News: Additional Text Archive

Federal Dollars Help States Improve the Nation's Beaches

Contact: Stacie Keller, 202-564-4355 / keller.stacie@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-May 25, 2005) As Americans plan their summer vacations this Memorial Day weekend, EPA is helping states, tribes, and local beach managers to improve their beach monitoring and public notification programs. The Bush Administration announced almost $10 million in grants today to assist in monitoring for pathogens in recreational waters. During the past four years, EPA has provided nearly $42 million in grant money to 35 coastal states and territories.

"Beaches are often a part of our summer recreational activities," said Benjamin Grumbles, assistant administrator for the Office of Water. "Through these grants, we can improve the water quality and keep the public informed so that they can enjoy trips to the beach confidently."

Congress passed the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act) in October 2000 to make monitoring programs more consistent nationwide, improve water quality testing at the beach, and help beach managers better inform the public about water quality problems. The act authorizes EPA to award grants to help eligible states, tribes, and territories develop and implement beach water quality monitoring and notification programs. These grants also help develop and implement programs to inform the public about the risk of exposure to disease-causing microorganisms in coastal waters (including the Great Lakes).

The administration's Clean Beaches Plan finalized in April 2004 is helping state, tribal, and local beach managers strengthen their programs. This plan describes what EPA will do over the next couple of years to achieve two major goals: promote recreational water quality programs nationwide and create scientific improvements that support timely recreational water monitoring and reporting. The plan also recognizes that beach managers need tools that allow for local and regional differences in pollution sources and climate.

In addition, EPA's Office of Research and Development sponsors research to improve the understanding of human health risks associated with pathogens in recreational waters and to provide better, faster indicators for monitoring pathogens in recreational waters. More information on Beach and Recreational Water Quality and Monitoring is available at: http://www.epa.gov/ord/NRMRL/pubs/625r02017/625r02017.htm.

For information about the water quality at beaches, local protection programs and other beach-related activities, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches.

Landmark Clean Air Interstate Rule to Take Effect

Contact: John Millett, 202-564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov

One of the top-five clean air regulations in U.S. history begins to take effect tomorrow with its publication in the Federal Register. CAIR will result in the largest pollution reductions and health benefits of any air rule in more than a decade. It helps states help other states downwind by controlling airborne emissions at their source.

Publication of the rule starts a timeline for coal-fired power plants in the eastern United States to make steep air pollution cuts, benefiting millions of Americans.

On March 10, EPA Administrator Steve Johnson signed the final Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), a rule that will ensure that Americans continue to breathe cleaner air by dramatically reducing air pollution that moves across state boundaries in 28 eastern states. By 2015, CAIR will provide health and environmental benefits valued at over 25 times the cost of compliance, and those benefits will continue to grow.

CAIR will permanently cap emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the eastern United States. When fully implemented, CAIR will reduce SO2 emissions in 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia by more than 70 percent and NOx emissions by more than 60 percent from 2003 levels. This will result in more than $100 billion in health and visibility benefits per year by 2015 and will substantially reduce premature mortality in the eastern United States, and these benefits will continue to grow each year with further implementation.

CAIR is an important component of the Bush Administration's plan to help states in the eastern United States meet the national health-based air quality standards. These pollution reductions, along with other federal air quality programs, will allow the vast majority of nonattainment areas in the eastern United States to meet the new air quality standards.

"The President's Clear Skies legislation would give more certainty and nationwide emission reduction," said EPA Administrator Steve Johnson. "We remain committed to working with Congress to pass the legislation. But we need regulations in place now to help over 450 counties in the eastern United States protect people's health by meeting stringent new air quality standards."

CAIR will mandate the largest reduction in air pollution since the reductions set by the Acid Rain Program under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Under CAIR, states will achieve the required emissions reductions using one of two options for compliance: 1) require power plants to participate in an EPA-administered interstate cap and trade system that caps emissions in two stages, or 2) meet an individual state air emission limits through measures of the state's choosing. By addressing air pollutants in a cost effective fashion, EPA and the states will protect public health and the environment without interfering with the steady flow of affordable energy for American consumers and businesses.

For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/cair/.

$75.9 Million in Brownfield Grants Announced

Contact: Dale Kemery, 202-564-4355 / kemery.dale@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. -- May 10, 2005) Communities in 44 states will share more than $75 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency brownfields grants to help revitalize former industrial and commercial sites, transforming them from problem properties into community assets.

"The Brownfields Program puts both property and people back to work," EPA Administrator Steve Johnson said. "These grants will help communities across America convert eyesores into engines of economic rebirth."

Brownfields are sites where potentially harmful contaminants may be impeding revitalization. The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002 authorizes up to $250 million in funds annually for brownfields grants. That law broadened the definition of a brownfield to include mine-scarred lands, sites contaminated by petroleum or areas polluted by the manufacture of illegal drugs.

In addition to the grants being announced today, participants in the brownfields program gain access to the expertise and other resources from more than 20 federal agencies. There are four categories of grants being awarded with 218 applicants, including three tribal nations, selected to receive 302 grants totaling $75.9 million. These include:

• 172 assessment grants, worth $33.6 million, to assess and plan for eventual cleanup at one or more brownfield sites;
• 106 cleanup grants, totaling $19.3 million, for recipients to clean up brownfield sites they own;
• 13 revolving loan fund grants, totaling $20.8 million, which communities use to make low-interest loans for the cleanup of brownfield sites;
• 11 job-training grants, valued at $2.2 million, for environmental training of people who live in brownfield communities.

More than 60 percent of the people completing brownfields training programs have landed jobs in the environmental field.

The Brownfields Program promotes redevelopment of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites. Since its inception in 1995, the program has awarded 709 assessment grants totaling over $190 million, 189 revolving loan fund grants worth more than $165 million, and $26.8 million for 150 cleanup grants.

In addition to promoting industrial and commercial redevelopment, brownfields projects have converted industrial waterfronts to riverfront parks, landfills to golf courses, rail corridors to recreational trails, and gas station sites to housing. EPA's brownfields assistance has led to more than $7 billion in public and private investment in cleanup and redevelopment, helped create more than 31,000 jobs, and resulted in the assessment of more than 5,100 properties.

For more information on the grant recipients, go to: http://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/archive/pilot_arch.htm. For more
information on brownfields in general, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields.

More Than 70 Percent Could Better Manage Asthma Triggers, EPA Survey
Finds

John Millett, 202-564-4355

Washington, D.C., May 3 (World Asthma Day) - In the first national awareness survey on environmental asthma triggers, EPA has found that fewer than 30 percent of people with asthma are taking simple steps to reduce exposure to asthma triggers. Exposure to asthma triggers such as secondhand smoke, cockroaches, dust mites, mold, and ozone can cause asthma in young children or set off asthma attacks.

"The more we know about controlling and avoiding asthma triggers, the more we can prevent asthma and asthma attacks," EPA Administrator Steve Johnson said. "That's why EPA is raising awareness and encouraging those with asthma to work with their physicians to identify their asthma triggers and to follow EPA's recommendations to reduce their exposure."

May 3 is World Asthma Day. In addition to announcing the survey findings, today EPA recognized the outstanding asthma health care practices of two leading providers and launched a national asthma awareness media campaign, in partnership with the Ad Council.

EPA presented the first National Environmental Leadership Awards in Asthma Management to Optima Health Plan of Southeastern Virginia and Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics of Kansas City, Mo. These programs represent the leading edge in asthma care by providing their patients with education, resources, and services for managing environmental asthma triggers.

To educate parents of children with asthma, EPA, in partnership with the Ad Council, is also releasing a new public awareness media campaign, describing simple steps parents can take to reduce asthma triggers commonly found in homes, daycares, and schools. The new television, radio, newspaper and outdoor public service announcements (PSAs) are the third phase of the Childhood Asthma campaign, launched in March of 2001. The PSAs highlight sources of environmental asthma triggers and simple steps parents can take to reduce their children's exposure. The new PSAs encourage parents to call 1-866-NOATTACKS or visit http://www.noattacks.org for more information on preventing asthma attacks. The PSAs are available in English and Spanish and will be distributed to media outlets nationwide.

Also, today EPA announced the release of their Asthma Research Results Highlights Report that summarizes accomplishments in asthma research over the last five years and outlines future directions in asthma research. Asthma research by EPA and collaborators on the causes and triggers of the disease and best practices for management of the disease is providing critical science information to address this growing public health threat.

Of the approximately 20 million Americans with asthma, more than six million are children. The disease remains one of the leading causes of emergency room visits and school absenteeism for children. Although there is no known cure for asthma, there are ways to reduce the number of attacks, including avoiding exposure to environmental asthma triggers at home, school and other places where children spend their time.

Visit EPA's Web site http://www.epa.gov/asthma to find fact sheets, brochures, children's activity books, and educational videos with information about asthma triggers and lessons on asthma management. Parents and caregivers can call the No Attacks hotline at 1-866-NOATTACKS (1-866-662-8822) or visit http://www.noattacks.org for additional information on how to prevent asthma attacks. For more information on EPA's Asthma Research Results Highlights Report visit http://www.epa.gov/ord/articles/2005/asthma.htm.

Twelve Additional Areas now Meet National Air Quality Standards for Fine Particle Pollution

Contacts: John Millett, 202-564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov
Alison Davis, 919-541-7587 / davis.alison@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-April 5, 2005) Today the Environmental Protection Agency added twenty-one counties in 12 areas across nine states to the list of counties that meet the nation's new, more protective air quality standards for fine particle pollution (PM2.5).

Across the United States, there are 30 states designated as "in attainment." These areas are home to over 197 million people. The 12 additional newly designated attainment areas include more than 5 million people and represent continued progress toward cleaner air and improved public health.

The designations made by EPA in December 2004 were based on 2001-2003 air quality data. Following these designations, EPA provided an opportunity for states to submit updated, quality-assured, certified air quality data for 2002-2004 because EPA originally designated PM2.5 nonattainment areas so close to the end of 2004. The addition of these 12 new attainment areas updates the designations issued by EPA in December 2004. The December 2004 designations become effective today (90 days following Federal Register publication).

After reviewing the 2002-2004 air quality monitoring data provided by the states, EPA found that eight areas previously identified as not meeting the national air quality standards should be designated as "in attainment." These areas and the counties include: Columbus, GA-AL (Muscogee, GA and Russell, AL counties); San Diego, CA (San Diego county); Athens, GA (Clarke county); Elkhart, IN (Elkhart and St. Joseph counties); Lexington, KY (Fayette and Mercer [partial] counties); Toledo, OH (Lucas and Wood counties); Youngstown-Warren, OH-PA (Columbiana, OH, Mahoning, OH, Trumbull, OH, Mercer, PA); and Marion, WV (Marion, Monongalia [partial] and Harrison [partial] counties).

In addition, based on updated 2002-2004 air quality monitoring data, EPA is also designating as in attainment four areas identified in December 2004 as "unclassifiable." These single county areas include: Dekalb County, AL; Etowah County in Gadsden, AL; Delaware County in Muncie, IN; and McMinn County, TN.

The 39 final nonattainment areas remaining after today's designations, home to over 90 million people, are required to attain clean air as soon as possible but no later than 2010. EPA may grant attainment date extensions of up to five years in areas with more severe PM2.5 problems and where emissions control measures are not available or feasible.

Background

Fine particle pollution, also called PM2.5, is a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets suspended in air. Fine particles can be emitted directly (such as smoke from a fire) or formed in the atmosphere from power plant, industrial and mobile source emissions of gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These tiny particles can aggravate heart and lung diseases and have been associated with very serious health problems including heart attacks, chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.

Meeting the PM2.5 standards will prevent at least 15,000 premature deaths; 75,000 cases of chronic bronchitis; 10,000 hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular disease; hundreds of thousands of occurrences of aggravated asthma; and 3.1 million days when people miss work because they are suffering from symptoms related to particle pollution exposure. Attaining clean air in these additional areas is a step towards realizing those benefits.

reas not meeting the national air quality standards are called nonattainment areas. These areas have had (or have contributed to) PM2.5 levels higher than allowed under EPA's national air quality standard. States and tribes with designated nonattainment areas must submit plans that outline how they will meet the PM2.5 standards. States and tribes must submit their plans to EPA within three years (April 5, 2005) after the Agency's final designations become effective.

For more information on fine particle pollution, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/pmdesignations.
For more information on the 2004 Clean Air rules, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/cleanair2004.
For more information on particulate matter trends, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/airtrends.
For information on ozone designations, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/ozonedesignations.

EPA Announces Results of Annual Sulfur Dioxide Auction

Contact: Dave Ryan, 202-564-7827 / ryan.dave@epa.gov

EPA today announced the results of the 13th annual acid rain allowance auction held yesterday at the Chicago Board of Trade. The annual auction, which gives private citizens, brokers and power plants an opportunity to buy and sell sulfur dioxide (SO2) allowances, is part of EPA's cap and trade program to reduce acid rain. One of the goals of the Acid Rain Program is to cap SO2 emissions from coal-burning power plants at 8.95 million tons starting in 2010.

An EPA progress report released last September on the cap and trade program shows SO2 emissions from electric power generation in 2003 are down by close to seven million tons from 1980 levels.

A national emissions cap, combined with SO2 allowance trading, has been effective both in terms of cost reduction and human health and environmental benefits since it began in 1995. Current estimates indicate compliance costs about 75 percent below those originally predicted by EPA. Emissions are already more than five million tons below 1990 levels, and acid deposition in the eastern United States has declined by 30 percent or more in certain areas, resulting in improvements in lakes and streams.

The Clean Air Act established an annual national cap on SO2 emissions. Each year, EPA issues allowances to existing sources within that cap. In addition, the Clean Air Act mandates that a limited number of those allowances are withheld and auctioned. The auctions help ensure that new electric generating plants have a source of allowances beyond those allocated initially to existing units. Proceeds from the auctions are returned to sources in proportion to the allowances withheld. In addition to allowances offered by EPA, private parties may offer allowances for sale in the auction.

EPA emphasizes that no matter how many allowances a source purchases, it cannot emit SO2 at a level that would violate the health-based national ambient air quality standard.

Detailed results of this year's acid rain auction and information about how the trading program works are available on EPA's Web site: Annual Auction. Preliminary data for 2004 reveal emission levels lower than the previous year.
(Acid Rain Program 2004 Progress Report)

For further technical information, call Kenon Smith of EPA's Clean Air
Markets Division at 202-343-9164.

EPA Provides $10 Million to Improve Beach Water Quality Monitoring

Contact: Stacie Findon, 202-564-7338 / findon.stacie@epa.gov

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of an additional $10 million in grants to eligible states, territories, and tribes to monitor beach water quality, bringing the five-year total to nearly $42 million. As a critical part of the Administration's Clean Beaches Plan, this is the fifth year that grants are being made available since the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act passed in October 2000.

"Americans want clean and healthy beaches," said EPA's Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles. "These funds will help improve water monitoring and public information programs to alert beachgoers about the health of their beaches."

The grants are designed to support water monitoring, which helps to ensure that the public receives information on how to protect their health when visiting beaches. Beach water monitoring results are used to issue warnings and closures if bacteria levels are at unsafe levels and to help identify actions needed to reduce pollution.

In addition, as part of the Clean Beaches Plan, EPA is developing new technology that will provide faster test results, which will enable local health agencies to more quickly determine if a beach should be open for swimming.

Additional information about the beach program, specific grant information and a table listing eligible states, territories and the distribution of 2005 funds are available at:
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches and
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/grants/fy05fs.htm.

EPA Announces First-Ever Rule to Reduce Mercury Emissions from Power Plants

Contact: Cynthia Bergman, 202-564-9828 / bergman.cynthia@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - March 15, 2005) Acting Administrator Steve Johnson will sign today the Clean Air Mercury Rule, a rule that will significantly reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants across the country. Taken together, the recently issued Clean Air Interstate Rule and the new Clean Air Mercury Rule will reduce electric utility mercury emissions by nearly 70 percent from 1999 levels when fully implemented.

"This rule marks the first time the United States has regulated mercury emissions from power plants," Acting Administrator Steve Johnson said. "In so doing, we become the first nation in the world to address this remaining source of mercury pollution."

The Clean Air Mercury Rule will require reductions at our largest remaining source of human-generated mercury emissions, electric utilities. Mercury is a persistent, toxic pollutant that accumulates in the food chain. While concentrations of mercury in the air are usually low, mercury emissions can reach lakes, rivers and estuaries and eventually build up in fish tissue. Americans are exposed to mercury primarily by eating certain species of fish. Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. However, pregnant women, women of childbearing age, nursing mothers and young children should avoid certain types of fish that are high in mercury.

