EPA Week in Review: PFAS Edition

 

 

 

EPA Week in Review: PFAS Edition

Trump Administration aggressively addresses PFAS, continues its commitment to supporting state, tribal, and local communities

 

WASHINGTON (July 31, 2020) — This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a series of announcements regarding the Trump Administration's aggressive actions to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Here's what it looked like around the country: 

PFAS Research Workshop: What They Are Saying

On Monday, EPA announced a Workshop on Federal Government Human Health PFAS Research. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the federal family engaged with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to coordinate the two-day virtual public workshop to review federal agency research on PFAS and identify research and data gaps.

"EPA is working across the federal family to ensure that our research on the potential health concerns associated with PFAS is properly coordinated, complementary, and avoids unnecessary duplication," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "This workshop will highlight the depth of PFAS research across the federal government and identify data gaps."

"This independent review by the National Academies is an important step to leverage the extensive work ongoing across federal entities and will help determine what further research needs to be conducted in order for us to most effectively continue our PFAS response.  As the Chair of DoD's PFAS Task Force, I will tell you that DoD's participation in this workshop is part of the Department's commitment to ensure the health and safety of our men and women in uniform, their families, and the communities in which we serve," said Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment.

"USDA supports measures that foster healthy, viable, and sustainable agricultural farming practices," said Dr. Scott Hutchins, Deputy Under Secretary for USDA's Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area. "This public-private collaboration is a critical step in finding workable solutions for our nation's farmers."

"Similar to other agencies within the federal family, understanding the health effects of exposures to PFAS continues to be a priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)," said Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC and Administrator of ATSDR. "This virtual workshop with the National Academies is a welcomed opportunity to discuss and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on this topic."

EPA Moves Forward on New PFAS Policies

In July alone, EPA has made significant progress implementing the PFAS Action Plan — the most comprehensive cross-agency plan ever to address an emerging chemical of concern.

On Monday, EPA transmitted two new PFAS proposals to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for interagency review.

1. EPA submitted the Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS and Materials Containing PFAS. The guidance would provide information on technologies that may be feasible and appropriate for the destruction or disposal of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials. It would also identify ongoing research and development activities related to destruction and disposal technologies, which may inform future guidance. Yesterday's action is the first step toward EPA fulfilling its FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) obligation to publish interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of PFAS within one year.
2. EPA transmitted the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR 5) proposal to OMB for interagency review. Consistent with EPA's commitment in the PFAS Action Plan and the requirements of the FY 2020 NDAA, EPA anticipates proposing nationwide drinking water monitoring for PFAS under UCMR 5 utilizing new methods that can detect PFAS that could not be detected before as the new methods detect more PFAS chemicals at lower concentrations than previously possible.

EPA Publishes Action that Strengthens PFAS Regulations

On Tuesday, EPA's final Significant New Use Rule for long-chain PFAS published in the Federal Register. This final rule strengthens the regulation of PFAS by requiring notice and EPA review before the use of long-chain PFAS that have been phased out in the United States could begin again. Additionally, products containing certain long-chain PFAS used in a surface coating and carpets containing perfluoroalkyl sulfonate chemical substances can no longer be imported into the United States without EPA review.

EPA Provides Help Where It Is Needed

Just as important as the progress on PFAS at the federal level, EPA has formed partnerships with states, tribes, and local communities across the country. These joint projects allow EPA to take the knowledge of its world class scientists and apply it in a collaborative fashion where it counts most.

"With federal technical assistance efforts underway across the country, the Trump Administration is bringing much needed support to state, tribal, and local governments as part of the agency's unprecedented efforts under the PFAS Action Plan," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These partnerships allow for collaboration, encourage cutting edge research, and information sharing—ensuring that our joint efforts are effective and protective of public health."

