EPA and Army Announce Next Steps for Crafting Enduring Definition of Waters of the United States

EPA and Army Announce Next Steps for Crafting Enduring Definition of Waters of the United States WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of the Army announced plans for upcoming community engagements to inform their efforts to revise the definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) to better ensure clean and safe water for all. EPA and Army are committed to developing a reasonable, effective, and durable definition of WOTUS that protects public health, the environment, and downstream communities while supporting economic opportunity, agriculture, and other industries.  "We are committed to crafting an enduring definition of WOTUS by listening to all sides so that we can build on an inclusive foundation," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Uncertainty over the definition of WOTUS has harmed our waters and the stakeholders and communities that rely on them. I look forward to engaging all parties as we move forward to provide the certainty that's needed to protect our precious natural water resources." "Our nation's water resources are critical to support all of our communities," said Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime A. Pinkham. "Like the EPA, the Department of the Army recognizes the importance of this effort and we are committed to meaningful engagement with Tribes, states, local governments, and stakeholders to ensure that a revised definition of WOTUS reflects the experiences of, and input received, from all communities." The agencies intend to revise the definition of WOTUS following a process that includes two rulemakings. A forthcoming foundational rule would restore the regulations defining WOTUS that were in place for decades until 2015, with updates to be consistent with relevant Supreme Court decisions. A separate, second rulemaking process would refine this regulatory foundation and establish an updated and durable definition of "waters of the United States." A durable definition of WOTUS is essential to ensuring clean and safe water in all communities—supporting human health, animal habitat, agriculture, watersheds, flood management, local economies, and industry. Today's announcement marks an important step in the agencies' efforts to restore protections and write a rule to define WOTUS that is grounded in science and the law, emphasizes effective implementation, and prioritizes collaborative partnerships with states, Tribes, local governments, and stakeholders. To help ensure that EPA and Army hear from diverse perspectives, future engagement activities will be developed in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "It is vital that farmers and rural Americans have a seat at the table and a voice in this process so that the rule responds to concerns and realities on the ground. The engagement in the coming months is important and I encourage all stakeholders to provide their experiences and views in order to help shape future policy," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Today, EPA and Army are announcing a series of engagement opportunities, including an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to provide written recommendations and a series of public meetings in August to hear perspectives on both rules. In addition, the agencies are initiating Federalism and Tribal consultations for the foundational rule. The agencies also intend to host a series of dialogues with state and Tribal co-regulators this fall to discuss both rulemakings. Additionally, the previous rulemaking efforts have highlighted the regional variability of water resources and the importance of close engagement with stakeholders to understand the specifics of how they experience regulation under varying definitions of waters of the United States. To honor our commitment to listening and learning from diverse perspectives, the agencies plan to convene ten regionally focused and inclusive roundtables during the upcoming fall and winter. These roundtables will allow a full range of stakeholders to engage and discuss their experience with definitions of WOTUS—including what has worked and what has not within their geographic areas. The roundtables will provide opportunities to discuss geographic similarities and differences, particular water resources that are characteristic of or unique to each region, and site-specific feedback about implementation. For more information on submitting written recommendations or to register for the public meetings, see www.epa.gov/wotus. Background Congress enacted the Clean Water Act in 1972 with the statutory objective "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters." One of the Act's principal tools in achieving that objective is a prohibition on the discharge of pollutants from a point source to navigable waters unless otherwise authorized under the Act. Navigable waters are defined in the Act as "the waters of the United States, including the territorial seas." Thus, "waters of the United States" is a threshold term establishing the geographic scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The term "waters of the United States" is not defined by the Act but has been defined by EPA and the Army in regulations since the 1970s and jointly implemented in the agencies' respective programmatic activities. On June 9, 2021, EPA and the Department of the Army announced their intent to revise the definition of WOTUS to better protect our nation's vital water resources that support public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth. Upon review of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, the agencies determined that the rule is significantly reducing clean water protections.

