EPA Awards $2.17 Million to New York State to Protect Drinking Water

 

EPA Awards $2.17 Million to New York State to

Protect Drinking Water

 

Contact: Tayler Covington, covington.tayler@epa.gov, (212) 637-3662

(New York, N.Y. – May 31, 2018) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $2,170,000 to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to ensure requirements of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act are met for the nearly 8,500 public water systems that serve approximately 21 million people overseen by NYSDOH. The grant was made under the Public Water System Supervision program and will assist NYSDOH's oversight responsibilities. 

"This grant supports our state partner by giving them the flexibility to administer and advance programs that will ensure New Yorker's have quality drinking water," said Regional Administrator Pete Lopez.

The funding will assist New York in inspecting water systems to identify and require correction of deficiencies that can pose serious risks to public health. It will also support NYSDOH with assessment of water systems, investigating customer complaints and solving site-specific operational problems to provide communities with water that meets national protective standards. Additional EPA funding for NYSDOH to administer the Public Water System Supervision program is anticipated later this year.

Public Water System Supervision grants are used to ensure that public drinking water systems of all types and sizes meet or exceed Safe Drinking Water Act standards. When systems are found to be deficient, or otherwise at risk, funds can be used to help ensure systems are operating properly. NYSDOH has a delegated authority to develop their own regulations and requirements that can be more stringent than federal requirements.

For more information about PWSS or the SDWA, see www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/public-water-system-supervision-pwss-grant-program

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EE at EPA: EE in the Gulf of Mexico, New Green Ribbon Schools, NIH STEM Funding

EPA Awards Grant to Support EE in the Gulf of Mexico New Green Ribbon Schools and Sustainability Award Winners NIGMS Funding for STEM Now Available EPA Awards Grant to Support EE in the Gulf of Mexico Students participating in a STEM activity at John C. Stennis Space Center in Stennis, MS. . EPA Region 4's Gulf of Mexico Program recently awarded approximately $97,800 to Nature's Academy Inc., to provide environmental education. Through field trips, underserved 5th grade students will learn about habitat preservation and sustainable approaches to preserving natural resources. The Gulf of Mexico Program at EPA supports a diversity of environmental education initiatives, focused on engaging residents and supporting environmental stewardship.  Read about the Gulf Awareness Patch, the Coastal Training Program Initiative, and other regional EE programs. New Green Ribbon Schools and Sustainability Award Winners The U.S. Department of Education recently announced the names of the 2018 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, the District Sustainability Awardees, and the Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees. Across the country, 46 schools, six districts, and six postsecondary institutions are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education. Find the full list of selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities. Read highlights on the 58 honorees. Find full information on the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools and learn how to apply. NIGMS Funding for STEM Now Available . The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) R25 program, supports pre-K to grade 12 (P-12) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), informal science education, and science center/museum projects.  Funding is now available through solicitation PAR-17-339. Grant proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. local time Monday, July 9, 2018. Review the SEPA funding opportunity announcement. We encourage you to share EPA's Environmental Education eNewsletter with your colleagues.  To subscribe, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/newsroom/email-subscriptions Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education Office of the Administrator / U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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EPA News: EPA Regional Administrator to host Minden listening session (W. Va.)

Contact: Roy Seneca, 215-814-5567 seneca.roy@epa.gov

EPA Regional Administrator to host Minden listening session

PHILADELPHIA (May 30, 2018) – On June 7, 2018, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio will host a public listening session in Minden, West Virginia to provide a provide a brief update regarding EPA's investigative activities and hear residents' concerns regarding contamination in the community.

The session will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the New Beginning Apostolic Church, 179 McKinley Road in Minden.

"This is an important opportunity to meet with the community while we are undergoing the site assessment process," said Regional Administrator Servidio. "I look forward to hearing first hand from the people of Minden about their concerns and questions as we await the results of our assessment to determine if the Shaffer Equipment Company site qualifies to be placed on the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL)."

