Issued: Sep 27, 2023 (2:33pm EDT)

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EPA and Justice Department File Complaint Alleging Environmental Violations by eBay

Lawsuit Alleges that eBay Unlawfully Sold Pesticides, Banned Chemical Products and Devices that Defeat Pollution Controls on Motor Vehicles

WASHINGTON (September 27, 2023) - Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of EPA, filed a complaint against eBay Inc. ("eBay") for unlawfully selling, offering for sale, causing the sale of, and distributing hundreds of thousands of products in violation of the Clean Air Act ("CAA"); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ("FIFRA"); and the Toxic Substances Control Act ("TSCA").

"Our nation's environmental laws protect public health and the environment by prohibiting the unlawful sale of defeat devices; unregistered, misbranded and restricted use pesticides; and unsafe products containing toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride," said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "The complaint filed today demonstrates that EPA will hold online retailers responsible for the unlawful sale of products on their websites that can harm consumers and the environment."

"Laws that prohibit selling products that can severely harm human health and the environment apply to e-commerce retailers like eBay just as they do to brick-and-mortar stores," said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). "We are committed to preventing the unlawful sale and distribution of emissions defeating devices and dangerous chemicals that, if used improperly, can lead to dire consequences for individuals and communities."

"eBay's sale of emission control defeat devices, pesticides and other unsafe products poses unacceptable risks to our communities disproportionately impacted by environmental and health hazards," said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. "Together with our partners, this Office will vigorously enforce federal law against those whose conduct endangers public health and the environment."

The Clean Air Act prohibits selling, offering for sale, or causing the sale or offer of aftermarket parts that defeat motor vehicle emission controls (commonly known as "aftermarket defeat devices").  Today's complaint alleges that eBay sold, offered for sale, or caused the sale of more than 343,000 such parts.  Aftermarket defeat devices can cause motor vehicles to emit hundreds to thousands of times more pollution than a motor vehicle with properly functioning emission controls, including nitrogen oxides ("NOx"), carbon monoxide ("CO"), non-methane hydrocarbons ("NMHCs"), and particulate matter ("PM"), and impede efforts by the EPA, states, tribes, and local agencies to plan for and attain air quality standards. Exposure to these pollutants is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health effects as well as premature death, among other things.

FIFRA prohibits the unlawful distribution or sale of unregistered, misbranded, and restricted use pesticides, and authorizes EPA to issue Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders to anyone with ownership, custody or control of such pesticides being unlawfully sold or distributed. Today's complaint also alleges that eBay has unlawfully distributed or sold at least 23,000 such products, and that some of those sales were in direct violation of a stop sale order issued to eBay in 2020 and amended in 2021. Examples of these pesticides include a high toxicity insecticide banned in the U.S., restricted use pesticides that only certified applicators may apply, and products fraudulently claiming to protect users against SARS-CoV-2.

TSCA's Methylene Chloride Rule prohibits retailers from distributing in commerce products containing methylene chloride for paint and coating removal to prevent unreasonable risks, including death, presented by these types of products. The complaint alleges that eBay has distributed over 5,600 items in violation of TSCA's Methylene Chloride Rule, including illicit paint and coating removal products.

The complaint seeks a ruling that eBay's business practices as an e-commerce retailer violated the CAA, FIFRA, and TSCA and injunctive relief to enjoin eBay from further violations of these laws, as well as civil penalties for violations of the CAA.

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

 

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Issued: Sep 27, 2023 (1:19pm EDT)

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $13 Million WIFIA Loan for Water Supply Resiliency and Dam Stabilization in California

WASHINGTON (September 27, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan totaling $13 million to the United Water Conservation District in Oxnard, California. This funding will support the planning and design to modernize the district's largest surface water source, the Santa Felicia Dam, and expand the local drinking water supply by 20%. Since its creation, EPA's WIFIA program has announced $19 billion in financing to support over 110 projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 60,000 jobs.

