program for years to come, protect consumers from high fuel costs, strengthen the rural economy, support domestic production of cleaner fuels, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Set Rule establishes the biofuel volume requirements and associated percentage standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel (BBD), advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for 2023–2025. It also completes EPA’s response to a court remand of the 2016 annual rule by establishing a supplemental volume requirement of 250 million gallons of renewable fuel for 2023. The final volume targets are as follows:

Volume Targets (billion RINs)

 

2023

2024

2025

Cellulosic biofuel

0.84

1.09

1.38

Biomass-based dieselb

2.82

3.04

3.35

Advanced biofuel

5.94

6.54

7.33

Renewable fuel

20.94

21.54

22.33

Supplemental standard

0.25

n/a

n/a

b BBD is given in billion gallons.

The Set Rule includes steady growth of biofuels for use in the nation’s fuel supply for 2023, 2024, and 2025. The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 does not specify statutory volumes after 2022, and EPA in this rule is establishing final biofuel volume targets for all categories under the “set” authority provided by the Clean Air Act. When determining biofuel volumes for years after 2022, EPA must consider a variety of factors specified in the statute, including costs, air quality, climate change, implementation of the program to date, energy security, infrastructure issues, commodity prices, water quality, and supply.

This final rule increases U.S. energy security by reducing U.S. oil imports by roughly 130,000 to 140,000 barrels of oil per day over the time frame of the final rule, 2023–2025. The anticipated value of the energy security benefits to the US economy ranges from $173-$192 million per year over the time frame of the final rule. 

In addition to setting the volume requirements, EPA is finalizing several regulatory changes intended to expand the use of biogas under the program while, at the same time, putting in place provisions that will improve the operation of the RFS program.

The final rule follows a robust engagement strategy and reflects comments from a diverse set of stakeholders on the potential economic impacts of the program. EPA is committed to successful implementation of the program and intends to use all available data and tools to monitor the implementation of the RFS program and its impacts. For example, EPA will within 45 days meet with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to make sure existing agreements between EPA and CFTC are sufficient to monitor renewable identification numbers (RINs) trades for potential market manipulation. In addition, EPA has identified a clear set of market indicators – from the costs to consumers of transportation fuel to the stability of fuel supplies and domestic refining assets – that it will continue to monitor in real time to ensure successful implementation. 

EPA continues to assess the comments received on proposed regulations governing the generation of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), which are RFS compliance credits, for electricity made from renewable biomass that is used for transportation fuel (eRINs). The EPA will continue to work on potential paths forward for the eRIN program, while further reviewing the comments received on the proposal and seeking additional input from stakeholders to inform potential next steps on the eRIN program.

Learn more information on the Set Final Rule.

NEW YORK – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $10.6 million in grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers this summer. A total of $653,000 will go to Puerto Rico ($344,000) and the U.S. Virgin Islands ($309,000) contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements. Funding will assist states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches.

“Many people spend time in the summer splashing, swimming, and playing at a favorite beach, which is why EPA is providing more than $10 million to help states and local partners monitor water quality,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “These grants help states, Tribes, and territories fund programs to ensure that our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation.”

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

Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $216 million in BEACH Act grants 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.

More information on BEACH Act grants.

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

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

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NEW YORK – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is collecting important data from April to September 2023 using its two largest research vessels, the Lake Guardian and the Lake Explorer II. EPA will collect data on water quality and the plant and animal life in the lake. The data is being collected in a joint effort by federal and university partners to assess the health and quality of Lake Ontario. It is part of an initiative called the 2023 Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI).

“Lake Ontario is a precious resource that we share with Canada, and it faces many threats that require our urgent attention and action,” said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Our action to collect this data on Lake Ontario will help us identify the most pressing challenges and opportunities and further support our efforts to protect and restore this great lake for current and future generations.” 

