Issued: Dec 23, 2021 (2:53pm EST)

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EPA Settlement with Avantor Performance Materials Resolves Public Right to Know and Mercury Export Violations

December 20, 2021

Contact Information

EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON (Dec. 20, 2021) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Avantor Performance Materials, LLC (Avantor) to resolve alleged violations of Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements at Avantor's Phillipsburg, New Jersey facility; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) violations at both its Phillipsburg, New Jersey and Paris, Kentucky facilities; and TSCA Mercury Export Ban Act (MEBA) (Mercury Export Prohibition) violations at its Paris, Kentucky facility. Under this settlement agreement, negotiated by EPA Region 2, Avantor has certified it is now in compliance with TSCA and EPCRA. It has submitted its required CDR and TRI reports for a variety of chemicals including acids, bases, salts, solvents and metals, and has ceased exporting elemental mercury.  Avantor will also pay a $600,000 civil penalty. The Consent Agreement and Final Order was approved by the EPA Environmental Appeals Board on December 15, 2021 and is effective immediately.

"Complying with these reporting requirements and the mercury export ban is an essential part of protecting public health, the environment, and emergency preparedness," said Larry Starfield, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "By reducing the global supply of elemental mercury in commerce, the mercury export ban seeks to reduce human exposure to this potent neurotoxin."

Under EPCRA, facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use certain toxic chemicals above threshold amounts must file annual reports of their chemical releases and transfers with EPA and the appropriate state agency or tribe. In this case, EPA found that Avantor processed many chemical substances at its Phillipsburg, New Jersey facility. Of those chemicals, it failed to report 17 chemicals to the TRI for calendar year 2015 by the required due date of July 1, 2016.

Under TSCA, chemical manufacturers and importers must comply with EPA's CDR requirement every four years. Facilities must report chemical production amounts for sites that manufacture (including import) 25,000 pounds or more of an existing chemical substance on the TSCA inventory that was manufactured for commercial purpose in the U.S. during any one calendar year between submission periods.  In this case, EPA found that Avantor failed to report 13 chemical substances that it imported for commercial purposes at its Phillipsburg facility and that it failed to report 16 chemical substances that it imported for commercial purposes at its Paris facility. These CDR reports were due between June 1, 2016 and October 31, 2016.

The Mercury Export Ban Act (MEBA) amended TSCA. TSCA prohibits the export of elemental mercury from the United States effective January 1, 2013, unless permitted under an exemption granted by EPA.  Avantor exported elemental mercury from the United States, through its Paris facility, in quantities between one and two pounds between October 1, 2014 and May 29, 2018. These exports were sent to Canada, Taiwan, and India without Avantor having obtained an exemption from EPA, a violation of TSCA.

For more information on Toxics Release Inventory reporting, Chemical Data Reporting and the Mercury Export Ban Act, please visit these websites:

• https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program
• https://www.epa.gov/chemical-data-reporting
• https://www.epa.gov/mercury/environmental-laws-apply-mercury#ExportBan

 

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Issued: Dec 22, 2021 (11:54am EST)

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EPA Announces $105 Million WIFIA Loan to Improve Water Infrastructure in Sarasota County, Florida

Nationally, 67 WIFIA loans are financing $27 billion in water infrastructure upgrades, creating 77,000 jobs

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $105 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Sarasota County, Florida. The financed project will upgrade water infrastructure to support population growth and water reuse now and in the future.

"In Sarasota County, and all across the country, EPA is investing in water infrastructure to meet community needs while creating good-paying local jobs that cannot be outsourced," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "With this project, Sarasota is poised for a stronger, more sustainable and resilient future. Thanks to the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, many more communities will benefit from the win-win of water infrastructure investment."

"By improving water infrastructure, we are improving the quality of life and public health in our communities," said EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman. "Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the WIFIA loan program, EPA is happy to support Sarasota County in ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for generations to come."

