EPA Updates New Chemical Review Program Webpage, Metrics, Affirming Commitment to Increased Transparency

Issued: Dec 20, 2022 (2:12pm EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

EPA Updates New Chemical Review Program Webpage, Metrics, Affirming Commitment to Increased Transparency

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a redesign and updates to the statistics webpage for the New Chemicals Review Program. The update includes additional information and metrics on the Agency's review of new chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), increasing transparency for the public, the regulated community and other stakeholders. The new information and features will help users understand EPA's new chemicals review process, throughput, and trends, while highlighting the progress the program has made despite ongoing resource challenges.

"EPA is committed to building a culture of transparency and today's update is a significant step towards improving transparency in our review of new chemicals," said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff on December 15. "The newly enhanced webpage gives users an extensive look at the new chemical review process and provides a clear snapshot of the progress made by the program's dedicated career staff to ensure public health and environmental protections."

TSCA requires EPA to review the potential risks of new chemicals before they enter the U.S. marketplace and, when necessary, put safeguards in place to protect human health and the environment. Before TSCA was amended in 2016, EPA issued formal risk determinations for approximately 20% of new chemical submissions. In 80% of cases, EPA dropped the chemical from further review, which under the prior law would allow the manufacturer to take the chemical to market.

Under the 2016 amendments, EPA is required to make an affirmative determination on all new chemical notices submitted under TSCA, substantially increasing the Agency's workload. Despite the dramatic increase in responsibility, the budget for the TSCA program has remained essentially flat over the past six years.

To address resource limitations, EPA has taken several steps over the past year to create a sustainable program that follows the science and the law. This most recent action represents another important step in that process. Data displayed on the enhanced webpage will be updated monthly. The data show that EPA continues to make positive progress on reviewing new chemicals and managing risks to human health and the environment. With more funding and resources, EPA could further increase the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of its work.

More detailed breakdown of new chemical submissions

The webpage now contains month-by-month counts of new chemical submissions, completed risk assessments and completed risk management actions for all notices and exemptions, allowing users to track monthly progress on EPA's new chemicals workload.

The new monthly statistics table shows recent improvement in EPA's ability to conduct risk assessments efficiently—in October and November, EPA completed 99 risk assessments, more than double from the prior two-month period. This progress is a result of EPA's aggressive recruitment and training for scientists with relevant experience and background to conduct risk assessments and efforts to continuously improve the program's review process and procedures.

Additionally, new tables and graphs on the webpage visualize new chemicals submission trends and changes from FY 2010-2022. Previously, the webpage included a count of the total number of completed actions since the 2016 TSCA amendments, but it did not break this information down by fiscal year.

Status tracker for new chemical exemptions

The revised webpage now also includes a tracker for other applications submitted to the New Chemicals Program, including Low-Volume Exemptions (LVEs), Low Release and Low Exposure Exemptions (LoREXs), Test Market Exemptions (TMEs), TSCA Environmental Release Applications (TERAs) and Tier II Exemptions for Microorganisms (Tier IIs). Previously the webpage only included this kind of tracking for Premanufacture Notices (PMNs), Significant New Use Notices (SNUNs) and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (MCANs).

Exemptions represent over 50% of the new chemical notices submitted to EPA. The new tracker makes it easy for users to monitor the number of active exemption cases currently under review by EPA and their review status, giving stakeholders greater insight into the status of a significant portion of the program's workload.

Information on the new chemicals review process

The new webpage provides greater detail about the new chemicals review process, including explanations of each step of the review process for notices and exemptions. Also new to the webpage is an explanation of factors that EPA considers when triaging new chemical submissions for review. These factors include the date of receipt of submission, statutory and regulatory deadlines, the level of effort needed to potentially rework some or all of the risk assessment, and the applicability of new approaches EPA has developed to standardize reviews for certain new chemicals. Providing this information helps submitters understand how EPA manages its large workload within limited resource constraints and helps them submit complete notices in the order that matters most for their business.

Other new chemicals improvements

The New Chemicals Program has taken several steps this year to enhance the review process for new chemicals, resulting in 480 risk assessments completed and 447 risk management actions issued in FY 2022. These efforts include:

Launching innovative approaches to reviewing new biofuels and mixed metal oxides (MMOs) used in new and modified cathode active materials (CAMs), which have helped increase the program's capacity by standardizing the review process for these chemicals.
Conducting an outreach initiative consisting of several webinars with stakeholders to explain how EPA evaluates engineering data for new chemical submissions, with the goal of preventing common issues that contribute to delays in new chemical reviews and stretch limited resources.
Developing a multi-year collaborative research program with ORD and other federal entities to bring innovate science to new chemical reviews before they can enter the marketplace.
Aggressively recruiting, onboarding and training new staff to conduct risk assessments and developing new policies, guidance and standard operating procedures.