Here's a look at some of EPA's technical assistance and research around the country:

Region 1

• "Addressing PFAS across New England is a priority for EPA in order to further protect public health in the region," said EPA New England Regional Administrator Dennis Deziel. "We're working closely with our state and tribal partners to advance the science around PFAS where it's needed most."
• New Hampshire: EPA has been working with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and ORD scientists to help in New Hampshire's efforts related to PFAS contamination in the Merrimack area. In response to a request from NHDES, ORD initiated a project aimed at furthering New Hampshire's understanding of PFAS compounds in the environment as a result of ongoing air emissions from two facilities that use PFAS in their manufacturing processes. EPA has performed research-level analyses on air, water (ground/surface), soil, char and dispersants, and this information has been used to help inform NHDES's efforts to develop an air permit for one such facility in Merrimack.
• Learn more here.

Region 2

• "Working in close partnership with states, tribes, and local communities across the country, EPA is focused on PFAS reductions and protecting public health," said EPA Region 2 Administrator Pete Lopez. "EPA Region 2 is providing positive and proactive leadership in addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and this area continues to be an active and ongoing priority for EPA."
• New Jersey: EPA is the lead in overseeing work being conducted under a RCRA Corrective Action Permit at the Chemours Chambers Works complex located in Deepwater, N.J. Chemours runs a sampling program for private drinking water wells in the vicinity of the facility and when needed, has provided point-of-entry treatment systems or has connected residences to public water supplies. EPA has worked closely with local and state officials and has developed several approaches to assist with public communication. At the request of EPA, Chemours is working on a public web page that will include site-related documents. Chemours is also working on a public participation plan, and has a Community Advisory Panel.
• New York: EPA was approached by members of the rural community of Hoosick Falls, N.Y. about perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in their drinking water above the EPA health advisory level that was then in effect. EPA has been working collaboratively with the community and with the state since the agency became involved.
• Learn more here.

Region 3

• "EPA is collaborating with our state and local partners in the Mid-Atlantic Region to address PFAS and mitigate risks to communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Our collective efforts are making a difference in determining necessary actions to protect public health and the environment."
• West Virginia: At the request of West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, EPA scientists analyzed PFAS samples collected during air emission testing at an industrial facility near Parkersburg. The results helped demonstrate the effectiveness of emissions controls for GenX and other legacy perfluorinated carboxylic acids.
• Learn more here.

Region 4

• "PFAS is a priority for EPA both nationally and across the Southeast," said EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker. "From grants, to technical assistance and research, to enforcement – EPA Region 4 is proud to support and partner with states, tribes and local communities to address the myriad of challenges that these emerging contaminants pose."
• Alabama: EPA has invested $984,000 in Public Water System Supervision supplemental grants, which included sampling of over 280 drinking water systems in Alabama for PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
• North Carolina: To address concerns about PFAS from the Chemours facility in Fayetteville, N.C., EPA collaborated with the state of North Carolina to determine the nature and extent of contamination, understand the toxicology and mitigate risks. This included work to support the state's establishment of a health advisory level for GenX in water. NCDEQ and EPA have worked to understand and reduce PFAS releases from the facility and limit exposure. In addition, EPA supported the development of a protocol for stack sampling for PFAS at the facility and continues to coordinate with NCDEQ to better understand the potentially wider range of PFAS chemical in facility air emissions.
• Learn more here.

Region 5

• "EPA remains fully committed to our partners and communities throughout the Great Lakes Region as we continue to make progress in addressing PFAS contamination," said Regional Administrator Kurt Thiede. "The collaborations formed through the PFAS Action Plan continue to result in new knowledge and understanding of PFAS, leading to results that protect public health."
• Great Lakes: As part of EPA's long-term monitoring programs, EPA is collecting and analyzing whole fish tissue, sediment, air, and water samples to determine concentrations and trends of PFAS in the Great Lakes. EPA is participating in a multi-Agency technical working group to share information and develop technical reference materials related to froth-like PFAS-containing foams seen on surface water bodies in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Prior to formation of this working group, EPA provided non-regulatory technical assistance in developing sampling methods for analyzing PFAS-containing foams present at several lakes in the state of Michigan and in summarizing literature findings on dermal and inhalation exposures.
• Learn more here.

