June 1, 2022

(CHICAGO) June 1, 2022—The United States has filed a complaint in federal court against EES Coke Battery, LLC, on behalf of EPA. The complaint alleges that EES Coke violated the Clean Air Act by significantly increasing its emissions of sulfur dioxide at its River Rouge, Michigan, coke oven battery without complying with New Source Review requirements. The complaint asks the Court to order required pollution controls for sulfur dioxide at the facility, measures to redress the harm from the pollution, and a civil penalty.

The EES Coke facility is located on Zug Island, between River Rouge and Detroit, in an area that fails to meet federal standards for sulfur dioxide in the air. The facility uses coal and other raw materials to produce metallurgical coke, an input for making steel. It is one of the largest sources of sulfur dioxide in the State of Michigan. The complaint alleges that EES Coke increased its sulfur dioxide pollution as a result of changes the company sought to its state air permit in 2014. For example, EES Coke emitted over 3,200 tons of sulfur dioxide pollution in 2018, compared to permitted baseline sulfur dioxide levels of under 2,100 tons per year.

Sulfur dioxide directly harms human health and the environment. Once emitted, it also contributes to the formation of fine particulate matter called PM2.5. These extremely small particles can be inhaled and cause serious health effects, including premature death, heart attacks, and respiratory problems.

Reducing sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere would mean cleaner, healthier air for nearby residents and those farther downwind, especially children, the elderly, and those who suffer from asthma. Reduced levels of sulfur dioxide and other sulfur oxides are also beneficial for the environment. A decrease in these compounds means less haze and acid rain, which can harm sensitive ecosystems.

EPA recognizes the environmental justice concerns of community members in the River Rouge area, including a high asthma rate in the area near EES Coke. EPA has an agency-wide commitment to advance environmental justice and deliver benefits to underserved and overburdened communities.

The Court has not yet ruled on any of the United States’ allegations, and EES Coke will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations in the litigation. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Learn more about New Source Review Permitting.

Find out more about Michigan’s State Implementation Plan.

Learn more about EPA EJSCREEN.       

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Originally Appeared Here

PHILADELPHIA (June 2, 2022) —   Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of Dr. Kandis Boyd as the new Director of EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program.  Dr. Boyd will start her new role as Director on June 6.

“I’m thrilled to have Kandis join our leadership team as we are stepping up restoration efforts for the Bay in the face of emerging challenges,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Her experience as a strategic leader in the sciences and success engaging diverse communities and youth will help take the Bay effort to a new level as we focus on climate change and vulnerable communities.” 

“I’m extremely humbled and excited to work with a forward-focused team of specialists and experts to advance the ongoing work of EPA and the Chesapeake Bay partners,” said Boyd.  “I’m ready to dive in and get to work on the most pressing matters before us.” 

Dr. Boyd has nearly 30 years of experience leading, teaching, advising and mentoring students and early career enthusiasts in environmental and atmospheric science. Her skillset as a strategic thinker, change agent, and leader includes designing, developing, and managing cutting edge initiatives to advance STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

 She previously served as the Strategic Advisor for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Office of Equity and Civil Rights. Dr. Boyd championed key agency-wide initiatives to broaden participation and to reduce the gap between future STEAM careers and experienced professionals needed for these positions, particularly in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Her previous position included serving as the first Deputy Division Director of the NSF Division of Grants and Agreements, in which she provided oversight and direction for 35 individuals, a $5 billion budget, and over 12,000 new grants annually.

 Dr. Boyd was the first African-American female to receive an undergraduate degree in Meteorology from Iowa State University in 1996. After receiving her degree, she began her career at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  Her NOAA career highlights include spearheading the Turn Around Don’t Drown program, delivering around-the-clock on-site meteorological forecasts during the 2005 landfall of Hurricane Katrina, serving as the designated federal officer for the third National Climate Assessment Development Advisory Committee, co-chairing the first NOAA Environmental Modeling Strategic Plan, serving as a Subject Matter Expert for NOAA’s $2 billion satellite portfolio, and leading as both the acting director and deputy director of the NOAA Weather Program Office.

Dr. Boyd has mentored over 50 students, authored three books, written over 100 articles and hosted over 30 podcasts to date.  In addition, she is an American Meteorological Society (AMS) Fellow, which is the highest honor bestowed by this organization. She was also the recipient of the 2021 Charles E. Anderson Award from the American Meteorological Society for her career-long efforts toward advancing diversity and inclusion. 

EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program coordinates activities and implements strategies for meeting the restoration goals of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which covers 64,000 square miles across New York, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

For more information about the Chesapeake Bay restoration, visit https://www.epa.gov/restoration-chesapeake-bay .

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Originally Appeared Here

June 2, 2022

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule to update the regulatory requirements for water quality certification under Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401. This proposed rule would strengthen the authority of states, territories, and Tribes to protect their vital water resources while supporting an efficient, predictable, and common-sense certification process, restoring a long-held right, which was severely limited by the previous administration’s rule.

“For 50 years, the Clean Water Act has protected water resources that are essential to thriving communities, vibrant ecosystems, and sustainable economic growth,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA’s proposed rule builds on this foundation by empowering states, territories, and Tribes to use Congressionally granted authority to protect precious water resources while supporting much-needed infrastructure projects that create jobs and bolster our economy.”

This proposed rule is a key milestone in the regulatory process announced in May 2021 to revise the 2020 CWA Section 401 Certification Rule. The proposed rule would update the existing regulations to be more consistent with the statutory text of the 1972 CWA and clarify elements of Section 401 certification practice that have evolved over the 50 years since the 1971 regulation was promulgated. EPA conducted pre-proposal engagement to help inform the content of its proposal.

Congress provided authority to states, territories, and Tribes under CWA Section 401 to protect the quality of their waters from adverse impacts resulting from federally licensed or permitted projects. Under Section 401, a federal agency may not issue a license or permit to conduct any activity that may result in any discharge into a water of the United States, unless the state, territory, or authorized Tribe where the discharge would originate either issues a CWA Section 401 water quality certification or waives certification.

The Agency is taking comment on this proposed rule for 60 days beginning on the date it is published in the Federal Register. For more information on submitting written comment on the proposal or to register for the virtual public hearing on the proposed rule, see www.epa.gov/cwa-401.

“The Clean Water Act quite clearly gives states, territories, and Tribes the ability to protect their water quality when projects are permitted or licensed,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “I commend Administrator Regan and the technical experts at EPA for taking a prudent step to help these governments act to address local water quality.”

“I applaud EPA’s announcement today to restore the rights of states, territories, and Tribes to safeguard their water resources — an essential tool for states to protect their people, local economies, and public health,” said U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “This marks yet another step the Biden Administration has taken to reverse the harmful polices of the Trump era and to uphold the Clean Water Act. The Section 401 process is a prime example of states and the federal government working together to protect clean water while keeping local expertise in the driver’s seat. The proposed rulemaking reinstates our bipartisan commitment to clean water with policies that protect, not pillage, our most precious natural resources.”

“Today’s actions by the EPA will enable states, territories and tribes to uplift their economies by protecting their water resources as they deem appropriate,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I applaud Administrator Regan for his collaborative approach to ensuring that our state and federal partnership on this important issue leads to improved water quality for ecosystems, cultural uses, and continued economic growth.”

“The CWA Section 401 certifications serve as the first and sometimes the only line of defense protecting tribal waters from pollutant discharge flowing within and on to our reservation lands. A strengthening of the  401 certification rule serves to protect our tribal nations’ water and cultural values,” said National Tribal Water Council Chairman Ken Norton.

“The Clean Water Act has always been a valuable tool for states to protect their waters,” said Environmental Council of States Executive Director Ben Grumbles. “We appreciate EPA’s engagement to continue pursuing a durable rule that safeguards states’ rights and a clean water future.”

“The Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification rule is a cornerstone part of protecting Connecticut’s waters,” said Commissioner of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Katie S. Dykes. “We are pleased that EPA has proposed a rule that updates the regulatory requirements to ensure an efficient, predictable, and protecting process.”

“We thank EPA for their efforts to strengthen state authority to protect our own water resources,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “Partnership at the state and federal level on issues like water quality is the best way to achieve results. In New Jersey protecting water resources for our residents is a priority and ensuring economic benefits is vital to our state.”

“We applaud EPA for this important proposal to ensure states have a role in protecting clean water and thank Administrator Regan for his commitment to coordination with states on programs like this,” said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “We look forward to reviewing the proposal and working with EPA to further create a clear process that enhances this vital Clean Water Act program.”

