EPA Approves U.S. Virgin Islands Solid Waste Program

EPA Approves U.S. Virgin Islands Solid Waste Program

Contact: Sonia Mohabir, mohabir.sonia@epa.gov, (212) 637-3241

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (December 31, 2019) - As part of its continuing efforts to help the Caribbean develop solid waste program capacity, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the U.S. Virgin Islands' municipal solid waste landfill permit program. This approval is a significant accomplishment for the territory and enables the expansion of existing landfills, construction of new landfills, and design and operational flexibilities such as alternative daily cover and alternative financial assurance mechanisms. These authorities are essential to ensure that solid waste can be safely and sustainably managed.

Before making its final decision to approve the U.S. Virgin Islands' program, EPA took public comments for 60 days and held three public hearings in July of 2019. Most commenters supported the approval and several requested clarifications on the roles associated with USVI's solid waste management and implications of approval. EPA has provided responses, including the overview of the statutory role of the USVI and the federal government with respect to solid waste management and the required compliance with landfill regulations established to protect human health and the environment.

"I am very pleased that we were able to finalize our decision to authorize the U.S. Virgin Islands' solid waste landfill permit program," said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. "This approval empowers the USVI government to make necessary improvements to its solid waste management system and facilitates the Territory's path toward a resilient future. EPA is working continuously with the USVI to help it build capacity to reduce waste, prepare for managing waste from future storms, increase recycling, and promote a comprehensive and robust solid waste management program."

"With much excitement, the United States Virgin Islands reached a historic moment by receiving the authority to permit landfills," said Division of Environmental Protection Director Kathlyn P. Worrell-George. "I am ecstatic that the Division of Environmental Protection team and I were able to play a major role in such a triumphant achievement. The territory has come a long way, and we are pleased."

The EPA is continuing to assess landfills throughout the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Working with our federal, territorial, community and education partners, EPA has convened stakeholders, facilitated dialogue, provided technical resources and supplied key information to empower local decision-makers to move ahead with a solid waste management program for the Caribbean. To support these efforts as part of the USVI's hurricane recovery, $10 million in supplemental funds have been allocated to the territory.

In addition, the results of a municipal solid waste characterization field study, funded by EPA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and completed by the University of the Virgin Islands, are expected to be released in February 2020. This study is the first step in developing and updating waste management programs and evaluating ways to reduce and manage waste and cut disposal costs. In addition to helping create an integrated waste management program, the data collected will inform the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands in its efforts to craft recycling policies.

A Federal Register notice for this approval was published on December 23, 2019, and can be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/12/23/2019-27666/territory-of-the-us-virgin-islands-final-determination-of-adequacy-of-us-virgin-islands-municipal

EPA's solid waste information gateway can be viewed at https://www.epa.gov/solidwaste.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page,

http://facebook.com/eparegion2.

19-118                                                                 

                                                                                                # # #         

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, New York,, NY 10007-1866 United States

Reminder: Apply for Student and Teacher Award Programs

Apply Now for Student and Teacher Award Programs EPA's Office of Environmental Education is now accepting applications for the 2020 President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). Winners will be invited to Washington, D.C. in mid-2020 to be honored by the agency and present their work in a poster session. Applications for both awards programs are due no later than January 15, 2020. Established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act (NEEA), PEYA recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects from Kindergarten to 12th grade, by promoting environmental awareness and encouraging community involvement. Also established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, PIAEE recognizes outstanding K-12 grade educators who integrate environmental and place-based, experiential learning into school curricula and school facility management across the country. Under NEAA, the White House Council on Environmental Quality assists EPA in administering the PIAEE awards program. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE 2020 AWARDS EPA is seeking 2020 PEYA and PIAEE award applications for projects on a variety of environmental topics, including (but not limited to), projects on:  reducing food waste and loss and excess food recovery efforts; reducing contributions to ocean and marine litter; solutions in recycling; using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to teach environmental education; environmental sustainability; sustainable agricultural practices; and healthy school environments. The President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects from grades K-12, by promoting environmental awareness and encouraging community involvement. 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 next year's awards will be invited to participate in an awards ceremony and poster session in Washington, D.C. in mid-2020, and their projects will also be highlighted on EPA's website. All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21. And, if the sponsor is not a teacher, the project must have a teacher as a co-sponsor. The application and eligibility information are available at: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award. The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) recognizes outstanding teachers for K-12 who employ innovative approaches to environmental education. Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive this award. Teachers will receive a Presidential plaque and an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further professional development in environmental education. Winning teachers' local education agencies will also receive awards of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs. Winners of next year's awards will be invited to participate in an awards ceremony and poster session in Washington, D.C. in mid-2020, and their projects will also be highlighted on EPA's website. The application and eligibility information are available at:  https://www.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators. For more information on the youth awards (PEYA), please contact: PEYA@epa.gov   For more information on the teacher (PIAEE) award, please contact: PIAEE@epa.gov

