Department of Environmental Studies EPA News Releases:
News Briefs
If you need more information on any of these subjects, call the listed Press Officer.
For Release: (Washington, D.C. -- Friday, December 23, 2005)
Additional Aspect of the Clean Air Interstate Rule to be Reconsidered
Contact: John Millett, 202-564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov
In light of a recent court opinion, EPA is reconsidering an additional aspect of its Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). CAIR requires 28 States and the District of Columbia to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from power plants. Today's action will not delay implementation of the rule, which will achieve the largest reduction in air pollution in more than a decade. EPA issued the final CAIR on March 10, 2005.
EPA has decided to grant an industry petition asking EPA to reconsider and provide an opportunity for public comment on an additional issue related to the CAIR. The petition asks EPA to examine the impact of a recent D.C. Circuit Court decision, New York v. EPA, 413 F.3d 3 (D.C. Cir. 2005), on analyses used in developing CAIR to identify highly cost-effective emissions reductions.
This decision vacated the pollution control project (PCP) exclusion in the New Source Review (NSR) regulations. The exclusion allowed for certain environmentally beneficial PCPs to be excluded from certain NSR requirements. EPA's analysis shows that the court decision does not impact the CAIR analyses. EPA is providing an opportunity for public comment on the issue and is not proposing any changes to CAIR at this time.
If requested, EPA will hold a public hearing on this issue for reconsideration on Jan. 17, 2005 in Washington, D.C. EPA will continue to accept public comments on this issue until Feb. 16, 2006.
EPA has received 11 requests from states, environmental groups and power companies to reconsider certain aspects of the final CAIR rule. Through Federal Register notices dated Aug. 24, 2005 and Dec. 2, 2005, EPA began the reconsideration processes on five specific issues in CAIR and requested comment on those issues.
EPA expects to take final action on reconsideration of these issues by March 15, 2006. Information related to the Clean Air Interstate Rule, this notice of reconsideration, and the issues for which EPA previously initiated processes of reconsideration, is available at: http://www.epa.gov/cair/rule.html
Murphy Oil Sampling Data Released
Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov
On Dec. 22, EPA posted 189 more Murphy Oil samples taken at residential and other properties near the oil spill at Murphy's Meraux Refinery in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. These most recent sample results were consistent with other samples taken. The primary contaminants detected in the new sediment samples that were above the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Screening Standards for Soil were polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are commonly found in fuel oils and crude oil, and diesel and oil range organic chemicals. The screening levels were intended to be protective levels based on long-term (i.e., 30-year) exposures to children and adults in a residential setting.
EPA recommends, in the short-term, that residents returning to the area should avoid direct contact with the crude oil contaminated sediments. These compounds can pose a skin irritation problem if they get onto bare or broken skin. Skin contact with crude oils for short periods may cause itchy, red, sore, or peeling skin.
To date, Murphy has collected 4903 sediment samples from 2842 residences. Of the 4903 sediment samples collected, US EPA has sent 515 split samples for separate analyses. US EPA has received, evaluated and is posted the results of the first 464 samples. US EPA will continue to post the results of these samples as they become available.
For more information on these results and EPA recommendations, visit: http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/murphy/index.html
Sampling Data Posted from 9 NPL Sites in Hurricane Katrina-affected Areas of
Mississippi and Alabama
Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov
(Dec. 22, 2005) From Oct. 12 through Oct. 14, 2005, a team from EPA collected sediment, surface water and groundwater samples at nine National Priority List (NPL) sites in Mississippi and Alabama to assess if Hurricane Katrina had any impact on cleanup remedies currently operating or completed at those sites.
In Mississippi, surface water and sediment samples were collected at American Creosote Works in Louisville, and Picayune Wood Treating in Picayune; and sediment samples were collected at Davis Timber in Hattiesburg. Sample results indicate that the remedies at each site were not affected by Hurricane Katrina. Site contaminants of concern (COCs) were detected at American Creosote Works and Davis Timber, but the concentrations were within the range of previously reported concentrations for the detected COCs. At Picayune Wood Treating, COCs were detected in sediment samples but not in surface water. The concentrations of COCs in the sediment were detected at levels below risk-based human health levels of concern.
