Celebrating Our 001 Clean Air k K»j Credible Deterrent to Pollution and Greater Compliance with the Law Des Planies River iafe Food EPA905-R-oi-ois Clean and Safe Water ------- The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment air, water, and land upon which life depends GOAL 1 Clean Air The air in every American community will be safe and healthy to breathe. In particular, children, the elderly and people with respiratory ailments will be protected from health risks of breathing polluted air. Reducing air pollution will also protect the environment, resulting in many benefits, such as restoring life in damaged ecosystems and reducing health risks to those whose subsistence depends directly on those ecosystems. GOAL 2 Clean and Safe Water All Americans will have drinking water that is clean and safe to drink. Effective protection of America's rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifer and coastal and ocean waters will sustain fish, plants and wildlife, as well as recreational, subsistence and economic activities. Watersheds and their aquatic ecosystems will be restored and protected to improve public health, enhance water quality, reduce flooding and provide habitat for wildlife. GOAL 3 Safe Food The foods Americans eat will be free from unsafe pesticide residues. Particular attention will be given to protecting sub- populations that may be more susceptible to adverse effects of pesticides or have higher dietary exposures to pesticide residues. These include children and people whose diets include large amounts of noncommercial foods. GOAL 4 Preventing Pollution and Reducing Risk in Communities, Homes, Workplaces and Ecosystems Pollution prevention and risk management strategies aimed at eliminating, reducing, or minimizing emissions and contamination will result in cleaner and safer environments in which all Americans can reside, work and enjoy life. EPA will safeguard ecosystems and promote the health of natural communitities that are integral to the quality of life in this nation. GOALS Better Waste Management, Restoration of Comtanminated Waste Sites and Emergency Response America's wastes will be stored, treated and disposed of in ways that prevent harm to people and the natural environment. EPA will work to clean up previously polluted sites, restore them to uses appropriate for surrounding communities and respond to and prevent waste-related or industrial accidents. ------- GOAL 6 Reduction of Global and Cross-Border Environmental Risks The United States will lead other nations in successful, multilateral efforts to reduce significant risks to human health and ecosystems from climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion and other hazards of international concern. GOAL? Expansion of America's Right to Know About Their Environment The public and decision makers at all levels will have access to information about environmental conditions and human health to inform decision making and help assess the general environmental health of communities. The public will also have access to educational services and information services and tools that provide for the reliable and secure exchange of quality environmental information. '. GOALS Sound Science, Improved Understanding of Environmental Risk and Greater Innovation to Address Environmental Problems EPA will develop and apply the best available science for addressing current and future environmental hazards as well as new approaches toward improving environmental protection. Metal F f nrtli w s Initiative ~~~v ED Q OutreachResponses \^\ Incompliance SOut of Business Filed InvsntoryReport fj Inspected B Signed Agreement GOAL 9 A Credible Deterrent to Pollution and Greater Compliance with the Law EPA will ensure full compliance with laws intended to protect human health and the environment. U.S Environmental Protection Agency 77 IAI ,Re?ion5 Library 77 w. Jackson Blvd. (PL-16J) Chicago, IL 60604-3507 ' GOAL 10 Effective Management EPA will maintain the highest-quality standards for environmental leadership and for effective internal management and fiscal responsibility by managing for results. ------- GOAL -f CLEAN AIR The Air and Radiation Division is proud of the progress that has been made to meet the Goals and Objectives of Goal one. Both in 2001 and since the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, we have made significant strides towards cleaner air in the Region. During 2001, our division completed some huge undertakings regarding attainment of the 1-hour ozone standard. We worked with the States to approve attainment plans for the most severe nonattainment areas (Chicago, Northwest Indiana and Lake Michigan). The plans consider all of the reduction strategies that have been implemented and that will be implemented between now and 2007 and show how, based on modeling, the three Lake Michigan areas can attain the 1-hour standard. This was an intensive endeavor that involved numerous rulemaking actions, court deadlines and culminated the 11 years of work for these areas since 1990. Another important component of the plans were the NOx SIP Call regulations. The Region approved programs for both Indiana and Illinois, making them two of the first non-OTC states with approved programs. This is one of the most significant steps in ensuring reductions of more than 30% of NOx emissions in 2007 and will be important both for maintenance of the 1-hour standard and in preparation for the 8-hour ozone standard. In 1990, there were over 100 counties designated nonattainment for one of the criteria pollutants (ozone, particulate matter, lead, sulfur dioxide, or carbon monoxide - there were never any oxides of nitrogen nonattainment areas). A significant portion of