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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recorded audio versions of news announcements to provide this information in a broadcast format. To listen to an audio file, just click the file name. To download to your computer, right-click on the name and select Save... or Save Target As....

Audio File Index

October 2008

September 2008

August 2008

July 2008

June 2008

May 2008

April 2008

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October 2008

NMED among winners of first EPA environmental justice awards (1:56 sec, 1.78MB, MP3)

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is one of 12 winners of the first annual Environmental Justice (EJ) Achievement Awards announced today by the Environmental Protection Agency. The awards recognize organizations for their distinguished accomplishments in addressing environmental justice issues, ranging from reducing children’s pesticide exposure in childcare facilities to helping hurricane-displaced communities address environmental contamination so they could return home.

“EPA commends NMED and its fellow award recipients for their leadership in the field of environmental justice,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “These organizations are making a positive impact in their communities by promoting a clean and healthy environment for all people.”

Award recipients include representatives from community-based organizations; academic institutions; state and local governments; tribal governments and indigenous organizations; and non-governmental organizations and environmental groups. NMED began its environmental justice program by seeking public input about the nature and extent of environmental justice in New Mexico.  The agency later convened an Environmental Justice Planning Committee comprised of representatives of local government, American Indian tribes, industry, and grassroots and community organizations.  As a result of NMED’s environmental justice outreach, collaboration and planning, the State implemented permitting reforms, new training programs, and improved public notification, comment, and participation.  Major milestones of NMED’s efforts included the creation of the Environmental Justice Policy Committee, the Environmental Justice Task Force, and the New Mexico Environmental Justice Executive Order signed by the governor on November 18, 2005.

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Dillard University among winners of first environmental justice awards (1:30 sec, 1.37MB, MP3)

Dillard University and the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice is one of 12 winners of the first annual Environmental Justice (EJ) Achievement Awards announced today by the Environmental Protection Agency. The awards recognize organizations for their distinguished accomplishments in addressing environmental justice issues, ranging from reducing children’s pesticide exposure in childcare facilities to helping hurricane-displaced communities address environmental contamination so they could return home.

“EPA commends the Deep South Center and its fellow award recipients for their leadership in the field of environmental justice,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “These organizations are making a positive impact in their communities by promoting a clean and healthy environment for all people.”

Award recipients include representatives from community-based organizations; academic institutions; state and local governments; tribal governments and indigenous organizations; and non-governmental organizations and environmental groups. Since Hurricane Katrina, the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University has focused much of its work on the research, policy, and community outreach needs of the displaced minority population of New Orleans.  The center has been engaged in job training and placement related to environmental cleanups, with a focus on training displaced New Orleans residents.  As a result, the center has mobilized minority residents and minority contractors to participate in the cleanup and rebuilding of New Orleans.

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EPA Awards $110,000 to the Shawnee Tribe for General Assistance (:21, 340 K, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma $110,000 to strengthen the tribe’s capacity to protect and improve the environment and public health of the tribe. The project will involve specific program activities such as obtaining environmentally related training, recycling education, and performing community outreach.

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EPA Awards $130,000 to the Kaw Nation for Environmental Protection (:22 sec., 346 K, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Kaw Nation in Oklahoma a $130,000 grant to continue developing the capacity to manage its core program for environmental protection. Activities under this grant include updating environmental codes, performing community outreach and cleaning up three illegal dump sites.

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EPA Awards $100,000 to the Inter-Tribal Environmental Council (:23 sec., 362 KB, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $100,000 to the Inter-Tribal Environmental Council for continued development of tribal underground storage tank (UST) programs. The funds will provide compliance and remediation assistance for UST activities at all Inter-Tribal Environmental Council member tribes and tribes in Oklahoma, including outreach and training.

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EPA Awards Nearly $2 Million to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (:38 sec., 597 K, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded two grants to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) totaling $1,838,819 for leaking underground storage tank compliance and corrective action. OCC will get $589,037 for use towards the state’s continued implementation of the underground storage tank program as required by the 1984 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. For corrective action, $1,249,782 will be allocated towards investigations, emergency response, remediation and risk assessment.

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Rio Grande Electric Cooperative partners with EPA (2:28 min., 2.26 MB, MP3)

Power provider to offer drop-off locations for recycling of compact fluorescent bulbs

The Environmental Protection Agency is partnering with the Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC) to reduce pollution from compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

As a member of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP), the cooperative will provide drop-off locations at its headquarters and regional offices for recycling CFLs, which contain a small amount of mercury that if improperly disposed of can present a hazard to the environment.

"Protecting public health and the environment is a team effort,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “EPA is honored to have the Rio Grande Electric Cooperative join us and our other partners in preventing pollution and creating healthier communities.”

The NPEP program works with 175 partners across the country to promote the voluntary reduction of 31 priority chemicals. NPEP members include both public and private organizations that identify activities that will reduce the use of these chemicals, preventing their ability to accumulate in the environment and cause harm to humans and the ecosystem. In addition, the Mercury Challenge is a specially focused program within NPEP that promotes the voluntary, systematic elimination of mercury-containing equipment.

RGEC is a customer-owned electric cooperative headquartered in Brackettville, Texas, that provides electric energy to residents of South and West Texas and southern New Mexico. With service to 20 counties, RGEC provides power over a larger service area than any other cooperative in the contiguous United States. However, much of their service area is rural, where access to CFL recycling centers can be difficult for many residents. With their partnership with EPA, RGEC hopes to further promote the power-saving benefits of CFLs while also providing environmentally responsible disposal locations to their customers.

“Rio Grande Electric Co-op strives to promote sustainable rural development, and, especially in these tenuous economic times, responsible energy usage,” said RGEC’s General Manager/CEO Dan Laws. “To this end, the Co-op recommends the use of compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. We would be remiss, however, if we were to succeed in saving energy and carbon emissions through the use of CFLs, without providing responsible disposal outlets. The territory we serve is diverse, rugged, and, for the most part, uniquely pristine. We are pleased to join with EPA in promoting this partnership, and encourage others to do likewise to preserve our natural resources.”

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San Benito completes model solar project (1:35 min., 1.45 MB, MP3)

System to show potential of renewable energy along US-Mexico border.

The City of San Benito, Texas, marked the completion of a $325,000 solar-powered array for its new water treatment plant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the facility. Funding for the photovoltaic system came from the Environmental Protection Agency through a grant to the Texas General Land Office and its Renewable Energy Program.

“Solar power pays off,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “These types of projects cut energy costs, save demand on the electricity grid, and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases going into the environment.”

The San Benito plant will filter up to six million gallons of water a day, with the photovoltaic system providing about 10 percent of the power used to filter water at the plant. The 45 kilowatt project is the largest of its kind on the Texas-Mexico border, and officials hope it will inspire more solar-powered projects throughout the border region.

EPA works with the Border Environment Cooperation Commission and the North American Development Bank to fund sustainable infrastructure projects along the U.S.-Mexico border. Interest in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, continues to grow as more communities attempt to balance the need to cut pollution and greenhouse gases with increased demands and costs for energy. Both the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy make it attractive and practical for areas with sunny climates. Officials hope to use the San Benito facility to showcase the potential of solar power as a viable energy source.

Additional information on EPA’s renewable energy programs is available at http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/

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September 2008

Partnership Promotes Environmental Careers to American Indians (2:03 min, 1.87Mb, MP3)

A diverse workforce with increased ability to meet future needs is the goal of an agreement signed today by the Environmental Protection Agency, Haskell Indian Nations University, and the University of North Texas (UNT).

EPA and the two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pledging to work together on programs that support American Indian students pursuing careers in environmental fields. The agreement was signed by EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene, Haskell President Dr. Linda Sue Warner, and UNT President Dr. Gretchen M. Bataille.

“EPA recognizes the importance of working with colleges and universities to spur interest in environmental careers,” Greene said.  “The students of today are the environmental stewards of tomorrow. With today’s agreement, we are helping ensure our health and the environment will be in good hands.”

Under the agreement, EPA will work with the universities to establish a direct track for Haskell graduates to continue environmental studies at UNT. The agreement also focuses on student employment and volunteer programs, research participation, lectures and seminars on environmental issues, and community outreach.

EPA has partnered with several academic institutions to address the shortage of students pursuing degrees in environmental sciences and to encourage the development of a diverse workforce. The purpose of today’s MOU is to reinforce the working relationship between Haskell, UNT and EPA in support of educational, research, and outreach activities with the American Indian community. It will also assist EPA in its mission of protecting human health and the environment by increasing the number of professionals in the fields of environmental research, policy and program development.

The agreement is one of many initiatives organized by EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs, which exists to enhance relationships with environmental justice communities and American Indian Nations. 

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Meeting highlights US-Mexico efforts to ‘green’ border (1:11 min, 2.71 Mb, MP3)

Officials from the United States and Mexico will meet to discuss environmental issues along the border, recognize environmental accomplishments to date, and commemorate the 25th anniversary of the La Paz Agreement on September 3 through 5 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

The fifth Border 2012 National Coordinators Meeting will be hosted by Mexico’s Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and participation of the 10 border states, county and local governments, representatives from U.S. tribes and Mexico indigenous communities, and a broad array of non-governmental organizations.

“As neighbors and partners, we continue to work together to create solutions for the environmental issues of our shared border,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “Our efforts have led to significant progress in improving the environment and quality of life for the people of the region, and we look forward to even greater successes in the future.”

Border 2012 supports projects that reduce air pollution, provide safe drinking water, and improve emergency preparedness, among others.  The program is the current embodiment of the environmental partnership that began between the United States and Mexico in 1983 with the signing of the La Paz Agreement. 

Under La Paz, the United States and Mexico agreed to protect, conserve and improve the environment of the border region.  The agreement created a framework for the two governments to resolve environmental issues along the border and led to the creation of the Border XXI initiative.  Border XXI was the predecessor of the Border 2012 program.

Since its start in 2003, the Border 2012 program has worked with its partners on a broad range of pollution prevention efforts in the region. Recent program successes include:

To strengthen collaborative relationships along the border even further, SEMARNAT Secretary Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada will join EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson in signing the revised U.S.-Mexico Joint Contingency Plan during the meeting.  EPA has formed several strategic partnerships over the past two years to strengthen emergency preparedness in the region. 

These partnerships include tribal nations, the Border Governors Emergency Management Worktable, and the U.S. Northern Command.  With these partnerships, EPA is achieving the key Border 2012 objective of providing certified, standardized capacity building to border first responders.

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August 2008

Oklahoma tribe receives EPA grant for environmental management (:22 sec, 246 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $130,000 to the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma to provide continuing support to manage environmental programs. The projects will include developing programs for recycling, identifying drinking water sources, and demonstrating alternative uses for recycled material.

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EPA Awards Over $500,000 to New Mexico Environment Department for Public Water System Supervision (:28 sec, 448 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $553,500 to the New Mexico Environment Department to continue its Public Water System Supervision program to enforce the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and ensure that water systems comply with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The New Mexico Environment Department also ensures that public water systems meet drinking water requirements.

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Air Quality Information In Your In-box: Louisiana Joins EnviroFlash (:57 sec, 891Kb, MP3)

Residents of Louisiana’s three largest cities can get air quality information in a flash through a free service provided by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency.

EnviroFlash sends air quality information, such as forecasts and action day notifications, to subscribers via e-mail and is now available for Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport.

Based on Air Quality Index forecasts, EnviroFlash messages let subscribers know when air quality is good – or when it’s time to take steps to reduce their exposure to pollution. Subscribers can choose to get forecasts every day or only when air quality is poor.

More than 190 cities in 34 states currently use the service through EPA partnerships with state and local governments. In Louisiana, EnviroFlash messages and ozone air quality forecasts are provided by LDEQ.

Residents can sign up for EnviroFlash by visiting http://www.enviroflash.info/ and entering their name, e-mail address and zip code.

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EPA awards TCEQ $310,000 to conduct air monitoring (:33 sec., 523Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $310,000 to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in a cooperative agreement to participate in a national air toxics monitoring trends network. The funding will support TCEQ operation and maintenance of air monitoring sites in Karnack and Deer Park, Texas, as part of an ongoing effort to determine national urban and rural trends in air toxics concentrations.

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Workshop to provide information on chat sales (1:03 min., 999Kb, MP3)

Chat owners and buyers can learn more about buying, selling and using chat from the Tar Creek area at a workshop scheduled for August 19, from 5-8 p.m. at the Miami Convention Center, in Miami, Oklahoma.

The intent of the workshop is to ensure chat sales from the Tar Creek Superfund site continue and comply with the federal Chat Rule. Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior and the Quapaw Tribe will present information at the workshop. 

EPA has established that chat from the Tar Creek area can be used safely as an aggregate in asphalt and cement road surfaces. Chat also has beneficial uses in non-transportation, non-residential concrete and cement projects, such as commercial foundations, side walks, and parking areas. Chat sales are a significant part of EPA cleanup plans for Tar Creek. Ottawa County, Oklahoma, contains more than 50 million tons of chat.

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EPA Awards $200,000 to the Camden Port Authority (:29 sec., 454Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $200,000 brownfields cleanup grant to the Camden Port Authority in Camden, Arkansas. Grant funds will be used to clean up the Moore/Buck site at 739 Adams Avenue, which is contaminated with benzene, toluene and other petroleum products. The site was formerly used as a stave mill and an auto repair center. Grant funds will also be used for cleanup planning and to remove and dispose of underground storage tanks.

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Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality awarded more than $13 million for water improvement projects (:29 sec., 457 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $13,151,000 in federal funds to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality to improve public water systems. The funds awarded to the agency will allow the State of Oklahoma to continue implementing a revolving fund that will provide loan assistance to community drinking water systems for infrastructure projects.

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Absentee Shawnee Tribe awarded $200,000 for EPA Brownfields job training (:33 sec., 530Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $200,000 to the Oklahoma Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians in a cooperative agreement to assist, develop, and implement Brownfields job training. In accordance with the Brownsfields Revitalization Act of 2002 and EPA Brownfields Program National Guidance, EPA personnel will work closely with tribal members to monitor and ensure a successful training process on a variety of environmental issues.

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EPA orders Ray Hoffman, Jr. Dairy to cease and desist unauthorized discharges (1:34 min., 144Mb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a cease and desist administrative order to Ray Hoffman, Jr. Dairy in Windthorst, Texas, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

The dairy, an unpermitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, is located about five miles west of Windthorst, off Highway 25, about one-half mile south on Munchrath Road, in Archer County, Texas. 

The facility has been ordered to immediately stop all discharges of pollutants from its lagoon to waters of the United States. The dairy has been given 45 days to provide to EPA documentation that the facility has adequate lagoon capacity to contain all waste and process-generated wastewater plus storm water runoff during a 25-year, 24-hour storm event. 

The facility has also been given 45 days to develop and implement a pollution prevention plan that will include procedures for the proper utilization of nutrients generated by the dairy, proper disposal of dead animals and the proper maintenance of records, especially records documenting wastewater levels in the lagoon to minimize lagoon overflows.

In April 2008, EPA inspected the facility and determined that it did not have CAFO permit coverage. The inspection also revealed an unauthorized discharge from the dairy that entered an unnamed creek that traveled about one mile before entering Little Onion Creek. Little Onion Creek flows about three miles before it enters Onion Creek, which discharges into the Little Wichita River. The Little Wichita River flows about seven-and-one-half miles before discharging into Lake Arrowhead.

Based on these findings, the owner and operator of the dairy has been ordered to immediately take action to bring the facility into compliance with the Clean Water Act.

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EPA orders Mark Allen and Vernon Feeders to stop discharge of pollutants (1:29 min., 136Mb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a cease and desist administrative order to Mark Allen and Vernon Feeders in Vernon, Texas, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

The cattle feeding operation, a non-permitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), is located in Vernon, off Highway 287, in Wilbarger County, Texas. The facility has been ordered to immediately stop all discharges of pollutants in storm water runoff from its animal confinement areas to Paradise Creek. 

The cattle feeding operation has been given 45 days to provide to EPA documentation that it has adequate capacity to contain all waste and process-generated wastewater plus storm water generated during a 25-year, 24-hour storm event. The facility has also been given 45 days to develop and implement a pollution prevention plan that includes procedures specifically designed to minimize the discharge of pollutants from its animal confinement areas.

In June 2008, EPA conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility. The inspection revealed that this facility is not properly designed, constructed, and operated to contain all waste and process-generated wastewater plus storm water runoff. The inspection also revealed an unauthorized discharge to Paradise Creek, a tributary of the Pease River. Paradise Creek flows about half-a-mile before it discharges to Pease River, which eventually discharges to the Red River.

Based on these findings, the owner and operator of the cattle feeding operation has been ordered to immediately take action to bring the facility into compliance with the Clean Water Act. 

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EPA awards $100,000 to LDEQ for Water Quality Management Planning (:35 sec., 548 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $100,000 to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to provide assistance to the State of Louisiana with water quality management planning activities in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. These funds are awarded under the authority of Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act. The funding will assist the State with measures for maintaining water quality standards and determining the cause of water quality problems through the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The State will also update and revise existing TMDL models.