The assessment includes conducting additional soil sampling from the Shaffer Equipment property, nearby residential properties, Arbuckle Creek and other area locations. The most recent soil sampling conducted prior to the site assessment has identified Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) at levels that do not indicate an immediate threat to human health. 

EPA is continuing to coordinate with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) on site assessment sampling, monitoring and evaluation work in Minden. New sampling data will be used to develop the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) package for the site.

Currently, there is insufficient data to determine if the Shaffer Equipment Site qualifies for listing on the Superfund NPL. If a site has a high enough HRS score and meets other criteria, EPA, with the agreement of the Governor, may propose that it be added to the Superfund NPL.  If listed, EPA will conduct a remedial investigation that will look at long term risks that the contamination poses to human health and the environment.

More information on the process to add a site to the Superfund NPL can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-national-priorities-list-npl    

For more information on EPA's response efforts at Shaffer Equipment Site and surrounding areas in Minden, visit: https://response.epa.gov/ShafferEquipmentCompany .

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EPA and National Grid Reach Major Agreement on Gowanus Canal Superfund Site Cleanup

 

CONTACT: David Kluesner; 212-637-3653; kluesner.dave@epa.gov         (New York, N.Y. –  May 29, 2018) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $100 million agreement with National Grid for cleanup of the Gowanus Canal Superfund site in Brooklyn, New York. The milestone settlement will support cleanup work near the head of the Gowanus Canal, including the cleanup and restoration of Thomas Greene Park, as well as the Douglass and DeGraw Pool. "This agreement will enable the remediation and revitalization of a heavily contaminated waterway and one of the neighborhood's most popular recreational areas," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "EPA is prioritizing the Superfund program so that sites in densely populated urban areas, such as the Gowanus Canal, are addressed quickly and thoroughly." "Administrator Pruitt is revitalizing the Superfund program and this settlement will accelerate the cleanup of one of the nation's most contaminated waterbodies," said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. "This agreement harnesses the power of community partnerships to address contamination underneath a cherished public park and pool while advancing the redevelopment of the surrounding neighborhoods. EPA, together with National Grid and the City of New York, will continue to work closely with the community on the design and construction of both a temporary and replacement pool and park." "I'm pleased to see this settlement agreement reached as it will mean community resources are maintained during cleanup of the Gowanus Canal," said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY). "I thank the local EPA staff who have worked so diligently on this project over the years. It is important that the community retain access to a nearby pool during the remediation of the park site and Canal. To that end, I will continue working to ensure maximum community input in securing a temporary and permanent replacement for the pool." Under this settlement, National Grid will, among other obligations: Build a sealed bulkhead/barrier wall on the east side of the Canal between Butler and Union Streets to prevent coal tar from spreading to the Canal and to support dredging;        •    Address contamination at the Thomas Greene Park through excavation and mixing                  cement into contaminated soil (a process called solidification) to permanently lock up              coal tar and other contaminants;        •    Design, site, and construct a temporary swimming pool to operate while the park is                  closed; and    Design and permanently replace the pool and impacted park areas. Today's settlement is part of the overall cleanup of the Gowanus Canal Superfund site in Brooklyn, New York. EPA and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) are coordinating closely on the cleanup. The NYS DEC has an ongoing agreement with National Grid to address some of the contamination in the area. This settlement is integral to the city's work under its own June 2016 settlement with EPA, which requires the city to complete the design for the larger of two combined sewage and stormwater overflow (CSO) retention tanks selected in the 2013 Canal cleanup decision; acquire two privately owned parcels located at 242 Nevins Street and 234 Butler Street for siting the tank; and acquire a staging area. If the city doesn't acquire those properties, which are also contaminated with coal tar, that tank will be sited at the park. Construction of the sealed bulkhead is expected to begin later in 2018. The remaining work may take up to six years, depending on the city's acquisition of the properties. Background: Overall Gowanus Canal Cleanup The area underneath Thomas Greene Park is contaminated with coal tar. The Park is one of eight parcels that are part of the New York state-designated Former Fulton Manufactured Gas Plant Site, many parts of which are being addressed under a separate agreement between the state and National Grid. More than a dozen contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals, including mercury, lead, and copper, were found at high levels in the sediment in the Gowanus Canal. PAHs and heavy metals were also found in the canal water. The final cleanup plan of the Gowanus Canal Superfund site includes dredging to remove contaminated sediment from the bottom of the Canal, which has accumulated because of industrial and sewer discharges. The dredged areas will then be capped. The plan also includes controls to reduce CSO discharges and other land-based sources of pollution from compromising the cleanup. The engineering design work for the project will be completed shortly after the conclusion of a current dredging and capping pilot taking place in the 4th Street Turning Basin. EPA expects that the implementation of the final remedy will be covered by a future agreement with, or order by, EPA. Full-scale dredging of the remainder of the Canal is expected to start in 2020.  The EPA has identified numerous parties that are potentially responsible for the contamination of the Gowanus Superfund site, including National Grid, the City of New York, and other private and federal government entities. The settlement can be found on the EPA's website, please visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/gowanus-canal.   Photo Courtesty of Pardon Me For Asking Blog   Photo Courtesty of Pardon Me For Asking Blog   Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2.   18-038   ###