View the new chemicals review statistics webpage.

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=GnWYY2kXVHmmd1MBneMLfi3Jv1gh7u8JUw

EPA settles with Red Mountain Truck Lines for Butte, Montana fuel spill

Issued: Dec 19, 2022 (11:14am EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

EPA settles with Red Mountain Truck Lines for Butte, Montana fuel spill

Company to pay Clean Water Act penalty for discharge of fuel into Blacktail Creek

Media Contact: Sara Loiacono, loiacono.sara@epa.gov, (303) 312-6626

BUTTE, MT (December 19, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a Clean Water Act (CWA) settlement with Red Mountain Truck Lines, Inc. (Red Mountain), in which Red Mountain agreed to pay $18,000 for alleged Clean Water Act violations associated with a gas station transfer incident which spilled diesel fuel into Blacktail Creek in Butte, Montana in 2021.

"EPA takes our role of protecting public health and our environmental resources very seriously in all the communities we serve," said EPA Region 8 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director Suzanne Bohan. "Companies that handle, store and transport oil must carefully follow safety measures to prevent oil spills from occurring, and Red Mountain failed to take the necessary care."

On January 30, 2021, a fuel delivery involving a truck owned by Red Mountain released approximately 450 to 485 gallons of diesel fuel into Blacktail Creek. The spill occurred as a result of an overfill of an underground storage tank at a Town Pump Convenience Store in Butte. The diesel fuel traveled down a storm drain into wetlands adjacent to the creek and into the creek itself.

Red Mountain's environmental consultant reported the spill to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) on January 30, 2021, and to the National Response Center on February 3, 2021. Red Mountain worked with the MDEQ Underground Storage Tank Division to contain and clean up the spill. There were no reported impacts to drinking water or downstream users.

The Clean Water Act prohibits discharging oil, including fuel products, into navigable waters of the United States in quantities with the potential to harm public health or the environment. Additional Federal requirements exist to prevent oil spills and to help facilities prepare to for how to respond to an oil spill. These include oil spill prevention, control, and countermeasure rules as well as Federal Facility Response Plans.

Read the Consent Agreement and Final Order.

Learn more about the Clean Water Act's regulations concerning oil spills and spill prevention.

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=BuYyKNXrLXnFd5cBM3bFRlEJiZ2xlLjEyw

Parties Agree to Pay $150 Million Toward Clean Up of the Lower Passaic River in New Jersey (See below for Spanish and Portuguese translations)

Issued: Dec 16, 2022 (5:36pm EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

Parties Agree to Pay $150 Million Toward Clean Up of the Lower Passaic River in New Jersey (See below for Spanish and Portuguese translations)

Part of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site

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

NEW YORK (December 16, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today a proposed consent decree with 85 potentially responsible parties, requiring them to pay a total of $150 million to support the cleanup work and resolve their liability for discharging hazardous substances into the Lower Passaic River, which is part of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site in Newark, New Jersey.

EPA and DOJ alleged that these 85 parties are responsible for releases of hazardous substances into the Lower Passaic River, contaminating the 17-mile tidal stretch, including the lower 8.3 miles. The proposed consent decree seeks to hold the parties accountable for their share of the total cost of cleaning up this stretch of the river.

"This agreement continues our work of ensuring responsible parties pay for or conduct the cleanup of the Passaic River. Today's agreement requires those responsible for the contamination to pay their fair share for releasing hazardous substances into the Lower Passaic," said Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia, "This work brings us closer to a cleaner healthier river that can be enjoyed by those who live near its banks."

"This agreement holds responsible parties financially accountable for the legacy of pollution in the Lower Passaic River," said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "The settlement will advance the cleanup of the river for the benefit of those communities living alongside it who have been historically overburdened by pollution."

"Newark, Harrison, and many other vibrant communities have borne the brunt of pollution along the Lower Passaic River for too long," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna for the District of New Jersey. "This agreement is an important step forward. It will support significant cleanup efforts that restore this historic waterway, advance a new chapter of responsible land use, and return the river to the people of New Jersey.

