Staff Reporter

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $30,262,000 for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Puerto Rico

February 24, 2023 by Staff Reporter

February 24, 2023

NEW YORK – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $30,262,000 to Puerto Rico from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Puerto Rico communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”

“This major investment, awarded through the groundbreaking Bipartisan Infrastructure Law translates into replacing or repairing aging wastewater infrastructure, implementing water reuse and recycling, addressing stormwater and addressing the risks from emerging contaminants,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA is committed to getting these critical water resources to underserved and disadvantaged communities.”

“Ensuring clean water for our people and protecting our waterways is one of our top priorities. The support that Puerto Rico is receiving from the federal government through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is key to reaching our goals with respect to the Island’s water infrastructure. The Clean Water State Revolving Funds will help our communities upgrade and invest in safe water infrastructure projects that will benefit our families directly. I look forward to our continued collaborative work with the EPA on behalf of the American citizens of Puerto Rico,” said Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi.

The Secretary for the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, Anais Vega Rodríguez, stated, “This historic EPA grant is an important additional step to improve the quality of our waters by allowing the management of a series of polluting sources and renewing deteriorated infrastructure. Likewise, projects like these are truly essential for environmental protection and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the impacted regions. The close collaboration between EPA and the DNER to solve specific problems will continue with another series of projects during the next years.”

“As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s passage in the Committee and later in the House, as it contained vital investments for Puerto Rico’s rebuilding and future development needs. I welcome EPA’s announcement of additional investment in the CWSRF for Puerto Rico, which will support improvements in water and wastewater infrastructure and ensure better water quality for communities across the Island,” said Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.

Recent examples of the type of work being funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes the Puerto Rico government’s planned use of funds on the planning, design, and construction of eligible water quality improvement and protection projects in the five targeted municipalities. Specifically, the EPA approved projects are for the design and construction of sanitary sewer systems in four municipalities (Coamo, Jayuya, Naranjito and Orocovis and), eliminating many private septic systems and sewer discharge around the Island. A fifth project will eliminate a Caguas wastewater treatment facility that will turn into a wastewater pump station, thereby eliminating a major discharge point.

Today’s announcement is part of the $2.4 billion announced as part of the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes over $50 billion available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country between FY2022 and FY2026. EPA is committed to ensuring every community has access to this historic investment and has centralized increasing investment in disadvantaged communities within its implementation. This investment in water infrastructure is creating jobs while addressing key challenges, including climate change and emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls for strong collaboration, and EPA continues to work in partnership with states, Tribes, and territories to ensure that communities see the full benefits of this investment.

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending the release of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cwsrf

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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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $15.5+ Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Rhode Island

February 24, 2023 by Staff Reporter

February 24, 2023

BOSTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $15,579,000 to Rhode Island from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Rhode Island communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”

“The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding critical water infrastructure projects across New England, especially in places that have been historically underserved,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Every community should know that their wastewater services are keeping the environment healthy and supporting the lives of people living nearby. We are proud to work with states, Tribes, and communities in making these unprecedented investments.”

“Clean water is essential for public health and the health of our economy and environment. That is why I championed strong federal funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate water infrastructure improvements, reduce pollution, and protect public health. These federal funds will help Rhode Island ensure healthy, safe water in communities throughout the state,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

“This federal funding will allow Rhode Island to harden water infrastructure in the face of climate change and protect water quality in Narragansett Bay,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “This is another strategic investment in the Ocean State from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“For more than three decades, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund has made it possible for Rhode Island to undertake key projects – from wastewater infrastructure to stormwater management to water conservation – all aimed at protecting public health and preserving our waters. Increased investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mean more resources are available to build on our progress and ensure communities across our state are healthy and have quality water,” said U.S. Congressman David Cicilline.

“Every Rhode Island family deserves access to clean water,” said U.S. Congressman Seth Magaziner. “This life-saving investment will repair damaged water infrastructure, improve public health, and increase climate resilience. Once again, the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for working people in Rhode Island and across the country.”

This new influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will increase monies available for communities to undertake wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Rhode Island. Project awards are made by state evaluators to ensure they are targeted to the most needed areas. The first year of BIL funding includes a project in Providence which is anticipated for assistance through SRF BIL funding from the state’s SRF programs.