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   EPA Extends Deadline to Apply for a WIFIA
Water Infrastructure Loan

05/15/2018

Contact Information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON –– Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced at a meeting with water sector associations that the deadline to submit letters of interest for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans has been extended to July 31, 2018. Administrator Pruitt also sent a letter highlighting the deadline extension to governors of 56 states and territories as well as tribal leadership.

"By extending the deadline to apply for a WIFIA loan, even more entities will be able to bring critical water infrastructure improvements to their communities, including projects that keep lead and other contaminants out of drinking water," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "These projects create jobs, protect public health, and help ensure that all Americans continue to have access to clean and safe water."

EPA's announcement comes as part of Infrastructure Week and highlights the importance of working together with the water sector on a variety of topics, including affordability, governance, and the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).

Also in conjunction with Infrastructure Week, the Agency released a new interactive website that showcases leading efforts by states, public water systems, and communities to replace lead service lines.

Background

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program at EPA that aims to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant projects. WIFIA can provide up to 49 percent of the financing for a project and a state SRF could provide additional financing for the remaining eligible project costs. The WIFIA program received $63 million in funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 23, 2018. 

On April 4, 2018, EPA announced the availability of additional WIFIA funding that could provide as much as $5.5 billion in loans, leveraging over $11 billion in water infrastructure projects. This year's WIFIA Notice of Funding Availability highlights the importance of protecting public health, including reducing exposure to lead and other contaminants in drinking water systems and updating the nation's aging infrastructure.

On April 20, 2018, EPA issued its first WIFIA loan to King County, Washington. The $134.5 million loan will help finance a new wet weather treatment station that will better protect public health, improve water quality, and create more than 1,400 jobs—all while saving up to $32 million compared to standard financing over the life of the loan.

According to EPA's estimate of drinking water and wastewater needs, over $743 billion is needed over the next twenty years for water infrastructure improvements. WIFIA financing and the SRFs will play an important part in fulfilling this need. With the latest two appropriations totaling $93 million, WIFIA loans can be combined with other public and private funding, to finance approximately $16 billion in infrastructure needs. EPA's FY2018 budget includes $2.9 billion for the SRFs.

For more information about the WIFIA program and resources to use when applying, visit www.epa.gov/wifia.