the Region was affected especially counties with high population. Counties with Nonattainment Areas for the NAAQS <2001) However, since that time, the numbers of counties designated nonattainment has dropped significantly to 23. Based on preliminary 2001 monitoring, every monitor in the Region is monitoring attainment. Over the next several years, we will be completing the modeling and working with the States to officially redesignated these areas. Those environmental benefits correspond to significant reductions in emmissons. ------- In addition to work on criteria pollutants, ARD has been implementing and designing a program for Air toxics. Implementation of maximum achievable control technology standards and vehicle controls has already lead to a significant decrease. The Region is also the sublead for air toxics, meaning that we have taken a leadership role in working with headquarters on developing the air toxics program. ARD is working to move towards a risk based approach and need to characterize and assess the air toxics problem. To do this, we have launched a variety of projects including air toxics monitoring, emissions inventory development, community assessments and building state and local capacity to conduct risk assessments. We have worked with industry to implement voluntary mercury reduction projects and continue to coordinate information sharing among State governments and other stakeholders on mercury reduction opportunities. We have also worked on the national mercury TMDL pilot study at Devil's Lake in Wisconsin. A large portion of air toxic emissions are actually from mobile and area sources. Region 5 Air Toxics Emissions The future of our program is in these toxic programs and in the new Criteria Pollutant standards. New standards for ozone an PM fine were promulgated in 1997 but haved been subject of several lawsuits. The air program is currently focusing on developing and implementation plan and scientific review of these standards. The following figures show what counties monitored nonattainment for the 8-hour standerd in 1998-2000 and what monitoring is indicating for the PM 2.5 standards (red and yellow is where the concentrations were monitored higher than the standard). 1999 DMobile Emissions Emissions from area, small industrial .T« Emissions ------- GOAL 2 SAFE WATER We are using enforcement tools to protect and restore biological communities. In June, the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of the Interior, EPA and the State of Indiana announced that Guide Corporation agreed to pay over $14 million to settle a lawsuit that charged the company with causing one of Indiana's largest fish kills, which extended over 40 miles of the White River between Anderson and Indianapolis. In addition to paying over $2 million to the various agencies to reimburse costs associated with responding to the fish kill, and $2 million in penalties, Guide agreed to pay $6 million into two funds established to address re-stocking and restoration efforts. In a separate action, Guide will pay nearly $4 million to settle criminal allegations under the Clean Water Act. The settlements were the culmination of over eighteen months of effort by State and Federal agencies, as well as local health agencies and citizens groups in central Indiana. Region 5's Water Enforcement program's activities at Guide Corporation, and at Eramet-Marietta on the Ohio River, led to,the discovery that both companies were treating their effluent with a certain metal masking compound. This later case resulted in large areas of native fresh water mussels being wiped out in the Ohio River downstream of the discharge. USEPA headquarters later issued a national alert regarding the compound used in these two situations to reduce the danger of further environmentally damaging incidents. We are solving problems that impair waters for swimming. Forty percent of the nations Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) are located in Region 5 states. Many of these systems, along with aging or over- extended separate sanitary sewer systems, are also a major source of the nation's Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs). During wet weather, these discharge points are a significant pollution source that render receiving waters unsafe for recreation, make beaches unavailable, and degrade aquatic habitats. The focus in 2001 continued to be addressing these wet weather issues in large cities. Region 5 efforts in this area will result in improvements to wastewater treatment systems, elimination of SSOs, and implementation of long term control plans and CSO controls. Agreements reached during FY2001 include: Toledo: tentative agreement on consent, to invest $400 - 600 million over the next 20 years, Milwaukee: stipulated agreement signed by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sanitary District with Federal support to address CSOs and SSOs in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities, and Indianapolis: expect long term control plan approval by the end of the year. ------- EWe are preventing loss of existing wetlands. We received and screened 375 permit applications and commented on 21 proposed permits. Of these, we recommended denial of 10 permits totaling 1273 acres of wetland. We also sent 43 cautionary letters to the COE advising them of the impaired status of the proposed project locations to assure they had relevant water quality information. We initiated nine new enforcement actions seeking restoration of 650 acres of wetland. Six enforcement cases were concluded resulting in the assessment of civil penalties totaling $811,000 and 81 acres of wetland mitigation. One case involved Hunter Lake Reservoir in Springfield, Illinois. Region 