Sarasota County's Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility Expansion and Advanced Wastewater Treatment Conversion Project will upgrade the Bee Ridge facility's wastewater treatment capacity from 12 million gallons per day to 18 million gallons per day to meet customer demand. The modernized facility will provide a sustainable water supply for irrigation upon the project's completion and will increase the county's ability to implement other water reuse options in the future. It will also improve water quality by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus discharged into local waterbodies. Implementing innovative wastewater treatment processes will help the county to comply with current and future regulatory requirements.

"This loan will help to improve and protect our water quality, and save our citizens money," said Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners' Chairman Alan Maio. "This continues to be a priority for our board, and the EPA's support is a testament to our ongoing commitment to fiscal and environmental responsibility."

EPA's $105 million WIFIA loan will finance nearly half of the $214 million project costs. Sarasota County will save approximately $22 million through its WIFIA financing. Project construction and operation are expected to create an estimated 688 jobs and construction is expected to be completed in 2025.

Background

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program administered by EPA. WIFIA's aim is to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. 

The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs. With this WIFIA loan closing, EPA has announced 67 WIFIA loans that are providing $12.6 billion in credit assistance to help finance $27 billion for water infrastructure while creating approximately 77,000 jobs and saving ratepayers $4.7 billion.

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

 

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Issued: Dec 21, 2021 (4:07pm EST)

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EPA Announces $81 Million WIFIA Loan to Upgrade Water Infrastructure in Sacramento, California

Nationally, 66 WIFIA loans are financing nearly $27 billion in water infrastructure upgrades, creating 76,000 jobs

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an $81 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the Sacramento County Water Agency in northern California. The financed project will modernize water infrastructure to support a more reliable and climate-resilient water supply. 

"By upgrading this aging distribution system and installing water meters that are fundamental to conservation, EPA is showing how the agency partners with local water providers to meet community needs," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "This project also creates jobs while EPA's WIFIA loan will keep costs down. Many more communities will benefit from the win-win of water infrastructure investment, thanks to the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law."

"The Sacramento County Water Agency's project is critical to fighting drought and reducing climate change impacts," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. "The EPA is committed to helping communities pursue smarter water management strategies, and we are proud to help finance this project to benefit local residents for generations to come. This represents the future of water in the West."

Sacramento County Water Agency's Arden Service Area Distribution System Pipe Realignment and Meter Installation Project will reduce water loss and the frequency of waterline breaks by modernizing the aging water distribution infrastructure. Additionally, the project helps Sacramento County comply with current fire protection standards and water metering requirements by installing 30 miles of new distribution pipeline, 260 fire hydrants, and 3,000 new water meters. Improved leak detection and water conservation methods will reduce water use by an estimated 17 percent annually, increasing the community's resiliency to the effects of climate change. 

"The Sacramento County Water Agency (Agency) is appreciative of the opportunity to participate in EPA's WIFIA program. The funding from this program will allow the Agency to address critical water supply infrastructure needs," said Michael Peterson, Sacramento County Water Agency Director.  "The funded project will upgrade the Arden Service Area water distribution system by installing larger pipes to increase system capacity, improve fire flow, and bolster system reliability while making more efficient the operation and maintenance of the system. The project also includes the installation of water meters for all service area connections, which will ensure the Agency meets compliance with California metering mandates. The WIFIA loan proceeds allow the Agency to implement the project in the most cost-effective manner possible while reducing the overall cost impact of the project to Agency customers.  This funding allows the Agency to continue to implement our capital improvement plan and provide a high quality, reliable and flexible water supply."

EPA's $81 million WIFIA loan will finance nearly half of the $165 million project costs. Sacramento County Water Agency will save approximately $22 million through its WIFIA financing. Project construction and operation are expected to create an estimated 530 jobs and construction is expected to be completed in 2025.

Background

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program administered by EPA. WIFIA's aim is to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. 

The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs. With this WIFIA loan closing, EPA has announced 66 WIFIA loans that are providing $12.5 billion in credit assistance to help finance nearly $27 billion for water infrastructure while creating approximately 76,000 jobs and saving ratepayers over $4.7 billion.