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EPA Proposes to Add Abandoned Landfill in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico to the Federal Superfund List

WIFIA Appropriation - 5/17/2017 EPA Proposes to Add Abandoned Landfill in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico to the Federal Superfund List   Contacts: Brenda Reyes, reyes.brenda@epa.gov, (787) 977-5869 and Elias Rodriguez, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov, (212) 637-3664 (New York, N.Y. – May 15, 2018) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its commitment to clean up six new sites by adding them to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) and proposing to add another three hazardous waste sites to the NPL. The PROTECO site in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico, which operated as a hazardous waste landfill, is one of the three sites being proposed for addition to the NPL. From 1975 through 1999, the landfill accepted a variety of wastes, including electroplating sludge, pesticides, and pharmaceutical and manufacturing waste from multiple sources.  Groundwater under the site is contaminated with mercury and solvents. PROTECO, the now defunct owner, closed the landfill in the 1990s, abandoned it in 2009, and has not conducted required maintenance or monitoring. Across Puerto Rico, community drinking water sources are monitored regularly to ensure the water quality meets drinking water standards. "EPA is making tremendous progress accelerating sites through the entire Superfund remediation process and returning them to safe and productive reuse," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "Adding these sites to the proposed and final National Priorities List is the next step toward cleaning up these sites and creating a healthier environment for the affected communities." "Adding this site to our Superfund list will give us the legal and technical tools we need to address contamination at this site and protect the Peñuelas community," said Pete Lopez, EPA Regional Administrator. "Agua es vida, water is life, and that is why we will aggressively work with the Commonwealth to address the uncontained waste sources and contaminated groundwater under the site." "Once again, work between state and federal agencies is vital to benefit our citizens and offer them a better quality of life.  We support the proposal for the inclusion of this site in the EPA's National Priorities List.  By addressing contamination at sites like this old landfill, we will ensure the cleanup of the facility, bring social justice to the residents of Peñuelas and continue protecting human health and the environment," said Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Board, Tania Vázquez-Rivera. The private and public drinking water supply wells surrounding the site may be threatened by contaminated groundwater underneath the PROTECO facility. EPA will first thoroughly investigate the site to determine the nature and the extent of the contamination and to develop an analysis of the most feasible ways to address it. There will be numerous opportunities in the Superfund investigation and cleanup phases for the local community to participate. Academic research has shown that Superfund cleanups reduce birth defects within approximately 1 mile of a site as much as 25 percent. Cleanups also increase tax revenue and create jobs during and after cleanup. According to EPA data, 487 of the 888 Superfund sites cleaned up for reuse supported approximately 6,600 businesses in 2017. And these businesses' ongoing operations generate annual sales of $43.6 billion and employ more than 156,000 people who earned a combined income of $11.2 billion. Background Superfund, which Congress established in 1980, investigates and cleans up hazardous waste sites. The Superfund law directs EPA to update the NPL annually. Only sites added to the NPL are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term cleanup. Administrator Pruitt has set the expectation that there will be a renewed focus on accelerating work and progress at all Superfund sites across the country. EPA adds sites to the NPL when contamination threatens human health and the environment and deletes sites from the NPL once all response actions are complete and all cleanup goals have been achieved.  All of the six sites being added to the NPL were included in the most recent proposed rule in January 2018, evidence of the EPA's commitment to expediting the Superfund process. The NPL is one focus area of the Superfund Task Force Recommendations that were announced in July 2017 to improve and revitalize the Superfund program. The Superfund Task Force Recommendations can be viewed at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the final and proposed sites: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/current-npl-updates-new-proposed-npl-sites-and-new-npl-sites For information about Superfund and the NPL:  http://www.epa.gov/superfund   18-034                                                             #  #  #

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EPA News Release: EPA Adds Hockessin, Delaware Site To Superfund National Priorities List

 