In Alabama, surface water and sediment samples were collected at the Olin-McIntosh Plant and Ciba Geigy in McIntosh; and sediment samples were collected at Stauffer-Cold Creek and Stauffer-LeMoyne in LeMoyne, and Redwing Carriers (Saraland Apartments) in Saraland. Groundwater samples were collected at the Perdido Groundwater Contamination Site in Perdido. Sample results indicate that the remedies at each site were not affected by Hurricane Katrina. Some chemical concentrations were detected at Stauffer-LeMoyne and Redwing Carriers, but the concentrations were detected at levels below risk-based human health levels of concern. At sites where there is pre-Katrina sampling data, the sampling results were within the range of previously reported concentrations for the detected COCs.
Information about assessment of all NPL sites affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is available at: http://www.epa.gov/katrina/superfund.html
More Sediment Samples Released from St. Bernard and Orleans Parishes
Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov
On Thursday, Dec. 22, as part of the ongoing hurricane response effort in Louisiana, EPA posted data results for sediment samples taken Nov. 5 and Nov. 15. Most chemical concentrations detected in these samples were below LDEQ RECAP values. However, benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(k)fluoranthene were detected at one sampling location on Nov. 15. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at this location.
To determine long term exposure concerns, EPA is comparing sediment sample results to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality's (LDEQ) Risk Evaluation/ Corrective Action Program (RECAP) Soil Standards. These standards are intended to be protective of long-term (i.e., 30-year) exposures to children and adults in a residential setting.
For more detailed information on these results, visit: http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/sediments/index.html#2
More Air Sampling Data Released from Hurricane Katrina-affected Areas in
Mississippi and Louisiana
Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov
On Dec. 22, 2005, EPA posted additional air quality monitoring data for hurricane impacted areas in Louisiana and Mississippi. Measurements for most pollutants reported were below EPA's health based screening levels including particulate matter, arsenic, lead, asbestos and volatile organic compounds. However, levels of acrolein continue to fluctuate between elevated levels and below detection at monitoring locations in Gulfport and Pascagoula, Mississippi and Jefferson Parish in New Orleans, Louisiana. EPA will continue to monitor these areas.
Acrolein can enter the air when organic matter such as trees and other plants are burned and when fuels such as gasoline and oil are burned. At the concentrations measured, temporary irritation of the eyes, nose and throat could have resulted. While such exposures would not be acceptable on a regular basis extended over weeks at a time, isolated exposures to such concentrations are not believed to be associated with long-term health problems.
For more detailed information on EPA's air sampling results, visit the EPA web site at: http://www.epa.gov/katrina/testresults/index.html
EPA Launches Program to Increase Use of Domestically Grown and Produced Fuels
Contact: John Millett, 202-564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C.-Dec. 28, 2005) Starting in 2006, Americans will be gassing up with nearly three percent of clean-burning, domestic renewable fuels such as ethanol under new standards issued by EPA. Authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the standard is the first step in EPA's Renewable Fuels Standard Program, which is designed to reduce vehicle emissions and strengthen U.S. energy security by doubling the use of fuels produced from American crops by 2012.
"Under President Bush's leadership, we are addressing our nation's growing energy demand in a way that supports our goals for a clean environment and healthy economy," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "This investment in renewable fuels made from domestic crops will support American agriculture and replace fossil fuels with an increasing amount of cleaner-burning alternatives such as ethanol or biodiesel illustrating that environmental progress and economic development can, in fact, go hand-in-hand."
The regulation announced today explains how industry will comply with the Energy Policy Act's default provision requiring that 2.78 percent of the gasoline sold or dispensed to U.S. motorists in 2006 be renewable fuel. The regulation is intended to provide market certainty for smooth implementation of the program in 2006 as EPA expands the program. Many of the act's other provisions regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard Program for 2007 and beyond will be implemented in subsequent regulations.
