EE at EPA: Congratulations to our new student and teacher winners

EPA Honors Award Winning Environmental Education Teachers and Students Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler addressing attendees at a poster session for award winners. Congratulations to the newest winners of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). EPA honored these award-winning educators and students, as well as honorable mention recipients, at a series of events in Washington, D.C. last week. From across the country, ten educators and 49 students were recognized for their efforts. Through these programs, EPA recognizes the remarkable work of educators and students in the field of environmental education and stewardship. The events featured a ceremony with remarks by Matthew Z. Leopold, EPA General Counsel, as well as special guest National Park Service Office of Public Health Director and U.S. Public Health Service Captain Sara B. Newman, DrPH, MCP. Winning teachers and students also presented their work at an afternoon poster session for all attendees as well as EPA leadership. Teachers were recognized for activities including developing successful preschool, elementary, middle, and high school environmental and outdoor education courses; advising environmental clubs for students and family programs, including activities such as building gardens and compost centers, hosting community service days, starting school waste reduction programs, and exploring energy conservation; leading training workshops and other professional development for peers; teaching about the global impact of agriculture and nutrition; and leading students in responding to recent weather events. Students conducted projects including raising international awareness of a threatened bird species and the use of plastics, supporting local waterways, researching new biodegradable plastic, developing a new model for water efficient facilities, creating educational interactive electronic programs on sustainable urban development, and exploring a new economic way to test for lead in water, as well as recycling, composting, and supporting local ecology. Background The PIAEE program recognizes innovative educators who bring environmental education into their classrooms through hands-on, experiential approaches. The PEYA program recognizes outstanding environmental projects by K-12 youth, promotes awareness of our nation's natural resources, and encourages positive community involvement. Detailed information on PIAEE and PEYA winners is available at: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators-piaee-winners and https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award-peya-winners. We encourage you to share EPA's Environmental Education eNewsletter with your colleagues.  To subscribe, visit: https://www.epa.gov/newsroom/email-subscriptions. Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education Office of the Administrator / U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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EPA Honors Award Winning Environmental Education Teachers and Students

 

Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler addressing attendees at a poster session for award winners.

Congratulations to the newest winners of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA). 

EPA honored these award-winning educators and honorable mention recipients at a series of events in Washington, D.C. last week. From across the country, ten educators and 49 students were recognized for their efforts. Through these programs, EPA recognizes the remarkable work of educators and students in the field of environmental education and stewardship.

The events featured a ceremony with remarks by Matthew Z. Leopold, EPA General Counsel, as well as special guest National Park Service Office of Public Health Director and U.S. Public Health Service Captain Sara B. Newman, DrPH, MCP. Winning teachers and students also presented their work at an afternoon poster session for all attendees as well as EPA leadership.

Students conducted projects including raising international awareness of a threatened bird species and the use of plastics, supporting local waterways, researching new biodegradable plastic, developing a new model for water efficient facilities, creating educational interactive electronic programs on sustainable urban development, and exploring a new economic way to test for lead in water, as well as recycling, composting, and supporting local ecology.

Teachers were recognized for activities including developing successful preschool, elementary, middle, and high school environmental and outdoor education courses; advising environmental clubs for students and family programs, including activities such as building gardens and compost centers, hosting community service days, starting school waste reduction programs, and exploring energy conservation; leading training workshops and other professional development for peers; teaching about the global impact of agriculture and nutrition; and leading students in responding to recent weather events.

Background

The PIAEE program recognizes innovative educators who bring environmental education into their classrooms through hands-on, experiential approaches. The PEYA program recognizes outstanding environmental projects by K-12 youth, promotes awareness of our nation's natural resources, and encourages positive community involvement.

Detailed information on PEYA and PIAEE winners is available at: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award-peya-winners

and: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators-piaee-winners

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EPA News Release: EPA Removes Dorney Road Landfill Superfund Site from Superfund NPL (Pa.)

