WASHINGTON – Today, during the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced a proposal to revise the federal water quality standards regulations to better protect Tribal rights under the Clean Water Act (CWA). With this action, EPA is working to ensure that state and federal water quality standards will protect tribal rights such as the right to fish or gather aquatic plants—that are reserved through treaties, statutes, executive orders, or other sources of federal law. “We know that our shared goal of protecting water resources for Tribes is strongest – and most effective – when it’s informed by the lived experiences of those impacted by pollution,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By explicitly recognizing Tribal reserved rights in water quality standards, this proposal will help EPA ensure Tribal aquatic resources are abundant and safe to consume and reaffirms the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to our Nation-to-Nation partnership.” This proposal, once final, would create a regulatory framework that would be applied on a case-specific basis to help ensure that water quality standards protect resources reserved to tribes, such as fish and wild rice. Additionally, the proposed regulatory framework would provide transparency and predictability for tribes, states, regulated parties, and the public. The proposal also carries out the commitments to honor the federal trust responsibility and protect tribal reserved rights related to water resources outlined in EPA’s 2021 action plan, Strengthening the Nation-to-Nation Relationship with Tribes to Secure a Sustainable Water Future. It also delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to uphold the United States’ treaty and trust responsibilities to the 574 federally recognized tribes. “The National Tribal Water Council strongly supports EPA’s proposal to revise federal water quality standards regulations to protect tribal reserved rights in areas on and off reservations,” said National Tribal Water Council Chairman Ken Norton. “In this way, water quality standards will fulfill federal obligations by requiring a level of water quality that supports tribally significant waters and water-dependent resources consistent with tribal treaties and the federal trust responsibility. Allowing for increased tribal participation in water quality management will better protect precious tribal waters and bolster the resilience of indigenous communities and families.” “As the first medicine, GLIFWC's member tribes understand that clean water is fundamental to life. In fact, the health of nibi (water) is directly tied to the quality of life. Because of the deep importance of nibi and its vital role in supporting resources located within our member tribes’ treaty ceded territories, GLIFWC supports this draft rule,” said Executive Administrator of the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Michael J. Isham, Jr. “It appropriately recognizes the unique status of treaty-reserved resources and the special consideration they deserve.” “The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission supports EPA’s framework to incorporate the protection of treaty-reserved fishing rights into its implementation of the Clean Water Act, said Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) Executive Director Aja DeCoteau. “The health of all people, as well as the overall ecosystem, is directly related to the health of our nation’s waters. This is especially true for Pacific Northwest tribes whose cultures are centered on salmon and other First Foods, where we depend on clean water for our physical health, the exercise of our treaty-reserved rights to fish, and our overall cultural well-being. The EPA rule revisions will not only honor the United States obligation to protect tribal rights and resources, but it will also improve the quality of our nation’s water and the health of all Americans.” “EPA’s proposal is a positive step towards protecting treaty rights because it expressly recognizes that state water quality standards are subject to the reserved rights of tribal nations. The proposal is also consistent with EPA’s fiduciary trust obligation to tribes: where a tribe has reserved rights, the federal government has a duty to protect those rights,” said Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) Executive Director Justin Parker. “In this case, EPA is recognizing that water quality standards must be stringent enough to protect treaty-reserved resources and treaty rights. This action would have meaningful benefits to NWIFC’s member tribes and their treaty resources and rights.” "In Washington state, we strive to protect water quality and uphold the Tribal reserved rights of the 29 federally recognized local Tribes and nearby tribes with reserved rights," said Laura Watson, director of the Washington State Department of Ecology. "I am encouraged to see EPA develop a national framework to recognize tribal reserved rights under the Clean Water Act. This will help all of us in our work to protect water quality.” The agency will accept comment on this proposal for 90 days. EPA will also hold two online public hearings on this proposal. Learn more about the proposed rule and public hearings. Additionally, today, at the 2022 White House Tribal Nations Summit, Administrator Regan together with 16 other federal agencies, announced new best practices for Tribal Treaty and Reserved Rights. This set of documents will further the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to engage in regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal governments and strengthen the protection of Tribal treaty rights The best practices include three documents: (1) Best Practices for Identifying and Protecting Tribal Treaty Rights, Reserved Rights, and other Similar Rights in Federal Regulatory Actions and Federal Decision-Making; (2) a shorter Best Practices Field Guide; and (3) a Decision Flow Chart. These best practices were developed in consultation with Tribal Nations and implements the agencies’ Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Interagency Coordination and Collaboration for the Protection of Tribal Treaty Rights and Reserved Rights. For more information about the best practices documents visit the EPA’s Clean and Safe Water in Indian Country website. Read More...