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

Eastwick Lower Darby Creek Area Community Advisory Group Wins Superfund Community Excellence Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov Eastwick Lower Darby Creek Area Community Advisory Group Wins Superfund Community Excellence Award PHILADELPHIA (July 28, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection today of the Eastwick Lower Darby Creek Area (ELDCA) Community Advisory Group (CAG) for Excellence in Community Involvement in this year's Superfund Notable Achievement Awards. The ELDCA CAG was the only group in the country selected for this award this year. "Your outstanding commitment to honest communication with EPA to see the Superfund process succeed in your community speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication you all have poured into advocating for the interests of Eastwick," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Acting Regional Administrator Diana Esher. "We look forward to continuing to work closely with the CAG to ensure that the cleanup of the Lower Darby Creek Area Superfund Site benefits the whole community while protecting human health and the environment. Congratulations and well done!" This award recognizes the strength, persistence, and resilience of community leaders for their dedication in furthering the interests of the Eastwick community to address long-standing concerns about contamination from the Clearview Landfill in their community. The Lower Darby Creek Area (LDCA) Site was listed on the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) in 2001. This flood prone, bucolic community surrounded by the heavily developed and industrialized section of Southwest Philadelphia, is home to the largest urban renewal project in U.S. history. Throughout the 1950's and '60's, the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia (RDA) displaced over 8,600 people from their homes, and in the process dismantled one of Philadelphia's only racially integrated communities at that time. A history of flooding, toxic dumping, and heavy industry made Eastwick an environmentally vulnerable neighborhood. Eastwick leaders approached EPA in 2015 seeking to establish the ELDCA CAG to advocate for the needs of Eastwick residents' concerns about contamination from the Clearview Landfill. Prior to the CAG formation, several community groups were actively communicating with EPA about overlapping issues. During its six-year existence, the CAG has met monthly. The predictability and consistency of CAG meetings coupled with transparent communications have resulted in a positive and productive relationship between EPA and the community. Since its inception, the CAG has shown unwavering leadership, innovation, and a willingness to work with both EPA and the community to achieve progress toward Site cleanup success. Together, the site team and the CAG have become adept when identifying issues, community needs, and quickly disseminating information. The CAG has effectively leveraged EPA resources through EPA's Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program. An environmental consulting firm that works with the CAG's technical working group and a TAG recipient sits on the CAG as an "expert resource." Experts from the University of Pennsylvania also serve as CAG members to provide health and geological information. The CAG's commitment was evident while dealing with personal property damage due to flood damage from Tropical Storm Isaias. They devoted the time to organize and participate in virtual meetings on short notice with EPA staff and local elected officials, and effectively utilized EPA resources to educate and meet the ever-changing needs of the Eastwick community. For more information about the Lower Darby Creek Area Superfund Site visit:  https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&id=0305521

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

EPA Announces Intent to Bolster Limits on Water Pollution from Power Plants

EPA Announces Intent to Bolster Limits on Water Pollution from Power Plants WASHINGTON (July 26, 2021) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is initiating a rulemaking process to strengthen certain wastewater pollution discharge limits for coal power plants that use steam to generate electricity. EPA is committed to ensuring that our nation's vital water resources are healthy and support safe drinking water, recreation activities, agriculture, industry, and vibrant communities. EPA undertook a science-based review of the 2020 Steam Electric Reconsideration Rule under Executive Order (E.O.) 13990, finding that there are opportunities to strengthen certain wastewater pollution discharge limits. For example, treatment systems using membranes continue to rapidly advance as an effective option for treating a wide variety of industrial pollution, including from steam electric power plants. EPA expects this technology to continue advancing and the agency will evaluate its availability as part of the new rulemaking. "EPA is committed to science-based policy decisions to protect our natural resources and public health," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "In conducting a review of the 2020 rule as directed by President Biden, EPA determined that moving forward with implementing the existing regulations would ensure that water resources are protected now, while we quickly move to strengthen water quality protections and further reduce power plant pollution that can contain toxic metals such as mercury, arsenic, and selenium." While the agency pursues this new rulemaking process to strengthen water pollution requirements for coal power plants, the current regulations will be implemented and enforced. The 2020 rule made modifications to only certain aspects of the 2015 Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) rule, such that requirements promulgated in 2015 and 2020 are currently in effect. The current requirements provide significant environmental protections relative to a 1982 rule that would otherwise be in effect. The 2015 and 2020 rules are leading to better control of water pollution from power plants while reducing the cost of controls such as biological treatment systems and membrane treatment systems. The agency's approach will secure progress made by the 2015 and 2020 rules while the Agency undertakes a new rulemaking to consider more stringent requirements. Today, EPA signed a Federal Register Notice to announce its intent to initiate this rulemaking process. Because this rulemaking could result in more stringent ELGs that are the subject of petitioners' claims in litigation pending in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Department of Justice—in coordination with EPA—is filing a request to the Court to hold the litigation in abeyance. The agency intends to issue a proposed rule for public comment in the fall of 2022. To read EPA's notice and learn more about Steam Electric ELGs, visit: https://www.epa.gov/eg/steam-electric-power-generating-effluent-guidelines. Background Steam electric plants use fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) or nuclear reactions to heat water in boilers, which generates steam. The steam is used to drive turbines connected to electric generators. The plants generate wastewater in the form of chemical pollutants and thermal pollution (heated water) from their water treatment, power cycle, ash handling and air pollution control systems, as well as from coal piles, yard and floor drainage, and other miscellaneous wastes. On September 30, 2015, EPA finalized a rule revising the regulations for the Steam Electric Power Generating category. The rule sets the first federal limits on the levels of toxic metals in wastewater that can be discharged from power plants. On August 31, 2020, the Agency finalized a rule revising the 2015 requirements for two specific waste streams produced by steam electric power plants—flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater and bottom ash (BA) transport water. On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 13990, which directed the EPA to review all regulations and policies undertaken by the previous administration and rescind or revise any that do not protect public health and the environment. Accordingly, the EPA conducted a review of the 2020 Steam Electric Reconsideration Rule.