We encourage you to share EPA's Environmental Education eNewsletter with your colleagues.  To subscribe, visit: https://www.epa.gov/newsroom/email-subscriptions   Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education Office of the Administrator / U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States

EPA Extends Public Comment Period for Next Phase of Cleanup at the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek

EPA Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Plan for Next Phase of Cleanup at the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site in Gibbsboro, New Jersey

Contact: Sonia Mohabir, mohabir.sonia@epa.gov, (212) 637-3241

Gibbsboro, N.J. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed cleanup plan that includes a combination of technologies and methods to address the former paint manufacturing plant and adjoining areas of the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site in Gibbsboro to January 29, 2020. EPA's study of these areas shows that soil and sediment are contaminated with arsenic and lead, and soil in other areas are contaminated with paint solvents.

EPA's cleanup plan addresses a nearly 20-acre area where the former manufacturing plant operated, the headwaters of Hilliards Creek and adjoining areas, which include approximately six residential properties. At the former manufacturing plant area, the plan includes removing and disposing of approximately 67,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil from the site and backfilling with clean soil, groundwater monitoring, and institutional controls in the form of deed notices.

Floodplain soil and sediment within Upper Hilliards Creek would be excavated and disposed of off-site. Surface water will be monitored. The wetland areas will be restored with vegetation and soil similar in nature to previously existing wetlands.

In areas where paint solvents are present, the EPA is calling for the treatment of harmful chemicals through subsurface treatment. Certain areas containing soil contaminated with paint solvents may also be treated at the site by injecting non-hazardous additives to the subsurface soil to promote the biological breakdown of contaminants. The specific types of additives to be used will be determined by the EPA as part of the design of the cleanup. Soil gas collection systems will also be installed to collect and treat any harmful vapors.

Throughout the cleanup, EPA will monitor and further study the cleanup progress to ensure the effectiveness of the remedy. EPA will conduct a review of the cleanup every 5 years to ensure its effectiveness. Under the proposed plan, the estimated cost of cleanup is approximately $36 million.

Written comments on the proposed plan, postmarked no later than close of business January 29, 2020, may be mailed or emailed to: Ray Klimcsak, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway - 19^th Floor, New York, NY 10007, Email: klimcsak.raymond@epa.gov

 

To view the EPA's proposed plan for the site, please visit www.epa.gov/superfund/sherwin-williams

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2.

19-117

Gibb

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, New York,, NY 10007-1866 United States

EPA Releases PFAS Groundwater Guidance for Federal Cleanup Programs, Fulfilling PFAS Action Plan

EPA Releases PFAS Groundwater Guidance for Federal Cleanup Programs, Fulfilling PFAS Action Plan Commitment

WASHINGTON (Dec. 20, 2019) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) under federal cleanup programs, a priority action under EPA's PFAS Action Plan. Aggressively addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is an active and ongoing effort for the agency.

"Today, we are delivering on one of our most important commitments under the PFAS Action Plan," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "The interim recommendations will provide clear and consistent guidance for federal cleanup programs and will help protect drinking water resources in communities across the country. This is a critical tool for our state, tribal, and local partners to use to protect public health and address these chemicals."

"We welcome the EPA's release of the Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with PFOA/PFAS under federal cleanup programs," said the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO).  "Our members are working every day to address this important issue across the country and we look forward to reviewing the just released document, which we hope provides clear and consistent guidance on this evolving national issue."

Federal agencies and states have asked EPA to provide guidance on this issue, and EPA is following through on its commitment. After reviewing public comments on the agency's April 2019 draft guidance, EPA is finalizing these interim recommendations based on the available data and scientific information on PFAS toxicity. EPA acknowledges that the scientific information on these compounds continues to evolve. As part of the PFAS Action Plan, EPA is continuing to develop and assess toxicity information, test methods, laboratory methods, analytical methods, exposure models, and treatment methods, among other research efforts to improve our knowledge about this class of chemicals. As new information becomes available on other PFAS chemicals, the agency will consider additional recommendations as the agency advances its knowledge of these other substances. 

