Issued: Mar 18, 2024 (4:20pm EDT)

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16th annual Fix a Leak Week reminds businesses to reduce water waste

WASHINGTON — Today, March 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense program is celebrating the 16th annual Fix a Leak Week. Minor leaks account for nearly one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes. During the third week of March each year, WaterSense and its utility, government, retail, builder, and manufacturer partners remind consumers and businesses to look for leaks and make simple repairs to save water.

"Common water leaks around your home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads—all of which can be fixed with a little do-it-yourself effort," said EPA Office of Wastewater Management Director Dr. Andrew Sawyers. "The average household's leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year—the amount of water needed to wash 300 loads of laundry—and could be adding as much as 10% to your water bill."

Participating in Fix a Leak Week is simple. Take 10 minutes each day during Fix a Leak Week to look for leaks and save water using the following tips:

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is probably a leak.
• Place a drop of food coloring in the tank at the back of the toilet. If color shows up in the bowl in 5-10 minutes, there's a leak; flush afterward to avoid staining the tank.
• If the rubber flapper in your toilet tank is more than five years old, replace it with a new one, as worn flappers can cause toilets to run or have silent leaks.
• Check faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them if necessary. Leaky showerhead connections can be tightened using pipe tape and a wrench.
• Outside, check hose spigots for drips and look for broken or missing sprinkler heads in your irrigation system.

For plumbing and irrigation fixtures that cannot be repaired, EPA recommends replacing them with products that have earned the WaterSense label. WaterSense-labeled products are independently certified to use at least 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. For more information on finding and fixing leaks, visit EPA's Fix a Leak Week website.

Background

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, helps preserve the nation's water supply by offering the public advice on simple ways to use less water. The WaterSense label makes it easy to choose products, homes, and services that deliver affordable water savings and performance. More than 42,000 models of toilets, showerheads, faucets/faucet accessories, urinals, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies have earned the WaterSense label. Learn more about

WaterSense and follow them on X and Facebook.

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Issued: Mar 18, 2024 (2:50pm EDT)

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Biden-Harris Administration announces $24 million in pollution prevention grants under President's Investing in America agenda

WASHINGTON – Today, March 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of nearly $24 million in grants to support states, U.S. territories, and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention practices. The funding is available through two Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for EPA's Pollution Prevention program, with approximately $14 million in grants available at no cost share/match requirement, thanks to funding made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

"Pollution prevention practices are an important and cost-effective strategy to protect communities and the environment by helping businesses prevent pollution before it's even created," said EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pollution Prevention Jennie Romer. "Thanks to the historic investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping to spur economic growth by expanding and accelerating the practices that are win-wins for human health, the environment and American businesses." 

The United States produces billions of pounds of pollution each year and spends billions of dollars per year controlling it. Pollution prevention, also known as P2 or source reduction, is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. Preventing pollution at the source rather than managing waste afterwards is an important way to support American businesses while reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in communities and conserving natural resources. These practices are essential for protecting health, improving environmental conditions–including in and around disadvantaged communities–and preserving natural resources like wetlands, groundwater sources, and other critical ecosystems.

Two grant opportunities are being announced today: 

• $14 million P2 Grant Opportunity: The $14 million NOFO is the third of five annual installments of P2 grant funding provided by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This opportunity does not include the fifty percent grantee funds matching requirement required by traditional P2 grants, increasing access to the funding for all communities. Grants supported with Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will be fully funded at the time grants are awarded (rather than receiving funding in installments). The maximum amount of each grant is $350,000.
• $9.94 million P2 Grant Opportunity: The $9.94 million NOFO is part of the traditional P2 grants program that has been administered by the Agency for over 25 years. The funding is over a two-year funding cycle with individual grant awards up to $700,000 for the two-year funding period or $350,000 funded per year and includes a cost share/match requirement of fifty percent. 

EPA's Pollution Prevention Grant Program is advancing President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. For both grant funding opportunities, EPA is encouraging applicants to address environmental justice in their project(s) to help transform disadvantaged communities, as identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, into healthy, thriving communities capable of addressing the environmental and public health challenges they have historically faced, as well as current and future challenges. 