5 responded to citizens concerns and worked with other agencies to reach consensus on project mitigation that will include restoration or creation of 167 acres of wetlands, preservation/enhancement of 250 acres of forested wetland, preservation or enhancement of 4,700 acres of upland forest buffer, and restoration/creation of an additional 25 acres of wetland and streambank. We are providing safe drinking water for Tribal nations. Region 5 has direct implementation responsibility for drinking water regulations for all Tribally owned public water systems in the Region. Because groundwater is a major source of drinking water for most tribal water systems, there is concern over contamination from leaching agricultural and industrial pollutants or leaking underground storage tanks. Potential health effects resulting from contaminated water can range from a simple stomach ache to circulatory problems to terminal liver cancer. We used Drinking Water Tribal set-aside funds for construction projects and protection activities to ensure that potential contaminant sources were controlled. One example of our efforts is the use of funds for two drinking water construction projects as well as source water protection activities at the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. Region 5 staff and tribal activities included sanitary surveys of water systems, operation and maintenance training, assessment of wastewater discharges to groundwater, registration of a new public water system, construction inspections, and water system leak identification. In addition to working with Housing Authority, Casino Maintenance, and Environmental Department staff, we also worked with the high school Administrator, Casino General Manager and a Tribal Council member to assign dedicated maintenance and compliance staff to each water system, with whom we will continue to work to ensure better protection of public health. ------- GOAL 3 SAFE FOOD Crop Herbicide Tolerant Soya Herbicide Tolerant Cotton Bt cotton Herbicide Tolerant Com Btcom Yield t = t t t Pesticide Usage 4- 4- 4- 4- 4- Return on Investment t = t = =/t Potential Benefits of Biotech Crops (Source: USDA/NASS) Region Leads Nation in Adoption, Testing of Biotechnology Products: Technology May Reduce Pesticide Risk Region 5 states lead the United States in the development and adoption of biotechnology, thanks to the development of crops such as RoundUp Ready soybeans and Bt corn. Biotech crops offer a number of agronomic benefits, including herbicide resistance, insect resistance, and disease resistance. Benefits to growers may also translate to environmental benefits. Adoption of conservation tillage techniques increased in Region 5 as growers embraced the herbicide tolerant RoundUp Ready soybeans. Decreased erosion and run-off of pesticides may protect water sources from contamination. Bt corn crops, so named because they contain proteins derived from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium, may allow growers to decrease the amount of pesticides used. Active against Lepidopteran pests such as the European Corn Borer and Corn Earworm, the planting of Bt corn may lead to decreases in conventional pesticide use. The Office of Pesticide Programs is working with the registrants to ensure the long-term safety and efficacy of Bt products through mandatory Compliance and Education programs to prevent the development of insect resistance, as well as through requirements for additional data addressing health and environmental impacts . Bt crops offer a safer alternative to traditional pest management strategies. Acceptable returns on investment for growers with high pest pressures, combined with reduced risk for both human health and the environment, have lead to a win- win situation in the Midwest. In the future, Region 5 will see the introduction of Bt proteins into a wider variety of crop plants, with activity against a broader range of insects. The recent registration of corn producing the CrylF protein, which has activity against the Southwestern Corn Borer, Fall Armyworm, and Black cutworm, as well as against the European Corn Borer and Corn Earworm, is one of several products that has been under development for the past several years. The future will also see corn resistant to the Corn Rootworm, a major pest in the Region. Experimental Use Permits have been issued to test soybeans and tomatoes with Bt proteins incorporated to confer resistance to other lepidopteran pests, such as the velvetbean caterpillar and soybean looper. Current biotech product development is aimed at producing multiple control options for major pests, and expanded insect control to reduce the threat of resistance to a single compound. Due to the dominance of corn and soya in Region 5, the region leads the country in field tests regulated under USDA and EPA experimental use permits. Leptidoteran larvae on corn. Insect pests frequently cause economically significant amounts of damage to Midwestern corn crops. As a wider variety of biotech modifications becomes available to growers, biotech acreage in Region 5 will likely increase slightly, providing the market for genetically engineered crops remains open. The formation of a Regional/OPP cooperative workgroup on biotech in FY2001 will allow Region 5 to keep abreast of changes in technology and regulation of biotech as the industry continues to evolve. ------- Promoting Safer Food EPA Region 5 staff help ensure the continuing safety of our nation's food supply by promoting the transition from potentially hazardous conventional pesticides to reduced-risk pesticides. Through cooperative efforts with growers groups, Extension personnel, university researchers, and other stakeholders, the