EPA Announces its 2020 Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Award Winners

 

 

 

EPA Announces its 2020 Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Award Winners

 

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the winners of the third annual National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse awards. These awards recognize the innovative thinking and cooperation among federal agencies, states, tribes, local partners and developers that have led to noteworthy restoration and reuse of federal facility sites.

"For the past three years, we've shown how federal facility Superfund sites can be transformed into community assets," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "I'm proud of the work to address and redevelop these sites, which provides economic development and investment, and creates jobs in these communities."

The Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Awards cover four categories of federal facilities: (1) National Priorities List (NPL) sites, (2) NPL Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) sites, (3) non-NPL BRAC sites, and (4) non-NPL sites. This year's award winners are:

NPL Award: Weldon Spring, Missouri (Lead Federal Agency – U.S. Department of Energy [DOE], Office of Legacy Management [LM])

The Weldon Spring DOE LM site, comprised of a former Chemical Plant and Quarry, has a complex history. It played a pivotal role in our nation's history and success in World War II and the Cold War. The 228-acre site is located about 25 miles west of St. Louis and has been revitalized for beneficial reuse as a community educational center and recreational site. The Weldon Spring Interpretive Center features exhibits designed to fulfill DOE's post closure responsibilities. The center informs and educates the public about long-term stewardship and the site's historical legacy. An important educational focus is on risk communication, showing how cleanup activities made the site safe for public use. Other redevelopment highlights include community use facilities and a natural prairie habitat which promotes wildlife conservation.

NPL BRAC Award: Former Fort Ord, California (Lead Federal Agency – U.S. Army)

The former Fort Ord Army Base, which had been a training facility since WWI, closed in 1994 under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program. The closure created an opportunity to repurpose the 28,000-acre base. Its many new uses include:

• California State University Monterey Bay campus
• Fort Ord National Monument and Dunes State Park
• California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery
• Retail center, residential developments and VA outpatient clinic

The diverse utilization of the large site has spurred new jobs, housing opportunities, and an overall regional economic recovery that has benefited more than 17,000 residents and 6,000 employees in the Monterey Bay region. From start to finish, the redevelopment at Fort Ord has been a model that will benefit other large redevelopment projects in the future.

Non-NPL BRAC Award: Former Naval Training Center Orlando, Florida (Lead Federal Agency – U.S. Navy)

The City of Orlando successfully partnered with federal, state and local stakeholders at the former Naval Training Center (NTC) Orlando. Having served as an Army and Navy air training facility since the 1940's, this 2,000-acre site closed in 1999 under the BRAC program. The team's efforts in promoting public and private investments resulted in a renewed area consisting of a mixed-use, master-planned community, industrial facility and recreational spaces. Due to the collaborative efforts, the former NTC Orlando site has become an economic asset to the City of Orlando.

Non-NPL Award: Valley Forge Asbestos Release Site, Pennsylvania (Lead Federal Agency – U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service)

The Valley Forge Asbestos Release Site is a 112-acre area located in the center of the Valley Forge National Historical Park. The area was contaminated by activities of an asbestos insulation manufacturing plant that formerly operated on the property. In 2017, the National Park Service completed a long-term remedial action to excavate contaminated soil and sediment so the site could be re-opened. Now, the park is back in business conserving and interpreting the land associated with the 1777-78 winter encampment of Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army. By making the investment in environmental cleanup, the National Park service has provided public access to a significant historical area in the center of the park's forests, meadows and hiking trails.

Background

EPA has ongoing cleanup and property transfer responsibilities at 174 federal facility NPL sites across the country, which are some of the largest and most complex sites within the Superfund program. The Trump Administration has made the Superfund program a top priority to advance the agency's core mission of protecting human health and the environment. EPA's Superfund Task Force is working to promote redevelopment and reuse of sites by encouraging investment in reuse outcomes. The federal facility sites receiving reuse awards serve as examples of the types of site investment that can occur at sites once owned by federal agencies. 