Johnson noted that close to 80 percent of the fish Americans buy comes from overseas, from other countries and from waters beyond our reach and control. The United States contributes just a small percentage of human-caused mercury emissions worldwide - roughly three percent with U.S. utilities responsible for about one percent of that.

"Airborne mercury knows no boundaries; it is a global problem. Until global mercury emissions can be reduced - and more importantly, until mercury concentrations in fish caught and sold globally are reduced - it is very important for women of child-bearing age to pay attention to the advisory issued by EPA and FDA, avoiding certain types of fish and limiting their consumption of other types of fish," Johnson added.

Today's rule limits mercury emissions from new and existing coal-fired power plants, and creates a market-based cap-and-trade program that will permanently cap utility mercury emissions in two phases: the first phase cap is 38 tons beginning in 2010, with a final cap set at 15 tons beginning in 2018. These mandatory declining caps, coupled with significant penalties for noncompliance, will ensure that mercury reduction requirements are achieved and sustained.

The cap-and-trade system established under today's rule also creates incentives for continued development and testing of promising mercury control technologies that are efficient and effective, and that could later be used in other parts of the world. In addition, by making mercury emissions a tradable commodity, the system provides a strong motivation for some utilities to make early emission reductions and for continuous improvements in control technologies.

"We remain committed to working with Congress to help advance the President's Clear Skies legislation in order to achieve greater certainty and nationwide emissions reductions," said Steve Johnson. "But we need regulations in place now."

For more information about today's rule, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/mercury/air/mercuryrule. For more information about mercury in fish, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html. For more information about FDA's fish advisory go to:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sea-mehg.html.

EPA to Strengthen Protection from Lead in Drinking Water

Contact: John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-March 7, 2005) EPA is initiating the Drinking Water Lead Reduction Plan to strengthen, update and clarify existing requirements for water utilities and states to test for and reduce lead in drinking water. This action, which follows extensive analysis and assessment of current implementation of these regulations, will tighten monitoring, treatment, lead service line management and customer awareness. The plan also addresses lead in tap water in schools and child care facilities to further protect vulnerable populations.

"We need to free people from worrying about lead in their drinking water," said Ben Grumbles, EPA assistant administrator for water. "This plan will increase the accuracy and consistency of monitoring and reporting, and it ensures that where there is a problem, people will be notified and the problem will be dealt with quickly and properly."

From 1995-2004, states have concluded 1,753 enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), and EPA has concluded 570. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, state agencies take a lead role in enforcing the LCR.

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects including behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Children six years old and under are most at risk because this is when the brain is developing. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint in older homes. Lead in drinking water adds to that exposure.

Drinking water does not start out containing lead. Lead is picked up as water passes through pipes and household plumbing fittings and fixtures that contain lead. Water leaches lead from these sources and becomes contaminated. In 1991, to reduce lead in drinking water, EPA issued the LCR. The LCR requires water utilities to reduce lead contamination by controlling the corrosiveness of water and, as needed, replace lead service lines used to carry water from the street to the home.

Under the LCR, if 10 percent of required sampling show lead levels above a 15 parts per billion (ppb) action level, the utility must 1) take a number of actions to control corrosion and 2) carry out public education to inform consumers of actions they can take to reduce their exposure to lead. If lead levels continue to be elevated after anti-corrosion treatment is installed, the utility must replace lead service lines.

Because virtually all lead enters water after it leaves the main system to enter individual homes and buildings, the LCR is the only drinking water regulation that requires utilities to test water at the tap. This also means that individual homes will have different levels of lead in their tap water due to the age or condition of pipes, plumbing materials and fixtures or other factors. For this reason, customer awareness and education are important components of the LCR and state and water utilities lead reduction programs.

EPA plans to propose regulatory changes to the LCR in the following areas by early 2006:

Monitoring: To ensure that water samples reflect the effectiveness of lead controls, to clarify the timing of sample collection and to tighten criteria for reducing the frequency of monitoring.

Treatment Processes: To require that utilities notify states prior to changes in treatment so that states can provide direction or require additional monitoring. EPA will also revise existing guidance to help utilities maintain corrosion control while making treatment changes.

Customer Awareness: To require that water utilities notify occupants of the results of any testing that occurs within a home or facility. EPA will also seek changes to allow states and utilities to provide customers with utility-specific advice on tap flushing to reduce lead levels.

Lead Service Line Management: To ensure that service lines that test below the action level re-evaluated after any major changes to treatment which could affect corrosion control.

Lead in Schools: The agency will update and expand 1994 guidance on testing for lead in school drinking water. EPA will emphasize partnerships with other federal agencies, utilities and schools to protect children from lead in drinking water.

In addition, the agency will convene a workshop in mid-2005 to discuss actions that can be taken to reduce the lead content of plumbing fittings and fixtures. EPA will also promote research in key areas, such as alternative approaches to tap monitoring and techniques for lead service line replacement.

The Drinking Water Lead Reduction Plan arose from EPAs analysis of the current adequacy of LCR and state and local implementation. From 2004-2005, EPA collected and analyzed lead concentration data and other information required by the regulations; carried out a review of implementation in states; held four expert workshops to further discuss elements of the regulations, and worked to better understand local and state efforts to monitor for lead in school drinking water, including convening a national meeting to discuss challenges and needs.

EPA's review of state and utility implementation shows that the LCR has been effective in more than 96 percent of water systems that serve 3,300 people or more. EPA will add elements and actions to the Drinking Water Lead Reduction Plan as needed based on results of any further research, analysis, and evaluation.

More information on National Review of LCR Implementation and Drinking Water Lead Reduction Plan is available online at:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/lead_review.html. Information about lead in drinking water is available online at:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead or by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Information about lead around the home is available online at: http://www.epa.gov/lead or from EPA's National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

EPA Proposes Regulatory Options for Maintaining NOx Air Quality Standards

Contact: John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-February 15, 2005) On Feb. 14, 2005, EPA proposed three regulatory options to maintain air quality in areas that meet national air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The Clean Air Act's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program for NOx uses "increments" to limit the amount of air quality deterioration that may occur in any given area of the country. For this purpose, ambient concentrations of NO2 are measured in micrograms per cubic meter. New and modified industrial facilities must evaluate the impact of their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a clean air area to demonstrate that they will not cause or contribute to a violation of any national ambient air quality standard or degrade the air beyond the level allowed by PSD increments for NOx. To ensure that air quality does not deteriorate in PSD areas, states and tribes issue Clean Air Act permits requiring proposed new and expanded facilities to install state-of-the-art air pollution controls. While the PSD program is intended to maintain air quality, numerous other Clean Air Act regulations on stationary and mobile sources have reduced and will further reduce NOx emissions in the United States.

Today's action proposes the three following options:

1. To retain the existing increments NOx measured as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the ambient air as established in October 1988;
2. To allow states that choose to implement an interstate cap and trade program for sources of NOx to rely on the benefits of that program in place of the existing increments to prevent significant deterioration of NO2 air quality; or
3. To allow states to adopt their own planning strategies and implement these in lieu of the NO2 increment system if they show that PSD for NOx is satisfied through some combination of state and federal emissions controls that have been or will be adopted.

NOx is a precursor to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution. At elevated levels these polluants can have significant health effects aggravating heart and lung conditions, increasing susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, damaging lungs. Fine particles are also associated with premature death. In additional these pollutants have negative environmental impacts including vegatation damage, acid deposition, and visibility impairment.

Under the current PSD program for NOx and in conjunction with numerous other air pollution control programs and regulations on industries and vehicles NOx emissions in the United States have fallen from 25.1 million tons per year in 1990 to 20.5 million tons in 2003, according to EPA's most recent air emissions trends report: http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/econ-emissions.html.

In addition, ozone levels have decreased over the past 10 to 25 years. In 2003, the improved air quality resulted mainly from favorable weather conditions and continuing reductions in emissions, according to EPA's most recent ozone air quality trends report: http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/ozone.html. Several future regulations on industry, power plants and vehicles are expected to further reduce NOx emissions and help prevent the formation of ground-level ozone. Information on these future regulations is available online at: http://www.epa.gov/cleanair2004/.

EPA will accept comment on this proposal for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. For further information and a pre-publication copy of the proposed rule, visit: http://www.epa.gov/nsr/actions.html.

EPA to Build World's First Full Hydraulic Hybrid Urban Delivery Vehicle

John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

EPA and four partners are building the world's first full hydraulic hybrid urban delivery vehicle with significantly improved fuel economy and reduced harmful emissions. The partners--UPS, Eaton Corp., International Truck and Engine Corp. and U.S Army National Automotive Center--seek to transfer EPA technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace.

The application of this technology can be especially significant because urban delivery vehicles--including buses, refuse trucks and package delivery vehicles--often operate in stop-and-go traffic. The benefits of this technology are reduced pollution and increased fuel economy.

The partnership capitalizes on two EPA breakthroughs - full hydraulic hybrid and Clean Diesel Combustion (CDC)- which were invented and patented at EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The partnership's first phase features a full hydraulic hybrid powertrain and an unique and innovative hydraulic hybrid propulsion system integrated with the drive axle. Hydraulic motors and hydraulic tanks are used to store energy, in contrast to electric motors and batteries used in electric hybrid vehicles. Like other hybrid systems, energy saved when applying the brakes is reused to help accelerate the vehicle.

Within a year, a second phase of the project would add a CDC engine capable of showing cost-effective compliance with the 2010 diesel emission standards without needing any NOx reduction controls in the exhaust system.

Together, these technologies work to make the world's cleanest, most fuel-efficient, and most cost-effective urban delivery vehicle, achieving 90 percent reduction in NOx emissions in meeting the 2010 diesel emission standards without the added cost of NOx aftertreatment, 60-70 percent better fuel economy, and fast payback for the cost of the technology. A typical urban delivery vehicle using this technology in stop-go traffic could save $2500 in fuel each year (assuming 25,000 miles per year and $2 per gallon fuel.)

This partnership is occurring through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, which Congress established to facilitate technology transfer of patented inventions from national laboratories to industry and the marketplace. As contractors to EPA, FEV Engine Technology Inc. and Southwest Research Institute assisted in the development of EPA's patented hydraulic hybrid and clean diesel combustion technologies. Morgan-Olson assisted with changes allowing the UPS truck body to be removable for testing purposes. For more information, visit: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/technology/index.htm#hybrid.

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EPA Seeks Comments to Improve Emissions Monitoring

John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

As part of EPA's efforts to improve emissions monitoring and ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act, EPA has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking that requests public input on the monitoring requirements of the Operating Permits Program under Title V of the Clean Air Act. The notice seeks public comments on the best approaches to improve monitoring - such as by amending the monitoring requirements in existing emission standards and rules. The results of this action will lead to improved compliance with air emissions control requirements and should be less burdensome for states, tribes and industry. This advance notice of proposed rulemaking is a preliminary step in the regulatory process that allows EPA to solicit comments as it weighs future improvements to monitoring requirements. For more information on this action, visit: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/new.html.

W.R. Grace and Executives, Charged with Endangering Libby, Montana Community, Fraud, and Obstruction of Justice

Contact: Cynthia Bergman, EPA 202-564-9828; DOJ 202-514-2007

(Washington, D.C. February 7, 2005) The United States Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency announced today that a federal grand jury in the District of Montana has indicted W.R. Grace and seven current and former Grace executives for knowingly endangering residents of Libby, Montana, and concealing information about the health affects of its asbestos mining operations.

According to the Indictment, W.R. Grace and its executives, as far back as the 1970's, attempted to hide the fact that toxic asbestos was present in vermiculite products at the company's Libby, Montana plant. The grand jury charged the defendants with conspiring to conceal information about the hazardous nature of the company's asbestos contaminated vermiculite products, obstructing the government's clean-up efforts, and wire fraud. To date, according to the indictment, approximately 1,200 residents of Libby have been identified as suffering from some kind of asbestos-related abnormality.

"This criminal indictment is intended to send a clear message: we will pursue corporations and senior managers who knowingly disregard environmental laws and jeopardize the health and welfare of the workers and the public," said Thomas V. Skinner, EPA's acting Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

"We will not tolerate criminal conduct that is detrimental to the environment and human health," stated Thomas L. Sansonetti, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "We look forward to working with the District of Montana's United States Attorney's Office to prosecute this case."

William W. Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, and Lori Hanson, Special Agent-in-Charge, Criminal Investigation Division, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Denver, Colorado, announced the unsealing of the 10-count indictment today in United States District Court in Missoula, Montana. In addition to W.R. Grace, the indictment names as defendants Alan Stringer, Henry Eschenbach, Jack Wolter, William McCaig, Robert Bettacchi, O. Mario Favorito, and Robert Walsh, all current or former employees of W.R. Grace. The defendants will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Leif B. Erickson at the U.S. Courthouse in Missoula, Montana.

According to the indictment, W.R. Grace operated a vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana from 1963 to 1990, as part of its Construction Products Division, which was headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Vermiculite was used in many common commercial products, including attic insulation, fireproofing materials, masonry fill, and as an additive to potting soils and fertilizers.

The vermiculite deposits in Libby were contaminated with a form of asbestos called tremolite. Asbestos is regulated under the Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos can cause life-threatening illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Health studies on residents of the Libby area show increased incidence of many types of asbestos related disease, including a rate of lung cancer that is 30 percent higher than expected when compared with rates in other areas of Montana and the United States.

The indictment alleges that the defendants, beginning in the late 1970's, obtained knowledge of the toxic nature of tremolite asbestos in its vermiculite through internal epidemiological, medical and toxicological studies, as well as through product testing. The indictment further alleges that, despite legal requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act to turn over to EPA the information they possessed, W.R. Grace and its officials failed to do so on numerous occasions. In addition to concealing information from EPA, the indictment alleges that W.R. Grace and its officials also obstructed the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) when it attempted to study the health conditions at the Libby mine in the 1980's.

The indictment further alleges that, despite their knowledge gained from internal studies, W.R. Grace and its officials distributed asbestos-contaminated vermiculite and permitted it to be distributed throughout the Libby community. This occurred in numerous ways, including, allowing workers to leave the mine site covered in asbestos dust, allowing residents to take waste vermiculite for use in their gardens and distributing vermiculite "tailings" to the Libby schools for use as foundations for running tracks and an outdoor ice skating rink. After W.R. Grace closed the Libby mine in 1990, it sold asbestos contaminated properties to local buyers without disclosing the nature or extent of the contamination. One of the contaminated properties was used as a residence and commercial nursery.

In 1999, EPA responded to reports of asbestos contamination in and around Libby, Montana. According to the Indictment, W.R. Grace and its officials continued to mislead and obstruct the government by not disclosing, as they were required to do by federal law, the true nature and extent of the asbestos contamination. Ultimately, the Libby Mine and related W.R. Grace properties were declared a Superfund site by EPA, and as of 2001, EPA had incurred approximately $55 million in cleanup costs.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 15 years imprisonment on each endangerment charge, and up to five years imprisonment on each of the conspiracy and obstruction charges. W.R. Grace could face fines of up to twice the gain associated with its alleged misconduct or twice the losses suffered by victims. According to the indictment, W.R. Grace enjoyed at least $140 million in after-tax profits from its mining operations in Libby. W.R. Grace also could be ordered to pay restitution to victims.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kris A. McLean and Trial Attorney Kevin M. Cassidy of the Justice Department's Environmental Crimes Section. The case was investigated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from EPA's National Enforcement Investigations Center and the United States Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation Division.

Contact: Dave Deegan 202-564-7839 / deegan.dave@epa.gov

EPA is improving the tracking of hazardous waste shipments by establishing a nationally standardized manifest form. This new form makes the nation's hazardous waste tracking system more efficient by replacing various state formats with one national form. This streamlined approach will benefit waste handlers and regulators by reducing the costs and time associated with managing multiple forms, while maintaining the safety of EPA's well established cradle-to-grave hazardous waste tracking system.

By employing a streamlined and consistent national standard, hazardous waste handlers can better track complicated shipments, such as container residues, rejected wastes and international shipments. The new form also makes it easier to collect data for hazardous waste reporting. The Manifest will be printed to precise EPA specifications that ensure uniformity, and each form will carry a unique preprinted manifest tracking number. EPA will oversee the registration process. Waste handlers can generate their own manifest forms once they have registered with the Agency. Record keeping, reporting requirements, and other changes also vastly improve and modernize hazardous waste tracking. The new form will be phased in over an 18-month transition period. Once the new form is in place, handlers will be able to obtain new forms from any source that has registered with EPA to print and distribute them.