The CSMI is a binational effort to coordinate enhanced monitoring and research activities across the Great Lakes to address specific science priorities for each lake that are established by the Lake Partnerships under the Lakewide Management Annex of the US-Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The monitoring and research activities will include more than 70 binational activities in Lake Ontario during 2023, implemented to address priority themes of nutrient pollution, chemical contaminants, habitat and species, and invasive species.

The Lake Guardian and Lake Explorer II are funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The GLRI was launched in 2010 to accelerate efforts to protect and restore the world’s largest system of fresh surface water. For more information about the GLRI visit, https://glri.us/.

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

For more information about the EPA Great Lakes National Program Office long-term monitoring programs, visit https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-monitoring.

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NUEVA YORK – La Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció $10.6 millones en subvenciones para ayudar a las comunidades costeras y de los Grandes Lagos a proteger la salud de los bañistas este verano. Un total de $653,000 se destinarán a Puerto Rico ($344,000) y las Islas Vírgenes de los Estados Unidos ($309,000) dependiendo de que cumplan con los requisitos de elegibilidad. Los fondos ayudarán a los estados, tribus y territorios a realizar programas de monitoreo de la calidad del agua y notificación pública para sus playas.

“Muchas personas pasan tiempo en el verano chapoteando, nadando y jugando en su playa favorita, razón por la cual la EPA está proporcionando más de $10 millones para ayudar a los estados y socios locales a monitorear la calidad del agua”, comentó la subadministradora de la EPA para el agua, Radhika Fox. “Estas subvenciones ayudan a los estados, tribus y territorios a financiar programas a fin de garantizar que nuestras aguas costeras sean seguras para nadar y recrearse”.

Según la Ley de Evaluación Ambiental de Playas y Salud Costera (BEACH, por sus siglas en inglés), la EPA otorga subvenciones a los estados elegibles, solicitantes tribales y territoriales para ayudarlos a ellos y a sus socios del gobierno local a monitorear la calidad del agua en las playas costeras y de los Grandes Lagos. Cuando los niveles de bacterias son demasiado altos para nadar de manera segura, estas agencias notifican al público y publican advertencias o cierres de playas.

Desde 2001, la EPA ha otorgado casi $216 millones en subvenciones de la Ley BEACH para analizar las aguas de las playas en busca de bacterias causantes de enfermedades y ayudar con la notificación pública y la identificación del problema. Este programa es esencial para proteger la salud de los bañistas en todo el país.

Más información sobre subvenciones según la Ley BEACH.

Consulte el sitio web del programa de playa estatal, tribal o territorial correspondiente para obtener información sobre el cierre o el asesoramiento en una playa en particular.

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

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HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into Expedited Settlement Agreements with Hawaii Gas, Sunbelt Rentals, and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies for failing to comply with Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements at their Honolulu facilities. The SPCC requirements prevent oil from reaching navigable waters, shorelines, and requires plans to contain oil spills.

“Now more than ever, facilities that manage oil on Oahu must not shortchange spill prevention requirements,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “The Expedited Settlements process allows facilities to quickly fix relatively minor compliance issues, be fully prepared to respond to an oil spill at their facility, and avoid large penalties.”

EPA found that:

• Hawaii Gas failed to conduct regular inspections of their tanks and containment.
• Sunbelt Rentals did not have an SPCC plan in place.
• Pacific Biodiesel Technologies did not have a fully compliant SPCC Plan (certified by a professional engineer).

Failure to implement measures required by the SPCC Rule can threaten public health or the welfare of fish and other wildlife, public and private property, shorelines, habitat, and other living and nonliving natural resources. Specific prevention measures include developing and implementing spill prevention plans, training staff, and installing physical controls to contain and clean up oil spills.

The expedited settlement process gives facilities the ability to resolve their compliance issues within 30 days after notice from EPA.

Read more about EPA’s Oil Spills Prevention and Preparedness Regulations.

