2020
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Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on AWIA and Creating Resilient Water Utilities. This webinar will be held on Tuesday, November 17th from 2:00-3:00pm ET, with an optional Q&A session from 3:00-3:30pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5706906662722463244. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar. A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems. |
Registration is now open for EPA’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program webinar on Property Values and Water Quality: Supporting Decisions with the Hedonic Model. This webinar will be held on November 18th from 2:00-3:00pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7658322098722730252. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar. A webinar will be offered every other month that will focus on EPA water research. Please spread the word! |
Registration is now open for EPA’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program webinar on Health Effects Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms and Algal Toxins. This webinar will be held on October 28th from 2:00-3:00pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3121585389665253135. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
To register, please click the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3121585389665253135. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts. This webinar will be held on Tuesday, October 27th from 2:00-3:00pm ET, with an optional Q&A session from 3:00-3:30pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/940506163878541839. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
To register, please click the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/940506163878541839. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
U.S. EPA Awards Nearly $566,000 to Improve Post-Hurricane Waste Management in Northern Mariana Islands
HONOLULU — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $565,980 to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Super Typhoon Yutu for hazardous and solid waste management. Funding for this award comes from the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act (ASADRA) and is the first installment of the $56 million allocated for these activities.
“EPA is committed to help improve hurricane-impacted waste management facilities in CNMI,” said EPA Regional Administrator John Busterud. “EPA is pleased that CNMI will continue work in building stronger, more resilient waste management.”
This funding is helping CNMI’s Office of Planning and Development to build solid waste management capacity through new staff hires and the formation of an inter-island taskforce. The taskforce will include the Department of Public Works and the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality and will develop plans for CNMI’s post disaster recovery, including zero waste projects and emergency infrastructure repairs to the Marpi landfill.
EPA will continue to work closely with CNMI throughout their recovery to provide technical assistance and collaborate with other federal agencies involved in recovery efforts. EPA expects to award the remaining ASADRA funds to multiple CNMI agencies over a five-year period.
Background
In October 2018, a Category 5 Super Typhoon – Yutu – struck the Northern Mariana Islands. EPA’s immediate recovery work, which cost about $30 million, was authorized and funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-issued mission assignments in early November 2018. Work included collecting and disposing of over 31,000 units of electronic waste and hazardous wastes, collecting and recycling 1,447 damaged electric transformers, and working closely with the local government to restore drinking water supplies affected by the storm.
Earlier this year, EPA awarded a separate $10.4 million in ASADRA funding for Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving fund for wastewater treatment work and drinking water facilities impacted by Super Typhoon Yutu.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
HONOLULU — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $565,980 to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) for necessary expenses related to the consequences of Super Typhoon Yutu for hazardous and solid waste management. Funding for this award comes from the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act (ASADRA) and is the first installment of the $56 million allocated for these activities.
“EPA is committed to help improve hurricane-impacted waste management facilities in CNMI,” said EPA Regional Administrator John Busterud. “EPA is pleased that CNMI will continue work in building stronger, more resilient waste management.”
This funding is helping CNMI’s Office of Planning and Development to build solid waste management capacity through new staff hires and the formation of an inter-island taskforce. The taskforce will include the Department of Public Works and the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality and will develop plans for CNMI’s post disaster recovery, including zero waste projects and emergency infrastructure repairs to the Marpi landfill.
EPA will continue to work closely with CNMI throughout their recovery to provide technical assistance and collaborate with other federal agencies involved in recovery efforts. EPA expects to award the remaining ASADRA funds to multiple CNMI agencies over a five-year period.
Background
In October 2018, a Category 5 Super Typhoon – Yutu – struck the Northern Mariana Islands. EPA’s immediate recovery work, which cost about $30 million, was authorized and funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-issued mission assignments in early November 2018. Work included collecting and disposing of over 31,000 units of electronic waste and hazardous wastes, collecting and recycling 1,447 damaged electric transformers, and working closely with the local government to restore drinking water supplies affected by the storm.