Today's Action

With these interim recommendations, EPA is prioritizing public health impacts by focusing on addressing groundwater that is a current or potential source of drinking water. The guidance recommends:

• Using a screening level of 40 parts per trillion (ppt) to determine if PFOA and/or PFOS is present at a site and may warrant further attention.
• Screening levels are risk-based values that are used to determine if levels of contamination may warrant further investigation at a site.
• Using EPA's PFOA and PFOS Lifetime Drinking Water Health Advisory level of 70 ppt as the preliminary remediation goal (PRG) for contaminated groundwater that is a current or potential source of drinking water, where no state or tribal MCL or other applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARARs) are available or sufficiently protective. 
• PRGs are generally initial targets for cleanup, which may be adjusted on a site-specific basis as more information becomes available.

The interim recommendations and additional information can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/interim-recommendations-addressing-groundwater-contaminated-pfoa-and-pfos

Background

These recommendations apply to cleanup sites being evaluated and addressed under federal programs, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) and corrective action under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The recommendations in this guidance may also be useful for state, tribal, or other regulatory authorities (e.g., federal facility cleanup programs and approved state RCRA corrective action programs); though, many states have promulgated state standards that may be considered ARARs under CERCLA. While EPA is issuing interim guidance, final remedial decisions under CERCLA will be specific to each site to ensure protectiveness, as required by statute.

Background on the PFAS Action Plan

• PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used in consumer products and industrial processes. In use since the 1940s, PFAS are resistant to heat, oils, stains, grease, and water—properties which contribute to their persistence in the environment.
• The agency's PFAS Action Plan is the first multi-media, multi-program, national research, management, and risk communication plan to address a challenge like PFAS. The plan responds to the extensive public input the agency received during the PFAS National Leadership Summit, multiple community engagements, and through the public docket. The PFAS Action Plan outlines the tools EPA is developing to assist states, tribes, and communities in addressing PFAS.

EPA is taking the following highlighted actions:

Highlighted Action: Drinking Water

• EPA is committed to following the national primary drinking water regulation rulemaking process as established by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
• EPA has sent the proposed regulatory determination for PFOA and PFOS to the Office of Management and Budget for interagency review.
• The agency is also gathering and evaluating information to determine if regulation is appropriate for other chemicals in the PFAS family.

Highlighted Action: Cleanup

• On December 19, 2019, EPA issued  Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with PFOA and PFOS, which provides cleanup guidance for federal cleanup programs (e.g., CERCLA and RCRA) that will be helpful to states and tribes.
• EPA will follow through on the regulatory development process for listing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Highlighted Action: Monitoring

EPA will propose nationwide drinking water monitoring for PFAS under the next UCMR monitoring cycle.

Highlighted Action: Toxics

EPA has issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking that would allow the public to provide input on adding PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory toxic chemical list.

• A supplemental proposal to ensure that certain persistent long-chain PFAS chemicals cannot be manufactured in or imported into the United States without notification and review under TSCA is currently undergoing interagency review at the Office of Management and Budget.

Highlighted Action: Surface Water Protection

• EPA is exploring data availability and research to support the development of Clean Water Act human health and aquatic life criteria for certain PFAS, as data allows.
• EPA is examining available information about PFAS released into surface waters by industrial sources to determine if additional study is needed for potential regulation.

Highlighted Action: Biosolids

• EPA is in the early scoping stages of risk assessments for PFOA and PFOS in biosolids to understand any potential health impacts.

Highlighted Action: Research

• On November 22, 2019, EPA announced availability of $4.8 million in funding for new research on managing PFAS in agriculture.
• EPA continues to compile and assess human and ecological toxicity information on PFAS to support risk management decisions.
• EPA continues to develop new methods to test for additional PFAS in drinking water.
• The agency is also validating analytical methods for surface water, ground water, wastewater, soils, sediments and biosolids; developing new methods to test for PFAS in air and emissions; and improving laboratory methods to discover unknown PFAS.
• EPA is developing exposure models to understand how PFAS moves through the environment to impact people and ecosystems.
• EPA continues to assess and review treatment methods for removing PFAS in drinking water.
• EPA is working to develop tools to assist officials with the cleanup of contaminated sites.

Highlighted Action: Enforcement

• EPA uses enforcement tools, when appropriate, to address PFAS exposure in the environment and assists states in enforcement activities.
• EPA has already taken actions to address PFAS, including issuing Safe Drinking Water Act orders and providing support to states. See examples in the PFAS Action Plan.