Contact: Roy Seneca seneca.roy@epa.gov (215) 814-5567  EPA Adds Hockessin Delaware Site To Superfund National Priorities List PHILADELPHIA (May 15, 2018) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its commitment to clean up six new sites -- including the Hockessin Groundwater Site in Delaware -- by adding them to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). EPA also is proposing to add another three sites to the NPL. "Cleaning up toxic sites and returning them to safe and productive reuse under the Superfund program is a cornerstone of the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "By adding these sites to the proposed and final National Priorities List, we are moving forward in creating a healthier environment for the affected communities." The NPL is the list of hazardous waste sites in the United States eligible for remedial action financed under the federal Superfund program. "Superfund cleanup continues to be a priority for EPA," said EPA's Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Today's action ensures that resources are available to take the necessary cleanup actions to address the contamination and any potential impacts on the Hockessin community." EPA originally proposed the Hockessin site to the NPL on January 18. The designation is now finalized following a 60-day public comment period. EPA's next step will be to conduct a remedial investigation and feasibility study to determine the extent of contamination and assess potential threats to human health and the environment. This also includes evaluation of various cleanup options. The Hockessin site consists of approximately 32 acres along Delaware State Route 41 through Hockessin, and encompasses numerous commercial, business, and residential properties. An EPA assessment has identified considerable movement of PCE contamination in the groundwater in the village of Hockessin. "The Greater Hockessin Area Development Association (GHADA) and the entire community are pleased to have the Hockessin groundwater site considered for inclusion on the National Priorities List for remediation and environmental recovery efforts," said GHADA President Mark Blake. "Having the expertise and resources that the Environmental Protection Agency can bring to bear on this critical issue, is the best possible outcome for everyone involved." There are two dry cleaners in the area where historical operations may continue to contribute to the groundwater contamination. There may be other sources within the area as well. The Artesian Water Company uses groundwater wells as the primary source of drinking water in this area. The water company treats the contaminated groundwater, and the final processed drinking water meets all regulatory standards. Academic research has shown that Superfund cleanups reduce birth defects within approximately one mile of a site as much as 25 percent. Cleanups also increase tax revenue and create jobs during and after cleanup. According to EPA data, 487 of the 888 Superfund sites cleaned up for reuse supported approximately 6,600 businesses in 2017. And the ongoing operations at these businesses generate annual sales of $43.6 billion and employ more than 156,000 people who earned a combined income of $11.2 billion. Background Superfund, which Congress established in 1980, investigates and cleans up hazardous waste sites. The Superfund law directs EPA to update the NPL annually. Only sites added to the NPL are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term cleanup. Administrator Pruitt has set the expectation that there will be a renewed focus on accelerating work and progress at all Superfund sites across the country. EPA adds sites to the NPL when contamination threatens human health and the environment. EPA deletes sites from the NPL once all response actions are complete and all cleanup goals have been achieved. EPA typically initiates Superfund involvement because states, tribes or citizens ask for the Agency's help. The Agency may also find contamination during its own investigations. All of the six sites being added to the NPL were included in the most recent proposed rule in January 2018, evidence of the EPA's commitment to expediting the Superfund process. The NPL is one focus area of the Superfund Task Force Recommendations that were announced in July 2017 to improve and revitalize the Superfund program. The Superfund Task Force Recommendations can be viewed at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the final and proposed sites: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/current-npl-updates-new-proposed-npl-sites-and-new-npl-sites For information about Superfund and the NPL: http://www.epa.gov/superfund

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Carolina Mayor José Carlos Aponte Dalmau Named to National EPA Advisory Committee and Subcommittee