Earlier this year, EPA awarded a separate $10.4 million in ASADRA funding for Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving fund for wastewater treatment work and drinking water facilities impacted by Super Typhoon Yutu.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
Registration is now open for EPA’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program webinar on SARS CoV-2 in Wastewater Monitoring: Linking Research and Application to Meet Immediate Needs. This webinar will be held on September 30th from 2:00-3:00pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3447286021037377039. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be offered every other month that will focus on EPA water research. Please spread the word!
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3447286021037377039. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be offered every other month that will focus on EPA water research. Please spread the word!
Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on Wildfires and Resulting Impacts to Water Bodies Used as Drinking Water. This webinar will be held on Tuesday, September 29th from 2:00-3:00 ET, with an optional Q&A session from 3:00-3:30pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2152789201095229455. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2152789201095229455. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
Registration is now open for the 17th Annual EPA Drinking Water Workshop: Small Systems Challenges and Solutions virtual workshop being held from Monday, August 31st to Thursday, September 3rd!
This free, public workshop is sponsored by the Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the Office of Water (OW), in partnership with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), and will provide in-depth information and training on various solutions and strategies for handling small drinking water system challenges. The speakers and group leaders are experts in their fields from EPA, state and local agencies, academia, NGOs and associations, and the private sector.
The workshop is primarily designed for state personnel responsible for drinking water regulations compliance and treatment technologies permitting. System owners and operators, local and tribal government personnel, academics, design engineers, technical assistance providers, and consultants may also benefit from attending workshop sessions. We encourage everyone to look at the agenda to see if there are topics that are of interest to you.
Attendees can earn certificates of attendance for up to 16 hours.
To register for sessions, please visit EPA’s Workshop Website: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/17th-annual-epa-drinking-water-workshop-small-system-challenges-and-solutions.
This free, public workshop is sponsored by the Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the Office of Water (OW), in partnership with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), and will provide in-depth information and training on various solutions and strategies for handling small drinking water system challenges. The speakers and group leaders are experts in their fields from EPA, state and local agencies, academia, NGOs and associations, and the private sector.
The workshop is primarily designed for state personnel responsible for drinking water regulations compliance and treatment technologies permitting. System owners and operators, local and tribal government personnel, academics, design engineers, technical assistance providers, and consultants may also benefit from attending workshop sessions. We encourage everyone to look at the agenda to see if there are topics that are of interest to you.
Attendees can earn certificates of attendance for up to 16 hours.
To register for sessions, please visit EPA’s Workshop Website: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/17th-annual-epa-drinking-water-workshop-small-system-challenges-and-solutions.
Registration is now open for EPA’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program webinar on Water Reuse for Agricultural Purposes. This webinar will be held on July 29th from 2:00-3:00pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3390960239038933515. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be offered every other month that will focus on EPA water research. Please spread the word!
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3390960239038933515. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be offered every other month that will focus on EPA water research. Please spread the word!
Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on AWIA Risk and Resilience Checklist and Lessons Learned. This webinar will be held on July 28th from 2:00-3:00 ET, with an optional Q&A session from 3:00-3:30pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/563471530212677131. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/563471530212677131. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. Please note that for this webinar, attendees can only listen with computer audio and will not be able to call into the webinar using a phone line. This change has been made to allow more people to attend the webinar.
A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
EPA, Hawai‘i Department of Human Services Reach Agreement to Identify and Close Pollution-Causing Large Cesspools Throughout the State
Dept. of Human Services Will Conduct Self-Audit to Further Protect Water Resources
HONOLULU – Under a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today, the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (HDHS) has agreed to close all pollution-causing large-capacity cesspools (LCCs) that it owns and operates. EPA banned LCCs in 2005, under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
“State agencies have a responsibility to ensure that Hawai’i’s communities and critical drinking water resources are protected from their pollution causing large capacity cesspools,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “We want other state and local agencies to follow HDHS proactive approach to identify and close all of their large cesspools.”
Under the agreement, HDHS will close two illegal LCCs and conduct a compliance audit to review and close any remaining LCCs owned or leased by HDHS by April 2021. With this audit HDHS will confirm that all owned or leased properties are connected to a sanitary sewer system or operate a compliant septic system. HDHS will avoid penalties for any other LCCs found during the audit. This effort furthers EPA’s goal of closing LCCs in Hawai’i while incentivizing voluntary disclosure of additional LCCs on HDHS properties.