Highlighted Action: Risk Communications

• EPA will work collaboratively to develop a risk communication toolbox that includes multi-media materials and messaging for federal, state, tribal, and local partners to use with the public.

A full summary of EPA's action to address PFAS can be found in the PFAS Action Plan: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epas-pfas-action-plan

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States

EPA Finalizes List of Next 20 Chemicals to Undergo Risk Evaluation under TSCA

  EPA Finalizes List of Next 20 Chemicals to Undergo Risk Evaluation under TSCA

WASHINGTON (Dec. 20, 2019) — Today, after reviewing input from stakeholders and the public, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the next 20 chemicals to undergo risk evaluation under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Finalizing this list of high-priority chemicals for risk evaluation represents the final step in the prioritization process outlined in TSCA and marks another major TSCA milestone for EPA in its efforts to ensure the safety of existing chemicals in the marketplace.

"Today we are continuing to deliver on the promise of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act to assess and review existing chemicals in the marketplace," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "EPA is committed to transparency and being open with the public as these chemicals move through this TSCA process to evaluate the risks these chemicals may pose to public health and the environment."

The 20 chemicals that will undergo risk evaluation consist of seven chlorinated solvents, six phthalates, four flame retardants, formaldehyde, a fragrance additive, and a polymer precursor. It is important to note that being designated as a high-priority chemical does not mean that a chemical is high risk.

The next steps for these chemicals are outlined in TSCA's process for risk evaluation. This first includes taking public comment on scoping documents for each of these 20 chemicals. By June 2020, EPA will finalize these scoping documents which will include the hazards, exposures, conditions of use, and the potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations EPA expects to consider during each chemical's risk evaluation. The agency will also take public comments on the draft risk evaluations for these chemicals and will finalize them after considering the public input the agency receives.

EPA is still carefully reviewing public comments on the 20 low-priority chemicals proposed in August 2019. The agency will finalize the list of low-priority chemicals in early 2020. Additionally, EPA will soon release and take public comments on a draft list of manufacturers and importers of these chemicals to help determine the appropriate division of fees as required under the TSCA fees rule.

List of Next 20 Chemicals

1.      p-Dichlorobenzene

2.      1,2-Dichloroethane

3.      trans-1,2- Dichloroethylene

4.      o-Dichlorobenzene

5.      1,1,2-Trichloroethane

6.      1,2-Dichloropropane

7.      1,1-Dichloroethane

8.      Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2- dibutyl ester)

9.      Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) - 1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1- butyl 2(phenylmethyl) ester

10.  Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) - (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2- bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester)

11.  Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) - (1,2-Benzene- dicarboxylic acid, 1,2- bis-(2methylpropyl) ester)

12.  Dicyclohexyl phthalate

13.  4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2, 6-dibromophenol] (TBBPA)

14.  Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)

15.  Phosphoric acid, triphenyl ester (TPP)

16.  Ethylene dibromide

17.  1,3-Butadiene

18.  1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB)

19.  Formaldehyde

20.  Phthalic anhydride

For more information visit: www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/chemical-substances-undergoing-prioritization.

 

 

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States

EPA Reviews Plans by Chesapeake Bay Watershed States, D.C., to Meet Cleanup Goals

                                                                                                                        R3Press@epa.gov

EPA Reviews Plans by Chesapeake Bay Watershed States, D.C., to Meet Cleanup Goals

PHILADELPHIA (December 19, 2019) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today released its evaluations of plans by the six Chesapeake Bay watershed states (Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and New York) and the District of Columbia to have all programs and practices in place by 2025 to restore the Bay and its tidal waters.

The comprehensive EPA reviews found that, in large part, the final Phase III Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) offer a solid foundation for reaching the 2025 goal supported by the states and the District as members of the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership, providing a path to unprecedented progress in restoring the Bay and improving local waters. The reviews also identified remaining details and enhancements that could be addressed.

"We appreciate the commitments to clean water and the robust public engagement reflected in the plans," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio.  "Our reviews provide the Bay jurisdictions with detailed evaluations – where they succeeded and where they could take further action to enhance their plans to improve confidence in meeting their goals."

The WIP reviews identified notable strengths, recommendations for enhancement, and specific EPA oversight, in the form of financial, administrative and technical assistance, to support the jurisdictions in meeting their pollutant reduction commitments.