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Alamo Area COG receives EPA Ggant to improve local Independent School Districts (:47 sec., 735 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $157,259 to the San Antonio-based Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) to improve ambient air quality in four local independent school districts.  Edgewood ISD, Hunt ISD, Boerne ISD, and Harlandale ISD will participate in a project intended to reduce harmful air emissions from a fleet of older model school buses.  The project consists of two emission-reducing activities for these buses which include incorporating retrofitting technologies and replacing existing diesel operated buses. With support from the EPA, the council is committed to reducing diesel exhaust emissions to protect the health of school-aged children, educating the general public on environmental issues, and conducting outreach programs.

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July 2008

EPA Orders Mark Allen and Vernon Feeders to Stop Discharge of Pollutants (1:29 min., 1.36 MB, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a cease and desist administrative order to Mark Allen and Vernon Feeders in Vernon, Texas, for violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

The cattle feeding operation, a non-permitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), is located in Vernon, off Highway 287, in Wilbarger County, Texas. The facility has been ordered to immediately stop all discharges of pollutants in storm water runoff from its animal confinement areas to Paradise Creek. The cattle feeding operation has been given 45 days to provide to EPA documentation that it has adequate capacity to contain all waste and process-generated wastewater plus storm water generated during a 25-year, 24-hour storm event. The facility has also been given 45 days to develop and implement a pollution prevention plan that includes procedures specifically designed to minimize the discharge of pollutants from its animal confinement areas.

In June 2008, EPA conducted an unannounced inspection of the facility.  he inspection revealed that this facility is not properly designed, constructed, and operated to contain all waste and process-generated wastewater plus storm water runoff. The inspection also revealed an unauthorized discharge to Paradise Creek, a tributary of the Pease River. Paradise Creek flows about half-a-mile before it discharges to Pease River, which eventually discharges to the Red River.

Based on these findings, the owner and operator of the cattle feeding operation has been ordered to immediately take action to bring the facility into compliance with the Clean Water Act.

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Texas builders working to prevent storm water pollution (2:14 min., 2.05Mb, MP3)
Association signs first-of-its-kind agreement in nation with EPA and TCEQ

Keeping Texas waterways free of storm water pollution is the goal behind an agreement signed today by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Environmental Protection Agency.

The agreement is a national first and commits Texas home building companies to work together with the state and federal agencies to take steps to prevent storm water pollution.

“Small changes in the way builders do business can make a big difference when it comes to keeping pollution out of storm water,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “This project is another great example of how innovative partnerships between EPA, states, and businesses can lead to better ways to protect one of our most valuable liquid assets.”

Under the agreement, the three partners will work together on a pilot program to more fully educate, inform, and assist home builders with meeting federal and state storm water regulations.
Building new homes requires moving a lot of dirt, often tons.  When it rains, dirt and other pollutants from construction sites can get swept into storm drains.  This runoff generally flows untreated to the nearest waterway, which can lead to water quality problems and harm to fish and plants.  Education and assistance with storm water controls can help home builders reduce storm water pollution.

“It is gratifying to see government and industry working together voluntarily to protect the environment,” said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia.  “This agreement will mean better compliance, and that means better protection of our precious water resources.”

Today’s agreement is expected to be another successful collaboration between the three agencies. Previously, more than 1,300 Texas builders received storm water compliance training through initiatives developed by TAB, TCEQ and EPA in 2005 and 2007.  TAB members that complete training and a self-assessment checklist will be able to display the “Storm Water Self-Certified” sticker on construction permits as part of the agreement.  Sites that display the certification sticker would be a lower priority for routine inspections.

“Our membership has worked diligently to comply with state and federal storm water regulations, and we are honored that our successful training partnership with the EPA and TCEQ has resulted in this historic agreement,” said Ron Connally, Texas Association of Builders first vice president.  “TAB is committed to providing continuing education to Texas builders to help further reduce storm water runoff and protect the environment.”

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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Receives $480,000 for River and Stream Analysis (:37 sec., 588 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $480,000 to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to perform a survey of Texas’ rivers and streams as part of a comprehensive national survey. Functioning as a follow-up to the 2004 Wadeable Streams Assessment, the analysis will allow TCEQ to manage water quality by assessing river and stream conditions, building state capacity for monitoring and assessment, and promoting collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries. Working with EPA, TCEQ’s analysis will also help establish a national baseline for future environmental evaluations.

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EPA Awards More Than $20 Million to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources for Whiskey Island Restoration (:52 sec., 819 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $20,678,580 to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) to restore and protect the marshes at Whiskey Island in Terrebonne Parish. The Whiskey Island Back Barrier Marsh Creation, TE-50 project will serve several functions including the creation of a back barrier platform on which the island can migrate approximately 300 acres of coastal habitat, a minimum of three one-acre tidal ponds, 5,800 feet of tidal creeks, approximately 13,000 feet of dune, and vegetation of the completed project with smooth cordgrass.  Under the guidelines of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act and in partnership with EPA Region 6, LDNR will implement projects that create, protect, restore and enhance wetlands in coastal Louisiana.

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EPA Awards More Than $21 Million to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (:42 sec., 669 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $21,375,446 to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) to implement a project to restore and protect Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.  The goal of the Mississippi River Sediment Delivery System project is to rebuild 493 acres of emergent marsh and help demonstrate the feasibility of using Mississippi River sediment as a resource in the restoration of marsh communities and transporting the sediment by pipeline. Under the guidelines of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act and in partnership with EPA Region 6, LDNR will implement projects that create, protect, restore and enhance wetlands in coastal Louisiana.

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EPA Awards More Than $370,000 to the Texas General Land Office (:44 sec., 687 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $379,140 to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to monitor enterococcus bacteria levels in waters along the Texas Coast.  Enterococcus bacteria, which thrive in waters contaminated by storm or sewage runoff, will be monitored by GLO’s Texas Beach Watch program.  Utilizing grants appropriated by Congress in the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act of 2000, the Texas Beach Watch program will work in conjunction with EPA to monitor pathogen indicators at all high use beaches in the state. The program will also be required to notify the public in the event these pathogen indicators are in excess of EPA recommended criteria.

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EPA and LDEQ Celebrate Cleanup of Ruston Foundry Superfund Site (1:35 min., 1.45Mb, MP3)

Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) will join local public officials and members of the community today to celebrate the completion of the cleanup at the Ruston Foundry Superfund site in Alexandria, Louisiana.

EPA and LDEQ have completed cleanup activities at the site and determined that no further cleanup action is needed to protect public health and the environment.

Getting property back into productive use is one of our highest priorities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “Encouraging redevelopment, strengthening communities and energizing growth creates a proud legacy for everyone."

The Ruston Foundry site was an abandoned metal foundry that operated from 1908 until 1985 and is located in an urban area with mixed development within the city limits of Alexandria.  Initial site operations began with clearing activities to open up the area for cleanup. Cleanup consisted of the demolition of old site buildings and foundations, as well as the removal of an underground storage tank and closure of onsite wells. Additional cleanup included the removal of asbestos-containing material and contaminated soil.

“This is a monumental occasion,” said DEQ Secretary Harold Leggett, Ph.D. “A one-time Superfund site that is now available to be put back into commerce.  This is a great day for the state’s environment and for the business community of Alexandria. The completion of such a large project is an example of local, state and federal agencies teaming up to work for the betterment of the state.”

Now that the site has been cleaned for industrial use, Alexandria and the community may move forward with plans for redevelopment of the site and surrounding areas.

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EPA Awards Brownfields Grant to City of Alexandria (1:28 min., 1.34 Mb, MP3)
City of Alexandria to Receive $200,000 to Support Revitalization Efforts

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, with a $200,000 ceremonial check for a community-wide Brownfields Hazardous Substances Assessment Grant. Funds from this grant will be used to set up a geographic information system inventory of sites in Alexandria, conduct environmental site assessments and support community outreach activities.

“EPA continues to use the brownfields program to stimulate environmental and economic success in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “This program is a great example of how federal and local groups can work together to turn contaminated properties into viable developments.”

Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties with redevelopment potential that suffer from known or perceived environmental contamination.

Since its beginning in 1995, EPA’s brownfields program has grown into a proven, results-oriented program that has changed the way contaminated property is perceived, addressed and managed. EPA’s brownfields program is designed to empower states, communities and others involved in economic redevelopment to work together to assess, clean up and reuse brownfields. EPA’s brownfields program encourages redevelopment of America’s estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites.  Nationally, brownfields assistance has attracted more than $11.3 billion in private investment, helped create more than 48,000 jobs and resulted in the assessment and cleanup of nearly 12,000 properties.

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EPA Awards Over $600,000 to the City of Houston for Air Toxics Monitoring Project (1:12 min., 1.1 Mb. MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $643,112 to the City of Houston for measurement and analysis of volatile organic compound (VOC) air toxics emissions in the Houston Ship Channel area using DIAL (Differenntial Absorption LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)) technology.

DIAL uses laser light in conjunction with the unique chemical properties of ambient air pollutants to identify and quantify specific VOC concentrations through large air masses with a working range of over one kilometer. DIAL has the ability to identify and measure multiple air contaminants in a single measurement.

DIAL sampling is expected to take place from January to April 2009, with a final project report expected in June 2009. The results of the DIAL measurements will be used to identify previously unknown or underestimated emissions sources, validate emissions estimates and help prioritize potential emissions reduction opportunities.

EPA had previously awarded a $500,000 grant to Houston for a mobile ambient air monitoring laboratory which is currently in use. The grant for the DIAL project further demonstrates EPA';s support for data which Houston area stakeholders can consider in making decisions to achieve improved local air quality.

Additional information on EPA grants at http://www.epa.gov/region6/gandf/index.htm
More about activities in EPA Region 6 at /www.epa.gov/region6">http://www.epa.gov/region6

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EPA Awards $100,000 to Texas A&M for Environmental Studies (:36 sec., 575 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $100,000 to the Texas A&M College of Agriculture Life and Sciences to develop a database and real-time monitoring system in an attempt to control the cotton bollworm. The web-based, information delivery system will monitor and analyze the effectiveness of a pyrethroid insecticide when used on the cotton bollworm.  Pyrethroid insecticides function as a toxin which paralyzes the insect.  The project will allow landowners to decide if incorporating pyrethroid insecticides is beneficial to controlling these insects while protecting the environment.

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Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Air Plan (:20 sec., 327 Kb, MP3)

Today EPA announced its proposed approval of the Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan. Combined with reductions from previous plans, this plan will improve the area's air quality by 55 percent over 1999 levels by reducing ozone pollution by a total of 409 tons per day. Dallas-Fort Worth's plan is the nation's first to gain proposed approval and meet the 8-hour federal health-based standards for ozone by 2010.

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Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan first in country proposed for EPA approval (3:23 min., 3.1 Mb, MP3)

Additional 40 tons of pollution cuts move plan across goal line.

EPA gathered local and state partners to announce its proposed approval of the Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan today. Also, EPA announced that the area achieved the previous 1-hour ozone standard through the success of earlier plans.

Under the proposed plan, ozone forming pollutants will be reduced by 88 tons per day – about 40 tons more than the plan had first proposed.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Chairman Buddy Garcia and Regional Administrator Richard Greene joined with community leaders and businesses within the nine county non-attainment area to strengthen the original plan.

The clean air plan will improve air quality by more than 55% over 1999 levels. The plan in combination with previous plans is resulting in a total of 409 tons per day of ozone pollution reduction. Dallas-Fort Worth is the first community with a clean air plan that has been proposed for approval that meets the 8-hour federal health-based standard for ozone by 2010. The plan could not have come about without the all-out efforts of local and state partners.

Of note is the North Texas effort to capture more dollars from the popular Texas Emission Reduction Plan, known as TERP, last spring. In the last six months, the DFW area beat out all other areas, two to one, with a record setting $84 million in applications from the $110 million grant budget. Another funding opportunity is planned for this fall and North Texas is well positioned to repeat its success. As much as 14 tons per day of pollution could be cut through the replacement and retrofit of old diesel engines.

AirCheckTexas brought another $21 million to North Texas to repair and replace older vehicles which typically produce more emissions than newer models. This fall, another $21 million will be available to the DFW area from AirCheckTexas.

AirCheckTexas sponsors Senator Kip Averitt and Representative Dennis Bonnen knew the program would work. North Texas' success will help guarantee this program is available in the upcoming years.

Working with the NCTCOG, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and Love Field joined the campaign for clean air by refining estimates of their operations' pollution emissions. New accurate information allowed EPA and Texas air quality modeling experts to certify pollution reductions totaling almost 10 tons per day.

North Texas is also leading the nation to reduce pollution from power plants in the nine county non-attainment area. All are subject to the strictest air pollution controls required for either commercial or municipal power plants in the country. Texas also committed to restrict the amount of pollution credits, technically referred to as Discrete Emission Reduction Credits or DERCs, cutting pollution by 17 tons a day.

New regulations on back-up generators used by business and industry provided for some air quality improvements, about one ton per day. Other measures improved information used by EPA modeling experts in evaluating the plan. Better inventories of gas compressors showed their wide-spread use and resulted in an increase of three tons per day. New regulations adopted to control emissions from gas compressor engines will further improve air quality in the region.

The Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan, referred to as the State Implementation Plan (SIP), will be published in the Federal Register for public review and comment. EPA will consider all relevant information submitted during the 30-day comment period and may modify its decision to approve the plan based on new information.

EPA';s proposed approval is conditional. Texas must finalize regulations to formally reduce the amount of discrete emission credits available in the nine county non-attainment area.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area currently does not meet the federal air quality standard for ozone, which is a harmful air pollutant. Ozone forms when emissions from sources such as vehicles and industry mix with sunlight. On-road and off-road vehicles and equipment make up about 70 percent of the ozone sources in the DFW area.

The AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine Program is designed to help car owners comply with ozone emissions standards. It targets the highest polluting vehicles by offering financial incentives to repair or remove them from roadways, and allows citizens to contribute to the regional air quality solution.

The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) provides financial assistance to offset the incremental costs associated with reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from heavy-duty diesel engines. NOx are one of the primary components of ground-level ozone, or smog. TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines and is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

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June 2008

EPA Awards Over $600,000 to the City of Houston for Air Toxics Monitoring Project (1:12 min., 1.1 Mb. MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $643,112 to the City of Houston for measurement and analysis of volatile organic compound (VOC) air toxics emissions in the Houston Ship Channel area using DIAL (Differenntial Absorption LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)) technology. DIAL uses laser light in conjunction with the unique chemical properties of ambient air pollutants to identify and quantify specific VOC concentrations through large air masses with a working range of over one kilometer. DIAL has the ability to identify and measure multiple air contaminants in a single measurement. DIAL sampling is expected to take place from January to April 2009, with a final project report expected in June 2009. The results of the DIAL measurements will be used to identify previously unknown or underestimated emissions sources, validate emissions estimates and help prioritize potential emissions reduction opportunities.  EPA had previously awarded a $500,000 grant to Houston for a mobile ambient air monitoring laboratory which is currently in use.  The grant for the DIAL project further demonstrates EPA’s support for data which Houston area stakeholders can consider in making decisions to achieve improved local air quality.

Additional information on EPA grants:  http://www.epa.gov/region6/gandf/index.htm

More about activities in EPA Region 6:  http://www.epa.gov/region6

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Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Air Plan (:20 sec., 327 Kb, MP3)

Today EPA announced its proposed approval of the Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan. Combined with reductions from previous plans, this plan will improve the area’s air quality by 55 percent over 1999 levels by reducing ozone pollution by a total of 409 tons per day. Dallas-Fort Worth’s plan is the nation’s first to gain proposed approval and meet the 8-hour federal health-based standards for ozone by 2010.

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Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan first in country proposed for EPA approval (3:23 min., 3.1 Mb, MP3)

Additional 40 tons of pollution cuts move plan across goal line

EPA gathered local and state partners to announce its proposed approval of the Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan today. Also, EPA announced that the area achieved the previous 1-hour ozone standard through the success of earlier plans.

Under the proposed plan, ozone forming pollutants will be reduced by 88 tons per day – about 40 tons more than the plan had first proposed.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Chairman Buddy Garcia and Regional Administrator Richard Greene joined with community leaders and businesses within the nine county non-attainment area to strengthen the original plan.

The clean air plan will improve air quality by more than 55% over 1999 levels. The plan in combination with previous plans is resulting in a total of 409 tons per day of ozone pollution reduction. Dallas-Fort Worth is the first community with a clean air plan that has been proposed for approval that meets the 8-hour federal health-based standard for ozone by 2010. The plan could not have come about without the all-out efforts of local and state partners.

Of note is the North Texas effort to capture more dollars from the popular Texas Emission Reduction Plan, known as TERP, last spring. In the last six months, the DFW area beat out all other areas, two to one, with a record setting $84 million in applications from the $110 million grant budget. Another funding opportunity is planned for this fall and North Texas is well positioned to repeat its success. As much as 14 tons per day of pollution could be cut through the replacement and retrofit of old diesel engines.

AirCheckTexas brought another $21 million to North Texas to repair and replace older vehicles which typically produce more emissions than newer models. This fall, another $21 million will be available to the DFW area from AirCheckTexas.

AirCheckTexas sponsors Senator Kip Averitt and Representative Dennis Bonnen knew the program would work. North Texas’ success will help guarantee this program is available in the upcoming years.

Working with the NCTCOG, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and Love Field joined the campaign for clean air by refining estimates of their operations’ pollution emissions. New accurate information allowed EPA and Texas air quality modeling experts to certify pollution reductions totaling almost 10 tons per day.

