The Environmental Justice Research Roadmap, dated November 2015, describes the interface between environmental justice and science and outlines opportunities that exist in the link between environmental equity and technology and is a key element in EPA's 2020 EJ Action Agenda.
On this website, you will find information about what federal agencies are doing to advance environmental justice in communities across America. The Environmental Justice Scorecard is the first-ever government-wide assessment of what the federal government is doing to advance environmental justice. The Environmental Justice Scorecard was created to assess the federal government's progress on advancing environmental justice, to provide transparency for the public, and to increase accountability for federal agencies.
This tool uses high resolution maps combined with demographic and environmental data to identify places with potentially elevated environmental burdens and vulnerable populations. EJSCREEN's simple to understand color-coded maps, bar charts, and reports enable users to better understand areas in need of increased environmental protection, health care access, housing, infrastructure improvement, community revitalization, and climate resilience.
EPA's training page for various EJ-related webinars conducted for state and government entities.
The EJ webinar series for tribes and indigenous peoples seeks to enhance EJ integration, build capacity, raise awareness of EPA and other federal programs and resources, and provide technical assistance to tribes and indigenous peoples on priority environmental, public health, and other EJ concerns. Please note that the webinars are recorded and available at the website a few weeks after the webinar.
Offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this is a general survey course designed for non-attorneys or for attorneys with limited background in environmental law. This is course number 170.
Developed by the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) and dated February 2005.
This document is designed to help range operators, regulators, and others develop a consistent approach to the evaluation and deployment of appropriate practices and technologies at applicable sites.
Members of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) have developed this handbook which is specifically designed to assist ports in effectively managing their environmental issues.
EPA Region 1's program to honor those who have exemplified true leadership in protecting public health and New England's environment.
This is a course offered to DoD students to learn the negotiation and communication skills needed to achieve productive agreements with regulators and public stakeholders.
This is a course offered to DoD students to learn proper environmental sampling technique. This include:
* basic sampling techniques (grab/composite/multi-increment sampling, avoidance of cross contamination, use of preservatives, etc.)
* specific sampling techniques for the following media: soil, potable water, waste water (including storm water), groundwater and hazardous waste
* completion of environmental sampling paperwork (e.g. sample container labeling, field log books, chain of custody documentation)
* health and safety considerations
* field testing techniques (i.e. use of pH meter, conductivity / total dissolved solids meter, temperature indicator and dissolved oxygen meter)
* Use of a flow-through cell for micro purging of monitoring wells.
Developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the toolkit addresses topics such as: air quality, coastal zone management, community impacts, floodplains, hazardous waste, brownfields, cultural resources, roadside vegetation, wetlands, water quality, drinking water, and wildlife.
U.S. EPA has developed a strategic planning approach called the Data Life Cycle. This cycle includes three phases: Planning, Implementation, and the Assessment. The DQO process contained in the Planning Phases, plans environmental data collection efforts to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and defensibility of decisions in a resource-effective manner. Use of the DQO approach is intended to ensure that the appropriate type, quantity, and quality of environmental data will be used in decision making with regard to remedial actions and future use/activities at the site. Quality assurance provides quality assurance project plan development (Planning Phases), field data collection and associated quality assurance/quality control activities (Implementation Phases), and data validation and quality control activities (Assessment Phase). This class is ISEERB Approved for all DoD Components. The primary audience is Environmental Restoration Managers, and Environmental Compliance Managers. The course if offered by the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
This manual identifies, documents, and encourages the use of environmentally sensitive maintenance of dirt and gravel roads. The document provides insight into using natural systems and innovative technologies to reduce erosion, sediment, and dust pollution while more effectively and efficiently maintaining dirt and gravel roads and gives the users a "tool box" full of environmentally sensitive maintenance "tools" and practices.