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

EPA Proposes Cleanup Plan for Properties near the Facet Enterprises, Inc. Superfund Site in Elmira

CONTACT: senn.john@epa.gov, basile.michael@epa.gov EPA Proposes Cleanup Plan for Properties near the Facet Enterprises, Inc. Superfund Site in Elmira Heights, New York NEW YORK (July 22, 2021) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a plan to address vapor intrusion at certain residential and commercial properties in the vicinity of the Facet Enterprises, Inc. Superfund site in Elmira Heights, New York. Vapors from the chemical contamination, primarily trichloroethylene (TCE), have seeped into more than 65 properties in the vicinity. TCE can produce emissions that rise through the soil and potentially affect indoor air quality, a condition known as vapor intrusion. The proposed plan calls for the installation of mitigation systems that vents the gases to reduce potential exposure from soil vapors. "Vapors from groundwater and soil can move through the soil and seep through cracks in basements, foundations, sewer lines and other openings. EPA's plan will result in the reduction of indoor air contamination to protect people's health," said acting Regional Administrator Walter Mugdan. "Working in consultation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, our plan is to offer the installation of these mitigation systems free of charge and at no cost to the residential or commercial property owners." To date, 264 residential and commercial properties have been sampled for vapor intrusion of volatile organic compounds, primarily trichloroethylene. EPA has installed 60 systems and recommends the installation of an additional seven properties based on recent sampling, as well as the installation of additional systems should future sampling indicate they are necessary. The Facet Enterprises, Inc. facility, a 31-acre parcel of land, is in the Village of Elmira Heights. The facility was previously used to make products such as bicycle parts, automobile engine components and small arms for the military. Because of the nature and complexity of the contamination at the site, the investigations and cleanup of the site has been conducted in stages. EPA selected a remedy in September 1992 to address the groundwater contamination at the site. Purolator Products Inc., a potentially responsible party, entered into an agreement with EPA to perform the cleanup activities set forth in the 1992 remedy. These activities included excavating contaminated soil and sediments from the site, installing wells to extract contaminated groundwater from the aquifer, and installing a treatment system for the extracted groundwater using the air stripping method. The groundwater pump and treat system located at the site has been operational since 1997. Because contamination remains on-site, EPA conducts reviews every five years to ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup. The agency continues to conduct five-year reviews of the site and has concluded that the pump and treat system is functioning according to the 1992 remedy. The fourth five-year review was completed in 2017 and recommended further evaluation of the potential for vapor intrusion at residential properties. A 30-day public comment period for the proposed plan will occur from July 22, 2021 to August 23. EPA will hold an in-person and virtual public meeting on July 28, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. to explain the proposed plan and take public comments. The in-person meeting will be held at the Thomas A. Edison High School Auditorium, 2083 College Avenue, Elmira Heights, New York. To participate virtually, interested parties should register at:  https://facet.eventbrite.com. Written comments on the proposed plan should be postmarked no later than August 19, 2021 to Aidan Conway, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10007-1866 or via email to conway.aidan@epa.gov. The proposed plan and information about the site are available at the Horseheads Town Hall, Town Clerks Office at 150 Wygant Road, Horseheads, N.Y., or at www.epa.gov/superfund/facet-enterprises Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2   21-050                                                                         ###