“The Department of Human Services is committed to being good stewards and doing our part to ensure clean water resources statewide,” said Office of Youth Services Executive Director Merton Chinen.
EPA discovered the two illegal large cesspools, which HDHS will shut down during a July 2018 inspection. The cesspools are connected to buildings at the Hawai‘i Youth Correctional Facility (HYCF) in Kailua, Oahu. The HYCF property is operated by the Office of Youth Services, a sub-agency of HDHS. As part of the agreement, HDHS will connect the HYCF buildings to the municipal sewer system or a compliant septic system. HDHS will also pay a $128,000 penalty.
EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s LCC regulations. However, to encourage regulated entities to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and expeditiously close large-capacity cesspools, EPA is willing to forego enforcement actions and penalties.
Since EPA’s 2005 LCC ban, more than 3,400 large capacity cesspools have been closed statewide; however, it is estimated that there remain approximately 90,000 active cesspools in Hawai‘i. Cesspools are used more widely in Hawai’i than in any other state. In 2017, the State of Hawaii passed Act 125, which requires the replacement of all cesspools, including smaller capacity cesspools that are not regulated by EPA, by 2050.
Cesspools collect and discharge untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean. Groundwater provides 95% of all domestic water in Hawai‘i.
Information on how to self-disclose potential large-capacity cesspool violations is available at: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/epas-edisclosure.
For more information on these agreements visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/hawaii-cesspool-administrative-orders.
Dept. of Human Services Will Conduct Self-Audit to Further Protect Water Resources
HONOLULU – Under a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today, the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (HDHS) has agreed to close all pollution-causing large-capacity cesspools (LCCs) that it owns and operates. EPA banned LCCs in 2005, under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
“State agencies have a responsibility to ensure that Hawai’i’s communities and critical drinking water resources are protected from their pollution causing large capacity cesspools,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “We want other state and local agencies to follow HDHS proactive approach to identify and close all of their large cesspools.”
Under the agreement, HDHS will close two illegal LCCs and conduct a compliance audit to review and close any remaining LCCs owned or leased by HDHS by April 2021. With this audit HDHS will confirm that all owned or leased properties are connected to a sanitary sewer system or operate a compliant septic system. HDHS will avoid penalties for any other LCCs found during the audit. This effort furthers EPA’s goal of closing LCCs in Hawai’i while incentivizing voluntary disclosure of additional LCCs on HDHS properties.
“The Department of Human Services is committed to being good stewards and doing our part to ensure clean water resources statewide,” said Office of Youth Services Executive Director Merton Chinen.
EPA discovered the two illegal large cesspools, which HDHS will shut down during a July 2018 inspection. The cesspools are connected to buildings at the Hawai‘i Youth Correctional Facility (HYCF) in Kailua, Oahu. The HYCF property is operated by the Office of Youth Services, a sub-agency of HDHS. As part of the agreement, HDHS will connect the HYCF buildings to the municipal sewer system or a compliant septic system. HDHS will also pay a $128,000 penalty.
EPA is authorized to issue compliance orders and/or assess penalties to violators of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s LCC regulations. However, to encourage regulated entities to voluntarily discover, promptly disclose, and expeditiously close large-capacity cesspools, EPA is willing to forego enforcement actions and penalties.
Since EPA’s 2005 LCC ban, more than 3,400 large capacity cesspools have been closed statewide; however, it is estimated that there remain approximately 90,000 active cesspools in Hawai‘i. Cesspools are used more widely in Hawai’i than in any other state. In 2017, the State of Hawaii passed Act 125, which requires the replacement of all cesspools, including smaller capacity cesspools that are not regulated by EPA, by 2050.
Cesspools collect and discharge untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean. Groundwater provides 95% of all domestic water in Hawai‘i.
Information on how to self-disclose potential large-capacity cesspool violations is available at: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/epas-edisclosure.
For more information on these agreements visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/hawaii-cesspool-administrative-orders.