North Texas is also leading the nation to reduce pollution from power plants in the nine county non-attainment area. All are subject to the strictest air pollution controls required for either commercial or municipal power plants in the country. Texas also committed to restrict the amount of pollution credits, technically referred to as Discrete Emission Reduction Credits or DERCs, cutting pollution by 17 tons a day.
New regulations on back-up generators used by business and industry provided for some air quality improvements, about one ton per day. Other measures improved information used by EPA modeling experts in evaluating the plan. Better inventories of gas compressors showed their wide-spread use and resulted in an increase of three tons per day. New regulations adopted to control emissions from gas compressor engines will further improve air quality in the region.

The Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan, referred to as the State Implementation Plan (SIP), will be published in the Federal Register for public review and comment. EPA will consider all relevant information submitted during the 30-day comment period and may modify its decision to approve the plan based on new information.

EPA’s proposed approval is conditional. Texas must finalize regulations to formally reduce the amount of discrete emission credits available in the nine county non-attainment area.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area currently does not meet the federal air quality standard for ozone, which is a harmful air pollutant. Ozone forms when emissions from sources such as vehicles and industry mix with sunlight. On-road and off-road vehicles and equipment make up about 70 percent of the ozone sources in the DFW area.

The AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine Program is designed to help car owners comply with ozone emissions standards. It targets the highest polluting vehicles by offering financial incentives to repair or remove them from roadways, and allows citizens to contribute to the regional air quality solution.

The Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) provides financial assistance to offset the incremental costs associated with reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from heavy-duty diesel engines. NOx are one of the primary components of ground-level ozone, or smog. TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines and is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

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EPA Awards Over $3.7 Million to the State of Arkansas (:36 sec., 565 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $3,797,688 to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC).  This grant will assist the state in implementing ANRC’s non-point source management program.  The funds provided will allow the state to implement eight projects which will address a variety of non-point sources of water pollution including urban run-off, sediment and nutrients, as well as funding demonstrations of best management practices.  ANRC will also use the funds for monitoring, education and outreach activities.

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EPA to conduct disaster debris reduction pilot project (:51 sec., 798 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development and EPA Region 6 are conducting a pilot project to evaluate alternative methods for reducing large volumes of debris from Hurricane Katrina.

The project will study the use of a thermal treatment process, known as an air curtain burner, as an option to expedite debris removal in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner. Vegetative debris and construction and demolition debris that does not contain asbestos material will be combusted during this pilot project.

The vegetative portion of the test is scheduled to occur on June 24-25. The construction and demolition debris portion is scheduled for June 26-27, weather permitting. 

Safety precautions will be taken to ensure that the project is protective of public health. The test site is located at 5022 Paris Road, Chalmette, Louisiana.

More about activities in EPA Region 6:  http://www.epa.gov/region6
EPA audio file is available at: http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/audio.htm#audio062008_pilotproject

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May 2008

EPA Awards $50,000 to the Cherokee Nation (:17 sec., 275 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $50,000 to the Cherokee Nation. The tribe will use the funds to collect water samples and perform a baseline pesticides assessment of Saline Creek.  The tribe’s goal is to determine the levels of pesticides, if any, in the stream.

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EPA Awards Over $150,000 to the State of Arkansas (:32 sec., 507 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $152,940 to the Arkansas State Plant Board (ASPB). Under a cooperative agreement with EPA, the ASPB will ensure that pesticides are used according to label directions and that they are produced and/or distributed in Arkansas in compliance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The ASPB will also use the funds to enhance pesticide worker safety programs, the endangered species program, and ground water protection.

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Use less gasoline this summer (1 min., 951 Kb, MP3)

With the kids at home and vacations to plan, most Americans can’t avoid driving more during the summer. Here are some tips to improve your fuel economy and help you save money, at any time of year:

Drive more efficiently
Avoid aggressive stops and starts. Observe the speed limit: driving 70 mph instead of 60 is like paying an extra 40 cents a gallon. Also, don’t let your car become a closet. Lugging around sports equipment and other incidentals weighs your car down, making it use more gas to reach the same speed.

Keep your car in shape
Taking care of little details can really help a car’s fuel economy, so make sure your car is properly tuned, check and replace air filters regularly, and keep your tires properly inflated.

Plan and combine trips
If possible, run errands during off-peak traffic hours so you won’t waste time and fuel sitting in traffic. Combine errands to avoid cold-start trips, since a warm engine uses far less gas during start-up.

For more tips on saving fuel, and to compare fuel efficiency on different vehicles, visit www.fueleconomy.gov.

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EPA Awards Over $130,000 to the East Baton Rouge Housing Authority (:39 sec., 613 Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $139,300 to the East Baton Rouge Housing Authority to clean up 1705 Highland Road in Baton Rouge.  This Brownfields property once operated as an auto maintenance shop, tire shop, and vehicle detailing shop.  Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties where redevelopment may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.  This cleanup grant will support petroleum cleanup activities and community outreach activities.  Redevelopment of the property is expected to improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood as well as public health and safety.

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North Texas power company to issue vouchers for electric lawn mowers (2 min., 1.83 Mb, MP3)

Texas Municipal Power Agency to complete project as part of settlement with EPA

Texas Municipal Power Agency (TMPA) will pay a $26,250 penalty and issue $78,750 in vouchers for electric lawn mowers to resolve violations of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

The violations involve operations at the power provider’s Gibbons Creek Steam Electric Station in Grimes County. TMPA has since corrected the infractions and is in compliance with the Clean Air Act.

“It is imperative that business and industry do their part to help protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “EPA will continue to ensure that companies make every effort to follow environmental laws, so that our communities have cleaner, healthier air to breathe.”

TMPA is a municipal power company serving the cities of Bryan, Denton, Garland and Greenville. The company violated the Clean Air Act by exceeding opacity emissions limits at its facility, failing to report in writing that its continuous opacity monitoring system was out of service for 397 hours, and not submitting required emissions reports to EPA.

Under a settlement with EPA, the company will pay a civil penalty and complete a supplemental environmental project that involves issuing vouchers worth $150.00 each to designated retailers in its service area. TMPA customers and city residents can use the vouchers to purchase electric lawn mowers.  

The project is aimed at helping reduce air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which currently does not meet federal requirements for ozone. Ground-level ozone, or smog, is created when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides react with sunlight. Traditional lawn mowers emit carbon monoxide, VOCs and nitrogen oxides, while electric lawn mowers produce essentially no pollution. 

The TMPA vouchers are expected to help replace 525 gasoline-powered lawn mowers, which has the potential to reduce 37 tons of greenhouse gases and other pollutants per year, or the equivalent emissions of more than 22,500 new cars, each being driven 12,000 miles.

To learn more about enforcement activities in EPA Region 6, please visit http://www.epa.gov/region6.

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Facilities go for the ‘green’ as part of EPA Performance Track (2 min., 1.84 Mb, MP3)

Six facilities from Arkansas and Texas will be recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for exemplary environmental programs that reduce pollution at the 2008 National Environmental Partnership Summit in Baltimore on May 21.

The facilities are part of EPA's National Environmental Performance Track, and they include the following: Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions of Garland, Texas; Eaton Hydraulics Operation of Searcy, Arkansas; Firestone Building Products of Corsicana, Texas; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company of Fort Worth, Texas; Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas; and Standard Aero, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas.

“Businesses that partner with the national Performance Track are leading the way when it comes to environmental stewardship,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “We are pleased to recognize these six facilities and hope they will be joined by many more.”

Members of Performance Track come into the program with strong environmental compliance records and then go beyond regulatory requirements to create superior environmental management programs. This year's national summit brings together Performance Track participants and environmental professionals to
discuss best practices and to develop successful strategies that are good for both business and the environment.

Performance Track facilities work to improve their efforts in a variety of environmental activities – such as water and energy use, land and habitat protection, air emissions, and waste reduction – throughout the product lifecycle, rather than focusing on just one specific pollutant or environmental issue. The program encourages continuous improvement through environmental management systems, community outreach, and measurable results.

Since its inception in 2000, Performance Track membership has grown to 533 members – ranging from major corporations to small businesses and representing a variety of industries across 49 states and Puerto Rico. To date, Performance Track members have collectively saved enough energy to power 46,000 homes for one year, enough greenhouse gases to offset the annual emissions of 57,000 cars, and prevented solid waste equivalent to that produced by 553,000 households yearly.

National Environmental Performance Track program: http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack/

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Mars snack food plant to get power from Waco landfill

Candy manufacturer part of EPA program that turns waste to energy (2:22 min., 216Mb, MP3)

Business at the Mars Snackfood U.S. plant in Waco has never been sweeter. Today, members of the company were joined by officials from the Environmental Protection Agency to flip the switch on its first landfill gas project, a venture that will cut the company’s energy costs and the release of greenhouse gases into the environment. 

The project will use methane gas piped in from the city landfill to power two furnaces that create steam for the plant’s candy-making operations.

“Turning waste into energy is a smart strategy for business and the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “EPA is pleased to be working with partners like the Mars Snackfood on innovative projects like this one that deliver clean, renewable sources of energy.”

In addition to saving the company $600,000 a year in energy costs, the project will also reduce more than 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which has the equivalent environmental impact of avoiding the emissions of 1,900 cars. Methane, a primary component of landfill gas, is a greenhouse gas over 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.  

"More than being a decision about the bottom line, this project is about taking responsibility for the future – for our business, for our Associates and their children, for our community, and definitely for our environment. And the story today is not simply about Mars alone. It is a story of deep commitment and concern by multiple partners at every level in government in Texas. Again, I congratulate our partners in government, especially the City of Waco, the County of McLennan and the EPA, for their visionary leadership and dedication to a sustainable future for all,” said MARS Snackfood US President Todd Lachman.

Mars Snackfood joins a growing list of companies to complete landfill gas energy projects as part of EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP). There are currently 21 operational projects in Texas and a total of 34 throughout the five-state area that makes up EPA Region 6. 

LMOP is a voluntary technical assistance and partnership program that helps businesses and communities reduce methane emissions from landfills by encouraging the recovery and use of landfill gas as a renewable energy source. The program also assists countries throughout the world in developing landfill methane reduction projects through the international Methane to Markets Partnership. Since 1994, LMOP has assisted in developing more than 330 landfill gas projects in the United States, reducing methane emissions by over 24 million metric tons of carbon equivalent.

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EPA Awards Nearly $30,000 to the State of Oklahoma  (:28 sec., 438Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $29,480 to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) to protect underground sources of drinking water.  The federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulates the underground disposal of hazardous wastes through deep injection wells. OCC will use the funds to issue permits, monitor the construction and operation of injection wells throughout the state and conduct field surveillance, inspections, investigations and enforcement activities. 

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April 2008

EPA Awards Over $46,000 to the State of Texas  (:28 sec., 451Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $46,068 to the Texas Railroad Commission (TX RRC) to protect underground sources of drinking water. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulates the underground disposal of hazardous wastes through deep injection wells. The Commission will use the funds to issue permits, monitor the construction and operation of injection wells throughout the state and conduct field surveillance, inspections, investigations and enforcement activities.

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EPA Awards Over $350,000 to the City of El Paso  (:26 sec., 406Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $350,001 to the City of El Paso. The city will use the funds to enforce federal, state and local air pollution regulations. By implementing a year round fuels program and maintaining the El Paso/Ciudad Juarez air monitoring network, the city will carry out its objective of continuing to meet federal air quality standards in El Paso.

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EPA Awards Over $45,000 to the State of Louisiana  (:31 sec., 488Kb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $45,520 to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) to protect underground sources of drinking water. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act regulates the underground disposal of hazardous wastes through deep injection wells. LDNR will use the funds to issue permits, monitor the construction and operation of injection wells throughout the state and conduct field surveillance, inspections, investigations and enforcement activities. 

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EPA Awards Over $6 Million to the State of Louisiana (34 sec.,532Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $6,555,550 to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to administer the state's base water quality program under their Performance Partnership Grant.  LDEQ’s program aims to prevent, reduce, and eliminate water pollution through standard-setting, monitoring, permitting and enforcement activities. The funding will also assist in administering the state's environmental management programs which monitor, abate, and control hazardous and solid waste, and air pollution.

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Convention to focus on hazardous waste cleanup  (1:22 min., 1.26Mb, MP3)

EPA to host 2008 National Corrective Action Conference June 3-4 in New Orleans

The Environmental Protection Agency will host the 2008 National Corrective Action Conference June 3 and 4 in New Orleans.

The event brings together hazardous waste regulators and managers, as well as other stakeholders involved with cleanups to provide a forum for open and frank discussion on corrective action issues and for exchange of information and experiences in streamlining the corrective action process. 

“Strategies for Meeting the 2020 Corrective Action Goals” is the theme of this year’s conference. The conference will include 18 concurrent breakout sessions, with topics that include Corrective Action 101 (a basic introduction to the Corrective Action Program); a session on Vapor Intrusion and polychlorinated biphenyls; two sessions on Green Revitalization; Performance-based approaches to remedy selection; Risk-based cleanups/institutional controls; and more. Conference registration is $120.00.

For questions about the conference, contact Nick Stone at 214-665-7226 or stone.nick@epa.gov, or Karen Tomimatsu at 703-605-0698 or tomimatsu.karen@epa.gov.

More on the conference and registration: http://www.epacaconf.com/

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EPA Region 6 Announces Healthy Indoor Environments Funding Opportunity (1:41 min., 1.54Mb, MP3)
Reducing Human Health Risks posed by Contaminants in Indoor Environments

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 6 office is accepting applications for eligible entities to conduct projects in the following areas:

EPA Region 6 will award grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to up to five projects in fiscal year 2008 with a total of approximately $150,000 available for all awards. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, territories, Indian Tribes, and the possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, international organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit institutions. Proposals must be intended to serve state, local, or tribal communities in EPA Region 6 states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Texas.

The closing date for applications is May 30, 2008, 11:00 p.m. CDT.

Eligible entities may submit applications by mail to:
Mr. Stacy Murphy (6PD-T)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75202-2733

or apply electronically through www.grants.gov

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J.C. Penney Company’s Home Office Recognized with Energy Star Award (1:41 min., 2.34Mb, MP3)

Company’s Efforts Are Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Today the Environmental Protection Agency presented the J.C. Penney Company, Inc. with its Energy Star award.  At a ceremony unveiling the Energy Star award plaque, the company’s Home Office was certified in the Existing Office Building category.  The Plano, Texas, based retailer was recently showcased in a report released by EPA for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. 

“We applaud JCPenney for preserving our environment and our energy resources,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “Whether you are running a business, a school, or a household, improving our nation’s environmental and energy outlook just makes sense.”

JCPenney is one of America’s leading retailers with 1,073 stores.  At its 1.9 million-square-foot Home Office in Plano, the company has implemented more than 40 energy-saving initiatives over the past five years to reduce consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Energy Star for our Home Office reflects the foresight that went into the design of the facility when it opened in 1992, as well as our associates’ ongoing commitment to energy efficiency and conservation,” said Michael Theilman, executive vice president, chief human resources and administration officer for JCPenney.  “The Energy Star plaque serves as both a sign of our achievements and a reminder that we are continuing to find ways to do more.”

JCPenney’s energy management program has focused on continuous improvement and refining of systems and processes to increase effectiveness.  It was the first retailer to earn the Energy Star label for a retail store upon the release of EPA’s energy performance rating for retail in October 2007.  The company also is a two-time recipient of Energy Star Partner of the Year recognition.

JCPenney has been particularly successful in helping its staff be part of the solution.  Striving to make energy conservation direct, simple, and fun for the company’s 155,000 employees, the company designed an “Energy Captain” Web portal to supplement its online Energy Center.  The portal is a one-stop shop for energy reports and support materials, as well as a forum to share ideas. 

Energy Star was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency.  Today, in partnership with the Department of Energy, Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy and money, and to help protect the environment for future generations.  More than 12,000 organizations are Energy Star partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses.

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Gaylord Texan partners with EPA to reduce pollution (1:25 min., 1.3 Mb, MP3)

Resort will cut mercury as part of national environmental priorities program

The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center will be recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for reducing mercury throughout its facility.

As part of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP), the resort will replace the fluorescent light bulbs it currently uses in its 400,000 square feet of hotel and convention space with low-mercury bulbs.  It will also recycle the mercury from the bulbs it replaces.

"Protecting public health and the environment is a team effort," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. "EPA is pleased to have the Gaylord Texan join us in making a positive environmental impact by cutting pollution."

Located in Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan is the first hotel in the region’s five-state area to join the NPEP program. EPA will mark the hotel’s entry into the program on April 18 during Earth Day and EarthFest 2008 activities in downtown Dallas.

"Gaylord Texan is proud to be participating in the Environmental Protection Agency's NPEP program," said John Imaizumi, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. "Our team is strongly committed to being an environmental leader in our community."

NPEP is a voluntary program with more than 150 members from private and public organizations nationwide. The goal of the program is the reduction, reuse or recycling of 31 priority chemicals. These priority chemicals have been targeted for reduction by EPA because of their ability to build up in the food chain and cause harm to humans and the ecosystem.

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"Green" teen wins presidential award (1:54 min., 1.75 Mb, MP3)

Teaching others about the environment has earned a Texas teen presidential recognition. Bianca Locke of Pasadena will be honored by President Bush today during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Locke is part of an elite group of students from across the nation to be presented with the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA), which recognizes youth who help protect local environments and promote environmental awareness.