On behalf of EPA, DOJ lodged the consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. If and when the settlement becomes final, EPA expects to use the settlement funds to support ongoing efforts to clean up the site, specifically the lower 8.3 miles and the upper 9 miles which make up the entire 17-mile Lower Passaic River Study Area. In addition to the proposed consent decree, EPA has reached several related agreements, including one whereby many parties investigated the 17-mile Lower Passaic River, another whereby Occidental Chemical Corporation, a potentially responsible party, is designing the cleanup chosen for the lower 8.3 miles, and several cost recovery agreements that resulted in payments to EPA of millions of dollars.

This consent decree is subject to a 45-day public comment period and will be available for public review on the Justice Department website.

After the close of the comment period, DOJ and EPA will evaluate any comments received and prepare a response to the comments. If the government still considers the settlement appropriate, it will seek approval of the consent decree by the court.

For additional information and site background, visit Diamond Alkali Superfund Profile Page.

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

22-095

# # # ESPAÑOL # # #

Las partes acuerdan pagar $150 millones para la limpieza de la cuenca inferior del río Passaic en Nueva Jersey

Parte del sitio Superfund Diamond Alkali

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

NUEVA YORK (16 de diciembre de 2022) – La Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) de Estados Unidos y el Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) de Estados Unidos han anunciado hoy una propuesta de decreto de consentimiento con 85 partes potencialmente responsables, exigiéndoles el pago de un total de $150 millones para apoyar los trabajos de limpieza y resolver su responsabilidad por el vertido de sustancias peligrosas en la cuenca inferior del río Passaic, que forma parte del sitio Superfund Diamond Alkali en Newark, Nueva Jersey.

La EPA y el DOJ alegaron que estas 85 partes son responsables del vertido de sustancias peligrosas en la cuenca inferior del río Passaic, que ha contaminado un tramo de marea de 17 millas, incluyendo las 8,3 millas inferiores. El decreto de consentimiento propuesto pretende hacer responsables a las partes de su participación en el costo total de la limpieza de este tramo del río.

"Este acuerdo continúa nuestra labor de asegurar que las partes responsables paguen o lleven a cabo la limpieza del río Passaic. El acuerdo de hoy exige a los responsables de la contaminación que paguen la parte que les corresponde por el vertido de sustancias peligrosas en la cuenca inferior del río Passaic," declaró la administradora regional Lisa F. García. "Este trabajo nos acerca a un río más limpio y sano que puedan disfrutar quienes viven cerca de sus orillas."

"Este acuerdo hace que las partes responsables respondan financieramente por el legado de contaminación en la cuenca inferior del río Passaic," dijo el fiscal general adjunto Todd Kim de la División de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales del Departamento de Justicia. "El acuerdo hará avanzar la limpieza del río en beneficio de las comunidades que viven junto a él y que históricamente se han visto perjudicadas por la contaminación."

"Newark, Harrison y muchas otras pujantes comunidades han soportado durante demasiado tiempo el peso de la contaminación a lo largo de la cuenca inferior del río Passaic," declaró el primer fiscal federal adjunto del distrito de Nueva Jersey, Vikas Khanna. "Este acuerdo es un importante paso adelante. Apoyará los esfuerzos de limpieza necesarios para recuperar este cauce histórico, impulsará un nuevo capítulo de uso responsable del suelo y devolverá el río a la población de Nueva Jersey."

En nombre de la EPA, el DOJ presentó el decreto de consentimiento ante el Tribunal de Distrito de Estados Unidos para el Distrito de Nueva Jersey. En caso de que el acuerdo sea definitivo, la EPA espera utilizar los fondos del acuerdo para apoyar los esfuerzos en curso para limpiar el sitio, concretamente las 8,3 millas inferiores y las 9 millas superiores que conforman el área de estudio de 17 millas de la cuenca inferior del río Passaic. Además del decreto de consentimiento propuesto, la EPA ha celebrado varios acuerdos relacionados, incluido uno por el que muchas partes investigaron las 17 millas de la cuenca inferior del río Passaic, otro por el que Occidental Chemical Corporation, una parte potencialmente responsable, está diseñando la limpieza elegida para las 8,3 millas inferiores, y varios acuerdos de recuperación de costos que resultaron en pagos de millones de dólares a la EPA.

Este decreto de consentimiento está sujeto a un periodo de comentarios del público de 45 días y se encuentra a disposición para revisión pública en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia.