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Registration is now open for EPA’s Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program webinar on the EPA’s expansion of research on COVID-19 in the environment. This webinar will be held on May 27th from 2:00-3:00pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1297620939911049228. Please note that registration is on a delayed process and you will receive an email with your link to join the webinar within one business day after registering. |
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Drinking Water Microbes 101
Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on Drinking Water Microbes 101. This webinar will be held on May 19th from 2:00-3:00pm ET. To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8579458851052691469. Please note that registration is on a delayed process and you will receive an email with your link to join the webinar within one business day after registering. A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems. |
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U.S. EPA honors American Samoa teacher with President’s environmental education award
HONOLULU — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, a teacher at Samoana High School in Utulei, American Samoa, is one of ten winners nationwide to receive the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). The PIAEE recognizes innovative educators who bring environmental education into their classrooms through hands-on, experiential approaches.
“As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, we are also celebrating nearly 50 years of environmental education that fosters awareness about conservation issues, and helps communities make informed, responsible decisions about their environment,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “We are also honoring dedicated educators who spark enthusiasm in our youth to develop a love and respect for the environment and find solutions for issues that impact our air, water and land.”
Sabrina is the first teacher from American Samoa to win this award. From across the country, ten educators and 35 students were recognized today for their remarkable efforts that promote environmental education and stewardship. Sabrina is one of seven educators to receive the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators: three were recognized with an honorable mention distinction. Additionally, 35 student award recipients – who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects – received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Altogether, EPA received 76 project applications from 26 states.
To learn more about Sabrina and the other PIAEE winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators-piaee-winners
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
HONOLULU — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, a teacher at Samoana High School in Utulei, American Samoa, is one of ten winners nationwide to receive the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). The PIAEE recognizes innovative educators who bring environmental education into their classrooms through hands-on, experiential approaches.
“As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, we are also celebrating nearly 50 years of environmental education that fosters awareness about conservation issues, and helps communities make informed, responsible decisions about their environment,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “We are also honoring dedicated educators who spark enthusiasm in our youth to develop a love and respect for the environment and find solutions for issues that impact our air, water and land.”
Sabrina is the first teacher from American Samoa to win this award. From across the country, ten educators and 35 students were recognized today for their remarkable efforts that promote environmental education and stewardship. Sabrina is one of seven educators to receive the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators: three were recognized with an honorable mention distinction. Additionally, 35 student award recipients – who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects – received the President’s Environmental Youth Award. Altogether, EPA received 76 project applications from 26 states.
To learn more about Sabrina and the other PIAEE winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators-piaee-winners
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
U.S. EPA Honors California, Hawaii and Nevada Organizations for Leading Food Recovery Efforts Nationwide
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized seven organizations across California, Hawaii and Nevada for their outstanding efforts in combatting food waste. Six organizations each received a national Food Recovery Challenge award and one organization was recognized regionally for reducing food waste and, in the process, conserving natural resources.
“Food Recovery Challenge participants are leaders in showing how preventing food waste and diverting excess wholesome food to people is an environmental win and a cost-saving business decision,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Their accomplishments serve as excellent examples to other companies, governments, organizations and communities.”
“These organizations have redirected edible food to food banks and turned scraps into feed for local livestock, compost and energy,” said John Busterud, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Their efforts help reduce waste and costs while feeding people in need and protecting the environment.
Food Recovery Challenge winner in Hawaii:
Windward Zero Waste School Hui (Kailua, Oahu) is nationally recognized for its innovation in combatting food waste. The Windward Zero Waste School Hui supports zero waste and food waste composting at its five core schools. Over 2,300 students are engaged and educated with five staff members. From 2017 to 2018, their food waste diversion increased from 31.1 tons to 42.5 tons, and they were able to add two new schools to the program. These schools saw 100 percent food waste recovery on day one of the program, thanks to their scalable, efficient, and innovative protocol. The program has become the model for Hawaii schools interested in rescuing valuable resources from landfills and incinerators and is serving as the standard for the Hawaii Department of Education.
Read more about these food recovery efforts at: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/about-2019-food-recovery-challenge-national-award-winners
Food is a valuable resource. Efforts to reduce food waste and ensure excess food doesn’t go to waste are needed now more than ever. The innovation these organizations are showcasing can serve as examples as the nation works together to address the COVID-19 public health emergency. Over 1,000 businesses, governments and organizations participated in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge in 2019. Participants prevented or diverted over 815,000 tons of food from entering landfills or incinerators, saving participants up to $42.3 million in avoided landfill tipping fees. For more information on the Food Recovery Challenge, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge/
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized seven organizations across California, Hawaii and Nevada for their outstanding efforts in combatting food waste. Six organizations each received a national Food Recovery Challenge award and one organization was recognized regionally for reducing food waste and, in the process, conserving natural resources.