"Bianca and this year’s other PEYA winners show that environmental champions come in all ages," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. "It is inspiring to see such talented young people taking an active interest in the world around them and doing good things to protect its natural resources."

PEYAs are presented each year to commend young people who become an environmental force, individually or collectively, within their community.

Locke became a recognized environmental leader in her community in May 2006 when her water conservation campaign at the city’s environmental fair won first prize for the "most educational booth." She went on to develop an entire environmental education program that includes books on stormwater and recycling, presentations, activities and posters. Her presentations were designed to reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds and incorporated skits, pictures, scale models and even mascots with costumes to get her messages across. She also recruited other students and city staff to help with her work. 

Locke has taken her education program to more than 30 schools, community events and environmental workshops, just to name a few. The high school senior has spoken to groups ranging in size from 5 to 150 people. She plans on continuing her work in the environmental field after college.

The PEYA program is sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency. Awards have been presented annually since 1971 to honor students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Nomination applications for the regional award program can be submitted through October 31 of each year. Additional information on the President’s Environmental Youth Award and the 2008 winners is available at http://www.epa.gov/peya

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Guapo Skateboards joins EPA pollution reduction program - Company will cut mercury as part of National Partnership for Environmental Priorities

Guapo Skateboards, LLC, is one of the newest companies to join the Environmental Protection Agency’s national program for reducing priority chemicals.

The Dallas-based company will replace fluorescent bulbs in its warehouse and skateboard park with low-mercury bulbs as part of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP).

“Each new partner that joins the effort to reduce pollution is helping create a cleaner, healthier environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “By joining this program, Guapo Skateboards is helping change our environment for the better, while also inspiring other companies to do the same.”

Guapo Skateboards is the first skateboard company in the country to join the NPEP program. EPA will recognize the company’s efforts to reduce pollution on April 18 during Earth Day and EarthFest 2008 activities in downtown Dallas.

“Guapo Skateboard Company is committed to reducing our environmental impact,” said Al Coker, CEO and owner of Guapo. Our goal is to give back to the community and to enhance skate boarding’s image. We are committed to enhancing our ‘green’ involvement on all levels and to promoting a safe and healthy environment. It is important to our customers and the community.”

The NPEP program promotes the voluntary reduction of 31 priority chemicals. Through work with EPA, both public and private organizations identify activities that will reduce the use of these chemicals, preventing their ability to accumulate in the environment and cause harm to humans and the ecosystem.

More than 150 organizations nationwide have joined the NPEP program, which has set a goal of reducing the use or release of four million pounds of priority chemicals by 2011.

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Groups can apply for environmental justice grants  (53 sec., 828 Kb, MP3)

Groups working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues can apply for grants from the Environmental Protection Agency and its Environmental Justice Small Grants program.

Nonprofits, cities, counties and federally recognized tribes can submit grant proposals until June 30, 2008.

The EJSG program provides funding for eligible applicants working on or planning a project that addresses an environmental and public health issue within an affected community. Projects should increase understanding of issues, identify ways to address these issues at the local level, and educate and empower the community. Grant recipients can receive up to $20,000 to help with their projects.

Interested applicants can get more information on the Environmental Justice Small Grants program and how to apply for grants by contacting Shirley Quinones at (214) 665-2713 or visiting http://www.epa.gov

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Last Call for Emissions Reduction Grants is April 11 at 5 p.m. (1:51 min., 1.7 Mb, MP3)

Armed with the most money ever appropriated for emissions reduction grants, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is calling on all applicants to submit their application packages no later than Friday, April 11, at 5  p.m.

The Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP) is offering $110 million in grants to offset the incremental costs associated with reducing emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from heavy-duty diesel engines.  NOx is one of the primary components of ground-level ozone, or smog. The grant amounts vary, depending on the amount of NOx reductions each project can achieve.

EPA challenged local leaders to use the TERP financial incentive to clean up approximately 4,500 heavy-duty diesel engines operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which could reduce ozone-forming pollution by 14 tons of NOx per day.  Local businesses have already received over $9 million in first-come first-served rebates and helped reduce a total of 931 tons of NOx over the next seven years. Since 2001, the TCEQ has awarded $506.2 million in TERP grants and rebates, covering 7,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment, for a total NOx reduction of over 125,000 tons.

TERP applications must be submitted to the TCEQ no later than 5 p.m. CDT, April 11, 2008. Applications submitted on April 11 should be dropped off at the TCEQ, Room 2202, second floor of building F, at 12100 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753.

TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines. The Environmental Protection Agency supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

For more information, interested applicants can visit www.terpgrants.org or for immediate assistance call (800) 919-8377.

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$9 Million for Cleaner Skies (1:30 min.,1.38 Mb, MP3)

Cleaner skies are coming to North Texas thanks to the robust participation of local businesses in the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP).

TERP has awarded over $9 million in rebates to upgrade or replace 113 of the dirtiest heavy-duty diesel engines and diesel-powered equipment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The participation of a wide array of individuals and businesses from the agricultural, construction, hauling, trucking and related sectors will make it possible for North Texans to breathe cleaner air by preventing 931 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

“North Texas is currently not meeting federal air quality standards, so every diesel engine or diesel- powered equipment that operates cleaner can make a difference to anyone who suffers from respiratory problems such as asthma,” said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager. “The state is making this financial opportunity available and local businesses are responding, which is very encouraging.” So far Texas has awarded $30 million in rebates state-wide, and is making another $110 million available in grants, but time to apply is running out.

TERP applications must be submitted by April 11, 2008.  Individual application assistance will be available until April 10 at Community Help Desks in Dallas and Denton. For more information, interested applicants can visit www.terpgrants.org or for immediate assistance call (800) 919-8377.

TERP is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and serves as a national model for replacing or retrofitting older diesel engines. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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Farming Businesses Reaping Clean Air Benefits (1:40 min.,1.53 Mb, MP3)

North Texas farms and agricultural businesses are reaping the economic and environmental benefits of greening their hauling fleets, thanks to the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP).

Wright Farms of Farmersville received over $106,000 to replace an old haul truck with a cleaner, more efficient model that will reduce 10.6 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution. Melissa-based Stoney Point AgriCorp will also replace a haul truck with more than $107,000 in rebates and prevent 10.7 tons of NOx emissions. By upgrading to a cleaner model, Mitchell & Bourland of Terrell will reduce 11 tons of pollutants with a rebate of nearly $111,000. The combined benefits add up to over $324,000 in financial assistance and 32 tons of pollution prevented.

There are only three days remaining to apply for TERP grants. Applications must be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) no later than 5:00 p.m. CDT, April 11, 2008.  Applications submitted on April 11 should be dropped off at the TCEQ, Room 2202, second floor of building F at 12100 Park 35 Circle, Austin, Texas 78753.

Individual application assistance is still available at Community Help Desks in Arlington, Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth until April 10 to help applicants with questions. For more information, interested applicants can visit www.terpgrants.org or for immediate assistance call (800) 919-8377.

TERP is managed by the TCEQ and serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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EPA approves Tulsa ozone flex agreement (2:11 min., 2 Mb, MP3)

Today the Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, announced that it has approved a new air quality plan for the Tulsa area under its 8-hour Ozone Flex program.
The ozone flex program allows communities that are currently meeting the national standard for ozone to implement proactive, voluntary measures that will reduce emissions of ozone-causing pollutants to improve air quality and stay within federal requirements. 

“EPA and the 8-hour Ozone Flex program are helping communities achieve cleaner air sooner,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “We are pleased to have cities like Tulsa working with EPA, state and industry groups to develop better solutions for a better environment.”

Tulsa’s ozone flex agreement will involve implementing five projects over the next year, including a Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority Clean Diesel Retrofit Project. The clean diesel project will retrofit 26 buses and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by about 4.5 tons per year.  Nitrogen oxide combines with volatile organic compounds and sunlight to form ground-level ozone, or smog.

In addition to the clean diesel project, Terra Nitrogen, a manufacturer of nitrogen fertilizer products northeast of Tulsa, will voluntarily install ultra-low nitrogen oxide burners on one of its ammonia reformers. The $2 million project is planned for 2009 and is expected to cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 425 tons per year.  Numerous other measures, including a City of Tulsa energy conservation project, will provide additional reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

The Tulsa metro area has been an ozone attainment area since 1990 and currently has an ozone design value of 0.080 ppm.  EPA approved a more protective 8-hour ozone standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) on March 12.  The 8-O3Flex plan will remain in effect until 2013, unless the area is reclassified under the new ozone standard.  
Oklahoma will recommend which areas should be classified as in nonattainment of the new standard in 2009, and EPA will finalize those designations in 2010.  The 8-O3Flex agreement will not prevent the region from being designated as a nonattainment area under the new standard.  However, the plan is expected to help the area reduce ozone and reach the revised standard sooner.

Additional information on the 8-hour ozone flex program is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6pd/air/pd-l/index.htm

To learn more about activities in EPA Region 6, please visit http://www.epa.gov/region6

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EPA Awards $75,000 to Texas A&M University (37 sec., 584 Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $75,000 to the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University. The institute will use this grant to study the impact of emissions from older light duty vehicles imported into Mexico. The study will be performed at the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez border in partnership with the city of Juarez and Instituto Municipal De Investigacion Y Planeacion. Study activities include quantifying the number and types of vehicles crossing the U.S.-Mexico border on a daily basis, estimating their emissions, and quantifying their emissions impact. 

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Construction Blooming Green in North Texas (1:13 min., 1.12 Mb, MP3)        

The construction industry is turning a shade of green this spring thanks to the participation of local companies in the state’s Texas Emissions Reduction Program, or TERP. This is good news for Dallas-Fort Worth, which is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country.

David Copeland Sand & Gravel was awarded $253,000 in rebates to reduce 26.3 tons of pollution from their hauling and dumping operations. Other recipients include Plano-based Chavez Construction and Southlake’s Tri Dal, Ltd., with a combined award of over $128,000 and a pollution reduction of 12.8 tons.

Businesses interested in greening their fleets still have time to apply for TERP grants by the April 11, 2008, deadline.  Individual application assistance is available at Community Help Desks in Arlington, Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth until April 10 to help applicants with questions. For more information, interested applicants can visit www.terpgrants.org or for immediate assistance call (800) 919-8377.

TERP is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines. The Environmental Protection Agency supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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Forklifts Become “Vehicles” for Clean Air (:44 sec., 691 Kb, MP3)

They have been the muscle behind manufacturing and warehousing for decades, and now forklifts are powering North Texas efforts to clean the air.

Deford Lumber, Ltd., of Dallas is one of several companies helping forklifts become the newest “vehicles” for clean air as part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP).  The company received more than $130,000 from the state-run program to replace the aging diesel engines in four of its forklifts and two haul trucks with cleaner, less-polluting models. In doing so, Deford will prevent more than 13 tons of nitrogen oxide from polluting North Texas air.

Other grant recipients from the Dallas-Fort Worth area include Land Lumber Co., Inc.; Mitchell and Bourland; Pam Heart; Neal Gay; James O. Worley; Robert Boyer; Bret Sapp; and Wayne Carroll. Together, their individual grants total more than $718,000 towards new engines for haul, cement, and dump trucks. They will also prevent the release of more than 71 tons of nitrogen oxide, one of the main contributors to ground-level ozone, or smog.   

Businesses interested in greening their fleets still have time to apply for TERP grants by the April 11, 2008, deadline. Individual application assistance is available at Community Help Desks in Arlington, Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth until April 10 to help applicants with questions.  For more information, interested applicants can visit www.terpgrants.org or for immediate assistance call (800) 919-8377.

TERP is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines. The Environmental Protection Agency supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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EPA Awards Over $160,000 to the Inter-Tribal Environmental Council (:44 sec., 691 Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $163,076 to the Inter-Tribal Environmental Council for its Superfund program in Oklahoma.  This award of $163,076 is the first award for fiscal year 2008 and consists of $97,850 for the Preliminary Assessment /Site Investigation program and $65,226 for the Core program.  The PA/SI program includes pre-Superfund screening, preliminary assessments, site inspections, and preparation of National Priority List ranking packages.  The Core program involves administrative and non-site specific activities.  All activities supported by this grant are aimed at remediating hazardous waste sites and restoring land to safe and productive use.

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Haul Trucks in Dallas Cleaning the Air (1:13 min., 1.12 Mb, MP3)

Seven small businesses based in Dallas will soon be operating newer haul trucks to help clear the air of 69 tons of nitrogen oxide pollutants, thanks to nearly $700,000 in rebates awarded by the state.  Over $110 million in grants through the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) is available to help other local businesses like these replace or upgrade older heavy-duty equipment and vehicles.  This funding is available only for a limited time and applications must be submitted by April 11.

Grant recipients included Cima Transportation, Saturino Rodriguez, Sandra Hernandez, Morris Hyman, David Gonzalez, Robert Earl Jones, and Donald Ray Jackson were awarded from $42,269 to over $111,000.

To help last minute applicants, a TERP assistance session will be held on April 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the North Central Texas Council of Governments located in Arlington at 616 Six Flags Drive.  Assistance is also available by calling the hotline at (800) 919-TERP (8377).

The TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines and is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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Oklahoma to get cleaner, greener with $2.6 million from EPA (2:01 min., 3.77 Mb, MP3)

More than $5 million in brownfields funding awarded across region

Several groups in Oklahoma will be working to transform polluted properties into community assets with the help of $2.6 million in brownfields grants from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The grants were announced today by EPA to support cleanup efforts by the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation, Latino Community Development Agency, Love Link Ministries, Inc., and Oklahoma City Empowerment Zone.

“EPA continues to use the brownfields program to stimulate environmental and economic success in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “This program is a great example of how EPA, tribes and local groups can work together to turn contaminated properties into viable developments.”

Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties with redevelopment potential that suffer from known or perceived environmental contamination.  More than $5 million in brownfields grants were announced today across EPA Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Oklahoma’s brownfields recipients include the following:

Since the beginning of the program in 1995, EPA’s south central region has leveraged $2.3 billion in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, helped create 10,700 jobs and supported the assessment of 750 properties.  The brownfields program encourages redevelopment of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites.  Nationally, brownfields assistance has attracted more than $11.3 billion in private investment, helped create more than 48,000 jobs and resulted in the assessment and cleanup of nearly 12,000 properties.

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Louisiana to get cleaner, greener with $1 million from EPA (2:35 min., 2.36 Mb, MP3)

More than $5 million in brownfields funding awarded across region

Several groups in Louisiana will be working to transform polluted properties into community assets with the help of $800,000 in brownfields grants from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The grants were announced today by EPA to support cleanup efforts in the cities of Alexandria, Lake Charles and New Orleans.

“EPA continues to use the brownfields program to stimulate environmental and economic success in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “This program is a great example of how federal and local groups can work together to turn contaminated properties into viable developments.”

Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties with redevelopment potential that suffer from known or perceived environmental contamination.  More than $5 million in brownfields grants were announced today across EPA Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Louisiana’s brownfields recipients include the following: 

Incinerator site in New Orleans.  Soil at the site is contaminated with volatile organic compounds, metals, polychlorinated biphenyls, and dioxins.  Once cleanup is complete, the property with be used for single-family residences and a community garden.

Since the beginning of the program in 1995, EPA’s south central region has leveraged $2.3 billion in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, helped create 10,700 jobs and supported the assessment of 750 properties.  The brownfields program encourages redevelopment of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites.  Nationally, brownfields assistance has attracted more than $11.3 billion in private investment, helped create more than 48,000 jobs and resulted in the assessment and cleanup of nearly 12,000 properties.

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Houston to get cleaner, greener with $400,000 from EPA (1:24 min., 1.29 Mb, MP3)

More than $5 million in brownfields funding awarded across region

The City of Houston will be working to transform polluted properties into community assets with the help of $400,000 in brownfields grants from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

More than $5 million in brownfields grants were announced today across EPA Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

 “EPA continues to use the brownfields program to stimulate environmental and economic success in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “This program is a great example of how EPA and the City of Houston can work together to turn contaminated properties into viable developments.”

Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties with redevelopment potential that suffer from known or perceived environmental contamination. 

Houston was awarded two brownfields grants, which will be used to inventory sites with hazardous substances and potential petroleum contamination, conduct assessments, and conduct community outreach.

Since the beginning of the program in 1995, EPA’s south central region has leveraged $2.3 billion in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, helped create 10,700 jobs and supported the assessment of 750 properties.  The brownfields program encourages redevelopment of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites.  Nationally, brownfields assistance has attracted more than $11.3 billion in private investment, helped create more than 48,000 jobs and resulted in the assessment and cleanup of nearly 12,000 properties.

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Clovis to get cleaner, greener with $200,000 from EPA (1:28 min., 1.34 Mb, MP3)

More than $5 million in brownfields funding awarded across region

The City of Clovis will be working to transform a polluted property into a community asset with the help of $200,000 in brownfields grants from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

More than $5 million in brownfields grants were announced today across EPA Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

“EPA continues to use the brownfields program to stimulate environmental and economic success in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “This program is a great example of how federal and local groups can work together to turn contaminated properties into viable developments.”

Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties with redevelopment potential that suffer from known or perceived environmental contamination. 

Clovis will use its grant clean up the former Hotel Clovis property on North Main Street.  The site is contaminated with inorganic substances.  Once the cleanup is complete, the city plans to redevelop the property into an affordable, senior housing complex with ground-floor retail space.