Una vez finalizado el periodo de comentarios, el DOJ y la EPA evaluarán los comentarios recibidos y elaborarán una respuesta. Si el gobierno sigue considerando adecuado el acuerdo, solicitará la aprobación del decreto de consentimiento por parte del tribunal.

Para más información y antecedentes del sitio, visite la página de perfil del Superfund Diamond Alkali.

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

22-095-SP

# # # PORTUGUÊS # # #

Partes concordam em pagar US$ 150 milhões para limpar o rio Lower Passaic em Nova Jersey

Parte do Diamond Alkali Superfund Site

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

NOVA YORK (16 de dezembro de 2022) – A Agência de Proteção Ambiental dos EUA (EPA) e o Departamento de Justiça dos EUA (DOJ) anunciaram hoje uma proposta de decreto de consentimento com 85 partes potencialmente responsáveis, exigindo que paguem um total de US$ 150 milhões para apoiar o trabalho de limpeza e resolver sua responsabilidade por descarregar resíduos perigosos substâncias no Lower Passaic River, que faz parte do Diamond Alkali Superfund Site em Newark, Nova Jersey.

A EPA e o DOJ alegaram que essas 85 partes são responsáveis por lançamentos de substâncias perigosas no rio Lower Passaic, contaminando o trecho de maré de cerca de 27 KM, incluindo as 13.35 KM inferiores. O decreto de consentimento proposto visa responsabilizar as partes por sua parcela no custo total da limpeza desse trecho do rio.

"Este acordo continua nosso trabalho de assegurar que as partes responsáveis paguem ou conduzam a limpeza do rio Passaic. O acordo de hoje exige que os responsáveis pela contaminação paguem sua parte justa pela liberação de substâncias perigosas no Lower Passaic", disse a Administradora Regional Lisa F. Garcia, "Este trabalho nos aproxima de um rio mais limpo e saudável que pode ser usufruído por quem mora perto de suas margens."

"Este acordo responsabiliza financeiramente as partes responsáveis pelo legado de poluição no rio Lower Passaic", disse o procurador-geral adjunto Todd Kim, da Divisão de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais do Departamento de Justiça. "O assentamento promoverá a limpeza do rio em benefício das comunidades que vivem ao longo dele e que foram historicamente sobrecarregadas pela poluição."

"Newark, Harrison e muitas outras comunidades vibrantes suportaram o impacto da poluição ao longo do rio Lower Passaic por muito tempo", disse o primeiro procurador-assistente dos Estados Unidos, Vikas Khanna, para o distrito de Nova Jersey. "Este acordo é um passo importante. Ele apoiará esforços significativos de limpeza que restauram esta hidrovia histórica, avançam em um novo capítulo de uso responsável da terra e devolvem o rio ao povo de Nova Jersey.

Em nome da EPA, o DOJ apresentou o decreto de consentimento ao Tribunal Distrital dos EUA para o Distrito de Nova Jersey. Se e quando o acordo se tornar definitivo, a EPA espera usar os fundos do acordo para apoiar os esforços contínuos para limpar o local, especificamente as 13.35 KM inferiores e as 14.48 KM superiores que compõem toda a Área de Estudo do Rio Passaic de cerca de 27 KM. Além do decreto de consentimento proposto, a EPA chegou a vários acordos relacionados, incluindo um em que muitas partes investigaram os cerca de 27 KM do Lower Passaic River, outro em que a Occidental Chemical Corporation, uma parte potencialmente responsável, está projetando a limpeza escolhida para os 813.35 KM mais baixos, e vários acordos de recuperação de custos que resultaram em pagamentos à EPA de milhões de dólares.

Este decreto de consentimento está sujeito a um período de comentários públicos de 45 dias e está disponível para revisão pública no site do Departamento de Justiça.

Após o encerramento do período de comentários, o DOJ e a EPA avaliarão quaisquer comentários recebidos e prepararão uma resposta aos comentários. Se o governo ainda considerar o acordo apropriado, ele buscará a aprovação do decreto de consentimento pelo tribunal.

Para saber informações adicionais e histórico do site, visite a página do Perfil do Diamond Alkali Superfund.

Siga a Região 2 da EPA no Twitter e a página do Facebook. Para saber mais informações da Região 2 da EPA, visite nosso site.