More than 139,000 businesses, in approximately 45 industries, are expected to achieve time and cost efficiencies through use of the new tracking system. These businesses ship approximately 12 million tons of hazardous wastes annually, and use between 2 and 5 million hazardous waste manifests.

More information is available at:
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/gener/manifest/mods.htm.

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Safer Disposal Methods Recommended for Used Syringes

Contact: Dave Deegan 202-564-7839 / deegan.dave@epa.gov

Recently updated publications encourage people who self-administer medication using needles, such as diabetics, to dispose of these materials in the safest possible way and to reduce the amount of this potentially dangerous waste. Approximately 8 to 9 million people use syringes for a wide range of medicinal purposes, creating about 3 billion used needles a year. EPA's new publications promote safer disposal alternatives for used needles, such as by utilizing community drop-off programs, household hazardous waste facilities, sharps mailback programs or at-home needle destruction devices.

The two new pamphlets, Protect Yourself, Protect Others: Safe Options for Needle Disposal (EPA530-F-04-004) and Protecting Your Community from Sharps: Options for Safe Disposal of Sharps (EPA530-K-04-001) were developed in collaboration with the Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal. The first attempts to re-educate self-injectors about better management of used needles, and the second is designed for use by states to help keep used syringes out of all trash collections. The Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal is a collaboration of businesses, community groups, nonprofit associations, and state, local, and federal government entities committed to promoting public awareness of the hazards posed by improperly disposed sharps.

Both pamphlets are available at: Medical Waste Disposal of Medical Sharps. Printed copies may also be ordered at: http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/ordering.htm, or by by e-mail at: ncepimal@one.net, or by calling 800-490-9198. Self-injectors should request EPA530-F-04-004; state and local governments should request EPA530-K-04-001.

EPA and Ford Test Promising Clean Diesel Technology on Passenger Vehicles

John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Ann Arbor, Mich. - January 28, 2005) EPA and Ford Motor Company are refining and testing the potential for commercial application of a promising clean diesel technology that meets stringent EPA tailpipe emission standards and is more fuel-efficient than gasoline. This is the second phase of a research agreement between Ford and EPA to examine a new emissions control technology called Clean Diesel Combustion (CDC), which was developed and patented by EPA.

"Diesel engines are an extremely attractive technology to help achieve EPA's future emissions standards," said Jeff Holmstead, EPA assistant administrator for air and radiation. "The challenge has been to maintain diesel's efficiency, while making the diesel ultra-clean in a cost effective manner. Moving these types of innovative technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace is essential, if we are to continue to improve air quality for all Americans."

Ford and EPA announced the agreement at EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich., where they showcased a Ford Galaxy minivan to demonstrate the clean diesel technology. The diesel minivan gets 30-40 percent better mileage than a gasoline minivan, while meeting EPA's emission standards for nitrogen oxide (NOx) of .07 grams per mile (Tier 2 bin 5).

CDC is one of several emerging clean diesel technologies that promise to meet EPA's tailpipe emission standards and improve fuel economy in cars, SUVs and trucks. CDC technology achieves EPA NOx standards through a newly developed diesel combustion process that does not produce NOx during fuel combustion, thus avoiding the need for NOx controls in the exhaust system. Because NOx can react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, preventing NOx emissions from vehicles is necessary to protect air quality, public health and the environment.

Currently, less than one percent of passenger vehicles in the United States are powered by diesel engines. In the future, however, clean diesel technologies such as CDC may allow more American consumers to benefit from diesel's performance, durability and fuel efficiency. Diesel is typically 25 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline.

"Clean diesel engine development is an important part of Ford Motor Company's global strategy to meet the future needs of our customers and the environment," said Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company. "We are pleased to partner with the EPA in this effort, recognizing that our research results can help meet key challenges facing the automotive industry. Ford's collaboration with the EPA accelerates the development of technologies that will potentially enable the application of clean diesel engines across many vehicle platforms."

Margo Oge, EPA director of the Office of Transportation Air Quality, said, "We are proud of the researchers in our Ann Arbor Laboratories that invented and are developing this exciting diesel engine technology, and are very pleased that Ford has partnered with us as we work to broaden the range of options available to the auto industry to cost effectively introduce clean diesels into the marketplace."

The EPA-Ford partnership on Clean Diesel Combustion technology is occurring through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, which Congress established to facilitate technology transfer of patented inventions from national laboratories to industry and the marketplace. As a contractor to EPA, FEV Engine Technology Inc. assisted in the development of EPA's patented Clean Diesel Combustion technology.

For more information about Clean Diesel Combustion technology, visit :
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/technology/index.htm#partnership.

EPA and NOAA Will Help Coastal Communities with Coastal Growth, Development Issues

Contact: Dave Ryan, EPA Public Affairs, 202-564-7827 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
Ben Sherman, NOAA Public Affairs, 301-713-3066 ext. 178 / ben.sherman@noaa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-January 27, 2005) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today agreed to work together to help coastal communities grow in ways that benefit the economy, public health and the environment. The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement today.

The new coastal communities partnership will seek to deliver the latest information and technology to communities for reusing previously developed land and providing more housing and transportation choices, while preserving critical natural areas and limiting air and water pollution. These techniques are important strategies for limiting air and water pollution, preserving land and enhancing quality of life. The agreement will help NOAA and EPA achieve national goals for better management of coastal resources and protection of human health and the environment.

The partnership results from a major goal of the Bush Administration to have federal agencies coordinate with state, tribal and local stakeholders to develop comprehensive cooperative conservation strategies to protect the nation's coastal resources.

The EPA-NOAA Partnership will provide training for local government staff and officials; outreach and education on successful policies, ordinances and initiatives; and assessments of the impacts of management actions on sensitive coastal areas.

"Today's agreement provides another tool to help coastal communities advance environmental, economic, and public health," said Steve Johnson, EPA Acting Administrator.

"This agreement will facilitate the development of management strategies that ensure continued conservation of coastal and marine habitats while at the same time make certain that coastal zone residents continue to benefit from the tremendous economic potential available there," said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

EPA and NOAA will announce the MOA at the Fourth Annual New Partners for Smart Growth conference (running today through Saturday) at the Deauville Beach Resort Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. The conference, co-sponsored by EPA and NOAA, is looking at a range of cutting-edge growth issues nationwide. More than one-thousand participants, including local elected officials, real estate developers, government agencies and citizen leaders, are attending this event. The conference is also another example of how EPA and NOAA are collaborating to bring the latest tools, information and expertise to coastal communities looking for better ways to grow.

Coastal watersheds (areas draining into bays and oceans) are growing rapidly, with 55 percent of the U.S. population living within 50 miles of a coast. In the past 20 years, the rate of all land development nationwide has grown 30 percent, twice the rate of population growth. This rapid growth presents coastal communities with both challenges and opportunities.

The partnership is the second between NOAA and EPA focused on coastal communities. In 2003 the agencies established a joint program to assist local port and harbor communities redevelop brownfields. The Portfields Memorandum of Understanding is already producing results in New Bedford, Mass., Bellingham, Wash. and Tampa, Fla., with new waterfront efforts underway. The efforts have shown that communities can respond in innovative ways that not only create jobs while protecting rivers, watersheds and beaches, but also maintain the quality of life that makes coastal communities attractive for development.

EPA's Office of Water and Office of Policy Economics, and Innovation will collaborate with NOAA to implement today's agreement. For more information on the MOA and on EPA's work on coastal community development in general, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/noaamoa.html.

Key NOAA support will come from the National Ocean Service's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, the NOAA Coastal Services Center and NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program. NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation's coastal and marine resources.

EPA Announces Air Quality Compliance Agreement for Animal Feeding Operations

Contact: Cynthia Bergman 202-564-9828/ bergman.cynthia@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.- January 21, 2005) The Environmental Protection Agency today announced an air quality compliance agreement to address emissions from certain animal feeding operations, also known as AFOs. This agreement is part of the Agency’s ongoing effort to minimize air emissions from animal feeding operations and to ensure those operations comply with the Clean Air Act and other laws.

"This agreement is a huge step forward," said Thomas V. Skinner, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "It will allow us to reach the largest number of AFOs in the shortest period of time and ensure that they comply with applicable clean air requirements."

The purpose of the agreement is to ensure that AFOs comply with applicable environmental requirements and to gather scientific data the Agency needs to make informed regulatory and policy determinations. The agreement will establish an industry-funded emissions monitoring program that will help provide this information, leading to better tools to help the farm industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and EPA determine the compliance status of feeding operations.

In recent years, the increased size and consolidation of agricultural operations including poultry, swine and dairy operations have been the focus of an increasing number of citizen complaints and concern about possible health impacts. A 2002 report by the National Academy of Sciences called on EPA to improve its method for estimating emissions from AFOs – a key step in mitigating air pollution from those operations.

The emissions of air pollutants and hazardous substances from certain feeding operations may be subject to requirements of the Clean Air Act and notification provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Though EPA previously has brought Clean Air Act enforcement actions against AFOs, more data are necessary to determine whether operations are in violation, the nature and extent of any violations and the best practices to control industry-wide emissions.

AFO operators participating in the agreement will pay a civil penalty of between $200 and $100,000, based on the size and number of farms in their operation, and also will contribute to a fund that will cover the cost of the two-year emissions monitoring program. Qualifying AFOs may sign up to participate within 90 days following publication of the agreement in the Federal Register.

Data from the monitoring program will help EPA develop a method for estimating emissions from different types and sizes of feeding operations. Once these methods have been established, operators will be required to apply for all applicable air permits, install all needed controls, implement all required practices, and otherwise come into full compliance.

Though participating AFOs will not be sued for past violations, provided that they comply with specific conditions, the agreement does not limit EPAs ability to take action in the event of imminent and substantial danger to public health or the environment. AFOs that are the subject of current enforcement actions may be barred from joining the study. The agreement also preserves state and local authorities’ authority to enforce local odor or nuisance laws.

EPA will accept public comment on the agreement for 30 days following publication in the Federal Register. For information on how to submit comments, go to http://www.epa.gov/compliance/agreements/afo

EPA Announces New Aircraft Drinking Water Quality Data

Contact: Cynthia Bergman 202-564-9828 / bergman.cynthia@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. – January 19, 2005) A second round of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing shows that 17.2 percent of 169 randomly selected passenger aircraft carried water contaminated with total coliform bacteria. The latest round of tests were performed on domestic and international passenger aircraft at airports nationwide in November and December of last year. The results confirm the presence of bacteria at levels warranting continued EPA scrutiny.

The information released today is intended to help the public make informed decisions while traveling on aircraft. Passengers with compromised immune systems or others concerned may want to request canned or bottled beverages and refrain from drinking tea or coffee unless made with bottled water.

Total coliform and E. coli are indicators that other disease-causing organisms (pathogens) may be present in the water and could potentially affect public health. When sampling identified total coliform in the water of a domestic aircraft, that aircraft was disinfected and retested to ensure that the disinfection was effective. In instances where foreign flag aircraft tested positive for total coliform, those airline companies were notified of the positive test results and advised to disinfect and retest the aircraft.

As part of the first round of sampling, EPA, during August and September 2004, randomly tested the water supplies on 158 aircraft nationwide. Aircraft tank water is used in the galleys and lavatory sinks. Initial testing of onboard water supplies revealed 20 aircraft (12.7 percent) with positive results for total coliform bacteria, with two of these aircraft also testing positive for E. coli. Following those tests, EPA announced that further testing would take place, and efforts were undertaken to reach agreements with airlines to more closely monitor water quality on planes.

In EPA's second round of water quality sampling, 169 aircraft were tested. The sampling included water from galley water taps as well as lavatory faucets. Testing found that 29 of these aircraft (17.2 percent) were total-coliform-positive. E. coli was not found in the 169 aircraft included in the second round. Adding together the results of the first and second rounds of testing, EPA tested 327 aircraft in 2004, with approximately 15 percent found to be total-coliform-positive.

Following the first round of airline water testing in November 2004, EPA announced that agreements had been signed with the following airlines to increase monitoring of water quality testing and disinfecting processes: Alaska Airlines, Aloha Airlines, American Airlines, America West, ATA Airlines, Continental Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Midwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways. Two additional airlines, Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines, are currently negotiating separate agreements with EPA. Collectively, these 14 carriers represent the majority of U.S. flag carrying aircraft transporting the flying public. The agency will continue to work with smaller, regional and charter aircraft carriers to address drinking water quality with agreements similar to those reached with Air Transport Association (ATA) members. These agreements will govern airline drinking water safety until additional regulations are completed.

EPA began a review of existing safe drinking water guidance to airlines in 2002. In response to the aircraft test results, EPA is conducting a priority review of existing regulations and guidance. The agency is placing specific emphasis on preventive measures, adequate monitoring and sound maintenance practices such as flushing and disinfection of aircraft water systems.

For more information on the regulation of water supplies aboard passenger aircraft and to view publicly available testing data, visit: http://www.epa.gov/airlinewater/.

Americans Urged to Test for Radon

Contact: John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

EPA is issuing an annual reminder for Americans to test for radon gas in their homes. Jeff Holmstead, assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, has signed a proclamation declaring January as National Radon Action Month.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States with about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year related to radon exposure. A radioactive, invisible, odorless gas that comes from the decay of naturally occurring uranium in the earth's soil, radon can accumulate in homes at dangerous levels. Because families spend more time indoors during the winter months, January is an opportune time to test for radon.

Simple, inexpensive do-it-yourself radon test kits are available at local hardware stores. EPA recommends that houses with radon levels of four picocuries or higher of radon should and can be fixed to prevent accumulation of radon gas indoors. To learn more about how to receive a discounted radon home test kit, for more information about radon and to contact your state radon office, visit: http://www.epa.gov/radon/ or call 1-800-SOS-Radon.

EPA Joins With Organizations to Reduce Water Pollution

Contact: Cathy Milbourn 202-564-7824 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-January 12, 2005) Today, Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles, along with officers from several organizations that focus on septic systems, formalized an agreement to improve wastewater treatment for 25 million homes nation-wide. These organizations are committed to working together in information exchange and technical assistance.

“This agreement will help solidify our national partnership to protect drinking water supplies and local water quality through promoting change in the way these waste water systems are managed,” said Grumbles. “I am pleased to formally recognize the contributions these partners make to achieve results in protecting public health and improving water quality.”

The memorandum of understanding is a first step in implementing EPA’s program that works cooperatively with national organizations that represent septic system practitioners and the public. These systems are used in nearly 25 percent of homes across the country and used in about one-third of all new housing and commercial development. When properly sited, designed and maintained, these systems are capable of producing high quality wastewater. However, decentralized systems are the second greatest threat to groundwater quality, second only to leakage from underground storage tanks. It is estimated that nation-wide, 10 to 20 percent of decentralized systems are not adequately treating wastewater due to inadequate site location, design and maintenance.

The program strategy that accompanies the MOU identifies EPA’s vision, mission and actions to improve the performance of decentralized wastewater treatment systems. The MOU and the strategy are intended to upgrade the management of these systems and facilitate collaboration between EPA headquarters, EPA regions, state and local governments and national organizations representing practitioners and assistance providers. Improved performance of decentralized systems will provide better protection of public health and water resources.

For more information about the effort or the decentralized wastewater treatment system program, visit EPA’s website at: http://epa.gov/owm/septic.

EPA Announces Final Designations for First Fine Particle Standard

Contact: Cynthia Bergman 202-564-9828 / bergman.cynthia@epa.gov

Twenty governors were told by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today that certain areas of their states do not meet the nation’s first fine particle (PM2.5) air quality standards. While the great majority of the nation’s counties meet the new health-based standards, all or part of 224 counties nationwide, as well as the District of Columbia, are not in attainment with the standards.

"The good news for 30 states is that they already meet the fine particle standards," Administrator Mike Leavitt said, "The good news for the remaining areas of the country is that we have new rules both proposed and in place to help these states make their air cleaner to breathe."

Thirty states and their 2,909 counties received the good news that they meet PM2.5 air quality standards. These states will need to continue their progress by sustaining clean air. “The Particle Pollution Report: Current Understanding of Air Quality and Emissions through 2003,” issued earlier this week reported that 2003 PM levels were the lowest since monitoring began.

Administrator Leavitt noted that, “Today’s cleaner air represents more than four decades of progress since the signing of the first Clean Air Act in 1963, followed by the Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Amendments in 1990. This is a clean air relay that gets better with each generation, and we are making more progress than ever before.”