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

EPA and Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority Agree on the Implementation of Corrective Measures

CONTACT: senn.john@epa.gov   EPA and Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority Agree on the Implementation of Corrective Measures Related to the Anguilla Wastewater Treatment Plant on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands     NEW YORK (July 22, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) have committed to an Administrative Order on Consent, which includes a plan of action to address certain conditions in one of the  sewer lines of the Anguilla Waste Water Treatment Plant.  The order on consent will improve the operation and maintenance measures undertaken by VIWMA at this sewer line, which will enhance the way that wastewater flows through the sewer line and could reduce hydrogen sulfide odors. "This voluntary and binding compliance agreement is the result of coordination between EPA and the Virgin Islands government to address sewage pollution in environmental justice communities on St. Croix that are already disproportionately affected by environmental burdens," said EPA acting Regional Administrator Walter Mugdan. "The Virgin Islands government has committed to comply with environmental standards to prevent and address pollution caused by defects in this sewage system." VIWMA owns and operates the Harold Thompson sanitary collection treatment system, also known as the Anguilla wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), in St. Croix.  Sanitary sewer systems are designed to collect wastewater from homes and other buildings and convey it to a wastewater treatment plant.  VIWMA is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the sewer lines that convey wastewater to the Anguilla WWTP. EPA conducted unrelated air monitoring work in St. Croix beginning in May.  As part of this air monitoring effort, EPA detected hydrogen sulfide emissions from sewer manholes in a sewer line that runs through the St. Croix Renaissance Park and the Melvin H. Evans Highway along the Anguilla sewer line.  The Anguilla sewer line as well as the manholes are a components of the Anguilla WWTP sanitary sewer system.  Hydrogen sulfide is produced during bacterial growth below the water line in any sewer pipeline.  In addition, sediment and debris deposited at the bottom of a sewer pipeline will contribute to the formation of hydrogen sulfide. EPA, VIWMA, and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR) have coordinated to determine what measures should be taken to improve maintenance of the Anguilla sewer line.  The EPA's Order on Consent requires VIWMA to submit to EPA a detailed plan of corrective measures that will be implemented to mitigate and address any issues at the Anguilla sewer line.  In addition, VIWMA will conduct a comprehensive survey of the Anguilla sewer line and share its results with EPA.  VIWMA has already started to take some of these corrective measures. This Order on Consent focuses solely on operation and maintenance measures which VIWMA can implement to improve the conditions at the Anguilla sewer line, where the sewer manholes are located from which hydrogen sulfide emissions had been detected.  This Order on Consent is not related to EPA's work at Limetree Bay Terminals, LLC and Limetree Bay Refining, LLC. 21-049                                                                         # # #

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

EPA News: EPA fines PM Properties for violations related to underground storage tanks in northern VA

Contact: R3press@epa.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EPA fines PM Properties for violations related to underground storage tanks in northern Virginia PHILADELPHIA (July 22, 2021) – PM Properties Inc. will pay $27,483 in penalties for environmental violations associated with underground storage tanks of fuel at CrossAmerica Partners fuel stations in Verona and Weyers Cave, Virginia, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The penalties stem from two settlements that address compliance with environmental safeguards protecting communities and the environment from exposure to petroleum or potentially harmful chemicals. PM Properties will pay a $25,603 penalty for alleged violations at the Verona location. These alleged violations included failure to have adequate spill prevention equipment and failure to conduct proper testing of the tanks, transmission lines and leak detectors. In a separate settlement, PM Properties will pay a $1,880 penalty for alleged violations at the Weyers Cave location that included failure to have adequate spill prevention devices on two underground storage tanks. The penalties for both settlements reflect PM Properties' cooperation with EPA in correcting the alleged non-compliance and resolving this matter. The company has certified that both locations are now in compliance with environmental regulations. With millions of gallons of petroleum products and hazardous substances stored in underground storage tanks throughout the country, leaking tanks are a major source of soil and groundwater contamination. EPA and state regulations are designed to reduce the risk of underground leaks and to promptly detect and properly address leaks thus minimizing environmental harm and avoiding the costs of major cleanups.  For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/ust # # #