EPA's P2 Hub Resources Center webpage includes links to resources for grantees including webinars, writing guidance, networking tools, and helpful templates. Additionally, EPA's P2 Grant Partner Connection List can be used by potential applicants and partners to identify each other and create partnerships. 

Grant applications will need to address at least one of six National Emphasis Areas (NEAs) which were established to generate the most beneficial economic, environmental and health impacts when applying P2 practices, and to facilitate sharing of information among grantees working on similar issues: 

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Processing
• Chemical Manufacturing, Processing and Formulation
• Automotive Manufacturing and Maintenance 
• Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing and Maintenance
• Metal Manufacturing and Fabrication
• Supporting Pollution Prevention in Indian Country and for Alaska Native Villages

Eligible applicants include states, state entities such as universities, U.S. territories and possessions, and federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider partnering with others in the P2 stakeholder community to strengthen their ability to provide P2 technical assistance to businesses and facilitate the development, adoption and dissemination of P2 solutions.

Applications are due by May 17, 2024. Additional information is available on grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Announcements EPA-HQ-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2024-001 and EPA-I-HQ-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2024-002. Please consult the solicitation for further details.

EPA will host three informational webinars for potential applicants and interested stakeholders. The webinars will review information about the P2 Grant Program and the application process to help potential applicants submit a high-quality application to EPA for consideration. Time will be provided during the webinars for questions from participants.

March 26, 2024, 2-3:30 p.m. ET Register here.

March 27, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET for Tribal entities Register here.

April 11, 2023, 2-3:30 p.m. ET Register here.

Background

EPA's Pollution Prevention Program has issued nearly 500 grants between 2011-2021, totaling more than $54 million, which have helped businesses identify, develop and adopt P2 approaches. The results include 20.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases eliminated, 52 billion gallons of water saved, 1 billion pounds of hazardous materials reduced, and $2.3 billion in savings for business.

President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made a historic $100 million investment in EPA's P2 Program, more than doubling the funding for P2 grants. The first round of 39 awards funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in September 2022 and the second round of 24 awards was announced October 2023. These grants are supporting businesses to tackle pollution at the community level. For example, a P2 grant to Kansas State University funded projects to prevent pollution including in disadvantaged communities, by identifying simple, cost-effective ways Kansas companies - in industries ranging from aerospace to flour milling - could save more than $400,0000.  

Similarly, EPA's traditional P2 grants have helped strengthen economic growth while cutting pollution. For example, under an EPA P2 grant, the Washington State Department of Ecology helped a metal finisher cut more than 50,000 pounds of hazardous materials from its production even while its production volume tripled. A grant to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency helped an employee-owned manufacturing company reuse coolant, saving up to $30,000 annually and reducing coolant waste by 11,000 gallons.

Read more about P2 and the P2 Grant Program.

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Issued: Mar 18, 2024 (12:31pm EDT)

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Biden-Harris Administration finalizes ban on ongoing uses of asbestos to protect people from cancer

EPA's ban is the first rule to be finalized under new Toxic Substance Control Act process, marking historic milestone for nation's chemical safety efforts

WASHINGTON – Today, March 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos currently used in or imported to the United States. The ban on ongoing uses of asbestos is the first rule to be finalized under the 2016 amendments to the nation's chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which received near-unanimous support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. The action marks a major milestone for chemical safety after more than three decades of inadequate protections and serious delays during the previous administration to implement the 2016 amendments.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, and it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Ending the ongoing uses advances the goals of President Biden's Cancer Moonshot, a whole-of-government initiative to end cancer as we know it.

"The science is clear – asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health. President Biden understands that this concern that has spanned generations and impacted the lives of countless people. That's why EPA is so proud to finalize this long-needed ban on ongoing uses of asbestos," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Under the President's leadership, EPA has been working expeditiously to put the nation's chemical safety program back on track and finally realize the protections of the 2016 law. This action is just the beginning as we work to protect all American families, workers, and communities from toxic chemicals."