22-095-PO

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=a9nCkkkuc3k5dy4BjQqBpSPwY2ELPvkRQA

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $500,000 for Job Training in Puerto Rico

Issued: Dec 14, 2022 (12:07pm EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $500,000 for Job Training in Puerto Rico

PathStone Corporation among 29 nationwide to receive first Brownfields Job Training grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Contact: Barbara Khan, (720)-595-8698, khan.barbara@epa.gov

San Juan, Puerto Rico – PathStone Corporation is one of among 29 organizations receiving $14.3 million across the country through EPA's Brownfields Job Training Program to recruit, train and place workers for community revitalization and cleanup projects at brownfield sites. The organization will get a $500,000 grant for job training funded through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding triples the amount normally granted by EPA for Brownfields job training, ensuring stronger environmental benefits and more economic opportunities in overburdened and underserved areas.

"President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is supercharging EPA's Brownfields Program, which is transforming blighted sites, protecting public health, and creating economic opportunities in more overburdened communities than ever before," said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. "The investments announced today will not only support the cleanup of some of our nation's most polluted areas, but they will also equip a new generation of workers to take on the significant environmental challenges that plague overburdened neighborhoods, and jumpstart sustainable, long-term careers in the communities that need these jobs the most."

"With this unprecedented amount of funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we can provide people the tools and skills they need to find long-term employment," said EPA Region 2 Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "This funding will provide under- and unemployed people in Puerto Rico critical training so they can reimagine and revitalize their neighborhoods and bring environmental justice to their communities, which have been so often overlooked."

PathStone Corporation, a Rochester, New York-based organization, will use the funding to train up to 120 students in Puerto Rico and place at least 80 in environmental jobs. The program will target students from the rural municipalities of Caguas, Guaynabo, Humacao, Juncos, and Las Piedras and the City of San Juan. The training program includes 334 hours of instruction in 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training, Pesticide Safety Worker Protection Standard, AED and CPR Training, among many others. Students who complete the training will earn up to nine state and one federal certification. This is PathStone Corporation's fifth grant under the EPA Brownfields Job Program, totaling over $1.2 million in funding.

"The mission of building family and self-sufficiency can only be achieved by empowering individuals to make a change in their lives," said Brenda Lee Soto Colón, senior vice president of Direct Services at PathStone Corporation. "Having the opportunity to continue our partnership with EPA in order to provide training and employment opportunities in the environmental industry is key to the change we want to see in the lives of those we serve. Our goal is to assist participants with improving their education and employability skills. We are appreciative of this new opportunity."

President Biden's leadership and bipartisan Congressional action have delivered the single-largest investment in U.S. brownfields infrastructure ever through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invests more than $1.5 billion over five years through EPA's highly successful Brownfields Program. This historic investment enables EPA to fund more communities, states, and Tribes, and provides the opportunity for grantees to build and enhance the environmental curriculum in job training programs that support job creation and community revitalization.

The Brownfields Job Training Program also advances President Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40 percent of the benefits of certain government programs to disadvantaged communities. Based on data from the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, approximately 97 percent of the communities selected to receive funding as part of today's announcement have proposed projects in historically underserved areas.

Individuals completing a job training program funded by the EPA often overcome a variety of barriers to employment. Many trainees are from historically underserved neighborhoods or reside in areas that are overburdened by pollution.

Graduates of Brownfields Job Training programs learn valuable, sought-after skills and have the opportunity to earn a variety of certifications, ensuring employment opportunities result not just in temporary contractual work, but in long-term environmental careers. This includes certifications in:

Lead and asbestos abatement,
Hazardous waste operations and emergency response,
Mold remediation,
Environmental sampling and analysis, and
Other environmental health and safety training

Background:

Brownfields Job Training (JT) grants allow nonprofits, local governments, and other organizations to recruit, train, and place unemployed and under-employed residents of areas affected by the presence of brownfield sites. Through the JT Program, graduates develop the skills needed to secure full-time, sustainable employment in various aspects of hazardous and solid waste management and within the larger environmental field, including sustainable cleanup and reuse, and chemical safety. These green jobs reduce environmental contamination and build more sustainable futures for communities.

Since 1998, the EPA has awarded 371 Brownfields Job Training grants. With these grants, more than 20,341 individuals have completed trainings and over 15,168 individuals have been placed in careers related to land remediation and environmental health and safety.

For more information on the selected Brownfields Job Training grant recipients, including past grant recipients, please visit the Brownfields Grant Fact Sheet Search

For more information on this, and other types of Brownfields Program grants, please visit the Brownfields Job Training Grants webpage.