“The state of Wisconsin is encouraged by EPA’s efforts to update the 2020 CWA Section 401 certification rule and EPA’s commitment  to craft a rule that recognizes the breadth of state review necessary to determine an activity’s impacts on state resources,” said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Preston Cole. “The CWA Section 401 certification process is a critical component of state’s authority to preserve and protect its water resources and is a fundamental part of the Clean Water Act.” 

“We applaud the Biden administration for taking this important step to restore clean water safeguards. Ensuring states and Tribal Nations have the ability to advocate for their rights and interests is essential to protecting and restoring rivers nationwide,” said CEO of American Rivers Tom Kiernan. “The way toward just, equitable solutions is for those most impacted by threats to rivers to play a meaningful role in decision-making. States and Tribal Nations have a vital role to play in creating a future of clean water and healthy rivers everywhere, for everyone.”

“The EPA’s proposal would rightly restore power to states and tribes to protect their waters from harm, and signals our nation’s streams, lakes, and wetlands will be better protected by the people who deeply understand their water resources, guided by science and law,” said Director of Federal Water Policy for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) Jon Devine.

Background

Executive Order 13990 on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis directed EPA to review and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, take action to revise or replace the 2020 CWA Section 401 Certification Rule (2020 Rule). Prior to the 2020 Rule, EPA promulgated implementing regulations for water quality certification before the 1972 amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), which created Section 401.

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Originally Appeared Here

June 1, 2022

CHICAGO (June 1, 2022) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the start of 45-day public comment period on its proposed Federal Implementation Plan to reduce sulfur dioxide air pollution in the Detroit area. EPA and the state of Michigan jointly decided on this approach to further improve air quality and address SO2 emissions in Wayne County. EPA will consider public comments before finalizing the plan and will hold a virtual public hearing on June 16.

“EPA’s proposed plan, which we have developed in close coordination with the state of Michigan, will reduce sulfur dioxide pollution in Detroit,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “This means everyone in the area will breathe cleaner, healthier air, which is especially helpful for vulnerable populations and overburdened communities. While this plan is an important step forward for addressing sulfur dioxide air pollution, it is not the end of our work on air pollution in Detroit. Michigan and EPA are actively working on reducing other pollutants in the area.”

“EGLE greatly appreciates its partnership with EPA. These past few years of coordinated efforts have produced meaningful reductions in SO2 levels in a community that for too long has borne the unnecessary burden of this pollutant,” said EGLE Director Liesl Clark. “We are pleased that our air quality monitors are showing the positive impacts of this hard work and that citizens can begin to see the benefits of the air quality that they deserve.”

Among other elements, the federal plan proposes limits on U.S. Steel’s emissions to ensure that SO2 concentrations in Wayne County permanently meet the health-based federal air quality standard. SO2 concentrations in most parts of Detroit now meet the federal standard thanks to emissions reductions. In recent years, EPA air modeling has shown potential SO2 problems near Zug Island, an industrial area where U.S. Steel and another industrial source are located.

In 2017, Michigan requested EPA’s assistance when U.S. Steel declined to voluntarily install additional pollutant controls, and a state court blocked a state rule to reduce emissions. Since then, EPA and Michigan have worked in partnership to reduce emissions from power plants, steel mills and other industrial facilities in the area. Emissions from DTE Trenton Channel coal-fired power plant and Carmeuse Lime facility have been reduced, and DTE Energy River Rouge coal-fired power plant has shut down.

EPA will hold a virtual public hearing regarding this proposed Federal Implementation Plan from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time June 16. For more information about how to attend, please go to EPA’s web page.

Due to the combined efforts of EPA, EGLE, and the community, the Detroit area has seen a reduction in SO2 emissions of greater than 70% since the area was designated as nonattainment for the standard in 2013, which required steps to attain and maintain the standards by reducing air pollutant emissions. The National Ambient Air Quality Standard for SO2, which was set in 2010, is 75 parts per billion. The monitored values in the area continue to show improvement and are currently below 44 parts per billion.

Reduced SO2 in the atmosphere means cleaner, healthier air for the residents of Detroit, especially children, the elderly, and those who suffer from asthma. Reduced levels of SO2 and other sulfur oxides are also beneficial for the environment. A decrease in these compounds means less haze and acid rain, which can harm sensitive ecosystems. This action is in line with EPA’s agency-wide commitment to advance environmental justice and deliver benefits to underserved and overburdened communities.