Since the beginning of the program in 1995, EPA’s south central region has leveraged $2.3 billion in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, helped create 10,700 jobs and supported the assessment of 750 properties.  The brownfields program encourages redevelopment of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites.  Nationally, brownfields assistance has attracted more than $11.3 billion in private investment, helped create more than 48,000 jobs and resulted in the assessment and cleanup of nearly 12,000 properties.

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Arkansas to get cleaner, greener with $800,000 from EPA (2:16 min., 2.07 Mb, MP3)

More than $5 million in brownfields funding awarded across region

  Several groups in Arkansas will be working to transform polluted properties into community assets with the help of $800,000 in brownfields grants from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

EPA announced the grants today to support cleanup efforts by the Camden Port Authority, City of Pine Bluff, and Riverfront Baring Cross Neighborhood Renewal Organization.

“EPA continues to use the brownfields program to stimulate environmental and economic success in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “This program is a great example of how federal and local groups can work together to turn contaminated properties into viable developments.”

Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties with redevelopment potential that suffer from known or perceived environmental contamination. More than $5 million in brownfields grants were announced today across EPA Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Arkansas’ brownfields recipients include the following:

dispose of demolition materials and for public dumping.  Once cleanup is complete, the organization plans to incorporate the site into Rockwater Village, a planned neighborhood development.

Since the beginning of the program in 1995, EPA’s south central region has leveraged $2.3 billion in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, helped create 10,700 jobs and supported the assessment of 750 properties.  The brownfields program encourages redevelopment of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites.  Nationally, brownfields assistance has attracted more than $11.3 billion in private investment, helped create more than 48,000 jobs and resulted in the assessment and cleanup of nearly 12,000 properties.

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Trucking Companies Benefit from Over $526,000 (1:13 min., 1.12 Mb, MP3)

Texas recently awarded over $526,000 in rebates to four trucking companies based in North Texas.  The Texas Emissions Reduction Program  provides financial assistance to help replace or upgrade older heavy-duty equipment and vehicles that emit higher levels of nitrogen oxide pollutants.  This funding opportunity is only available until April 11.

Denton Brothers Trucking of Collinsville will replace three aging haul trucks in their fleet with newer, cleaner models.  TA Services based in Midlothian will use the rebate to replace two forklifts.  RD West Trucking of Godley and Valentine Trucking of Burleson will replace one haul truck and one dump truck respectively.  These trucking companies benefited from financial assistance to help improve the efficiency of their fleets and equipment, while preventing 59 tons of NOx from polluting the air.  Only nine days remain for North Texas businesses, local governments and others to apply for TERP assistance.  Help with the application process is available by calling the hotline at (800) 919-TERP (8377).

TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines and is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.  The Environmental Protection Agency supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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EPA Announces Federal Clean Diesel Program (1:43 min., 1.58 Mb, MP3)

Through the Federal Clean Diesel Program, the Environmental Protection Agency will award grants of more than $4 million to assist eligible partners within the ten Blue Skyways Collaborative states to achieve voluntary emission reductions more quickly than will be accomplished through new regulations that do not affect older but still viable diesel engines.  The program is expected to improve air quality and protect public health.

Eligible applicants are U.S. regional, state, local, tribal or port agencies with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality, and nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that operate diesel fleets, or have as their principal purpose the promotion of transportation or air quality.  School districts, federally recognized Indian tribes, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations, cities and counties are all eligible applicants under this program.

“Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “Even with EPA’s more stringent heavy duty highway and non-road engine standards set to take effect over the next decade, more diesel emission reductions are needed.”

The following types of fleets qualify for funding:  Buses, medium or heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives or non-road engines, stationary engines, or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo, including at a port or airport, agriculture, mining, or energy production.

At least half the national funds will be for the benefit of public fleets.  This includes private fleets contracted or leased for public purpose, such as private school buses, refuse haulers, or equipment at public ports.  For more information visit:  http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel

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EPA Recognizes Continental Airlines for Environmental Stewardship (1:37 min., 1.48 Mb, MP3)

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment Program recognized Continental Airlines for using a non-chromium surface pretreatment when painting its aircraft.  The product, PreKote, is produced by Pantheon Chemical, a recognized partner in EPA’s DfE program, and uses chemistry that is safer for the environment and human health.

Continental Airlines is the first commercial airline to test the technology using PreKote that is free of hexavalent chromium, which eliminates toxins used in the pretreatment of aircraft before repainting. In addition, the process used on Continental aircraft eliminated hazardous chemicals, improved worker health and safety conditions and reduced waste water.

“We applaud Continental Airlines for its leadership in health and environmental stewardship,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “This is an important national effort to safeguard human health and protect the environment.”

EPA’s Design for the Environment Program works in partnership with a broad range of stakeholders to reduce risk to people and the environment by preventing pollution. DfE focuses on industries that combine the potential for chemical risk reduction and improvements in energy efficiency with a strong motivation to make lasting, positive changes. EPA’s DfE program has reached more than 200,000 business facilities and approximately two million workers.

"Continental is pleased to be acknowledged by EPA for our part in using a more environmentally friendly product,” said Mark Moran, Continental’s Executive VP Operations. “Continental is always looking for ‘green’ alternatives, which not only support our commitment to the environment, but also to ensure our employees have a great place to work.”

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Is Diesel Squeezing Your Dollar? Only Ten Days Left to Get TERP Grants (1:37 min., 1.48 Mb, MP3)

With diesel prices hitting record highs near four dollars per gallon, replacing or upgrading older heavy-duty vehicles makes economic and environmental sense.  Newer, cleaner models use fuel more efficiently, which can translate to lower costs at the pump and reduced emissions of unhealthy nitrogen oxide  pollutants.

Eligible local governments, school districts, nonprofits and businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can apply for grants to cover up to 80 percent of the replacement costs of new engines depending on how much NOx is reduced by acquiring a newer model.  Interested applicants can receive individual assistance by calling a hotline and speaking with an advisor who can help them figure out exactly how much money they may be eligible to apply for.  

In addition, Community Help Desks will remain open until April 10 to provide one-on-one assistance.  he help desk at Dallas City Hall will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm, staff is available at the North Central Texas Council of Governments office in Arlington and at the Denton County courthouse. The Fort Worth help desk is available on Tuesdays at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regional office. To request an appointment simply call the hotline at (800) 919-8377 and select option four on the menu. Walk-ins are also welcome. The deadline to apply is April 11. 

The Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP) serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines and is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in DFW.

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March 2008

Excavating Companies are Going Green in Denton County (1:21 min., 1.24 Mb, MP3)

Excavating companies in Denton County are going green by upgrading their fleets to cleaner, more efficient diesel engines thanks to the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP). TERP is providing an affordable way for businesses to replace older diesel equipment that they could not otherwise afford to upgrade.

A and M Excavating, based in Lewisville, received nearly $45,000 to replace four aging dump trucks, and H & S Excavating of Carrollton received more than $67,000 to replace six aging dump trucks. By modernizing their fleets, not only are these companies becoming more competitive, they are also preventing a combined total of 63 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from polluting the air.  “It’s a way for them to keep some green in their pockets as well,” said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager.

Businesses interested in greening their fleets still have time to apply for TERP grants. The application deadline is April 11, 2008. Individual application assistance is available at Community Help Desks in Arlington, Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth until April 10 to help last minute applicants with questions. For information visit www.terpgrants.org or for immediate assistance call (800) 919-8377.

TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines and is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The Environmental Protection Agency supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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EPA Awards Over $800,000 to the Rio Puerco Alliance (34 sec., 545 Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $839,727 to the Rio Puerco Alliance of Santa Fe. The Alliance proposes to implement new methods of road construction and maintenance, and install structures to decrease sedimentation and erosion.  The Alliance will also use the funds to implement vegetation and grazing management practices. Other activities under this grant will include efforts to reduce illegal dumping, develop and conduct a targeted monitoring program, and conduct education and outreach activities for the local community.

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Agricultural Businesses Receive Over $232,000 in TERP Rebates (1:43 min., 1.58 Mb, MP3)

Agricultural businesses and small land owners throughout North Texas have saved over $232,000 in purchasing cleaner, more efficient equipment through the Texas Emissions Reduction Program, or TERP. 

TERP provides rebates and grants to help replace aging diesel engines, including older agricultural tractors and haul trucks that consume more fuel and generate more pollution than newer models. Curtis Caldwell from Ovilla received over $13,000 to replace an old tractor and the McKinney Grain Corporation saved $107,000 in replacing a haul truck. Topping off the savings was the Diamond S. Land and Cattle Company with nearly $112,000 awarded to replace an aging haul truck. 

"Profit margins for small agricultural businesses and land owners can be pretty small. TERP provides the means to help these businesses improve their bottom line while doing something positive for air quality,” said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager.  “These three small businesses alone are helping to remove 23.3 tons of pollutants from the air.”

To date North Texas businesses have saved over $3.6 million while reducing pollution by 376 tons. The $30 million allocated to the rebate grants under this funding cycle has been awarded, but there is still time to apply for grants. The application deadline is April 11, 2008.  Individual application assistance is available at local TERP Community Help Desks. For information visit www.terpgrants.org or call (800) 919-8377.

TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines and is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The Environmental Protection Agency supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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Denton Businesses Save Over $276,000 While Cleaning the Air (1:43 min., 1.58 Mb, MP3)

Three small businesses in Denton County recently received over $276,000 in rebates by participating in the Texas Emissions Reduction Program, or TERP. TERP provides rebates and grants to help replace aging diesel engines that consume more fuel and generate more pollution than newer models.

Lewisville-based Pro Tow Wrecker Service received over $106,000 to replace an old haul truck with a new, more efficient model. "At a time when diesel fuel is reaching all time highs of over four dollars per gallon, it makes economic and environmental sense for businesses like Pro Tow Wrecker to participate in TERP," said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager. “This opportunity won’t last long so we encourage businesses to apply before time runs out.”

Two other Denton County businesses saved over $170,000 by using TERP to replace two older dump trucks. Don Buttress and Joel Estrada are doing their part to clean the air by operating newer vehicles that will remove 17 tons of pollutants from the air.

To date North Texas businesses have saved over $3.3 million while reducing nearly 353 tons of pollution. The $30 million allocated to the rebate grants under this funding cycle has been awarded, but there is still time to apply for grants. The application deadline is April 11, 2008. Individual application assistance is available at local TERP Community Help Desks. For information visit www.terpgrants.org or call (800) 919-8377.

TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines and is managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The Environmental Protection Agency supports local efforts to encourage participation in TERP as a way to improve air quality in DFW.

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EPA Issues Imminent and Substantial Endangerment Order to Agrifos Fertilizer, Inc. and ExxonMobil (1:58 min., 1.87 Mb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an administrative order on consent to Agrifos Fertilizer, Inc. and ExxonMobil Oil Corp. to address long-term wastewater management and prevent future endangerment to human health and the environment.

The Agrifos facility has been in operation since the mid 1960s and was originally constructed and operated by the Mobil Corporation.  Agrifos operates a mineral processing facility that extracts phosphorus from mineral ores for use in commercial fertilizer.  The byproduct wastes include phosphogypsum, which is accumulated in large piles of gypsum stacks, and process wastewater.  A moat that stores process wastewater surrounds each gypsum stack.

In August 2007, excessive amounts of acidic wastewater that had accumulated at the Pasadena facility put the impoundments in danger of catastrophic failure.  An abnormal amount of rain produced excess wastewater at the South Stack, causing a portion of the retaining wall to fail.  This released wastewater into a county drainage ditch, Cotton Patch Bayou, and then into the Houston Ship Channel.  The overflow released approximately 54 million gallons of wastewater between August 16 and September 7, 2007, and at least one fish kill was reported in the bayou. 

“This order is a reminder to those who own and operate these facilities of their responsibility to protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “EPA will continue to vigorously enforce our nation’s environmental laws through a strong enforcement program.”
 
The EPA order requires Agrifos and ExxonMobil to promptly take steps to complete side slope closure of the gypsum stacks over the next two years and develop a corrective action plan to address soil and groundwater contamination.  Agrifos and ExxonMobil will also build a new plant to treat wastewater and dispose of acidic wastewater using the deep injection well at the facility.  The order also requires Agrifos and ExxonMobil to model a five-year plan for managing water balance during closure activities at the site.

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EPA Awards $60,000 to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas (:26 sec., 418 Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $60,000 to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s Water Pollution Control Program.  The tribe will use the funds for its watershed management program by assessing a series of surface-water samples. Data from these samples will illustrate any changes in the condition of the tribe's water quality, and determine the functions and health of the stream ecosystem and whether the tribe’s water quality is sufficient.

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City of Laredo breaks ground on brownfields site (1:30 min., 1.37 Mb, MP3)

(Dallas, Texas – March 26, 2008) Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency joined representatives from the City of Laredo today in a groundbreaking ceremony for a national brownfields site.

EPA awarded a $100,000 brownfields grant to the City of Laredo in 2006, which enabled it to clean up an 18-acre wetland and lake area that was the site of years of illegal dumping. The city plans to develop nature trails and park space on the site.

“Brownfields grants help convert environmental eyesores into sources of local pride,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “These grants build on EPA’s commitment of working with communities to hand down cleaner land and a healthier future to the next generation.”

Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties where redevelopment may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. The Laredo site suffered from years of illegal dumping of tires and other solid waste. EPA’s Brownfields Program empowers cities and states to work together to clean up such properties and turn them into community assets.

Since the beginning of the program in 1995, EPA’s south central region has leveraged $2.3 billion in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, helped create 10,700 jobs and resulted in the assessment of 750 properties. The brownfields program encourages redevelopment of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites.

Nationally, brownfields assistance has attracted more than $11.3 billion in private investment, helped create more than 48,000 jobs and resulted in the assessment and cleanup of nearly 12,000 properties.

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TERP Awards Over $558,000 to Clean the Air (1:35 min., 1.46 Mb, MP3)

Texas has awarded over $558,000 in rebates to North Texas-based companies to replace four aging diesel vehicles under the Texas Emissions Reduction Program, or TERP. By upgrading to newer, less polluting vehicles these companies will prevent a combined total of 55.9 tons of nitrogen oxides from polluting North Texas skies. To date TERP has awarded over $3 million to local companies to help them reduce 325 tons of pollution.

"We commend these small business owners for doing their part to help clean the air in North Texas one engine at a time," said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager.

The recipients—Dicky J. Brown, JD Jacobs, Jr, Bob C. Beakley, Carl Davidson, and Chris Miller—were granted awards ranging from $59,735 to $218,609 each.

The $30 million allocated to the rebate grants under this funding cycle has been awarded, but there is still time to apply for the $110 million in Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG). The application deadline is April 11, 2008. Individual application assistance is available at local TERP Community Help Desks. For information visit www.terpgrants.org or call (800) 919-8377.

The Environmental Protection Agency is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and a host of other North Texas partners to encourage businesses to replace older trucks and equipment as a way to improve air quality in DFW. TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines. TCEQ manages the TERP program, which was approved by the Texas

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EPA Awards Over $1 million to the State of Louisiana (:27 sec., 430 Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1,318,900 to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to implement requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. LDHH will use the funds to conduct sanitary surveys and perform analyses of drinking water samples. As part of this project, LDHH will also investigate potential public health problems in the treatment or distribution of drinking water.

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TERP Awards Nearly $430,000 to Help Clean the Air (1:41 min., 1.54 Mb, MP3)

Texas has awarded almost $430,000 in rebates to four North Texas-based companies to replace aging diesel vehicles under the Texas Emissions Reduction Program, or TERP. By upgrading to newer, less polluting vehicles these companies will prevent a combined total of 43 tons of nitrogen oxides from polluting North Texas skies. To date TERP has awarded over $2.4 million to local companies to help them reduce 265.5 tons of pollution.

"Each eligible company or local government that participates in TERP brings us one engine closer to our goal of replacing 4,500 older diesel vehicles and equipment," said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager. "TERP is a great tool for our business community to use.”

The recipients — Agustin Ortiz, Alejandro Cortez, Antonio Banda and Billy W. Dodson — were awarded rebates ranging from $94,844 to $111,793.

The $30 million allocated to the rebate grants under this funding cycle has been awarded, but there is still time to apply for the $110 million in Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants. The application deadline is April 11, 2008. Individual application assistance is available at local TERP Community Help Desks. For information visit www.terpgrants.org or call (800) 919-8377.

The Environmental Protection Agency is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and a host of other North Texas partners to improve air quality in DFW by encouraging businesses to replace older trucks and equipment. TERP serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines. TCEQ manages the TERP program, which was approved by the Texas Legislature.

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Dallas Love Field pledges to cut more pollution (2:08 min., 1.96 Mb, MP3)

After cutting 4,000 pounds of harmful chemicals at its airport, Dallas Love Field is pledging to reduce 1,000 more as part of a national program run by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The airport plans to reduce 1,000 pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, as part of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) program. In addition, it is pledging to cut 50 pounds of mercury from light bulbs, thermometers, thermostats and other equipment under the NPEP “Mercury Challenge” campaign.

“More and more top facilities are finding smart, simple ways to conduct business and care for the environment at the same time,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “It is even more inspiring when members of industry not only stick with their commitments to the environment, but expand on them, as Dallas Love Field has done.”