"EPA's WIFIA program provides long-term, low-cost loans that help communities like Ventura County, California save money and protect local water resources," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "With historic funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and programs like WIFIA, the Biden-Harris Administration is investing in modernizing America's water infrastructure, so every community has clean, safe and reliable access to water."

The Santa Felicia Dam is categorized as an extremely high hazard due to risks associated with seismic events, and United Water Conservation District reduced its reservoir capacity by 20% to comply with seismic reservoir restrictions. This WIFIA loan supports the planning and design costs for the dam's modernization, which will enhance its resiliency to seismic events, improve stormwater management, expand drinking water supply, and protect public safety. The project will be constructed under a future WIFIA loan and will include a new outlet works system, expansion of a dam spillway, and a new outlet channel.

"Securing this low-interest WIFIA loan for the first phase of the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project allows the United Water Conservation District (UWCD) to begin the initial design and construction work that is required to meet the new safety standards established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California's Division of Safety of Dams," said UWCD General Manager Mauricio Guardado. "The WIFIA loan reduces the financial burden on our rate payers while enhancing our ability to store more stormwater for groundwater recharge, provide more water resources for our growers and municipalities, protect the nearly 400,000 people, businesses and food growers below the Santa Felicia Dam and continues to support our sustainable water management practices."

This initial WIFIA loan accelerates the project's planning and design while establishing a long-term commitment under a $100 million WIFIA master agreement to finance future construction. The district will save approximately $5 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. Investing in the region's infrastructure will create approximately 100 jobs.

Learn more about EPA's WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Background 
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program's aim is to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.

EPA recently made the 7th round of WIFIA financing available and is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. $6.5 billion is available through WIFIA, and $1 billion is available through SWIFIA, which is a loan program exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan.

In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

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

 

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Issued: Sep 26, 2023 (1:19pm EDT)

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EPA Updates Plan to Address Contaminated Groundwater Monitor Devices, Inc./Intercircuits, Inc. Superfund Site in Wall Township, New Jersey

NEW YORK (September 26, 2023) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its original cleanup plan for the groundwater at the Monitor Devices, Inc./Intercircuits, Inc. Superfund Site in Wall Township, New Jersey.  Under the update, a process called chemical oxidation will be used to clean up 1,4- dioxane contamination that was discovered in groundwater at the site after the original groundwater cleanup plan was developed.

"This updated plan will address the contamination we found in the groundwater.  It will also ensure ongoing monitoring to make sure our actions are safe and effective," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "These actions will build on the progress we have already made. Most importantly, the public water supply is not impacted by the contamination."                                                                                                                                 

The Monitor Devices/Intercircuits site is the former location of a manufacturing facility that produced and assembled printed circuit boards from 1977 to 1980. The operations polluted the groundwater with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-dioxane can increase the risk of cancer. VOCs can cause health problems such as headaches, nausea, and liver damage.  

In 2005, EPA chose a cleanup method called in-situ bioremediation to break down the VOCs in the groundwater by injecting non-hazardous additives into the groundwater to help bacteria degrade the VOCs. The system was installed and have been operating since 2010. It will continue to operate until cleanup goals are achieved, which is anticipated in 2025. However, this cleanup method does not work for 1,4-dioxane, which EPA discovered at the site after the cleanup began in 2010.

Under the final cleanup plan contractors will remove 1,4-dioxane from the groundwater using a method called in-situ (in place) chemical oxidation with permeable reactive barriers. An underground wall made of a treatment material will destroy the 1,4-dioxane contamination as groundwater flows through it. Groundwater samples will be collected and analyzed to ensure that the technology is effective. EPA will monitor the groundwater for several years after the 1,4-dioxane cleanup goals have been met to ensure that the groundwater quality has been restored.

For additional background and to see the final cleanup plan, visit the Monitor Devices, Inc./Intercircuits, Inc. Superfund site profile page including EPA's responses to the public comments that were received.