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $52 million in grants to help communities improve essential stormwater infrastructure. EPA’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants will be used by states to invest in projects that reduce flooding and help prevent contaminants from polluting waterways. The agency is also implementing new requirements under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states support projects in small and financially distressed communities. “With this grant funding, EPA is investing in stormwater systems that are aging and often overwhelmed by increased stress from the climate crisis,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Small and disadvantaged communities are often the most vulnerable to these climate impacts and challenges. EPA is committed to working with our state partners to ensure this funding reaches the communities that need it most.” EPA’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants program addresses a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. Stormwater can collect various pollutants including trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, excess stormwater can also contribute to overflows of untreated sewage into our waterways during heavy storm events. EPA is inviting states to apply for $52 million in available grant funding for stormwater projects in their local communities. This funding is available through annual agency appropriations. EPA will work with states to implement new requirements created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that direct states to invest at least 25 percent of allotted funds in projects in small or financially distressed communities. The agency is enhancing flexibility related to non-Federal cost share, to remove a potential barrier from investing in these communities. This grant funding is in addition to $11.7 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that EPA is investing in the Clean Water State Revolving Funds to improve wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in communities across the country. Managing stormwater remains a complex environmental challenge for communities across the country. The costs to construct, operate, and maintain stormwater infrastructure can be significant, which can be a strain on ratepayers, especially those in small and financially distressed communities. Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program. Learn more about water infrastructure investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Read More...

(Seattle – November 29, 2022) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that North Pacific Seafoods, Inc. of Seattle, Wash., paid a $345,000 penalty for Clean Air Act violations at two of its facilities in Naknek, Alaska.  As a result of an investigation, EPA discovered North Pacific Seafoods was operating three solid waste incinerators that lacked any emission control or monitoring systems. The company did not notify EPA or the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation of the construction and operation of the incinerators and did not hold a permit to operate them, as required by the Clean Air Act. North Pacific Seafoods also failed to meet waste management plan requirements; operator training and qualification requirements; emission testing, recordkeeping and monitoring requirements.   The incinerators were primarily used to burn clean paper, cardboard and clean wood waste. Emissions from the incinerators could expose communities to harmful air pollutants that can cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation; reproductive effects; and cancer. The company agreed to shut down the three incinerators rather than bring them into compliance with Clean Air Act requirements.  “We recognize that rural Alaska communities face unique challenges with waste disposal,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of EPA Region 10’s Enforcement and Compliance Division. “But it is important that facilities comply with federal and state environmental regulatory requirements aimed at protecting people and the environment.”   In addition, between 2017 and 2021, EPA found the company failed in many instances to conduct required maintenance or keep records of such maintenance on stationary engines used to generate power for the facilities. The Clean Air Act requires certain maintenance activities be conducted on stationary engines, such as periodic oil changes and testing, to minimize air pollution.  Details of the violations EPA documented at the facilities of North Pacific Seafoods, Inc. can be found in the Consent Agreement and Final Order (PDF).  EPA focuses its enforcement and compliance assurance resources on the most serious environmental violations by developing and implementing national program priorities, called National Compliance Initiatives (NCIs). This settlement supports EPA’s National Compliance Initiative for cleaner air. Learn more on EPA’s webpage.  Read More...