The airport will replace the ballasts and mercury-containing instrumentation with modern equipment that is free of priority chemicals. It will also recycle light bulbs that contain mercury.

“Our efforts at Love Field are an extension of city-wide policies pertaining to environmental responsibility, which are implemented through our Environmental Management System,” said Director of Aviation, Daniel T. Weber. “Our success with removing harmful chemicals from the system follows our earlier program to reduce air emissions, in conjunction with our tenant airlines. Our staff will continue to work at reducing all Dallas Airport System facilities’ impacts on the environment.”

The National Partnership for Environmental Priorities promotes the voluntary reduction of 31 priority chemicals. Through work with EPA, both public and private organizations identify activities that will reduce the use of these chemicals, preventing their ability to accumulate in the environment and cause harm to humans and the ecosystem. The Mercury Challenge promotes the voluntary, systematic elimination of mercury-containing equipment.

More than 150 organizations nationwide have joined the NPEP program, which has set a goal of reducing the use or release of four million pounds of priority chemicals by 2011. Dallas Love Field is one of only four airports nationwide to join the NPEP program and is the first to add additional goals to their original commitment.

Additional information on the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities is available by contacting Rob Luschek at (214) 665-7148.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the City of Albuquerque (:20 sec., 320 Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $113,322 to the City of Albuquerque. This grant will fund the city's 2008 continuing air pollution prevention and control program. The city expects to maintain national ambient air quality standards and reduce air toxics emissions.

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TERP Awards Over $1.7 Million to Help Clean the Air (1:22 min., 1.25 Mb, MP3)

Texas has awarded over $1.7 million in rebates to eight North Texas-based companies to replace 19 aging diesel vehicles under the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP).  By upgrading to newer, cleaner-running vehicles these companies will prevent a combined total of 179 tons of nitrogen oxides from polluting North Texas skies.

"By participating in TERP these companies are helping us to achieve our goal of replacing 4,500 older diesel engines," said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager.  "TERP can help local businesses stay competitive while they contribute to cleaner air.”

The eight rebate recipients—Glynn Dodson, Inc., Martinek Trucking, Denton Brothers Trucking, Inc.; JD Jacobs, Jr; Chris Strickland; David Copeland Sand & Gravel, Inc; Arturo Alaniz; and Fidelia Garza—were each awarded grants ranging from $116,000 to over $330,000.

The $30 million allocated to the rebate grants under this funding cycle has been awarded, but there is still time to apply for the Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants with $110 million to award.  The application deadline is April 11, 2008.  Individual application assistance is available at local TERP Community Help Desks.  For information visit www.terpgrants.org or call (800) 919-8377.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and a host of other North Texas partners to upgrade or replace older trucks and equipment as a way to improve air quality in the nine county area.  The Texas Emissions Reduction Program, approved by the Texas Legislature, serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines.  The TCEQ manages the TERP program.

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EPA Awards $170,000 to the City of Dallas (:29 sec., 464 Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $170,000 to the City of Dallas for Dallas Sustainable Skylines. The award will fund three studies that will support the adoption of business practices that will significantly contribute to improved air quality in the Dallas metropolitan area. The City of Dallas expects the results of the studies to be useful tools in persuading various sectors of the community to adopt more energy efficient practices and to reduce emissions.

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EPA Updates Its National Priorities List of Superfund Sites -- Three Sites Added and Two Proposed in Texas (2:09 min., 1.97 Mb, MP3)

Today the Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced three sites in Texas have been added to the National Priorities List for cleanup and two are being proposed.

Donna Reservoir and Canal System in Donna, Midessa Ground Water Plume in Odessa, and the San Jacinto River Waste Pits in Harris County are the sites that were added to the program after being proposed in September 2007.

Old Esco Manufacturing in Greenville and the Attebury Grain Storage Facility in Happy, Texas, are being considered for placement in the federal cleanup program, also known as Superfund. The Superfund program investigates and cleans up the most complex contaminated waste sites in the country.

"Adding these sites to the NPL makes federal assets available to help protect the drinking water sources for thousands of Texans," EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said.

"TCEQ and EPA work closely in this area to bring the resources of the federal government to bear on remediating these sites, which are the most complex, most polluted in the state of Texas," said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia.

The Donna Reservoir and Canal System is being added to the NPL because of adverse levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in water and fish. At the Midessa Ground Water Plume site, trichloroethene and other chlorinated solvents were found in concentrations above safe drinking water maximum contamination levels. The San Jacinto River Waste Pits site is being added because of elevated levels of dioxins found in sediment, water, fish and crabs.

The Old Esco Manufacturing site is being proposed to the NPL because of polychlorinated biphenyl contaminated soil, at concentrations exceeding health-based benchmarks, on the facility property and on surrounding residential properties. The Attebury Grain Storage Facility is being proposed to the NPL because carbon tetrachloride and other solvents were found in concentrations above safe drinking water maximum contamination levels.

EPA will seek public comment on adding the Old Esco Manufacturing and Attebury Grain Storage Facility sites to the NPL for 60 days. Comments will be considered as the agency completes the final decision process. During the public comment period, EPA will continue to develop cleanup plans so that actual work may begin as quickly after NPL listing as possible.

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TERP Awards Over $388,000 to Speed Fab-Crete Corporation for Cleaner Trucks (1:28 min., 1.34 Mb, MP3)

Texas has awarded over $388,000 in rebates to Fort Worth-based Speed Fab-Crete Corporation to replace five aging diesel vehicles under the Texas Emissions Reduction Program, or TERP. By upgrading to newer, less polluting vehicles Speed Fab-Crete will prevent 47.4 tons of nitrogen oxides from polluting North Texas skies.

"We are very pleased with Speed Fab-Crete's commitment to clean air. We need about 4,500 older diesel engines to be replaced using TERP funds," said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager. "TERP speeds up vehicle replacement and makes good business sense.”

Money for the first-come-first-served rebates is going fast, but there is still time to apply for the Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG) with $110 million to award. The application deadline is April 11, 2008. Individual application assistance is available at local TERP community help desks. For information visit www.terpgrants.org or call (800) 919-8377.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and a host of other North Texas partners to improve air quality in the nine-county area by upgrading or replacing older trucks and equipment. TERP, approved by the Texas Legislature and managed by TCEQ, serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines.

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Tough New Diesel Rule Announced in Houston (1:56 min., 1.77 Mb, MP3)

Air quality in the Houston-Galveston area got a boost today when EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson signed the Locomotive and Marine Diesel Engines Rule at a ceremony at the Port of Houston. The national rule will slash harmful diesel emissions from trains and ships and help Americans breathe cleaner air.

EPA Region 6 Administrator Richard E. Greene said, "This is another step in the continuing process to bring cleaner air to Texas and the Nation. Each step brings new achievements and cleaner technologies to improve the health of our residents and our quality of life."

EPA’s Clean Diesel Locomotive and Marine program will work in collaboration with its partners to cut emissions from all types of diesel locomotives, including line-haul, switch, and passenger rail, as well as from a wide range of marine sources, including ferries, tugboats and all types of marine auxiliary engines.

As a result of the rule, the Houston-Galveston area is expected to see reductions of nitrogen oxide emissions of more than 15,000 tons in 2020 and 32,000 tons in 2030. In 2020 the final rule will annually reduce particulate matter emissions in the Houston metro area by 560 tons, and by 2030 these reductions will double to about 1,200 tons per year.

In addition to the benefits from the locomotive and marine standards, EPA has issued a number of rules that will help Houston reduce its ozone levels. These include: the toughest ozone eight-hour standard that EPA has ever set, the Clean Air Interstate Rule to reduce ozone-forming emissions from power plants and the Clean Air Diesel Rule Program to reduce emissions from highway, non-road and stationary diesel engines.

The Port of Houston is a 25-mile-long complex of diverse public and private facilities located just a few hours’ sailing time from the Gulf of Mexico. The port is ranked first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in the U.S. in total tonnage, and tenth in the world in total tonnage. The Port of Houston is made up of the Port of Houston Authority and 150-plus private industrial companies along the Houston Ship Channel.

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EPA cutting diesel emissions at their source (:21 sec., 514 Kb, MP3)

Today EPA is fitting another important piece into the clean diesel puzzle by cleaning emissions from our trains and boats. As more and more goods flow through our ports and railways, EPA is cutting diesel emissions at their source – keeping our nation on track toward a clean, healthy, productive tomorrow.

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EPA awards two Brownfields Job Training Grants (2:35 min., 2.37 Mb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced two organizations in Louisiana selected to receive brownfields job training grants of $399,000. The grants will teach environmental assessment and cleanup skills, place graduates in environmental jobs and track students for one year.

EPA awarded $200,000 to Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana, Inc. in New Orleans, and $199,999 to Southern University at Shreveport.

"These grants are achieving results," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. "They train people for important environmental jobs - jobs that restore properties and turn them into community assets."

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana plans to train 40 students, place 80 percent of graduates in environmental jobs or post-secondary education, and track students for one year.  The training program will consist of four 13-week, 404-hour training cycles that will offer certifications in mold, lead, and asbestos abatement, and construction safety.  Additional training will include coursework in engineering, debris removal, and federal, state, and local environmental rules and regulations.

Southern University at Shreveport plans to train 37 students, place 31 graduates in environmental jobs and track them for one year. The training program will consist of three, 121-hour training cycles comprising technical instruction, safety, asbestos abatement, CPR, and first aid. Students will be recruited from low- to moderate-income populations living in areas impacted by brownfields.

"The brownfields job training grants will benefit Louisiana by providing resources and education for mostly low-income and minority residents so they can gain the knowledge needed to enter the environmental field," said Louis Buatt, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Assistant Secretary. "These grants will provide unemployed and underemployed residents with the skills needed to sustain employment."

A brownfield is a property where expansion or reuse may be complicated by pollutants or a perception that the property is contaminated. Brownfields job training grants encourage tribal, local, state and federal agencies, communities, job training organizations, non-profit agencies and others to work together to develop and foster long term employment through environmental training.

Since 1998, EPA has awarded more than $23 million in brownfields job training funds. Approximately 4,000 people have completed training programs, with more than 2,500 obtaining employment in the environmental field.  The program is designed to ensure than the economic benefits derived from brownfields redevelopment remain in the affected communities.

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Connecting environment and culture (1:30 min, 1.37 Mb, MP3)

Students from several countries will come together on March 6 to discuss culture and the environment during a youth video conference sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the University of North Texas and the U.S. State Department.

The second International Indigenous Youth Conference on the Environment and Culture will begin at 6:45 a.m. in the UNT Gateway Center and will include students from Malaysia, Russia, and Uganda, as well as students in Oklahoma from the Kiowa, Wichita, Apache, Comanche, Osage, Lakota, Kialegee and Navajo nations.

“No matter what your age or where you call home, we can all do something positive for the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “This conference is a great opportunity to get the next generation of students discussing environmental issues and discovering how they can make a difference in their communities.”

More than 80 students are expected to participate in the video conference, which is aimed at encouraging young people to take an active role in finding solutions to environmental problems that incorporate local, regional, and cultural perspectives.  This year’s theme is “Environmental Protection and Indigenous Culture in an Age of Global Climate Change.”  The event will be Webcast live at www.unt.edu/youthcon, and will be archived for viewing following the conference.

EPA and its Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs organized the first international indigenous student video conference in March 2007.  The office works with 65 federally recognized Native Nations to address environmental issues and strengthen the relationships between tribes and EPA. 

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February 2008

EPA awards over $140,000 to the Osage Nation (24 secs, 378 KB, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $144,420 to the Osage Nation for its Underground Injection Control program. This is in addition to a previous award of $41,560 made in September 2007. The tribe will use the funds for testing and inspection, enforcement and compliance, and permitting of injection wells.

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Beaumont-Port Arthur area hits ozone mark (2:58 min, 2.72 Mb, MP3)

Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality joined representatives from the Beaumont-Port Arthur area today to celebrate the region reaching the national eight-hour standard for ozone.

"This is an important clean air milestone for everyone in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. "EPA is pleased to recognize the committed efforts of the many residents and industry leaders who have worked side-by-side with air quality staff at the local, state and federal levels to reduce ozone in the region."

"I want to congratulate all of our partners in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area for achieving this significant clean air standard," said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia. "This community’s can-do spirit has produced real results that mean reduced ozone levels and improved air quality for all of the citizens in the Golden Triangle region."

The Beaumont-Port Arthur area includes Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange counties. Data from 2005 to 2007 show that the area meets both the eight-hour ozone standard and the former one-hour standard. EPA revoked the one-hour standard of .12 parts per million (ppm) in 2005 with regulations to implement the more protective eight-hour standard of .08 ppm. 

"We are proud of our local elected officials who have worked tirelessly in stressing the importance of attaining this goal and we will continue this process into the future to guarantee clean air for our region," said Shaun Davis, Executive Director, South East Texas Regional Planning Commission. "This achievement shows the commitment of our citizens, industry leaders and local government to work together through positive programs like the Ozone Action Day Program."

"The South East Texas Regional Planning Commission will continue to encourage voluntary initiatives like the Ozone Action Day Program, promotion of Alternative Fueled Vehicle use, Carpool and Vanpool programs and the Household Hazardous Waste/Scrap Tire Collection events," said Bob Dickinson, Director of Transportation & Environmental Resources, South East Texas Regional Planning Commission.

Now that the region has reached ozone attainment levels, officials will continue to work to ensure the area remains in compliance. Last year, EPA proposed to strengthen the eight-hour standard for ground-level ozone to within a range of 0.070 to 0.075 ppm.  A final decision on a new eight-hour standard is expected by March 12. 

The Beaumont-Port Arthur area is designated as a marginal eight-hour ozone nonattainment area. Although it is now in attainment for ozone, EPA proposed to reclassify the region to "moderate" in October 2007 because the region’s ozone levels averaged .085 ppm from 2004 to 2006, narrowly missing the standard by the June 15, 2007, attainment deadline. The fact that it attained the standard by the end of 2007 provides great optimism that air quality in the region is on track.

Ozone is a gas that occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere to protect the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. At ground level, pollutants released from vehicles, factories and other sources combine to form the ozone mixture commonly known as smog. Smog can cause respiratory problems including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain.  The risk is greatest for people with asthma, children and the elderly.

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Standard Aero, Inc. joins EPA top-performance program (2:16 min, 2.07 Mb, MP3)

Standard Aero, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, will eliminate tons of waste and reduce energy use and noise as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s top “green leadership” program. The gas turbine engine repair and maintenance company earned its spot in the prestigious National Environmental Performance Track program by maintaining a sustained environmental compliance record and making new commitments to reduce and recycle at its facility.

"Standard Aero is proof that environmental stewardship and economic prosperity can go hand-in-hand," said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. "By committing to conservation, Standard Aero demonstrates that doing what’s good for the environment is also good for business."

As part of their participation in the program, Standard Aero has committed to reducing energy consumption and waste production over the next three years in several areas. They will reduce total non-transportation energy use by 2,090 MMBTUs; optimize evaporative systems to further reduce non-hazardous waste generation by 70 tons; further reduce non-hazardous waste generation by 92 tons through recycling plastic, paper, metal, and glass from existing plant trash; and reduce outdoor engine testing by 110 hours to restrict noise.

"Standard Aero is proud to be accepted into the National Environmental Performance Track program as partners with EPA.  As part of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Standard Aero is driven to provide timely solutions and products at the best value to our customers. Our commitment to environmental performance is an important part of this offering," said Standard Aero Corporate Director of Environmental Affairs Brian K. Skrobarcek. 

Performance Track recognizes facilities that have a strong record of environmental compliance, set three-year goals for continuous improvements in environmental performance beyond their legal requirements, have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts, engage in community outreach and consistently report results.

Since the 2000 launch of this facility-based program, Performance Track membership has grown to 538 members in 49 states and Puerto Rico, and those members have set more than 3,500 goals to benefit the environment in both regulated and unregulated areas. Since the inception of the program, Performance Track members have reported greenhouse gas reductions of 310,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, reductions in nitrogen oxides of 13,000 tons, and hazardous waste reductions of 52,000 tons.

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Cleanup plan finalized for Tar Creek Superfund site (2:22 min, 2.17 Mb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Environmental Secretary, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, has completed the final cleanup plan for the Tar Creek Superfund site in Ottawa County, Oklahoma.

Components of the cleanup plan include: funding voluntary relocation of residents and businesses in Picher, Cardin and Hockerville through Oklahoma’s Lead-Impacted Communities Relocation Assistance Trust, chat sales, and disposal of source materials to reduce the overall footprint of contamination and reduce the need for land use restrictions, institutional controls, and operation and maintenance. The cost of the plan is approximately $167 million.

"This master plan will ensure a coordinated commitment to permanently clean up the Tar Creek Superfund site,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “It is a long-awaited step in finalizing work to clean up one of the nation's largest Superfund sites, and I am pleased to be part of this monumental occasion."

The final plan reaffirms years of hard work by local, tribal, state and federal partners to permanently clean up the site.  It addresses contamination posed by chat piles, other mine and mill waste, and smelter waste in the 40-square mile former lead and zinc mining area.

EPA based its decision on public comments, extensive studies of the extent of contamination, and human health and environmental risks caused by contamination at the site. More plan details are described in the record of decision, available at EPA’s Web site.