This EO, dated 13 May 1971, states that Federal agencies shall (1) administer the cultural properties under their control in a spirit of stewardship and trusteeship for future generations, (2) initiate measures necessary to direct their policies, plans and programs in such a way that federally owned sites, structures, and objects of historical, architectural or archaeological significance are preserved, restored, and maintained for the inspiration and benefit of the people, and (3), in consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (16 U.S.C. 470i), institute procedures to assure that Federal plans and programs contribute to the preservation and enhancement of non-federally owned sites, structures and objects of historical, architectural or archaeological significance.
This EO, dated 21 May 1996, states that the Federal Government shall utilize and maintain, wherever operationally appropriate and economically prudent, historic properties and districts, especially those located in central business areas.
This EO, dated 24 May 1996, addresses the accommodation of sacred sites. Each executive branch agency with statutory or administrative responsibility for the management of Federal lands is required, to the extent practicable, permitted by law, and not clearly inconsistent with agency functions, accommodate access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners. They shall also avoid adversely affecting the physical integrity of the sacred sites. Where appropriate, agencies will maintain the confidentiality of sacred sites.
The intent of this EO, dated 6 November 2000, is to establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have tribal implications, to strengthen the United States government-to-government relationships with Indian tribes, and to reduce the imposition of unfunded mandates upon Indian tribes.
This EO, dated 3 March 2003, states that it is the policy of the Federal Government to provide leadership in preserving America's heritage by actively advancing the protection, enhancement, and contemporary use of the historic properties owned by the Federal Government, and by promoting intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships for the preservation and use of historic properties.
This EO, dated 4 February 2004, establishes the Federal Real Property Council to develop guidance for, and facilitate the success of, each agency's asset management plan. The Council is to be composed exclusively of all agency Senior Real Property Officers, the Controller of OMB, the Administrator of General Services, and any other full-time or permanent part-time Federal officials or employees as deemed necessary by the Chairman of the Council. EO 13327 was amended by E.O. 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management.
Provided for reference, EO 13423 "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management" required the widespread use of Environmental Management Systems as the framework in which to manage and continually improve sustainable practices. It was revoked by EO 13693.
The Implementing Instructions for EO 14057, issued August 2022, provides instructions to Federal agencies regarding the implementation of EO 14057 including agency planning, reporting requirements, and accountability.
PHILADELPHIA (September 16, 2009) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's mid-Atlantic region announced 10 winners of its second annual environmental achievement awards including two from Maryland – the Solid Waste Management Division of Cecil County government and the National Security Agency facility in Fort Meade.
(November 8, 2006) In a settlement with the U.S. EPA, McGuire Air Force Base in New Hanover Township, New Jersey has agreed to comply with federal requirements to prevent leaks of underground storage tank (UST) systems at the base. The U.S. Air Force, New Jersey Air National Guard and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service will also pay a penalty of $115,000 for the violations.
(Kansas City, Kan., April 26, 2010) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 announced it is going to reassess the entire Bannister Federal Complex for possible inclusion on the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is EPA's list of the most serious hazardous waste sites identified for possible long-term remedial response under Superfund.
This EPA page provides links to information about alternative fuel conversions, vehicle standards and regulations, emission and fuel economy test data, certification procedures, and guidance letters.
Under the terms of a consent agreement, GSA will bring the facilities into compliance with federal regulations, either by upgrading or permanently closing and replacing old systems with new ones. In addition, GSA has agreed to voluntarily provide release detection for tanks that store fuel solely for use by emergency power generators and pay a $70,000 penalty.
(January 26, 2007) The U.S. EPA reached an agreement with the U.S. Navy that will govern all current and future environmental cleanup work at the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads base in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which closed in March 2004. The agreement follows a process in which EPA and the Navy held a public meeting and received and responded to multiple public comments.
On June 29, 2010 the U.S. EPA, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) commemorated the issuance of a "ready for reuse" determination for the former Exell Helium Plant (Exell) in Masterson, Texas. The determination is the first to be issued to a U.S. Department of the Interior facility nationally.