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

 

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EPA Announces Nationwide Monitoring Effort to Better Understand Extent of PFAS in Drinking Water WASHINGTON (Dec. 20, 2021)  – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) to establish nationwide monitoring for 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium in drinking water. This action is essential to addressing the public health and environmental risks of PFAS in drinking water and marks a significant milestone in EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. "At EPA, we are advancing the science and the monitoring that are necessary to protect all communities from PFAS," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "With the data provided by this rule, EPA will be able to develop better regulations while the agency, states, and our local partners will be able to make protective public health decisions that are grounded in science." EPA uses the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule to monitor for priority unregulated contaminants in drinking water every five years. UCMR 5 will collect new data on 29 PFAS that is needed to improve EPA's understanding of the frequency and magnitude at which these chemicals are found in the nation's drinking water systems. Additionally, expanded monitoring in UCMR 5 will improve EPA's ability to conduct state and regional assessments of contamination. This will enable analyses of potential Environmental Justice impacts on disadvantaged communities. This data will also serve as a potential source of information for systems with infrastructure funding needs for emerging contaminant remediation. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended by America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, now requires all drinking water systems serving between 3,300 and 10,000 people to participate in UCMR and specifies that a representative sample of systems serving fewer than 3,300 people participate, subject to the availability of appropriations and sufficient laboratory capacity. If the necessary funds are appropriated, the UCMR 5 will significantly expand the number of small drinking water systems participating in the program, which should provide more Americans with a better understanding of potential contaminants in their drinking water. The rule requires participating drinking water systems to collect samples from 2023-2025 and report final results through 2026. EPA will hold multiple webinar meetings for stakeholders in 2022. Dates and times of the upcoming meetings will be posted on EPA's website at: https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule-ucmr-meetings-and-materials. More information on UCMR 5 may be found at: https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule. Background on UCMR UCMR is a key provision of the SDWA that helps identify unregulated contaminants present in our drinking water supply. Every five years, EPA publishes a new UCMR to address a new set of priority unregulated drinking water contaminants. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) (Public Law 116-92) amended SDWA and specifies that the Administrator shall include each PFAS in UCMR 5 for which a drinking water method has been validated by the Administrator and that are not subject to a national primary drinking water regulation. The five-year UCMR 5 period spans 2022–2026, with UCMR 5 sample collection beginning in 2023 and continuing through 2025.

 

 

 

 

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EPA Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Standards for Passenger Vehicles, Paving Way for a Zero-Emissions Futur