In the reviews, EPA recommends actions the Bay jurisdictions could take to provide greater confidence that they will meet their goals.  For instance, where jurisdictions have projected much higher levels of planned implementation in certain sectors, EPA is recommending more specific information in their upcoming two-year milestone reports on how those levels will be achieved.

EPA's evaluations will be available on the Bay TMDL website, www.epa.gov/chesapeake-bay-tmdl.

"It is critical that we continue the momentum that has led to signature successes and positive signs of resilience in the watershed," said Servidio.  "The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and its environmental, economic and cultural importance cannot be understated."

EPA found that the plans reflect extensive work done at the local level to engage governments, non-government organizations, wastewater utilities, businesses, the agricultural community and the public.

EPA teams will offer to meet with each of the jurisdictions prior to their 2020-2021 two-year milestone submissions – the next key check-in point on the road to 2025.

Since the 2010 release of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (Bay TMDL), EPA and its federal partners have provided considerable assistance to the Bay jurisdictions to support their restoration actions – from wastewater treatment plant upgrades to agricultural best management practices to stormwater control.

EPA will continue to commit staff, contractual and funding resources to support implementation of the WIPs and future two-year milestones.

If you would rather not receive future communications from Environmental Protection Agency, let us know by clicking here.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 United States

EPA Announces New Method to Test for Additional PFAS in Drinking Water

 EPA Announces New Method to Test for Additional PFAS in Drinking Water

WASHINGTON (Dec. 19, 2019) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took another key step in implementing the agency's PFAS Action Plan by announcing a new validated method for testing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. This new validated test method complements other actions the agency is taking under the Action Plan to help communities address PFAS nationwide. 

"EPA's important scientific advancement makes it possible for both government and private laboratories to effectively measure more PFAS chemicals in drinking water than ever before," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "We can now measure 29 chemicals, marking a critical step in implementing the agency's PFAS Action Plan—the most comprehensive cross-agency plan ever to address an emerging chemical of concern."

EPA's new validated Method 533 focuses on "short chain" PFAS, those PFAS with carbon chain lengths of four to 12. Method 533 complements EPA Method 537.1 and can be used to test for 11 additional PFAS.

Method 533 accomplishes a key milestone in the EPA PFAS Action Plan by meeting the agency's commitment to develop new validated methods to accurately test for additional PFAS in drinking water. Method 533 also incorporates an analytical technique called isotope dilution, which can minimize sample matrix interference and improve data quality. 

For more information visit: www.epa.gov/pfas

Background on the PFAS Action Plan

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used in consumer products and industrial processes. In use since the 1940s, PFAS are resistant to heat, oils, stains, grease, and water—properties which contribute to their persistence in the environment.

The agency's PFAS Action Plan is the first multi-media, multi-program, national research, management, and risk communication plan to address a challenge like PFAS. The plan responds to the extensive public input the agency received during the PFAS National Leadership Summit, multiple community engagements, and through the public docket. The PFAS Action Plan outlines the tools EPA is developing to assist states, tribes, and communities in addressing PFAS.

EPA is taking the following highlighted actions:

Highlighted Action: Drinking Water

• EPA is committed to following the national primary drinking water regulation rulemaking process as established by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
• EPA has sent the proposed regulatory determination for PFOA and PFOS to the Office of Management and Budget for interagency review.
• The agency is also gathering and evaluating information to determine if regulation is appropriate for other chemicals in the PFAS family.

Highlighted Action: Cleanup

• On June 10, 2019, EPA concluded public comment on the draft Interim Recommendations for Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with PFOA and PFOS, when finalized it will provide cleanup guidance for federal cleanup programs (e.g., CERCLA and RCRA) that will be helpful to states and tribes.
• EPA will follow through on the regulatory development process for listing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Highlighted Action: Monitoring

• EPA will propose nationwide drinking water monitoring for PFAS under the next UCMR monitoring cycle.

Highlighted Action: Toxics

• EPA has issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking that would allow the public to provide input on adding PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory toxic chemical list.
• A supplemental proposal to ensure that certain persistent long-chain PFAS chemicals cannot be manufactured in or imported into the United States without notification and review under TSCA is currently undergoing interagency review at the Office of Management and Budget.

Highlighted Action: Surface Water Protection

• EPA is exploring data availability and research to support the development of Clean Water Act human health and aquatic life criteria for certain PFAS
• EPA is examining available information about PFAS released into surface waters by industrial sources to determine if additional study is needed for potential regulation.

