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Contact Information: Ashley Murdie, 913-551-7785, [email protected]

EPA Awards Iowa $460,000 to Test for Lead in School Drinking Water

(Lenexa, Kan., March 4, 2020) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 announced $460,000 in grant funding for the Iowa Department of Education to help schools and childcare programs in Iowa test for lead within their drinking water systems. 

“Knowing that no blood lead level is safe for our children, EPA is committed to continuing a collaborative approach with our state partners to address the threat of lead exposure and protect the health of our nation’s most vulnerable,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford. “With the support of these grants, we’re able to help more schools and childcare programs test for lead in their drinking water to ensure children are not being exposed by the water they drink while in their care.”

“This grant program will raise awareness of water quality through voluntary lead testing and education, which will help ensure healthy learning environments for students in Iowa schools and child-care centers,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise.

Under EPA’s new Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care grant program, EPA has awarded $43.7 million in grants towards funding the implementation of testing for lead in drinking water. This funding is a resource, which creates or expands programs to test for lead in drinking water at schools and childcare programs in states and the District of Columbia. EPA’s 3Ts (Training, Testing, and Taking Action) for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools will be used by the grantees to assist schools in implementing lead in drinking water testing including identifying sources of lead such as fountains. Testing results carried out using grant funds must be made publicly available.

Background:

Under Administrator Wheeler’s leadership, in December 2018 EPA with its federal partners announced the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts. Through the Action Plan, EPA is working to reduce lead exposures from multiple sources including: paint, ambient air, and soil and dust contamination. As part of the Action Plan, EPA proposed a rule in October 2019 that significantly improves the actions that water systems must take to reduce lead in the nation’s drinking water. This proposed rule represents the first major overhaul of the Lead and Copper Rule since 1991 and will better protect children in schools and child care facilities by requiring water systems, to take drinking water samples from the schools and child care facilities served by the system.

In addition, the agency is taking other significant actions to modernize aging water infrastructure and reduce exposure to lead, including:

• Financing drinking water infrastructure improvement projects through EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. In 2019, 11 of the 38 selected projects will reduce lead or emerging drinking water contaminants.
• Working with states, tribes, and territories to award $87 million in funding through EPA’s two new drinking water grant programs established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN)— the Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care grant program and the Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities grant program. EPA will announce funding details for WIIN’s third newly-created grant program dedicated to reducing lead in drinking water systems in early 2020.

• Providing more than $1 billion in 2019 in new federal grant funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) which can be used for loans that help drinking water systems improve distribution systems by removing lead service lines.

Learn more about this grant and EPA’s WIIN grant programs at https://www.epa.gov/safewater/grants.

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Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

District of Columbia to use funding to improve Rock Creek’s water quality

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the District of Columbia is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  The District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DDOEE) will use EPA’s $96,049 multipurpose grant funding to lead and implement a study to identify the sources – human and non-human – of bacteria or E. coli contamination impacting Rock Creek.  Findings of the study will help determine on-the-ground solutions and other mitigation measures to help improve water quality and recreational potential in Rock Creek.

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting and restoring our nation’s waters, particularly our surface waters,” said Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio.  “Improving the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams goes far in building stronger, healthier and more thriving communities.” 

DDOEE plans to implement a Microbial Source Tracking study that will use routine water quality analyses for E. coli contamination as well as more sophisticated procedures to identify whether bacteria pollution is from human or non-human sources.  For instance, dogs, deer and birds are non-human sources of bacteria in some surface waters.

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues.  Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

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Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to Pennsylvania will support priorities of two state agencies

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Pennsylvania is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Two Pennsylvania state agencies will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like Pennsylvania to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Pennsylvania include:

• PA Department of Environmental Protection:
  • $319,674 – The Department will use this funding
• PA Department of Labor and Industry:
  • $52,380 – The Department will add this funding to its lead program,

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Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to Delaware will support priorities of three state agencies

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Delaware is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three Delaware state agencies will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like Delaware to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Delaware include:

• DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control:
  • $112,168 – The Department will use this funding to
• DE Department of Health and Social Services:
  • $58,544 – The Department will use this funding for planning,
• DE Department of Agriculture:
  • $53,219 – The Department will utilize this funding to provide cost assistance for nutrient management planning for agriculture acres in Delaware, which will reduce non-point source nutrient pollution including nitrogen and phosphorus.

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Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to Maryland will support statewide environmental work

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Maryland is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like Maryland to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

MDE will use its $189,927 Multipurpose Grant for statewide programs to: support ongoing environmental management efforts to increase the number of people breathing cleaner air; reduce risk from toxic air pollutants; improve water quality; provide safe drinking water; clean-up and reuse contaminated land; manage hazardous wastes properly; reduce chemical and biological risks; and, improve environmental compliance through monitoring and enforcement.  

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Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to Virginia will support priorities of three state agencies

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Virginia is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three Virginia agencies will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like Virginia to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Virginia include:

• VA Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services:
  • $55,060 – The Department added this funding to its existing pesticides performance partnership grant to carry out enforcement of pesticide regulations, and also the Department’s programs related to the certification and training of pesticide applicators, worker protection, water quality, and endangered species.
• VA Department of Health:
  • $127,175 – The Department will use this funding to purchase radon test kits for conducting radon testing at about 100 schools, and to develop a document management system for the Department’s Office of Drinking Water.
• VA Department of Environmental Quality:
  • $186,731 – The Department will use the funding to supplement its existing water pollution control grant, and to build capacity for data management and reporting across various programs. 