The reduction of fine particle pollution is a critical element of the Bush Administration's comprehensive national clean air strategy -- a strategy that makes clean air and clean energy a centerpiece of public health protection and a vital economy. This strategy includes Clear Skies legislation, the Clean Air Interstate Rule, and the Administration’s recent rule to reduce pollution from non-road diesel engines. These rules are important components of EPA's efforts to help states and localities meet the protective national fine particle and 8-hour ozone air quality standards. Together these rules will help all areas of the country achieve cleaner air.

PM2.5 – approximately 1/30th the size of an average human hair – can aggravate heart and lung diseases and has been associated with a variety of serious health problems including heart attacks, chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks. Today’s action officially notifies states that they need to do more to reduce fine particle pollution in order to protect human health.

Meeting these standards will prevent at least: 15,000 premature deaths; 75,000 cases of chronic bronchitis; 10,000 hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular disease; hundreds of thousands of occurrences of aggravated asthma; and 3.1 million days when people miss work because they are suffering from symptoms related to particle pollution exposure.

States with nonattainment areas must submit plans by early 2008 that outline how they will meet the PM2.5 standards. They are expected to attain clean air as soon as possible and not later than 2010. EPA can grant one five-year extension for areas with more severe problems. The attainment date for those areas would be 2015.

To develop these final designations, EPA requested recommendations from state governors and tribal leaders on the appropriate boundaries for nonattainment areas. EPA carefully reviewed the state and tribal recommendations and revised them in June 2004 - adding more than 100 counties that EPA believed contributed to air quality violations. The Agency then provided the opportunity for state and tribal representatives to respond. EPA’s recommendations included counties where monitors show violations of the PM2.5 standards and surrounding counties that contribute to those violations.

For more information on the particle pollution, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pmdesignations/.

For more information on the 2004 Clean Air rules, visit: http://www.epa.gov/cleanair2004.

For more information on particulate matter trends, visit: http://www.epa.gov/airtrends.

EPA Celebrates 30 Years of Progress for the Nation’s Drinking Water

Contact: Cathy Milbourn 202-564-7824 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov

December 16, 2004, marks the 30th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which has been a cornerstone of efforts to ensure public health protection by improving the quality of drinking water for all Americans. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 has helped more than 273 million people served by 53,000 community water systems enjoy one of the safest and cleanest water supplies in the world. In carrying out the Act, EPA has established public health standards for more than 90 contaminants to protect the public from chemicals and pathogens that can cause waterborne illnesses.

It takes the committed efforts of thousands of people at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that our water supplies are clean, safe, and secure from acts of intentional harm. State personnel are making sure that water suppliers understand and implement regulatory requirements. States, private organizations, landowners, and local governments are working to protect surface and ground water supplies from contamination. Local water suppliers are providing dedicated service to ensure that safe water is available when consumers turn on the tap. And citizens are becoming more interested in understanding where their drinking water comes from and how it is treated by reading the consumer confidence report that is provided to them annually by their water utility.

The last 30 years have seen great success in protecting public health. Throughout 2005, EPA will celebrate those successes and conduct an educational campaign focused on four themes:

“Community Water Systems: The Backbone of Public Health;”
“Protecting Sources of Drinking Water;"
“Public Involvement in Safe Drinking Water;’’ and
“Planning for the Future.”

Information about the 30th anniversary is at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/30th/index.html. General information about the Safe Drinking Water Act is at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/index.html and information about drinking water is at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwhealth.html.

EPA Amends Methyl Bromide Phase-Out for 2005 Critical Uses

Contact: John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

EPA is amending regulations governing the phase-out and allocation of the ozone-depleting fumigant, methyl bromide (MeBr). Today’s action amends the MeBr phase-out regulations to allow for an exemption for new production and import to meet the needs of remaining critical uses, for which there are currently no technically and economically feasible alternatives. The amendment will make approximately 35 percent of the United State’s baseline available for critical uses in 2005. This 35 percent is 8,942 metric tonnes of the 25,528 metric tonnes used in 1991 and established by international treaty as the U.S. baseline by which reductions are measured.

This action implements existing authority contained in the Clean Air Act and reflects decisions made pursuant to the Montreal Protocol, the international treaty to protect the stratospheric ozone layer.

The Montreal Protocol established 1991 production and consumption levels of MeBr as the baselines to measure reduction of the chemical. Since the early 1990s, apart from allowable exemptions, the United States has phased out its production and consumption of MeBr and has remained within the cap set by the treaty. Since the inception of the Protocol, the United States has phased out over 95 percent of its consumption of ozone depleting substances.

Methyl Bromide has been used in a wide variety of agricultural and commodity applications. Examples of MeBr uses include growing strawberries, tomatoes and fumigating flour mills across the United States. The critical use exemption (CUE) process was established to provide relief to users of MeBr who do not have any technically and economically feasible alternatives. Under the current structure of the Montreal Protocol, each year EPA will promulgate a rule to cover the amount of MeBr to be made available for critical use in the future. MeBr allocations and use are strictly regulated and monitored by EPA.

The United States is committed to phasing out methyl bromide as recently registered alternative chemicals and those under development and regulatory review penetrate the marketplace and the use of currently available alternatives are optimized. Today’s action continues that process while providing access to MeBr consistent with the Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol.

In March 2004, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol granted the United States approximately 90 percent of its CUE request for 2005 which amounted to approximately 35 percent of the U.S. baseline. In 2005, the Agency will propose an additional portion of the baseline that was authorized for 2005 critical uses during the 16th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in Prague, Czech Republic, Nov. 26, 2004.

For more information on this action and MeBr regulation visit:
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr/.

Ozone and Short-term Mortality in 95 US Urban Communities 1987-2000

Ozone has been associated with various adverse health effects, including increased rates of hospital admissions and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses. Although numerous time-series studies have estimated associations between day-to-day variation in ozone levels and mortality counts, results have been inconclusive. Using analytical methods and databases developed for the National Morbidity, Mortality, and Air Pollution Study, researchers from the School of Forestry and Environmental studies at Yale University and from the Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated a national average relative rate of mortality associated with short-term exposure to ambient ozone for 95 large US urban communities from 1987-2000. They found a statistically significant association between short-term changes in ozone and mortality on average for 95 large US urban communities which include 40% of the US population. These results indicate a statistically significant association between short-term changes in ozone and mortality on average for 95 large US urban communities, which include about 40% of the total US population. The findings indicate that widespread pollutant adversely affects public health. To review the abstract of this study please see the Journal of American Medical Association’s website
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/292/19/2372

Link Between Well-Being and Where You Live

The report states the obvious: there is a link between income and well-being. Further, there is a link between well-being and where you live. The Sunday newspaper coverage of the report, Inequality in South Australia: Key Determinants of Wellbeing, restates the obvious and elicits the obvious reactions from health and welfare authorities to the fact health and well-being is harmed by restricted access to housing, employment, shops and essential community services. Not so obvious to commentators is the culprit for much of this social inequity. The Monday newspaper unwittingly provides the answer with its news item “4000 blocks boost housing dreams”. The southern council of Onkaparinga and northern sister Playford have between them authorised the release of 4000 new housing blocks – in the two main regions of Adelaide identified in the Wellbeing report as already epitomising the have-nots in terms of infrastructure, services and amenity. Such “housing dreams” perpetuate the ills of urban sprawl, the essentially post-World War II global phenomenon that in just 50 years has all but exhausted our resources and social capital. In America, land of the freeway and world exemplar of uncontrolled sprawl, the Washington Post reported in August “... clearly the strongest evidence to date that there’s a link between the built environment and obesity”. It followed the American Journal of Preventive Medicine report of a study of 11,000 people in Atlanta, Georgia, that found outer neighborhoods make walking or other exercise more difficult because there are often no pedestrian routes, the road systems don’t encourage people to walk or cycle, and major shopping areas are only accessible by car.

This report was followed by the publication of Urban Sprawl and Public Health: Designing, Planning and Building for Healthy Communities, a book by three university researchers that found “... urban sprawl is taking a toll on Americans’ hearts, lungs, air, drinking water, sense of community, psychological well-being and physical safety”.
For more information see http://www.adelaidereview.com.au/archives/2004_10_29/
issuesandopinion_story3.shtml

2003 Particle Pollution Report Shows Major Improvements in Air Quality

John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. – December 14, 2004) Levels of fine particle pollution, also known as PM 2.5, were the lowest in 2003 since nationwide monitoring began in 1999, according to an EPA report released today. The improved air quality can be largely attributed to EPA’s Acid Rain Program, along with other programs that reduced emissions that contribute to fine particle formation.

The report, “The Particle Pollution Report: Current Understanding of Air Quality and Emissions through 2003” looks at recent and long-term trends in air quality and emissions, explores the characteristics of particle pollution in the United States, and takes a close look at particle pollution in 2003 (the most recent year for which data are available).

Since 1999, monitored concentrations of PM2.5 have decreased 10 percent and are about 30 percent lower than EPA estimates of levels 25 years ago. Concentrations of PM10 have declined 7 percent since 1999 and 31 percent since 1988. Monitored levels of both particles decreased most in areas having the highest concentrations.

Airborne particle pollution is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the atmosphere. These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals. PM2.5 and PM10 refer to the size of the particles. PM 2.5, or “fine particles,” refers to particles less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers -- approximately 1/30th the size of the average human hair. These particles can penetrate into the deeper regions of the body’s respiratory system. Fine particle exposure has been associated with a number of serious health problems, ranging from the aggravation of asthma and the development of chronic bronchitis to heart arrhythmias, heart attacks and even premature death.

While the Agency’s report shows that concentrations of PM have declined, millions of people still live in areas of the country where particle pollution exceed levels established to protect public health. EPA is taking a number of steps to address particle pollution, including the implementation of the Agency’s first fine particle standards, the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule, and finalizing the proposed Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).

The “Particle Pollution Report” is posted at: http://www.epa.gov/airtrends. To learn about upcoming attainment and nonattainment designations for the fine particle standard, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pmdesignations/.

EPA Releases Notice of Data Availability for Clean Air Mercury Rule

Contact: Cynthia Bergman 202-564-9828 / bergman.cynthia@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. – November 30, 2004) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) for its proposed Clean Air Mercury Rule. The NODA summarizes the more than 680,000 public comments received during the comment period and solicits further comment on new data and information to help EPA evaluate which regulatory approach will best reduce mercury emissions from power plants. The NODA is part of the EPA process toward delivering a final mercury rule by March 15, 2005. Initially proposed on Jan. 30, 2004, the Clean Air Mercury Rule would reduce mercury emissions from power plants for the first time ever.

EPA received a number of modeling analyses from various groups, including both industry and environmental groups. In some cases, EPA and commenters modeled the same or similar policy scenarios, sometimes using the same model, but obtained substantially different results due to differences in the assumptions employed. In these cases, model-input assumptions can be better understood by comparing and contrasting the modeling performed. The NODA shares these analyses and seeks additional comment on the models and assumptions used.

Administrator Mike Leavitt has outlined five guiding principles that provide context for additional inquiry and that narrow the focus of the Agency’s deliberations. The five principles will ensure that the final mercury rule: (1) concentrates on the need to protect children and pregnant women from the health impacts of mercury; (2) stimulates and encourages early adopters of new technology that can be adequately tested and widely deployed across the full fleet of U.S. power plants utilizing various coal types; (3) significantly reduces total emissions by leveraging the $50 billion investment that CAIR will require; (4) considers the need to maintain America’s competitiveness; and (5) comprises one of many agency actions to reduce mercury emissions.

In December 2003, EPA proposed two alternatives for controlling mercury. One approach would require power plants to install controls known as "maximum achievable control technology” (MACT) under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. If implemented, this proposal would reduce nationwide mercury by 14 tons or about 30 percent by early 2008. Currently, nationwide mercury emissions from power plants are about 48 tons per year.

A second approach would create a market-based "cap and trade" program that, if implemented, would reduce nationwide power plant emissions of mercury in two phases. Beginning in 2010, the first phase would reduce power plant mercury emissions by taking advantage of “co-benefit” controls – mercury reductions achieved by reducing SO2, and NOx emissions under the Clean Air Interstate Rule. In 2018, the second phase of the mercury program sets a cap of 15 tons. When fully implemented, mercury emissions would be reduced by 33 tons (nearly 70 percent).

This rule, when combined with Bush Administration actions to reduce NOx and SO2 emissions from power plants, make diesel a clean-burning fuel, regulate nonroad diesel vehicles, and implement the most-protective ozone and fine particles standards, will ensure that the next decade will be among the most productive periods of air quality improvement in our nation’s history.

EPA will take comment on this action for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. For more information on the NODA, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/mercury/control_emissions/noda.htm; on the Clean Air Mercury Rule, visit: http://www.epa.gov/air/mercuryrule/; and on the Clean Air Interstate Rule, visit: http://www.epa.gov/interstateairquality/.

United States and China Launch Clean Diesel Retrofit Program

Contact: John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Bejing, China - November 19, 2004) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau and other organizations have launched a project to retrofit a select fleet of existing buses and trucks in China with clean diesel technology. EPA is committing $250,000 and significant work hours to this demonstration project and other collaborative efforts to reduce emissions of particle pollution and other diesel emissions in China.

"We will share cleaner emissions control technologies and fuels with China as part of EPA's commitment to a cleaner global environment," said EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt. "It helps them and it helps us."

Fine particulate matter and other emissions from older diesel-powered trucks and buses contribute to air pollution in Beijing and throughout China and pose serious public health concerns. Environmental impacts of diesel exhaust emissions include its contribution to ozone formation and acid rain. In Beijing alone, close to 1,000 vehicles are being added to the roads each day.

Because of the increasing number of vehicles, emissions and air pollution are dramatically increasing. By using cleaner fuel and the introduction of new technologies, which can be installed rapidly and inexpensively on existing vehicles, this retrofit demonstration project will reduce particulate emissions and other air pollutants in an existing diesel vehicle fleet by 40 percent or more.

As a member of the global Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles, the United States is assisting developing countries to improve air quality emissions from diesel trucks and buses. The EPA is establishing similar partnerships with Chile, India, Thailand and Mexico.

More information about EPA's Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program is available online at: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/latestnews.htm.

$4 Million in Grants to Research Environmental Impact of Nanotechnology

Contact: Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-4355 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

EPA has awarded grants to 12 universities to investigate the potential health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials: unusually small man-made particles that are measured in billionths of a meter (nanometers). Nanotechnology allows scientists to work at the molecular level, atom by atom, to create materials and structures with fundamentally new functions and characteristics. Nanotechnology is a promising new field that may lead to great advances in environmental protection. For example, filter systems for drinking or waste water could be designed at the nanoparticle level to remove even the most minuscule of impurities. Nanoscale materials are being used in a wide range of products, such as sunscreens, composites, medical devices and chemical catalysts. As new nanomaterials are manufactured, there is the potential of human and environmental exposure from waste streams or other pathways entering the environment. Currently there is very limited scientific information on the effects of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. Six of the grants awarded will investigate if manufactured nanomaterials could have any negative health effects or environment impacts. The other six grants will study the fate and transport of nanomaterials in the environment. The grants were awarded through EPA's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) research grants program. More information on the nanotechnology STAR grants and the 12 recipients is available at:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/
fuseaction/recipients.display/rfa_id/352

EPA Releases Final Science Review Document of Clean Air Standards for Particulate Matter

Contact: Cynthia Bergman 202-564-9828 / bergman.cynthia@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-November 1, 2004) To further EPA's goal of safe and healthy air for every American community, EPA has released the final scientific assessment document on airborne particulate matter, entitled Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter. Particulate matter (PM) is one of six principal or criteria pollutants for which EPA has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the Clean Air Act. In accordance with the requirements of the CAA, EPA periodically reviews the scientific basis for these standards. This document provides significant new information for the technical and policy assessments of EPA’s review of the standards.

The document includes an analysis of a very large amount of new scientific literature generated since the NAAQS for PM were revised in 1997. This final assessment document has been subjected to expert scientific peer review by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, a review committee mandated by the Clean Air Act and part of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board.

Information on the new Criteria Document, PM research and some of the major actions EPA is taking to reduce PM is at the following websites:

The “Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter” document is at: http://www.epa.gov/pmresearch (For print copies, call 1-800-490-9198 and ask for report number EPA 600/P-99/002F.) ;

EPA’s recently published report, "Particulate Matter (PM) Research Program: Five Years of Progress” is also posted at: http://www.epa.gov/pmresearch;

To learn about the fine particle standard, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pmdesignations/;

Information on the non-road diesel program is at: http://www.epa.gov/nonroad-diesel/; and for further information on EPA’s clean diesel program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/.