EPA has spent nearly $150 million addressing immediate threats to the residents near the site by removing lead and zinc waste, known as chat, from residential yards and from high access areas. After yard remediation and extensive health education efforts funded by EPA, a 50 percent reduction in the number of children with elevated blood lead levels has been achieved in local communities.

EPA listed the Tar Creek site on its National Priorities List in 1983. The site, in northeastern Oklahoma, is part of the 1,188 square mile former zinc and lead mines known as the Tri-State Mining District in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Mining began in the early 1900s and continued until the 1960s.

Much of the land on the Tar Creek site is allotted Indian Land. The towns of Picher, Cardin, Commerce, North Miami and Quapaw are also part of the site. Approximately 19,000 people live in the communities surrounding the site.

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EPA awards over $25,000 to Rose State College (21 secs, 335Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $25,660 to Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Wastewater Training Center will use the funds to provide no-cost, on-site technical assistance to small communities with minor wastewater discharges to help them solve operational problems.

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EPA awards over $1 million to the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (43 secs, 674Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1,350,000 to the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, or BECC. The funds will allow BECC to assist communities in developing project planning studies, environmental studies, engineering design, legal and financial feasibility studies, and community participation plans. BECC will provide communities with financial assistance to help develop environmental infrastructure projects.  These funds are awarded under the 2007 Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution providing budget authority for funding the United States-Mexico Border Program.

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Gulf Guardian Awards Program now accepting applications (40 secs, 631Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Program is soliciting entries for the 2008 Gulf Guardian Awards Program.  The entry deadline is May 1, 2008.  Winners will be announced in the fall and the awards ceremony will be held during December 2008.  This is the ninth year for the awards program, which was started to honor businesses, industries, non-profit organizations, government agencies, individuals and partnerships striving to make an environmental difference in the Gulf of Mexico.  A first, second and third place award is given in seven different categories. 

Once the application is complete, email before May 1, 2008 to gulf.guardian@epa.gov

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EPA Awards Over $50,000 to the University of Texas at Arlington (27 secs, 437Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $58,420 to the University of Texas at Arlington through the Southwest Network for Zero Waste. Funds from this grant will be used to develop a database tool for the pretreatment industry to search for pollution prevention opportunities for their plants. The project goals are to aid in compliance with regulatory requirements and to show operators how to go beyond compliance using pollution prevention.

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Poster contest sheds light on sun safety (1:41 min, 1.54Mb, MP3)

Students can help raise awareness about sun safety and win prizes by entering the 2008 SHADE poster contest.  The annual contest, sponsored by the SHADE Foundation of America and the Environmental Protection Agency, teaches children ways to protect skin from excessive sun exposure.

Sun protection education is especially important for children because unprotected exposure puts them at an increased lifetime risk for skin cancer. Too much sun can also lead to cataracts and immune suppression.  

This year’s contest, “Limit the Sun, Not the Fun,” runs until April 1, 2008. Students in grades K-8 can submit hand-drawn posters on an 8 1/2 by 11 inch sheet of paper.  Entries should be original and creative, and should suggest ways to prevent skin cancer and raise sun safety awareness. 

Winning posters will receive state and national prizes, with the national winner receiving a trip for four to Disney World.  WeatherBug Schools will also provide a scientific-grade weather tracking station as a national prize.

EPA is co-sponsoring this year’s contest through its SunWise Program, an environmental and health education program that uses classroom and community tools to teach the public how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun.

Most of the more than one million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the United States are considered to be sun-related, according to the American Cancer Society. The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety.

More than 50,000 students have helped spread the message of sun safety by participating in the annual contest since its creation in 2003. Additional information on SunWise and the 2008 SHADE poster contest is available at http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/

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Over $100 million available for dirty trucks (1:15 min, 1.14Mb, MP3)

Owners of older heavy-duty vehicles and equipment can get one-on-one help with grant and rebate applications under the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, or TERP.

More than $100 million in TERP funds are available to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, school districts and government agencies that own and operate heavy-duty vehicles or equipment, ranging from delivery trucks and transit buses to cranes, forklifts and locomotives.  New and upgraded equipment pollutes less, improving the air quality in Texas.

The TERP Community Help Desks will be open on scheduled days in Arlington, Dallas, Denton and Fort Worth. Staff will answer questions and help with applying for program grants and rebates.  

To help with the application process, individuals should bring their current registration, vehicle title, pictures of the vehicle and/or equipment, and equipment bids. Applicants may schedule appointments in advance by calling 1-800-919-TERP (8377) and selecting the Dallas/Fort Worth assistance option on the menu. Walk-ins are also welcomed, but priority will be given to appointments.

The Environmental Protection Agency is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and a host of other partners to help North Texans get money to upgrade or replace their older trucks and equipment as a way to improve area air quality.

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January 2008

EPA Awards Over $50,000 to the Pueblo of Picuris (30 secs, 471Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $59,863 to the Pueblo of Picuris to assist the Pueblo with cleanup and ecological restoration of a mica mining operation. The funds will enable the Pueblo to re-establish its traditional mica clay pottery industry.  These funds are awarded under EPA's Brownfields program which encourages redevelopment of America's estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites. 

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EPA Awards Over $50,000 to A Nurtured World Incorporated (28 secs, 452Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $53,300 to A Nurtured World Incorporated.  The funds will be used to target significant environmental issues in the City of Dallas, including air pollution, water supply and water quality.  Nurtured World will work with citizens, businesses and organizations to learn about their environmental impacts and identify ways to address them, and conduct site visit training for pollution prevention providers. 

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San Antonio health education center receives $98,000 from EPA (1:29 min, 1.36mb, MP3)

The South Central Area Health Education Center in San Antonio, Texas, will receive $98,115 from the Environmental Protection Agency to help reduce environmental risks during pregnancy. 

The center’s project, “Let’s Talk Baby-Tox: Reducing Prenatal Exposure Risks,” will focus on outreach to health care providers and families in a 12-county area. 

As part of the project, the center plans to train 70 health care providers and more than 2,700 prenatal patients on understanding how the environment affects the health of a fetus. The project will also involve delivering environmental health messages to more than 3,200 expectant families and determining if these messages result in positive changes in behavior.  Other planned activities include developing a Spanish/English novella to distribute to prenatal patients and creating materials on environmental risk assessment and intervention for health care providers and staff in five South Texas clinics.  

The goal of the project is to provide a sustainable and replicable outreach program that empowers health care providers and families to identify and reduce environmental risks including pesticides, secondhand smoke, hazardous household chemicals, indoor air, lead, and mercury exposure during pregnancy. These environmental hazards can lead to increased respiratory illnesses, cancers, and other adverse health effects in children.

EPA awards grants through its Child and Aging Health Protection Division to support programs and projects that work to protect children’s health from environmental threats. 

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EPA Awards Over $20 Million to the North American Development Bank (30 secs, 471Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $23,400,000 to the North American Development Bank. The bank will use the funds to implement the Border Environment Infrastructure Fund program which provides construction and transition assistance for eligible drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. These funds are awarded under the 2007 Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution providing budget authority for funding the United States-Mexico Border Program. 

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EPA Awards Over $1 Million to the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (38 secs, 602Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1,350,000 to the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, or BECC. The funds will allow BECC to assist communities in developing project planning studies, environmental studies, engineering design, legal and financial feasibility studies, and community participation plans. BECC will provide communities with financial assistance to help develop environmental infrastructure projects. These funds are awarded under the 2007 Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution providing budget authority for funding the United States-Mexico Border Program. 

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EPA Awards Over $1 million to the University of New Orleans (27 secs, 423Kb, MP3)

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1,490,040 to the University of New Orleans Research and Technology Foundation for projects in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. These projects will focus on the reduction or elimination of sewerage related pollution and provide education and outreach to improve water quality in the basin. The grant will also fund a study of wastewater collection and treatment throughout unincorporated areas of St. Helena Parish.

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EPA Awards Over $25,000 to Southern Arkansas University Tech (27 secs, 423Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $25,660 to Southern Arkansas University Tech.  With funds from this grant the state will provide no-cost, on-site technical assistance to help communities with minor wastewater discharges solve operational problems.

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EPA  Awards $150,000 to the State of Oklahoma (27 secs, 423Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $150,000 to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for its State Environmental Response Program.  Under this cooperative agreement with EPA Region 6, commission staff will assist in identifying contamination, plan for cleanup if contaminants are found, and in some limited cases, assist in or oversee cleanup that leads to redevelopment.

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EPA Awards $200,000 to the Inter-Tribal Environmental Council – Cherokee Nation (43 secs, 673Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $200,000 to the Inter-Tribal Environmental Council - Cherokee Nation. These funds will allow the council to continue to establish and enhance its Voluntary Cleanup Program and Brownfields Site Assessment Program. Brownfields are vacant, abandoned, or under-used properties where redevelopment may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. Through these programs, the council will inventory, oversee or perform assessments and cleanups of Brownfields properties, and promote the program within and between its member tribes. Ultimately, this will help revitalize many of the underutilized sites in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico Indian Country.

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EPA Awards Over $300,000 to the City of Albuquerque (23 secs, 359Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $397,209 to the City of Albuquerque. This grant will fund the city's continuing air pollution prevention and control program and allow the completion of a special ENERGY STAR project. The city expects to maintain national ambient air quality standards and reduce air toxics emissions.

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EPA Awards Over $25,000 to the State of New Mexico (19 secs, 300Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $25,660 to the Regents of New Mexico State University.  Funds awarded from this grant will allow the state to provide no-cost, on-site technical assistance to small communities with minor wastewater discharges.

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EPA Awards $600,000 to the State of Texas (21 secs, 330Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $600,000 to the Texas Railroad Commission under the Underground Injection Control program.  The commission will use the funds to perform mechanical integrity tests on injection wells, and provide technical assistance to operators for drilling, completing, and reporting on injection wells.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the State of Arkansas (33 secs, 520Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $132,000 to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.  The commission will use the funds to complete a detailed geomorphic map of the entire Coastal Plain in Arkansas.  The project will complete areas not covered in a Ouachita River Geomorphic mapping effort in 2006, and combine all Coastal Plain Geomorphic mapping in single coverage. This map will allow more accurate application of the published Coastal Plain Hydrogeomorphic Guidebook, and allow for future hydrogeomorphic mapping.

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EPA Awards Over $2,000,000 to the State of Texas (32 secs, 507Kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $2,026,097 to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to administer the state's base water quality program under their Performance Partnership Grant.  TCEQ’s program aims to prevent, reduce, and eliminate water pollution through standard-setting, monitoring, permitting and enforcement activities.  The funding will also assist in administering the state's environmental management programs which monitor, abate, and control hazardous and solid waste, air pollution and pesticides

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EPA Awards $300,000 to the City of Laredo (34 secs, 545kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $300,000 to the city of Laredo, Texas. This grant is awarded under the Community Action for a Renewed Environment, or CARE, program, a community-based, community-driven program to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks. The Laredo Health Department will use the funds to educate school-age children and health care providers on hazardous chemicals and indoor air environmental and asthma triggers. The project will also seek to raise awareness about water quality and conservation, and solid waste issues.

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December 2007

 

EPA Awards $60,000 to the Tonkawa Tribe (28 secs, 441kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $60,000 to the Tonkawa Tribe’s Water Pollution Control Program. The tribe will use the funds for its watershed management program by assessing changes in a series of surface-water samples. Data from these samples will illustrate any changes in the condition of the tribe's water quality, and determine the functions and health of the stream ecosystem and whether the tribe’s water quality is sufficient.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma (33 secs, 518kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma to manage specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection.  The tribe will use the funds to write grants, update quality assurance documents, attend environmental meetings, coordinate emergency response exercises, create maps using geographic information and global positioning systems, update its solid waste dump inventory and develop solid waste regulations.

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EPA Awards Over $200,000 to the Osage Tribe (35 secs, 550kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $210,000 to the Osage Tribe through the General Assistance Program to manage specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection.  The tribe will use the funds to write grants, update quality assurance documents, update an environmental assessment, attend environmental trainings and meetings, create maps using geographic information systems, identify salt water scarring areas, clean up five illegal dump sites and identify additional illegal dump sites. 

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EPA Awards Over $290,000 to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe (33 secs, 520kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $296,410 to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe through the General Assistance Program. The tribe will use the funds to clean up six illegal dump sites of the 25 sites previously identified by the tribe, educate the community on the environmental effects of illegal dumping, assist tribal police in identifying illegal dumps and pursue litigation against the dumpers. The award will also fully fund the tribe’s base four-year work plan.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Thlopthlocco Tribe (31 secs, 493kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Thlopthlocco Indian Tribe through the General Assistance Program to manage specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The tribe will use the funds to provide an environmental office, develop geographic information and global positioning systems, address illegal open dumpsites, identify potential environmental hazards, and conduct environmental review and outreach.

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EPA Awards $110,000 to the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma (32 secs, 505kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma through the General Assistance Program to manage specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The tribe will use the funds to provide an environmental office, conduct community outreach, enhance tribal solid waste program capacity, develop geographic information and global positioning system capabilities and better protect and preserve the community’s environment.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Modoc Tribe (24 secs, 388kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Modoc Tribe General Assistance Program. The tribe will use the funds to maintain an environmental office and develop a quality management plan and a Web site. The tribe will also expand services and improve operations of their Red Cedar Recycling service, as well as continue to educate tribal members on the importance of recycling.

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EPA Awards $210,000 to the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas (37 secs, 584kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $210,000 to the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas General Assistance Program to manage specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The tribe will use the funds to provide a tribal environmental office, purchase solid waste educational tools, address solid waste management and emergency response issues, better protect and preserve the environment, improve drinking water quality assessment, follow up on past solid waste management issues, and develop a geographic information system program.

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Communities to get $3 million from EPA for projects to cut pollution (1:45 min, 1.6mb, MP3)

The Environmental Protection Agency and its Community Action for a Renewed Environment, or CARE, program plan to award $3 million in grants to help local communities reduce pollution in 2008.

City, state and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit organizations and universities, can submit grant proposals until March 17, 2008. 

CARE is a competitive grant and technical assistance program to support community-based education and public health protection projects across the country.  In 2007, EPA Region 6 awarded CARE grants totaling $600,000 to two communities in Texas and New Mexico.

Examples of previous projects include conducting outreach to school-age children and health care providers in Laredo, Texas; working with gas station owners and auto dismantlers to help reduce air and water pollution in Bernalillo County, N.M. and addressing environmental priorities in areas recovering from Hurricane Katrina in St. Bernard Parish, La.

EPA anticipates awarding CARE cooperative agreements in two levels.  Level I cooperative agreements range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities.  Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each, will support communities which have established broad-based partnerships, have identified the priority toxic risks in the community, and are prepared to measure results, implement risk reduction activities, and become self-sustaining.

Interested applicants can find more information on the CARE program and how to apply for grants at www.epa.gov/care/.  EPA will also conduct three webcasts on Jan. 18, Feb. 11 and Feb. 27, to provide prospective applicants with additional information on the application process.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to Picuris Pueblo (25 secs, 3916kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the General Assistance Program for Picuris Pueblo to manage specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The tribe will use the funds to attend environmental meetings, write grants, develop a utility department, conduct community outreach, and develop forest and wildlife management plans.

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EPA Awards Over $200,000 to Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council (23 secs, 373kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $220,000 to the Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council through the General Assistance Program. The council will use the funds to assist member Pueblos and tribes in managing specific environmental programs, establishing a core program for environmental protection, and conducting solid waste management activities.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to Chickasaw Nation (30 secs, 476kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Chickasaw Nation General Assistance Program to manage specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The tribe will use the funds to coordinate an environmental program, reduce solid waste, develop a resource management plan, train and educate staff, promote environmental awareness among tribal members, develop an environmental training course, and develop a tribal recycling policy.

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EPA Awards Over $160,000 to Pueblo of Jemez for Air Quality Monitoring (29 secs, 461kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $168,484 to the Pueblo of Jemez to establish a National Ambient Air Quality monitoring site, which will measure air pollutants like ozone and carbon monoxide. The pueblo will use the funds to participate in training; purchase equipment; participate in regional, state, and national tribal air meetings; and provide air quality information to the tribal community.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Pueblo of Pojoaque (24 secs, 383kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to Pueblo of Pojoaque to manage specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection.  The tribe will use the funds to attend environmental meetings, develop a solid waste program, update and develop quality assurance documents, and conduct tribal community outreach.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Pueblo of Isleta (23 secs, 363kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Pueblo of Isleta General Assistance Program. The tribe will use the funds to develop and manage environmental programs and to protect and improve the environment and public health of the tribal community. The tribe will also conduct outreach on environmental issues, train staff and develop a dredge and fill program. 

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EPA Orders Moo Town Dairy to Cease and Desist Permit Violations (1:39 min, 1.52mb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a cease and desist administrative order to Moo Town Dairy near Sulphur Springs, Texas, for violations of the Clean Water Act, including failure to properly design, operate, and maintain wastewater lagoons.

The dairy, located about six miles southeast of Sulphur Springs on the west side of County Road 2321, is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). The facility has been ordered to immediately correct all permit violations. It has been given 14 days to update its Pollution Prevention Plan, 30 days to follow proper animal carcass disposal requirements, and 30 days to lower the liquid levels in its wastewater lagoons to ensure adequate freeboard is available. The dairy has also been ordered to ensure all process-generated wastewater from its commodity barns and silage bunkers drain into the lagoons.