 

 

Contact: R3_press@epa.gov   EPA Removes Dorney Road Landfill Superfund Site from Superfund National Priorities List (PHILADELPHIA) September 26, 2018 – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Dorney Road Landfill Superfund Site located in Berks and Lehigh Counties, Pennsylvania is being deleted from the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). In Fiscal Year 2018, EPA has deleted 18 sites and partially deleted four sites from the NPL.                                             "Completing Superfund cleanups continues to be a priority at EPA as we work to create a safer and healthier environment for all communities affected," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Removing the Dorney Road site from the list represents an important step toward achieving this goal." The Dorney Road site is located in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County, with a small parcel extending into Longswamp Township in Berks County. The site was originally an open-pit iron mine, before it was operated as a 27-acre municipal and industrial landfill from 1952 to 1978. During operation of the landfill, industrial sludge, batteries and barrels of petroleum products were dumped on site, resulting in impacts to soil and groundwater. On March 28, 2018, EPA issued the Final Close Out Report for the site, documenting that all performance standards have been achieved and that no additional Superfund response actions, other than operation and maintenance and Five-Year Reviews, are necessary to protect human health and the environment. Cleanup work included the installation of a multi-layered cap over the landfill and groundwater and residential well monitoring. The site is surrounded by rural residences and farmland, although many housing developments have been constructed in recent years. Monitoring of residential wells in the vicinity of the site will continue on a quarterly basis to ensure the long-term protection of human health. Under the Trump Administration, the Superfund program has reemerged as a priority to fulfill and strengthen EPA's core mission of protecting human health and the environment. Background The National Priorities List is a roster of the nation's most contaminated sites that threaten human health or the environment. The sites on the list are eligible for cleanup under EPA's Superfund program. EPA removes sites from the list once all the remedies are successfully implemented and no further cleanup is required to protect human health or the environment. For more information about the site, visit: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0301228

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EPA Updates RFS Website to Improve Transparency

 

 EPA Updates RFS Website to Improve Transparency

WASHINGTON  — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program website to increase transparency surrounding the program. The updated website includes new data and information for both stakeholders and the public.

"For the first time, EPA is providing new information to the public on small refinery exemptions and RIN trading," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Increasing transparency will improve implementation of the RFS and provide stakeholders and the regulated community the certainty and clarity they need to make important business and compliance decisions."

"In our corn-growing community, the RFS program is one of the top issues people are talking about. We hear concerns about lack of transparency around the issuance of small refinery waivers and we are hopeful these changes will put everyone on a level playing field to receive the information at the same time," said U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. "Farmers stay on top of every bit of news that comes out about the RFS and their industry, so providing them with more information is a priority. Adding timely updates to EPA's website will be important to USDA's customers, the people of American agriculture. We have had a great working relationship with Acting EPA Administrator Wheeler and we are pleased to continue it with this progress on RFS information."

The data will provide important information for renewable fuel producers, fuel refiners, importers, and marketers that can be used as they make business and compliance decisions. In posting the data, EPA will ensure the protection of confidential business information.

New information includes:

The number of small refinery exemption petitions received, approved, and denied for each compliance year;
The weekly average price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) traded; and
The weekly volume of RINs traded.
 

The Agency has been working to upgrade online systems to provide easy access to the most up-to-date information. These technical upgrades to the website serve to improve transparency in the Agency's implementation of the statute. 

Moving forward, EPA intends to coordinate small refinery hardship decisions with website updates such that the recipients of waivers and the broader market receive the same information at the same time. The Agency will also update information on RIN prices and trading volumes on a monthly basis.

The updated RFS website includes interactive and dynamic features that allow users to customize display of RIN information, feedstock type, and producer attributes.

The data are available here: https://www.epa.gov/fuels-registration-reporting-and-compliance-help/public-data-renewable-fuel-standard

                                                                                                               

 

 

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EPA News Release: EPA removes Recticon/Allied Steel Corp. site from Superfund list (Pa.)