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the appointment of 28 members, 14 new and 14 returning, to the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC). The Agency also announced the next meeting of the committee, to be held on December 1-2, 2022. Members of the public can register for the meeting now. “As a former member of the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee, I know how important this committee’s input is to ensuring that our children—our future leaders—have clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and a healthy environment where they can live, grow, and thrive,” said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “It is an honor to welcome such a diverse group of expert members to this crucial panel, and we look forward to receiving their recommendations to advance children’s health protections.” CHPAC is a body of external representatives from a cross-section of stakeholder perspectives including research, academia, healthcare, legal, state, environmental organizations, and local and tribal governments. CHPAC advises EPA on regulations, research, and communications related to children's environmental health. Members of the committee are appointed by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. EPA selected new members from a pool of more than 60 highly qualified candidates. Selections for the three-year term were made in accordance with the CHPAC charter to achieve balance and diversity in terms of geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and stakeholder perspective. The new and returning (denoted with *) CHPAC members and their affiliations are: Albert Lin, JD, MPP – University of California, Davis School of Law, Davis, CA Anthony Oliveri, PhD, MPH, CIH – Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI *Carmen M. Velez Vega, PhD, MSW – University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PR *Daniel Price, PhD – University of Houston, Houston, TX *Diana Felton, MD – Hawaii Department of Health Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response, Honolulu, HI Erika Eitland, MPH, ScD – Perkins&Will, Boston, MA Isadore Leslie Rubin, MD – Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA Jean-Marie Kauth, PhD, MPH – Benedictine University, Lisle, IL Jennifer Roberts, DrPH, MPH – University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD – Stanford University, Stanford, CA *Katie Huffling, MS, RN – Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Mount Rainier, MD *Ke Yan, PhD, MS – Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI Kevin Lanza, PhD – UTHealth School of Public Health in Austin, Austin, TX *Kristie Trousdale, MPH – Children’s Environmental Health Network, Washington, DC *Linda McCauley, PhD, RN – Emory University, Atlanta, GA Lyle Burgoon, PhD – Raptor Pharm & Tox, Ltd, Apex, NC Mary Jean Brown, ScD, RN – Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA *Marya Zlatnik, MD, MMS – University of California, San Francisco, CA *Natasha DeJarnett, PhD, MPH – University of Louisville Department of Medicine, Louisville, KY *Perry E. Sheffield, MD, MPH – Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY *Ruth Ann Norton – Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, Baltimore, MD S. Eliza Dunn (Halcomb), MD – Bayer Crop Sciences, Chesterfield, MO *Shirlee Tan, PhD (Incoming Committee Chair) – Public Heath-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, MD, MS – Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY Sumita Khatri, MD – Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH *Veena Singla, PhD – Natural Resources Defense Council, San Francisco, CA *Virginia Rauh, ScD, MSW – Columbia University, New York, NY Wallace Chambers, PhD, MHA, MAS, REHS – Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Parma, OH EPA would like to thank the following departing CHPAC members: Alicia Smith, PhD – Junction Coalition Leaders, Toledo, OH Deanna Scher, PhD (Outgoing Committee Chair) – Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN Derek Shendell, DEnv, MPH – Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ José Cordero, MD, MPH – University of Georgia, Atlanta, GA Joyce Thread, MS – Saint Louis County Department of Public Health, Florissant, MO Julie Froelicher, MEM – The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH Leif Albertson, MS – University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK Lori Byron, MD, FAAP – St. Vincent’s Hospital, Billings, MT Mark Miller, MD, MPH – California Environmental Protection Agency, Chico, CA Maureen Little, DrPH – NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY Olga Naidenko, PhD –Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC Peter Lee, MD, MPH – Amazon, Denver, CO Rebecca Bratspies, JD – CUNY School of Law, Long Island City, NY Yolanda Whyte, MD – Taylor Health Care Group Pediatrics Hospital and Clinics, Atlanta, GA The next CHPAC public meeting is on December 1-2, 2022. This free meeting is open to all members of the public. Register now. Learn more about CHPAC. View the Federal Register notice, Request for Nominations to the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee Read More...