“Food Recovery Challenge participants are leaders in showing how preventing food waste and diverting excess wholesome food to people is an environmental win and a cost-saving business decision,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Their accomplishments serve as excellent examples to other companies, governments, organizations and communities.”
“These organizations have redirected edible food to food banks and turned scraps into feed for local livestock, compost and energy,” said John Busterud, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Their efforts help reduce waste and costs while feeding people in need and protecting the environment.
Food Recovery Challenge winner in Hawaii:
Windward Zero Waste School Hui (Kailua, Oahu) is nationally recognized for its innovation in combatting food waste. The Windward Zero Waste School Hui supports zero waste and food waste composting at its five core schools. Over 2,300 students are engaged and educated with five staff members. From 2017 to 2018, their food waste diversion increased from 31.1 tons to 42.5 tons, and they were able to add two new schools to the program. These schools saw 100 percent food waste recovery on day one of the program, thanks to their scalable, efficient, and innovative protocol. The program has become the model for Hawaii schools interested in rescuing valuable resources from landfills and incinerators and is serving as the standard for the Hawaii Department of Education.
Read more about these food recovery efforts at: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/about-2019-food-recovery-challenge-national-award-winners
Food is a valuable resource. Efforts to reduce food waste and ensure excess food doesn’t go to waste are needed now more than ever. The innovation these organizations are showcasing can serve as examples as the nation works together to address the COVID-19 public health emergency. Over 1,000 businesses, governments and organizations participated in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge in 2019. Participants prevented or diverted over 815,000 tons of food from entering landfills or incinerators, saving participants up to $42.3 million in avoided landfill tipping fees. For more information on the Food Recovery Challenge, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge/
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Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program webinar on Removing PFAS and Other Contaminants.
Date: April 29th from 2:00-3:00pm ET. To register, please click the following link: attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4501792435699697677. Please note that registration is on a delayed process and you will receive an email with your link to join the webinar within one business day after registering. |
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U.S. EPA Acts to Protect the Public from Unregistered “Virus Shut Out” Product Imported into Honolulu and Guam
Unsubstantiated claims to protect against viruses threaten public health
HONOLULU – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has prevented several shipments of an illegal health product from entering U.S. Pacific ports under federal pesticide laws. The item, Virus Shut Out, is not registered with the EPA. Therefore, its safety and efficacy against viruses have not been evaluated. In addition, its labeling – including directions for use – is not provided in the English language as required by law, and on-line advertising materials contain misleading claims about its safety and effectiveness.
EPA has been working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deny entry to the illegal product, which is being imported from Japan and Hong Kong through U.S. ports in Honolulu and Guam. EPA and CBP will continue monitoring for products with illegal pesticidal claims. In addition, EPA has reached out to Amazon to remove the product from their online marketplace. Amazon has taken this step.
"It is critical that people only use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow label directions for proper use," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. "EPA will not tolerate companies selling illegal disinfectants and making false or misleading public health claims during this pandemic crisis."
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or sale. Public health claims can only be made regarding products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA. The agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the label directions. Products not registered by EPA can be harmful to human health, cause adverse effects, and may not be effective against the spread of germs.
Unsubstantiated claims to protect against viruses threaten public health
HONOLULU – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it has prevented several shipments of an illegal health product from entering U.S. Pacific ports under federal pesticide laws. The item, Virus Shut Out, is not registered with the EPA. Therefore, its safety and efficacy against viruses have not been evaluated. In addition, its labeling – including directions for use – is not provided in the English language as required by law, and on-line advertising materials contain misleading claims about its safety and effectiveness.
EPA has been working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deny entry to the illegal product, which is being imported from Japan and Hong Kong through U.S. ports in Honolulu and Guam. EPA and CBP will continue monitoring for products with illegal pesticidal claims. In addition, EPA has reached out to Amazon to remove the product from their online marketplace. Amazon has taken this step.