EPA Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Standards for Passenger Vehicles, Paving Way for a Zero-Emissions Future WASHINGTON (Dec. 20, 2021) – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing the most ambitious federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks ever. The final standards, for Model Years (MY) 2023 through 2026, leverage advances in clean car technology to unlock $190 billion in net benefits to Americans, including reducing climate pollution, improving public health, and saving drivers money at the pump. The final rule also delivers more net benefits to consumers than the proposed rule showcasing how zero-emission vehicles are more affordable and more efficient for consumers. The ambitious standards through 2026 also set the light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) program on track to provide a strong launch point for the Agency's next phase of standards for MY 2027 and beyond. EPA is planning to initiate a separate rulemaking to establish multi-pollutant emission standards under the Clean Air Act for MY 2027 and later that will speed the transition of the light-duty vehicle fleet toward a zero-emissions future consistent with President Biden's Executive Order, "Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks." "The final rule for light duty vehicles reflect core principles of this Administration: We followed the science, we listened to stakeholders, and we are setting robust and rigorous standards that will aggressively reduce the pollution that is harming people and our planet – and save families money at the same time," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. "At EPA, our priority is to protect public health, especially in overburdened communities, while responding to the President's ambitious climate agenda. Today we take a giant step forward in delivering on those goals, while paving the way toward an all-electric, zero-emissions transportation future." The standards finalized today are the most ambitious vehicle emissions standards for greenhouse gases ever established for the light-duty vehicle sector in the United States. They are based on sound science and grounded in a rigorous assessment of current and future technologies with supporting analysis that shows the standards are achievable and affordable. EPA's final standards for 2025 and 2026 deliver even greater net benefits and emissions reductions than those proposed in the initial rulemaking stage in August of 2021. Through 2050, the program will result in avoiding more than 3 billion tons of GHG emissions which is equivalent to more than half the total U.S. CO2 emissions in 2019. These ambitious standards are cost-effective and achieve significant public health and welfare benefits. The benefits of this rule exceed the costs by as much as $190 billion. Benefits include reduced impacts of climate change, improved public health from lower pollution, and cost savings for vehicle owners through improved fuel efficiency. American drivers will save between $210 billion and $420 billion through 2050 on fuel costs.  On average over the lifetime of an individual MY 2026 vehicle, EPA estimates that the fuel savings will exceed the initial increase in vehicle costs by more than $1,000 for consumers. While these standards are ambitious, they provide adequate lead time for manufacturers to comply at reasonable costs. EPA's analysis shows manufacturers can comply with the final standards with modest increases in the numbers of electric vehicles entering the fleet. By MY 2026, EPA projects that the final standards can be met with sales of about 17 percent electric vehicles (EVs), and wider uptake of advanced gasoline engine and vehicle technologies available today. Auto companies continue to invest in, and develop, zero-emissions vehicles to meet rising consumer demand, while making make public commitments to build these vehicles in the future. Today's final standards have been calibrated to align with and support those investments. Companies are announcing unprecedented plans for an increasing diversity and production volume of zero- and near-zero emissions vehicle models, while also implementing a broad array of advanced gasoline vehicle GHG emission-reducing technologies. As the GHG standards get stronger over four years, sales of EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles will grow from about 7 percent market share in MY 2023 to about 17 percent in MY 2026, the agency projects. These increasing levels of EVs will position the United States to achieve aggressive GHG emissions reductions from transportation over the long term. Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $7.5 billion is allocated for EV charging and related programs with a target of having 500,000 public charging stations by 2030, with a focus on creating a convenient national network and providing equitable access to rural drivers and overburdened and underserved communities. More than $7 billion is set aside for investments in battery manufacturing, materials, and recycling to drive down costs, increase sustainability, and build the batteries that will power the future vehicles here in the United States. The surge in charging infrastructure investments coupled with battery technology advancements, increased range, and reduced battery and vehicle costs are making EVs more attractive than ever to consumers. Moving to a clean energy future will benefit our most vulnerable communities. Areas located close to major roads and highways will have less exposure to air pollution. Overburdened and underserved communities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These standards will help address climate change and reduce climate impacts on vulnerable communities.   For more information on the final rule, please visit: epa.gov/LDV

 

 

 

 

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Issued: Dec 17, 2021 (5:32pm EST)

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EPA Announces Plans to Use First $1B from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds to Clear Out the Superfund Backlog

New Jersey Communities will Benefit

Contact: Stephen McBay, (212)-637-3672, mcbay.stephen@epa.gov

NEW YORK (December 17, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $1 billion investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to initiate cleanup and clear the backlog of 49 previously unfunded Superfund sites and accelerate cleanup at dozens of other sites across the country. Until this historic investment, many of these were part of a backlog of hazardous waste sites awaiting funding. Thousands of contaminated sites exist nationally due to hazardous waste being dumped, left out in the open, or otherwise improperly managed. These sites include manufacturing facilities, processing plants, landfills and mining sites.

"This work is just the beginning; with more than 1 in 4 Black and Hispanic Americans living within 3 miles of a Superfund site, EPA is working to serve people that have been left behind," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Approximately 60 percent of the sites to receive funding for new cleanup projects are in historically underserved communities. Communities living near many of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination will finally get the protections they deserve."