Today’s action is another step toward identifying and addressing air quality issues in communities across Southeast Michigan. EPA has been working closely with EGLE on a number of air quality issues related to smog (ground level ozone), citizen complaints at individual facilities and challenges associated with guaranteeing environmental justice for all residents in Southeast Michigan, in addition to reducing SO2 pollution in Southeast Michigan.

For more information about NAAQS.

For information about air quality in your area

For information about air quality trends.

To provide a public comment or attend the virtual public hearing, please go to this EPA web page.

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Originally Appeared Here

June 1, 2022

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army (Army) (together, the agencies) will host a virtual Southwest-focused regional roundtable on “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) on June 2, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time/ 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. 

View the livestream for this Southwest roundtable.

The virtual roundtable was organized by the Arizona Farm Bureau and is one of ten roundtables intended to highlight diverse perspectives and regional experiences on WOTUS implementation. Through these engagements, the agencies will hear from participants representing agriculture, conservation groups, developers, drinking water and wastewater managers, environmental organizations, communities with environmental justice concerns, industry, Tribal nations, and state and local governments. 

The regional roundtables are an important mechanism for the EPA and the Army to consider the regional issues and variation in implementation of WOTUS, given the diverse water quality and quantity conditions in different parts of the United States. The regional roundtables will provide opportunities for roundtable participants to discuss topics of their choosing, including geographic similarities and differences, particular water resources that are characteristic of or unique to each region, and site-specific feedback about the way WOTUS has been implemented by the agencies. More information on public engagement, including links to view the roundtables.

More information on “waters of the United States.”

Background

The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants from a point source to navigable waters unless otherwise authorized under the Act. Navigable waters are defined in the Act as “the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas.” Thus, “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) is a threshold term establishing the geographic scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The term “waters of the United States” is not defined by the Act but has been defined by EPA and the Army in regulations since the 1970s and jointly implemented in the agencies’ respective programmatic activities.
 

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Originally Appeared Here

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law creates new EPA program to protect children’s health, reduce pollution, and boost American manufacturing

May 20, 2022

DENVER  — Today the Biden-Harris Administration through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $500 million is now available for school districts and other eligible school bus operators and contractors to begin replacing the nation’s fleet of school buses with clean, American-made, zero-emission buses. This $500 million represents the first round of funding out of the unprecedented $5 billion investment for low and zero-emission school buses over the next five years, secured through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Vice President Kamala Harris, Administrator Michael S. Regan and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu visited Meridian High School in Falls Church, Virginia to make the announcement and highlight how it will reduce greenhouse gas pollution, provide cleaner air around schools and communities, and better protect children’s health. The investment will also drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs. The new funding is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invests an unprecedented $5 billion for low- and zero-emission school buses over the next five years.  

“Funding from this program will help clean up the air in our communities and improve bus fleets and the health and safety of our kids,” said Regional Administrator KC Becker. “I urge all eligible school districts throughout Region 8 to apply.”  

EPA Region 8 serves the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and the 28 Tribal Nations. 

Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other health problems that hurt our communities and cause students to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. New, zero-emission and low-emission buses will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but produce cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities that the buses drive through each day. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector on fueling climate change. In addition, zero-emission buses cost less for school districts to operate than diesel buses, and the electricity stored in zero-emission school buses can transmit energy back to the grid to meet extra energy demand or provide energy to communities during power outages.  

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allows EPA to prioritize applications that will replace buses serving high-need local education agencies, Tribal Schools, and rural areas. This approach supports President Biden’s Justice40 initiative to direct at least 40% of the benefits of certain government investments to underserved communities. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program will strive to meet this commitment and advance environmental justice and equity considerations into all aspects of our work. In addition, EPA will focus education and outreach efforts to underserved communities, including partnering with stakeholders to reach communities that may have never applied for a Federal grant or rebate. Portions of the rebates can also be used to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure so that schools can make chargers available for the new buses. The rebate program will select awardees through a lottery system.  

EPA is accepting applications from May 20, 2022 until August 19, 2022. Questions about applying may be directed to [email protected].  

This is the first competition that EPA is running through the Clean School Bus program. The Agency will also launch a grant competition later this year. Further Clean School Bus competitions funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be run every year over the next five years.  