The EPA announced $14.1 million in EJ grant funding for 133 grants selected through the Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) and Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement (EJCPS) programs. Ninety-nine EJ Small Grant recipients have been selected to receive up to $75,000 each, and 34 EJCPS grant recipients have been selected to receive up to $200,000 each, following successful completion of the award process. These ninety-nine projects cover a wide array of environmental justice issues including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, air monitoring, indoor/outdoor air quality, food access, community planning, water treatment training, community agriculture, green jobs and infrastructure, emergency preparedness and planning, toxic exposures, water quality, and healthy homes projects.
EPA issued the first update on the collaborative implementation of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) that was launched on February 27, 2020. The update highlights expeditious and meaningful progress that EPA and its partners across the water user community have made to advance consideration of water reuse and ensure the security, sustainability and resilience of our nation's water resources. The first update on the collaborative implementation of the National Water Reuse Action Plan is available at
EPA announced approximately $23 million in two P2 grant funding opportunities for states and tribes, including almost $14 million provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with no cost share/match requirement. EPA encourages applicants to address environmental justice (EJ) and/or climate pollution in their project(s). Eligible applicants include states, state entities such as universities, U.S. territories and possessions, and federally recognized tribes and intertribal consortia.
EPA is announcing the winners of the 2023 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for new and innovative green chemistry technologies. Through the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances, this year's winners have developed solutions to significant environmental challenges such as climate change and spur innovation and economic development.
New as of 18 March 2021, EPA's Climate Change website will guide the public to a range of information, including greenhouse gas emissions data, climate change impacts, scientific reports, and existing climate programs within EPA and across the federal government.
The purpose of this advisory is to assist hazardous waste handlers in reducing data quality issues in the e-Manifest system and to support their compliance with the law.
View a listing of chemicals that are monitored by EPA's Major Program Systems: Air (AFS), Water (PCS), Hazardous Waste (RCRIS),Superfund (CERCLIS) and Toxics Release Inventory (TRIS).
EPA memorandum to create a new "EPA Council on PFAS" that is charged with building on the agency's ongoing work to better understand and ultimately reduce the potential risks caused by these chemicals.
This website provides best management practices, tools, research, and cybersecurity resources for water infrastructure. Implementing cybersecurity best practices is critical for water and wastewater utilities. The resources on this website can bring utilities one step closer to cyber resilience.
The EPA is hosting a quarterly webinar series to highlight challenges and successes in lead service line identification and replacement programs at utilities and states across the country. These webinars will feature case studies from water systems and states who have implemented or are in the process of implementing lead service line replacement programs. Presentations will include: best practices, lessons learned, challenges, funding, procedures, and available resources.
ECHO Notify provides weekly email notifications of changes to enforcement and compliance data in ECHO. Notifications are tailored to the geographic locations, facility IDs, and notification options that you select. ECHO Notify provides information on all EPA enforcement and compliance activities as well as activities of state and local governments under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The Environmental Justice and Civil Rights in Permitting FAQs provides information to EPA, federal, tribal, state, and local environmental permitting programs on how to integrate EJ into their permitting processes. It also outlines how recipients of EPA financial assistance are obligated to comply with federal civil rights statutes, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in their permitting processes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension of the public comment period on the Administrative Record for the Administrative Order and Agreement on Consent (AOC) entered into between EPA and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) regarding the TVA Kingston Fossil Fuel Plant Release Site, in Roane County, Tenn.
The Administrative Record file includes the AOC itself, as well as the documents which support the AOC. All interested persons are encouraged to review and comment on the documents.
To overcome the difficulties posed by contamination at Federal facilities, the Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office (FFRRO) works with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), and other Federal entities to develop creative, cost-effective solutions to their environmental problems. FFRRO's overall mission is to facilitate faster, more effective, and less costly cleanup and reuse of federal facilities.
EPA has finalized an Administrative Consent Order with the U.S. Department of the Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) that requires steps to ensure the safe defueling and closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The Consent Order also includes provisions to ensure that the Navy properly operates and maintains the Joint Base's drinking water system to protect the health and safety of its consumers and the aquifer feeding the system. This is the latest step in EPA's work to oversee the Navy and DOD's response to the November 2021 fuel release at Red Hill and the process following the decision to close Red Hill.