Region 7

• "Staff from all Region 7 programs are collaborating with state partners to jointly tackle PFAS contamination at industrial, military and Superfund sites in Kansas and Nebraska," said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford. "PFAS has been around since the 1940s, so solving this challenge requires the considerable collective capabilities of federal, state, tribe and local governments."
• Kansas: EPA Region 7 staff, Air Force and Army environmental specialists, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) are working together to sample and assess PFAS contamination at military installations including Fort Riley in Junction City and McConnell Air Force Base near Wichita. At the Fort Riley Superfund Site, during spring 2020, environmental staff conducted a PFAS Site Inspection. EPA's Regional Lab reviewed and provided data analysis for split samples collected by KDHE during the site inspection.
• Nebraska: In March 2020, EPA announced a $99,000 Small Business Innovation Research contract to AirLift Environmental LLC in Lincoln, Nebraska, to develop a remedial treatment to remove PFAS and associated co-contaminants from soil and groundwater.
• Learn more here.

Region 8

• "EPA Region 8 is focused on supporting our federal, state and local partners as they investigate and respond to PFAS concerns affecting water resources in our communities," said EPA Region 8 Administrator Gregory Sopkin. "I commend our partners in Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming for successfully navigating many challenges to make sure people are receiving safe drinking water. We will continue to provide community engagement, technical expertise, and other resources necessary to secure public health as we move forward with key actions under the national PFAS Action Plan."
• Colorado: In a multi-year effort, EPA with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), El Paso County, the U.S. Department of the Army, the U.S. Air Force, affected public water systems, and other entities worked to mitigate exposures from PFAS in drinking water and address community concerns in the Security/Widefield/Fountain areas near Colorado Springs, Colorado. EPA staff played key roles in conducting community engagement activities, providing technical assistance on groundwater sampling plans, evaluating human health and toxicological concerns, and funding private well sampling to determine the extent of contamination in the area.
• South Dakota: EPA is working with the State of South Dakota, the City of Box Elder, and DOD at Ellsworth Air Force Base to address PFAS contamination, including providing technical assistance and public engagement.
• Learn more here.

Region 9

• "EPA continues to provide technical support and funding to address this emerging contaminant," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. "We are working with our partners throughout the Pacific Southwest and in the Pacific Islands to assess the potential risk to drinking water that may be impacted by PFAS contamination in an effort to safeguard water supplies in our region."
• Arizona: EPA helped fund Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) Public Water System Source Screening for PFOA and PFOS. Of the 109 samples collected from drinking water wells and analyzed for PFOA and PFOS, 89 had no detectable levels, 14 were below the EPA Health Advisory of 70 parts per trillion (PPT), and six were above the advisory level.
• Guam: EPA collaborated with the Guam EPA to develop preliminary PFAS vulnerability Assessment for drinking water wells on the island. The assessment was conducted using EPA well head protection area analysis methods. The agency also provided technical document review and consultation for Guam EPA on PFAS cleanup and disposal issues.

Learn more here.

Region 10

• "We're happy to provide some extra scientific 'horsepower' in the effort to protect public health," said EPA Pacific Northwest Regional Administrator Chris Hladick. "When our state and local partners need a little extra capacity or expertise, we're honored to deliver that support. Our partnership with states and other federal agencies has furthered national research aimed at better understanding PFAS and PFOA and how to protect our drinking water."
• Alaska: EPA is delivering technical assistance to the North Slope Borough (NSB) and Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS) in analyzing PFAS in Imikpuk Lake near the native village of Utqiaġvik. With the help of EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD), a study plan was developed and shared with the project partners (North Star Borough, ICAS, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and University of Alaska). The lake (near the former site of the Naval Arctic Research Lab and airstrip) was tested for PFAS by the Navy in 2017 and PFOA and PFOS levels were found to be above EPA's Lifetime Health Advisory level. EPA scientists have begun analyzing Lake water, sediment and fish samples previously collected by the University.
• Learn more here.