“EPA will continue to vigorously enforce our nation’s environmental laws through a strong enforcement program,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “This action is a reminder to those who own and operate animal feeding operations of their responsibility to protect public health and the environment.”

On October 10, 2007, an EPA inspector, along with representatives from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), conducted an on-site inspection in response to a citizen’s complaint. Numerous violations were found requiring compliance action. The dairy was also cited for sediment buildup in one lagoon and ordered to restore it to proper operating specifications and acquire proper certifications for lagoon design.

Based on these findings, the owner and operator of the Moo Town Dairy has been ordered to immediately take action to bring the facility into compliance with the Clean Water Act.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Seneca-Cayuga Tribal Program (27 secs, 429kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Seneca-Cayuga Tribal Environmental Program. The tribe will use the funds to develop and manage environmental programs and to protect and improve the environment and public health of the tribal community. The funds will help the tribe create an environmental office, conduct outreach in the area and identify and characterize plant communities on tribal properties.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe for its Brownfields Program (31 secs, 491kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $120,215 to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma for its Brownfields program. Brownfields are vacant, abandoned, or under-used properties where redevelopment may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. Tribal staff will assist eligible parties in identifying the presence of contamination and plan for cleanup if contaminants are found.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Fort Sill Apache Tribe to Develop an Environmental Protection Program (28 secs, 449kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $109,000 to the Fort Sill Apache Tribe to support the development of a core tribal environmental protection program.  The tribe will use the funds to maintain a tribal environmental office, address illegal dumping, increase awareness about recycling, develop education and informational material for the tribal newsletter and provide staff with certified water operator training.

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EPA Awards Over $140,000 to the Delaware Nation for Air Quality Education (22 secs, 347kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $144,170 to the Delaware Nation to educate their community on air quality issues. The nation will use the funds to operate an air quality monitoring system and to map tribal lands with geographic information system tools.

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Mansfield ISD Recognized as ENERGY STAR Leader (1.55 min, 1.76mb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the Mansfield Independent School District as an ENERGY STAR Leader based on its demonstration of continuous improvement in energy efficiency. The school district has improved its energy efficiency by ten percent throughout all of its buildings and also achieved ENERGY STAR Top Performer recognition.           

When it opened for the 2007-2008 school year, the Mansfield Independent School District welcomed nearly 30,000 students from the Arlington/Mansfield area into energy-efficient classrooms. Mansfield is one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas, gaining about 3,000 students each year.           

“By making smart energy choices, we can improve our environment and get the most out of our energy dollars,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “Whether running a business, a school, or a household, improving energy efficiency just makes sense.”           

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy that promotes saving money and protecting the environment through energy efficient products and services. More than 50 organizations, from schools and hospitals to supermarkets and real estate companies, have been named ENERGY STAR Leaders since 2005.           

“MISD remains dedicated to minimizing energy costs,” said district Superintendent Vernon Newsom.  “Our participation in the ENERGY STAR Program has been a great success, yielding excellent results.We have made energy conservation a priority, and it is nice to consider the savings that have a direct benefit to the bottom line in our annual budget.”           

Realizing that any significant impact on energy consumption requires awareness, involvement, and campus-wide support, the district worked to raise awareness throughout all of Mansfield’s schools. Information about controlling energy use at the campus level was distributed, and the district developed a Web site for staff, students and parents to help promote energy goals. The district also designated a campus Energy Champion at each school tasked with emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency by turning off lights, closing doors and shutting down computers.           

For more information on ENERGY STAR Leaders, please visit energystar.gov.

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EPA Awards $120,000 to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma for Water Pollution Control Program (27 secs, 426kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $120,000 to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma for its water pollution control program.  Funds from this grant will allow the tribe to continue to assess surface water quality on tribal lands.  Data obtained will help determine changes in the quality and condition of the tribe’s water and provide insight into the health of the stream ecosystem.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Pueblo of Acoma to Support Water Pollution Control Program (26 secs, 416kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $107,244 to the Pueblo of Acoma to provide continued support for the tribe's water pollution control program. The tribe will use the funds to compile sampling data of surface water quality on tribal lands. The tribe will use this data in its watershed management program to assess water quality standards. 

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EPA awards $75,000 for air pollution research in Paso del Norte communities (50 secs, 781kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded $75,000 for air pollution research in Paso del Norte communities.  The Desert Research Institute received the grant to collect site-specific emissions of particulate matter from unpaved roads.  If inhaled, particulate matter can adversely affect the heart and lungs.  Researchers will measure seasonal variations of particulate matter emissions from unpaved roads over a period of years to determine the effectiveness of current surface treatments.

EPA awarded the grant as part of its Border 2012 program.  Border 2012 is a binational collaborative effort at the state, local and federal levels that focuses on cleaning the air, providing safe drinking water, reducing the risk of exposure to hazardous waste, and ensuring emergency preparedness along the U.S.-Mexico border.

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EPA Recognizes Katy ISD for indoor air quality program (1 min, 44 secs, 1.59mb, MP3)

Katy Independent School District and exemplary districts across the nation were honored today for implementing successful indoor air quality programs at the 8th Annual Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools National Symposium in Washington, D.C.

The Environmental Protection Agency presented the school district with a Model of Sustained Excellence Award, which honors schools and districts that practice indoor air quality management and continue their commitment to maintaining healthy facilities for their students and staff.

“Healthy kids and a healthy environment go hand in hand,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “Katy ISD and this year’s other honorees are showing that clean indoor air is as fundamental as reading, writing and arithmetic.”

With more than 53 million children spending a significant portion of their day in the classroom, poor indoor air quality can increase the risk of asthma attacks, decreased performance or diminished concentration.  EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Awards Program recognizes schools and school districts that have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving children’s health by promoting good indoor air quality.

Katy ISD was previously recognized by EPA with a 2005 Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Excellence Award.  The district received the award for implementing walkthrough inspections at each of its 44 school campuses and assigning specific staff members with responsibility for indoor air quality.  Katy was also a pilot school district in the Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool (HealthySEAT) computer tracking software program, a fully customizable and easy-to-use software program designed to help school districts evaluate and manage environmental, safety, and health issues.

The Dec. 6-8 national symposium focuses on the latest research and information on environmental health topics such as: radon, mold, asthma management, maintaining ventilation systems for good indoor air quality, green cleaning products and best practices of high-performing schools.

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EPA Awards $110,000 to the Pueblo of Jemez to Develop Environmental Protection Program (27 secs, 436kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Pueblo of Jemez to manage several specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The pueblo will use the funds to provide an environmental office and develop quality assurance documents, community outreach and education programs, and solid waste cleanup activities.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma to Develop an Environmental Protection Program (27 secs, 429kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma to manage several specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The tribe will use the funds to establish community outreach and education, develop quality assurance documents, and attend environmental meetings and training sessions.

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EPA awards nearly $300,000 for Bernalillo County environmental health efforts (43 secs, 684kb,MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $299,216 to the Bernalillo County Environmental Health Office.  County officials will use the funds to collaborate with gas station owners and auto dismantlers to help reduce benzene and heavy metals in the aquifer and air.  The county also aims to reduce South Valley, N.M., residents' environmental exposures to volatile organic compounds and heavy metals with this project. 

EPA awarded the grant as part of its Community Action for a Renewed Environment, or CARE, program.  CARE is a competitive grant and technical assistance program to support community-based education and public health protection projects across the country. 

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EPA Awards Over $500,000 to the City of Rosenberg (15 secs, 248kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $544,800 to the City of Rosenberg, Texas. The city will use the funds to procure a site for the West Fort Bend County regional drinking water treatment plant.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to Delaware Nation to Develop Environmental Protection Program (29 secs, 466kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Delaware Nation to manage several specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The tribe will use the funds to provide an environmental office; establish and maintain a local, regional, and national presence in environmental issues affecting the tribe; build a tribal community recycling program; and provide environmental outreach.

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Frito-Lay, Lackland AFB recognized by EPA as water efficiency leaders (1 min, 48 secs, 1.65mb, MP3)

Frito-Lay Inc. and Lackland Air Force Base were among six winners recognized today by the Environmental Protection Agency for their efforts in reducing, reusing and recycling water.

The Plano, Texas, snack food maker earned the 2007 Water Efficiency Leader, or WEL, award for cutting water consumption per pound of product by 39 percent at its 33 facilities since 1999.  Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio won its WEL award for its comprehensive water conservation measures and purchases of recycled wastewater for use on the base.  Winners of the WEL awards were chosen by a panel of national water experts and based on three criteria: leadership, innovation and water saved.

“Every drop counts when it comes to conserving water,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “EPA is proud to recognize Frito-Lay, Lackland Air Force Base and this year’s other winners for their efforts to protect and preserve this valuable resource.”

The WEL Awards help foster a nationwide ethic of water efficiency, which is critical to the growing U.S. economy and quality of life.  Demographic shifts, increased demand, and aging water infrastructure create a national need for more efficient use of our water resources.  EPA recognizes this need and has developed the WEL Awards in addition to other initiatives such as product labelling under the WaterSense program and a national organization to foster water efficiency.

The awards were announced today in San Antonio by Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA’s assistant administrator for water.

Other winners of the 2007 WEL Awards include the Intel Corporation’s Ocotillo Campus in Chandler, Arizona; the Santa Clara Valley, California, Water District; The Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center at the University of Louisville; and Allan Dietemann of Seattle Public Utilities.

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EPA Awards Over $25,000 to Texas A&M University (22 secs, 356kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $25,660 to the Texas A & M University Engineering Extension Service.  Funds from this grant will allow the Service to assist small communities with minor wastewater discharges to solve operational problems by providing no-cost, on-site technical assistance.

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EPA Awards Over $200,000 to the Kialegee Tribe to Operate Environmental Department (25 secs, 394kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $242,325 to Kialegee Tribe under the General Assistance Program to improve the tribe’s capacity to operate its environmental department. The tribe will use the funds to develop an indoor air program, clean up illegal refuse sites, and develop an integrated waste management plan.

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November 2007

 

ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery Receives ENERGY STAR Award (1 min, 32 secs, 1.41mb, MP3)

            The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented its ENERGY STAR Award to the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery today for improvements in energy efficiency. 

            ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery Manager Stan Vanderleeuw and Utilities Department Manager Pam Moore accepted the award, which recognizes individuals and organizations nationwide who adopt cost-effective, energy-efficient technologies and practices to better manage their energy costs.

            “When large companies take common-sense steps and make smart energy choices, we all benefit,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene.  “Whether running a business, a school, or a household, getting the most out of our energy dollars just makes sense.”

            In 2000, ExxonMobil developed its Global Energy Management System to focus on conserving energy.  Since then, the Baton Rouge Refinery has implemented heat exchanger monitoring, a steam trap and steam leak repair program, and upgraded furnace air pre-heaters to find energy savings.  These efforts have improved the refinery’s energy efficiency by 12 percent in the past seven years.

            “We are proud to be recognized for our superior energy performance as a recipient of the EPA’s 2007 ENERGY STAR Award,” said Vanderleeuw.  “ExxonMobil is committed to continuous efforts to improve our energy efficiency in Baton Rouge and everywhere we do business.”
           
            ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps save money and protect the environment through products and practices that increase energy efficiency.  To learn more about the ENERGY STAR program, please visit www.energystar.gov/

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EPA Awards Over $80,000 to the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma for Air Quality Program (32 secs, 511kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $89,528 to the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma to respond to indoor air quality complaints in homes and tribal buildings. The tribe will use the funds to assess pollution levels, evaluate the relationship between poor indoor air quality and adverse health, and provide outreach and training for tribal housing, health, and environmental professionals. The tribe will also use the funds to review their Treatment as a State designation.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to Pueblo of Cochiti to Develop Environmental Protection Program (36 secs, 562kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $109,825 to the Pueblo of Cochiti to manage several specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The pueblo will use the funds to attend environmental meetings, provide an environmental office, develop management procedures for water issues, create a solid waste management division, write grants, and develop tribal community outreach. They will also use the funds to review their Treatment as a State designation.

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EPA Awards Over $120,000 to the Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council for Air Quality Projects (24 secs, 388kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $123,767 to the Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council for an air quality education project. The council will use the funds to provide community information and work to prevent pollution and its adverse health effects through community outreach.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Sac and Fox Nation for Environmental Monitoring (33 secs, 523kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $107,084 to the Sac and Fox Nation to operate an ozone and meteorological monitoring station within the nation’s jurisdiction. The Sac and Fox Nation will use the funds to train staff in monitoring methodology, update quality assurance documents and procedures, develop procedures for entering data into standardized monitoring databases, and work with local organizations to reduce haze and particulate matter in the air.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes for Environmental Protection Program (31 secs, 495kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma to manage several specific environmental programs and establish a core program for environmental protection. The tribes will use the funds to attend environmental meetings, provide an environmental office, update and develop quality assurance documents, pursue community outreach, and identify open dumps on tribal land for future cleanup.

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EPA Awards Over $200,000 to the Wyandotte Nation to Develop and Manage Environmental Programs (33 secs, 520kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $220,000 to Wyandotte Nation to develop and manage environmental programs to protect and improve the environment and public health of the tribe. The funds were granted under the General Assistance Program, which supports the development of core tribal environmental protection programs.  The tribe will use the funds to maintain its environmental office, conduct community outreach, oversee water supply activities, and continue its solid waste program.

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EPA Awards Over $200,000 to Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma for Environmental Protection Program (33 secs, 527kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Apache Tribe to support the development of a core tribal environmental protection program. The Apache will use the funds to maintain an environmental department, network with other tribal environmental programs, perform community outreach, develop quality assurance documents, and create maps using GIS/GPS tools.

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EPA Awards $45,000 to the City of Alpine to Develop Regional Solid Waste Feasibility Study (28 secs, 446kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $45,000 to the City of Alpine, Texas, to study the long-term solid waste management needs for the city’s service area. As local landfills near capacity, the area must plan how to manage its solid waste to avoid negative human health effects. Lack of adequate landfill capacity could lead to increased illegal dumping sites, natural resource contamination, and other negative environmental effects. 

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Apache Tribe to Develop Environmental Protection Program (28 secs, 446kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Apache Tribe to support the development of a core tribal environmental protection program. The Apache will use the funds to maintain an environmental department, network with other tribal environmental programs, perform community outreach, develop quality assurance documents, and create maps using GIS/GPS tools.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Comanche Nation to Develop Environmental Protection Program (:24 secs, 383kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $109,925 to the Comanche Nation to support the development of a core tribal environmental protection program. The Comanche Nation will use the funds to develop an environmental office and quality assurance documents, conduct community outreach, and develop a solid waste program.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Pueblo of Santa Clara to Develop Environmental Protection Program (:24 secs, 380kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Santa Clara Pueblo for the tribe to develop a core environmental protection program. The Santa Clara Pueblo will use the funds to maintain its environmental office, participate in environmental meetings and training, and conduct tribal community outreach.

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EPA Awards $75,000 to the City of Brownsville for the U.S./Mexico Used Tire Mitigation Program (:29 secs, 453kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $75,000 to the City of Brownsville for the United States/Mexico Used Tire Mitigation Program. The program will use scrap tire shreds to line parts of civil engineering projects at the Regional Sanitary Landfill in the city of Matamoros, Mexico. The goal of the project is to recycle 1.5 million tires.

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EPA Awards Over $100,000 to the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes to Develop Environmental Protection Programs (:33 secs, 518kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $110,000 to the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes to develop the capacity to manage programs and establish a core program for environmental protection.  The funds were granted under the General Assistance Program, which supports the development of core tribal environmental protection programs. The tribe will use the funds to attend environmental meetings, perform community outreach, and conduct community cleanup activities.

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EPA Awards Over $400,000 to the Central Regional Air Planning Association (:34 secs, 542kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $475,000 to the Central Regional Air Planning Association, or CENRAP, in Oklahoma City. The purpose of this award is to fund scientific and technical studies to apportion responsibility among states and tribes for visibility impairment in the Central United States airshed. Results from the studies will help member states and tribes of CENRAP restore visibility in national parks and wilderness areas to natural background conditions, as required by the Clean Air Act.

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EPA Awards $75,000 to UT Austin to Evaluate Used Oil Management (:31 secs, 494kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $75,000 to the University of Texas at Austin to validate information about used oil management in Ciudad Juarez. Funds from this grant will be used to identify oil management tools such as oil recycling, combustion as fuel, or safe disposal to develop a model for used oil management in any cross-border metropolitan area. The goal of this project is to ensure better use of oil management and recycling.

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EPA Awards $50,000 to City of McAllen (:30 secs, 597kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $50,000 to the City of McAllen, Texas. The city’s fire department will use the funds to develop a risk analysis as part of its sister-city plan with Reynosa, Mexico. The plan will also incorporate the cities of Edinburg, Hidalgo, Mission, Pharr and Weslaco in Hidalgo County and Rio Bravo in Mexico. Additionally, the fire department will provide training to area first-responders and conduct bi-national exercises to test the updated plan.

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EPA Awards $800,000 to New Mexico Environmental Department (:30 secs, 597kb, MP3)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $812,669 to the New Mexico Environment Department for use in several projects. The state will use the funds to help restore three threatened, historical wetlands in Santa Fe County, as well as 30 additional acres of wetland and riparian areas by the West Fork of Gila River. The funds will also be used to gather data on biological indicators that will help scientists determine the condition of area wetlands. Additionally, funds from this grant will be used for imaging and monitoring projects.

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