The $1 billion investment is the first wave of funding from the $3.5 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help cleanup polluted Superfund sites in communities. The backlog of previously unfunded sites that will now be receiving funding are in 24 states and territories and all 10 EPA regions, including some communities who have been waiting for cleanup for more than four years.

EPA is committed to carrying out this work in line with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative by advancing environmental justice and incorporating equity considerations into all aspects of the Superfund cleanup process. This will help ensure that historic and ongoing impacts of contamination on overburdened communities are fully considered and addressed.

"With today's announcement, help is on the way to communities across the country plagued by the risks of living near a Superfund site. Nowhere is that more true than in my home state of New Jersey, which has the greatest number of Superfund sites in the country," said Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. "I'm thrilled the bipartisan infrastructure law is being put to immediate use to clean up backlogged sites and give our communities the peace of mind they deserve. Thanks to its partial reinstatement of the Superfund Polluter Pays tax, cleanup sites will have more dedicated funding moving forward, and with the Build Back Better Act's full reinstatement, unfunded sites could become a thing of the past."

"With the most Superfund sites in the nation, the impact that decades-long contamination has on communities across New Jersey – many of which are threatened by climate change – is one of our most pressing environmental issues. That is why I fought hard to ensure that this critical and historic funding would be part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to clean up long overlooked Superfund sites in New Jersey," said Sen. Bob Menendez. "This funding will be transformational for New Jersey communities impacted by toxic contamination and will provide critical investments in communities of color and low-income communities, which are disproportionately affected by legacy contamination from abandoned Superfund sites."

Administrator Regan visited the Lower Darby Creek Area site in Pennsylvania, one of the many sites with ongoing work that will receive a boost from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. Along with new construction projects, infrastructure funds will be used to accelerate ongoing work and begin cleanup at additional Superfund sites in various stages of pre-construction and planning throughout the country.

These Superfund cleanup projects will make a visible and lasting difference in communities. In one Florida community, residents have been advocating for removal of creosote-contaminated soil in their neighborhood for years. At a New York site, lead contaminated soil will be removed from people's backyards. At a site in New Mexico, EPA will address the source area of a contaminated groundwater plume migrating towards a community.

The funds will supercharge the Superfund program to address the toll contaminated sites have on communities. EPA is finalizing cleanup plans and preparing funding mechanisms to get construction work started as soon as possible. More information about funding for backlogged sites and accelerated cleanup sites will be available in the coming weeks.

In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund, was passed. The novel law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, funds appropriated by Congress are used. A tax on chemical and petroleum industries provided funds to the Superfund Trust fund for Superfund cleanups up until 1995. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reinstates the chemical excise taxes and invests an additional $3.5 billion in environmental remediation at Superfund sites, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address the legacy pollution that harms the public health of communities and neighborhoods.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment that will create millions of jobs modernizing our infrastructure, turn the climate crisis into an opportunity, and put us on a path to win the economic competition for the 21^st century. 

In New Jersey, the following Superfund Sites are slated to receive Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding:

Highlighting that thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, EPA is moving projects forward in NJ communities, Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia today visited the Unimatic Manufacturing Superfund Site in Fairfield. She was joined by U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. With 114, New Jersey has more federal Superfund Sites than any other state in the nation. The funds will be used to demolish the on-site building and excavate PCB and pesticide contaminated soil. The building debris and excavated soil will be sent off-site for proper disposal. Excavation of PCB contaminated sediment and long-term groundwater monitoring will be part of future work.

"We are witnessing a once-in-a-generation investment that gives EPA the resources to clean up legacy pollution that has gone unaddressed for far too long, particularly in underserved and overburdened communities," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "The funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will go directly toward shovel-ready sites such as Unimatic, giving back a healthy and vibrant environment to the Fairfield community."