EPA finalized a rule that streamlines and modernizes the review of permits by the Agency's Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) for the first time in nearly three decades. Additionally, the final rule provides more flexibility to regulated parties, states and tribes, and the public.
EPA finalized regulatory changes that address several key issues in the Polychlorinated Biphenyls Cleanup and Disposal program under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This final rule expands the available options for extraction and determinative methods used to characterize and verify the cleanup of PCB waste, which would greatly reduce the amount of solvent used in PCB extraction processes. EPA also finalized more flexible provisions to facilitate cleanup of waste during emergencies (e.g., hurricanes or floods), strengthened protections for the performance-based disposal option for PCB remediation waste, and made other updates to the regulations. EPA's revisions are based on the emergence of new science and information about PCBs, the advancement of analytical methods and technology, and requests from the regulated community to address concerns and improve the clarity of the regulations.
(San Juan, P.R. - August 19, 2008) EPA has issued administrative complaints against three federal government entities over violations related to the management of underground storage tanks (USTs) in Puerto Rico. EPA issued an 11-count complaint to the Puerto Rico National Guard and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act at Camp Santiago in Salinas, P.R. EPA also issued a complaint against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for alleged violations of the Solid Waste Disposal Act at two facilities in Puerto Rico.
(New York, N.Y. - 02/23/2010) The U.S. Army and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service failed to comply with critical environmental laws related to underground tanks used to store diesel fuel, gasoline and used oil at the West Point Garrison in New York, according to a complaint issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both military branches failed to monitor, test and keep records for their underground petroleum storage tanks. Leaking underground storage tanks pose significant threats to soil, surface water and ground water across the nation. EPA is requiring the two parties to comply with regulations and is seeking a $167,116 penalty.
(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a complaint to the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, part of the U.S. Air Force, for improperly managing underground tanks used to store diesel fuel and gasoline at its facility in Toa Baja. Leaking underground storage tanks pose significant threats to soil, surface water and ground water. EPA cited the Puerto Rico Air National Guard for failing to properly monitor its storage tanks for leaks and maintain records of release detection for two underground storage tank systems; the Agency is seeking a civil penalty of $154,353.
The program funds two-year Pollution Prevention (P2) assistance agreements for projects expected to be performed in each EPA region that provide technical assistance and/or training to businesses/facilities to help them adopt source reduction approaches (also known as P2).
EPA developed this program to help those communities and non-profit organizations identify financial assistance opportunities for their environmental-oriented development programs. This program was developed to make it easier for applicants to produce more competitive grant applications.
Every year, EPA awards more than $4 billion in funding for grants and other assistance agreements. From small non-profit organizations to large state governments, EPA works to help many visionary organizations achieve their environmental goals. With countless success stories over the years, EPA grants remain a chief tool to protect human health and the environment.
EPA provides information to homeowners and assistance to state and local governments to improve the management of septic systems to prevent failures that could harm human health and water quality.
This memorandum, dated 25 January 2018, withdraws the "once in always in" policy for the classification of major sources of hazardous air pollutants under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. With the new guidance, sources of hazardous air pollutants previously classified as "major sources" may be reclassified as "area" sources at any time, provided the facility limits its potential to emit below major source thresholds.
EPA in conjunction with the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC) is making available a guide to help users of agricultural pesticides comply with the requirements of the 2015 revised federal Worker Protection Standard. You should read this manual if you employ agricultural workers or handlers, are involved in the production of agricultural plants as an owner/manager of an agricultural establishment or a commercial (for-hire) pesticide handling establishment, or work as a crop advisor.
EPA invites Environmental Justice (EJ) advocates and the public to participate in the agency's National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Calls, now happening biweekly, to discuss and receive feedback on all aspects of EJ at EPA with partners and communities. By increasing the community engagement calls from quarterly to biweekly, EPA will further encourage an open dialogue with EJ leaders and advocates. These meetings not only serve as an opportunity to give an update on EPA's EJ work and its resources, but also to listen and learn from communities, partners, and stakeholders. The next national EJ community engagement call is 28 September, 2021.