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

DALLAS, TEXAS (June 16th, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1.5 million in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to the city of Dallas to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites while advancing environmental justice. EPA selected the City of Dallas for a Brownfields Assessment Grant and a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant. Both grants fund cleanup plans, environmental assessments, and community outreach activities such as public meetings. The funds will be managed through the city’s Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability.

“Through a 24% increase in funding for the Brownfields program, the Biden Administration has shown the importance of safeguarding and uplifting disadvantaged communities, who have struggled for decades with pollution,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “EPA is pleased to partner with the City of Dallas to restore economic vitality and improve public health in communities facing environmental challenges.”

“My sons are fifth generation Texans and I want them, and the next generation of Texans, to inherit a sustainable and healthy Dallas,” said Congressman Allred. “I’m proud that our city will receive this support to make our communities healthier and more sustainable.”

“The communities I represent in Dallas and North Texas have suffered from historic segregation, redlining, and underinvestment. It’s a vicious cycle: a community is underserved and underfunded, roads and infrastructure fall into disrepair, pollution worsens while wealthier neighborhoods are spared, and as a result, businesses don’t want to invest and contribute their tax revenue. And the cycle continues,” said Congresswoman Crockett. “These Brownfield grants are a recognition of the harm that has been done to my constituents, and will provide the funding to continue the work of depolluting and making our homes and public spaces safe to live, work, and play in. Environmental Justice is a long process, but you have to start somewhere – and I’m grateful to the Biden Administration and the EPA for getting us started.”

"In 2021, I proudly voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made historic investments to fight against pollution and clean our air and water," said Rep. Veasey. "The funding, made possible by the law’s passage, will help create a better future for North Texas by expediting the assessment and cleanup of sites with a presence or potential presence of hazardous substances and pollutants. This is great news for communities that have long suffered from the effects of pollution in the air, land, and water, in certain neighborhoods.

“I am proud of our city’s diligent pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable Dallas,” Mayor Eric L. Johnson said. “This award from the EPA strengthens our city’s resolve to foster safer, cleaner, and more resilient neighborhoods.” 

“Conserving and preserving our environment for future generations is a top priority for the City,” City Manager T.C. Broadnax said. These funds will help the City continue its work in making our communities healthier and more sustainable, particularly our communities that are most impacted by environmental hazards.”   

The city’s Brownfields Assessment Grant of $500,000 will be used to conduct environmental assessments in the South Dallas and the Fair Park area. Site assessments use existing information to examine the current and historical use of the property to determine potential threats to public health and to gauge the property for pollution by sampling the soil and groundwater. The funds will also be used to prepare four cleanup plans and to engage in outreach such as community and stakeholder meetings.  

The city’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grant of $1,000,000 will be distributed to priority sites in South Dallas. These include the Park South YMCA, the Jeffries-Meyers site in the Fair Park area, the historic Forest Theater and an underutilized retail plaza on Holmes Street within the Forest District area, and the Melissa Pierce School property in the Joppee neighborhood. This grant will also support public engagement by funding 20 public meetings over the course of five years and educating the community on the RLF program.

These investments are part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to grow the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.

Thanks to the historic $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is helping more communities than ever before begin to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields and stimulate economic opportunity, and environmental revitalization in historically overburdened communities.

The EPA’s Brownfields Program also advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative to direct 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments to disadvantaged communities. The Brownfields Program strives to meet this commitment and advance environmental justice and equity considerations into all aspects of its work. Approximately 84 percent of the MARC program applications selected to receive funding proposed to work in areas that include historically underserved communities.

Additional Background

The EPA has selected these organizations to receive funding to address and support the reuse of brownfield sites. EPA anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

The EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.37 billion in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. EPA’s investments in addressing brownfield sites have leveraged more than $36 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Over the years, the relatively small investment of federal funding has leveraged, from both public and private sources, nearly 260,000 jobs. Communities that previously received Brownfields Grants used these resources to fund assessments and cleanups of brownfields, and successfully leverage an average of 10.6 jobs per $100,000 of EPA Brownfield Grant funds spent and $19.78 for every dollar.

