EPA Announces Development of Water Reuse Action Plan

 

 EPA Announces Development of Water Reuse Action Plan

EPA will work across the water sector to lead the development of an integrated

management approach for our Nation's water resources

WASHINGTON (February 27, 2019) — Today, at a summit in San Francisco, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the development of a Water Reuse Action Plan that will leverage the expertise of both industry and government to ensure the effective use of the nation's water resources.

"The Nation's water resources are the lifeblood of our communities, and the federal government has the responsibility to ensure all Americans have access to reliable sources of clean and safe water," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross. "There is innovative work happening across the water sector to advance water reuse, and the EPA will provide the leadership needed to bring these ideas together."

EPA is providing leadership by bringing together the experts across the water sector and identifying a path forward that bring more that goes to users while maintaining robust protection of human health and the environment.

Under EPA's leadership, the Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) will seek to foster water reuse as a component of integrated water resource management. EPA will facilitate discussions among federal, state, and water sector stakeholders and form new partnerships to not only develop, but ultimately deploy the plan. A draft of the plan is scheduled for release and public review in September at the Annual WateReuse Symposium in San Diego.

EPA's actions are part of a larger effort by the Trump Administration to better coordinate and focus resources and activities on some of the nation's most challenging water resource concerns, including ensuring water availability and mitigating the risks posed by droughts, saltwater intrusion of fresh groundwater, groundwater scarcity, climate change, and several other site-specific stressors.

"DOI is excited about forging this partnership with EPA, so they we can leverage each other's success and move forward on one path," said Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tim Petty. "Communities across the country are facing water shortages, and it is the role of the federal government to ensure that all have reliable access to the water needed to protect human health and maintain our robust economy."

EPA has previously supported water reuse efforts, including development of the 2017 Potable Reuse Compendium and Guidelines for Water Reuse, but the Water Reuse Action Plan is the first water reuse initiative of this magnitude that is coordinated across the water sector. Ongoing efforts by other federal agencies, such as the Department of Energy (DOE)-launched Grand Water Security Challenge, and by various non-governmental organizations dedicated to water resources management, will be coordinated and leveraged as part of the overarching strategy to advance water reuse.

For more information, including opportunities to engage with EPA on this effort, visit: www.epa.gov/waterreuse/water-reuse-action-plan.

BACKGROUND

Water reuse – sometimes referred to as water recycling – may be viable for various applications, depending on site-specific conditions. Examples include agriculture and irrigation, potable water supplies, groundwater replenishment, industrial processes, and environmental restoration.

In developing the Water Reuse Action Plan, EPA and its partners will evaluate these and other opportunities for reuse to identify the opportunities and challenges in the following areas:

• Technological improvements, including development, piloting, validation, and data considerations;
• Regulatory/policy analysis at all levels of government, including public health considerations and addressing barriers to progress;
• Financial initiatives, including expansion and clarity in available funding mechanisms;
• Performance requirements, including efforts to ensure the quality of reused water is "fit" or appropriate for the intended purpose;
• Access to water use and availability data, including the encouragement of watershed-based information sharing; and
• Outreach opportunities, including efforts to ensure public understanding of reused water as part of integrated water management.

 

 

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Statement on the U.S. Senate Confirmation of Andrew Wheeler as EPA Administrator

Statement on the U.S. Senate Confirmation of Andrew Wheeler as EPA Administrator

"It is truly humbling to serve the American public as EPA Administrator," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "I want to thank President Trump for nominating me and Leader McConnell and Chairman Barrasso for navigating my confirmation through the Senate. I am deeply honored, and I look forward to continuing the President's agenda and the work of the Agency alongside all my EPA colleagues."

 

 

 

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EPA Partners with Second Helpings Atlanta to Reduce Food Waste and Fight Hunger at Super Bowl LIII

EPA Partners with Second Helpings Atlanta to Reduce

Food Waste and Fight Hunger at Super Bowl LIII

Move over, Belichick-Brady. Super Bowl LIII had an even bigger save with the EPA-Second Helpings Atlanta partnership that prevented 17,044 pounds of food from going to waste.

This year, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Atlanta office worked closely with the non-profit food rescue organization Second Helpings Atlanta to recover surplus food from corporate events leading up to and including Super Bowl LIII held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In total, Second Helpings Atlanta rescued 17,044 pounds of food from Super Bowl LIII and distributed it to 21 partner agencies. The food collected was enough to provide 14,203 healthy meals to those in need in Atlanta.

"Food waste is the single largest type of waste thrown away in our household trash," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "EPA is proud to partner with Second Helpings Atlanta to make sure edible food doesn't go to waste, but instead goes to those in need."