For more information about the award, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/fedfac/2020-national-federal-facility-excellence-site-reuse-awards

For more information about cleanups at federal facilities, please visit: www.epa.gov/fedfac

 

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EPA Provides Grant Funding to Support Environmental Justice Communities Impacted by COVID-19

 

 

 

EPA Provides Grant Funding to Support Environmental Justice Communities Impacted by COVID-19

 

WASHINGTON (April 30, 2020) —  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to improve the environment and public health conditions of low-income and minority communities through our daily efforts to ensure all Americans have clean air, safe water, and access to information to make decisions to protect personal and public health. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, EPA is making $1 million in grant funding available to states to help local environmental justice communities address COVID-19 concerns faced by low-income and minority communities.

Through the State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program, EPA will provide funds to states, local governments, tribes and U.S. territories to work collaboratively with environmental justice communities to understand, promote and integrate approaches to provide meaningful and measurable improvements to public health and the environment.

"Environmental justice grants aim to support public education, training, and emergency planning for communities across the country impacted by COVID-19, regardless of their zip code," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These grants are part of EPA's effort to actively fight the COVID-19 pandemic that is having a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities."
The grant funding will be used to support public education, training, and emergency planning for communities impacted by COVID-19. Projects could include sharing information related to EPA-approved disinfectants to combat COVID-19; addressing increased exposure of residents to in-home pollutants and healthy housing issues; and training community health workers.

EPA anticipates awarding five grants of approximately $200,000 each for up to a two-year funding period. The agency encourages applicants to develop innovative plans and processes to conduct effective outreach to underserved communities, especially in places where Internet access may not be readily available to all residents.

Interested applicants must submit proposal packages on or before June 30, 2020 to be considered for the available funding.

To apply for funding: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/state-environmental-justice-cooperative-agreement-program

For more information on EPA's Environmental Justice program: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/state-environmental-justice-cooperative-agreement-program

 

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EPA Highlights Enforcement Actions Against Those Who Violate the Defeat Device and Tampering

 

 

 

EPA Highlights Enforcement Actions Against Those Who Violate the Defeat Device and Tampering Prohibitions under the Clean Air Act

 

WASHINGTON (April 30, 2020) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified numerous companies and individuals who have manufactured and sold both hardware and software specifically designed to defeat required emissions controls on vehicles and engines used on public roads as well as on nonroad vehicles and engines.

Cars and trucks manufactured today emit far less pollution than older vehicles. This occurs through careful engine calibrations and emissions controls in exhaust systems such as catalytic converters and diesel oxidation catalysts. Aftermarket defeat devices bypass these controls and cause higher emissions. EPA testing has shown that these devices can increase vehicle emissions substantially. Illegally modified vehicles and engines contribute substantial excess pollution that harms public health and impedes efforts by EPA, tribes, states, and local agencies to plan for and attain air quality standards.

In an on-going effort to address this air quality problem, EPA has resolved more than 50 cases addressing these types of violations since 2015. Today's announcement highlights three such cases that have been resolved administratively:

• Freedom Performance, LLC was a major web-based distributor of diesel defeat device products. On February 24, 2020, EPA's Chief Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) issued a default judgment against Freedom Performance, LLC, ordering a $7.058 million penalty for 13,928 violations of the aftermarket defeat device prohibition of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
• Spartan Diesel was ordered to pay a $4.1 million penalty for 5,000 violations of the aftermarket defeat device prohibition of the CAA on October 30, 2018, by the ALJ.
• KT Performance is a Florida-based company that sold and installed approximately 2,833 delete products for diesel-powered trucks between January 2013 and April 2018. EPA filed an administrative complaint against KT Performance for violations of the aftermarket defeat device and tampering prohibitions of the CAA on April 30, 2018. The parties resolved the matter on July 3, 2018. The company was assessed a civil penalty of $52,284 that was calculated based on a demonstrated inability to pay a higher amount.