"It is critical that people only use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow label directions for proper use," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. "EPA will not tolerate companies selling illegal disinfectants and making false or misleading public health claims during this pandemic crisis."
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, products that claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or sale. Public health claims can only be made regarding products that have been properly tested and are registered with the EPA. The agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the label directions. Products not registered by EPA can be harmful to human health, cause adverse effects, and may not be effective against the spread of germs.
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Caption: Packaging showing the front and back of the Virus Shut Out product.
For more information on EPA resources on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus
For more information on pesticides, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
For more information on EPA resources on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus
For more information on pesticides, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
17th Annual EPA Drinking Water Workshop
Click here for more information
Click here for more information
EPA Webinar - March 31st - EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on Drinking Water Regulations 101 and Best Practices for Training Utilities
Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on Drinking Water Regulations 101 and Best Practices for Training Utilities. This webinar will be held on March 31st from 2:00-3:00pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6362132025036193293. Please note that registration is on a delayed process and you will receive an email with your link to join the webinar within one business day after registering.
A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on Drinking Water Regulations 101 and Best Practices for Training Utilities. This webinar will be held on March 31st from 2:00-3:00pm ET.
To register, please click the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6362132025036193293. Please note that registration is on a delayed process and you will receive an email with your link to join the webinar within one business day after registering.
A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
EPA moves to protect Big Island groundwater resources by requiring closures of 12 cesspools
HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will take enforcement actions on the Big Island to bring about the closure of a dozen pollution-causing large-capacity cesspools (LCCs) and charge $144,696 in fines. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA banned large-capacity cesspools in 2005.
“Large-capacity cesspools can contaminate groundwater, streams and the ocean,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “EPA will continue our efforts to identify and take enforcement actions to close the remaining large capacity cesspools in Hawaii.”
EPA inspectors identified multi-unit residential buildings illegally discharging wastewater into eleven cesspools in Kealakekua, Hawaii. The cesspools will be replaced with compliant systems. The owner, K. Oue, Limited, has agreed to pay a $88,545 penalty and close all eleven LCCs.
In addition, in Kailua-Kona the Group Investments LLC failed to close a cesspool at a building that the company owns and leases to tenants Sherwin Williams and B. Hayman Co. Services. The LCC will be replaced with a compliant system. Group Investments has agreed to pay a $56,151 penalty and close the LCC.
Since 2005’s LCC ban, more than 3,400 of the cesspools have been closed statewide; however, many hundreds remain in operation. Cesspools collect and discharge untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams and the ocean. Groundwater provides 95% of all domestic water in Hawaii, where cesspools are used more widely than in any other state.
In 2017, the State of Hawaii passed Act 125, which requires the replacement of all cesspools by 2050. It is estimated that there are approximately 90,000 cesspools in Hawaii.
For more information on the large-capacity cesspool ban and definition of a large-capacity cesspool, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/uic/cesspools-hawaii.
For more information on these agreements visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/hawaii-cesspool-administrative-orders.
HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will take enforcement actions on the Big Island to bring about the closure of a dozen pollution-causing large-capacity cesspools (LCCs) and charge $144,696 in fines. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA banned large-capacity cesspools in 2005.
“Large-capacity cesspools can contaminate groundwater, streams and the ocean,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “EPA will continue our efforts to identify and take enforcement actions to close the remaining large capacity cesspools in Hawaii.”
EPA inspectors identified multi-unit residential buildings illegally discharging wastewater into eleven cesspools in Kealakekua, Hawaii. The cesspools will be replaced with compliant systems. The owner, K. Oue, Limited, has agreed to pay a $88,545 penalty and close all eleven LCCs.
In addition, in Kailua-Kona the Group Investments LLC failed to close a cesspool at a building that the company owns and leases to tenants Sherwin Williams and B. Hayman Co. Services. The LCC will be replaced with a compliant system. Group Investments has agreed to pay a $56,151 penalty and close the LCC.
Since 2005’s LCC ban, more than 3,400 of the cesspools have been closed statewide; however, many hundreds remain in operation. Cesspools collect and discharge untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams and the ocean. Groundwater provides 95% of all domestic water in Hawaii, where cesspools are used more widely than in any other state.