A collection of all the Hotlines and Clearinghouses hosted by the US EPA.
EPA's website on EMS includes information and resources related to EMS for small businesses and private industry, as well as local, state and federal agencies.
As part of EPA's outreach and public comment effort on its draft Lead Strategy, the Agency is hosting Zoom virtual public comment sessions in each of its ten geographic regional office areas from early February to early March 2022. The sessions will be an opportunity for the public to provide verbal input on the draft Lead Strategy to EPA. They encourage the public to share with the Agency thoughts on how to address lead issues in their communities during these regional sessions (e.g., Northeast, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, etc.).
PHILADELPHIA (August 27, 2007) - Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered the Department of the Army to move forward with the cleanup of 14 hazardous waste sites on the Fort George G. Meade military base in Anne Arundel County, MD, and adjacent property previously transferred by the Army to the U.S. Department of Interior and now part of the Patuxent Research Refuge.
Database of EPA's frequently asked questions.
EPA Legal Tools to Advance Environmental Justice (EJ Legal Tools) is an updated and expanded compilation of legal authorities available to EPA for identifying and addressing the disproportionate impact of pollution on underserved and overburdened communities, including communities of color, Indigenous people, and low-income communities. EJ Legal Tools is intended to help EPA decisionmakers and partners understand their authorities to consider and address environmental justice and equity in decision-making, and to promote meaningful engagement.
EJ Legal Tools highlights the environmental and civil rights statutes EPA implements to achieve the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment for all communities and persons and to ensure that the environmental justice and equity agendas are integrated throughout the agency's policies, programs, and activities. EJ Legal Tools is intended to help EPA decisionmakers and partners understand their authorities to consider and address environmental justice and equity in decision-making, and to promote meaningful engagement.
EPA released its List N Tool, a new web-based application that allows smart phone users and others to quickly identify disinfectant products that meet EPA's criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These products are for use on surfaces, NOT humans.
EPA is kicking-off the 25th Pollution Prevention (P2) Week with a series of events and activities to advance practices that reduce, eliminate or prevent pollution at its source. P2 practices, prior to recycling, treatment or disposal, can help reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources and reduce cleanup and financial costs for businesses. It is essential for protecting public health and improving environmental conditions in and around disadvantaged communities that have long been overburdened by pollution. During P2 Week, EPA will hold several events to help businesses and P2 practitioners.
(pfas npdes guidance cwa
This memorandum provides EPA's guidance to states for addressing PFAS discharges when they are authorized to administer the NPDES permitting program and/or pretreatment program. While the Office of Water works to revise Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) and develop water quality criteria to support technology-based and water quality-based effluent limits for PFAS in NPDES permits, this memorandum describes steps permit writers can implement under existing authorities to reduce the discharge of PFAS.
This memorandum confirms EPA's commitment to have potentially responsible parties (PRPs) conduct the Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study (RI/FS) wherever appropriate.
The purpose of this memorandum is to communicate existing options under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations for hazardous waste generators and
permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) to address the
temporary backlog of containerized hazardous waste destined for incineration.
This policy memorandum, dated 1 August 2011, describes management controls that will be implemented to ensure that the recommendations in the Five-Year Review reports are tracked, monitored and implemented; provides guidance to Remedial Project Managers to ensure that the reviews are completed on time; outlines how EPA makes an independent decision on protectiveness; and confirms that Five-Year Reviews are generally enforceable under Federal Facility Agreements.
This site details the steps to be taken towards meeting the EPA water program's strategic plans.
A collection of webcasts covering general, construction, industrial and municipal stormwater management.
(Portland, Oregon - Oct. 24, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Order to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), to provide a framework for the ongoing environmental investigation at the U.S. Moorings facility, located within the Portland Harbor Superfund Site. The Unilateral Administrative Order was issued Tuesday under Section 3013(a) of the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act.