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

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

 

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Issued: Sep 26, 2023 (1:08pm EDT)

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $16 Million WIFIA Loan for Water System Reliability in Oregon

WASHINGTON (Sept. 26, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $16 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Oregon City, Oregon. This funding will modernize century-old infrastructure to meet the drinking water needs of the city's 37,000 residents while better preparing the community for wildfires. Since its creation, EPA's WIFIA program has announced $19 billion in financing to support 110 projects that are strengthening drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while creating over 60,000 jobs.

"Through our WIFIA loan program, the Biden-Harris Administration is making critical investments in water infrastructure in communities across the country," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Oregon City – like other cities that have received WIFIA funding – is prioritizing upgrading outdated water infrastructure and securing its water system against threats such as cyber-attacks and wildfires, ensuring clean, safe, and reliable access to water for generations to come."
Located in a wildfire-prone region, Oregon City currently relies on infrastructure that is over 100 years old to meet local demand. This WIFIA loan accelerates investment to modernize aging, high-risk water pipes, some of which are lined with cast iron and asbestos. By improving this infrastructure, the city will be able to meet peak demands that meet the fire department's water pressure and flow needs. Additionally, this loan is enabling the city to enhance the water system's cybersecurity through a new computer system. By completing these projects, the city will improve the reliability and resiliency of its drinking water service to meet the everyday needs of its residents and be more prepared for wildfires and other potential service disruptions. 

"I created the WIFIA program to invest in water infrastructure projects and job creation after hearing from local Oregon leaders that water infrastructure is one of the top issues facing their communities," said Senator Jeff Merkley.  "This WIFIA funding through the EPA will help Oregon City improve their water infrastructure and strengthen the city's resilience to wildfire. WIFIA continues to be a great model for delivering results through local and federal collaboration."

"With voter approval combined with federal grant funds made available from the American Rescue Act, the City was able to pursue and secure a loan through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)," said Special Projects Senior Engineer and Project Manager for the City and the WIFIA Program Manager Patty Nelson. "Funding will allow the city to address cyber security, rehabilitate and replace aging infrastructure and improve water transmission in the system to better serve its customers now and in the future." 

"The voters of Oregon City also get the credit for making this project possible," said Oregon City Mayor Denyse McGriff. "If it weren't for their approval, we wouldn't have been able to take advantage of the WIFIA program."

Through the WIFIA program, Oregon City is accelerating investment in its water system while saving rate payers money. The city will increase capital investment in the next two years by 300% and save approximately $3 million. Investing in water infrastructure will create nearly 200 construction and operation jobs.
Learn more about EPA's WIFIA Program and water infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Background 
Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program's aim is to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs.

EPA recently announced the availability of an additional $7.5 million in WIFIA funding for 2023. This new funding builds off the success of previous WIFIA funding rounds, totaling $33 billion, and will allow EPA to finance even more high priority water infrastructure projects. The Agency is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans on a rolling basis. Learn more about submitting a letter of interest for a WIFIA loan..

In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation's infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

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

 

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Issued: Sep 26, 2023 (12:17pm EDT)

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Biden Administration Making Generational Investment to Improve Chesapeake Bay

PHILADELPHIA (September 26, 2023) – A new update from the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership indicates a slight decline in water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, which seems to be a result of the heavy rainfall in the region during the summer of 2018 and 2019, that led to lower water clarity and dissolved oxygen. To achieve the CBP partnership's water quality goals of improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making unprecedented investment into reducing nutrients and pollution from the watershed.

"The water quality standards are a lagging indicator because it does take time for the effects of the flooding that we saw in 2018 and 2019 to be fully felt. However, this slight decrease in water quality underscores the need to build on the progress that we've made in the 40 years since the Chesapeake Bay partnership was formed," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz.

"Despite the slight decrease in water quality, the story of the past two years is one of tremendous improvement, especially in the agricultural sector. The Biden administration is making a generational investment into the Chesapeake Bay – $238 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. That money is going onto the ground in the form of grants and technical assistance, like the recent partnership with EPA, Hershey, and Land O'Lakes to improve farm sustainability and water quality in Pennsylvania and ultimately the Bay," added Ortiz.