Highlighted Action: Biosolids

• EPA is in the early scoping stages of risk assessments for PFOA and PFOS in biosolids to better understand any potential health impacts.

Highlighted Action: Research

• On November 22, 2019, EPA announced availability of $4.8 million in funding for new research on managing PFAS in agriculture.
• EPA continues to compile and assess human and ecological toxicity information on PFAS to support risk management decisions.
• EPA continues to develop new methods to test for additional PFAS in drinking water.
• The agency is also validating analytical methods for surface water, ground water, wastewater, soils, sediments and biosolids; developing new methods to test for PFAS in air and emissions; and improving laboratory methods to discover unknown PFAS.
• EPA is developing exposure models to understand how PFAS moves through the environment to impact people and ecosystems.
• EPA continues to assess and review treatment methods for removing PFAS in drinking water.
• EPA is working to develop tools to assist officials with the cleanup of contaminated sites.

Highlighted Action: Enforcement

• EPA uses enforcement tools, when appropriate, to address PFAS exposure in the environment and assists states in enforcement activities.
• EPA has already taken actions to address PFAS, including issuing Safe Drinking Water Act orders and providing support to states. See examples in the PFAS Action Plan.

Highlighted Action: Risk Communications

• EPA will work collaboratively to develop a risk communication toolbox that includes multi-media materials and messaging for federal, state, tribal, and local partners to use with the public.

A full summary of EPA's action to address PFAS can be found in the PFAS Action Plan: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epas-pfas-action-plan

 

 

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States

EPA Takes Steps to Provide Needed Clarity and Certainty for U.S. Agriculture

 EPA Takes Steps to Provide Needed Clarity and Certainty for U.S. Agriculture

WASHINGTON (Dec. 19, 2019) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing two important actions that will help the agricultural sector protect crops from pests and weeds. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA is approving the use of 10 pesticide products on hemp in time for the 2020 growing season. Nine of these products are biopesticides and one is a conventional pesticide. EPA is also issuing a proposed interim decision on atrazine — a widely used herbicide. Both actions provide regulatory certainty and clarity on how these tools can be used safely while also helping to ensure a strong and vibrant agricultural market.

"With common-sense actions, we are protecting the health of our nation and ensuring that crops such as corn, sorghum, sugar cane and hemp can be protected against a broad spectrum of weeds and pests," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Under the Trump Administration, the EPA is committed to providing much needed certainty to farmers and ranchers across the country who rely on crop protection tools to ensure a global supply of products, while driving economic growth in agricultural communities across America."

"EPA's actions today help support American farmers' efforts to grow hemp just in time for the first growing season," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. "No other President has done more to remove strangling regulations and promote American farmers than President Trump. From repealing WOTUS, to implementing year-round E-15, and ensuring 15 billion gallons of ethanol are in the marketplace next year, this Administration continues to put farmers first."

The first action EPA is announcing is the approval of ten pesticide applications for use on hemp, just in time to be used during the 2020 growing season. EPA wanted to ensure the agency acted on these applications quickly to give growers certainty for next spraying season in 2020 and to make timely purchasing decisions for next year. These approvals were made possible by the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp-derived products from Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act.

While EPA oversees pesticide registrations for hemp under FIFRA, other federal agencies are working to streamline their separate regulatory implementation processes for the newly legalized crop. The 2018 Farm Bill directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a regulatory oversight program for hemp. USDA has since proposed a rule for state-level hemp growing/management plans. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration also plays a role in regulating hemp products when they fall under their regulatory authority. EPA is committed to working with our federal partners and helping hemp growers obtain the tools needed to support and increase commercial production. The step the agency is taking today recognizes that innovation in pesticide use is critical to the success of our strong and vibrant agricultural sector.

"We've learned a lot about hemp since the establishment of the pilot programs in 2014, and we're continuing our progress to ensure hemp is treated just like every other legal commodity," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY). "By approving several biopesticides for use in hemp cultivation—especially as Kentucky's hemp farmers prepare for the 2020 growing season—Administrator Wheeler is helping deliver much-needed tools for our farmers. Hemp producers across the country are looking to Kentucky for our expertise and leadership with this exciting crop, and I'm committed to helping our farmers, processors and manufacturers take full advantage of hemp's potential."