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

22-096

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=jywrGUbBrXm-dzkBd8kJdCWV3GE9265n9A

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2 Million for Job Training in New York

Issued: Dec 14, 2022 (11:46am EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $2 Million for Job Training in New York

Four New York organizations among 29 nationwide to receive first Brownfields Job Training grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Contact: Barbara Khan, (720)-595-8698, khan.barbara@epa.gov

NEW YORK (Dec. 14, 2022) - St. Nick's Alliance, The Fortune Society, The HOPE Program, and the City of Rochester are among 29 organizations nationwide receiving $14.3 million through EPA's Brownfields Job Training Program to recruit, train and place workers for community revitalization and cleanup projects at brownfield sites. The four organizations will get a total of $2 million in grants for job training funded through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding triples the amount normally granted by EPA for Brownfields job training, ensuring stronger environmental benefits and more economic opportunities in overburdened and underserved areas.

"Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we're providing more money than ever before to programs that make a real difference for people and the planet, bringing environmental justice to New York communities that have been traditionally overlooked," said EPA Region 2 Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "When people have the right tools and the right skills, they can get long-term employment doing work that helps reimagine and revitalize their communities."

Today's selected grant recipients will each receive $500,000. The New York organizations are St. Nicks Alliance, The Fortune Society, The HOPE Program and the City of Rochester. All are previous recipients of EPA Brownfields Job Training Grants.

St. Nicks Alliance will use the funding to train 120 students from North and Central Brooklyn and place at least 96 in environmental jobs. The training program includes 160 hours of instruction in 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training, Introduction to Environmental Industry, OSHA Construction Health and Safety, among others. Students who complete the training will earn up to one state and six federal certifications. This will be St. Nick's Alliance's ninth grant under the EPA Brownfields Job Training grants program, totaling over $2.3 million in funding.

"The EPA supported Environmental Remediation Technician is our longest running training with over 20 years of success, creating many living wage jobs. This job training grant allows us to meet the growing demands for local brownfield remediation and to better support all phases of a construction project with our Environmental Remediation Technician training, which includes the HAZWOPER-40, 8-Hour Confined Space, Asbestos Handler, OSHA 40, and optional certification in Mold or Lead Remediation," said St. Nick's Alliance Executive Director Michael Rochford. "We are thankful to the EPA and our local congressional representatives Nydia Velázquez and Hakeem Jeffries for their continued support."

The Fortune Society will provide certification-based training in New York City to nearly 100 formerly incarcerated individuals and place at least 57 in environmental jobs. The program includes training required to work on Brownfield cleanups, including 40-Hour HAZWOPER, EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Repainting, OSHA Construction Industry Health and Safety Program, among many others. Students who complete the training will earn up to two state and five federal certifications. This will be The Fortune Society's sixth grant under the EPA Brownfields Job Training program, totaling over $1.5 million in funding.

"The Fortune Society is truly grateful to the EPA for supporting our job training program. This grant will help our organization support justice-involved individuals in giving back to their communities while at the same time helping to improve the environment," said The Fortune Society Deputy CEO Stanley Richards. "This is a wonderful opportunity for formerly incarcerated individuals to find meaningful employment that will not only benefit their families but provide them with a path to success."

The HOPE program will use the funding to train up to 110 South Bronx residents and place at least 60 in environmental jobs. The training program includes 107 hours of instruction in 40-Hour HAZWOPER, Asbestos Handler, and BPI Multi-Family Building Operator. Students who complete the training will earn up to one state and two federal certifications. Job training program participants also receive instruction in digital, financial, and environmental literacy, work wellness, and green construction. This will be The HOPE Program's third grant under the EPA Brownfields Job Training, totaling nearly $1 million in funding.

"HOPE is beyond grateful for our continued partnership, which allows us to provide green jobs training and wraparound services to New Yorkers in under-resourced communities," said The HOPE Program Chief Program Officer Ana Chapman. "Thanks to support from the EPA, HOPE jobseekers will achieve career-building credentials that help them build family-sustaining careers while tackling environmental issues."

The City of Rochester will establish a new Brownfields Environmental Skills Training program, which will build upon the success of the Rochester Environmental Job (REJob) program. The program will train up to 100 individuals and place at least 82 in environmental jobs. The training includes 40-Hour HAZWOPER, Asbestos Handler/Worker Certification, Air Monitor/Asbestos Project Monitor Certification, OSHA 10-hour Construction Site Safety, and Construction Inspection. Students who complete the training will earn up to one state and three federal certifications. This is the City of Rochester's fourth grant under the EPA Brownfields Job Training program, totaling $1.1 million in funding.