EPA is engaging with the Pennsylvania farm community and decisionmakers far more than ever before. Regional Administrator Ortiz and his team have participated in more than 50 meetings, roundtables, and farm tours and connected with more 1,800 members of the agricultural community. That engagement has paid off, and the legislature passed a new Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, funded at $220 million.

Computer modeling shows that nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment levels have been decreasing annually from the 2009 baseline. Nitrogen has decreased from 297.8 million pounds in 2009 to 255.9 million pounds in 2022; phosphorus decreased from 17.2 million pounds in 2009 to 14.9 million pounds in 2022; and sediment decreased from 18.9 billion pounds in 2009 to just under 18 billion pounds in 2022 and met the 2025 target for reduction.

EPA has also increased inspections and compliance assurance throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In Pennsylvania, EPA has begun on-farm visits and increased inspections of point sources of pollution. EPA is also continuing to work with the Maryland Department of the Environment to prevent polluted wastewater from entering the Chesapeake Bay from wastewater treatment facilities.

 "There are many challenges facing the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the millions of people that live, work, and play within it," said Ortiz. "Climate change will bring more and stronger storms that could cause more nutrient runoff and stress the capacity of wastewater treatment plants. By investing now in better infrastructure and sustainable conservation practices, we will be better prepared to handle impacts of climate change in the Chesapeake Bay watershed."

 

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Issued: Sep 25, 2023 (11:15am EDT)

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $20 Million in Grants to Create Career Opportunities in the Water Workforce

WASHINGTON (September 25, 2023) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of over $20 million in grant funding to support training for workers who protect and treat our nation's drinking water and provide critical wastewater services. Through the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program, EPA will support training and career opportunities in the water sector. With the Biden-Harris Administration's historic investment in water infrastructure, growing and sustaining the water sector workforce is more important than ever for ensuring clean and safe water for generations to come.

 

"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to Investing in America, and that means investing in the workers that build and operate our nation's water systems," said EPA Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. "Our Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program supports local programs that help people get the training they need to enter the water workforce or the necessary upskilling to advance in their careers."

 

Frontline workers at water and wastewater treatment utilities across the country are central to public health, environmental, and economic well-being in all communities, big and small. The water industry is facing wide-spread shortages of qualified workers due to expected retirements, needed investments in the nation's infrastructure, and new technical and scientific skill sets required to operate and maintain these systems. Current estimates indicate that as many as one third of water workers will be eligible to retire within the next 5-10 years.

 

The focus of the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program is to build a strong pool of skilled and diverse workers in the water and wastewater utilities sector. This grant program supports collaboration among federal, state, and local governments and institutions of higher education, apprentice programs, labor organizations, high schools, and other community-based organizations to provide access to workforce opportunities and build career pipelines in the water sector. There are six program areas:

• Targeted internships apprenticeships for skilled water utility trades.

• Education programs designed for elementary, secondary, and higher education students. 

• Regional industry and workforce development collaborations to hiring qualified candidates.

• Leadership development, occupational training, mentoring, or cross-training programs that support career advancement.

• Education and training programs designed for decentralized (septic) water workers to support public health for communities that rely on private wells for drinking water or septic systems. 

• Training and development for workforce development programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants to benefit disadvantaged communities. 

Applications must be received by EPA by November 17, 2023.

 

Learn more about the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program.

 

Background

The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant was established through the America's Water Infrastructure Act, passed by Congress in 2018. Eligible applicants for this competitive agreement under Project Areas one through five are nonprofit professional or service organizations, nonprofit labor organizations, nonprofit community colleges, institutions of higher education, other nonprofit training and educational institutions, and public works departments. Under Project Area six eligible applicants are community-based organizations (CBOs) and CBOs who partner with an Indian tribe, a local government, or an institution of higher education. Questions about applying for EPA funding for the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development cooperative agreement must be received by October 17, 2023. Questions can be submitted by emailing waterworkforceRFA@epa.gov. Applications must be received by EPA by November 17, 2023. EPA encourages all eligible organizations who have an interest in these projects to apply.