ENERGY STAR Helps Heat Homes More Efficiently

John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C.-October 25, 2004) With ENERGY STAR, homeowners can
save up to 20 percent on annual energy costs by making energy-efficient
improvements to their heating and cooling systems. As temperatures drop
this fall, EPA is encouraging Americans to save energy, reduce utility
bills and protect the environment by increasing the energy efficiency of
their home heating systems.

The average household spends $1,500 a year on energy bills, nearly half
of which goes to heating and cooling. EPA estimates that if one in 10
U.S. households used heating and cooling equipment that has earned the
ENERGY STAR label, the change would prevent an estimated 17 billion
pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sealing leaks that allow air to escape the home and replacing old
heating equipment with high-efficiency models can significantly reduce
annual energy costs. Other steps also cut costs and improve comfort:
tuning up heating and cooling equipment annually; regularly replacing
the air filters; checking and sealing the duct system; and using a
programmable thermostat's multiple temperature settings to get the most
savings.

EPA's Guide to Energy-Efficient Cooling and Heating provides timely
information and more details about how to save energy and money this
winter, while helping to protect the environment. It can be found at:
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/heat_cool/GUIDE_2COLOR.pdf.

When heating equipment reaches 15 or more years of age, EPA and the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) recommend that homeowners consider a more
energy-efficient replacement. Many furnaces, heat pumps, boilers and
thermostats meet ENERGY STAR's strict standards for energy efficiency
set by the EPA and DOE.

More than 9,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are
committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and
businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR and additional steps
to save money and reduce air pollution, call 1-888-STAR-YES or visit:
http://www.energystar.gov.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-7819 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 22, 2004) EPA today awarded $660,000 to 66 student teams for the 2004-2005 academic year to research and develop sustainable designs through the People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) competition. Sustainable development allows communities to grow economically while preserving natural resources for future generations. Students will design solutions that both benefit the environment and are not prohibitively expensive.

Many businesses are already recognizing that it is to their benefit to protect the ecosystems that supply the sources of their materials and markets. Additionally, the less hazardous waste produced, the less time and resources the company expends on clean-up. A number of computer and automobile manufacturers are using less toxic materials in manufacturing, creating products that use less energy and have longer life spans and planning for parts to be reused or recycled.

"As our planet's resources are limited, moving our society towards sustainable development is imperative," said Dr. Paul Gilman, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development. "I'm pleased to say that many companies are already doing this. The P3 awards give the next generation of scientists and engineers the opportunity to move the United States further toward sustainability through their innovation and creativity. Sustainable practices create jobs and make wise use of resources."

The P3 national student design competition was launched in January 2004. More than 40 partners in the federal government, industry and scientific and professional societies provide support. Projects focus areas include: green buildings and sustainable construction materials, biodiesel production and use, drinking water quality and supply, alternative energy sources and fuel cells, urban redevelopment and green chemistry.

In May 2005, all teams will be invited to bring their designs to Washington, D.C., to compete for the P3 Award. The National Academy of Engineering will convene a panel of judges for the competition. Winners will be eligible for additional funding to implement their project in the field and move the design to the marketplace.

EPA is now accepting applications from student teams for the 2005 P3 competition. The deadline for receipt of applications is Jan. 27, 2005. A list of P3 national student design competition teams is available at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/p3/projects/index.html. More information about the awards and the 2005 competition can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/P3/.

World Trade Center Indoor Air Quality Sampling Proposal Circulated
U.S. EPA Seeks Public Comment

Michael Brown 202-236-4735 / brown.michael@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C., October 21, 2004) —The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released for public comment a draft sampling plan for lower Manhattan to determine if the area has contaminants from the collapsed towers at levels of concern. The panel has met seven times since March primarily to address the development of a design for a sampling program to determine the geographic extent of WTC impacts to the indoor environment.

Dr. Paul Gilman, EPA science advisor and chairman of the panel, said, "EPA is working to assure the health and well-being of those who live and work in and around lower Manhattan. Samples of dust from residences, schools, offices, public buildings and commercial spaces will provide us with hard data. We'll analyze the data and determine if the chemicals found in this urban environment are at levels of concern." Gilman added, "At this point, we're eager to hear feedback on the draft sampling plan from citizens, residents, workers, building managers— anyone with an interest."

The draft sampling plan was published today in the Federal Register, marking the beginning of a public comment period that ends on Nov. 19, 2004. EPA will consider the public comment submissions in revising the sampling plan. The draft plan is available on the panel's Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/wtc/panel/; the final plan will be posted there as well.

The public may submit comments electronically, by mail, by facsimile or by hand delivery or courier. Written comments can be mailed or delivered to the Office of Environmental Information Docket, EPA Docket Center, EPA West Building, Room B102, 1301 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20460. Fax copies should be sent to 202-566-1744. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, include the docket identification number, ORD-2004-0003, on all written or electronic submissions.

Electronic comments can be submitted through the official public docket established for the draft sampling plan. To submit or view public comments in EPA's electronic docket system, to access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and to view those documents in the public docket that are available electronically, go to: http://www.epa.gov/edocket/. Once in the system, select "search," then key in the appropriate docket identification number.

Hard copies of the draft sampling plan are available on request by calling 1-800-803-2833. The public can also review the docket at the EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room at the above address. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is 202-566-1744, and the telephone number for the OEI Docket is 202-566-1752.

For additional information, such as an overview of the scope of work, background documents and data under review by the panel, written comments submitted by the public, meeting notes, future meeting dates and the panel's operating principles, go to: http://www.epa.gov/wtc/panel.

EPA Announces Grants To Reduce Indoor Air Pollution, Supports World Rural Women's Day

Contact: John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

In support of World Rural Women's Day, Oct. 15, 2004, and the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air, EPA is announcing $1.3 million in grants to reduce health risks from indoor air pollution resulting from burning crop waste, animal waste, wood and coal indoors for home cooking and heating in rural areas of Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The grants will fund 11 pilot projects seeking to improve health, livelihood and quality of life by increasing affordable, reliable, clean, efficient, and safe home cooking and heating practices that reduce people's exposure to indoor air pollution. The $1.3 million in funding is the first of its kind provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. EPA. In announcing the pilot project, U.S. EPA affirms its support for United Nations Development Programme and World Health Organization efforts to raise awareness and spur action to reduce indoor air pollution from home cooking and heating practices in rural areas of the developing world.

In a 2002 report the World Health Organization said indoor smoke from solid fuels is a major risk factor contributing to the global and regional burden of disease. More than two billion people, almost half of the world's population, still burn traditional fuels like firewood, coal, crop residues, and dung indoors for home cooking and heating. This widespread use results in the premature deaths of an estimated 1.6 million people annually, with women and children being most significantly affected.

The Partnership for Clean Indoor Air pilot project grants will increase awareness of indoor air pollution, its impact on rural women, and generate global action to improve families' health and quality of life. The grants will increase the awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution and benefits of improved alternatives among one million people, and reduce exposure of 160,000 people over the next two years.

The 11 pilot projects include the following:

Mexico – Solar Household Energy will manufacture and sell 2,000 solar panel ovens in rural Mexico.

Nigeria – Centre for Household Energy and Environment (CEHEEN) will introduce methanol stove-fuel cooking system in Nigeria.

Guatemala – HELPS International will encourage the use of the retained heat cooker in rural areas of Guatemala.

Honduras – Trees, Water & People will promote more efficient wood-burning stoves in an urban area of Honduras.

Uganda – Venture Strategies, in collaboration with Center for Entrepreneurship in International Health and Development, will promote local technology and more efficient wood stoves in urban areas of Uganda.

India – Development Alternatives: improved wood burning stoves (and other technologies) in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, India.

India – Alternative Rural Technology Institute will introduce biogas technology in rural areas of Maharashtra, India.

China – The Nature Conservancy will promote solar water heaters, biogas units, and biomass stoves in northwest Yunnan Province, China.

China – Institute for Environmental Health and Related Product Safety will promote improved coal and biomass technology in rural Guizhou and Gansu Provinces of China.

Projects in Mauritania and South Africa will soon be announced. More information on each of the projects is available online at:
http://www.pciaonline.net/grantees.cfm.

In August 2002 at the World Summit for Sustainable Development, EPA and other partners launched the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air. This
partnership is bringing together governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations to address the serious health effects associated with elevated indoor levels of smoke from cooking and heating practices. To learn more about the Partnership's efforts to improve indoor air in homes around the world, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pcia.html.

Grants Awarded to Develop Pesticide Risk Reduction Programs

Contact: Enesta Jones 202-564-7873 / jones.enesta@epa.gov

EPA announced that 13 states and state universities will receive grants to develop programs to reduce the risks associated with pesticide use in agricultural and non-agricultural settings in the United States. Under the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship (PESP) Regional Initiative Grant program, EPA will award $507,100 for outreach, education, training, demonstration, and measurement projects that advance pesticide risk reduction. Since 1996, EPA has awarded more than $4.5 million in grants under the PESP Regional Initiative Grant Program. PESP partners submit annual, measurable activities to achieve pesticide risk reduction to EPA. More information on the funded projects and the PESP Regional Initiative Grant program is available at:
Regional Initiative Grants Funded Projects

The awards were granted for the following projects:

Reducing Pesticide Risks in Cold Climate Wine Grape Production - an Emerging New Crop in Northern New England – University of Vermont YardScaping: Minimizing Reliance on Pesticides by Example Using Demonstration, Outreach and IPM Training – Maine Board of Pesticides Control Development of a Landscape IPM Program in Puerto Rico – University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Extension Service Collaborative IPM Education and Outreach in Underserved Row House Communities in Philadelphia – Pennsylvania State University
Residential IPM Strategies in Rural Native American Communities – North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pest Management Provider Education Network to Support IPM Adoption in Indiana Child Care Settings – Purdue University Promoting the Use of Advanced IPM in Wisconsin Apple and Cherry Orchards – University of Wisconsin – Madison Measuring the Success of School IPM in Texas – Southwest Technical Resource Center, Texas Cooperative Extension Documentation of Pest Management Practices and Implementation of IPM In Oklahoma Public Schools – Oklahoma State University

Implementing Integrated Pest Management Practices in Missouri Schools – Missouri Department of Agriculture Reducing Pesticide Use by Floriculture Professionals in the Inter-Mountain Western Region of the United States Through Education – Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Developing an In-field Inspection Program and Chain of Custody Procedures for LWWC Sustainable Winegrape Productions Certification Program – Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission Integrated Pest Management for Raspberry Beetles Using Life Stage Prediction and Cultural Management in Red Raspberry Production – Washington State University

EPA Recognizes Best Workplaces for Commuters from the Fortune 500 Companies

John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Bethesda, Md. – September 29, 2004) EPA is announcing its first list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from the FORTUNE 500 companies. Sixty-nine companies are being recognized for their environmental commitment to reducing air pollution and their role in easing traffic congestion caused by so many vehicles on our nation’s roads.

The Best Workplaces for Commuters program recognizes employers that are leaders in offering superior commuter benefits, such as subsidized transit or vanpool passes, telework programs, or shuttles, to their employees.

Americans spend an average of 46 hours each year stuck in traffic. Gridlock produces more than $63 billion in congestion costs per year. Companies that offer commuter benefits help curb these costs and make a significant contribution to the health and welfare of their employees. The companies being recognized today have met the National Standard of
Excellence, extending outstanding commuter benefits to more than 400,000 employees across the country. In addition, EPA is showcasing its “Top 20 List.” The list highlights the twenty Best Workplaces for Commuters from the Fortune 500 companies having the highest percentages of employees eligible for these commuter benefits in their U.S. workplaces.

First on the Top-20 List is Intel Corporation. Intel earned its place on the list by offering a high caliber of commuter benefits to 92 percent of the company’s workforce.

With more than 400,000 employees taking part, the program has reduced approximately 186,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of taking 41,000 cars per year off the road.To qualify as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters, employers must
provide:

At least one primary commuter benefit, such as a monthly transit/vanpool pass subsidy or a significant telecommuting program;

At least three supporting commuter benefits, such as carpool/vanpool incentives, lockers/showers for bikers or walkers, compressed/flexible work schedules, or on-site daycare;

A central point of contact, who actively informs employees of available commuter benefits; and

Access to a regional or employer-provided Emergency or Guaranteed Ride Home Program.

For additional information visit,
http://www.bestworkplacesforcommuters.gov/.

Top 20 Best Workplaces for Commuters from the Fortune 500 Companies

Press Advisory: EPA Solicits Proposals for Up to $800,000 in Brownfields Grants for Low-Income Communities Throughout the Country

Dave Ryan 202-564-7827 / ryan.dave@epa.gov

EPA is now accepting proposals for training, research, technical assistance and cooperative agreement grants focusing on health and environmental conditions in low-income and socio-economically disadvantaged communities unable to get alternative sources of funding for Brownfields cleanups. EPA hopes these grants will stimulate redevelopment, economic revitalization, and other beneficial reuse of land. The deadline for proposals is Nov. 16, 2004. The winners are expected to be named in February 2005.

These grants are authorized by the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002.

EPA will only consider proposals that emphasize:

• Community Involvement in low-income and socio-economically disadvantaged communities;
• Integrated approaches to Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment in low-income and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Integrated approaches explore linkage between Brownfields and other environmental, economic, and social issues, including: port and waterfront utilization, transportation planning, city and regional planning, etc.;
• How the economics of Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment impact low-income and socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

The grants will be in the form of a cooperative agreement. Eligible applicants include: governmental and non-profit organizations, as well as public and non-profit private universities. For-profit organizations are not eligible and may not submit "joint" applications with eligible applicants.

EPA estimates that $800,000 will be available to make awards under this competition and up to three grants may be awarded depending on the quality of the applications. EPA intends to fund successful applicants for periods ranging from 1-5 years, contingent upon the availability of funds. The Agency reserves the right to offer partial funding for specific components of applications. EPA may also decide to make only one award or no awards, if warranted, by changes in Agency funding obligations.

For more detailed information and assistance regarding the application process, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/pg/pg0904.htm.
You may also contact the Office of Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment at 202-566-2777.

EPA Solicits Proposals for Up to 200 Brownfields Grants Throughout the Country

Contact: Dave Ryan 202-564-7827 / ryan.dave@epa.gov

EPA is now accepting proposals for up to 200 Brownfields assessment, revolving loan fund, and cleanup grants, contingent on availability of funds in the Agency's fiscal year 2005 budget. The deadline for proposals is Nov. 12, 2004. These grants are authorized by the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002, to help states and communities around the country to assess, clean up, and revitalize Brownfield sites. These grants may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances (including substances mixed with petroleum.)

A Brownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

The Brownfields assessment grants (each funded up to $200,000 over two years) provide funding for a grant recipient to inventory, characterize and assess sites, and to conduct planning and community involvement.

The revolving loan fund grants (each funded up to $1 million over five years) provide funding for a grant recipient to capitalize a revolving loan fund and to provide subgrants to carry out cleanup activities.

The cleanup grants (each funded up to $200,000 over two years) provide funding for a grant recipient to carry out cleanup activities at sites owned by the grant recipient.

For more detailed information and assistance regarding the application process, contact your nearest Brownfields Regional Coordinator, found in Appendix 1 of the Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants, available at: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields.

You may also contact the Office of Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment at 202-566-2777.

EPA will be hosting a session on grants at its upcoming Brownfields 2004 Conference, Gateway to Revitalization, Sept. 20 - 22, 2004, in St. Louis, Mo. For more information on the conference, go to:
http://www.brownfields2004.org.

Virginia Joins National Pollution Prevention Program for Health Care Industry

Contact: Enesta P. Jones 202-564-7873 / jones.enesta@epa.gov

EPA announced today that Virginia has become a partner in a national program that educates professionals in the health care industry about waste minimization and pollution prevention in hospitals. "Hospitals for a Healthy Environment" promotes strategies to eliminate mercury use and reduce other medical waste. Virginia is the first state in the mid-Atlantic region to join the Program. The Virginia champions for this Program are Virginia's Department's of Natural Resources, Health and Human Resources, and Environmental Quality, along with the Virginia's Hospital and Healthcare Association, Health Care Waste Management Cooperative and Dental Association, and the University of Virginia's MERCI Foundation. In addition, 72 Virginia hospitals enrolled in the Program today, pledging to eliminate mercury, reduce both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and implement green activities such as energy-efficient lighting, computers, and televisions. Experts estimate that medical and municipal waste incinerators are responsible for 30 percent of the total mercury emissions to air. "Hospitals for a Healthy Environment" is a joint project of EPA, American Hospital Association, Health Care without Harm, and the American Nurses Association, as well as state and local agencies. More than 800 facilities and organizations have joined "Hospitals for a Healthy Environment" since it started in 1998.