More information:

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law presents the largest ever funding opportunity for investing in water infrastructure. Find state-by-state allocation of 2023 funding, and a breakdown of EPA CWSRF funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure law provides EPA with more than $60 billion over five years for a wide range of environmental programs that will bring much-needed funding to America’s water infrastructure, environmental cleanups, and clean air protections, while also advancing environmental justice and combatting climate change. Find out more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law programs and how EPA is working with communities at https://www.epa.gov/infrastructure.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $78.7+ Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Massachusetts

February 24, 2023 by Staff Reporter

February 24, 2023

BOSTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $78,777,000 to Massachusetts from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Massachusetts communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”

“Thanks to President Biden’s leadership on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Massachusetts will receive more than $78.7 million in federal investments for critical water infrastructure projects,” said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Communities across the Commonwealth will use this historic funding to invest in our water infrastructure, create jobs, and keep families healthy for generations to come – and I will keep fighting to ensure the federal government is a strong partner to our state.”

“I applaud the President for securing more than $50 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure the water we drink is clean and safe,” said U.S. Senator Ed Markey. “These funds will improve outdated wastewater infrastructure in underserved communities that are hit hardest by our climate crisis. I will continue to fight for big historic investments in reliable, clean, and safe water for communities across the United States and across Massachusetts.”

“Everyone deserves reliable access to clean, safe drinking water,” said U.S. Congresswoman and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “From fixing our crumbling water infrastructure to addressing harmful PFAS contamination, I’m proud that Democrats’ historic Infrastructure Law is delivering tangible results for families in the Fifth District and across the Bay State. This funding will help create good-paying jobs and improve the quality of life in our communities for generations to come.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law brings us one step closer to making clean drinking water a reality for every community in Massachusetts and across America,” U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern said. “These investments will allow cities and towns in the Second District to finally undertake challenging water infrastructure projects—protecting people’s health, preserving the environment, and saving taxpayer money. For far too long, underserved communities struggled to repair their aging water infrastructure. This funding sends the message that the Biden-Harris Administration is listening and help is on the way.”

“Everyone deserves access to safe, accessible water. As cities and towns across the district upgrade and replace aging pumps, pipes, and treatment centers, these investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will massively help our communities. As we tackle existing water safety and flooding issues, this funding will help us build resilient infrastructure to better withstand the challenges of tomorrow,” said U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton.

“Clean water is a vital public service. I’ve been working with dozens of cities and towns on their water needs; this grant is an important part of the solution,” said U.S. Congressman Jake Auchincloss.

“We are grateful to the Biden Administration for this important investment in clean water for Massachusetts residents,” said Commonwealth of Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “With over $208 million coming to the Commonwealth, we will be able to ramp up efforts to ensure clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to all our residents and meet the needs of our cities and towns at an affordable cost.”

This new influx of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will increase monies available for communities to undertake wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Massachusetts. Project awards are made by state evaluators to ensure they are targeted to the most needed areas. The first year of BIL funding includes projects in Fitchburg and Boston which are anticipated for assistance through SRF BIL funding from the state’s SRF programs.

More information:

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2.4 Billion for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

February 24, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Nearly half of funding for states, Tribes, and territories is available as grants and forgivable loans for critical water infrastructure projects that will help underserved communities across the country

February 24, 2023

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $2.4 billion from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states, Tribes, and territories through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support communities in upgrading essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure that protects public health and treasured water bodies across the nation. Nearly half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans helping underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, while creating good-paying jobs.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering an unprecedented investment in America that will revitalize essential water and wastewater infrastructure across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Not only will these funds expand access to clean water and safeguard the environment, but more underserved communities that have been left behind for far too long will be able to access them.”

The $2.4 billion announced today is the second wave of funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to invest in America. In May 2022, EPA announced the initial allotment of $1.9 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to states, Tribes and territories through the CWSRF. That money is supporting hundreds of critical water infrastructure projects around the country.

In addition to today’s announcement, the 2023 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations and program updates are forthcoming, pending completion of the seventh Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. EPA anticipates releasing the information in the coming weeks.

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Technique captures and separates benzene air pollution

February 24, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Led by scientists at the University of Manchester, a series of new stable, porous materials that capture and separate benzene have been developed. Benzene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and is an important feedstock for the production of many fine chemicals, including cyclohexane. But it also poses a serious health threat to humans when it escapes into the air and is thus regarded as an important air pollutant.