risk from pesticide residues in food can be reduced. These cooperative efforts focus on outreach to the agricultural community and partnership-building. The Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) mandated the reregistration of older pesticides and reassessment of pesticide tolerances in food, setting guidelines to protect vulnerable consumer groups such as children. The Regions perform a valuable service in communicating regulatory decisions and their potential impacts to the agricultural community. These impacts will be driving forces in the adoption of new pest management strategies by minor-use growers. Region 5 staff have performed direct outreach to the agricultural community through participation in conventions, site tours, and meetings in Ml, Wl, IN, IL, & OH. The Michigan Decision- Makers Tour, sponsored by the Ml IPM Alliance, was a highlight. The tour offers state and federal officials who work on policies that affect pest management practices an opportunity to see Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in action and to talk with growers, scouts, Extension agents and researchers (see photo at right). As growers move toward safer or fewer pesticides, food safety will be enhanced. Partnerships play a vital role in facilitating the transition to reduced-risk pest management strategies. The funding of small project grants is one tool used to form partnerships. Four grants in three states (Ml, MN, Wl) were fully funded using Strategic Agricultural Initiative funds. Ml Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University are collecting commodity-specific data on pesticide use on minor crops. Residue data on raw and processed crops can be used to help growers make informed decisions on pesticide choices. The University of Wisconsin/Pesticide Use & Risk Reduction program, in partnership with 13 local stakeholder groups, aims to reduce reliance on high-risk pesticides. A website, www.ThinklPM.org, provides growers resources on systems solutions to pest management. A novel field signs campaign educates growers and the public about IPM while promoting the Think IPM website. Information on IPM strategies to increase the safety of fresh- market vegetables will also be developed and disseminated to growers through the website and at industry events. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and University of Minnesota project aims to develop and implement a survey of fruit and vegetable growers statewide to assess the impact of the loss of minor use pesticides under FQPA and examine alternatives. Growers' future educational and research needs will be identified. The pest (insects, diseases, and weeds) management practices of Minnesota conventional and organic apple and strawberry growers are being studied, allowing the development of tools to enhance the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) and other reduced-risk, low-input strategies in local apple orchards and strawberry fields. GROWN Collaborative efforts between the World Wildlife Fund, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, and the University of Wisconsin work towards more ecologically sound potato and vegetable agricultural systems. Raising consumer demand for biologically based IPM produced products has been a goal of the collaboration from its inception. Healthy Grown potatoes are the first marketed product to use certified IPM agricultural practices (see logo above). IPM enable growers to control pests in an economical, socially sound, and environmental manner. Partnerships with the USDA also help / ( J* the Region promote safe food. Regional * in Spring 2001. The USDA, University specialists have participated in Pest I Research & Extension staff, growers, and Management Strategic Planning Workshops coordinated by the USDA North Central Pest Management Center, USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, and growers groups such as the Michigan Blueberry growers. The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, a partnership between USDA, EPA, producers, and other stakeholders, provided more than $1.2 million to fund creative projects for research and education addressing long-term enhancement of food and fiber systems in the 12-state region. Michigan Blueberry Growers convened a pest management strategic planning session in Spring 2001. The USDA, University Research & Extension staff, growers, and EPA examined the needs of blueberry growers in dealing with insect, disease, and weed pests. Top research, regulatory, and educational priorities were identified. ------- ^w Preventing Pollution & Reducing Risk in Communities, Homes, Workplaces and Ecosystems Efforts to Address Lead Poisoned Children in Chicago In 1998, an enforcement team comprised of Region 5, the Department of Justice, the Department of Housing and Urban Development began a project to identify large property management companies with histories of lead poisoned children in low income, multi-family housing within the City of Chicago and to monitor these companies's compliance with Section 1018. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) provided names of entities which had been issued multiple lead-based paint abatement orders. Under Illinois law, the CDPH is notified whenever a child is identified as having an elevated blood lead level (EBL), i.e., fi10 ug/dL The CDPH then conducts a lead-based paint inspection of the EBL child's home and if lead-based paint hazards are found to be present will issue an abatement order for that home. Until recently the CDPH could only inspect, arid order subsequent abatement orders, in individual apartments within multi family housing were a EBL child had been identified. Using the CDPH data the enforcement team focused on four large property management companies with the greatest number of abatement notices and therefore the greatest number of EBL children. Over several years there were over 300 abatement notices issued to these four entities with multiple abatement notices often issued, over time, to different apartments within the same building and sometimes to the same apartment. Based on the recurring abatement notices and the fact that buildings would likely have the same paint history, it was apparent that these buildings had wide spread lead-based paint contamination problems and represented a significant health risk to young children. Deteriorated lead paint is the most common source of lead exposure to children in the United States. About 75 percent of the nation's housing built before 1978 contains lead-based paint. Nearly 1 million of the nation's 22 million children under the age of six have blood lead levels high enough to impair their ability to think, concentrate and learn. Lead exposure causes reduced IQ, learning disabilities, development delays, reduced height, poor hearing and a host of other health problems in young children. Many of these effects are thought to be irreversible. At high levels, lead can damage a child s kidneys and central nervous system and cause anemia, coma, convulsions and even death. According to the Chicago Department of Public Health, an estimated 15,000 children under the age of six were diagnosed with elevated blood-lead levels in 2000. Region 5, the Department of Justice, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Illinois, Chicago and Cook County health officials have recently entered Consent Decrees with three of these property management companies who failed to warn their tenants that their homes may contain lead-based paint hazards as required by Section 1018 Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. The fourth property management company declined to participate in a Consent Decree and has been issued a Civil Administrative Complaint alleging 2,600 counts of violations of federal regulations on lead-based paint and its hazards. Under the terms of the Consent Decrees, Wolin Levin Inc., East Lake Management and Development and Oak Park Real Estate Inc. agreed to test for and conduct clean-up activities to make these units lead safe following HUD guidelines in their nearly 10,000 apartments in Chicago and Cincinnati. The testing and clean-up activities will be conducted over a period of six years and are estimated to cost several hundreds of thousands of dollars. These three companies will also pay a total of $90,000 in penalties. In addition, Wolin Levin agreed to pay $100,000 to fund a child health improvement project of Chicago s Health Department which will entail abatement activities such as window replacement and elimination of other lead-based paint hazards in low income housing not owned or managed by Wolin Levin. East Lake Management and Development will give $77,000 to a community-based health center to provide free blood lead testing for children in Chicago and South Chicago. This testing is intended to target children living in poverty which only have about a 30% testing rate under existing State requirements. A 5 year PTB Lead (Pb) Program Strategy Plan will administer and enforce Title X Lead-Based Paint Programs in Region 5 Indian Country. The first objective of the strategy is to ascertain information concerning the lead-based paint hazards and/or problems in the individual reservations housing stock. To this end, the workgroup developed a document entitled Lead-Based Paint Program Needs Assessment Survey for Region 5 Indian Country. The survey asked for information such as housing stock, number and age of children living on the reservation, if there were any cultural/medical/recreational use of lead, etc. Also in the strategy, PTB staff committed to conducting site visits with all 35 federally-recognized tribes to introduce them to the Region s lead based paint program, inform them of the federal program requirements and opportunities that tribes have to develop, implement and enforce their own lead-based paint programs and to obtain information concerning direct implementation needs, including/1018 enforcement. We also shared with the tribes that Region 5 has authorized two Tribes to implement the TSCA /4Q2 program on their reservations. Currently these are the only authorized tribes nationwide. Completion of the Needs Assessment Survey will allow both the Region and the tribes to ascertain the potential hazardous of lead-based paint to tribal children. The information will allow the Region in conjunction with the tribes to determine the extent of the lead-based program activities, both the federal directly implemented program and tribal developed program, necessary for the individual tribe. ------- EPA Region 5 Promotes the Protection of Children from Potential Pesticide Exposures within Schools and Day Care Centers Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers to an effective, economical, and environmentally sensitive approach to pest control that relies on a combination of common-sense practices to manage pest problems, while also minimizing possible exposures of pesticides to people, property, and the environment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is a strong supporter of the application of IPM within urban environments, especially as it relates to the protection of infants and children in schools and day care centers. Often associated with, or preempting, IPM adoption, are also right-to-know interests which require that children, parents, educators, and others are notified in advance of needed pesticide applications so that appropriate