To learn more about the rebate programs, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates, visit www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus  

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Originally Appeared Here

CHICAGO – (May 31, 2022) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to award a $226,000 grant to the state of Wisconsin and a $50,000 grant to the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians to develop and implement beach monitoring and notification programs. Since 2002 EPA’s partners across the nation have used nearly $206 million in BEACH Act grants to protect the public by monitoring beaches for bacteria, maintaining and operating public notification systems, identifying local pollution sources, and reporting results to EPA.

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

EPA’s most recent Beach Report found that beaches on U.S. coasts and along the Great Lakes were open and safe for swimming 92 percent of the time in 2020. Check with your local public health authority on water conditions when making plans to go the beach.

EPA’s 2022 BEACH Act grant funding, contingent upon meeting the eligibility requirements, will be allocated to the following states, territories, and Tribes:

More information on grants under the BEACH Act, grant guidance, and contact information for state and local beach programs

To check on the latest closings and advisories at particular beaches, the public should contact the relevant state, tribal, or territorial beach program listed here.

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Originally Appeared Here

Nationally, 86 WIFIA loans are financing over $32 billion in water infrastructure upgrades, creating 97,000 jobs

May 31, 2022

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans totaling $97 million to the Medford Water Commission of Medford, Oregon. These WIFIA loans will help finance the Rogue Valley Water Supply Resiliency Program to provide safer and more resilient drinking water and meet growing demand for the Rogue Valley.

“Water is an essential and irreplaceable part of our daily lives, but for far too long our water infrastructure has been taken for granted. That is changing in Medford, thanks in part to $97 million through EPA’s WIFIA loan program,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “This investment in Medford’s critical water infrastructure will strengthen water system resiliency, improve water quality, and increase capacity to support growth. EPA is delivering the benefits of water infrastructure improvements to communities across the country, through WIFIA and with $50 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“Access to reliable clean water and a resilient water infrastructure system is crucial to the health and strength of every family,” said Senator Jeff Merkley, who authored the WIFIA law. “I am pleased that the Medford Water Commission’s Rogue Valley Water Supply is receiving two WIFIA loans to carry out vital projects ensuring the water in their community is safe and the infrastructure is resilient to natural disasters, without burdening the ratepayers. I will continue to work to ensure that Oregonians have access to clean and reliable drinking water and support programs like this.”

The Rogue Valley Water Supply Resiliency Program coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Medford Water. EPA’s WIFIA loan will help finance this multifaceted program to improve treatment that reduces lead and copper in drinking water; expand treatment and storage capacity at the Robert A. Duff Water Treatment Plant; increase transmission and storage capacity for customers; and modernize processes to improve taste and odor while addressing potential emerging contaminants. The program also includes building a resilient Water Campus to house administration and operational functions. 

“Investing in our water infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the Rogue Valley is crucial,” said Mayor of the City of Medford Randy Sparacino. “These funds will help Medford Water complete a number of projects that will ensure continued access to high-quality water at affordable rates for our residents.”

“I am proud of the strategic financial planning that our organization has undertaken to secure this competitive funding,” said Chair of the Board of Water Commissioners Bob Strosser. “The terms of this WIFIA program provide us with a unique opportunity to advance resiliency and capacity—adding projects that will allow us to continue to serve future generations of the Rogue Valley.”

“I commend Medford Water for their efforts to obtain this low-cost financing from the Environmental Protection Agency. This loan will support investment in vital water infrastructure that is essential to our residents and local businesses,” said Central Point City Manager Chris Clayton. “The Rogue Valley Water Supply Resiliency Program is a dynamic way to meet the growing needs of our communities and address the challenges we face. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Medford Water to support the delivery of safe drinking water long into the future.”

“Infrastructure challenges are at an all-time high as we enter our second 100 years of service to our community,” said Medford Water General Manager Brad Taylor. “The WIFIA loan for our Rogue Valley Water Supply Program helps us manage these costs while still keeping our rates affordable.”

The Medford Water Commission will save approximately $12 million by financing with EPA’s WIFIA loans. Construction is expected to be completed in 2028 while construction and operation are expected to create approximately 600 jobs. 

More about EPA’s WIFIA Program.

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. WIFIA’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 will prioritize projects that help achieve the goals of President Biden’s Justice40 initiative, which aims to ensure that federal agencies deliver at least 40% of benefits from certain investments to underserved communities.