"Asbestos has harmed people across the country for decades, and under President Biden's leadership, we are taking decisive action to ban its use and advance this administration's historic environmental justice agenda," said White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory. "This action marks a major step to improve chemical safety after decades of inadequate protections, helping advance President Biden's Cancer Moonshot goal to end cancer as we know it."

Chrysotile asbestos is found in products including asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets. The use of asbestos in the United States has been declining for decades, and its use is already banned in over 50 countries.

Although there are several known types of asbestos, the only form known to be imported, processed, or distributed for use in the United States is chrysotile. Raw chrysotile asbestos was imported into the United States as recently as 2022 for use by the chlor-alkali industry. Most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued.

"Today's rule is a positive first step to give all Americans a future free of exposure to asbestos – a carcinogen that has killed far too many. This dangerous substance has been banned in more than 50 countries around the world, and the United States is finally starting to catch up. An immediate ban on the import of chrysotile asbestos for the chlor-alkali industry is a long overdue step forward for public health. However, it cannot be the end of the road when it comes to phasing out other dangerous asbestos fibers, and Congress has a role to play here when it comes to providing stronger protections for our health," said Senator Jeff Merkley.

"It is long past time for the U.S. to ban asbestos, and unacceptable this known carcinogen continues to threaten Americans and devastate families," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "I've been spent years advocating for asbestos to be banned and am grateful for the steps the EPA is taking today to finalize its rule to prohibit the import and use of chrysotile asbestos. Banning asbestos will save lives."

"The Biden Cancer Moonshot is a key pillar of the President's Unity Agenda. Cancer impacts nearly every American family, and it will take all of us to reach the President and First Lady's ambitious but achievable goals to prevent more than four million cancer deaths by 2047 and improve the experience of people who are touched by cancer. Banning the use of asbestos will help prevent cancer before it begins—saving and improving American lives across the country," said Deputy Assistant to the President for the Cancer Moonshot Dr. Danielle Carnival.

"It's been more than 50 years since EPA first sought to ban some uses of asbestos and we're closer than ever to finishing the job," said Environmental Working Group senior vice president Scott Faber. "For too long, polluters have been allowed to make, use, and release toxics like asbestos and PFAS without regard for our health. Thanks to the leadership of the Biden EPA, those days are finally over." 

This public health protection is long overdue. A 1991 court decision that largely struck down EPA's 1989 ban on asbestos and significantly weakened EPA's authority under TSCA to address risks to human health from asbestos or from any other existing chemical. The 2016 amendments to TSCA transformed the law with clear requirements and a mandate to comprehensively prioritize and evaluate the risks of chemicals and put in place strong and timely health protections against any unreasonable risks.

EPA has set compliance deadlines to transition away from each use of chrysotile asbestos, which are as soon as is practicable for each use while also providing a reasonable transition period, which the law requires.

Chlor-alkali Sector

The chlor-alkali sector uses asbestos diaphragms to make sodium hydroxide and chlorine, a critical use of which is to disinfect drinking water and wastewater. There are other ways to disinfect water and other ways to produce chlorine; in fact, two-thirds of the chlorine produced in the U.S. is produced without using asbestos. While there are only eight chlor-alkali plants in the United States that still use asbestos diaphragms, EPA must still ensure that the eight facilities have a reasonable transition time for the phase out of asbestos that does not inadvertently adversely impact drinking or wastewater purification efforts.

EPA is banning the import of asbestos for chlor-alkali use immediately to close the door forever on the use of asbestos by this sector. The eight remaining facilities that use asbestos must transition to either non-asbestos diaphragms or to non-asbestos membrane technology, and the final rule ensures that six of the eight will have completed this transition within five years, with the remaining two to follow.