 

 

Contact: R3_Press@epa.gov EPA removes Recticon/Allied Steel Corp. Superfund site from Superfund National Priorities List (PHILADELPHIA) September 18, 2018 – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Recticon/Allied Steel Corp. Superfund Site in East Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania is being deleted from the Superfund National Priorities List. Since October 2017, EPA has deleted 12 sites and partially deleted three sites from the National Priorities List. "Completing Superfund cleanups continues to be a priority at EPA as we work to create a safer and healthier environment for all communities affected," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Removing the Recticon/Allied Steel Corp. site from the list represents an important step toward achieving this goal." The five-acre site, which was placed on the National Priorities List in 1989, consists of two properties: the former Recticon facility and the Allied Steel Products Corporation facility. Historical operations and spills at the site contaminated soil and groundwater with hazardous chemicals. On December 15, 2017, EPA issued the Final Close Out Report for the site documenting that all performance standards at the site have been achieved and that no additional Superfund response actions are necessary to protect human help and the environment. Cleanup work included excavation and offsite disposal of contaminated soils, and installation of a groundwater extraction and treatment system in combination with bioremediation to address   contaminated groundwater. A water line was also constructed to provide municipal water to 14 nearby businesses and residences. Both properties that comprise the site are currently being reused by commercial businesses. Background The National Priorities List is a roster of the nation's most contaminated sites that threaten human health or the environment. The sites on the list are eligible for cleanup under EPA's Superfund program. EPA removes sites from the list once all the remedies are successfully implemented and no further cleanup is required to protect human health or the environment. For more information about the site, visit: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0300596

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EPA News Release: Pittsburgh, Pa. group wins contest for developing air quality monitors (PA)

Contact: Roy Seneca seneca.roy@epa.gov (215) 814-5567

Pittsburgh, Pa. group wins contest for developing air quality monitors in Wildland Fire Sensors Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 13, 2018) –Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its federal partners announced that a Pittsburgh-based group has taken first place in the Wildland Fire Sensors Challenge, a competition that encourages the development of innovative monitoring technologies to measure air pollutants from smoke during wildland fires.

"Today's winners are developing cutting-edge air quality monitoring systems designed to make air measurements during wildfires easier," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "These compact air sensors have the potential to enhance existing regional air monitoring networks and improve the air quality data provided to communities impacted by smoke from fires."

Jason Gu and Bryan Tomko with SenSevere/Sensit Technologies in Pittsburgh and R. Subramanian with Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh received first place and $35,000 award. The winners used emerging technologies including miniaturized direct-reading sensors, compact microprocessors, and wireless data communications to develop prototypes for measuring smoke from wildland fires.

Also announced today were second-place winners Scott Waller and Andrew Smallridge with Thingy LLC, Bellevue, Wash. They received a $25,000 award.  Javier Fernandez with Kunak Technologies in Pamplona, Spain received an honorable mention.

Following rigorous two-phase laboratory testing by EPA and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), a panel of technical experts reviewed results. The experts looked for prototypes that are portable, durable, reliable, and wireless. The winning systems showed significant promise in their design; ability to detect fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide; and comparability to regulatory monitors.

This competition generated considerable interest in the sensor technology field and will help to further accelerate the development of monitoring technology for use during wildland fires.

EPA's federal partners in sponsoring this challenge include the USFS, NASA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Park Service.

For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/winners-wildland-fire-sensors-challenge-develop-air-monitoring-system-prototypes.

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EPA News Release: EPA Proposes Minden, W. Va. Site To Superfund National Priorities List

 

 