The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs. With this WIFIA loan closing, EPA has announced 86 WIFIA loans that are providing $15 billion in credit assistance to help finance over $32 billion for water infrastructure while creating approximately 97,000 jobs and saving ratepayers over $5 billion. 

More information about the WIFIA program’s accomplishments through 2021.
 

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Originally Appeared Here

EPA Announces $245,000 Grant to Support Water Quality Monitoring for Safe Summer Beach Recreation in Illinois

CHICAGO – (May 31, 2022) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to award a $245,000 grant to the state of Illinois to develop and implement a beach monitoring and notification program. Since 2002 EPA’s partners across the nation have used nearly $206 million in BEACH Act grants to protect the public by monitoring beaches for bacteria, maintaining and operating public notification systems, identifying local pollution sources, and reporting results to EPA.

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

EPA’s most recent Beach Report found that beaches on U.S. coasts and along the Great Lakes were open and safe for swimming 92 percent of the time in 2020. Check with your local public health authority on water conditions when making plans to go the beach.

EPA’s 2022 BEACH Act grant funding, contingent upon meeting the eligibility requirements, will be allocated to the following states, territories, and Tribes:

More information on grants under the BEACH Act, grant guidance, and contact information for state and local beach programs

To check on the latest closings and advisories at particular beaches, the public should contact the relevant state, tribal, or territorial beach program listed here

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Originally Appeared Here

May 31, 2022

NEW BEDFORD, MASS. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Deputy Administrator, Janet McCabe was joined today near the banks of New Bedford Harbor by federal, state and local officials to announce that EPA’s decades-long work to address PCB contamination in New Bedford Harbor sediments is now on track to be completed in about three years thanks to a major commitment from the Biden Administration to allocate $72.7 Million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

Also today, EPA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced a settlement with Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc., a South Carolina-based capacitator company with a facility in New Bedford, which will provide an additional $3.6 million for the completion of shoreline remediation of the harbor and $400,000 to the Commonwealth toward the costs of operating and maintaining the Superfund remedy.

“I am thrilled to announce that thanks to vital funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the steadfast commitment of our enforcement attorneys, state counterparts, and community partners, EPA now has the resources to complete the job of addressing hazardous pollution that has contaminated New Bedford Harbor for decades,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration have prioritized protecting public health and addressing environmental impacts in communities who have historically been left out of the conversation and overburdened by dangerous pollution. I am proud of this collaborative effort and the progress that we have made.”

The New Bedford Harbor site is one of thousands of contaminated sites nationally that have been given Superfund status due to the nature and extent of hazardous wastes at the site, and the cost and logistics associated with cleaning them. Superfund sites can include former manufacturing facilities, industrial locations, processing plants, landfills and mining sites. The $72.7 million allocation for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site is part of a $1 billion “first wave” of funding from $3.5 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help cleanup polluted Superfund sites in communities across the country.

The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a huge difference in EPA’s efforts to protect human health and the environment. Thanks to funding authorized in BIL, over the next five years EPA will be putting $60 billion into improving the health, equity, and resilience of communities in every corner of the country. Areas that BIL will make a dramatic difference include improving drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, removing lead services lines, and protecting communities from emerging contaminants like PFAS. BIL will invest a historic $5.4 billion to clean up legacy pollution at Superfund and brownfields sites, helping to restore the economic vitality of communities. Finally, BIL is helping U.S. communities to make a $5 billion investment in electric and low-emission school buses and healthier air for children.

EPA has made significant progress removing and addressing PCB contamination in New Bedford Harbor since 2012, when the U.S. Government and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts reached a $366 Million settlement with AVX Corporation. However, by 2022 those funds were mostly depleted with work remaining to complete shoreline remediation efforts. The total cost for the harbor PCB cleanup, including agency indirect costs, is approximately $1 billion. Approximately half of that amount has been funded by the federal and State governments’ cost recovery efforts.

“Nearly 40 years ago EPA began a generational, transformational cleanup commitment to remove and address PCB pollution in New Bedford Harbor and surrounding areas. Because of the funding announced today, we can now foresee the end of this lengthy chapter of cleanup work. We can also clearly see the future for New Bedford as a vital coastal community coming into focus, maintaining its vibrant fishing industry while also pivoting to servicing the offshore clean energy economy of the 21st Century and growing much needed jobs in the community. This is a fantastic outcome for a community that has shouldered a disproportionate burden of pollution,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash.