Technical Assistance: What They Are Saying

"ADEQ appreciates EPA's support to help Arizona prepare to address an emerging drinking water challenge," said ADEQ Water Quality Division Director Trevor Baggiore. "Through EPA funding, ADEQ will build on our 2018 efforts to assess potential PFAS contamination in Arizona. The information gathered will help ensure public water systems continue to provide healthy drinking water for Arizonans."

"Guam EPA benefits tremendously from the technical assistance we receive from U.S EPA Region 9," said Guam EPA Administrator Walter S. Leon Guerrero. "Our island's ability to evaluate risks associated with PFAS contamination, waste management and containment assessment will flourish with our continued collaboration and broadened support from Region 9."

"EPA Region 9 staff have provided valuable insights into the occurrence and potential sources of PFAS in public water systems in California. This collaboration helps to inform this state's regulatory decisions to address sources of PFAS, and to protect public water systems in California," said State Water Boards Executive Director Eileen Sobeck.

"The PFAS coordination by EPA Region 10 has been very helpful in sharing our approaches and activities with our neighboring states," said Washington State Department of Health Toxicologist Barbara Morrisey. "As questions come up, Region 10 has been fantastic at bringing in speakers from EPA ORD, Office of Water, and TSCA to keep us informed about the latest EPA tools and research."

Learn more about EPA's technical assistance and research across the country: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/icymi-epa-state-and-local-partners-team-address-pfas-across-country

Background
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used by a variety of industries since 1940. Common applications of PFAS include water and stain repellant materials, as well as fast-acting firefighting products. While the use of older variants of PFAS have been widely discontinued, legacy uses and a lack of commercially viable alternatives to certain public safety products (e.g. fire-fighting foams) have resulted in PFAS contamination in certain areas.

In 2019, EPA issued the PFAS Action Plan – the first multi-media, multi-program, national research, management, and risk communication plan to address an emerging contaminant like PFAS. The PFAS Action Plan outlines the tools EPA is developing to address PFAS in drinking water, identify and clean up PFAS contamination, expand monitoring of PFAS manufacturing, increase PFAS scientific research, and promote effective enforcement tools. Additionally, it outlines EPA's commitment to take a wide variety of actions to address this emerging contaminant in both a short-term and long-term timeframe.

Learn more about EPA's PFAS research: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/research-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas

 

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EPA Announces $4.3 Million for Tribes to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water in Schools

 

 

 

EPA Announces $4.3 Million for Tribes to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water in Schools

New grant program continues implementation of Trump Administration's Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure

 

WASHINGTON (July 30, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new grant program to help protect children in tribal communities from lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. With this action, the agency is continuing to make meaningful progress under the Trump Administration's Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures by engaging with tribes and working to protect childrens' health in these underserved communities.

"Protecting children in tribal communities from lead in drinking water is a priority for the Trump Administration and EPA," said U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "This new funding helps tribes further reduce lead in drinking water by boosting testing for lead in schools and childcare centers. This, in turn, will increase the health and wellbeing of the coming generation."

Authorized by the Water Infrastructure Improvements of the Nation (WIIN) Act, EPA is making $4.3 million available to support the Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water Tribal Grant Program. Grantees will use the EPA's 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water guidance to implement lead testing programs and develop monitoring, maintenance and/or sampling plans that protect children from lead exposure now and in the future. Beneficiaries of the program must be members of a federally-recognized tribe. EPA will host a webinar in August to provide more information about the 3Ts toolkit and an overview of the grant and its scope.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/safewater/grants.

Background

While the U.S. has made tremendous progress in lowering children's blood lead levels, some children are still exposed to high levels of lead. In December 2018, EPA with other federal partners announced the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures. Today's announcement continues the agency's significant progress in implementing this plan.