• EPA has determined that converting facilities from using diaphragms that contain asbestos to those that do not within five years provides both a reasonable transition time and is as soon as practicable without disrupting the supply of chlorine that is needed for water purification purposes. EPA also believes that five of the eight facilities likely plan to undergo such conversions.
• EPA has also determined that converting facilities from using diaphragms that contain asbestos to non-asbestos membrane technology requires extensive construction, additional permits, specialized expertise and parts for which there are limited suppliers. EPA has therefore determined that a reasonable transition time for companies that plan to transition multiple facilities to non-asbestos membrane technology is five years to convert their first facility, eight years to convert their second and 12 years to convert their third, and the facilities will be required to certify their continued progress with EPA.

Remaining Uses

The final rule also:

• Bans most sheet gaskets that contain asbestos two years after the effective date of the final rule, with five-year phase-outs for sheet gaskets to be used to produce titanium dioxide and for the processing of nuclear material. 
• Allows asbestos-containing sheet gaskets to continue to be used through CY 2037 at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site to ensure that the safe disposal of nuclear materials can continue on schedule while continuing to protect workers from exposure to radioactive materials.
• Bans the use of asbestos in oilfield brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets six months after the effective date of the final rule. 

EPA is requiring strict workplace safety measures to protect workers from asbestos exposure during any phaseout periods longer than two years. EPA is also ensuring that asbestos is disposed of properly, in line with industry standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, and the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. The agency is also requiring recordkeeping.

Separately, EPA is also evaluating other types of asbestos fibers (in addition to legacy uses and associated disposal of chrysotile, and asbestos-containing talc) in part 2 of the asbestos risk evaluation. EPA will release part 2 of the draft risk evaluation soon and will publish the final risk evaluation by Dec. 1, 2024.

Learn more about risk management for asbestos.

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Issued: Mar 18, 2024 (10:37am EDT)

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EPA $61 Million in Funding Will Put Clean School Buses on the Streets of New York City

NEW YORK (March 18, 2024) The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is transforming how New York City children get to school, accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles, and producing cleaner air for our communities. That is the message delivered today by EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia, Mayor Eric Adams, and other state and local leaders in the Bronx, New York.

The awards, which are made possible through President Biden's Investing in America agenda, will help secure clean school buses for the benefit of all New York City school districts. The transportation companies, J.P. Bus and Truck Repair Ltd. and New York City School Bus Umbrella Services (NYCSBUS) will receive $61 million to purchase 180 clean school buses.

• J.P. Bus and Truck Repair Ltd. has been selected to receive over $31.5 million to purchase 80 clean school buses and 86 bus chargers.
• NYCSBUS has been selected to receive $29.5 million to purchase 100 clean school buses and 100 bus chargers.

"Protecting our kids and tackling the climate crisis is a win-win. Transitioning away from dirty diesel and toward clean electric buses is a smart investment in our children's future," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Cleaner air and less pollution are a net positive for the community, and thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law this is just the beginning. Beyond the community, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacement projects will help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector on climate change." 

"I have always said that I am a five-borough mayor, and with this funding, we are building an even brighter future for the Bronx and our entire city," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "These grants will help us put more electric school buses on our streets, turn one of the world's largest food distribution centers into one of the world's greenest facilities, deliver cleaner air for our children, and help undo a long history of environmental racism in the South Bronx. This is what it looks like when leaders from City Hall to the halls of Congress work together to 'Get Stuff Done' for New York City. My thanks to President Biden, the Environmental Protection Agency, and all our federal partners who helped secure this funding and are working to deliver a cleaner, greener city for New Yorkers."

"To protect our children and environment, we must ensure New York's students have access to reliable and clean transportation. This investment in clean and modern technology will reduce pollution throughout New York State, protecting the health of our communities and creating new economic opportunities," said U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "I am thrilled to announce this federal funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will go toward supporting zero and low-emission school buses in New York State. This investment will create a cleaner commute for the countless students who rely on buses every day to get to school, and I will continue to fight for a healthier, more sustainable future for all."

"The addition of 180 new electric school buses to our city's fleet will not only increase transportation options to and from school but will help the city's efforts to improve air pollution by removing harmful diesel fumes from our streets," said U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). "I'm proud to have voted to secure the funding that makes these improvements possible, and I look forward to ensuring New York City continues to receive its fair share of federal infrastructure dollars in the future."