"Preventing wasted food and providing food to people in need has significant social, financial and environmental benefits," said EPA Acting Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker. "EPA's successful coordination with the Atlanta Mercedes Benz Stadium and Second Helpings Atlanta shows how organizations and groups can partner towards meaningful food recovery contributions in a community."

"Second Helpings Atlanta is pleased to be working with the EPA Region 4 in Atlanta and appreciates the enthusiasm and commitment they bring to each food rescue opportunity. The impact we make in the community would not be possible without dedicated employees at the EPA. We look forward to expanding our relationship and continuing to do great things together in 2019," said Joe Labriola, Second Helpings Atlanta's Executive Director.

EPA is part of the Winning on Reducing Food Waste Initiative, a collaborative effort among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration to reduce food loss and waste through combined and agency-specific action. EPA's Food Recovery Challenge (FRC) has over 1,000 businesses, governments and organizations participating. In 2017, FRC participants prevented or diverted almost 648,000 tons of food from entering landfills or incinerators, saving participants up to $31.2 million in avoided landfill tipping fees. The Patriot's

Gillette Stadium is an FRC participant and in 2017 delivered all pre and post-consumer food waste to Jordan's Farm in Rutland, Mass. to be converted to energy by an anaerobic digester. The LA Ram's stadium, the LA Coliseum, is the largest NFL stadium to go zero waste and donates surplus food to the St. Francis Center in Los Angeles.

Second Helpings Atlanta (SHA) is a non-profit food rescue organization whose mission is to reduce hunger and food waste in the metro Atlanta area by rescuing healthy, surplus food and delivering it to partner agencies who feed the hungry every day. With a community of more than 450 volunteers, SHA rescued 1.64 million pounds of food in 2018, enough to provide more than 1.37 million nutritious meals that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill.

To learn more about Second Helpings Atlanta, visit: www.secondhelpingsatlanta.org

For more information on EPA's work in the Sustainable Management of Food, visit: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food

 

 

 

 

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EPA Retains National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Sulfur Dioxide

 EPA Retains National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Sulfur Dioxide

WASHINGTON The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its final decision to retain without changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for sulfur dioxide (SO2). This decision comes after carefully reviewing the most recent available scientific evidence and risk and exposure information and consulting with the agency's independent science advisors.

"The United States has made great strides in reducing SO2 concentrations," said EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum. "Based on review of the scientific literature, recommendation from our independent science advisors, and public comment, we have concluded that the existing standard continues to provide adequate health protection to our most vulnerable populations."

As a result of Clean Air Act programs and efforts by state, local and tribal governments as well as technological improvements, SO2 concentrations in the U.S. fell by more than 85 percent between 1990 and 2017 and more than 60 percent since 2010. These data accompany similar long-term trends showing air quality improvements:

• Between 1970 and 2017, combined emissions of six common air pollutants declined by 73 percent, while the U.S. economy increased more than 260 percent.
• EPA's latest report on power plant emissions also shows that SO2 emissions from power plants fell six percent between 2017 and 2018.
• Since 1990, annual emissions of SO2 from power plants fell by 92 percent, and annual emissions of NOx from power plants fell by 84 percent.

Background

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set NAAQS for "criteria pollutants." Currently, SO2 and five other major pollutants are listed as criteria pollutants. The law also requires EPA to periodically review the relevant scientific information and primary (health-based) standards. If appropriate, EPA revises the standards to ensure they provide requisite protection for public health, allowing for an adequate margin of safety.

The EPA and its independent advisors on this topic, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), agree that this existing standard continues to provide health protection and "that the current scientific literature does not support revision of the primary NAAQS for SO2."

More information about the rule can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/primary-national-ambient-air-quality-standard-naaqs-sulfur-dioxide.

 

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Applications Being Accepted for K-12 Student and Teacher Awards/Applications are due March 8, 2019

 

 Applications Now Being Accepted for K-12 Student and Teacher Awards

Applications are due March 8, 2019

WASHINGTON — Applications are now being accepted for the President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) and The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Award (PIAEE). 

EPA is seeking PEYA and PIAEE awards applications that highlight environmental stewardship in a variety of areas, including the following: environmental sustainability: a healthy school environment including projects that reduce food waste in school cafeterias; environmentally friendly agriculture practices; reducing human contributions to ocean litter and how to prevent it; school gardens; recycling; or using STEM to teach environmental education.

The PEYA program recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects by K-12 youth, promoting awareness of our nation's natural resources and encouraging positive community involvement. 

PEYA is an annual award administered by the Office of Environmental Education at EPA. Since 1971, EPA has recognized young people for protecting our nation's air, water, land, and ecology. Each year the PEYA program honors a wide variety of projects developed by young individuals, school classes (kindergarten through high school), summer camps, public interest groups, and youth organizations to promote environmental awareness. Through environmental education and stewardship activities, students develop the critical thinking skills experience to make informed decisions and take responsible actions to address difficult environmental issues.