 

Learn more about the recipients from the last round of funding and EPA's activities on building the water workforce. 

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

 

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Issued: Sep 22, 2023 (1:53pm EDT)

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EPA Proposes to Strengthen 2020 Air Toxics Regulation to Prevent Emissions Increases and Protect Public Health

Contact Information:
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON (September 22, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to strengthen a 2020 Clean Air Act rule by ensuring industrial facilities that emit large amounts of hazardous air pollution cannot increase emissions when reclassifying from a "major source" of emissions to an "area source." The proposed amendments to the "Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act" rule would require those sources that choose to reclassify from major source status to area source status to establish federally enforceable permit conditions that will better protect public health from hazardous air pollution.

These permit conditions must contain safeguards to prevent emission increases above what would be allowed under a major source emission standard under the Clean Air ActFacilities would still have the flexibility to pursue innovations in pollution-reduction technologies. The proposed requirements would apply to all sources that choose to reclassify, including any sources which have reclassified since January 25, 2018.

"Today, EPA is proposing additional safeguards to address emissions of hazardous air pollutants from major industrial sources," said Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. "Ensuring facilities do not increase emissions of air toxics after being reclassified will help protect communities from air toxics. This proposal will continue to allow facilities to innovate and adopt new ways of reducing emissions of air toxics while maintaining emission reductions after reclassification."

EPA's proposal would strengthen the 2020 rule by preventing the potential for increased emissions from reclassifying sources. The proposal would also require limits taken to reclassify from major source to area source to be federally enforceable. This would provide a level playing field for continued enforcement of limits taken to reclassify, and an additional layer of compliance assurance.

In 1995, EPA issued the "Once In, Always In" Policy and determined that any facility subject to major source hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions standards would always remain subject to those standards. The policy was designed to achieve lasting emissions reductions from major sources and ensure continued compliance assurance once air pollution standards for major sources were in place. Under the previous administration, EPA issued a rule that allowed a major source of hazardous air pollutants to reclassify as an area source at any time after agreeing to limit their emissions below the major source thresholds. In response to President Biden's Executive Order 13990, "Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis," EPA reviewed the 2020 rule and determined that there were actions we could take to protect against HAP emissions increases. This proposal would address those concerns and prevent increases of emissions of air toxics after reclassification.

Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act | US EPA

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

 

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Issued: Sep 22, 2023 (3:07pm EDT)

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EPA Further Extends Comment Period on Proposed Plan to Clean Up New Cassel/Hicksville Groundwater Contamination Superfund Site

NEW YORK (Sept. 22, 2023) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed cleanup plan to address contaminated groundwater at a portion of the New Cassel/Hicksville Groundwater Contamination Superfund site in Nassau County, New York to October 23, 2023. The original public comment period was scheduled to end on August 23, and was first extended to September 22. EPA held a public meeting at the East Meadow Public Library on August 10, 2023, to explain the cleanup proposal to the public.

EPA's proposed plan will prevent people from potentially being exposed to the contaminated groundwater in the future, help minimize the potential for the contaminated groundwater to migrate further and treat the groundwater to meet strict federal and state standards for drinking water.

The cleanup plan proposes installing a network of wells and underground pipes in a residential neighborhood and parkland to move contaminated groundwater to a new water treatment facility. Options for how the treated water will be released will be evaluated during the design of the cleanup plan. The potential options outlined in the proposed plan include that treated water can be returned back to the ground, released to surface water or a recharge basin, or released into the sewer.

Once the cleanup plan is finalized, EPA will decide where the wells and water treatment facility will be built and where the treated water will go. The plan also requires long-term monitoring of the groundwater treatment program and relies on existing county and state restrictions on groundwater use to ensure that public drinking water wells are not installed on site without a permit.