"I am proud to help deliver this $77 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to allow New York City to put better, cleaner school buses and trucks on our roads," said U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler (NY-12). "The 180 new electric school buses and investment in a freight-focused electric truck and vehicle charging depot will mean less pollution, reduced costs, and more jobs in manufacturing and maintenance for our city. By investing $40 billion in infrastructure funding for New York State and New York City, President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is bringing our infrastructure into the 21^st century. I'm once again proud to have fought to secure this funding, and I'll continue to work tirelessly in Congress to make sure that New York City receives the federal infrastructure investments it deserves for years to come."

"Transitioning NYC school buses to electric and low-emission vehicles is healthier for our kids, our city, and the planet. Particularly in the Bronx, which has some of the highest childhood asthma rates in the country, this funding will improve air quality not only for students, but also for communities across the borough. We applaud the Biden administration's commitment to environmental justice and public health with this significant award for our city," said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14). 

"I was proud to support the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made today's announcement possible," said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "Together, we are revitalizing New York City's infrastructure and combatting the climate crisis. I commend Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan and Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia, and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for their collective efforts to secure this remarkable $77 million investment for New York City. This federal funding will quadruple our city's electric school bus fleet and create the nation's first electric truck charging depot in the Bronx that will serve over 7,000 freight-focused trucks and vehicles annually. Today's announcement is a testament to the progress we have made under the Biden Administration and our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the environment and enhancing the well-being of our communities."

"It is an honor for NYCSBUS to host this event and have everyone here to celebrate the electrifying of our city's school bus fleet with EPA funding," said Chief Executive Officer Matt Berlin. "This transition is one step closer to a healthier New York City." 

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) CEO and President Doreen M. Harris said, "New York State is leading the way in providing healthier transportation for students in our communities. The EPA funding announced today for electric school buses is an example of how we are working together with the Biden Administration to deliver benefits from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will complement investments we are making through the State's historic Environmental Bond Act to put more clean school buses on our roads and help school districts transition to greener fleets."

"Today we're celebrating the ability to provide safe, reliable and affordable transportation to school districts across the city," said Robert Reichenbach, president of Bird Bus Sales. "We are excited to continue to work in partnership with the EPA to reduce air quality-related illnesses and preserve the health of our city.

About the Clean School Bus Program

EPA's Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation's fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students' health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.

In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program's 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America's leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.

Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.

For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.

View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees here.

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Issued: Mar 15, 2024 (12:09pm EDT)

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EPA Awards grants to Student Teams for Innovative Solutions to Environmental and Public Health Challenges in New York and New Jersey

NEW YORK (March 15, 2024) - This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $1.2 million, in funding to 16 college student teams to research and develop innovative solutions that address environmental and public health challenges as part of the Agency's People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) Program.

 EPA is pleased to mark the 20^th anniversary of our P3 program by announcing this impressive round of projects that are tackling critical issues such as removing PFAS from water, combating harmful algal blooms, and materials recovery and reuse," said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. "I commend these hardworking and creative students and look forward to seeing the results of their innovative projects that are addressing some of our thorniest sustainability and environmental challenges." 

EPA's P3 program features a unique competition that offers teams of college students hands-on experience to turn their creative design and engineering ideas into reality, while also helping solve real-world environmental challenges. The 16 recipients announced today will receive grants of up to $75,000 to fund a two-year project. Students will propose innovative and sustainable ideas and concepts and carry them through the research, design and demonstration stages. During the second year of the award, student teams will have the opportunity to showcase their designs at EPA's National Student Design Expo. 

Teams from the following NJ and NY institutions are receiving funding via EPA's 20^th Annual P3 awards: 

• Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York, for Developing Reusable and Antiviral Face Masks from Plastic Waste 
• The State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, for Sensor on Wheels (SOW): A Field-Deployable Environmental Pathogen Detection Tool
• New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Two-dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2)-Based Field Effect Transistor Sensors for Airborne PFAS Detection 
• New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Zirconium-modified Mica Coupled with Nanobubbles for Enhanced Phosphorus Removal, Recovery, and Reuse 

Learn more about this year's recipients. 