EPA will select up to two winners in each of EPA's 10 Regions – one regional winner for Grades K-5 and one regional winner for Grades 6-12.  Winners of this year's awards will be invited to a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in mid-2019, and have their project mentioned on EPA's website.

All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21. The application and eligibility information are available at: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award.

For more information, please contact PEYA@epa.gov.

The PIAEE is an annual award program administered by the Office of Environmental Education at EPA. Since 1971, the EPA has recognized exceptional K-12 teachers employing innovative, interactive approaches to environmental education. It is one of the most important ways EPA and the Administration demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship efforts created and conducted by our nation's teachers. 

PIAEE awardees will receive an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further the recipient's professional development in environmental education. The teacher's local education agency will also receive an award of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs (and not for construction costs, general expenses, salaries, bonuses, or other administrative expenses).

EPA will select up to two winners in each of EPA's 10 Regions.

For information on recent winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-honors-award-winning-environmental-education-teachers-and-students

Details regarding application requirements and descriptions of winning projects since 2002 can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators

For more information, please contact: PIAEE@epa.gov.
 

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EPA Provides $202 Million Loan to Modernize Baltimore’s Wastewater Infrastructure

 EPA Provides $202 Million Loan to Modernize Baltimore's Wastewater Infrastructure

WIFIA loan to help finance water infrastructure upgrades that will better protect public health

and water quality for 1.8 million Baltimore residents

BALTIMORE (February 25, 2019) — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a $202 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the City of Baltimore, Md., to help the city make system-wide upgrades to its aging wastewater infrastructure at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. Administrator Wheeler was joined by Maryland U.S.

Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Mayor Catherine Pugh, Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles, Baltimore County Executive John A. Olszewski Jr., Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph Chow, and EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio.

"This WIFIA loan will help Baltimore modernize its wastewater infrastructure, protect human health, and prevent sewage and polluted runoff from entering the Chesapeake Bay," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Through WIFIA, EPA is playing a leading role in President Trump's efforts to upgrade our nation's infrastructure, create jobs, and safeguard public health and the environment."

"Maryland appreciates the support of our federal partners in helping Baltimore City promote public health and ensuring that we continue making historic progress to restore our most precious natural asset, the Chesapeake Bay," said Governor Larry Hogan.

"This is tremendous news for the people of Baltimore. Continued federal support for water infrastructure is an investment in public health, good jobs and economic stability for our neighborhoods," said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. "Every community has a right to expect that water coming from their tap is safe to drink. I'm proud of our continued effort to make needed upgrades and repairs to drinking and wastewater systems that reduce the burden on consumers."

"Every Marylander deserves safe drinking water and wastewater treatment systems that keep our rivers and Bay clean. This major federal investment will support Baltimore City's efforts to install pollution control technology and help prevent residents from paying even higher water bills. I was pleased to work with the EPA and Baltimore leaders to make this happen, and I will continue fighting for funding to modernize our infrastructure and improve our water quality," said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Like many urban centers, the City of Baltimore is facing the immediate challenges of aging wastewater infrastructure. With EPA's WIFIA loan, the City of Baltimore will complete 14 projects that will include a series of repairs and upgrades across its large wastewater conveyance system, finish upgrades to the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, and make improvements to its stormwater management system. Together, these projects improve the reliability and performance of the city's wastewater infrastructure, reduce polluted runoff and sewage from flowing into the Inner Harbor, and safeguard the significant investments that have been made toward restoring the Chesapeake Bay.

"Our water and wastewater customers have been required to shoulder the burden of paying for these long overdue and essential improvements," said Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh. "Making these critical investments is not only long-overdue, but vital to Baltimore becoming a truly 21st Century City. We are grateful to the EPA for this low-interest loan that will assist us in managing effectively the significant costs associated with our infrastructure improvement efforts."

Baltimore's project is estimated to cost $942 million. EPA's WIFIA loan will help finance more than twenty percent of that amount—up to $202 million. Additionally, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will finance approximately $280.5 million from its Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund and approximately $47.5 million from the Bay Restoration Grant Fund. The Maryland Water Quality Revolving Loan Fund receives an annual grant from EPA, including nearly $39 million in 2018. Because both the WIFIA program and the MDE loan program, offer low interest rates, the City is expected to realize significant cost savings. The WIFIA loan alone will save the City up to $40 million.

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 credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. EPA's

WIFIA program plays an important part in President Trump's Infrastructure Plan, which calls for expanding project eligibility. To date, EPA has issued seven loans totaling nearly $2 billion in WIFIA credit assistance. Combined, these seven projects will create over 6,000 jobs.