For examples of similar civil judicial settlements, see EPA's recent settlements with Performance Diesel, Inc., Punch It Performance  , and Derive Systems. To view all closed vehicle and engine enforcement matters, please visit: www.epa.gov/enforcement/clean-air-act-vehicle-and-engine-enforcement-case-resolutions.

In recognition of the substantial excess pollution caused by illegally modified vehicles and engines, EPA is implementing a National Compliance Initiative entitled Stopping Aftermarket Defeat Devices for Vehicles and Engines. In furtherance of this initiative, EPA will continue to vigorously pursue enforcement against those who violate the defeat device and tampering prohibitions of the Clean Air Act. In addition, EPA has and will continue to prosecute criminal activity related to the illegal sale and installation of defeat devices.

If you suspect someone is manufacturing, selling or installing illegal defeat devices, or is tampering with emissions controls, tell EPA by writing to: tampering@epa.gov.

 

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Valley Forge National Historical Park Wins 2020 Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Award

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov Valley Forge National Historical Park Wins 2020 Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Award PHILADELPHIA (April 30, 2020) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of the third annual "National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse" awards today. These awards recognize the innovative thinking and cooperation among federal agencies, states, tribes, local partners and developers that have led to noteworthy restoration and reuse of federal facility sites. This year, a National Park Service Site won the award for excellence in re-use of a federal facility which is not a Superfund site, for the work at the Valley Forge National Historical Park Site located in Montgomery County and Chester County, Pennsylvania. The National Park Service is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Valley Forge Asbestos Release Site is a 112-acre area located in the center of the Valley Forge National Historical Park. The area was contaminated by activities of an asbestos insulation manufacturing plant that formerly operated on the property. In 2017, the National Park Service completed a long-term remedial cleanup action to excavate contaminated soil and sediment so the site could be re-opened. Now, the park is back in business conserving and interpreting the land associated with the 1777-78 winter encampment of Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army. "By making the investment in environmental cleanup, the National Park Service has provided public access to a significant historical area in the center of the park's forests, meadows and hiking trails," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This award recognizes the Park Service's outstanding effort to help all Americans connect with this chapter in our history." The Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Awards cover four categories of federal facilities: (1) National Priorities List (NPL or Superfund) sites, (2) NPL Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) sites, (3) non-NPL BRAC sites, and (4) non-NPL (superfund) sites. "This project is an excellent demonstration of the power of partnerships and the Park Service's commitment to protect the important resources we hold in trust for park visitors," said David Vela, National Park Service Deputy Director. "We're proud of being able to reopen these formerly impaired lands to over 2.4 million annual visitors--providing enhanced recreational opportunities, expanding bicycle commuter options, and improving visitor access with greener travel patterns." Background: EPA has ongoing cleanup and property transfer responsibilities at 174 federal facility NPL sites across the country, which are some of the largest and most complex sites within the Superfund program. The Trump Administration has made the Superfund program a top priority to advance the agency's core mission of protecting human health and the environment. EPA's Superfund Task Force is working to promote redevelopment and reuse of sites by encouraging investment in reuse outcomes. For more information about the award, please visit www.epa.gov/fedfac/2020-national-federal-facility-excellence-site-reuse-awards For more information about cleanups at federal facilities, please visit www.epa.gov/fedfac ----------------- EPA Mid-Atlantic Region's mission is to protect human health and the environment for Delaware, District of Columbia Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and seven federally recognized tribes.  Meeting the diverse environmental challenges of a Region with the nation's largest estuary, rural expanses and major cities and agricultural centers, EPA Mid-Atlantic's successes are shouldered by the dedication and talents of its employees and the strong relationships it has fostered with partners in its states and communities.  For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-02/documents/r3_digital-final-mid-atlantic-yir-report-2019.pdf   Follow EPA Region 3 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/eparegion3 and visit our Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/EPAregion3/