EPA Particulate Matter Research Report Released

Contact: Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-7819 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - Sept. 9, 2004) To further EPA's goal of safe and
healthy air for every American community, EPA has released the report,
"Particulate Matter (PM) Research Program: Five Years of Progress."
This report summarizes PM research by EPA scientists, grantees from
universities and other U.S. research institutions.

This report represents progress in the Agency's long-term plan to reduce
hazardous air emissions through the combination of monitoring,
regulation, and research. In 1997, following a number of
epidemiological studies, EPA revised the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) for PM by setting a new standard for particles smaller
than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5 or fine PM). The research report
released today is part of a federally coordinated effort to define PM
health effects. Other federal participants in PM research include the
National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy.

The research conducted since 1997 confirms earlier findings that
exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is linked to
increases in respiratory health problems, hospitalization for heart or
lung disease, and even premature death.

EPA estimates that these new PM air regulations will prevent tens of
thousands of premature deaths and reduce hospitalizations for
cardiovascular and respiratory illness by tens of thousands more people
each year. The monetary benefits of reducing mortality alone are
estimated to be up to approximately $100 billion per year; the benefits
of reducing illness and minimizing the number of lost workdays and
consequences of restricted activity are estimated to provide savings of
billions more dollars each year. The new regulations include:

• Finalization by end of 2004 of the proposed the Clean Air
  Interstate Rule (CAIR) to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and
  nitrogen oxides (NOx) - the two most important precursors to PM2.5.
  CAIR focuses on states where SO2 and NOx emissions contribute
  significantly to fine particle problems in other downwind states. This
  proposal would result in the deepest cuts in SO2 and NOx emissions in
  more than a decade.
• In June 2004, EPA proposed designated "nonattainment areas" for
  PM2.5, places with air quality levels exceeding the standards.
  In November, EPA will make final attainment and nonattainment
  designations. At that time, State, local and tribal governments must
  detail in state or tribal implementation plans (SIPs/TIPs) that
  demonstrate controls they will implement to meet the PM2.5 national air
  quality standard.
• The Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule was announced in May 2004, and
  requires stringent pollution controls on diesel engines used in
  industries such as construction, agriculture and mining, and slashes the
  sulfur content of diesel fuel. The rule will be a major help to
  areas nationwide in their effort to reach the PM2.5 standards.

The PM research accomplishments report is available on the PM research
Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/pmresearch. Print copies are
available by contacting the National Service Center for Environmental
Publications, 1-800-490-9198. The report number is EPA 600/R-04/058.
For more information on the fine particle standard, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/pmdesignations/.

Despite Progress, Sewer Overflows Still Pose Health and Environmental Concerns, EPA Reports

Contact: John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - August 26, 2004) In a comprehensive report to Congress, EPA finds that further control of sewer overflows is vital to reducing risks to public health and protecting the environment from water pollution. EPA concludes that adequate funding, integrated local
and regional watershed protection programs, improved water quality monitoring and reporting, and stronger partnerships among all levels of government, industry, and citizens will be needed to make further progress.

Report to Congress: Impacts and Control of CSOs and SSOs focuses on two types of discharges from municipal wastewater systems – combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) – and summarizes what is known about the characteristics of CSOs and SSOs, the human health and environmental impacts of CSOs and SSOs, and the resources spent and technologies used by municipalities to reduce the impacts of
CSOs and SSOs.

Since passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, EPA, states and local water pollution control agencies have undertaken numerous actions and initiatives to reduce CSOs and SSOs. A combination of regulations, standards, federal funding, technical guidance and policies are
currently in place. In April 1994, EPA issued the CSO Control Policy – a national strategy to achieve cost-effective CSO controls that meet health and environmental objectives and requirements. Under the Clean Water Act, SSOs that reach waters of the United States are prohibited unless authorized by federal or state permitting authorities. SSOs,
including those that do not reach waters of the United States, may indicate improper operation and maintenance of the sewer system, and may also violate federal or state permits.

Sewer overflows are environmental enforcement priorities for EPA. Since 1998, EPA has concluded 15 CSO enforcement cases and 25 SSO enforcement cases, including more than $14 million in civil penalties and $11 billion in injunctive relief to protect public health and the environment. CSO and SSO enforcement against seven major municipalities alone has resulted in the elimination of approximately 14 billion gallons of sewage overflows per year, more than $10.8 million in fines and more than $75 million in environmental improvement projects. Since 2002, EPA has settled sewer overflow cases with Los Angeles, Calif., Baltimore, Md., Baton Rouge, La., and Hamilton County/Cincinnati, Ohio.

CSOs occur at combined sewer systems that were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in U.S. cities located mainly in the Northeast and the Great Lakes region. These systems were designed to discharge directly into rivers, streams or coastal waters when the combined volume of sewage and storm water exceeds the capacity of the system. Sanitary
sewer systems do not combine storm water with wastewater. SSOs have a number of causes: blockages, pipe breaks, defects that allow storm water or groundwater to enter the system, inadequate operation and maintenance, equipment or power failures, and vandalism.

CSOs and SSOs contribute to beach closures, shellfish bed closures, contamination of drinking water supplies, and other environmental and public health concerns because they discharge untreated wastewater that contains microbial pathogens, suspended solids, toxics, nutrients, trash, and pollutants that deplete dissolved oxygen. For the first time with this report, EPA used currently available data and health effects modeling methods to estimate the number of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to sewer overflows. For beaches that are regularly monitored, EPA estimates that about 3,500 to 5,500 gastrointestinal illnesses per year are caused by CSOs and SSOs. This data is available for only coastal and Great Lakes beaches. EPA cannot calculate a national estimate of the human health impacts of CSOs and SSOs because sufficient water quality and health effects data is not currently available for all recreational swimming areas in the United States.

In 31 states and the District of Columbia, 772 combined sewer systems annually discharge an estimated 850 billion gallons of untreated wastewater and storm water, according to the report. There are about 19,000 municipal sanitary sewer collection systems in the United States. These systems serve 160 million people in the United States, roughly 58
percent of the nation’s population. EPA estimates that between 23,000 and 75,000 SSOs occur annually, discharging a volume of three to 10 billion gallons. Municipal treatment facilities annually collect and discharge more than 11 trillion gallons of treated wastewater. According to EPA’s 2000 Clean Water Needs Survey ( http://www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/cwns/), over the next 20 years, approximately $50.6 billion will be needed to reduce CSO volume by 85 percent, and $88.8 billion will be required to control SSOs.

In addition to fulfilling a 2000 congressional request for information
on CSO and SSO health and environmental impacts, resources spent, and
overflow control technology, the report provides extensive new
information to guide EPA, state and municipal efforts to further reduce
sewer overflows. For more information and a copy of the report, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/npdes/csossoreport2004.

EPA Releases 12th Annual National Listing of Fish Advisories

Contact: Cynthia Bergman 202-564-9828 / bergman.cynthia@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. – August 24, 2004) For the 12th straight year, EPA is releasing its summary of information on locally-issued fish advisories and safe-eating guidelines. This information is provided to EPA annually by states, territories and tribes. EPA makes this information easily accessible to the public each summer on its website at: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/.

States monitor their waters by sampling fish tissue for long-lasting pollutants that bioaccumulate. States issue their advisories and guidelines voluntarily and have flexibility in what criteria they use and how the data are collected. As a result, there are significant
variations in the numbers of waters tested, the pollutants tested for and the threshold for issuing advisories. Based on self-reporting, the national trend is for states to monitor different waters each year, generally without retesting waters monitored in previous years.

The number of fish advisories is increasing even as emissions for major pollutants are decreasing and as pollutants such as DDT and chlordane are banned in the United States. In 2003, 48 states, the District of Columbia and American Samoa issued 3,094 fish advisories, 280 more than the previous year. With these additions, 35 percent of the total lake acres and 24 percent of the river miles in the nation are now under advisory. Since 2002, the number of lake acres under an advisory increased by two percent, river miles by nine percent and coastline by four percent. A large part of the increase in lake acres and river miles under advisory occurred because Montana and Washington issued statewide advisories for all their lakes and rivers in 2003 and Hawaii issued a statewide advisory for its entire coastline.

States issue fish consumption advisories if elevated concentrations of chemicals such as mercury or dioxin are found in local fish. As new waters are tested and results added to previous years’ findings, the number of fish advisories continues to rise. Most of the new fishing advisories involve mercury despite the fact that U.S. emissions of mercury have declined by almost 50 percent since 1990.

“More and more of our waters are being tested, and that’s protective for children and pregnant women,’’ said Administrator Mike Leavitt. “Emissions are down, and emissions will continue to go down as the Bush Administration takes the first-ever steps to regulate mercury from coal-fired power plants.”

For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the EPA recently advised women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. (http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html)

Human-caused mercury emissions in this country have dropped 50 percent since 1990, and the Bush Administration is in the process of choosing how to regulate mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants for the first time in our nation’s history. The final rule, which will be promulgated by March 15, 2005, will be one component of the Agency’s overall effort to reduce mercury emissions domestically and internationally.

State-issued advisories apply primarily to non-commercial fish and shellfish obtained through sport, recreation and subsistence activities. Each advisory is different: it may recommend unrestricted, limited or totally restricted consumption; may be targeted to everyone or limited to women, children or other people at risk; and may apply to certain species or sizes of fish or a specific water body.

States issue advisories for any of 40 different pollutants. Most advisories (98 percent) involve five bioaccumulative contaminants: PCBs, chlordane, dioxins, DDT and mercury. In addition to steps to reduce mercury emissions, actions have or are being taken to address
other pollutants of concern: production of PCBs for use ceased in 1977, chlordane was banned in 1988, DDT was banned in 1972 and dioxin emissions have been dramatically reduced.

States may issue safe-eating guidelines in addition to issuing fish advisories. A fish advisory is issued to warn the public of the potential human health risks from chemical contamination of certain species from particular types of waterbodies such as lakes, rivers and/ or coastal waters within the state. In contrast, a safe-eating guideline is issued to inform the public that fish from specific waterbodies have been tested for chemical contaminants, and the fish from these waters are safe to eat without consumption restrictions.

The number of safe-eating guidelines nearly doubled in 2002 (164 were added) and increased a further 14 percent (47 were added) in 2003. The number of guidelines is likely to continue to grow as additional states identify safe fishing waters in future years. A fact sheet with additional information is available at: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/.

EPA Seeks Comment on Proposed Truck Stop Idling Rules

John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millet.john@epa.gov

EPA is seeking public comment on the development of uniform national standards for truck stop electrification infrastructure to eliminate long-duration truck idling. When trucks idle for long periods – typically to run the heat, air conditioning or other accessories while drivers rest – they waste fuel and emit harmful pollutants. A nationally consistent set of codes and standards for electric hook-ups will encourage truck-stop electrification and prevent the need to idle during rest stops. EPA developed a set of proposed codes and electrical standards in consultation with a range of interested parties. The Federal Register notice was published on July 8, and the comment deadline is Oct. 9. The truck-stop electrification initiative is part of EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership. For more information on both please visit: http://www.epa.gov/smartway/newsandevents.htm

EPA Funds Study to Determine Truck Drivers’ Exposure to Idling Emissions

John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millet.john@epa.gov

EPA has awarded $50,000 toward an interagency study on truck drivers’ exposure to harmful air pollutants while parked at truck stops. Idling produces harmful emissions, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can enter the truck cab and create a potentially harmful environment. The study will be conducted by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee. For more information about EPA’s idling program, visit http://www.epa.gov/smartway/idling.htm

EPA Launches Web Site on Urban Heat Islands

EPA’s new Web site about heat islands is now online at http://www.epa.gov/heatisland. The site provides basic information about the heat island effect, as well as detailed findings for individuals and organizations interested in taking action to cool their community. Site content includes two three-minute videos produced by The Weather Channel cable network, an archive of newsletters from EPA’s Heat Island Reduction Initiative, and a series of scientific reports.

Visitors to the site can learn about how elevated urban temperatures can pose environmental and health risks for communities. They can also explore the energy savings and other benefits of heat island reduction strategies, such as installing “cool roofs,” planting shade trees, and using light- colored pavement materials. In addition, the site describes research projects, including findings from the Urban Heat Island Pilot Project in which EPA partnered with five cities to study the impacts of heat islands and promote practical mitigation opportunities.

The term “heat island” refers to the phenomenon where cities and suburban areas are up to 10ºF (6ºC) warmer than nearby rural areas.

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State and local officials interested in additional information about improving air quality, increasing energy efficiency, saving costs, and voluntary greenhouse gas reductions may visit Climate Change - State and Local Governments

EPA Certifies First Hybrid SUV

Contact: John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - Aug. 5. 2004) EPA has certified the first Hybrid SUV for sale in the United States. The Ford Escape Hybrid complies with EPA’s stringent new emission standards for light-duty vehicles and trucks, and according to EPA estimates, the 2-wheel drive version gets 36 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The 4-wheel drive fuel economy is estimated at 33 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Model-year 2004 SUVs averaged 17.9 mpg.

Unlike conventional gasoline cars, hybrid vehicles make use of an electric motor that supplements or, at times, takes over as the power source. The Escape Hybrid captures the energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and stores it in a battery used to power the electric motor. When the demand for power is low, the electric motor takes over to augment or replace the gasoline motor, so that the vehicle burns less fuel.

EPA will list this vehicle in the Green Vehicle Guide along with all other 2005 models in October, 2004. EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide (http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles) is a consumer guide that assigns air pollution scores to vehicles on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the least polluting. The Green Vehicle Guide score for this vehicle is a 9 out of 10 for federally certified vehicles. With this score, the Ford Escape Hybrid achieves significantly higher fuel economy than traditional SUVs, and it is among the cleanest SUVs available in 2005. Ford expects to have vehicles available for purchase in September 2004. EPA certifies vehicles for emissions and determines fuel economy values prior to sale in the United States.

The 2000 Honda Insight was the first hybrid passenger car introduced to the U.S. market, and the 2004 Toyota Prius was the first mid-size hybrid sedan.

More information about hybrid technology can be found at http://www.fueleconomy.govand at: http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.

Contact: Bill Dunbar 206-553-1203/dunbar.bill@epa.gov

(Seattle, WA. - July 29, 2004) Administrator Mike Leavitt today awarded the University of Washington a $30 million grant to study the connection between air pollution and cardiovascular disease. The grant is the largest ever awarded by the EPA for scientific research, and will contribute to a better understanding of the long-term health effects of breathing air contaminated by particulate matter and other pollutants.

“The President is pursuing a national strategy to dramatically improve America’s air quality,” said Administrator Leavitt. “An important component of this strategy is to improve our understanding of the health risks from long-term exposure to particulate pollution, particularly as it relates to heart disease, the leading cause of death in our country.”

In a recent evaluation of the EPA’s research on particulate matter (PM), the National Research Council highlighted the need for a prospective epidemiology study to extend the government’s knowledge of long-term PM exposure. This grant responds to this need by examining the association between ambient air pollution, including fine particles and other pollutants, and the progression of cardiovascular disease in 8,700 people ages 50 to 89.

The study will track people who are from varied ethnic groups who live in cities across the country. The researchers will evaluate whether long-term exposure to fine particles is associated with specific changes in atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque in the arteries) and other factors associated with heart disease. The University of Washington will provide EPA with an annual scientific report of data and findings which will be used to inform EPA research and regulatory decisions.

Particulates come from a variety of sources including: coal-burning power plants, factories, construction sites, cars, trucks, buses, tilled fields, unpaved roads, stone crushing, and the burning of wood. Other particles may be formed in the air when gases emitted from burning fuels react with sunlight and water vapor.

Premature death and other health problems are strongly related to sulfates in the air and ambient concentrations of fine particles less than 2.5 micrograms. Long-term exposure to ambient, airborne particulate matter is associated with increased mortality, largely due to cardiovascular causes and serious respiratory problems. In addition, chronic exposure to particulates can cause decreased development of lung function among school-age children.

Reducing emissions of PM is a crucial component of the Bush Administration’s strategy for cleaner air and healthier Americans. The Administration’s new Clean Air Rules include a suite of actions that will dramatically improve air quality, people’s health and quality of life. This strategy includes EPA’s recent rule to reduce pollution from nonroad diesel engines, new more-protective ozone and fine particle standards and proposed Clean Air Interstate Rule to reduce pollution from power plants in the eastern U.S. Together these rules will make the next 15 years one of the most productive periods of air quality improvement in America's history.