Learn more about EPA's P3 Program. 

Learn more about EPA's National Student Design Expo Experience. 

Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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Issued: Mar 15, 2024 (12:09pm EDT)

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EPA Awards grants to Student Teams for Innovative Solutions to Environmental and Public Health Challenges in New York and New Jersey

NEW YORK (March 15, 2024) - Today, March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $1.2 million, in funding to 16 college student teams to research and develop innovative solutions that address environmental and public health challenges as part of the Agency's People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) Program.

 EPA is pleased to mark the 20^th anniversary of our P3 program by announcing this impressive round of projects that are tackling critical issues such as removing PFAS from water, combating harmful algal blooms, and materials recovery and reuse," said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. "I commend these hardworking and creative students and look forward to seeing the results of their innovative projects that are addressing some of our thorniest sustainability and environmental challenges." 

EPA's P3 program features a unique competition that offers teams of college students hands-on experience to turn their creative design and engineering ideas into reality, while also helping solve real-world environmental challenges. The 16 recipients announced today will receive grants of up to $75,000 to fund a two-year project. Students will propose innovative and sustainable ideas and concepts and carry them through the research, design and demonstration stages. During the second year of the award, student teams will have the opportunity to showcase their designs at EPA's National Student Design Expo. 

Teams from the following NJ and NY institutions are receiving funding via EPA's 20^th Annual P3 awards: 

• Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York, for Developing Reusable and Antiviral Face Masks from Plastic Waste 
• The State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, for Sensor on Wheels (SOW): A Field-Deployable Environmental Pathogen Detection Tool
• New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Two-dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2)-Based Field Effect Transistor Sensors for Airborne PFAS Detection 
• New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Zirconium-modified Mica Coupled with Nanobubbles for Enhanced Phosphorus Removal, Recovery, and Reuse 

Learn more about this year's recipients. 

Learn more about EPA's P3 Program. 

Learn more about EPA's National Student Design Expo Experience. 

Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

24-22

For further information: Contact: Carlos Vega, (646) 988-2996, vega.carlos@epa.gov

 

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Issued: Mar 14, 2024 (4:25pm EDT)

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EPA Finalizes Cleanup Plan for The Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico (Spanish Translation Included)

NEW YORK (March 14, 2024) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its cleanup plan to address arsenic and lead-contaminated soil, and volatile organic compounds in groundwater at the Battery Recycling Company Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.  The final plan, known as a Record of Decision, explains EPA's intention to address remaining contaminated soil and groundwater on and off the site's property.

"EPA has already taken significant actions to address the most urgent risks posed by this site, and now we are moving forward with a long-term solution to clean up the remaining contamination and prevent further exposure," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "We appreciate the public's participation and feedback on our cleanup plan, which helped us finalize the best option for the site."

EPA will remove contaminated soil from areas on and off the site and treat it so that it can be safely stored. It will be stored in a secure and restricted area at the former facility. EPA will also monitor the groundwater and file land use restrictions with property records to prevent groundwater use until a more permanent remedy can be selected. Additionally, EPA will ensure future land use does not conflict with long-term cleanup goals.

The site was operated as a secondary lead smelter and battery recycling operation from approximately 1994 until 2014. Prior to the secondary lead smelting operation, the site was used for the manufacture of organic chemicals to produce fumaric acid and phthalic acid. These activities left behind high levels of lead, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants in the soil and groundwater.

EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2017 and addressed a significant amount of the lead contamination at the site in an early removal action that was completed in 2022. EPA held a public meeting August 29, 2023, to explain the proposed plan to the community and take comments.

To read the EPA's Record of Decision and to view EPA's responses to public comments, visit the Battery Recycling Company Superfund site profile page.