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EPA Provides Grant Funding to Support EJ Communities Impacted by COVID-19; NY, NJ, PR & USVI

 

 

EPA Provides Grant Funding to Support Environmental Justice Communities Impacted by COVID-19; New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Impacted Contact: Elias Rodriguez, (212) 637-3664, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov NEW YORK (April 30, 2020) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to improve the environment and public health conditions of low-income and minority communities through our daily efforts to ensure all Americans have clean air, safe water, and access to information to make decisions to protect personal and public health. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, EPA is making $1 million in grant funding available to states to help local environmental justice communities address COVID-19 concerns faced by low-income and minority communities. Through the State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program, EPA will provide funds to states, local governments, tribes and U.S. territories to work collaboratively with environmental justice communities to understand, promote and integrate approaches to provide meaningful and measurable improvements to public health and the environment. "Environmental justice grants aim to support public education, training, and emergency planning for communities across the country impacted by COVID-19, regardless of their zip code," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These grants are part of EPA's effort to actively fight the COVID-19 pandemic that is having a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities." The grant funding will be used to support public education, training, and emergency planning for communities impacted by COVID-19. Projects could include sharing information related to EPA-approved disinfectants to combat COVID-19; addressing increased exposure of residents to in-home pollutants and healthy housing issues; and training community health workers. EPA anticipates awarding five grants of approximately $200,000 each for up to a two-year funding period. The agency encourages applicants to develop innovative plans and processes to conduct effective outreach to underserved communities, especially in places where Internet access may not be readily available to all residents. Interested applicants must submit proposal packages on or before June 30, 2020 to be considered for the available funding. To apply for funding: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/state-environmental-justice-cooperative-agreement-program Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2. 20-030

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EPA Provides Grant Funding to Support Environmental Justice Communities Impacted by COVID-19

 

 

CONTACT: press@epa.gov   EPA Provides Grant Funding to Support Environmental Justice Communities Impacted by COVID-19 DENVER (April 30, 2020)—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working to improve the environment and public health conditions of low-income and minority communities through our daily efforts to ensure all Americans have clean air, safe water, and access to information to make decisions to protect personal and public health. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, EPA is making $1 million in grant funding available to states to help local environmental justice communities address COVID-19 concerns faced by low-income and minority communities. Through the State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program, EPA will provide funds to states, local governments, tribes and U.S. territories to work collaboratively with environmental justice communities to understand, promote and integrate approaches to provide meaningful and measurable improvements to public health and the environment. "Environmental justice grants aim to support public education, training, and emergency planning for communities across the country impacted by COVID-19, regardless of their zip code," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These grants are part of EPA's effort to actively fight the COVID-19 pandemic that is having a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities." The grant funding will be used to support public education, training, and emergency planning for communities impacted by COVID-19. Projects could include sharing information related to EPA-approved disinfectants to combat COVID-19; addressing increased exposure of residents to in-home pollutants and healthy housing issues; and training community health workers. EPA anticipates awarding five grants of approximately $200,000 each for up to a two-year funding period. The agency encourages applicants to develop innovative plans and processes to conduct effective outreach to underserved communities, especially in places where Internet access may not be readily available to all residents. Interested applicants must submit proposal packages on or before June 30, 2020 to be considered for the available funding. To apply for funding: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/state-environmental-justice-cooperative-agreement-program#tab-2 For more information on EPA's Environmental Justice program: http://epa.gov/environmentaljustice/state-environmental-justice-cooperative-agreement-program

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EPA, CDC Release Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Spaces Where Americans Live, Work, and Play

 

 

 

EPA, CDC Release Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Spaces Where Americans Live, Work, and Play

Guidance helps facilities and families implement Opening Up American Again guidelines

 

WASHINGTON (April 29, 2020) —  Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance to help facility operators and families properly clean and disinfect spaces. Developed in concert with the White House, the guidance provides step-by-step instructions for public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and homes, and falls in line with the Opening up America Again guidelines .