"I'm pleased to hear of the EPA's approval of 10 pesticides for use on industrial hemp. Since the Farm Bill was signed into law last year, Kentucky hemp farmers have been asking for safe and effective crop protection agents that meet the demands of the booming hemp industry," said Senator Rand Paul (KY). "These approvals will allow for the use of 10 different pesticides for the 2020 growing season, which will be of great benefit for Kentucky hemp farmers. We know the value of hemp in Kentucky, and I will continue to fight for and support all efforts to keep this industry moving forward."

"I applaud the EPA for taking critical steps to move the hemp industry in the right direction," said Congressman James Comer (KY-01)​. "This action will benefit farmers in the next immediate growing season, and give them the tools necessary to make their crop and operation even better than before. I am pleased to see our regulatory agencies working in a commonsense way to help our hemp growers succeed."

"NASDA thanks the EPA for taking the first step to provide crop protection for U.S. hemp farmers. Collaboration will be key as we work to provide a full tool box of solutions, including biopesticides, to the emerging hemp industry," said National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Dr. Barbara P. Glenn.

"Today's announcement by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is a step in the right direction for the nation's growing hemp industry," said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. "It is important our growers have new technologies and tools to better help protect their crops and increase their yields. I wish to thank Administrator Andrew Wheeler and his team for working hard to assist this new and exciting agricultural industry."

"We are deeply grateful to the EPA for taking critical action to empower U.S. hemp growers by ensuring the development of products that protect crops from weeds and pests," said U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller. "Hemp presents an exciting new agricultural commodity, and the EPA's action will help provide farmers with the tools they need to seize this opportunity."

The second action EPA is taking today is to propose new, stronger protections to reduce exposure to atrazine — the next step in the registration review process required under FIFRA. Atrazine is a widely used herbicide that controls a variety of grasses and broadleaf weeds. It is well-known and trusted by growers as one of the most effective herbicides. Atrazine is used on about 75 million acres annually and is most often applied to corn, sorghum, and sugarcane. (Note: Atrazine is not one of the ten pesticides approved for hemp.)

As part of this action, the agency is proposing a reduction to the maximum application rate for atrazine used on residential turf, and other updates to the label requirements, including mandatory spray drift control measures. EPA's proposed decision is based on the 2016 draft ecological risk assessment and the 2018 human health draft risk assessment for atrazine. EPA is also proposing updates to the requirements for propazine and simazine, which are chemically related to atrazine. EPA will be taking comment on the atrazine, propazine and simazine Proposed Interim Decisions for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Comments can be made to the following dockets EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0266 (atrazine), EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0250 (propazine), and EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0251 (simazine) once the Federal Register notice publishes online.

"We appreciate the EPA's proposal to re-register atrazine," said Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO and Triazine Network Chair Gary Marshall. "This product is tremendously important to farmers across the country, especially for weed control in conservation practices. From citrus to sorghum and corn to Christmas trees, farmers rely on the agency's use of credible science to regulate the products that allow us to safely grow more with less for a hungry global population."

"National Sorghum Producers appreciates EPA applying sound science and moving forward with this key step in the reregistration process," said National Sorghum Producers Chairman Dan Atkisson.

"The impact atrazine has in weed control and making no-till production possible is as vital today as it was over 50 years ago when the product was brought to market. For over 25 years Kentucky Corn Growers has worked to bring production stewardship education and assistance to Kentucky's farmers encouraging the safe use of atrazine. We appreciate the years EPA has spent reviewing and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of atrazine," said Kentucky Corn Growers Association Executive Director Laura Knoth.

In addition to today's regulatory actions, EPA is continuing to build and enhance its relationship with the agricultural sector through the agency's Smart Sectors program. Staff and senior leaders, including Region 5 Administrator Cathy Stepp and Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford, are meeting today in Lenexa, Kansas with representatives from the renewable fuels industry. The meeting is providing a platform to collaborate with the renewable fuels industry and develop sensible approaches that better protect the environment and public health.

For additional information:

Hemp action: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/pesticide-products-registered-use-hemp

Atrazine action: https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/atrazine-background-and-updates

Smart Sectors: www.epa.gov/smartsectors

 

 

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States

EPA Fulfills Another Trump Administration Promise: Finalizes RFS Volumes for 2020 and Biomass Based

  EPA Fulfills Another Trump Administration Promise: Finalizes RFS Volumes for 2020 and Biomass Based Diesel Volumes for 2021

WASHINGTON (Dec. 19, 2019) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2020, and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021. Through this action, the Trump Administration has fulfilled yet another key promise to the American people, American farmers and American biofuels producers by increasing biofuels volumes under the renewable fuel standard and modifying the program requirements to ensure those volumes are met. The EPA is committed to ensuring a net of 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuel is blended in 2020.