The grant announced today is funded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Science to Achieve Results (STAR) competitive grants program. For more information about this grant, visit: http://www.epa.gov/pmresearch/pm_grant. For more information on EPA’s STAR program, see: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/. Information on EPA’s Clean Air Rules is at: http://www.epa.gov/cleanair2004 .

EPA Aging Initiative, U.S. COPD Coalition Partner to Protect Older Americans

Enesta Jones, 202-564-7873 / jones.enesta@epa.gov

EPA’s Aging Initiative has joined with the U.S. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Coalition to protect the health of older adults. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 119,000 lives each year. Studies show that the disease is exacerbated by environmental hazards such as air pollution. COPD is particularly common among older adults, and as baby boomers age, the number of older adults affected by COPD is expected to grow significantly. In this partnership, the Aging Initiative will ensure that issues related to the environment and COPD are considered in program development and activities; and provide input and direction, along with other Liaison Partners, in the Coalition’s mission and objectives. Launched in 2002, EPA’s Aging Initiative aims to prioritize and study environmental health threats to older persons; examine the effect that a rapidly growing aging population might have on our environment; and encourage older persons to become involved in their own communities through civic engagement. The U.S. COPD Coalition is a non-profit organization which works to raise awareness about COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. For more information about EPA’s Aging Initiative and efforts to raise awareness about the links between environmental hazards and COPD, visit: http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/epareports.htm#copd

Air Pollution Control Technologies Grants Awarded

Suzanne Ackerman, 202-564-7819/ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

To develop effective pollution control technologies that are economically viable, EPA awarded $700,000 to three companies for development and commercialization of air pollution control technologies through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. ADA Technologies, Inc. of Littleton, Colo. will develop and test new mercury absorption materials derived from silica for use in removing mercury from power plant emissions. This new technology could potentially have a significant cost advantage over currently used activated carbon technology, as the new sorbent is less expensive and it removes mercury while still allowing utilities to sell fly ash as a concrete additive. Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. of Wilmington, Del. is developing a new fiber optic membrane technology to recover volatile organic compounds from underground gasoline storage tanks. This technology will allow rapid air venting while retaining gasoline and can be used for other applications, such as dry cleaning and offshore oil operations. Sorption Technologies, Inc. of Newark, Del. will investigate new flue-gas purification technologies designed to remove sulfur dioxide, mercury and fine particles from the emissions of coal-burning power plants. This technology removes multiple pollutants from flue gases and may provide a more efficient and cost effective alternative to current technologies. SBIR was created in 1982 to give small businesses a greater role in federal Research and Development and to increase U.S. technical innovation. An SBIR business must have fewer than 500 employees and at least 51 percent of the business must be owned by U.S. citizens. For more information go to: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/sbir.

EPA Offers Communities New Tool for Achieving Smart Growth and Water Quality Goals

Enesta Jones, 202-564-7873 / jones.enesta@epa.gov

EPA has released a new report that will help communities protect water resources and achieve smart growth. Some of the adverse effects of growth and development include: loss of woodlands, meadowlands, and wetlands, and increased polluted run-off. Smart growth is development that is good for the economy, public health and the environment. The report documents 75 innovative approaches -- including redeveloping abandoned properties, encouraging rooftop gardens, creating shared parking, and promoting tree planting -- that state and local governments and water quality professionals can use to achieve their smart growth and water quality goals. To receive a free copy of the report, send an email to: ncepimal@one.net or call 1-800-490-9198 and request EPA publication 231-R-04-002. The report and more information about smart growth are also available at: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.

Simple Steps To Conserve Gas, Save Money and Reduce Auto Emissions

Contact: John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

Independence Day 2004 will be the busiest travel weekend of the summer. As drivers prepare to hit the road this weekend, EPA recommends several simple steps to reduce their impact on the environment and their wallets.

To get the most out of each gallon of gas and reduce tailpipe emissions, EPA encourages the following steps:

Driving Wisely – Sudden starts and stops, excessive speeds, extra weight in the trunk, unnecessary idling, long drive-through lines, and revving or warming up the engine waste fuel. Using cruise control on the highway helps maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas. Using overdrive gears slows engine speed, saves gas and reduces engine wear. Observe speed limits.

Regular Maintenance – Routine car maintenance extends a car’s life, increases its resale value, and improves gas mileage. Properly inflated and aligned tires, a tuned engine and regularly changed oil and air filters are a few simple steps that help ensure fuel efficiency.

Advanced Trip-Planning – Planning routes, avoiding peak traffic periods, combining errands, and eliminating backtracking will save gas, prevent wear and tear, and save time.

Smart Refueling – Topping off the tank creates harmful emissions and wastes money. Gasoline vapors are harmful to breathe, contribute to ground-level ozone formation and are a source of toxic air pollutants such as benzene. Evaporation from the spillage of gas from overfilling can occur, contributing to the air pollution problem. For more information on the environmental benefits of proper refueling, visit: http://www.epa.gov/donttopoff/index.htm.

For more gas mileage tips, visit: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml.

After the long weekend, there are more substantial steps consumers can take to protect the air we breathe and minimize trips to the fuel pump.

Consumers have more choice than ever when it comes to fuel economy and protecting the environment. EPA encourages consumers to consider fuel economy when purchasing a new vehicle. For help in selecting the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle to match individual needs, visit EPA's Green Vehicle Guide at: http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicle.

EPA also works with business to help consumers find more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to commute to the office. EPA's Best Workplaces for Commuters program encourages companies to provide incentives to employees to choose cleaner modes of transportation, including ride-sharing – and whenever possible – walking, biking, public transportation, or tele-commuting. For more information, visit: http://www.bestworkplacesforcommuters.gov.

EPA, States Working to Protect Public Health Through Fine Particle Standard

Contact: John Millett, 202-564-7842/ millett.john@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. -June 29, 2004) The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed states and tribes of the status of counties as the country prepare to meet the nation’s first fine particle (PM2.5) air quality standard. These tiny particles - approximately 1/30th the size of a human hair - have been scientifically linked to serious human health problems including premature death from heart and lung disease; aggravation of heart and lung diseases; chronic bronchitis and asthma; increased hospital admissions and doctor and emergency room visits; and absences from work and school.

"Fine-particle pollution represents one of the most significant barriers to clean air facing our nation today," Administrator Mike Leavitt said. "These new particulate health standards, coupled with our efforts to reduce power plant and diesel emissions, are important steps toward meeting our nation's commitment to clean, healthy air."

On June 28 and 29, EPA issued letters to states and tribes in response to their recommendations for attainment and nonattainment areas under the more protective national air quality standard for fine particles. Twenty-eight states were informed they are currently in attainment with the new standard. States with areas designated as nonattainment do not meet the new standard or contribute to pollution in a nearby area that does not meet the standards. EPA will issue final designations of counties attainment or nonattainment of the PM2.5 standard in November 2004, after states and tribes have had an opportunity to comment on the Agency’s proposals.

The fine particle standards were established in 1997, but litigation significantly slowed their implementation. In 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the standards and in 2002 all remaining legal challenges were cleared, allowing EPA to put these standards into effect. The implementation of these standards will prevent hundreds of thousands of occurrences of aggravated asthma and thousands of premature deaths every year. For more information on the fine particle standard, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/pmdesignations/.

The reduction of fine particle pollution is a critical element of the Bush Administration's comprehensive national clean air strategy. This strategy includes EPA's recent rule to reduce pollution from nonroad diesel engines, and the proposed rule to reduce pollution from power plants in the eastern U.S. These two rules are important components of EPA's efforts to help states and localities meet the more protective national fine-particle and 8-hour ozone air quality standards. Together these rules will help all areas of the country achieve cleaner air. For more information on these rules, visit: http://www.epa.gov/cleanair2004/.

EPA Clarifies Analysis on Interaction Between Ozone and Air Fresheners

Contact: Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-7819 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - June 29, 2004) – On May 15, EPA researchers with the National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) published the research study "Full-Scale Chamber Investigation and Simulation of Air Freshener Emissions in the Presence of Ozone" in Environmental Science & Technology journal. The purpose of this study was the collection of data related to the interaction of ozone with common household air fresheners.

Recent media reports have inaccurately presented the purpose and conclusions of this journal submission as a study related to the effects of commonly used household air fresheners on human health.

This study was not designed to investigate potential human health effects, nor should the data resulting from this study be used to do so. EPA has drawn no conclusions, through this study or otherwise, on any dangers to consumers through the use of these products.

EPA commonly tests household products to understand better factors contributing to indoor air quality. As outside air pollution also affects the composition of indoor air, some studies also investigate the interactions between these same products and ozone. The chamber study on air fresheners was one of these studies. The goal of the study was to determine the possible production of emissions from these products and investigate how substances emitted may interact with indoor air and ozone to impact overall indoor air quality.

The test conditions used to acquire the data in this study were designed to explore the interaction between several household products under various air quality conditions. As a result, the tests did not simulate normal consumer use of air freshener products. In fact, the tests were conducting in the presence of an ozone-generating air cleaner generating ozone levels averaging 65 parts-per-billion, levels that are not typical for indoor environments. EPA provides guidance on the use of ozone-generating air cleaners as they may contribute to ozone in the home and does not recommend such devices for consumer to remove indoor air contaminants from households. More information on the use of ozone generators in the home is available at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html.

2002 Toxics Release Inventory Released

Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-7819/ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

EPA issued its 15th annual Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) today, the annual report on the amount of toxic chemicals released into the environment by reporting facilities for calendar year 2002. Almost 25,000 facilities reported on nearly 650 chemicals. While the TRI Public Data Release will show that there was a 15 percent decrease in total disposal or other releases into the environment from 2001 to 2002, that decrease is largely attributable to a court decision that affected reporting by the metal mining sector. Without metal mining, there was a 5 percent increase from 2001 to 2002, primarily due to increases reported by one facility. Looking at the overall history of TRI, trends analysis shows chemical releases decreased 49 percent since the inception of TRI in 1988. EPA provides the American public with data on chemical emissions and releases in many formats from many different databases. TRI tracks the chemicals and industrial sectors specified by the Emergency Community Right to Know Act of 1986 and its amendments. EPA's efforts to improve TRI data quality and to make data publicly available sooner has been made possible by increased electronic reporting from the TRI community - a direct result of the advances in E-Government and called for in the President's Management Agenda. Over 23 percent of TRI reports this year were submitted electronically through EPA's Environmental Information Exchange Network, a substantial paper burden reduction for industry. The TRI data and background information are available to the public at http://www.epa.gov/tri. Communities can also quickly and easily identify local facilities and chemical releases by using the TRI explorer mapping tool, available at: http://www.epa.gov/triexplorer.

Data Show Small Percentage of Drinking Water Systems Exceed Lead Action Level

Contact: Cathy Milbourn 202-564-7824/milbourn.cathy@epa.gov

Since 2000, fewer than 4 percent of large- and medium-sized drinking water systems have exceeded EPA's lead action level, according to information gathered by the Agency and available online. The information represents lead monitoring conducted by 89 percent of the nation's large and medium drinking water systems. Together these systems serve more than 200 million people. In the United States, there are 834 large water systems, which serve more than 50,000 people, and 7,833 medium systems that serve 3,300 - 50,000 people. Under EPA regulations, drinking water utilities sample water for lead from a representative cross-section of customers. If customer tap samples from more than 10 percent of the homes served by a single system exceed the15 parts per billion (ppb) action level for lead, the utility must control corrosion, increase monitoring, educate the public and, in some cases, replace lead service lines. The data received to date show that 12 large and 73 medium systems exceeded the 15 ppb lead action level in monitoring periods concluded after 2003. Since 2000, 27 large and 237 medium systems have exceeded the action level in one or more monitoring periods. The data received to date show that fewer than 4 percent of water systems have exceeded the lead action level since 2000.

EPA is conducting a review of how the national primary drinking water regulation for lead is implemented nationwide in response to elevated levels of lead in Washington, D.C. drinking water. Part of this will be to determine if the problems found in the District reflect those happening nationally. There are approximately 53,000 community water systems in the United States. EPA is continuing to collect lead-monitoring information and will update its findings throughout the summer. A summary of the findings for large and medium systems and related data is available on EPA's Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lcrmr/implement.html.

Public Comment Sought for EPA Particulate Matter Research

Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-7819/ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

To improve monitoring and regulation of air pollutants, three draft chapters of the "Air Quality Criteria for Particulate Matter" (PM AQCD) were released by EPA today for public comment and review. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six principal or "criteria" pollutants, which include particulate matter (PM). Periodically, EPA reviews the scientific basis for these standards by preparing an Air Quality Criteria Document (AQCD). The AQCD is the scientific basis for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation decisions as to the adequacy of the current PM NAAQS and the appropriateness of new or revised standards for PM 2.5 (fine particles) or PM 10 (coarse particles). The draft PM AQCD Chapters 7 (Toxicology), 8 (Epidemiology), and 9 (Integrated Summary) incorporate revisions made in response to earlier external review of those chapters. On July 20 and 21, 2004, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC), an independent review committee and part of the EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB), will review these draft chapters at a public meeting. The draft chapters are available at:http://www.epa.gov/ncea under "What's New." CD-ROM and hard copies of the draft documents can also be obtained by contacting Diane Ray at 919-541-3637.

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New Five-Step ENERGY STAR Campaign Can Save Energy, Money, Environment

Average Home Can Cause More Greenhouse Gas Emissions than Average Car

John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - June 16, 2004) What few people realize is that the average home can cause more greenhouse gas emissions than the average car. EPA is calling on Americans to protect our environment by taking five steps in their own homes to improve energy efficiency. This new ENERGY STAR public awareness campaign is part of EPA's ongoing commitment to educate the public about the benefits of energy efficiency and preventing air pollution.

Public Service Announcements have been sent by EPA to media markets around the country. This multi-year campaign includes television, radio and print public service announcements (in both English and Spanish) that emphasize specific actions consumers can make in their homes to use energy efficiently.

The campaign is based on five simple things everyone can do in their home to make it more energy efficient:

1. Change five Lights. Replace your five most frequently used lights or the bulbs in them with ones that have the ENERGY STAR label from EPA.
2. Look for ENERGY STAR labeled Products. Available in more than 40 product categories, including lighting and home appliances.
3. Heat and cool smartly. Have your heating and cooling equipment serviced annually and remember to replace air filters regularly. Use a programmable thermostat, and when it's time to replace old equipment, choose an ENERGY STAR labeled model.
4. Seal up your home. Seal air leaks, add insulation and choose ENERGY STAR labeled windows.
5. Tell family and friends. We're asking you to help spread the word that energy efficiency is good for your home and the environment while reducing your monthly energy bills.

Last year alone, Americans, through the ENERGY STAR program, saved enough energy to power 20 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 18 million cars - all while saving $9 billion.

As part of his February 2002 National Energy Plan, President Bush called for increased public awareness of the ENERGY STAR program and its benefits to consumers and businesses. The President also called for the expansion of the program to provide the ENERGY STAR label to additional building types including grocery stores, hospitals and hotels.

EPA introduced ENERGY STAR in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce air pollution by giving consumers simple energy-efficient choices. Today, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR label is featured on more than 40 types of products as well as on new homes and buildings. More than 9,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information, call 1-888-STAR-YES. For more information and to see the Public Service Campaign, please visit: http://www.energystar.gov .

This issue will focus on the impact of prevention on the health of Medicare beneficiaries and health care expenditures now and into the future. We are seeking articles that describe interventions to reduce risk factors, such as physical inactivity, obesity, and tobacco use, and studies to promote cancer screening. Articles describing interventions to increase the use of Medicare preventive benefits in underserved populations are also of interest. Additionally, we are seeking articles describing the impact of prevention on Medicare costs and utilization and discussing innovative financing or delivery models that might be considered.

Submission Due Date: February 1, 2005

All manuscripts should be submitted electronically by the final submission date to: lwolf@cms.hhs.gov as well as two hard copies to: Linda F. Wolf, Editor-in-Chief, 7500 Security Boulevard, C3-24-07, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

If you have any questions you may contact the Editor-in-Chief at 410-786-6572, or by FAX at 410-786-6511.

You may obtain a copy of "Information for Authors and Electronic Submission Guidelines" at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/review/infoauth.pdf

U.S. Annouces Major Clean Water Act Settlement with Retail Giant Wal-Mart

$3.1 Million Penalty Is Largest for Storm Water Violations at
Construction Sites

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware and the states of Utah and Tennessee, today announced a Clean Water Act settlement for storm water violations at Wal-Mart store construction sites across the country. Under the terms of the agreement, Wal-Mart has agreed to pay a $3.1 million civil penalty and reduce storm water runoff at its sites by instituting better control measures, thereby setting an industry standard for developers and contractors.