Contact: R3_press@epa.gov EPA Proposes Shaffer Equipment Company/Arbuckle Creek Area Site In Minden, W. Va. To Superfund National Priorities List PHILADELPHIA (September 11, 2018) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is proposing to add the Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Site in Minden, West Virginia to the National Priorities List (NPL) of Superfund sites. "In adding these sites to the NPL, EPA is carrying out one of our core responsibilities to the American people," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "Cleaning up sites that pose risks to public health and the environment is a critical part of our mission and it provides significant health and economic benefits to communities across the country." "Today, we are proposing to add the Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Site in Minden to the National Priorities List," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "This is part of EPA's continuing effort to conduct a thorough study to evaluate the contamination issues in the community and develop a remediation plan that will protect human health and the environment." "I am very pleased to learn that the EPA is proposing to add the Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Site to the National Priorities list of Superfund sites," said West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice. "Ongoing study will determine the best way to move forward and ensure that the threat to public health and the environment is finally eliminated." "The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) has closely followed EPA's efforts to evaluate this site," said WVDEP Cabinet Secretary Austin Caperton. "We are fully supportive of the process which has led to this proposed listing of NPL sites. The WVDEP encourages everyone with an interest in this action to write to the EPA during the public comment period and share their concerns." The Shaffer Equipment/Arbuckle Creek Area Site is among six sites being proposed to the NPL today. EPA is also finalizing the addition of five other sites to the NPL. These additions represent commitments from the Agency to advance cleanup to protect communities across the country. The site consists of sediments in Arbuckle Creek that are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which have spread to residential properties due to frequent flooding in the area. Elevated levels of PCBs have been found up to one mile downstream in Arbuckle Creek. Wetlands along the creek and endangered species' habitats are also contaminated. In addition, the creek flows into the New River Gorge National River which is used extensively for recreation and fishing. The Shaffer Equipment Company used the site from 1970-1984 to manufacture equipment used in mining that included transformers and other electrical equipment that contained PCBs. From 1984 to 1991, EPA performed two soil removal actions at the site. In 1997, the EPA was notified of a fire at the remaining building on the Shaffer property that contained materials with PCBs. EPA conducted another assessment and contracted with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to design a cap for the remaining contaminated soils and building debris. The USACE completed the construction of the cap in 2002. The state of West Virginia referred the site to the EPA because of the risk to residents and those who use the creek and river for fishing or other recreational purposes. Other federal and state cleanup programs were evaluated, but are not viable at this time. EPA received a letter of support from Governor Jim Justice for placing this site on the NPL. EPA will accept public comments on the proposed listing for 60 days following publication of the proposal in the Federal Register on Thursday, Sept. 13. Under the Trump Administration, the Superfund program has reemerged as a priority to fulfill and strengthen EPA's core mission of protecting human health and the environment. Since October 2017, EPA has deleted 10 full sites, and two partial sites from the NPL. Background The NPL includes the nation's most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites. The list serves as the basis for prioritizing EPA Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. Only sites on the NPL are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term, permanent cleanup. EPA initiates Superfund involvement at sites when states, tribes, or communities ask for the agency's help, or when the agency finds contamination during its own investigations. Sites are deleted from the NPL once the agency completes all response actions and achieves all cleanup objectives. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which established the Superfund program, requires EPA to update the NPL annually. The Superfund program has been providing important health benefits to communities across the country for more than 35 years. Superfund cleanups also strengthen local economies. Data collected through 2017 shows that at 487 Superfund sites in reuse, approximately 6,600 businesses are generating $43.6 billion in sales and employ 156,000 people who earned a combined income of $11.2 billion. The NPL is one focus area of the 2017 Superfund Task Force Recommendations to improve and revitalize the Superfund program. On July 23, 2018, EPA released the Superfund Task Force 2018 Recommendations Update.  The 2018 Recommendation Update can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations-2018-update The Superfund Task Force Recommendations can be viewed at: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the final and proposed sites: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/current-npl-updates-new-proposed-npl-sites-and-new-npl-sites For information about Superfund and the NPL:  http://www.epa.gov/superfund # # #

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EPA Backs West Virginia Plan to Improve Water Quality

Contact: David Sternberg 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov

EPA Backs West Virginia Plan to Improve Water Quality

PHILADELPHIA (September 5, 2018) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it has approved and helped fund a more than $50 million plan by West Virginia to implement key water infrastructure projects, including new and upgraded wastewater treatment plants to better serve residents, increase efficiency and reduce pollution.

West Virginia's Plan includes an award of $25 million from EPA's FY 2018 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The plan by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is also funded with a $5 million state match, repayments from prior CWSRF loans, and interest earnings.

"This federal-state partnership is critically important to achieving President Trump's goal of improving our nation's water infrastructure," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler.  "All Americans deserve clean and safe water, and the revolving loan program will greatly benefit West Virginia communities in need of new or upgraded water infrastructure." 

"West Virginia is the first state in EPA Region 3 to have the federal fiscal year 2018 CWSRF grant awarded," said Gov. Jim Justice. "These grants provide vital funding for projects that will ensure not only protection of the public health and the environment, but also improved infrastructure that will attract new businesses and create jobs."

"West Virginia continues to enjoy a productive relationship with EPA Region 3, and the result of that relationship is the process of securing these funds for these projects is made simpler," said WVDEP Cabinet Secretary Austin Caperton. "EPA and WVDEP share the goal of making sure that the projects that need this funding don't get bogged down in bureaucratic red tape."