"For too long, New Jerseyans have dealt with the hazardous burdens Superfund sites place on our environment, public health, and communities," said Rep. Sherrill. "As Chairwoman of the Environment Subcommittee, I'm proud that the funding we included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act -- and the announcement of this plan to finally move forward with projects that will help remediate these toxic sites, including right here in NJ-11 -- will be instrumental to improving the health and safety of our community as a whole. It is just one of the many examples of how this infrastructure law is bringing funding directly back to NJ-11 to address real needs facing New Jersey and our families, making our communities stronger for generations to come. I want to thank EPA Regional Administrator Garcia and NJ DEP Commissioner LaTourette for joining me in NJ-11 today and for their steadfast commitment to remediating these Superfund sites."

"DEP welcomes the notable increase of federal funds to jumpstart cleanups at seven New Jersey Superfund sites, including the Unimatic PCB site in Fairfield," said Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. "New Jersey's strong partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will ensure that the bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding to protect public health and restore our natural resources, making our communities safer and returning these seven properties to productive use whether for open space or commercial activity."

Superfund is the federal cleanup program established by Congress in 1980 to investigate and clean up the country's most hazardous waste sites. While the Superfund program operates on the principle that polluters should pay for the cleanups, EPA will use federal funding when those responsible for the pollution cannot be found or are not financially viable.

At the White Chemical Superfund Site in Newark, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funds will be used to bioremediate groundwater contaminated with volatile organic compounds, specifically trichloroethylene and 1,2-dichloroethane. EPA plans to apply non-hazardous additives to the groundwater to promote the breakdown of contaminants.

"The White Chemical Superfund site is one of the most important such areas in Newark that requires remediation. This federal funding will enable us to spur redevelopment of the Dayton neighborhood and enhance both Newark's prosperity and a higher quality of life for local residents," said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. "I am grateful to President Biden, Congress, and the EPA for restoring funding to clean up this longstanding toxic site in Newark."

"I am proud to support the Environmental Protection Agency's commitment to clean up the White Chemical Corporation property in my district," said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  "I helped pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that included the funding necessary to clean up this site and 49 other Superfund sites nationwide. The White Chemical site has been an environmental hazard and threatened the health and safety of minority communities in my district for decades.  The EPA's action to clean it up is a great example of the Biden Administration's leadership to address climate change and climate justice."   

At the Diamond Head Oil Superfund Site in Kearny, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funds will be used to excavate, remove, and dispose of soil containing dioxin and oily waste (light non-aqueous phase liquid) as well as consolidation on the site and capping of surface soil containing residual levels of PCB, and lead and chromium.

"I am pleased that the Diamond Head Oil Refinery, located in Kearny, will receive the funding needed to address long-standing issues related to this Superfund site," said Congressman Albio Sires. "The funding for cleanup is made possible from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which was signed into law earlier this fall, demonstrating the many positive impacts this legislation is having on our communities in New Jersey's 8th District."

"The local community welcomes the news," said Kearny Mayor Alberto Santos. "For decades, we have sought to redevelop this site which is located along key roadways and near a major retail center.  We're hopeful that this public funding will get us closer to that goal."

At the Roebling Steel Superfund site in Florence Township, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funds will be used to perform long-term groundwater monitoring, capping of soil, building decontamination, demolition, and historic preservation mitigation measures.

At the Unimatic Manufacturing site in Fairfield, NJ, the Infrastructure funds will be used to demolish the on-site building and excavate PCB- and pesticide- contaminated soils. The building debris and excavated soil will be sent off-site for proper disposal. Excavation of PCB contaminated sediment and long-term groundwater monitoring will be part of future work that will require infrastructure funds.

"Clean air, clean water, and clean soil are essential to living healthy fulfilling lives. I'm glad EPA now has the resources to address two additional sites in Burlington County that were stuck in a backlog despite being recognized as a National Priority and will begin these cleanup projects soon," said Congressman Andy Kim. "By voting for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, I voted to rebuild our infrastructure and supercharge cleanup projects around New Jersey. These investments in our communities will help everyone in the surrounding areas, and I look forward to seeing these and more cleanup projects coming to New Jersey in the near future."