The next National Brownfields Training Conference will be held on August 8-11, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Offered every two years, this conference is the largest gathering of stakeholders focused on cleaning up and reusing former commercial and industrial properties. EPA co-sponsors this event with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). For more on Brownfields Grants, please see here and for more on the Brownfields Program please visit our webpage.

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

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA (16 de junio del 2023) - El jueves, 22 de junio del 2023, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EE. UU. (EPA, en sus siglas en inglés) organizará reuniones comunitarias virtuales para compartir información sobre dos acciones para abordar sobre el químico, óxido de etileno (EtO, en sus siglas en inglés), emitido al ambiente por esterilizadores comerciales, incluyendo American Contract Systems (instalación en Fort Myers) ubicado en 11600 Adelmo Lane en Fort Myers, Florida.

Para acomodar a todos los que deseen participar, se ofrecen dos sesiones virtuales por teléfono o en línea. Durante las reuniones, la EPA brindará información sobre dos propuestas para limitar las emisiones de EtO y proteger a los trabajadores y compartir cómo el público puede enviar comentarios.

QUÉ:

Reuniones virtuales para la comunidad de Fort Myers sobre EtO

CUANDO Y CÓMO:

Jueves 22 de junio del 2023, de 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. hora del Este

Por teléfono: Llamar al número (646) 828-7666; ID del seminario web: 160 568 2894

Regístrese para unirse a la reunión de la comunidad virtualmente: https://bit.ly/3IXOPo1

Jueves 22 de junio de 2023, de 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. hora del Este

Por teléfono: Llamar al número (646) 828-7666; ID del seminario web: 161 042 4760

Regístrese para unirse a la reunión de la comunidad virtualmente: https://bit.ly/3IXe35S

 

Específicamente, la EPA propone límites más estrictos para las emisiones de EtO bajo Ley Federal de Aire Limpio (CAA, en sus siglas en inglés) y un amplio conjunto de protecciones bajo la Ley Federal de Insecticides, Fungicidas y Rodenticidas (FIFRA, en sus siglas en inglés). Los períodos de comentarios para la regla propuesta por CAA y la decisión propuesta por FIFRA finalizan el 27 de junio del 2023. Durante este tiempo, cualquier persona puede proporcionar comentarios a la Agencia sobre cualquier aspecto de la regla y/o decisión propuesta. Para obtener más información, incluyendo de cómo comentar, visite: https://www.epa.gov/fl/fort-myers-fl-american-contract-systems-fort-myers-facility.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 16, 2023) - On Thursday, June 22, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host virtual community meetings to share information about two actions to address a chemical, ethylene oxide (EtO), released from commercial sterilizers, including the American Contract Systems (Fort Myers facility) located at 11600 Adelmo Lane in Fort Myers.

To accommodate everyone who would like to participate, two sessions are being offered virtually by phone or online. During the meetings, EPA will provide information about two proposals to limit EtO emissions and protect workers and share how the public can submit comments.

WHAT:  

Fort Myers Virtual Community Meetings on EtO 

WHEN AND HOW:  

Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET

By phone: Call in number (646) 828-7666; Webinar ID: 160 568 2894

Register to join the community meeting virtually: https://bit.ly/3IXOPo1 

Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET

By phone: Call in number (646) 828-7666; Webinar ID: 161 042 4760

Register to join the community meeting virtually: https://bit.ly/3IXe35S

 

Specifically, the EPA is proposing stronger limits on EtO emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and a broad set of protections under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The comment periods for the CAA proposed rule and the FIFRA proposed decision close on June 27, 2023. During this time, any person can provide comments to the Agency about any aspect of the proposed rule and/or decision. To learn more, including how to comment, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/fl/fort-myers-fl-american-contract-systems-fort-myers-facility.