The projects with funding commitments in the state's CWSRF plan include:

• $2,695,000 to Brooke County Public Service District to extend sewer service to approximately 122 customers in the Bosley Run, Cross Creek, and Harmon Creek areas;
• $2,700,000 to Mt. Hope to construct a two million-gallon stormwater flow equalization tank along with associated pumping and piping to eliminate bypasses;
• $7,420,299 to Oceana to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plant and pump stations;
• $10,878,500 to construct a new 100,000 gallons per day wastewater treatment plant that will serve the Laurel Park and Route 73 areas of Greater Harrison County, which are currently served by septic systems and treatment plants which are failing;
• $7,904,700 to the West Dunbar Public Service District to replace its old and deteriorated clay collection lines, and rehabilitate its pumping stations – which will reduce stormwater-related overflows at its treatment plant;  
• $10,430,000 to Weston to connect approximately 160 residents with failing septic tanks to the city sewer system and upgrade the Jackson Mill pump station; and,
• $8,597,000 to the Union Public Service District to construct a sewer collection system for approximately 183 residents as well as providing upgrades to the existing wastewater treatment plant.

The CWSRF program provides low interest loans for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities and other projects vital to protecting and improving water quality in rivers, lakes and streams for drinking water, recreation and natural habitat. The loans help communities keep water and sewer rates affordable while addressing local water quality problems.

For more information about EPA's Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf

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EPA Backs Virginia Plan to Improve Water Quality

Contact: David Sternberg 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov

EPA Backs West Virginia Plan to Improve Water Quality

PHILADELPHIA (September 5, 2018) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it has approved and helped fund a more than $50 million plan by West Virginia to implement key water infrastructure projects, including new and upgraded wastewater treatment plants to better serve residents, increase efficiency and reduce pollution.

West Virginia's Plan includes an award of $25 million from EPA's FY 2018 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The plan by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) is also funded with a $5 million state match, repayments from prior CWSRF loans, and interest earnings.

"This federal-state partnership is critically important to achieving President Trump's goal of improving our nation's water infrastructure," said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler.  "All Americans deserve clean and safe water, and the revolving loan program will greatly benefit West Virginia communities in need of new or upgraded water infrastructure." 

"West Virginia is the first state in EPA Region 3 to have the federal fiscal year 2018 CWSRF grant awarded," said Gov. Jim Justice. "These grants provide vital funding for projects that will ensure not only protection of the public health and the environment, but also improved infrastructure that will attract new businesses and create jobs."

"West Virginia continues to enjoy a productive relationship with EPA Region 3, and the result of that relationship is the process of securing these funds for these projects is made simpler," said WVDEP Cabinet Secretary Austin Caperton. "EPA and WVDEP share the goal of making sure that the projects that need this funding don't get bogged down in bureaucratic red tape."

The projects with funding commitments in the state's CWSRF plan include:

• $2,695,000 to Brooke County Public Service District to extend sewer service to approximately 122 customers in the Bosley Run, Cross Creek, and Harmon Creek areas;
• $2,700,000 to Mt. Hope to construct a two million-gallon stormwater flow equalization tank along with associated pumping and piping to eliminate bypasses;
• $7,420,299 to Oceana to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plant and pump stations;
• $10,878,500 to construct a new 100,000 gallons per day wastewater treatment plant that will serve the Laurel Park and Route 73 areas of Greater Harrison County, which are currently served by septic systems and treatment plants which are failing;
• $7,904,700 to the West Dunbar Public Service District to replace its old and deteriorated clay collection lines, and rehabilitate its pumping stations – which will reduce stormwater-related overflows at its treatment plant;  
• $10,430,000 to Weston to connect approximately 160 residents with failing septic tanks to the city sewer system and upgrade the Jackson Mill pump station; and,
• $8,597,000 to the Union Public Service District to construct a sewer collection system for approximately 183 residents as well as providing upgrades to the existing wastewater treatment plant.

The CWSRF program provides low interest loans for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities and other projects vital to protecting and improving water quality in rivers, lakes and streams for drinking water, recreation and natural habitat. The loans help communities keep water and sewer rates affordable while addressing local water quality problems.