Follow EPA Region 2 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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La EPA finaliza el plan de limpieza para el Lugar Superfondo
Battery Recycling Company en Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Contacto: Lilliana Alemán (787)-977-5816, AlemanRoman.Lilliana@epa.gov

NUEVA YORK (14 de marzo de 2024) - La Agencia Federal de Protección Ambiental (EPA) finalizó su plan de limpieza para remediar el suelo contaminado con arsénico y plomo, y los compuestos orgánicos volátiles (VOCs) en las aguas subterráneas en el Lugar Superfondo Battery Recycling Company en Arecibo, Puerto Rico.  El plan final, conocido como Récord de Decisión (ROD), explica la intención de la EPA de atender la contaminación del suelo y del agua subterránea que quedan dentro y fuera de la propiedad del lugar.

"La EPA ya ha tomado medidas significativas para abordar los riesgos más urgentes presentes en este lugar, y ahora estamos avanzando con una solución a largo plazo para remediar la contaminación restante y prevenir una mayor exposición", explicó la administradora regional Lisa F. García. "Agradecemos la participación y los comentarios del público sobre nuestro plan de limpieza, que nos ayudó a escoger la mejor alternativa para el Lugar".

La EPA eliminará el suelo contaminado de las áreas dentro y fuera del Lugar y lo tratará para que pueda almacenarse de manera segura y restringida en la antigua instalación. La EPA también monitoreará las aguas subterráneas y presentará restricciones de uso de los terrenos en los registros de propiedad para prevenir el uso de aguas subterráneas hasta que se pueda seleccionar un remedio más permanente. Además, la EPA se establecerá controles institucionales para que el uso futuro de los terrenos no conflija con los objetivos de limpieza a largo plazo.

El Lugar operaba como una instalación de fundición secundaria de plomo y centro de reciclaje de baterías desde, aproximadamente, 1994 hasta 2014. Antes de operar como una instalación de fundición secundaria de plomo, el Lugar se utilizaba para fabricar productos químicos orgánicos destinados a elaborar ácido fumárico y ácido ftálico. Estas actividades dejaron altos niveles de plomo, VOCs y otros contaminantes en el suelo y las aguas subterráneas.

La EPA agregó el Lugar a la Lista Nacional de Prioridades de Superfondo en 2017 y condujo eliminación temprana de una cantidad significativa de la contaminación de plomo en el Lugar, la cual terminó en 2022. La EPA llevó a cabo una reunión pública el 29 de agosto de 2023 para explicar a la comunidad el plan propuesto y recibir comentarios.

Para leer el ROD y ver las respuestas de la EPA a los comentarios públicos, visite la página del perfil del Lugar Superfondo de Battery Recycling Company.

Siga a la Región 2 de la EPA en X y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.

24-21SP

For further information: Contact: Lilliana Aleman-Roman, (787)-977-5816, AlemanRoman.Lilliana@epa.gov

 

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Issued: Mar 14, 2024 (3:59pm EDT)

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EPA finalizes commonsense standards to limit air toxic pollution at gasoline distribution facilities

WASHINGTON – Today, March 14, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing its action to reduce toxic air pollution from gasoline distribution facilities, including storage tanks, loading operations and equipment leaks. These rules, which exclude gas stations, are expected to reduce emissions of air toxics, including benzene, hexane, toluene, and xylene, by 2,220 tons per year, and emissions of volatile organic compounds by 45,400 tons per year. 

"These rules will protect public health for communities near gas distribution facilities, which are disproportionately communities of color and low-income communities," said Joseph Goffman, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "By helping to reduce exposures to toxic air emissions, these actions will help communities breathe cleaner air, improving lives in communities already overburdened by pollution."

People exposed to toxic air pollutants may have an increased chance of getting cancer or experiencing other serious health effects within their lifetimes. These health effects can include damage to the immune system, as well as neurological, reproductive, developmental, respiratory and other health problems. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can have short- and long-term adverse health effects, and evaporated VOCs can react in the atmosphere to produce secondary pollutants, including ozone and secondary organic aerosol, a contributor to fine particles, or soot. 

The air toxics emitted by Gasoline Distribution sources are benzene, hexane, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, cumene and napthalene. 