Carolina Mayor José Carlos Aponte Dalmau Named to National EPA Advisory Committee and Subcommittee   Contact:  Brenda Reyes, (787) 977-5869, reyes.brenda@epa.gov (San Juan, PR – May 14, 2018)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the appointment of Mayor José Carlos Aponte Dalmau of Carolina, Puerto Rico, to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) and Small Community Advisory Subcommittee. The 33-member LGAC, to which Mayor Aponte Dalmau was appointed, helps EPA develop strong partnerships with local governments to provide more efficient and effective environmental protection at the community, state, and federal level. Mayor Aponte Dalmau has also been appointed to the Small Community Advisory Subcommittee, which helps EPA develop robust partnerships with small communities to address environmental and public health issues. "EPA's efforts to protect public health and the environment are most effective when the Agency works cooperatively with state and local governments," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "I look forward to working with the committee members on important environmental issues while developing stronger and more robust partnerships across states, tribes, and local communities." "EPA is committed to partnering with Puerto Rico's dedicated local leaders as we work to address our toughest environmental and public health challenges," said Pete Lopez, EPA Regional Administrator. "I have had the honor of personally meeting with Mayor Aponte Dalmau as EPA continues to assist Puerto Rico in hurricane recovery and improving the management of solid waste across the island. His dedication and passion for service is unmatched." "It is truly an honor to be able to collaborate with EPA's effort to ensure public health and optimal manage of environmental problems. Carolina has surpassed many obstacles to become an effective example of recycling management and has achieved true balance between economic growth, infrastructure development and the ecological protection that guarantee the resilience of natural resources. Our Flood Mitigation Plan proved to be effective during the recent hurricane heavy rains benefiting thousands of citizens that, for years, had to overcome flood damages. Our experience has made us stronger and wiser when developing safety approaches to environmental issues," stated Mayor Aponte Dalmau who's eager to develop strategies that will benefit communities nationwide. Mayor Aponte Dalmau's commitment to improving his community through various economic development projects and cultural initiatives were a factor in his selection for the committee. These include Carolina Bella, an initiative focused on improving the city through environmental efforts including recycling and composting, and Carolina's Children Museum, the largest interactive educational children's museum in the Caribbean. EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez, Carmen Guerrero, Director of Caribbean Environmental Protection Division (CEPD) for EPA Region 2, Mayor Aponte, and Jose Font, Deputy Director of CEPD. April 24, 2018 visit to the Carolina Municipal Landfill to discuss recycling and the island's management of solid waste. Background on the LGAC: The panel was selected based on their demonstrated leadership experience, proven record of service to their communities, and involvement in effective environmental protection services and programs at the community, state, and federal level. Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee provides independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator. The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities. It is a subcommittee of the Local Government Advisory Committee. The committee and subcommittee intend to meet in early summer to begin their work. For more information and to see the full list of newly appointed LGAC and SCAS members, please visit http://www.epa.gov/ocir/scas_lgac/lgac_index.htm. 18-033                                        # # #

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EPA Selects Delaware’s West End Neighborhood House For $200,000 Brownfields Job Training Grant

                                                                                                       Contact: Roy Seneca seneca.roy@epa.gov (215) 814-5567  

EPA Selects Delaware's West End Neighborhood House

For $200,000 Brownfields Job Training Grant

EPA designates a total of $3.3 million for job training nationwide

PHILADELPHIA (May 7, 2018) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the West End Neighborhood House in Wilmington, Delaware was selected to receive a $200,000 Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) grant to train 60 students for environmental careers.

The non-profit AmeriCorps program is one of 17 organizations nationwide that were selected to receive a total of approximately $3.3 million in Brownfields job training funds to help residents learn the skills needed to secure employment in the environmental field. These grants help prepare people for green jobs that reduce environmental contamination and provide more sustainable futures for the communities most affected by solid and hazardous waste contamination.

"Through these Brownfields job training programs, we're investing in getting Americans back to work and improving local economies and the environment," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.  "Graduates will acquire the skill set necessary to gain full-time employment in the environmental field and help revitalize their communities."

"It is important to ensure that the benefits of brownfields redevelopment go to people who live in communities near brownfields sites," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This requires educating a workforce in the skill sets needed for the jobs being created, which means working with local partners like the West End Neighborhood House to recruit, train, and place residents in good paying, green jobs in environmental fields."

Participants who complete the training will earn seven state or federal certifications. West End Neighborhood House is targeting underemployed and unemployed residents of Wilmington neighborhoods most impacted by brownfields.