(July 13, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a major step toward a cleanup of the McGuire Air Force Base in New Hanover Township, New Jersey by compelling the Air Force to conduct the cleanup. EPA is ordering the Air Force to study contamination at its base and take steps to clean it up. This far-reaching order spells out the timeframe for the steps, from study to cleanup measures. Along with the technical work that needs to be done, the Air Force will be required to develop a plan of work with the surrounding community to get input into the process.
(Atlanta, Ga. – November 21, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking a major step toward cleaning up Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Fla., by compelling the Air Force to properly conduct the cleanup. EPA is issuing an Order under Section 7003(a) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which requires the Air Force to investigate contamination at the base and take action to clean it up.
(July 13, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today ordered the Raytheon Company and the U.S. Air Force to clean up a migrating plume of contaminated groundwater at the Tucson International Airport Area Superfund Site.
The EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes establishes clear EPA standards for the consultation process. It defines when and how consultation takes place, designates EPA consultation contacts to promote consistency and coordination of the process, and establishes management oversight and reporting to ensure accountability and transparency. The Policy sets a broad standard for when EPA should consider consulting with federally recognized tribal governments based on Executive Order 13175 and the 1984 EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations.
This website collates various EPA initiatives to improve environmental performance and sustainability at Ports.
An inter-agency agreement with the U.S. Air Force for the cleanup of the McGuire Air Force Base Superfund Site in New Hanover Township, New Jersey has been signed by Air Force and EPA officials. The federal facility agreement signed ensures that cleanup activities proceed under EPA oversight and in a manner that protects the public health and the environment.
EPA continues efforts to provide critical information on surface disinfectant products that can be used to protect the health of all Americans throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency. EPA now has nearly 400 products that have qualified to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
(New York, N.Y.) In order to help ensure that underground tanks used for storing diesel fuel, oil and gasoline are properly managed in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding safety violations. According to the settlement, USDA will pay $30,000 in penalties and is required to comply with federal underground storage tank requirements.
Bethesda, MD (June 4, 2007) In a ceremony held today in Bethesda, MD, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s leading medical research agency, for its environmental stewardship in reducing mercury and promoting resource conservation principles that will better protect human health and the environment.
EPA guidance on labeling secondary or service containers used for pesticides.
The Environmental Justice virtual workshop series was created to forge collaborative relationships to benefit communities and promote sustainable growth. This series will build capacity for individuals and organizations working in underserved and disadvantaged communities to address their environmental and public health concerns and provide improved community-to- community networking and other communications between all stakeholders. There are five recorded sessions with topics ranging from community digital mapping tools to water quality.
EPA Region 7 established the L.E.A.F.S. award to recognize those who have supported the Superfund Redevelopment Initiative through innovative thinking, sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Region 7 is a highly rural region with lots of available greenspace. Many opportunities exist to revitalize these sites through creative thinking and environmental awareness. Sites that are successfully reused can benefit communities, developers, site owners, and local governments. These sites can also be redeveloped in a way that enhances the remedial actions taken and supports stewardship of the land. This award was established to recognize any and all of these outstanding efforts.
Includes a summary of the benefits and limitations of the listed best practices.
EPA has regional climate change adaptation coordinators who are coordinating regional efforts. This website provides contact information and links to state and tribal homepages for more regionally specific guidance and additional information. Midwest (MW), Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), and Southwest (SW).
EPA has released a suite of materials states and communities can use to protect public health during harmful algal bloom (HAB) outbreaks caused by cyanobacteria. Some blooms are capable of producing toxins, called cyanotoxins, which can harm humans and animals, affect drinking water sources and impact local economies. Public health officials and outdoor water recreational managers can use EPAs online resources to develop a cyanotoxin monitoring program, communicate potential health risks to the public, and address HAB outbreaks.