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

EPA News: EPA settlement with MDV SpartanNash resolves violations at Norfolk, Va. facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: R3press@epa.gov   EPA settlement with MDV SpartanNash resolves Clean Air Act violations at Norfolk, Va. food distribution center PHILADELPHIA (July 21, 2021) – MDV SpartanNash LLC will pay a $47,429 penalty to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations at its food distribution center in Norfolk, Virginia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. EPA cited the company for violating the "General Duty Clause," Section 112r(1) of the Clean Air Act, which makes the owners and operators of facilities that have regulated and other extremely hazardous substances responsible for ensuring that their chemicals are managed safely.  Specifically, EPA alleged that MDV SpartanNash failed to take necessary steps to prevent releases by failing to install appropriate alarms, failing to properly seal around ammonia refrigeration pipes, and failing to inspect and repair pipe insulation and more. The facility is in a community considered to be in an area of potential environmental justice concern. This settlement will benefit the surrounding community by reducing the potential release of hazardous substances. As part of the settlement, the company has certified that it is now in compliance with applicable requirements. For more information on the "General Duty Clause" Section 112r(1) of the Clean Air Act, see http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-10/documents/gdc-fact.pdf For more information on EPA's environmental justice initiatives, see: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice. #          #          #

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

EPA Proposes Plan to Address Contaminated Groundwater at the Dorado Superfund Site in Puerto Rico

CONTACT: Reyes.Brenda@epa.gov EPA Proposes Plan to Address Contaminated Groundwater at the Dorado Superfund Site in Puerto Rico NEW YORK (July 20, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a plan to address contamination that is impacting wells previously used to supply drinking water to the local communities. The public is not currently drinking water from these closed wells, but EPA is taking action to address contamination from the site over the long-term. EPA is taking public comment on its plan and will host a public meeting on August 5, 2021. "This proposed plan calls for the long-term monitoring and measures for preventing exposure to contaminated groundwater until concentrations are below drinking water standards and safe to consume," said acting Regional Administrator Walter Mugdan. "EPA is committed to working with the Maguayo and Dorado communities and believes this plan fully protects their health and the environment." The Maguayo and Dorado Urbano public water systems have drinking water wells that serve approximately 67,000 people. Groundwater samples collected by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) found tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene, solvents commonly used in industrial processes, in part of the system. Those impacted wells were closed in the 1990s and are no longer in service. EPA performed a thorough investigation of the area surrounding the wells but did not identify a source of the groundwater contamination. To address the site, EPA is proposing to restrict  the use of the impacted groundwater so that it will not be used for drinking water while it is monitored in the long-term to ensure that the levels of contamination in the groundwater decline naturally. The proposed plan is based on the fact that no active source of contamination can be found, and levels of contamination are very low and are expected to naturally decline according to sampling data collected and analyzed by EPA. EPA will monitor progress and conduct a review of the cleanup at least every 5 years to ensure its effectiveness. The EPA will hold a public meeting on August 5, 2021 at Teatro Juan Boria, Mendez Vigo St. Dorado, Puerto Rico from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm to explain the proposed plan. Written comments on the proposed plan, postmarked no later than close of business August 18, 2021, may be mailed or emailed to Luis 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, Email: santos.luis@epa.gov For site background and more information on EPA's proposed plan, visit: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/dorado-ground-water-contamination Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2 21-048