The program will significantly increase the volume of renewable fuels blended into motor vehicle fuels. Various renewable fuels can be used to meet the requirements of the program, including ethanol and biodiesel. Under this standard, refineries, blenders, and importers would collectively be responsible for meeting program requirements for 2006, where compliance would be calculated over the entire pool of gasoline sold to consumers.
For more information on the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/
EPA Commits $10 Million to Protect the Nation's Beaches
Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C.-Jan. 5, 2006) In order to get a jump start on the 2006 beach season, the Bush Administration announced 30 states and five territories will share $10 million in EPA grants for beach water quality monitoring and notification programs. During the past six years, EPA has provided nearly $52 million under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH) of 2000 to states with shorelines along the nation's ocean coasts or around the Great Lakes.
"While most of us are not thinking about hitting the beach in January, this funding will ensure that families are better protected when heading to their vacations this summer," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "These grants are an integral part of the Administration's Clean Beaches Plan, improving water quality and keeping the public informed."
Beach water monitoring helps identify actions needed to reduce pollution, such as warnings and closures, when bacteria concentrations reach unsafe levels. In addition, as part of the Clean Beaches Plan, EPA is working on new technologies that will provide faster test results, enabling local health agencies to determine more quickly if a beach should be open for swimming.
Grants are available to eligible coastal states and territories based on the length of beach season, the miles of beach and the number of people who use that beach. In addition, money will be made available to eligible Indian tribes who apply. The grants, which cover a five-year period, will be awarded early this year. States and territories must make formal application to receive their allotted funds.
The BEACH Act of 2000 requires coastal states and territories to adopt up-to-date pathogen criteria to protect beach goers from harmful bacteria. Information about EPA's beach program, grant information and a list of eligible states, territories and available 2006 funds can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/grants
New Tool for Determining Cause of Ecological Harm to Rivers and Streams
Contact: Suzanne Ackerman, 202-564-4355 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov
To improve the nation's waters, EPA has released a new web-based tool, the Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information System (CADDIS), which simplifies determining the cause of contamination in impaired rivers, streams and estuaries. An impaired body of water does not meet the state or federal water quality standards for one or more pollutants.
More than a thousand U.S. water bodies have been identified as impaired, and in many cases, the cause is unknown. There are many possible sources of pollution such as industrial waste, municipal sewage, agricultural runoff, naturally occurring minerals in rock and sand, and biological materials. Before restorative or remedial actions can be taken, the cause of impairment must be determined. By helping to find the source of contamination, state and local organizations will be better able to implement the Clean Water Act.
CADDIS provides a standardized and easily accessible system to help scientists find, use and share information to determine the causes of aquatic impairment. Causal analyses look at stressor-response relationships, meaning the effect of a specific substance or activity (stressor) on the environment. Typical water stressors include excess fine sediments, nutrients, or toxic substances.
CADDIS was developed by EPA scientists through partnerships with EPA programs and regions, as well as states and tribes.
"The development of CADDIS has been an impressive effort and a great example of customer focus by EPA's Office of Research and Development," said Michael Shapiro, deputy assistant administrator in EPA's Office of Water
The version of CADDIS released today is the first of three. Future versions will include modules to quantify stressor-response relationships, and databases and syntheses of relevant literature on sediments and toxic metals. CADDIS is available on EPA's Web pages at: http://www.epa.gov/caddis
EPA Provides Faster Water Quality Tests for Safe Beach Swimming
Contact: Suzanne Ackerman, 202-564-4355 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov
EPA researchers developed a new rapid method for testing beach water quality that will protect Americans' health by reducing the time for detecting bacterial contamination from 24 hours to just two. In tests done at two Great Lakes beaches, researchers verified that the more rapid method accurately predicts possible adverse health effects from bacterial contamination. The results of the study will help support new federal criteria and limits for water quality indicators in recreational waters.
The paper, published in the January 2006 issue of "Environmental Health Perspectives," presents some of the first findings of the National Epidemiological and Environmental Assessment of Recreational (NEEAR) Water Study. NEEAR is a multi-year research project being conducted by EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The first phase of the project assessed the new method in the Great Lakes. The next phase will collect and analyze similar data at ocean beaches.