actions or access restrictions can be enacted to further minimize any potential exposures from pesticides when used as a last resort for pest control. While no federal legislation currently exists to regulate the use of pesticides within schools and day care centers, many States nationwide have been actively involved locally to promote the adoption of IPM in schools. The U.S. EPA is a strong supporter of these State efforts, through the provision of grants and technical assistance. The majority of the upper Midwestern States now have either State laws requiring IPM in schools (Illinois, Michigan) or State laws equiring notification and pesticide applicator standards only (Minnesota, Wisconsin). School and day care IPM is strongly advocated as a voluntary program in Indiana as well. The U.S. EPA Region 5, has been very involved in all these State efforts from the start, often providing start-up funding for State personnel, pesticide use surveys, school IPM workshops for school administrators and sanitarians, pilot projects, and IPM manuals. Especially noteable among the U.S. EPA achievements towards the promotion of school IPM is the recent establishment of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, with U.S. EPA funding, as one of two regional School IPM Technical Resource Centers, with the other located at Texas A&M University. The primary purpose of these Centers is to provide assistance to States, schools, pest control applicators, and the general public in all areas of school IPM. The Center resources include a toll-free hotline, training programs, educational and technical materials available on the internet, a variety of informational publications, program support, and access to an extensive network of existing IPM knowledge and expertise. During 2000, the Purdue Center supported the States of Illinois and Indiana under a grant from the U.S. EPA in Chicago and in 2001 this Center was further expanded to also include the States of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio utilizing new funding from the U.S. EPA in Washington, D.C. Beginning this year, Texas A&M University presently supports the States of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Within the upper Midwest, anyone seeking more information and assistance may reach the Purdue School IPM Technical Resource Center at 1-877-668-8IPM (8476). School IPM Goal: Protect Children s Health form Potential Pesticide Exposures within school environments Legislative Status of School IPM in Region 5: States with State IPM Mandate & Notification: Illinois and Michigan States w/Notification Mandates & Applicator Standards: Minnesota and Wisconsin State with strong Voluntary Program adopted by State School Board: Indiana Accomplishments Establishment of Purdue University as School IPM Technical Resource Center as a central depository of knowledge, materials, and public contact, and to assist all 6 States in IPM. Under grant to Safer Pest Control Project, complete new School IPM video (national and Illinois versions) targeted at school administrators and sanitarians. Initially under P2 Buy Clean Initiative, provide grant to Safer Pest Control for the creation of a template School IPM Product/Services Handbook Template will be used to create State-specific versions throughout R5. Concluded grant to Indiana for school IPM workshops statewide. Provided funding to Ohio for their first Statewide school IPM workshop, Statewide survey, and pilot school programs. Continue to provide funding and technical support to States - answer inquiries, share materials, participate in State workshops, provide updates on development of Federal legislation. Impact of Accomplishments - Serve as one-stop shopping via toll-free hotline and web site for public and schools for IPM information. Share Regionwide materials, tools, and successful methods for IPM adoption. Assist each R5 State in their own IPM pursuits. Videos either distributed nationwide or Statewide in Illinois used as selling tool to further promote the acceptance and adoption of IPM in school environments. Provide vital information to school sanitarians/purchasers on tools for IPM implementation, or commercial pest control specialists knowledgeable in IPM. Result in easier adoption of IPM by schools. Promote the voluntary adoption of school IPM throughout Indiana through education and successful pilot programs. Begin to engage Ohio schools in IPM through promotion of the concept Statewide. State resources and materials identified to help schools further protect their children students. Provide as much support as possible to States in the absence of specific Federal funding or a Federal program. EPA Region 5 National Involvement [cooperation with at EPA HQ (OPP, BPPD)]: Issue solicitation, review 18 grant proposals, and select two Regional School IPM Technical Resource Centers (Purdue University and Texas A&M University) as first such nationally recognized. Centers funded by EPA HQ to assist States to promote the acceptance of IPM in schools and day care centers. R5 serves as the primary Region participant on the EPA School IPM Workgroup, which holds monthly meetings to monitor status of School IPM nationally, review EPA briefing documents, compose EPA School IPM Strategy, Workplan, and Communication Strategy, contract for a new National School IPM awareness brochure targeted at school administrators, and provide input to Congress on proposed Senate School IPM Legislation. ------- Better Waste Management, Restoration of Contaminated Waste Sites and Emergency Response Illinois USTFIELDS Pilot Initiative: Illinois USTField Site Returned to Productive Use An abandoned gasoline station after the city razed the building and place fencing around