 "This is great news," said Florence Mayor Craig H. Wilkie. "The Roebling Steel site has become such an asset to our community after the former slag area and contaminated creek areas were cleaned up. With the Heritage trail now open along the creek, the public now can see what a large site the Roebling steel site is. Through our continued partnership with the EPA we return to the public, land that has not been available for use in over 100 years. We are grateful to the commitment the EPA Superfund staff has shown to our community. What a great future we have thanks to this partnership."

At the Former Kil-Tone Superfund site in Vineland, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funds will be used to excavate soil contaminated with arsenic and lead from at least 36 properties located in a largely residential neighborhood impacted by the past operations of the former Kil-Tone company, including the former Kil-Tone Company property itself. Excavated soil will be sent off-site for proper disposal and the properties will be restored.

At the Garfield Groundwater Contamination Superfund Site in Garfield, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funds will be used to treat hexavalent chromium in groundwater by a a combination of cleanup measures to address the problem in the long term, including treatment of the contaminated groundwater with a non-hazardous additive that will reduce the contamination, and restrictions on the use of the groundwater.

At the Kauffman & Minteer Superfund Site in Jobstown, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funds will be used to treat volatile organic contaminants, specifically trichloroethylene and 1,2-dichloroethene, by a combination of groundwater extraction and treatment. EPA proposes applying non-hazardous additives to the ground water to promote the breakdown of contaminants (bioremediation).

For more information and to see a list of the 49 sites to receive funding for new cleanup projects, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-sites-new-construction-projects-receive-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funding

For more information about EPA's Superfund program, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund

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

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Issued: Dec 17, 2021 (5:34pm EST)

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EPA Announces Plans to Use First $1B from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds to Clear Out the Superfund Backlog

New York Communities will Benefit

Contact: Stephen McBay, (212)-637-3672, mcbay.stephen@epa.gov

NEW YORK (December 17, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $1 billion investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to initiate cleanup and clear the backlog of 49 previously unfunded Superfund sites and accelerate cleanup at dozens of other sites across the country. Until this historic investment, many of these were part of a backlog of hazardous waste sites awaiting funding. Thousands of contaminated sites exist nationally due to hazardous waste being dumped, left out in the open, or otherwise improperly managed. These sites include manufacturing facilities, processing plants, landfills and mining sites.

"This work is just the beginning; with more than 1 in 4 Black and Hispanic Americans living within 3 miles of a Superfund site, EPA is working to serve people that have been left behind," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Approximately 60 percent of the sites to receive funding for new cleanup projects are in historically underserved communities. Communities living near many of the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination will finally get the protections they deserve."

The $1 billion investment is the first wave of funding from the $3.5 billion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help cleanup polluted Superfund sites in communities. The backlog of previously unfunded sites that will now be receiving funding are in 24 states and territories and all 10 EPA regions, including some communities who have been waiting for cleanup for more than four years.

EPA is committed to carrying out this work in line with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative by advancing environmental justice and incorporating equity considerations into all aspects of the Superfund cleanup process. This will help ensure that historic and ongoing impacts of contamination on overburdened communities are fully considered and addressed.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, "Across the state, we are putting former industrial sites back into productive use, revitalizing our communities and protecting our environment. Today's announcement will help to jumpstart long-awaited cleanups in Lockport, Vestal, and Elmira–communities eager for the economic opportunities sparked by Superfund cleanups and the chance to look beyond the industrial pollution of the past to a cleaner and greener future. With strong partners at U.S. EPA and complemented by New York's State Superfund and Brownfield Cleanup Programs, we are supporting the rebirth of these sites to benefit all of our communities."

"I'm thrilled to announce that key Superfund sites located in Elmira, the town of Vestal, and Niagara County are receiving the funds needed to clean up hazardous waste in these communities. This critical funding is a direct result of the bipartisan infrastructure package and will help clean up these sites in order to keep the surrounding communities safe from exposure to harmful, toxic waste," said Senator Gillibrand. "The health of New Yorkers should not be put at risk due to toxic waste dumps – period. I fought alongside Senator Schumer to secure and deliver this funding, and I am grateful to the Biden administration for quickly disbursing this money."