The research published today (Feb 24) in the journal Chem, demonstrates the high adsorption of benzene at low pressures and concentrations, as well as the efficient separation of benzene and cyclohexane. This was achieved by the design and successful preparation of two families of stable metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, named UiO-66 and MFM-300.

These highly porous materials are made from metal nodes bridged by functionalized organic molecules that act as struts to form 3-dimensional lattices incorporating empty channels into which volatile compounds can enter.

VOCs such as benzene are common indoor air pollutants, showing increasing emissions from anthropogenic activities and causing many environmental problems. They are also linked with millions of premature deaths each year. Benzene is one of the most toxic VOCs, and is classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans.

“The really exciting thing about these materials is that they allow us not only to capture and remove benzene from the air, but also to separate benzene from cyclohexane, which is an important industrial product often prepared from benzene,” says Professor Martin Schröder, lead author of the paper published in Chem.

“Because of the small difference in their boiling points (just 0.6 ℃) the separation of benzene and cyclohexane is currently extremely difficult and expensive to achieve via distillation or other methods.”

Conventional adsorbents, such as activated carbons and zeolites, often suffer from structural disorder which can restrict their effectiveness in capturing benzene. This new research also reports a comprehensive study of the adsorption of benzene and cyclohexane in these ultra-stable materials to afford a deep understanding of why and how they work.

“The crystalline nature of MOF materials enables the direct visualization of the host-guest chemistry at the atomic scale using advanced diffraction and spectroscopic techniques,” says Professor Sihai Yang, another lead author on the paper.

“Such fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship is crucial to the design of new sorbent materials showing improved performance in benzene capture.”

More information:
Martin Schröder, Control of the Pore Chemistry in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Adsorption of Benzene and Separation of Benzene/Cyclohexane, Chem (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2023.02.002. www.cell.com/chem/fulltext/S2451-9294(23)00066-9

Journal information:
Chem

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New Steps | News, Sports, Jobs

February 24, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Clean air is on the minds of many as we watch the aftermath of a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Here in West Virginia, communities have had questions about what they were breathing near industrial facilities for generations. But an agreement between the state Department of Environmental Protection and Union Carbide Corporation could help ease the minds of those in Institute, W.Va.

An agreement between the DEP’s Division of Air Quality and Union Carbide will implement new measures to reduce ethylene oxide (a known human carcinogen) emissions from the facility. According to the DEP, UCC’s EtO distribution system at its Institute facility is responsible for unloading all rail cars containing EtO and supplying it to the Institute and South Charleston facilities. DEP says the system was already in compliance with EtO terms, conditions and air permits, but these new steps will go beyond even federal rules and regulations.

“They will be enforced at the state level and reduce the amount of EtO emitted and the potential risk in the Institute area,” DEP said.

“This agreement is an important step in ensuring that the health and well-being of West Virginia’s communities remain protected,” said WVDEP Secretary Harold Ward. “It is the result of working through our regulatory process, collecting fence line monitoring data, and conducting significant public outreach.”

Wonderful. But the work is far from over.

DEP says it is “continuing to work with West Virginia facilities and communities to reduce the potential health risks associated with air toxic emissions.” Collaborative agreements with corporations are a nice way to get that done, but officials had better not be counting on (or waiting for) agreements in all the Mountain State’s affected communities.

Playing nice won’t finish this job; and West Virginians have already waited long enough.

Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

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New York’s Political Best and Brightest at the 52nd Annual Legislative Caucus – Our Time Press

February 23, 2023 by Staff Reporter

By Mary Alice Miller

Constituents, activists, lobbyists, and elected officials gathered from across the state on a cold Saturday in February to meet, greet and strategize at the 52nd Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. The well-attended event took place as usual in New York’s halls of power in the State Capital complex Albany.
Caucus Chair Assemblywoman Latrice Walker spoke of this year’s theme, “Fight the Power.” “The theme is an ode to the signature protest anthem by Public Enemy in which Chuck D and Flava Flav challenge listeners to fight the powers that be,” said Walker. “It is a fitting mantra as we join New York City and, indeed, the world in celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.”
Walker added, “As we gather this weekend, we are mindful of the challenges. In the face of these challenges, we are energized and equipped to fight for legislation to improve the lives of New Yorkers – inspired by the rich history of lawmakers of color who came before us.”
The packed workshops focused on health care, small business resources for MWBEs, criminal justice, immigrant communities, transportation, and veterans. Other overlapping workshops were directed at domestic violence, education, cannabis, climate, home ownership, employment, reproductive rights, and Black motherhood.

Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman hosted a panel on Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma through Civic Engagement for BIPOC Communities. Waterman stressed the importance of ensuring houses of worship have adequate resources to address community mental health. “We all know someone who has a health issue, and the first thing they will say is, ‘my pastor will pray with me,’” said Waterman. “Religious leaders need the resources to make appropriate referrals.”
Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas hosted Indoor Air Quality Workshop to Combat Airborne Sickness. Lucas plans to bring a pilot program to the 60th AD to address sick building syndrome. Using emerging technology that would filtrate air to kill viruses and mold, Lucas said added benefits of the program would bring job force training, certification, and placement to the district.
The workshop on Mobilizing our Communities to be Active Activists encouraged everyone to play a role in improving conditions in our communities. Everyone can witness and record events with a mini-computer in their pockets. No longer are police allowed to get away with harmful actions against community members. Now, said a panelist, police can face criminal charges, disciplinary actions, and referral to the Department of Justice.

Black Farmers Thriving workshop highlighted the opportunities available to Black farmers who grow sustenance and commodity crops. Black Farmers United and Farm School NYC share resources and provide support and encouragement to Black farmers.
Zeta Phi Beta hosted a workshop called Transforming Individuals and Communities by Creating Generational Wealth. Speaker Carl Heastie addressed workshop attendees and commended them for their community service.
The U.S. Freedman Project – Assemblywoman Lucas hosted a Reparation Legislation workshop. She spoke of her reparations bill (Bill draft #07401-01-3) that needs to be indexed. Based on the California Reparations bill and learning from that state’s experience, Lucas’ bill would address the vestiges of the U.S. chattel slavery system, establishes community eligibility as those whose ancestors were free in the U.S. as of 1900, establishes a Freedman Bureau, and focuses on New York State as a member of the United States (even though chattel slavery predates the United States and existed in the 13 colonies).
Attorney General Letitia James addressed the Women’s Luncheon and spoke of the importance of women in leadership.

The Northern Showstyle Coalition of Marching Bands featured elementary, middle, and high school students who moved around the showcase floor entertaining attendees. The coalition had schools from the greater New York area, including the Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts.

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Painted Brick That’s Gorgeous And Safe For Families And Pets

February 23, 2023 by Staff Reporter

Those tastemakers who influence home design trends—bloggers, hosts of home improvement shows, social media mavens, and high-profile architects—are leading the charge toward the “European” look of painted brick. Most of these “influencers” still love the natural warmth of traditional brick, but creative people, like architects, designers, and homeowners who are their clients, crave choices!

This has led to a groundswell of interest about what the colors, textures, and even the chemical composition of these paints should be. As it turns out, there is a serious safety issue with “painted” brick that many homeowners have never considered. This has led influencers and homeowners to take a long, hard look at mineral-based products such as Romabio limewash.

What This Means For You — It is not only possible but also easy, to have a choice in the look and feel of exterior and interior brick that meets the aesthetic plans of the most demanding homeowners. It starts with Romabio, from Acme Brick. Plus, these mineral-based paints are safer than traditional paint. Click here for details.

What Makes Romabio Different

“Based on the number of customers who click on our stories about ‘painted brick,’ it is clear homeowners are interested in what types of products work best to enhance the look of our brick,” said Britt Stokes of Acme Brick. “Romabio products have fundamentally changed the dynamics of masonry paint.

“While most paint products are acrylic or latex and use petroleum-based ingredients as their primary binder, Romabio begins with potassium silicate and clean, mineral-based technology for their traditional mineral-based paints. They only manufacture exceptional paints and finishes with the best ingredients available.”

Why is this important to homeowners who want to paint their brick interiors and exteriors? Romabio products are “bio-logical,” and this means they are safer for families and pets that live in the home. Unlike traditional latex paint, Romabio products do not seal the brick, but rather allow it to breathe.

According to Romabio spokesman Matt Hocutt, “Our very name honors our commitment to the environment while acknowledging our Italian roots. It is pronounced ‘Roma/Bio.’

“Romabio products are designed and formulated in Italy, addressing traditional paint industry challenges with innovative products, giving consumers solutions not found elsewhere. Classico Limewash formulation is one of a kind as it is the first authentic limewash paint that you can distress easily, but still provides durability and performance,” he said.