For the final rule, EPA has considered input received during the public comment period and made several adjustments to enhance environmental protection while ensuring no significant impacts on small businesses or gas prices.  

This action will require gasoline distribution facilities to adopt cost-effective practices and control technologies to reduce emissions from storage tanks, loading operations, and equipment leaks. EPA is also finalizing New Source Performance Standards for Bulk Gasoline Terminals to reflect the best system of emissions reduction for loading operations and equipment leaks. Because the rules will reduce air emissions, such as leaks at these facilities, EPA projects that some of these reductions will result in annualized cost savings—a win-win for companies, consumers, and environmental justice communities. The final action includes revisions related to emissions during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction; monitoring and operating provisions for control devices; and electronic reporting.  

 

To read the final action, visit EPA's Gasoline Distribution MACT and GACT: NESHAP webpage.

For further information: press@epa.gov

 

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Issued: Mar 14, 2024 (3:51pm EDT)

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EPA awards nearly $1.2M to student teams for innovative solutions to environmental and public health challenges

WASHINGTON – Today, March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $1.2 million, in funding to 16 college student teams to research and develop innovative solutions that address environmental and public health challenges as part of the Agency's People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) Program.

"EPA is pleased to mark the 20^th anniversary of our P3 program by announcing this impressive round of projects that are tackling critical issues such as removing PFAS from water, combating harmful algal blooms, and materials recovery and reuse," said Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. "I commend these hardworking and creative students and look forward to seeing the results of their innovative projects that are addressing some of our thorniest sustainability and environmental challenges." 

EPA's P3 program features a unique competition that offers teams of college students hands-on experience to turn their creative design and engineering ideas into reality, while also helping solve real-world environmental challenges. The 16 recipients announced today will receive grants of up to $75,000 to fund a two-year project. Students will propose innovative and sustainable ideas and concepts and carry them through the research, design and demonstration stages. During the second year of the award, student teams will have the opportunity to showcase their designs at EPA's National Student Design Expo. 

Teams from the following institutions are receiving funding via EPA's 20^th Annual P3 awards: 

• Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, for Biochar-Enabled Platform for Enhanced Destruction and Defluorination of Short-Chain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Water 
• Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York, for Developing Reusable and Antiviral Face Masks from Plastic Waste 
• Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado., for Open-Source Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) System for the Rapid and Accurate Detection of Bacteria from Environmental Water Samples 
• Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, for Navigating the Food-Energy-Water Nexus through the Conversion of Food Waste to Biocrude 
• New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Two-dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2)-Based Field Effect Transistor Sensors for Airborne PFAS Detection 
• New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, for Zirconium-modified Mica Coupled with Nanobubbles for Enhanced Phosphorus Removal, Recovery, and Reuse 
• Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, for Production of Lithium Carbonate from Geothermal Brine by Selective Extraction of Lithium Using a Novel Ion Sieve Method 
• Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, for Biodiesel Production from Ethanol and Glycerol: a Living Laboratory for STEM Students 
• The State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, for Sensor on Wheels (SOW): A Field-Deployable Environmental Pathogen Detection Tool 
• University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, for Solar-driven Photodegradation of Microcystin Using a Novel Gold-decorated Nickel Metalorganic Framework (Au/Ni-MOF) 
• University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, for 100% Compostable Packaging Film 
• University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, for Enhancement of PFAS-Contaminated Organic Wastes Treatment in Anaerobic Digestion by Carbon Materials 
• University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, for Understanding and Predicting Disparities in Organic Contaminant Levels in Blood among the U.S. Population 
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, for Cellulose-Metal Organic Frameworks Hybrid Adsorbent for PFAS Removal from Water  
• Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania, for Developing Geopolymer Cement using Sewage Sludge Ash as Precursors 
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, for 3D-Printed Floating Photocatalyst Structures that Mimic Natural Objects to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms 

Learn more about this year's recipients. 

Learn more about EPA's P3 Program. 

Learn more about EPA's National Student Design Expo Experience. 

For further information: press@epa.gov

 

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