On Nov. 1, 2018, EPA invited 39 projects in 16 states and D.C. to apply for a WIFIA loan. Together, the selected borrowers will receive WIFIA loans totaling approximately $5 billion to help finance over $10 billion in water infrastructure investments and create up to 155,000 jobs.

For more information about the WIFIA program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/wifia.

Back row left to right: Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD), Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Baltimore County Executive John A. Olszewski Jr., Maryland

Department of the Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles

First row: Mayor of Baltimore Catherine Pugh, EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler

 

 

 

 

 

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Acting Administrator Wheeler Host Western Governors

  Acting Administrator Wheeler Host Western Governors

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler hosted 14 members of the Western Governors' Association (WGA) for a breakfast roundtable discussion alongside U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta and U.S. Department of the Interior Acting Secretary David Bernhardt.

"It is an honor to host the Western Governors Association and their members at EPA to discuss public health and environmental issues impacting their home states," said Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "From upgrading water infrastructure to addressing emerging chemicals of concern, we are delivering on President Trump's agenda and working closely with our state partners to improve public health and environmental protections for all Americans."

EPA has now hosted three bipartisan breakfast roundtables with WGA during the Trump Administration. From funding for major water infrastructure projects to responding to disasters, Under President Trump's leadership federal cooperation and collaboration with our state partners has never been stronger.

WGA is a bipartisan group of Republican, Democratic, and Independent governors from 19 Western states and three U.S. territories in the Pacific. More about WGA: https://www.westgov.org/

Participants in today's breakfast (Left to Right): Governor Ralph Torres (C.N.M.I.), Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, Governor Brad Little (Idaho), Governor Lou Leon Guerrero (Guam), Governor Kristi Noem (S.D.), Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, Governor Kevin Stitt (Okla.), Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Governor Doug Burgum (N.D.), Governor Gary Herbert (Utah), Governor Steve Sisolak (Nev.), Governor David Ige (Hawaii), Governor Kate Brown (Ore.), Governor Mark Gordon (Wyo.), Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (N.M.), Governor Laura Kelly (Kan.), Not pictured: Governor Jay Inslee (Wash.).

 

 

 

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EPA Seeks Nominations for Members of Great Lakes Advisory Board

 

EPA Seeks Nominations for Members of Great Lakes Advisory Board

CHICAGO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates who desire to serve as members of EPA's Great Lakes Advisory Board (GLAB).

The GLAB was re-established in December 2018 following Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler's approval of the Board's charter. It will provide advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator through the Great Lakes National Program Manager on matters related to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the implementation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the United States and Canada.

The GLAB will be composed of approximately fifteen members who will serve as representative members of non-federal interests. EPA will consider candidates representing a broad range of interests, including business groups, environmental organizations, academia and state, local and tribal governments. In selecting members, EPA will consider the differing perspectives needed to address the GLAB's charter.

Other criteria used to evaluate nominees will include:

• Experience with Great Lakes issues;
• Leadership and consensus-building experience in Great Lakes organizations, businesses and workgroups;
• Membership in professional societies involved with Great Lakes issues;
• Academic leadership and expertise;
• Community leadership; and
• Representation of multiple constituencies within the Great Lakes basin.

The GLAB will meet in person or by electronic means twice a year. In-person meetings will be held in the Great Lakes region.

Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to the GLAB. Individuals may self-nominate. Nominations may be submitted electronically with the subject line "GLAB Nomination 2019" to Barnes.Edlynzia@epa.gov, or by regular mail to Edlynzia Barnes, Designated Federal Officer, Great Lakes National Program Office, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 77 W Jackson Blvd. (G-9J), Chicago, IL 60604.

For more information visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/21/2019-02989/request-for-nominations-to-the-great-lakes-advisory-board  

 

 

 

 

 

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EPA Releases 2018 Power Plant Emissions Demonstrating Continued Progress

 

EPA Releases 2018 Power Plant Emissions Demonstrating Continued Progress

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released preliminary data on 2018 emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) from power plants in the lower 48 states. This data shows a decline in both NOx and SO2 emissions compared to 2017.

"These data show that America is enjoying ever cleaner air as our economy grows, and the U.S. continues as a global leader in clean air progress," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum. "Through state and federal fulfillment of the Clean Air Act, and advances by the power sector, we've seen significant reductions in key pollutants while electricity generation has increased."

The data shows a 4 percent decline in NOx emissions compared to 2017, and a 6 percent decline in SO2. Annual CO2 from power plants rose by just 0.6 percent during the same time period, even while electric generation increased by 5 percent.

From 1990-2018, annual emissions of SO2 from power plants fell by 92 percent and annual emissions of NOx from power plants fell by 84 percent. Total 2018 annual emissions were 1.26 million tons for SO2 and 1.02 million tons for NOx.