it. Almost 50% of the Brownfield sites in the United States contain federally regulated abandoned underground storage tanks (USTs) or have been impacted by petroleum releases from them. Federal restrictions prevent the use of Superfund dollars to address UST related petroleum contamination at Brownfield sites, so the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) "USTFields program was developed. The pilot program funded 10-national pilots (up to $100,000 each) in FY01, to assess and clean up UST related petroleum contamination at idle or abandoned commercial properties in Brownfield pilot communities. During FY01, Illinois was the first Region 5 State chosen for the pilot. The Region and IEPA partnered with the City of Chicago, through the city s Abandoned Service Station Management Program, to identify sites deemed a public nuisance and a threat th public health and safety. The City, in cooperation with the Illinois EPA utilized EPA funding to conduct risk-based cleanups at 2759 W. Washington. The City will redevelop the area for low-income housing. The site is currently awaiting a No Further Action letter from the State before commencing construction of the building. This initiative also helped to create and foster state and local coordination efforts in Illinois and across the nation. A representation of what the constructed housing will look like since the project is not completed. It represents what the finished product should look like, enhancing the aesthetics and property values of the neighborhood. ₯ Funding Sources (i.e,100K for FY01 & 400K for FY02) ₯ Partnerships Developed/Leveraging Resources ₯Target sites with MTBE in GW ₯ Site returned to productive use (i.e., low-income housing, etc.) ₯ Challenges (orphan tanks, statutory restrictions, etc) Removal Enforcement Program/PRP Lead Sites Cleanups In FY 01, the Superfund Removal Enforcement Program in Region 5 saved the agency nearly $28 million in funds (over the $18 million budgeted for the Removal Program in FY 01). This was accomplished by voluntary and involuntary cleanups funded by the Proposed Responsible Parties (PRP). Several of these sites were voluntary Mercury Spill cleanups. Superfund Cleanup Negotiation Completions In FY01, the Superfund Enforcement Program in Region 5 successfully negotiated five settlements within the Remedial Program. The settlements included four remedial action cleanups and one non-time critical removal action. The total value of the settlements was approximately $23 million. Counter Terrorism Region 5's Counter Terrorism Program continues to move forward in the effort to combat terrorism in the United States. Each year Region 5 has developed our program through training, outreach to local officials and other federal agencies whom we would work beside in a real incident, and obtaining and learning to use advanced screening and detection equipment. Region 5 personnel, in addition to exercising with the National Guard, FBI, Local Police and Fire Departments, assisted Region 2 in the World Trade Center response and Region 3 in the Capitol Hill Anthrax Response. After September 11th and the subsequent biological attacks, the ramp-up of the this program on the national level is clearly apparent. The National Brownfields 2001 Conference was held in Chicago at McCormick Place from Sept 24 through Sept 26, drawing more than 3,000 attendees. This 6th annual research conference was organized to provide information about brownfields redevelopment to all stakeholder groups. U.S. EPA Region 5 played a significant role coordinating the conferences' outreach program, media, participated in many panel discussions and by partnering with some 22 co-sponsers. Partners included the International City/County Management Association, Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania, Illinois EPA, US. Conference of Mayors. U.S. EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman opened the Plenary Sessiqn with comments illustrating her sincere appreciation for attendees who were able to be in Chicago, especially after the terrorist act at the World Trade Center. Her involvement with the Brownfields program validated her commitment to the cities and states as she spoke about the importance of redeveloping our cities. U.S. EPA Region 5 Administrator Thomas Skinner spoke to 3,000 attendees about R5 Brownfields partnership with states and communities. More than 200 exhibits were displayed, 270 endorsers provided outreach, over 100 panel sessions and marketplace of ideas were given, and over 100 Volunteers from R5 staff volunteered as greeters, pre-conference outreach, session assistants and photographers. The Regional Administrator Open House was held on Wednesday where 200 participants attended the open house to meet and greet the R5 administrator. Overall the success of the project was done with the enthusiasm from volunteers from Region 5 and our states who not only supported the National Conference, but played a major role in its success. ------- Nicor Gas/ Peoples Energy Mercury Spill Response Effort In July 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry (ATSDR) received a call from a concerned resident regarding Mercury (Hg) that they had seen spilled in their home after a gas regulator had been replaced. Brad Stimple, Region 5's On Site Coordinator (OSC), and an ATSDR representative investigated the matter to discover several more homes in Chicago s northwest suburbs had similar reports and that Nicor Gas, the local natural gas utility, was responding to the matter. The enforcement team quickly responded with a letter to Nicor requesting more information. The number of homes requiring screening and cleanups grew as EPA oversaw the ever expanding cleanup