For more information about EPA's Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf

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PA DOT Settles EPA Multi-Site Construction-Related Stormwater Case Protecting Water Quality in PA

                Contact: David Sternberg 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Settles EPA Multi-Site Construction-Related Stormwater Case, Protecting Water Quality in Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA (September 5, 2018) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have agreed to settle a multi-site construction-related stormwater case.  The parties are resolving 209 alleged violations at PennDOT-owned construction sites arising from PennDOT's construction contractors failing to fully implement best management practices (BMPs) as required by the Clean Water Act and Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law.

In a consent agreement with EPA, PennDOT has agreed to implement a comprehensive compliance management program and complete multi-million dollar environmentally beneficial projects in several Pennsylvania watersheds, including Codorus Creek Watershed in York County.                              

"This case is part of EPA's effort to protect local waters by vigorously enforcing the Clean Water Act.," said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. "Without appropriate onsite pollution controls, sediment-laden runoff from construction activities can pollute our rivers, lakes and streams. This agreement institutes a comprehensive program that will enable PennDOT to better comply with discharge requirements, resulting in cleaner water for communities across Pennsylvania." 

As part of the settlement, PennDOT has already begun to create a compliance management program to ensure that their construction activities meet the requirements of their Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits.  The major elements of this program include:

• Developing a compliance monitoring data system to track weekly visual self-inspections using mobile devices and improve monitoring of construction contractors' NPDES compliance, including the status of actions to correct deficiencies;
• Conducting stormwater inspection training – PennDOT will provide training to all current and newly hired staff on proper stormwater inspection methodology;
• Implementing periodic self-audits of construction sites to determine the effectiveness of the compliance management program and its elements; and,
• Creating a public information web page identifying PennDOT efforts to comply with NPDES requirements

PennDOT's environmentally beneficial projects will restore the quality of streams within the Codorus Creek and other Watersheds.  PennDOT will also test an innovative procurement mechanism which requires contractors to compete for a project from a sediment-reduction standpoint, with the contract being awarded to the contractor whose project management plan will reduce the most sediment pollution for the available funds.  

Plans may include improvements like the construction of structural BMPs such as stormwater management ponds, vegetated swales and buffer strips, and stabilizing stream banks for reducing sediment loadings to surface waters.   This effort is a pilot project for coordination between PennDOT and local municipalities regarding stormwater management and will serve as a model for other communities.  

PennDOT will also pay a penalty of $100,000.

Under the Clean Water Act, the NPDES program requires construction sites to obtain discharge permits.  EPA has delegated the NPDES program to Pennsylvania.  In order meet these responsibilities, PADEP has developed a program that includes inspections by County Conservation Districts (CCDs) to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania's NPDES construction program requirements. In this settlement, EPA has coordinated with the CCDs in Pennsylvania regarding inspections of PennDOT construction sites and the sharing of compliance information.  The CCDs in Pennsylvania were instrumental in contributing to the success of this settlement.

Uncontrolled storm water runoff from highway construction sites often contains sediment and other pollutants. The Clean Water Act requires owners of certain industrial and construction operations to obtain a permit before discharging storm water runoff into waterways.   These permits include pollution-reducing BMPs such as spill prevention safeguards, runoff reduction measures, and employee training.

For more information about EPAs storm water program: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program

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EPA News Release: Environmental Health Workshop Sept. 8 in Portsmouth, Va.

 Contact: Roy Seneca, 215-814-5567 seneca.roy@epa.gov

Environmental Health Workshop Sept. 8 in Portsmouth to offer blood lead screening, soil lead screening

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 4, 2018) – The U.S. Environmental Protection agency, along with federal, state and local partners will be holding an Environmental Health Workshop on Sept. 8 in Portsmouth, Virginia where residents can learn more about environmental health topics that impact their community.

The workshop will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wesley Community Service Center, 1701 Elm Ave., Portsmouth.  Representatives from federal, state and local environmental and health organizations will be available to hand out literature and answer questions.

The workshop will offer free blood lead screening for children with results available in minutes and free soil lead screening. Residents are invited to bring a soil sample from their yard or garden and have it screened for lead with same day results.

More details on the health workshop and instructions on how to collect soil samples are available online at: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-08/documents/portsmouthflyer.pdf

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