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Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to West Virginia will support priorities of three state agencies

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of West Virginia is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three West Virginia agencies will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like West Virginia to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

The Multipurpose Grants awarded to West Virginia include:

• WV Department of Agriculture:
  • $53,039 – The Department plans to purchase a much-needed soil analyzer to increase its soil testing accuracy, capacity, and efficiency.
• WV Department of Health and Human Resources
  • $60,284 – The Department will use this funding to conduct outreach in Zone 1 counties to realtors, building contractors, local policy and decision makers, hospitals and homeowners to promote radon testing and recommend radon mitigation in homes.
• WV Department of Environmental Protection
  • $82,000 – The Department will use the funding to purchase air monitoring equipment.
  • $42,804 – The Department will use the funding to complete Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments at priority brownfield sites in areas impacted by flooding in 2016.

Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

District of Columbia to use funding to improve Rock Creek’s water quality

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the District of Columbia is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  The District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DDOEE) will use EPA’s $96,049 multipurpose grant funding to lead and implement a study to identify the sources – human and non-human – of bacteria or E. coli contamination impacting Rock Creek.  Findings of the study will help determine on-the-ground solutions and other mitigation measures to help improve water quality and recreational potential in Rock Creek.

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting and restoring our nation’s waters, particularly our surface waters,” said Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio.  “Improving the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams goes far in building stronger, healthier and more thriving communities.” 

DDOEE plans to implement a Microbial Source Tracking study that will use routine water quality analyses for E. coli contamination as well as more sophisticated procedures to identify whether bacteria pollution is from human or non-human sources.  For instance, dogs, deer and birds are non-human sources of bacteria in some surface waters.

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues.  Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to Pennsylvania will support priorities of two state agencies

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Pennsylvania is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Two Pennsylvania state agencies will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like Pennsylvania to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Pennsylvania include:

• PA Department of Environmental Protection:
  • $319,674 – The Department will use this funding
• PA Department of Labor and Industry:
  • $52,380 – The Department will add this funding to its lead program,

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Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to Delaware will support priorities of three state agencies

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Delaware is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three Delaware state agencies will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like Delaware to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Delaware include:

• DE Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control:
  • $112,168 – The Department will use this funding to
• DE Department of Health and Social Services:
  • $58,544 – The Department will use this funding for planning,
• DE Department of Agriculture:
  • $53,219 – The Department will utilize this funding to provide cost assistance for nutrient management planning for agriculture acres in Delaware, which will reduce non-point source nutrient pollution including nitrogen and phosphorus.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to Maryland will support statewide environmental work

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Maryland is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like Maryland to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

MDE will use its $189,927 Multipurpose Grant for statewide programs to: support ongoing environmental management efforts to increase the number of people breathing cleaner air; reduce risk from toxic air pollutants; improve water quality; provide safe drinking water; clean-up and reuse contaminated land; manage hazardous wastes properly; reduce chemical and biological risks; and, improve environmental compliance through monitoring and enforcement.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to Virginia will support priorities of three state agencies

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of Virginia is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three Virginia agencies will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like Virginia to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

The Multipurpose Grants awarded to Virginia include:

• VA Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services:
  • $55,060 – The Department added this funding to its existing pesticides performance partnership grant to carry out enforcement of pesticide regulations, and also the Department’s programs related to the certification and training of pesticide applicators, worker protection, water quality, and endangered species.
• VA Department of Health:
  • $127,175 – The Department will use this funding to purchase radon test kits for conducting radon testing at about 100 schools, and to develop a document management system for the Department’s Office of Drinking Water.
• VA Department of Environmental Quality:
  • $186,731 – The Department will use the funding to supplement its existing water pollution control grant, and to build capacity for data management and reporting across various programs.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Contact:  [email protected]

EPA Announces Award of $21 Million in Funding for State and Tribal Environmental Priorities

Funding to West Virginia will support priorities of three state agencies

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2020) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today the state of West Virginia is among the nation’s states and Tribes to receive a portion of $21 million in Multipurpose Grants for addressing their environmental priorities.  Three West Virginia agencies will use EPA’s multipurpose grant funding to complement existing environmental protection efforts. 

“EPA recognizes the important role of states and local governments in protecting the health and future of our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This funding enables partners like West Virginia to carry out activities that address their environmental and public health priorities.”

EPA’s Multipurpose Grant (MPG) program for States and Tribes supports states, tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations in geography, population density, and other factors, this program provides EPA’s co-regulator partners with the flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the environment.  With this grant funding, states and tribes are supporting a range of projects, including: addressing contaminants such as PFAS and lead, streamlining permitting processes, performing inspections, updating air and water monitoring equipment, testing radon in schools, and conducting outreach and education in areas such as pesticides application and harmful algal blooms.

The Multipurpose Grants awarded to West Virginia include:

• WV Department of Agriculture:
  • $53,039 – The Department plans to purchase a much-needed soil analyzer to increase its soil testing accuracy, capacity, and efficiency.
• WV Department of Health and Human Resources
  • $60,284 – The Department will use this funding to conduct outreach in Zone 1 counties to realtors, building contractors, local policy and decision makers, hospitals and homeowners to promote radon testing and recommend radon mitigation in homes.
• WV Department of Environmental Protection
  • $82,000 – The Department will use the funding to purchase air monitoring equipment.
  • $42,804 – The Department will use the funding to complete Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments at priority brownfield sites in areas impacted by flooding in 2016.