For example, on July 29, 2020, EPA announced that it sent the final Lead and Copper Rule—the first major overhaul of rule in nearly three decades—to the Office of Management and Budget. When finalized, the revision will significantly improve the actions that water systems must take to reduce lead in the nation's drinking water. The agency also announced a final rule to reduce lead in plumbing materials used in public water systems, homes, schools and other facilities. In June, EPA announced a proposal to reduce the amount of lead that can remain in dust on floors and windowsills after lead removal activities. Additionally, in February, the agency announced the availability of approximately $40 million to assist disadvantaged communities and schools with removing sources of lead in drinking water.

 

 

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EPA Approves 13 Products from List N as Effective Against SARS-CoV-2

 

 

 

EPA Approves 13 Products from List N as Effective Against SARS-CoV-2

EPA continues to provide consumers with disinfectant options, scientific research

 

WASHINGTON (July 30, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 13 products on List N, EPA's list of products expected to kill SARS-CoV-2, have completed laboratory testing for use specifically against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

"As part of President Trump's all-of-government approach to fighting the spread of COVID-19, EPA is continuing its efforts to approve products that have specifically been tested against SARS-CoV-2," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Each of these products already appears on the agency's list of approved disinfectants—this additional step provides critical scientific data and information on the tools that the American public are relying on to protect their families."

Before pesticide products can legally make claims that they can kill a particular pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2, the claim must be authorized by EPA based on a review of data. Because novel viruses are typically not immediately available for laboratory testing, EPA established guidance for Emerging Viral Pathogens  .

The specific products approved include 12 unique products from the manufacturer Lonza and one additional Lysol product from Reckitt Benckiser. While these products were already on List N, they now carry additional weight against the virus that causes COVID-19 based on testing performed by the manufacturer and confirmed by EPA. The total number of products in this category is now 15.

Additionally, EPA continues to add products to List N that are expected to kill SARS-CoV-2, based on past efficacy testing. There are 469 approved products currently on List N. Those looking for approved disinfectant products should refer to List N for regular updates.

When using an EPA-registered disinfectant, follow the label directions for safe, effective use. Make sure to follow the contact time, which is the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet.

For more information visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19.

 

 

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ICYMI: EPA’s Wheeler Focuses on Environmental Justice In Colorado Site Cleanup

 

 

 

ICYMI: EPA's Wheeler Focuses on Environmental Justice In Colorado Site Cleanup

 

Western Wire

July 28, 2020

Delivering environmental justice to communities of color and accelerated clean-ups to brownfield and Superfund sites in the West, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler made a stop in Pueblo, Colorado, Tuesday to view the ongoing removal of lead and arsenic from a century-old smelting plant near residential areas.

Wheeler toured the Colorado Smelter Superfund Site that was active from 1883 to 1908 producing lead and silver, and had been dormant for more than a century before being added to the agency's priority clean-up list.

Giving the communities and residents piece of mind and equal access to human health was a priority for Wheeler and EPA and community leaders, "regardless of their zip code."

"This means that parents of children playing on playgrounds, and in areas outside their homes will know their kids are safe from heavy metal pollution. This means that businesses, schools, and families can invest in the future with confidence that their voices are being heard," Wheeler said.

The nearby Eilers, Bessemer, and Grove neighborhoods are home to nearly 1,900 residential and commercial properties, according to U.S. Census data. Wheeler said EPA had completed soil sampling at 84 percent of those properties and tested indoor dust from 59 percent of homes in the area since 2018.

"This is an environmental justice community, and there are a lot of people here who need help," said EPA Region 8 administrator, Greg Sopkin. "This is lead, we don't want children playing in lead," he added.

Areas near the affected neighborhoods are overwhelmingly Hispanic or Latino, according to the 2010 Census. A few neighboring census tracts show majority minority Hispanic populations of between 65 and 76 percent. Low to moderate household income neighborhoods dominate the majority of Pueblo's census tracts. Homes near the smelter project are between 60.1 percent and 83.0 percent lower income, the highest rates in the city.

Wheeler said that bureaucracies tend to move slowly, "and because so many of these sites are surrounded by minority and low-income communities, when progress is slowed, these communities are left waiting" for agencies like EPA to take action.