These data support longer term trends in air quality progress. For example:

• From 1970 to 2017, the combined emissions of the six key pollutants regulated under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards dropped by 73 percent, while the U.S. economy grew more than 260 percent and the population continued to expand.
• Over the last decade, concentrations of sulfur dioxide have fallen by over 75 percent in the U.S.
• Carbon dioxide emissions from power plants dropped by roughly 20 percent since 2011.
• For power plants that EPA and states regulate to address cross-border ozone contributions, NOx emissions dropped by over 20 percent between the 2016 and 2018 ozone seasons.

As part of EPA's commitment to provide the public with access to high quality, relevant and useful information on the power sector, all of the data collected by EPA is posted online and accessible to the public. EPA collects detailed SO2, NOX, and CO2 emission data and other information from power plants across the country, as part of Acid Rain Program, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule and the CSAPR Update Rule.

EPA has updated our Power Plant Emission Trends webpage with data from 2018. These pages offer charts, maps and summary tables of the most recent emission data and other information on power plants. Providing the recently reported 2018 emission data from power plants across the country in multiple formats helps the public understand how SO2, NOx and CO2 emissions from power plants are changing and when and where changes have occurred.

EPA also offers tools like the Power Profiler that enable people or organizations to plug in their zip code to learn emission rates and fuel mix for any part of the US, and also calculate emissions from their own electricity consumption.

Learn more at: https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/power-plant-emission-trends

 

 

 

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Puerto Rico Repays Clean Water and Drinking Water Fund Debt

 

The Government of Puerto Rico Repays Clean Water and Drinking Water Fund Debt 

WASHINGTON (February 20, 2019) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that the Government of Puerto Rico has repaid its $194.5 million debt to the Puerto Rico Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs). This milestone is the result of three years of dedicated effort between EPA and the Government of Puerto Rico to ensure that Puerto Rican communities can once again access low-interest loans to replace or upgrade aging or inadequate water infrastructure.

"Today's announcement is a welcome and important step toward returning the Puerto Rico State Revolving Funds to financial viability," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross. "The $194.5 million repayment to the Puerto Rico Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs means that these funds will be available to protect public health and pay for critically-needed drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects."

"Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated portions of Puerto Rico's infrastructure and made even more clear the critical need for lasting and sustainable improvements in Puerto Rico," said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. "Restoration of this funding is a critical step in EPA's comprehensive and continuing efforts to help Puerto Rico recover from the hurricanes, with a focus on helping communities and building capacity within Puerto Rico's government."

"The recapitalization of the Puerto Rico Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs) proves once more the commitment of Puerto Rico and the administration of Governor Ricardo Rosselló with the implementation of federal programs and the financing of projects that benefit the most vulnerable communities in the Island," said Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority Chief Executive Officer Christian Sobrino. "The Puerto Rico SRFs will be fully deposited in two recently created trusts to safeguard their future operations and provide accessible sources of financing to develop infrastructure projects to improve access to drinking water and maintenance of sanitary sewers in the communities of Puerto Rico."

More information on SRFs:

Drinking Water: https://www.epa.gov/drinkingwatersrf

Clean Water: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf

Background

During the Puerto Rico financial crisis of 2016, the Puerto Rico Government Development Bank (GDB), which served as the fiscal agent of the Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs, declared bankruptcy. At the time, GDB held a balance of approximately $194 million in SRF money. To address the situation, the Government of Puerto Rico recognized GDB's debt due to the SRFs and included the debt repayment in its fiscal plans. It also appointed the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority as the new fiscal agent for the Puerto Rico State Revolving Funds.

Under the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs, EPA provides grants to all 50 states and Puerto Rico to capitalize SRF loan programs. The states and Puerto Rico contribute an additional 20 percent to match the federal grants.

The 51 SRF programs function like infrastructure banks by providing low- interest loans to eligible recipients for drinking water and clean water infrastructure projects. As the loan principal and interest are repaid over time, it allows the state's DWSRF or CWSRF to be recycled or "revolve." As money is returned to the state's revolving loan fund, the state makes new loans to other eligible recipients.

 

 

 

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EPA Releases First Major Update to Chemicals List in 40 Years

EPA Releases First Major Update to Chemicals List in 40 Years

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an update of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory listing the chemicals that are actively being manufactured, processed and imported in the United States.

A key result of the update is that less than half of the total number of chemicals on the current TSCA Inventory (47 percent or 40,655 of the 86,228 chemicals) are currently in commerce. As the result of a tremendous effort on behalf of thousands of stakeholders and manufacturers from across the country, this information will help EPA focus risk evaluation efforts on chemicals that are still on the market.

"It's important for us to know which chemicals are actually in use today. This will help us with our work prioritizing chemicals, evaluating and addressing risks. This information also increases transparency to the public," said Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Assistant Administrator Alexandra Dapolito Dunn.