“Romabio does not sacrifice authentic ingredients when creating products for the North American marketplace. Paint must be high-performing and make homes beautiful while lasting over time. We all want materials in our homes that are sustainable and not poorly designed, so we won’t need to replace them every year. Romabio creates quality products using the finest ingredients, keeping the ease of process in mind along with durability, beauty, and air quality.”

VOCs From Latex Paint Are Dangerous

As the focus on “healthy buildings” continues to grow, many architects, homebuilders, and their clients, the homeowners, have another set of initials to worry about. It’s VOC – volatile organic compounds. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. VOCs are often components of petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry – cleaning agents. VOCs are common groundwater contaminants.”

The Romabio products are mineral-based and contain no volatile organic compounds.

“The EPA ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health, estimating that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the outdoors,” noted Matt Hocutt of Romabio. “Yet current laws and regulations do not fully regulate the contaminants and chemicals in paint.

“Romabio Paints are all eco-friendly, tested for toxins, and safe for pets, people, and the planet. Historically, limewashes have always been environmentally better than traditional paints and easier to dispose of.”

Find Romabio Products at Acme Brick

It is appropriate that Romabio paint for brick is available from one of America’s most respected brick manufacturers. Stokes notes, “Acme offers both limewash and masonry paint for those who want to change the look of their brickwork.

Classico Limewash creates that charming old-world feel with a freshly painted look, but because some of the brick remains exposed, the warmth and quality endure. All it takes is a single coat for absorbent, unpainted brick, stone, or another masonry, with no primer needed. Specially formulated to be easily manipulated in the first five days of application, you can test the product and see the results with no risk. Once it calcifies to the surface, it is breathable and will not seal the brick or stone, ensuring that it doesn’t peel, chip, or flake off.

BioDomus I & II are mineral-based, breathable paints that will not seal the masonry surface. Unlike acrylic or latex, they will not peel, chip, or flake off. Both BioDomus I and BioDomus II are high-performing paints that are inherently the same except for the finish they create.

BioDomus I produces a flat finish.
BioDomus II has a slight aggregate in it to create a textured look on smooth brick or a smoother finish on a rough surface.

Color possibilities are almost unlimited,” Stokes added. “As you can match other color palettes or choose from over 200 colors in the Romabio color deck. With a high UV resistance, a breathable wall, and a 20-year warranty, the performance of these products is made to last.”

The German Schmear

Home design influencers are raving about a new way to show off this distressed brick look—the German Schmear—and these Romabio mineral-based paints are ideal for this process. This is a simple DIY project that can completely change the look and feel of any brick wall.

The technique uses wet mortar or Romabio limewash applied to brick and partially wiped off before drying. This style gives the appearance of uneven mortar joints, reminiscent of old cottage homes and castles in Germany.

Click here for a great “how to” video for a stunning German Schmear.

Romabio limewash and mineral-based paints are perfect for giving brick that subtle elegance many homeowners want. Plus, they are eco-friendly. If you’re an architect, interior designer, builder, or homeowner, click here to talk to the painted-brick experts at Acme Brick.

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EPA Announces 100th WIFIA Loan, Investing $115 Million to Improve Resilience to Extreme Weather in Santa Clara County, California

February 23, 2023 by Staff Reporter

EPA’s WIFIA program has invested $17 billion across America for water infrastructure upgrades and investments in public health protection

February 23, 2023

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans totaling $115 million to Santa Clara Valley Water District in Santa Clara County, California, to improve resiliency of their water infrastructure including preparing for a seismic retrofit of Anderson Dam. This announcement marks the 99th and 100th loans for EPA’s WIFIA program which has invested $17 billion in America to rebuild the nation’s water infrastructure.

“From our first loan to Seattle in 2018 to today’s announcement of our 100th loan to Santa Clara, EPA’s WIFIA program has benefited over 50 million people across the country and created 123,000 jobs,” said EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Ensuring access to clean, safe water is essential. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic $50 billion investment in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the availability of other financing options like WIFIA, EPA’s efforts to address critical upgrades to water systems in communities is unprecedented.”

Santa Clara Valley Water District protects residents from the impacts of both storms and drought, and ensures reliable, safe drinking water to Santa Clara residents. Today’s announcement includes two WIFIA loans, one for $41 million to support the Safe, Clean, and Natural Flood Protection Program, and the other for $74 million to support the planning and design costs of the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project.