Pueblo Mayor Nicholas Gradisar praised the "good partnership" between the city and EPA. "It's obvious that as a community we get this area revitalized. These are proud neighborhoods, the people that live in them are proud people," he said.

"We want to make sure they have as many opportunities as they can," Gradisar said. Pueblo's historic neighborhoods include steelworks, as well as other energy opportunities, given the "ideal conditions" provided in the area.

Gradisar and other Pueblo officials urged Pueblo residents in the affected areas to ensure they were included in testing and clean-up operations, not only for safety and health reasons, but for economic and financial reasons, such as future resell of property.

EPA has removed lead and arsenic from 48 percent of properties that required remediation. The agency remains on track for a 2023 completion in Pueblo, according to the Administrator.

The agency estimated that 16 percent of the population nationwide lives within three miles of a Superfund site, or approximately 50 million people.

"The point of the Superfund program is to someday have no more clean-up to do. The point of the program is not to get caught up in the process but focus on the progress of cleaning up a site," Wheeler said.

Wheeler called the acceleration of cleanup one of the "single best decision[s] EPA has made" in his most recent tenure at the agency.

Click here to read the full piece.

 

 

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EPA Proposes Cleanup Plan to Address Pesticide Warehouse I Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico

 

 

 

CONTACT: reyes.brenda@epa.gov   EPA Proposes Cleanup Plan to Address Pesticide Warehouse I Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico PUERTO RICO (July 30, 2020) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a cleanup plan to address contaminated soil at the Pesticide Warehouse I Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The plan includes removing and disposing of contaminated soil from the site and the long-term monitoring of the groundwater to protect people's health. "Under our successful Superfund program, we are proposing the best course of action to protect the public from pesticide-related contamination from this site over the long-term," said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. "This cleanup plan was developed in consultation with the Puerto Rico government and represents our mutual commitment to protecting human health on the island." Under the proposed cleanup plan announced today, EPA is proposing to excavate and remove the upper 10 feet of contaminated soil in targeted areas of the site. The excavated soil, about 14,100 cubic yards, will be thermally treated before being disposed of at facilities licensed to receive the waste. The footprint of the excavation will require that the remaining dilapidated buildings at the site be demolished. EPA will implement institutional controls to restrict the future use of the site to non-residential uses and utilize long-term monitoring of the groundwater to prevent and reduce human exposure to contaminated groundwater until the cleanup goals are met.  EPA is requiring periodic collection and analysis of groundwater samples to verify that the level and extent of contaminants are declining. Throughout the cleanup, monitoring and further studies will be conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the remedy. The EPA will conduct a review within 5 years to ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup. Pesticide Warehouse I was a pesticide storage warehouse that the Puerto Rico Land Authority owns, which was used for pesticide mixing and storage operations from 1953 to 2003. In October 1999, the property was leased to Agrocampos, Inc. During its years of operation, the site was used to supply pesticides for pineapple crops in the surrounding area as well as for the storage and preparation of insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Leftover and excess pesticides were discharged directly to the ground adjacent to the main warehouse resulting in soil and groundwater contamination, including significantly elevated levels of aldrin, toxaphene, and dieldrin among other hazardous contaminants. A 30-day public comment period for the proposed plan will occur from July 30, 2020 to August 29, 2020. On August 6, 2020 a Virtual Presentation will be available at the following link: www.epa.gov/superfund/pesticide-warehouse-1 Written comments on EPA's proposed plan may be mailed or emailed to Luis E. Santos, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, City View Plaza II - Suite 7000, 48 RD, 165 Km. 1.2, Guaynabo, PR, 00968-8069 or santos.luis@epa.gov.  Comments postmarked on or before August 29, will be accepted. The EPA's proposed plan for the Site will be made available at www.epa.gov/superfund/pesticide-warehouse-1 Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2 20-050

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EPA Announces Another Significant Step in Effort to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

 

 

 

EPA Announces Another Significant Step in Effort to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

WASHINGTON (July 29, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to reduce lead in plumbing materials used in public water systems, homes, schools and other facilities. This action marks a significant milestone in implementing the Trump Administration's Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts. Along with other actions taken by EPA and our federal, state and local partners, this final rule will help protect public health—especially children's health—from the risks associated with lead exposure.