In 2017, the State of Hawaii passed Act 125, which requires the replacement of all cesspools by 2050. It is estimated that there are approximately 90,000 cesspools in Hawaii.
For more information on the large-capacity cesspool ban and definition of a large-capacity cesspool, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/uic/cesspools-hawaii.
For more information on these agreements visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/hawaii-cesspool-administrative-orders.
EPA completes Factory Street Lead Removal in Honolulu
HONOLULU – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is paving part of Factory Street as the last activity in the removal of lead-contaminated soil in the Kalihi-Palama neighborhood of Honolulu.
On January 20, work began to remove and dispose of soil and other project debris. EPA ensured that proper dust control measures were in place during the excavation and monitored and sampled the air to verify that the community was not impacted by our work.
High lead levels of up to 24,000 parts per million (ppm) were found under Factory Street. Removing the lead was the most protective action for the community, since no one is responsible for maintaining the private street. Beginning today, no parking is permitted on the paved portion of the street for the next two weeks, to allow the paved area to dry completely.
“EPA is working hard to reduce childhood exposure to lead in Hawai‘i,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “The work completed today is an important step towards that goal.”
This project stems from the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s April 2019 request for EPA to address high levels of lead in soil under a portion of Factory Street.
In older neighborhoods like Kalihi-Palama there are a number of ways that people may be exposed to lead. EPA has a strong partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Health and encourages residents to explore the great resources on their website; lead.hawaii.gov to learn more and protect themselves and their children from lead exposure.
For additional project information please visit: https://response.epa.gov/site/factorystreet
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
HONOLULU – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is paving part of Factory Street as the last activity in the removal of lead-contaminated soil in the Kalihi-Palama neighborhood of Honolulu.
On January 20, work began to remove and dispose of soil and other project debris. EPA ensured that proper dust control measures were in place during the excavation and monitored and sampled the air to verify that the community was not impacted by our work.
High lead levels of up to 24,000 parts per million (ppm) were found under Factory Street. Removing the lead was the most protective action for the community, since no one is responsible for maintaining the private street. Beginning today, no parking is permitted on the paved portion of the street for the next two weeks, to allow the paved area to dry completely.
“EPA is working hard to reduce childhood exposure to lead in Hawai‘i,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “The work completed today is an important step towards that goal.”
This project stems from the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s April 2019 request for EPA to address high levels of lead in soil under a portion of Factory Street.
In older neighborhoods like Kalihi-Palama there are a number of ways that people may be exposed to lead. EPA has a strong partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Health and encourages residents to explore the great resources on their website; lead.hawaii.gov to learn more and protect themselves and their children from lead exposure.
For additional project information please visit: https://response.epa.gov/site/factorystreet
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
EPA Webinar - Jan 28, 2020 - Legionella Management and Treatment
Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on Legionella Management and Treatment. This webinar will be held on January 28th from 2:00 to 3:30pm ET. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
Click here for flyer
Registration is now open for EPA’s Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar on Legionella Management and Treatment. This webinar will be held on January 28th from 2:00 to 3:30pm ET. After registering for the webinar, you should receive an automatic reply with a link to test your computer’s compatibility with the webinar software. A webinar will be given each month to discuss challenges and treatment solutions for small drinking water and wastewater systems.
Click here for flyer
Updated EPA Products:
Conduct the Risk and Resilience Assessment
CWSs can use the Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool Web 2.0 to conduct the risk and resilience assessment. Click on the link below to access the tool.
Access VSAT Web 2.0
New Emergency Response Plan Guidance and Resource
The new template and instructions will assist water utilities with developing an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in accordance with America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) Section 2013(b). Click on the link below to access the tool. Access the ERP Template and Instructions
Certify the Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan
CWSs can certify completion of their risk and resilience assessment and emergency response plan using U.S. EPA's online certification system. Click on the link below to learn how to certify online.