As recently as 2018, the TSCA Inventory showed over 86,000 chemicals available for commercial production and use in the U.S. Until this update, it was not known which of these chemicals on the TSCA Inventory were actually in commerce. Under amended TSCA – The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21 Century Act – EPA was required to update the list and designate which chemicals are active or inactive in U.S. commerce.

More than 80 percent (32,898) of the chemicals in commerce have identities that are not Confidential Business Information (CBI), increasing public access to additional information about them. For the less than 20 percent of the chemicals in commerce that have confidential identities, EPA is developing a rule outlining how the Agency will review and substantiate all CBI claims seeking to protect the specific chemical identities of substances on the confidential portion of the TSCA Inventory. 

From August 11, 2017 through October 5, 2018, chemical manufacturers and processors provided information on which chemicals were manufactured, imported or processed in the U.S. over the past ten years, the period ending June 21, 2016. The agency received more than 90,000 responses, which represents a significant reporting effort by manufacturers, importers and processors.

To download the public version of the initial TSCA Inventory, get more information about the TSCA Inventory Notification (Active-Inactive) Requirements rule, or requirements to notify EPA going forward: http://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory.

 

 

 

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Partnership for the Delaware Estuary to Announce Comprehensive Plan

	UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION III - OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 1650 Arch Street  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  19103-2029 Phone - 215/814-5100    Fax - 215/814-5102 EPA Media Advisory

Contact: Terri White 215-814-5523 White.Terri-A@epa.gov

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary to Announce Comprehensive Plan

New Mussel Hatchery at Bartram's Garden Planned

 

WHAT: The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary will hold a press conference to kick off its revised 10-year comprehensive conservation and management plan and highlight plans to restore freshwater mussels to help improve water quality in area waterways. The revised plan aims to make watershed improvements to benefit the millions of people who live, work, and play in the tri-state region (PA, NJ, DE).

 

WHO: Jennifer Adkins, Executive Director, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Cosmo Servidio, Regional Administrator (Region 3), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;

Pete Lopez, Regional Administrator (Region 2), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;

Shawn M. Garvin, Secretary, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control;

Aneca Atkinson, Acting Deputy Secretary for Water Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection;

Debra McCarty, Commissioner, Philadelphia Water Department, and,

Steve Tambini, Executive Director, Delaware River Basin Commission.  

 

WHEN: 10:00 a.m.  Tuesday, February 19  

 

WHERE: Bartram's Garden (Barn)
5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19143

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Acting Administrator Wheeler Signs MOU with National FFA Organization to Enhance Environmental Ed.

EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler Signs MOU with National FFA Organization to Enhance Environmental Education WASHINGTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a first-time Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National FFA Organization to advance educational outreach for EPA's ongoing environmental and public health initiatives. "Today's MOU will expand EPA's environmental education programs to an important and diverse new audience: the National FFA Organization's 670,000 student members," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "The MOU reflects the importance of agricultural practices in promoting environmental stewardship and builds on our recent collaborations with America's farmers and ranchers." "This agreement between FFA and EPA recognizes how FFA members are ready to be leaders in environmental fields," said National FFA President Luke O'Leary. "Whether it's studying pH levels in soil or running experiments to reduce water runoff, we're active stewards in preserving and enhancing the resources needed to grow our food." EPA will continue to work with FFA to ensure environmental education is learned and practiced by all Americans to achieve EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment.  Click here to read the full MOU.  Background The National FFA organization is made up of more than 670,000 student members as part of local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. The FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. National FFA President Luke O'Leary shakes hands with EPA Associate Deputy Administrator and Chief of Operations Henry Darwin after signing the MOU. Acting Administrator Wheeler meets with National FFA members.

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Acting Administrator Wheeler Signs MOU with National FFA Organization to Enhance Environmental E

 

EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler Signs MOU with National FFA Organization to Enhance Environmental Education

WASHINGTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a first-time Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National FFA Organization to advance educational outreach for EPA's ongoing environmental and public health initiatives.

"Today's MOU will expand EPA's environmental education programs to an important and diverse new audience: the National FFA Organization's 670,000 student members," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "The MOU reflects the importance of agricultural practices in promoting environmental stewardship and builds on our recent collaborations with America's farmers and ranchers."

"This agreement between FFA and EPA recognizes how FFA members are ready to be leaders in environmental fields," said National FFA President Luke O'Leary. "Whether it's studying pH levels in soil or running experiments to reduce water runoff, we're active stewards in preserving and enhancing the resources needed to grow our food."

EPA will continue to work with FFA to ensure environmental education is learned and practiced by all Americans to achieve EPA's mission of protecting human health and the environment. 

Click here to read the full MOU.