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Requests for Applications for $57 million in funding that is available for two new Brownfields technical assistance opportunities: one for new Brownfields Technical Assistance and Research cooperative agreements, and another for Technical Assistance to Brownfields communities. Both grant funding opportunities will help provide technical assistance for expansion of community-driven planning for assessment, cleanup, and reuse of Brownfield sites across the country, while creating good-paying jobs and supporting local economies. The grants are funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included a historic $1.5 billion to scale up community-led Brownfields cleanup and revitalization. “We know that technical assistance is a huge priority for communities and local governments overburdened with environmental challenges. So, beyond our grant tools, we’re significantly expanding our technical assistance to communities and stakeholders at no cost, specifically targeting communities who have not yet benefited from EPA brownfields investments,” said Carlton Waterhouse, EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. “With this funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will remove longstanding barriers to brownfields reuse and spur new redevelopment to transform communities into sustainable and environmentally just places.” Brownfields Technical Assistance and Research Cooperative Agreements EPA is seeking Request for Applications to award five entirely new Brownfields Technical Assistance and Research cooperative agreements where each selected provider will do one of the following activities: Provide Nationwide Technical Assistance for Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund programs; Provide Technical Assistance to Nonprofits Seeking to Reuse Brownfields; Technical Assistance to Local Government Leaders on Developing and/or Operating Brownfields Programs Within Their Jurisdictions; Research, Technical Assistance, and related Outreach on Minimizing Displacement Resulting from Brownfields Assessment, Cleanup and Reuse; or Research, Technical Assistance and Related Outreach on Land Banking Approaches for Brownfields Revitalization. Applicants can apply for multiple activities. The awards will range from $500,000 to $1 million depending on the subject area of focus, for an approximate total of $4 million, and the period of performance will be four years. EPA will host an outreach webinar for prospective applicants on December 8, 2022 from 1-2:30pm EST. No advance registration is required. Those who are interested can join via Zoom.  Technical Assistance to Brownfields Program The second funding opportunity EPA is seeking Request for Applications for is $5 million in grants to provide training and technical assistance to communities across the country through the Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) Program. EPA will award a total of $5 million over a 5-year period of performance for each geographical region that corresponds to EPA’s 10 Regions and $3 million for nationwide support for a total of $53 million across five years. For the technical assistance providers conducting research on behalf of EPA’s Brownfields Program, the period of performance will be five years and the award will be up to $500,000. The existing Technical Assistance to Brownfields program is funded by EPA and available to all stakeholders at no cost to communities. Technical Assistance to Brownfields providers serve as an independent resource and can provide specialized technical knowledge, research, and training to help stakeholders understand the complex brownfields-related subject matter, and guide them through the brownfield assessment, cleanup, and revitalization process. Additional technical assistance is provided to brownfields communities on the integration of environmental justice and equitable development when developing solutions to brownfields cleanup and revitalization challenges via Groundwork USA. Groundwork USA provides nationwide technical assistance to coach and train brownfields communities on a variety of innovative and effective community engagement approaches to promote brownfields revitalization that supports uses that all community members can enjoy and from which they can benefit. EPA will host an outreach webinar for prospective TAB applicants on December 7, 2022 from 1-2:30pm EST. No advance registration is required. Those who are interested can join via Zoom.  The Brownfields Program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40 percent of the benefits of certain government programs to disadvantaged communities. Applications for both funding opportunities are due by February 14, 2023, via grants.gov. The Request for Application notices are now posted on the FY2023 Application Resources for Brownfields Technical Assistance page. Learn more about Brownfields Technical Assistance. Read More...

Using advanced geochemical analyses, a team of scientists has uncovered new answers to decades-old questions about trade of tin throughout Eurasia during the Late Bronze Age. Read More...

Several of great gray owls' physical features, especially parts of their wings and face, help them correct for sonic distortions caused by snow, enabling them to find hidden, moving food with astonishing accuracy, according to a new study. Read More...

Nanodiamond materials have potential as low-cost photocatalysts. But until now, such carbon nanoparticles required high-energy UV light to become active. The DIACAT consortium has therefore produced and analysed variations of nanodiamond materials. The work shows: If the surface of the nanoparticles is occupied by sufficient hydrogen atoms, even the weaker energy of blue sunlight is sufficient for excitation. Future photocatalysts based on nanodiamonds might be able to convert CO2 or N2 into hydrocarbons or ammonia with sunlight. Read More...

A new article illustrates the increases in adverse public health outcomes following tropical cyclones, especially in communities with existing health conditions. The paper explains that the focus should be on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), rather than the U.S. Until now a majority of research on outcomes from tropical cyclones have centered on high income countries. Read More...

Medical researchers found a new way genetics influences the body's antiviral response by studying a life-threatening disease caused by a common virus: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Read More...

5.22 million gallons of sewer water overflows into Maryland's Broad Creek. Read More...

The proposal would implement natural attenuation in a contaminated state superfund site that originates in Auburn, New York. Read More...

The agency is celebrating the 20th anniversary of an initiative encouraging the redevelopment of Superfund sites for sustainable and productive use. Read More...

The project aims to reduce and treat runoff from a residential neighborhood that discharges to the St. Johns River in Palatka, Fla. Read More...

Kayla Lyon has been appointed director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, effective July 8. She will replace Bruce Trautman, who has served as the agency's acting director since May 2018, and is DNR's first female director. Read More...