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

EPA News: EPA orders Clarksburg to identify homes, businesses with lead service lines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts:  R3Press@epa.gov DHHRCommunications@wv.gov EPA orders Clarksburg to identify homes, businesses with lead service lines PHILADELPHIA (July 15, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency administrative order Wednesday afternoon directing the Clarksburg Water Board to identify homes and businesses with lead service lines and provide an alternative source of drinking water or filters certified to remove lead to all customers who may be impacted by the lead exposure. EPA, in coordination with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR), determined this action is necessary to protect public health after determining that conditions in the Clarksburg water system may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health. The EPA order directs the Water Board to immediately identify homes that may be impacted and provide an alternate source of drinking water and/or point-of-use filters certified for lead removal for homeowners where elevated lead levels are known or where suspected lead service lines exist.   Additionally, the Water Board must provide EPA with a copy of its notification to the Clarksburg homeowners indicating steps they can take to reduce lead exposure and that an alternate water supply has been made available or that certified filters were provided. The Water Board must also keep a daily log of which homes have received alternative water or certified filters. According to the order, the Water Board failed to timely notify the public about the risk of lead exposure as required in an administrative order issued by the WVDHHR on July 2. EPA's order reinforces the state's efforts, as well as re-affirming deadlines for work to be performed by the Water Board. The WVDHHR issued a notice of violation on July 14 citing the Water Board for failing to comply with its July 2 order. Link to WVDHHR press release, which includes links to the notice of violation and WVDHHR's administrative order can be found here: https://dhhr.wv.gov/News/2021/Pages/DHHR-Issues-Notice-of-Violation-to-Clarksburg-Water-Board.aspx The issue of lead service lines was first identified by staff in the WVDHHR's Bureau for Public Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program during environmental lead assessments conducted at the homes of children diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels. Drinking water sampling in several homes confirmed lead levels were above the EPA's action level. The Clarksburg water system serves approximately 17,686 persons and has 7,913 service connections.  In addition, the system provides water to other public water systems that serve an additional 38,225 persons. Parents of children under age 6 who are living in older homes serviced by the Clarksburg Water Board should discuss the risks of lead exposure with their child's pediatrician to determine if precautionary blood lead testing is needed.  Additional steps all consumers can take include flushing water lines used for drinking and cooking and using bottled water for making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water and should not be practiced for lead abatement. For more information about lead in drinking water, visit: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water Link to EPA administrative order: https://yosemite.epa.gov/oa/rhc/epaadmin.nsf/07a828025febe17885257562006fff58/c070540d207ab27d8525871300486660!OpenDocument #   #   #

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

EPA Updates Cleanup Plan for Tutu Wellfield Superfund Site on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

CONTACT: mcbay.stephen@epa.gov   EPA Updates Cleanup Plan for Tutu Wellfield Superfund Site on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands The revised plan includes updated costs and additional well sampling   NEW YORK (July 14, 2021) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has proposed modifications to its 2018 cleanup plan at the Tutu Wellfield Superfund site on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Previous industrial and commercial activities at the site contaminated the soil and groundwater with chlorinated volatile organic compounds. EPA's proposed action expands and enhances the groundwater cleanup system that is currently operating at the site and updates costs associated with the cleanup. "This proposal will amplify the capability of the existing groundwater pump and treat system to better capture and address the sources of contamination in the groundwater, which will better protect the community's health," said acting Regional Administrator Walter Mugdan. "This update enhances the proposed 2018 groundwater cleanup plan to reflect the results of recent residential and site-wide well samples." The 1.5 square-mile site is in the Anna's Retreat section of St. Thomas. In response to past releases of hazardous substances from area businesses, EPA required each responsible party to address soil contamination on their respective properties as well as the groundwater contamination that came from their respective operations. EPA also conducted a soil cleanup at the Virgin Islands Department of Education Curriculum Center and constructed a system to pump and treat groundwater, which began operation in 2004. The U.S. Virgin Islands government is currently running this system. EPA's proposed cleanup plan in this action would add additional wells to extract groundwater from more of the areas that have been determined to be sources of contamination and thus make the system more effective. The cleanup proposal also includes reinjection of treated, clean groundwater to create an underground barrier downgradient of the source area. In addition, the proposal calls for long-term monitoring of the groundwater and restrictions on its use in the vicinity of the site. EPA will accept public comment on the proposed plan from July 14 to August 13, 2021. A pre-recorded presentation for the Proposed Plan will be available to the public via YouTube starting on July 14, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time. To subscribe to the Tutu Wellfield email list and receive a link to the pre-recorded presentation, contact Donette Samuel, Community Involvement Coordinator, at samuel.donette@epa.gov. To access the proposed plan and a pre-recorded presentation on or after its release date, please visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/tutu-wellfield. Written comments on the proposed plan must be postmarked or emailed no later than August 13, 2021 to: Caroline Kwan, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10007-1866, or kwan.caroline@epa.gov. Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://facebook.com/eparegion2   21-047

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