In addition to being the nation’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart is one of the largest commercial developers in the country, building more than 200 stores each year across the United States under the brand names Wal-Mart Stores, Wal-Mart Supercenters, and Sam’s Clubs.

“Storm water requirements have been in place for a long time. Developers like Wal-Mart must share responsibility with their construction contractors to ensure compliance,” said Assistant Attorney General Thomas L. Sansonetti of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s settlement is a strong signal of this Administration's commitment to increased enforcement of our nation’s environmental laws and regulations.”

“Runoff from construction sites is a primary contributor to the impairment of water quality in the nation. EPA is vigorously enforcing federal regulations to help reduce this problem,” said Thomas V. Skinner, Acting Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “I want to commend Wal-Mart for negotiating a settlement that will be good for the environment and good for business.”

The complaint filed against Wal-Mart cited violations at 24 sites in nine states and included allegations of failure to obtain a permit before starting construction, failure to develop a plan to control polluted runoff from the construction site, failure to adequately install sediment and erosion controls on the sites and failure to self-inspect sites and prevent discharges of sediments to sensitive ecosystems. Reducing sediment-laden runoff from construction sites can be achieved with relatively simple measures, but requires both developers and contractors to be vigilant about compliance throughout the construction process.

Today’s settlement requires Wal-Mart to comply with storm water permitting requirements and ensures rigorous oversight of its 150 contractors at its construction sites across the country through an aggressive compliance program. Wal-Mart will be required to use qualified personnel to oversee construction, conduct training and frequent inspections, report to EPA and take quick corrective actions.

In addition to paying a $3.1 million civil penalty to the United States, Tennessee and Utah, Wal-Mart has agreed to spend $250,000 on an environmental project that will help protect sensitive wetlands or waterways in one of the affected states, which are California, Colorado, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

“Water quality is an important issue for all our nation's citizens,” said Colm F. Connolly, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware. “The U.S. Attorney's Office is pleased to have worked with the Environmental and Natural Resources Division and EPA in achieving the positive results that will flow from the agreement with Wal-Mart to the benefit of the people of Delaware and the nation as a whole.”

Today’s settlement is the second enforcement action resulting in a settlement with Wal-Mart for violations of the Clean Water Act. In 2001, Wal-Mart and several contractors entered into a settlement with the United States to address storm water violations at 17 sites in several states. That settlement included a civil penalty of $1 million and required Wal-Mart to develop a storm water training program for its contractors and to inspect and oversee storm water controls at construction sites. EPA subsequently determined through inspections that Wal-Mart had not achieved consistent compliance at construction sites.

The settlement was lodged today for a 30-day public comment period in the U.S. District Court for Delaware. It is available online at:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/cwa/walmart2.html.

Dave Ryan, 202-564-7827 / ryan.dave@epa.gov

Today, EPA released new, voluntary guidance to its Plug-In To eCycling partners, who will test its provisions to determine the most effective and practical methods for safely managing used electronic equipment. The Plug-In To eCycling partnership, formed in 2002, aims to increase the safe recycling of used electronic products by providing recognition and other incentives to partners. The new guidance, ”Plug-In To eCycling Guidelines for Materials Management,“spells out preferred waste management practices for used electronic products, and defines partner eligibility. Plug-In partners are manufacturers, retailers, government agencies, or nonprofit businesses that help in the collection, reuse, recycling, or refurbishing of old electronic equipment. These guidelines further encourage anyone who handles used electronic equipment to: (1) maximize reuse, refurbishment, and recycling rather than the option for disposal and incineration; (2) ensure that exported electronic products will be legitimately reused, recycled, or refurbished by receiving countries, and provide for special handling of export components which may contain potentially harmful substances and (3) make sure that facilities follow best management practices that are consistent with these guidelines. In addition to ensuring environmentally safe recycling of old electronics, this guidance aims to promote and maintain adequate markets for the reuse and recycling of electronic equipment. For more information, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/plugin/index.htm.

Earth Week: Your Chance to Recycle Old Electronics

EPA's "Plug-In To eCycling" campaign encourages Americans to reuse or recycle their old electronics at special collection events nationwide in celebration of Earth Week this week (Earth Day is Thursday, April 22). The campaign is a key component of EPA's Resource Conservation Challenge, a national effort to find flexible, yet more protective ways to conserve our valuable resources through waste reduction and energy recovery activities. Plug-In To eCycling, launched in January 2003, is a consumer electronics campaign that aims to increase the availability of safe electronic recycling. Through year-round partnerships with the private and public sectors, EPA hopes to focus greater national attention on electronics recycling options and give Americans more opportunities to safely, conveniently, and affordably recycle their old electronics. Plug-In To eCycling partners are hosting several upcoming Earth Week events: AT&T Wireless and Dell will co-sponsor a large collection event for electronics recycling Saturday, April 24 at the Rock Creek National Park in Washington, D.C.; Staples will host in-store collections of electronics at 31 locations in Portland, Ore. and Seattle from April 21-May 8; Lexmark is partnering with Envirocycle to host a free household electronics collection event at its Lexington, Ky. headquarters facility on April 22; and Sharp will host, in cooperation with Clark County, an electronics collection event at its site in Camas, Washington. Intel will co-sponsor collection events on April 24 in Phoenix; Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Hudson, Mass. Partners in local governments and community-based organizations will also host collection events where computers will be recycled or, in some cases, refurbished and donated to needy recipients.

$2.2 Million in Research Grants Awarded to Better Protect Health of Native Americans

To study the health effects of environmental contaminants on tribal populations, EPA announced $2.2 million in research partnership grants. These tribal-academic partnerships will focus on strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and other chemicals. Tribes may be at high risk for diseases because of environmental releases impacting their lands or due to their subsistence lifestyles or customs. Grants were awarded to: 1) Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Anchorage, Alaska for $449,000 to examine the content and preparation of traditional foods (seal, whale, walrus, sea bird eggs, berries) of the Siberian Yu'pik people, who show high serum levels of PCBs and pesticides; 2) Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Fla. for $437,399 to develop outreach tools and informational messages to reduce Alaskan Inupiats’ risk of hydrocarbon exposure from eating bowhead whales and bearded seals; 3) Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment, Inc., Hogansburg, N.Y. for $450,000 to examine the impacts of toxic substances on traditional cultural practices of the Haudenosaunee Nations; 4) Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore. for $449,970 to prepare regional scenarios that illustrate where tribes are exposed to environmental contaminants; and 5) Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Odanah, Wis. for $445,830 to reduce risks of exposure to methylmercury from subsistence fishing by the Wisconsin Anishinaabe tribe. The projects were funded through EPA’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) competitive grants program in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. More information about these grants is available at:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/
fuseaction/recipients.display/rfa_id/335

For more information on EPA’s STAR program, see: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/

The Power of Change: Protecting the Environment for the Next Generation Educational Kit for Older Adults

EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response will be releasing a free "Power of Change" educational kit, which provides older adults with important information about waste management and recycling. It is designed to help individuals as they make changes in their lifestyles or in their housing arrangements. The kit will be launched at the 2004 Joint Conference of the American Society on Aging/National Council on the Aging Conference April 14-17 in San Francisco. The kit will contain brochures on moving; disposal tips for home health care products; safe management recommendations for household hazardous waste;a guide to environmental community service; fact sheets on e-cycling and setting up a home office; "green" shopping, and "green" leisure activities. It will also contain a CD with more than 400 resources about waste. To order a "Power of Change" kit, which will be available shortly, please call 1-800-490-9198 (ask for Publication number 530-E-04-001) or visit www.epa.gov/epahome/publications.htm

Science Advisory Board Review of Draft Guidance for Assessing Risks from Early-life Exposure to Carcinogens

To continually review and refine EPA’s key scientific health risk assessment tools, the Science Advisory Board (SAB) has completed its review of the Agency’s “Draft Supplemental Guidance For Assessing Cancer Susceptibility From Early-Life Exposure To Carcinogens” (Supplemental Guidance). The SAB was established by Congress in 1978 to provide independent advice on scientific and technical information underlying Agency policies and regulations, and is comprised of outside experts from academia, industry, and environmental communities. EPA prepared the Supplemental Guidance to separately review the risks to children, as it is possible that in certain health areas children’s risks may be higher than those of adults. This review was conducted by a Review Panel composed of members of the SAB board, EPA’s Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel and EPA’s Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee. To read the report, go to: http://www.epa.gov/sab/ and click on “Recent Additions.”

Public Hearings Scheduled on Clean Air Proposals to Reduce Emissions of Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides and Mercury from Power Plants - Feb. 25 and 26

EPA will hold hearings in Chicago, Ill., Philadelphia, Penn., and Research Triangle Park, N.C. to provide additional opportunity for members of the public to participate in open comment periods on several proposals to achieve deep reductions in emissions of air pollutants from power plants. The hearings, to be held concurrently on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, will specifically solicit public comment on the proposed Utility Mercury Reductions and Interstate Air Quality Rules. EPA announced both proposed rules in Dec. 2003. The public hearings will be conducted at the following locations:

Where:

Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Ill. 60605
312-922-4400

Wyndham Philadelphia at Franklin Plaza
17th and Race Streets
Philadelphia, Pa.19103
215-448-2000

Holiday Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport
4810 Old Page Road
Research Triangle Park, N.C.
919-941-6000

When:

On Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Thursday, Feb. 26, each hearing will start at 8 a.m and continue into the evening to accommodate individuals who wish to comment.

Contact: John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

Voluntary Partnerships Lead to Waste Reduction and Recycling

This week, EPA released its first annual report on the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC), a major cross-agency initiative that identifies and uses innovative and flexible ways to conserve natural resources and energy. The report, entitled "The Resource Conservation Challenge: A Year of Progress," shows how federal and state governments, tribes and industry are achieving significant results in waste reduction and recycling. This report shows that the RCC is a true collaboration among diverse stakeholders that allows EPA to accomplish more in less time than years of regulatory development and litigation. The RCC, launched in 2002, focuses on nine subjects: construction and demolition debris; green buildings; electronics; hospitals; paper; industrial wastes; schools; targeted priority chemical reduction; and tires.

The RCC is working to: (1) prevent pollution and promote recycling and reuse of material; (2) reduce the use of toxic chemicals; and (3) conserve energy and materials. It is accomplishing these goals with partnerships and programs that save energy, reduce greenhouse gases, create jobs and grow the economy.

The Agency's long-established partnership, Wastewise, grew to over 1,300 members and new ones, such as the National Waste Minimization Partnership Program, the Coal Combustion Products Partnership, Plug-In to eCycling and the GreenScapes Alliance, grew from the ground up. The RCC report highlights the accomplishments of some of these partnerships, including: the Plug-In to eCycling safely recycled 26.4 million pounds of computers and other electronic equipment in 2003; the tire partnership is committed to reduce, recycle or otherwise recover 85 percent of newly generated scrap tires and to reduce the number of tires in existing stockpiles by 55 percent within four years; and in 2002, WasteWise partners collectively achieved a level of waste reduction equal to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2.4 million tons.

To learn more about the RCC or to see the annual report in its entirety, go to: http://www.epa.gov/rcc. Paper copies of The Resource Conservation Challenge: A Year of Progress (EPA530-R-04-001) and other RCC publications may be ordered online from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP). For on-line ordering, go to: http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/ordering.htm or call 1-800-490-9198 or 513- 489-8190.

NAS Report Outlines Air Quality Progress, Future Challenges

Recommending steps to steadily strengthen the nation's clean air program in the face of anticipated challenges, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has issued a report that provides an in-depth study of EPA's air quality management under the Clean Air Act. The report acknowledges the progress EPA has made in the implementation of the Act and the substantial air quality improvement since the early 1970s. In particular the report highlights the reductions that have resulted from the control of industrial facilities and cars and trucks, and the effectiveness of "cap and trade programs" in achieving emission reductions. The report makes a broad range of recommendations for improving the nations air quality system. Many of these recommendations reinforce the direction that EPA has been taking in recent years. For example, developing integrated multi-pollutant approaches to control pollutant emissions, and applying "cap and trade" programs to control air pollution. While the report provides a number of specific proposals for improving the air quality management system, the report points out that much of the system is good and warrants retaining. The NAS supports the gradual evolution of EPA's program and encourages ongoing air quality management activities. The Academy acknowledges that decisions to protect public health and welfare should continue despite scientific uncertainties. EPA intends to carefully evaluate the NAS recommendations as part of continuing efforts to improve the effectiveness of the nations air pollution program. The report is available online at: http://www.nationalacademies.org/environment/.

Public Comment Period Begins for Proposed Power Plant Regulations

On Jan. 30, EPA's proposed rules for reducing emissions from power plants will be published in the Federal Register. These rules would significantly reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and mercury from power plants. Publication in the Federal Register marks the beginning of a 60 day comment period. EPA will accept public comments on both the proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule and proposed Utility Mercury Reductions Rule. The public hearings will be held on Feb. 25-26, in Philadelphia, Pa.; Chicago, Ill. and Research Triangle Park, N.C. Details about each hearing location will be published shortly in the Federal Register. For further information about these proposed rules and the public hearings, go to: http://www.epa.gov/interstateairquality/ and http://www.epa.gov/mercury/ .

EPA Aging Initiative Listserv Invites More Participation

In a continuing effort to reach out to older adults and those who work on their behalf, EPA recently launched a new listserv for its Aging Initiative. Launched in 2002, the Aging Initiative will study the effects of environmental health hazards on older persons and examine the effect that a rapidly aging population will have on the environment. The listserv will provide information on projects, funding opportunities and events taking place related to the Aging Initiative. To subscribe to the Aging Initiative listserv list, go to: http://www.epa.gov/aging and follow the instructions. Earlier this year, EPA held public listening sessions across the country to get input for the National Agenda for the Environment and the Aging. The sessions were attended by close to 1,000 individuals, including Federal, state and local policy-makers, researchers, academics, health care providers, aging and community service providers as well as many older adults. One of the goals of the Aging Initiative is the development of a National Agenda, a draft of which will be released in early 2004.

Proposals requested for Particulate Matter Research

EPA is seeking research proposals to determine present and future sources of fine and coarse particulate matter (PM) in air, understand how sources vary geographically, and evaluate potential control strategies. The adverse health effects of PM include respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA has long regulated PM10 - - larger particles up to 10 micrometers wide -- as one of the six criteria air pollutants. In 1997, EPA added new standards for PM 2.5, fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in width. New engine and fuel diesel regulations to take effect in 2007 will further reduce PM emissions. EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt recently signed proposed regulations that will steeply cut sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in power plant emissions, two gases that contribute to PM formation. Six to seven awards will be made for a total of $3 million through EPA’s Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program. Research applications must be received by March 31, 2004. More information is available at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2004/2004_source_pm.html. To read the most recent air proposals, go to: http://www.epa.gov/interstateairquality.

Luke C. Hester 202-564-7818/hester.luke@epa.gov
Wanda Loving 202-564-7822/loving.wanda@epa.gov

EPA is extending the public comment period to Sept. 30 to encourage the public to submit more comments on the planned National Agenda for the Environment and the Aging. The Agenda is a significant component of the Aging Initiative launched in October 2002, to identify research gaps and to examine the potential environmental impact of the rapidly increasing population of the elderly. The National Agenda will lay out a strategy that combines research and educational programs to prevent environmental health hazards that affect the elderly. Comments received during the six "listening sessions" held earlier this spring around the country will be included with any further comments received before Sept. 30. Further information is available at: www.epa.gov/aging A notice in the Federal Register extending the comment period was published on May 20.

EPA Assistant Administrator for Water G. Tracy Mehan, III, announced the release of a video that documents the successful protection of water quality on Native American reservations.

“Our Water Our Future: Saving Our Tribal Life Force Together” shows the efforts of the Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation in Washington in developing water quality standards. Tribal elders and leaders and the directors and staffs of tribal environmental departments recount their experiences. The tribes took positive steps to protect present and future generations in adopting water quality standards for their reservations. EPA approved the Pueblo of Acoma’s water quality standards in 2001 and those of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation in 1997. Segments of the video can be viewed online at: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience. Tribal-adopted and EPA-approved water quality standards for these two tribes (and for other authorized tribes) are available online at: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/wqslibrary/tribes.html. EPA is distributing copies of the video to all federally recognized Indian tribes. Copies are also available by contacting Eleanor Jackson at 202-566-0052 or jackson.eleanor@epa.gov