Background

The National FFA organization is made up of more than 670,000 student members as part of local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. The FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

 

 

 

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EPA News: EPA Acting Administrator Announces First-Ever Comprehensive Nationwide PFAS Action Plan

EPA Acting Administrator Announces First-Ever Comprehensive Nationwide PFAS Action Plan

Historic plan outlines concrete steps the agency is taking to address PFAS and to protect public health

PHILADELPHIA (February 14, 2019) — Today, at an event in Philadelphia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced EPA's Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan. This historic PFAS Action Plan responds to extensive public interest and input the agency has received over the past year and represents the first time EPA has built a multi-media, multi-program, national communication and research plan to address an emerging environmental challenge like PFAS. EPA's Action Plan identifies both short-term solutions for addressing these chemicals and long-term strategies that will help provide the tools and technologies states, tribes, and local communities need to provide clean and safe drinking water to their residents and to address PFAS at the source—even before it gets into the water.

"The PFAS Action Plan is the most comprehensive cross-agency plan to address an emerging chemical of concern ever undertaken by EPA," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "For the first time in Agency history, we utilized all of our program offices to construct an all-encompassing plan to help states and local communities address PFAS and protect our nation's drinking water. We are moving forward with several important actions, including the maximum contaminant level process, that will help affected communities better monitor, detect, and address PFAS."

The Action Plan describes long- and short-term actions that the EPA is taking including:

•           Drinking water: EPA is moving forward with the maximum contaminant level (MCL) process outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act for PFOA and PFOS—two of the most well-known and prevalent PFAS chemicals. By the end of this year, EPA will propose a regulatory determination, which is the next step in the Safe Drinking Water Act process for establishing an MCL.

•           Clean up: EPA has already begun the regulatory development process for listing PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances and will issue interim groundwater cleanup recommendations for sites contaminated with PFOA and PFOS. This important work will provide additional tools to help states and communities address existing contamination and enhance the ability to hold responsible parties accountable.

•           Enforcement: EPA will use available enforcement tools to address PFAS exposure in the environment and assist states in enforcement activities.

•           Monitoring: EPA will propose to include PFAS in nationwide drinking water monitoring under the next Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Program. The agency will also consider PFAS chemicals for listing in the Toxics Release Inventory to help the agency identify where these chemicals are being released.

•           Research: EPA will develop new analytical methods so that more PFAS chemicals can be detected in drinking water, in soil, and in groundwater. These efforts will improve our ability to monitor and assess potential risks. EPA's research efforts also include developing new technologies and treatment options to remove PFAS from drinking water at contaminated sites.

•           Risk Communications: EPA will work across the agency—and the federal government—to develop a PFAS risk communication toolbox that includes materials that states, tribes, and local partners can use to effectively communicate with the public.

•           Together, these efforts will help EPA and its partners identify and better understand PFAS contaminants generally, clean up current PFAS contamination, prevent future contamination, and effectively communicate risk with the public. To implement the Action Plan, EPA will continue to work in close coordination with multiple entities, including other federal agencies, states, tribes, local governments, water utilities, industry, and the public.

For more visit:  www.epa.gov/pfas

Background

In May 2018, EPA convened a two-day National Leadership Summit on PFAS in Washington, D.C. that brought together more than 200 federal, state, and local leaders from across the country to discuss steps to address PFAS. Following the Summit, the agency hosted a series of visits during the summer of 2018 in communities directly impacted by PFAS. EPA interacted with more than 1,000 people during community engagement events in Exeter, New Hampshire, Horsham, Pennsylvania, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Leavenworth, Kansas as well as through a roundtable in Kalamazoo, Michigan and events with tribal representatives in Spokane, Washington. The Action Plan was developed based on feedback from these events in addition to information received from approximately 120,000 comments submitted to the public docket.

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Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

EPA Acting Administrator Announces First-Ever Comprehensive Nationwide PFAS Action Plan

EPA Acting Administrator Announces First-Ever Comprehensive Nationwide PFAS Action Plan

Historic plan outlines concrete steps the agency is taking to address

PFAS and to protect public health

PHILADELPHIA (February 14, 2019) — Today, at an event in Philadelphia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced EPA's Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan. This historic PFAS Action Plan responds to extensive public interest and input the agency has received over the past year and represents the first time EPA has built a multi-media, multi-program, national communication and research plan to address an emerging environmental challenge like PFAS. EPA's Action Plan identifies both short-term solutions for addressing these chemicals and long-term strategies that will help provide the tools and technologies states, tribes, and local communities need to provide clean and safe drinking water to their residents and to address PFAS at the source—even before it gets into the water.

"The PFAS Action Plan is the most comprehensive cross-agency plan to address an emerging chemical of concern ever undertaken by EPA," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "For the first time in Agency history, we utilized all of our program offices to construct an all-encompassing plan to help states and local communities address PFAS and protect our nation's drinking water. We are moving forward with several important actions, including the maximum contaminant level process, that will help affected communities better monitor, detect, and address PFAS."