Access the Certification Resources
Other important Links:
Earthquake Resilience Products To build resilience to earthquakes at drinking water and wastewater utilities, EPA has released a suite of products, including a video, guide, and interactive maps. The Earthquake Resilience Video called “Surviving the Quake” builds awareness of earthquakes for utility risk managers and community leaders. The Earthquake Resilience Guide can help utilities better understand the earthquake threat, assess the vulnerability of utility assets, and pursue mitigation techniques and funding options. The guide draws upon the experience of actual water utilities that have successfully implemented mitigation measures to address earthquake threats. The Earthquake Interactive Maps enable utilities to determine if they are in an earthquake-prone area. Small and medium utilities, especially those that have not yet taken steps to address their seismic hazards will benefit from these products targeted to the water sector. Click here: https://www.epa.gov/waterutilityresponse/earthquake-resilience-water-and-wastewater-utilities
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Tabletop Exercise Tool for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities EPA has just updated the Tabletop Exercise (TTX) Tool for drinking water and wastewater utilities. The TTX tool provides users with the resources to plan, conduct and evaluate tabletop exercises. The 2018 version of the TTX tool contains 12 customizable all-hazards scenarios (e.g., natural disasters, man-made incidents) that will assist utilities to practice, test and help improve emergency response plans and procedures.
Click here: https://www.epa.gov/waterresiliencetraining/develop-and-conduct-water-resilience-tabletop-exercise-water-utilities
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EPA: Investing in Infrastructure Resilience Webinar Series
EPA's Water Security Division is hosting a webinar series during Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month to highlight activities, technology and funding opportunities that will help drinking water and wastewater utilities increase investment in building resilience. To Register click the "Select A Date" box on this webpage to enroll in one or all of the presentations.
Conduct the Risk and Resilience Assessment
CWSs can use the Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool Web 2.0 to conduct the risk and resilience assessment. Click on the link below to access the tool.
Access VSAT Web 2.0
New Emergency Response Plan Guidance and Resource
The new template and instructions will assist water utilities with developing an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in accordance with America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) Section 2013(b). Click on the link below to access the tool. Access the ERP Template and Instructions
Certify the Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan
CWSs can certify completion of their risk and resilience assessment and emergency response plan using U.S. EPA's online certification system. Click on the link below to learn how to certify online.
Access the Certification Resources
Other important Links:
- EPA’s AWIA main page, which contains links for all the resources listed below: https://www.epa.gov/waterresilience/americas-water-infrastructure-act-risk-assessments-and-emergency-response-plans
- EPA’s resources for completing Risk and Resilience Assessments:
- Small System Risk and Resilience Assessment Checklist·
- AWIA Frequently Asked Questions Document
- AWIA Risk Assessment and Emergency Response Plan Requirements Fact Sheet
Earthquake Resilience Products To build resilience to earthquakes at drinking water and wastewater utilities, EPA has released a suite of products, including a video, guide, and interactive maps. The Earthquake Resilience Video called “Surviving the Quake” builds awareness of earthquakes for utility risk managers and community leaders. The Earthquake Resilience Guide can help utilities better understand the earthquake threat, assess the vulnerability of utility assets, and pursue mitigation techniques and funding options. The guide draws upon the experience of actual water utilities that have successfully implemented mitigation measures to address earthquake threats. The Earthquake Interactive Maps enable utilities to determine if they are in an earthquake-prone area. Small and medium utilities, especially those that have not yet taken steps to address their seismic hazards will benefit from these products targeted to the water sector. Click here: https://www.epa.gov/waterutilityresponse/earthquake-resilience-water-and-wastewater-utilities
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Tabletop Exercise Tool for Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities EPA has just updated the Tabletop Exercise (TTX) Tool for drinking water and wastewater utilities. The TTX tool provides users with the resources to plan, conduct and evaluate tabletop exercises. The 2018 version of the TTX tool contains 12 customizable all-hazards scenarios (e.g., natural disasters, man-made incidents) that will assist utilities to practice, test and help improve emergency response plans and procedures.
Click here: https://www.epa.gov/waterresiliencetraining/develop-and-conduct-water-resilience-tabletop-exercise-water-utilities
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EPA: Investing in Infrastructure Resilience Webinar Series
EPA's Water Security Division is hosting a webinar series during Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month to highlight activities, technology and funding opportunities that will help drinking water and wastewater utilities increase investment in building resilience. To Register click the "Select A Date" box on this webpage to enroll in one or all of the presentations.
Click each image below to access EPA's information on each topic.
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