"The Environmental Workforce Job Development Training Program has truly changed the lives of Delawareans," said Program Director Julie Bieber of the Education & Employment Department at

West End Neighborhood House. "The program fulfills the needs of local employers, empowers and educates the community, and improves the lives of in-need citizens by training them in careers with a sustainable living wage. The program is truly a win-win for both the environmental industry and the members of our community."

EPA continues to support the EWDJT program to help put people to work by building a skilled workforce across the country. The program awards competitive grants to nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities to recruit, train and place unemployed and underemployed individuals. Individuals completing the training have often overcome a variety of barriers to employment. Many are from low-income neighborhoods. The training programs also serve dislocated workers who have lost their jobs due to plant closures, minorities, tribal members, transitioning veterans, ex-offenders and other individuals who may have faced barriers to employment.

Since 1998, when the EWDJT grant program started, more than 288 grants have been awarded. Over 17,100 individuals have completed training, and of those, more than 12,500 individuals have been placed in full-time employment earning an average starting wage of over $14 an hour. This equates to a cumulative job placement rate of 73 percent of graduates.

For more information on EWDJT grantees, including past EWDJT grantees, please visit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/bf_factsheets/.

For more information on EPA's EWDJT program, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-funding.

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EPA Selects Baltimore’s Civic Works for $200,000 Job Training Grant

                                                                        Contact: Roy Seneca seneca.roy@epa.gov (215) 814-5567  

EPA Selects Baltimore's Civic Works for $200,000 Job Training Grant

EPA designates a total of $3.3 million for job training nationwide

PHILADELPHIA (May 7, 2018) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Civic Works in Baltimore was selected to receive a $200,000 Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) grant to train 72 students for environmental careers.

The non-profit AmeriCorps program is one of 17 organizations nationwide that were selected to receive a total of approximately $3.3 million in Brownfields job training funds to help residents learn the skills needed to secure employment in the environmental field. These grants help prepare people for green jobs that reduce environmental contamination and provide more sustainable futures for the communities most affected by solid and hazardous waste contamination.

"Through these Brownfields job training programs, we're investing in getting Americans back to work and improving local economies and the environment," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.  "Graduates will acquire the skill set necessary to gain full-time employment in the environmental field and help revitalize their communities."

"EPA's Brownfields Program is proud to have a partner like Civic Works to help ensure the benefits of cleaning up and redeveloping brownfields sites go to the folks who live in the local communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Civic Works is helping to make the quality of life better for all the people who live in Baltimore."

Since 2001, EPA has awarded seven previous job training grants to Civic Works, totaling $1.5 million. With this funding, Civic Works has produced 465 graduates and placed 404 Baltimore residents in full time environmental jobs.

"Civic Works is proud to be named as an Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training grantee, and thrilled to continue our partnership with EPA," said Civic Works Director Eli Allen. "This grant will help address the critical need for skilled workers in our local environmental remediation industry, and build pathways to family-sustaining careers for unemployed and underemployed Baltimore residents."

EPA continues to support the EWDJT program to help put people to work by building a skilled workforce across the country. The program awards competitive grants to nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities to recruit, train and place unemployed and underemployed individuals. Individuals completing the training have often overcome a variety of barriers to employment. Many are from low-income neighborhoods. The training programs also serve dislocated workers who have lost their jobs due to manufacturing plant closures, minorities, tribal members, transitioning veterans, ex-offenders and other individuals who may have faced barriers to employment.

Since 1998, when the EWDJT grant program started, more than 288 grants have been awarded. Over 17,100 individuals have completed training, and of those, more than 12,500 individuals have been placed in full-time employment earning an average starting wage of over $14 an hour. This equates to a cumulative job placement rate of 73 percent of graduates.

For more information on EWDJT grantees, including past EWDJT grantees, please visit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/bf_factsheets/.

For more information on EPA's EWDJT program, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-brownfields-grant-funding.

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