"The City of Rochester is thankful to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for supporting our goal of making Rochester a green, sustainable community while providing jobs to our residents that will enhance the neighborhoods in which they live," said Mayor Malik D. Evans. "Cleaning up brownfields in our community for future investment and supplying the environmental-construction field with a trained workforce will greatly enhance our efforts to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester where everyone can reach their full potential through personal, professional and generational growth."

Lead and asbestos abatement,
Hazardous waste operations and emergency response,
Mold remediation,
Environmental sampling and analysis, and
Other environmental health and safety training

Background:

For more information on the selected Brownfields Job Training grant recipients, including past grant recipients, please visit the Brownfields Grant Fact Sheet Search

For more information on this, and other types of Brownfields Program grants, please visit the Brownfields Job Training Grants webpage.

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

22-095

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=jYURgW3PaHmmdwIBAT2PUVsE9S4LLqQFpg

EPA Completes Demolition and Asbestos Removal at Charlestown Mall Site in Utica and Frankfort, New York

Issued: Dec 14, 2022 (10:43am EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

EPA Completes Demolition and Asbestos Removal at Charlestown Mall Site in Utica and Frankfort, New York

EPA Superfund Redevelopment Assistance is available

Contact: Larisa Romanowski, (518) 407-0400, romanowski.larisa@epa.gov

NEW YORK (December 14, 2022) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed cleanup work to address asbestos contamination at the Charlestown Mall site in Utica and Frankfort, New York. EPA removed a total of nearly 30,000 tons of debris from the site and completed all site activities.

"This area is now an opportunity for redevelopment. This site was a contaminated eyesore, but through EPA's Superfund Program, we are turning blight into might, protecting people's health, and safeguarding the environment," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "Over the coming months, EPA will engage with local elected officials and regional economic development leaders to open up discussions about potential future uses at this site."

In August 2020, a massive fire destroyed more than 500,000 square feet of the former manufacturing and retail space. EPA boarded up the remaining structures to limit access and secured the property in December 2020 by erecting a fence. EPA began the site cleanup in June 2022 by tearing down the remaining structures to their foundations and removing the asbestos-containing waste. Now that site cleanup activities are completed, EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Program is available to provide ongoing reuse support services to the community to transform this site from a liability into an asset supporting economic development.

The Superfund Redevelopment Program works with local communities to help repurpose cleaned-up sites. The program provides site owners and prospective buyers with direct support, such as technical assistance and redevelopment planning services, as well as tools and resources to help communities explore reuse choices.

The Superfund Redevelopment Program has developed a Charlestown Mall site fact sheet that contains further information and specifics, including cleanup history, property ownership status, present site characteristics, and prospects for site reuse.

For a comprehensive list of program services, go to the Superfund Redevelopment Program website.

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

22-094

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=GRGWXZPhcnlfd9MBShtQ5lwGPqK7PmNxJw

EPA Announces Settlement with TForce to Correct Hazardous Waste Violations in 39 States

Issued: Dec 13, 2022 (4:03pm EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

EPA Announces Settlement with TForce to Correct Hazardous Waste Violations in 39 States

WASHINGTON (Dec. 13, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a RCRA Section 3008 Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) with TForce Freight, Inc. (TForce) to resolve allegations of noncompliance with multiple hazardous waste regulations at 174 facilities across 39 states. TForce, which operates a freight distribution and transportation operation, generates hazardous waste regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) when a package containing certain hazardous materials is damaged, as well as during day-to-day operations such as maintenance.

"EPA is committed to protecting communities from exposure to hazardous wastes," said Larry Starfield, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Today's action requires TForce to implement significant operational changes at its facilities across the country to prevent future noncompliance."

EPA's consent agreement and final order with TForce resolves alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations, including failure to make hazardous waste determinations, and conduct proper on-site management of hazardous waste, among other requirements. The company has 36 months to come into compliance across 174 locations and will pay a civil penalty of $860,400.

As a result of TForce's cooperation and their willingness to apply the enhanced programs to address non-compliance at all of their facilities nationwide, this settlement will benefit all impacted communities, including those communities overburdened by pollution, by reducing the potential for releases of hazardous wastes.

Under the settlement, TForce has agreed to comply with all relevant state and federal RCRA laws and regulations, to perform accurate hazardous waste determinations, provide timely notifications and reports, complete manifests, and conduct proper on-site management of hazardous waste.

The signed Consent Agreement and Final Order can be found on the Environmental Appeals Board website.