"The Trump Administration is committed to providing clean and safe drinking water for all Americans," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "The Lead-Free rule is a critical step in EPA's efforts to substantially improve children's health and further the agency's Action Plan goal of reducing children's exposure to lead sources."

The Lead-Free final rule significantly limits the lead content allowed in plumbing materials (e.g., pipes, fittings, and fixtures) used in new construction and replacement of existing plumbing. Specifically, the new rule reduces the percentage of lead content allowed in these materials from eight percent to 0.25 percent in accordance with the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. The final rule also requires that manufacturers or importers certify that their products meet the requirements using a consistent verification process. As a result, this new rule will reduce lead in drinking water and assure that states, manufacturers, inspectors and consumers have a common understanding of "Lead Free" plumbing.

Today, EPA is also announcing that it has sent the final Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to the Office of Management and Budget. This will be the first major update to the LCR in nearly three decades. On October 10, 2019, EPA proposed a proactive and holistic approach to improving the current LCR — from testing to treatment to replacing lead service lines to telling the public about the levels and risks of lead in drinking water. These improvements would further reduce lead in drinking water and help assure that water is less corrosive to older, lead containing plumbing materials. 

The Lead-Free final rule will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register and the certification requirement must be implemented within three years.

To learn more about the final "Use of Lead-Free Pipes, Fittings, Fixtures, Solder, and Flux for Drinking Water" rule, visit: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/use-lead-free-pipes-fittings-fixtures-solder-and-flux-drinking-water.

Background

In December 2018, EPA with its federal partners announced the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts. Through the Action Plan, EPA is working to reduce lead exposures from multiple sources including: paint, ambient air, drinking water, and soil and dust contamination. Some highlights include: 

• June 17, 2020 — EPA released a proposal to lower the clearance levels for dust on floors and windowsills after lead removal activities from 40 micrograms (µg) of lead in dust per square foot (ft2) to 10 µg/ft2 for floor dust and from 250 µg/ft2 to 100 µg/ft2 for windowsill dust.
   
• October 2019 – EPA's proposed Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) included a suite of actions to reduce lead exposure in drinking water where it is needed the most.
   
• October 2019 – EPA signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that provides a framework for a coordinated approach between more than a dozen critical partners across the federal government, tribes, water utilities and the public health community.
   
• October 2019 – EPA announced 117 federal enforcement actions completed over the last year to ensure entities like renovation contractors, landlords and property managers are in compliance with regulations that require them to protect communities and the public from exposures to lead.
   
• April 2019 – EPA announced the initial availability of grant funding to assist states, tribes, and territories with improving drinking water. States, tribes, and territories are eligible to receive funding from EPA drinking water grant programs established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN): Under EPA's Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care grant program, EPA awarded $43.7 million in grants in 2018-2019 and will be awarding $26 million in new funding in 2020 to fund testing for lead in drinking water at schools and child care programs. Testing results carried out using grant funds must be made publicly available. Under EPA's Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities grant program, EPA awarded $42.8 million in grants to support underserved communities with bringing public drinking water systems into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Funding can also be used for conducting household water quality testing, including testing for unregulated contaminants. Under EPA's Reduction in Lead Exposure [through Infrastructure Improvements in Drinking Water Systems and in Schools and Child Care Facilities] grant program, EPA is making available $39.9 million to assist disadvantaged communities with removing sources of lead in drinking water from drinking water systems and schools.  
   
• December 2018 – EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, HUD Secretary Ben Carson, and U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan unveiled the Trump Administration's Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts (Lead Action Plan). Developed through cross-governmental collaboration of the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, which includes 17 federal departments and offices, the Lead Action Plan is a blueprint for reducing lead exposure and associated harms by working with a range of stakeholders, including states, tribes and local communities, along with businesses, property owners and parents.
   

 

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