"Through President Trump's leadership, this Administration continues to promote domestic ethanol and biodiesel production, supporting our Nation's farmers and providing greater energy security," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "President Trump committed to our nation's farmers that biofuel requirements would be expanded in 2020. At the EPA we are delivering on that promise and ensuring a net of 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuel are blended into the nation's fuel supply."

Under the Trump Administration, EPA has consistently increased the renewable volume obligations and continued to expand the nation's renewable fuels sector. Through this rule, EPA has modified the RFS program by projecting small refinery relief to ensure that these final volumes are met, while adjudicating small refinery relief when appropriate. As proposed, we are finalizing a projection methodology based on the 2016-2018 annual average of exempted volumes had EPA strictly followed the Department of Energy (DOE) recommendations of 770 million Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) in those years, including granting 50 percent relief where DOE recommended 50 percent relief. This is our general approach to adjudicating Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) petitions going forward, beginning with 2019 SRE petitions and including 2020 SRE petitions and beyond, we are committed to following the DOE recommendations. By proposing effectively 15.8 billion gallons for 2020 we will ensure meeting our target of 15 billion gallons.

The key elements of today's action are as follows:

• "Conventional" biofuel volumes, primarily met by corn ethanol, will be maintained at the 15 billion gallon target set by Congress for 2020.
• Cellulosic biofuel volumes for 2020, and thus advanced biofuel volumes, will increase by almost 170 million gallons over the 2019 standard.
• Biomass-based diesel volumes for 2021 will be equivalent to the standard for 2020, still more than double the statutory requirement.
• EPA will closely examine the labeling requirements for E15 fuel and move forward with clarifying regulations as needed.
• EPA has modified the way RFS obligations are determined to better ensure that these volumes are met, while still allowing for relief for small refineries consistent with the direction provided by Congress under the statute. By proposing effectively 15. 8 billion gallons we will net out at 15 billion.

This final rule is the latest in a series of steps the Administration has taken to expand domestic energy production and improve the RFS program which will help American farmers.

More information can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/renewable-fuel-standard-program/final-renewable-fuel-standards-2020-and-biomass-based-diesel-volume

Earlier this year, the Trump Administration made good on its promise to allow the year-round sale of E15 gasoline across the country. Building on the President's earlier decision to allow year-round sales of E15, EPA is working to streamline labeling and remove other barriers to the sale of E15. EPA is also making important reforms to the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) compliance system to improve transparency and to deter price manipulation in the RIN market. These efforts will provide certainty and transparency to farmers and biofuel producers across the country.

Under President Trump's leadership, EPA will continue to actively engage with stakeholders to expand the number of approved fuel pathways and add diversity to the biofuel mix in the United States. Since January 2017, EPA has approved 25 petitions for new fuel pathways, including a final rule in August 2018 that approved new pathways for biofuels derived from sorghum. EPA will continue to further explore opportunities to remove regulatory burdens that prevent marketplace entrance and growth to natural gas, flexible fuel vehicles, and E85 fuels.

Since taking office in 2017, the EPA under the Trump Administration has worked to provide long-term certainty and a workable regulatory environment for U.S. farmers and ranchers, including:

• The repeal the 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and proposing a more common-sense replacement.
• Ending long-standing agency practices of "sue and settle."
• Enhancing the agency's partnership with agriculture stakeholders through EPA's Smart Sectors program.
• Issuing the long-term approval for the insecticide sulfoxaflor.
• Taking steps towards re-registering the herbicide atrazine. 
• Encouraging market-based water quality training.
• Signing a final rule exempting routine farm animal waste emissions from reporting under Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA).
• Approving Renewable Fuel Standard pathways for corn and sorghum oil.
• Reaffirming there is no risk to the public health when listing glyphosate as not a carcinogen.

In future, separate actions:

• EPA will take final action to address the court's 2016 remand.
• USDA will pursue opportunities through the budget process to consider infrastructure projects that would accommodate higher biofuel blends.

The Trump Administration will continue to enact sensible regulation that improves the lives of all Americans.

Background

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to set annual RFS volumes of biofuels that must be used for transportation fuel for four categories of biofuels: total, advanced, cellulosic, and biomass-based diesel. EPA implements the RFS program in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Energy, and consistent with direction from Congress. 

 

 

If you would rather not receive future communications from US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, let us know by clicking here.
US EPA, Office of Public Engagement, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460 United States