For further information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=KrmK93JaCnmmd6ABe5JiuIVLUSOs8Av0RA

EPA Releases Annual Automotive Trends Report

Issued: Dec 13, 2022 (3:59pm EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

EPA Releases Annual Automotive Trends Report

U.S. Fuel Economy Maintains Record High; CO2 Emissions Reach Record Lows, and All Large Manufacturers Meet Greenhouse Gas Standards

WASHINGTON — On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual Automotive Trends Report, which shows that model year (MY) 2021 vehicle fuel economy remained at a record high while emission levels reached a record low. The report also shows all 14 large automotive manufacturers achieved compliance with the Light-duty Greenhouse Gas (GHG) standards through at least MY2020.

"Today's report demonstrates the significant progress we've made to ensure clean air for all as automakers continue to innovate and utilize more advanced technologies to cut pollution," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Working together across the public and private sector, we can deliver on EPA's mission to protect public health, especially our most vulnerable populations, and advance President Biden's ambitious agenda to combat the climate crisis."

Key highlights of the report:

For MY 2021, vehicle fuel economy remained at an all-time high of 25.4 miles per gallon (mpg), and new vehicle real-world carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions decreased to a record low of 347 grams per mile (g/mi).
All vehicle types are at record low CO2 emissions; however, the market shift away from cars and towards sport utility vehicles and pickups has offset some of the fleetwide benefits.
Since MY 2004, average fuel economy in the U.S. has increased by 32%, or 6.1 mpg.
The average estimated real-world CO2 emission rate for all new vehicles fell by 2 g/mi to 347 g/mi, the lowest ever reported.
Since MY 2004, CO2 emissions have decreased 25%, or by 114 g/mi. Over that time, CO2 emissions have been reduced in 14 of the past 17 years.

Overall, advancements in technology are helping industry reach these carbon reduction achievements. In model year 2021, hybrid vehicles reached a new high of 9% of all production. These vehicles can use a larger battery to recapture braking energy and provide power when necessary, allowing for a smaller, more efficiently operated engine. The combined category of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) increased to 4% of nationwide production in MY 2021. This annual report is part of EPA's commitment to provide the public with information about new light-duty vehicle GHG emissions, fuel economy, technology data, and auto manufacturers' performance in meeting the agency's GHG emissions standards.

Read the full EPA Automotive Trends Report.

Explore Trends data through EPA's interactive data tool.

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=cwq7vZdXTHlQd14BrYn-vo_zf0AymC-7cw

EPA Announces $25.7 Million in Grants to Support Water Systems in Rural and Small Communities¬¬

Issued: Dec 13, 2022 (3:56pm EST)

If you wish to unsubscribe please do so here: https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=20300&unsub=1&hide_page_content=1

EPA Announces $25.7 Million in Grants to Support Water Systems in Rural and Small Communities¬¬

WASHINGTON – On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $25.7 million in grant funding for organizations to provide technical assistance and training to support small drinking water and wastewater systems that are often located in rural communities. EPA's funding will help ensure that drinking water in these communities is safe and that wastewater is treated before it is responsibly returned to the environment.

"Small towns and rural communities are crucial to the progress and prosperity of our nation, but these areas still face significant challenges with drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Technical assistance supports growth and innovation in these systems, ensuring communities have access to the clean and safe water they deserve," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "These grants, coupled with unprecedented resources from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support the work needed to maintain and upgrade water infrastructure and deliver environmental and economic benefits to rural America."

Small water systems often face unique financial and operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, and declining rate bases. EPA's grant funding will be used by nonprofit organizations to provide training and technical assistance to small public water systems, small wastewater systems, and private well owners across the country.

Eligible applicants for this competitive agreement are nonprofit organizations, nonprofit private universities and colleges, and public institutions of higher education. The application period for these competitive grants is now open. Questions about applying for EPA funding for training and technical assistance must be received by Wednesday, January 11, 2023 and applications must be received by 11:59pm EST on Thursday, January 26, 2023. EPA expects to award these cooperative agreements by Fall 2023 and encourages all eligible organizations who have an interest in these projects to apply.

This grant will be competed through a Request for Application process. The funding opportunity will remain open for 45 days on www.grants.gov.

To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
https://epa.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=subscribe&code=PkNtrEZEgHlqd8UBCzQm0-XyWVFSkbftdQ

BLOGNYA INYONG | BERITA HARIAN | TIPS KEREN | GADGET REVIEWS

Pages