"We are excited to see that the investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill are already having a positive impact on our area. We care about the environmental health of our communities, and that is why the announcement of additional cleanup at the Facet Enterprises location is such welcomed news. Projects like this are why we are proud to have supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and all it does for our community," said Congressman Tom Reed.

"With today's announcement, help is on the way to communities across the country plagued by the risks of living near a Superfund site. Nowhere is that more true than in my home state of New Jersey, which has the greatest number of Superfund sites in the country," said Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. "I'm thrilled the bipartisan infrastructure law is being put to immediate use to clean up backlogged sites and give our communities the peace of mind they deserve. Thanks to its partial reinstatement of the Superfund Polluter Pays tax, cleanup sites will have more dedicated funding moving forward, and with the Build Back Better Act's full reinstatement, unfunded sites could become a thing of the past."

Administrator Regan visited the Lower Darby Creek Area site in Pennsylvania, one of the many sites with ongoing work that will receive a boost from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. Along with new construction projects, infrastructure funds will be used to accelerate ongoing work and begin cleanup at additional Superfund sites in various stages of pre-construction and planning throughout the country.

These Superfund cleanup projects will make a visible and lasting difference in communities. In one Florida community, residents have been advocating for removal of creosote-contaminated soil in their neighborhood for years. At a New York site, lead contaminated soil will be removed from people's backyards. At a site in New Mexico, EPA will address the source area of a contaminated groundwater plume migrating towards a community.

The funds will supercharge the Superfund program to address the toll contaminated sites have on communities. EPA is finalizing cleanup plans and preparing funding mechanisms to get construction work started as soon as possible. More information about funding for backlogged sites and accelerated cleanup sites will be available in the coming weeks.

In 1980, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as Superfund, was passed. The novel law gave EPA the authority and funds to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up the most contaminated sites across the country. When no viable responsible party is found or cannot afford the cleanup, funds appropriated by Congress are used. A tax on chemical and petroleum industries provided funds to the Superfund Trust fund for Superfund cleanups up until 1995. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reinstates the chemical excise taxes and invests an additional $3.5 billion in environmental remediation at Superfund sites, making it one of the largest investments in American history to address the legacy pollution that harms the public health of communities and neighborhoods.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment that will create millions of jobs modernizing our infrastructure, turn the climate crisis into an opportunity, and put us on a path to win the economic competition for the 21^st century. 

In New York, the following Superfund Sites are slated to receive Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding:

At the Eighteen Mile Creek Superfund Site in Lockport, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill funds will be used to excavate and dispose of lead and PCB contaminated sediment within the Creek Corridor. The cleanup will include excavation and disposal of soil at the adjacent upland commercial properties as well. Infrastructure funds will also be used to excavate lead contaminated soil at certain residential properties on Mill Street and several other adjacent streets at the site.

"Lockport is thankful that the 18-Mile Creek Superfund site is part of the bi-partisan infrastructure bill," said Mayor Michelle M. Roman, Lockport, NY. "This will make a difference for our community impacted by the years of hazardous waste they have endured.  Cleanup will allow us to protect human life, the environment and promote economic, recreational and habitat improvements."

At the Facet Enterprises, Inc. Superfund site in the Village of Elmira Heights, the infrastructure funds will be used to install vapor mitigation systems where vapor intrusion of volatile organic compounds, specifically trichloroethylene (TCE), is occuring or may have the potential to occur. This method removes harmful chemicals from the soil in the form of vapor by applying a vacuum.

At the Vestal Water Supply Well 1-1 Superfund Site in Vestal, the Bipartisan infrastructure Bill funds will be used for thermal soil treatment of VOC-contaminated soils. In addition, some of the soil is contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which will be excavated and removed from the site.

For more information and to see a list of the 49 sites to receive funding for new cleanup projects, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-sites-new-construction-projects-receive-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-funding

For more information about EPA's Superfund program, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund

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

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