The Action Plan describes long- and short-term actions that the EPA is taking including:

• Drinking water: EPA is moving forward with the maximum contaminant level (MCL) process outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act for PFOA and PFOS—two of the most well-known and prevalent PFAS chemicals. By the end of this year, EPA will propose a regulatory determination, which is the next step in the Safe Drinking Water Act process for establishing an MCL.

• Clean up: EPA has already begun the regulatory development process for listing PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances and will issue interim groundwater cleanup recommendations for sites contaminated with PFOA and PFOS. This important work will provide additional tools to help states and communities address existing contamination and enhance the ability to hold responsible parties accountable.

• Enforcement: EPA will use available enforcement tools to address PFAS exposure in the environment and assist states in enforcement activities.

• Monitoring: EPA will propose to include PFAS in nationwide drinking water monitoring under the next Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Program. The agency will also consider PFAS chemicals for listing in the Toxics Release Inventory to help the agency identify where these chemicals are being released.

• Research: EPA will develop new analytical methods so that more PFAS chemicals can be detected in drinking water, in soil, and in groundwater. These efforts will improve our ability to monitor and assess potential risks. EPA's research efforts also include developing new technologies and treatment options to remove PFAS from drinking water at contaminated sites.

• Risk Communications: EPA will work across the agency—and the federal government—to develop a PFAS risk communication toolbox that includes materials that states, tribes, and local partners can use to effectively communicate with the public.

• Together, these efforts will help EPA and its partners identify and better understand PFAS contaminants generally, clean up current PFAS contamination, prevent future contamination, and effectively communicate risk with the public. To implement the Action Plan, EPA will continue to work in close coordination with multiple entities, including other federal agencies, states, tribes, local governments, water utilities, industry, and the public.

For more visit:  www.epa.gov/pfas

Background

In May 2018, EPA convened a two-day National Leadership Summit on PFAS in Washington, D.C. that brought together more than 200 federal, state, and local leaders from across the country to discuss steps to address PFAS. Following the Summit, the agency hosted a series of visits during the summer of 2018 in communities directly impacted by PFAS. EPA interacted with more than 1,000 people during community engagement events in Exeter, New Hampshire, Horsham, Pennsylvania, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Leavenworth, Kansas as well as through a roundtable in Kalamazoo, Michigan and events with tribal representatives in Spokane, Washington. The Action Plan was developed based on feedback from these events in addition to information received from approximately 120,000 comments submitted to the public docket.

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

 

 

 

 

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EPA Funds Small Business to Develop Environmental Technologies

  EPA Funds Small Business to Develop Environmental Technologies

WASHINGTON (February 13, 2019) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced five Phase II contracts to small businesses to further develop and commercialize innovative technologies to protect the environment through EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.

"Innovation and technology are key to solving many of the environmental challenges we face today," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Through EPA's SBIR program, we are providing small businesses with the financial support they need to develop new groundbreaking technologies, including advanced air quality monitors and mobile platforms to detect lead in drinking water." 

SBIR Phase II recipients include:

• Giner, Inc., Newton, Mass., to develop a monitor that is capable of continuously measuring formaldehyde.
• Ecovative Design LLC, Green Island, N.Y., to use mushroom-based structures for a novel approach to manufacturing wood particleboard.
• NanoSafe, Inc., Blacksburg, Va., to develop an inexpensive mobile platform for lead detection in drinking water.
• Vaporsens, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, to produce low-cost chemical sensors to detect indoor formaldehyde.
• Instrumental Polymer Technologies, LLC, Westlake Village, Calif., to develop a sustainable and easily biodegradable polycarbonate plastic that is recyclable.

EPA's SBIR funding boosts local economies by empowering small businesses to create jobs while developing novel technologies in areas such as cleaner manufacturing, greener materials, and improved infrastructure in communities. Phase II funding is specifically aimed at supporting these companies to bring their technologies to the marketplace.

For more information on EPA's SBIR Phase II recipients, visit: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipients.display/rfa_id/646/records_per_page/ALL.  

Background

EPA's SBIR program is a two-phase competition. In Phase I, these small businesses competed for an award of $100,000 for research that addressed key environmental issues. Companies that received a Phase I award, were then eligible to compete for a Phase II award of $300,000 to further develop and commercialize this environmental technology.

EPA is one of 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program, which was enacted in 1982 to strengthen the role of small businesses in federal research and development, create jobs, and promote U.S. technical innovation. To be eligible, a company must be an organized, for-profit U.S. business and have fewer than 500 employees.

Learn more about EPA's SBIR program at: www.epa.gov/sbir.

Learn more about SBIR across the federal government at: www.SBIR.gov.

 

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