"These guidelines will provide all Americans with information they need to help the country reopen as safely as possible," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These cleaning and disinfecting protocols will help ensure the health and safety of everyone in our homes, schools, offices and businesses."

"Proper and effective cleaning and disinfecting are important to help prevent the spread of COVID-19," said CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield. "As our nation re-opens, this guidance is critical to help Americans return as safely as possible to work, school, and other daily activities within their communities."

EPA's expertise on the safe and effective use of disinfectants against the virus that causes COVID-19 informed the development of this comprehensive plan. The guidance offers a practical, three-step process for preparing spaces for reopening:

• Develop a plan,
• Implement the plan, and
• Maintain and revise the plan.

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is an important, two-step process central to any effort to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

• Clean: Use soap and water to remove germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfect: Use disinfectant products to kill germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products, including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes, that can be used against COVID-19. Always follow the product label instructions and safety information including leaving the product on the surface long enough to kill germs, rinsing off the product to avoid ingesting it, and putting the product out of reach of children right away.

Also, avoid over-using or stockpiling disinfectants or personal protective equipment (such as gloves). This can result in shortages of critical products needed for emergencies. In the event that disinfectant products on the EPA list are not available, the guidance provides other techniques for disinfecting surfaces that are as effective in reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

This guidance does not replace other measures that still need to be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. It is important to continue to practice social distancing, wear cloth face coverings, and wash your hands frequently. As we move forward to reopen America, continue to follow federal, state, tribal, territorial and local guidance.

To view the guidance, click here: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/guidance-cleaning-and-disinfecting-public-spaces-workplaces-businesses-schools-and-homes .

 

 

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EPA News: Howard County teacher wins regional environmental education award (Md.)

 

 

CONTACT: R3press@epa.gov Howard County teacher wins regional environmental education award PHILADELPHIA (April 29, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that science teacher Ann Strozyk from the Howard County Public School District in Maryland is a 2019 winner of a Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). Strozyk, one of seven award recipients nationwide, received the award for creating a Watershed Report Card program that is used by high school students throughout Howard County. "We are very honored to have teachers like Ms. Strozyk who take initiatives to educate students about the importance of environmental protection," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Ms. Strozyk established a county-wide project that provides students valuable on-hands experience and motivates them to get involved in environmental issues." Under the program, all ninth-grade earth science and biology students in the county visit local streams to study plant and animal life, and assist in collecting watershed health data on chemicals, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrate, and phosphate. In addition to the field experience, Strozyk has included an advocacy component to classrooms. She teaches students how to advocate for change and provides them with an opportunity to present findings and suggestions to elected officials at the Howard County Watershed Summit. She also helps each school implement an action project that focuses on protecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed. She knows that teachers' time and resources are stretched thin, so she works hard to help teachers and students carry out their action projects. Background Established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act, the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators seeks to recognize, support, and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by innovative teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning. The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with EPA, administers this award to encourage and nationally honor outstanding elementary and secondary (K-12) education teachers who integrate environmental and place-based, experiential learning into school curricula. The program provides funding to help support educator awardee schools in their environmental education work and provides funding for the teacher's professional development. View PIAEE winners here: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators-piaee-winners ----------- EPA Mid-Atlantic Region's mission is to protect human health and the environment for Delaware, District of Columbia Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and seven federally recognized tribes.  Meeting the diverse environmental challenges of a Region with the nation's largest estuary, rural expanses and major cities and agricultural centers, EPA Mid-Atlantic's successes are shouldered by the dedication and talents of its employees and the strong relationships it has fostered with partners in its states and communities.  For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-02/documents/r3_digital-final-mid-atlantic-yir-report-2019.pdf Follow EPA Region 3 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/eparegion3 and visit our Facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/EPAregion3/

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