Written comments on the proposed plan may be mailed or emailed by October 23, 2023, to Aidan Conway, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway – 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007, Email: conway.aidan@epa.gov.

For additional background and to see the proposed cleanup plan, visit the New Cassel/Hicksville Groundwater Contamination Superfund site profile page. 

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

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

 

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Issued: Sep 21, 2023 (2:29pm EDT)

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7.5 Billion in Available Financing for Water Infrastructure Projects

WASHINGTON (September 21, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $7.5 billion in available Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding. This innovative low-interest loan program helps communities invest in drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure while saving millions of dollars and creating good-paying local jobs. To date, EPA's WIFIA program has announced $19 billion to help finance 109 projects across the country. These projects are creating over 60,000 jobs. Today's announcement furthers the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to ensuring all people and all communities have access to clean and safe water.

 

"When we invest in water, we support healthy people, economic opportunity, environmental protection, and good-paying local jobs," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "This new funding from the WIFIA program – coupled with President Biden's historic $50 billion investment in water through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – bolsters EPA's efforts to ensure communities across the country have solid water infrastructure and reliable access to safe and clean water."

 

This announcement initiates EPA's 7th round of WIFIA financing with $6.5 billion available through the WIFIA program and $1 billion available through the State WIFIA (SWIFIA) program, which provides loans exclusively for State infrastructure financing authority borrowers. EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for both WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. Prospective borrowers can also receive technical assistance to develop a funding request that meets the WIFIA program's requirements. This assistance will help small and disadvantaged communities benefit from WIFIA funding.

 

For this new round of funding, EPA has identified priority areas such as; increasing investment in economically stressed communities; making rapid progress on lead service line replacement; addressing PFAS and emerging contaminants; mitigating the impacts of drought and supporting water innovation and resilience.

 

Using previously announced funding, EPA has awarded WIFIA loans to benefit dozens of communities, including:

• Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority in Pennsylvania closed a $52 million WIFIA loan to upgrade and replace aging water infrastructure to ensure that residents and businesses can rely on safe drinking water.

• Polk Regional Water Cooperative in Florida received $305 million to sustain the local drinking water supply and alleviate the strain on the Upper Floridan Aquifer.

• City of Santa Cruz, California closed a $128 million WIFIA loan to upgrade their drinking water system to be more resilient to drought and climate change.

• City of Wichita, Kansas closed a $191 million WIFIA loan to upgrade two critical wastewater facilities, advancing technologies for water reuse and reducing the nutrient loads in the Arkansas River and Mississippi River Basin.

• San Francisco Public Utilities Commission in California closed a $369 million WIFIA loan to enhance resiliency to seismic events and climate change and reduce the risk of combined sewer overflows.

• New Jersey Infrastructure Bank closed a $500 million SWIFIA loan that will help modernize wastewater and drinking water systems serving over 10 million people throughout New Jersey.

• City of Boise, Idaho closed a $263 million WIFIA loan to improve wastewater treatment processes to protect the Boise River's water quality.

• City of Chattanooga, Tennessee closed a $186 million WIFIA loan to improve its wastewater system's energy efficiency and resilience to extreme weather.

 

Learn more about the WIFIA program, our selected projects, and this funding announcement

 

Background

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan program administered by EPA. The WIFIA program's aim is to accelerate investment in the nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost, supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs for local communities.

 

This new funding builds off last year's success, when 42 borrowers were selected to apply for WIFIA funding. Since implementing the project selection process on a rolling basis last year, a wider variety of borrowers have been selected for WIFIA financing, including 17 small and disadvantaged communities. Two prospective borrowers received technical assistance last funding round and are now positioned to submit WIFIA loan applications.

 

In addition to WIFIA loans, there are many federal funding resources available for communities and utilities to improve vital water and wastewater resources. President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation's infrastructure and competitiveness. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in upgrading critical water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

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

 

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