“Thanks to historic levels of funding passed by Congress, the Biden administration is providing the resources that New Bedford needs to get toxic pollution out of its harbor once and for all,” said Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “Communities like New Bedford have had to live alongside corporate pollution for too long, and I applaud the EPA for investing in efforts to address this injustice. We have a clear roadmap to a healthy future: clean up existing pollution, get polluters to pay for it, and prevent new pollution from being released into our neighborhoods.”

“This historic federal funding to complete the cleanup of the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site is wonderful news and a testament to the decades long partnership among all levels of government and the community,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “For far too long, New Bedford has faced the burden of pollution and its detrimental consequences on public health and the environment. Now, we are a significant step closer to righting these wrongs, and I’ll keep fighting to secure investments like this that tackle environmental justice and spur economic opportunity.”

“The cleanup of New Bedford Harbor has been a great success and this funding from the Infrastructure Bill will take the cleanup into its final stages,” said Congressman Bill Keating. “The EPA has done a tremendous job at this site. While it’s been a long road, the end is in sight and our community will be the better for it.”

“For decades, the PCB contamination of New Bedford Harbor has been an environmental blight on our region and a barrier to investment in the Port of New Bedford. The acceleration of the cleanup will pave the way for more maritime investment and jobs in the Port, and open up recreational opportunities for our residents, especially in the Near North End. We are grateful for the Biden Administration’s commitment to get this project over the goal line, which will improve the City’s quality of life for generations to come,” said City of New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.

“Fairhaven has been impacted by the superfund cleanup efforts and we are very grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration, the EPA, the Baker-Polito Administration and the delegation that made this tremendous award possible. This news will be very well received by tens of thousands who live in proximity to the site, use the waters for recreation and depend on the harbor for their livelihood,” said Bob Espindola, Town of Fairhaven Select Board Member.

EPA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced today a settlement with Cornell Dubilier Electronics, Inc., which has agreed to pay a total of $4 million which will help fund the cleanup of PCB contamination at the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site. The U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of EPA lodged this and a related settlement agreement in U.S. Federal District Courts. Of the $4 million of settlement funds designated for New Bedford Harbor, $400,000 will go to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the operation and maintenance of the Harbor Superfund remedy. The remaining $3.6 million will be applied to the remaining shoreline cleanup work being conducted with the aid of BIL funding announced today. The settlements are subject to a 60-day public comment period.

The settlement with Cornell Dubilier Electronics underscores efforts by EPA and Commonwealth of Massachusetts enforcement attorneys over time to establish liability for legacy pollution resulting in sites across the country requiring complex and costly cleanup efforts. EPA’s and the Commonwealth’s adherence to the “polluter pays” principle has resulted in about $500 million from settlements that have contributed to the New Bedford Harbor cleanup since it began in 1983. These efforts from EPA and Commonwealth legal staff ensure that taxpayers are not burdened with the entire cost of cleaning up industrial pollution.

The 18,000-acre New Bedford site, added to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983, is an urban tidal estuary with sediments which were highly contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals until EPA remediated the Harbor. At least two manufacturers in the area used PCBs while producing electric devices from the 1940s to the late 1970s. These facilities discharged industrial wastes containing PCBs directly into the harbor and indirectly through the city sewer system. This stopped when the manufacture of PCBs was banned by EPA in the late 1970s. As a result, the harbor was contaminated with PCBs in varying degrees for at least 6 miles from the upper Acushnet River into Buzzards Bay.

In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund, was passed. The important law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, funds appropriated by Congress are used. A tax on chemical and petroleum industries provided funds to the Superfund Trust fund for Superfund cleanups up until 1995. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reinstates the chemical excise taxes and invests an additional $3.5 billion in environmental remediation at Superfund sites, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address the legacy pollution that harms human health and the environment of communities and neighborhoods.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment that will create millions of jobs modernizing our infrastructure, turn the climate crisis into an opportunity, and put us on a path to win the economic competition for the 21st century.

More Information:

EPA work at New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investment in Superfund Cleanup

EPA’s Superfund program

The proposed consent decree is subject to a 60-day public comment period and court approval after it is published in the Federal Register. It is available at https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decree/us-v-avx-corporation-et-al. 

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