The PFAS Analytic Tools bring together multiple sources of information in one spot with mapping, charting, and filtering functions, allowing the public to see where testing has been done and what level of detections were measured. The PFAS Analytic Tools includes information on Clean Water Act PFAS discharges from permitted sources, reported spills containing PFAS constituents, facilities historically manufacturing or importing PFAS, federally owned locations where PFAS is being investigated, transfers of PFAS-containing waste, PFAS detection in natural resources such as fish or surface water, and drinking water testing results. The tools cover a broad list of PFAS and represent EPA's ongoing efforts to provide the public with access to the growing amount of testing information that is available.
EPA published updated Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data about toxic chemical waste management, including releases, and pollution prevention activities that occurred during 2022 at more than 20,000 industrial and federal facilities across the country. The 2022 data were reported by facilities in covered industries such as metal mining, electric power generation, chemical manufacturing and hazardous waste treatment that manufactured, processed or otherwise used substances on the TRI chemical list above threshold quantities during 2022. The dataset published today updates the preliminary 2022 data released in August 2023. It includes revised and late submissions from facilities received by EPA as of October 18, 2023. Among the updated online TRI tools, communities can use EPA's TRI Toxics Tracker to map the locations of TRI-reporting facilities and find out about their chemical releases, other chemical waste management practices, and pollution prevention activities.
EPA published the updated 2021 TRI data about chemical releases, chemical waste management, and pollution prevention activities that took place between January 1 and December 31, 2021, at more than 20,000 federal and industrial facilities throughout the U.S. and its territories. The 2021 updated data are for substances included on the TRI list of chemicals and builds on the preliminary data released in July 2022. It includes revised and late submissions from facilities and reflects additional data quality checks by EPA.
Section 7321 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) immediately added certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and provided a framework for additional PFAS to be added to TRI on an annual basis. TRI data are reported to EPA annually by facilities in certain industry sectors, including federal facilities, that manufacture, process, or otherwise use TRI-listed chemicals above certain quantities. The data include quantities of such chemicals that were released into the environment or otherwise managed as waste. Information collected through the TRI allows communities to learn how facilities in their area are managing listed chemicals. The data collected also help inform EPA's efforts to better understand the listed substances.
The Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) is a list of chemical ingredients, arranged by functional-use class, that the Safer Choice Program has evaluated and determined to be safer than traditional chemical ingredients. This list is designed to help manufacturers find safer chemical alternatives that meet the criteria of the Safer Choice Program.
U.S. EPA settles action against the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for violations of hazardous waste rules regarding fluorescent light bulb disposal at a GSA building on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. GSA agreed to complete arrangements within one year to recycle the various kinds of mercury- and other toxic metal-containing bulbs used in 50 buildings, and pay a $23,000 penalty for the violations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage, Alaska, announced a settlement for violations of federal laws governing the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes. JBER self-disclosed that approximately 200,000 pounds of expended small-arms cartridge casings (ESACCs) had been stockpiled and were determined to be toxic from lead contamination. The Base had successfully recycled all its brass casings until 2017, when the recycling was discontinued. The resolution of this case sets the stage for a resumption of the ESACC recycling program, and the proceeds will fund other base-wide recycling efforts at JBER. The Base has paid a $61,554 penalty as part of the settlement.
(New York, NY, October 13, 2009) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Department of Energy (DOE) covering federal facilities, which details responsibilities for the cleanup of a contaminated site in Middlesex, New Jersey. The federal facilities agreement specifies that USACE is responsible for cleaning up the site and DOE is responsible for long-term surveillance after the cleanup. The property was used by the Atomic Energy Commission as part of the nation's early atomic energy program to handle various radioactive ores.
The EPA developed this Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities (Lead Strategy) to lay out an all-of-EPA plan to strengthen public health protections, address legacy lead contamination for communities with the greatest exposures, and promote environmental justice and equity.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with four other federal agencies, the Navajo Nation, congressional staff, academia, state, tribal and local government representatives, community members and nongovernment organizations are meeting to discuss the progress of the five-year plan to address uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation.