Environmental Appeals Board Approves First Air Compliance Agreements
with Animal Feeding Operations
EPA's FY 2007 Budget Reflects Efficiency, Collaboration and Sound Science
Contact: Eryn Witcher, 202-564-4355 / witcher.eryn@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C.-February 6, 2006) President Bush's 2007 budget for the Environmental Protection Agency reflects the need for spending restraint while accelerating environmental protection, maintaining economic competitiveness and strengthening homeland defenses. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson and key agency officials announced the budget at a Washington, D.C., news briefing today.
"EPA shares in the responsibility of being good stewards of our nation's environment, and good stewards of our nation's tax dollars," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "This budget fulfills every presidential environmental commitment and maintains the goals laid out in EPA's Strategic Plan, while spending less."
The president's budget requested $184 million for EPA Homeland Security efforts, an increase of $55 million over the FY 2006 enacted budget. This funding includes:
To help promote scientific research, the president's 2007 budget request includes:
EPA Seeks Public Comment on Implementing Proposed Particle Standards
Contact: John Millett, 202-564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov
EPA is seeking public comment on how best to implement any new standards that may result from the recently proposed revisions to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter (PM). EPA proposed revisions to PM standards on Jan. 17, 2006. The purpose of the notice is to assure the public that EPA is aware of and is considering the multiple issues associated with implementing potential revised standards for fine particle pollution and new standards for coarse particles while recognizing that no final decision has been made whether or how to revise the current PM standards. The notice announces that the Agency will seek comment on key implementation issues to ensure that all points of view are considered by EPA. EPA will take public comment for 60 days following publication of the notice in the Federal Register.
For additional information on today's action, visit EPA's website at: http://www.epa.gov/air/particlepollution/actions.html
For information on particle pollution, visit: http://www.epa.gov/air/particlepollution
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation Water Permit Application Deadline Extended
Contact: Dale Kemery, 202-564-4355 / kemery.dale@epa.gov
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) will have additional time to seek water permit coverage and implement nutrient management plans (NMPs) as required by EPA's 2003 CAFO rule. Under a final rule, facilities newly defined as CAFOs will have until July 31, 2007, to seek National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage.
The 2003 rule required newly defined CAFOs to seek NPDES permit coverage by Feb. 13, 2006, and for all CAFOs to have NMPs in place by Dec. 31, 2006. EPA will be revising the 2003 rule in response to a federal court decision; however, this revision will not be finalized by Feb. 13, 2006. Therefore, EPA is extending the deadlines.
In addition, all CAFOs will have until July 31, 2007, to implement NMPs. The action being announced today will not affect other aspects of the CAFO NPDES permitting program. It solely addresses timing issues associated with the court ruling.
For additional information on the extension of CAFO compliance dates rulemaking, go to: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/caforulechanges.cfm#dates
General information about animal feeding operations is at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=7
North Carolina Transportation Official Indicted for Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbor Act Violations
Contact: Dave Ryan, 202-564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
Jerry Gaskill, director of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Ferry Division, was indicted Jan. 18 by a federal grand jury in Raleigh, N.C., on four counts of violating the Clean Water Act, the Rivers and Harbor Act, and of making material false statements that relate directly to the crime.
The indictment alleges that Gaskill and others conspired between at least October 2003 and October 2004 to dredge and fill navigable waters of the United States without a permit and lied to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about doing so. Gaskin and others are alleged to have pushed N.C. Dept. of Transportation (DOT) vessels into a river basin, altering the basin's bottom and using the vessels' propellers to make a channel in the Currituck Sound adjacent to Heritage Park ecosystem in Corolla, N.C., Gaskill allegedly signed a false statement claiming that creation of the channel was unintentional and submitted it to the Army Corps of Engineers. If convicted on all four counts, Gaskill could receive fines of more than $850,000 and up to 14 years imprisonment. Four other N.C. DOT employees previously pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the incident. They are Billy R. Moore, Herbert F. O'Neal, Douglas A. Bateman, and Stephen G. Smith.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigation Division, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service with assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. attorney's office for the eastern district of North Carolina.
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