“We know making smart investments in water infrastructure and technology today remains the most cost-efficient way to ensure Santa Clara County has enough safe, clean water now and into the future,” said John L. Varela, Valley Water Board Chair. “Thanks to WIFIA, we can do this in a cost-effective manner to benefit our rate and taxpayers.”

The Safe, Clean, and Natural Flood Protection Program $41 million investment will help upgrade and add channel restoration projects in Sunnyvale, San Jose, and surrounding areas in California to manage stormwater that impacts residents, schools, and businesses. Additionally, Santa Clara Valley Water District will improve water quality by implementing erosion control measures that will protect wildlife habitats and enhance recreational opportunities adjacent to waterways.

The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project will modernize Santa Clara Valley Water District’s largest reservoir to restore lost capacity, address seismic deficiencies, and protect public safety. Santa Clara Valley Water District’s initial $74 million WIFIA loan will support the planning and design costs of the project facilitating these critical first steps in advancing a major infrastructure improvement project. Santa Clara Valley Water District will use financing from a future WIFIA loan to construct the projects. This is the first loan under another master agreement that will commit an additional $580 million in WIFIA assistance to accelerate implementation of Santa Clara Valley Water District’s nearly $1.2 billion Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project.

Since the WIFIA program’s inception six years ago, borrowers nationwide have closed 100 loans totaling $17 billion to help finance $36 billion in their critical water infrastructure projects. Borrowers have saved over $5 billion and created 123,000 jobs. These projects will benefit over 50 million people resulting in 1.2 million people receiving safer drinking water and 1,100 million gallons per day of wastewater receiving more treatment before it is discharged to waterways.

As a result of the WIFIA program’s flexibility and competitive rates, EPA estimates the Santa Clara Valley Water District will save approximately $47 million by financing these two loans with the WIFIA program. Furthermore, the District anticipates further savings – totaling $256 million – across both projects’ master agreements. Construction and operation are estimated to create 742 jobs.

In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds have successfully provided more than $210 billion in financial assistance since 1988. Learn more here about the WIFIA program and other water infrastructure investments.

Background

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program’s aim is to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.

EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA or SWIFIA loan.

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Center for Biological Diversity Calls for Protection of Atlanta Forest, Independent Probe of Activist Killing

February 23, 2023 by Staff Reporter

ATLANTA— Standing in solidarity with local organizations, communities and forest defenders who have been safeguarding the South River Forest for years, the Center for Biological Diversity is calling for the permanent protection of Atlanta’s biologically diverse forest and an independent investigation into the killing of a 26-year-old activist fighting to protect it.

The Center condemns Georgia law enforcement’s killing of Manuel Estaban Paez Terán, known as Tortuguita, and demands an independent and transparent investigation. Tortuguita died fighting to save one of the last and largest forests in metropolitan Atlanta from a harmful police facility development.

“We support the courageous defenders who are sounding the alarm against the destruction of Atlanta’s last forest,” said Will Harlan, a scientist at the Center. “As we seek justice for Tortuguita, we have to continue his mission to save this precious forest habitat and prevent a destructive development from further polluting a watershed that serves so many people.”

The police department is building the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, known as Cop City, on 85 acres of the South River Forest. Stormwater discharge from the construction of the police training facility would further degrade the nearby watershed, destroy wildlife habitat and harm public health.

The 3,500-acre forest protects the headwaters of Georgia’s largest and most biologically diverse watershed, which supplies drinking water to millions of people downstream. It is also home to more than 175 species of wildlife, including the Michaux’s sumac, a federally endangered plant, and the Altamaha shiner, a state threatened fish.

The city has called South River Forest “one of Atlanta’s lungs,” providing clean air and a contiguous canopy of shaded, protected lands within the heavily developed beltway. As the world’s fourth-largest urban area, Atlanta loses more than 50 acres of tree cover per day because of development.

Permanent protection of South River Forest as a public park would unite the network of natural, historic and cultural features in the area. Such protections already have widespread public and local government support. In its 2017 city charter, the city called for the permanent protection of the forest.

Frontline communities of Southeast Atlanta are leading the charge to protect the South River Forest. Residents of the South River watershed have suffered through decades of massive sewage spills and industrial waste dumping. A permanently protected forest would address long-standing social and environmental justice concerns and dramatically improve community health.

The Muscogee people are the original inhabitants of the area and call the South River Forest Weelaunee, meaning “green.” Members of the Muscogee Creek Nation should be consulted in determining the forest’s future.

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Originally Appeared Here