in consultation with the Illinois Department of Health, Illinois EPA and ATSDR. The Illinois Attorney General got involved and convened a multi- agency task force. As the scope of the problem became evident, the EPA Region 5 mapped out a strategy that involved multiple orders, information requests and interagency strategies for investigating, overseeing and verifying cleanup in an ever widening area of concern. In a matter of weeks the problem was discovered to include two additional gas companies (Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas) involving another 100,000 homes and small businesses and almost 2,000 private industrial facilities. The EPA team received a Bronze Award for their efforts and the experience gained in addressing the gas company mercury situation, which is now under control, will be extremely valuable wherever similar conditions may arise. Suzhou Creek Pilot Project: Heath and Safety Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan The U.S. EPA Region 5 FIELDS Team traveled to China to initiate a pilot project in Shanghai, China during FY 01. The purpose of this visit was to transfer information and techniques on sound environmental principles and effective technology tools to the Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation and Construction Company(SSRCC) and the Shanghai Academy of Sciences. The FIELDS Team instructed the environmental scientists in Shanghai in techniques for site investigations. The Health and Safety Plan, Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and Field Sampling Procedures, were written for a more highly contaminated site than the one found at Suzhou Creek. This was purposely done to give the trainees reference to what types of situations can be encountered. The objectives accomplished during the visit were to gather all historical data and generate base maps; perform a bathymetric profile over largest area of the creek; teach the FIELDS tools to SSRCC employees; define a pilot area to determine soft sediment thickness using manual probes; and to collect examples of sample data using EPAs Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and safety plan as a teaching tool for the SSRCC. Inland Waterways Spill Response Mapping Project The Oil Pollution Act mandates that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Coast Guard prepare Area Contingency Plans to improve the efficiency of spill response efforts. In this process, the plans must identify environmentally and economically sensitive areas. To help protect Region 5's resources from the damaging effects of oil and contamination, the Oil Planning and Response Section is leading a project to map sensitive environmental and economic resources that may require protection in the event of a spill. In addition, the Oil Planning and Response Section performs facility inspections and spill exercises throughout the course of a year. This helps ensure that regulated facilities are complying with spill prevention and safety requirements, and tests the adequacy of spill contingency plans. WPTD/Tribal Illegal Dumping Cleanup: Through EPA solid waste funding, tribes have been successful in coordinating voluntary cleanup campaigns in their communities as part of their comprehensive solid waste management strategies. Community cleanups of illegal dumps have raised awareness among tribal members about the risks of illegal dump sites, and instilled community pride to keep the reservations clean and prevent future dumping. On the right are some pictures of the community cleanup of illegal dumps at the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi reservation, where 38% of the waste removed was recycled as scrap metal. In addition to these activities mentioned above, and as reported in the Regional Results Plan for end-of-year 2001, the Tribes reported to us that 2012 tons of waste was removed from Tribal illegal dump sites since year 2000. Two-thousand of those tons were removed from the White Earth dump that qualified for funding under the Interagency open dump cleanup funds. ------- GOAL 6 Reduction of Global and Cross-Border Environmental Risks Great Lakes Naval Action The Great Lakes National Program Office's two research vessels wrapped up another busy year plying the waters of the Great Lakes and their tributaries. The 180-foot Lake Guardian concluded its 2001 sampling season on September 27th, when it tied up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The ship had started work on April 5th and had been at sea for approximately 105 days. During that time, it measured water quality in all the Lakes in Spring, Summer and Fall. In addition to its own research, EPA also supported a variety of studies by scientists from the States, Universities, and other Federal Agencies, including Environment Canada. The most significant finding this field season was how soon a dead zone formed in the bottom waters of the Central Basin of Lake Erie and how widespread it was. The bottom waters of the lake in this zone had little or no oxygen, which fish and other organisms need in order to live. Preliminary 2001 data show dissolved oxygen concentrations in Lake Erie's Central Basin to be near the worst observed during the last 5 years, despite international success in reducing phosphorus loadings to levels thought to be low enough to prevent such problems. (Phosphorus is a key nutrient that feeds the algae in the lake. Too much algae growth results in an overload of decaying organic matter on the bottom of the Lake when the algae eventually die off. The decaying algae uses up the water's oxygen.) To understand and address this puzzling issue, GLNPO is updating external phosphorus load calculations; convening researchers in a workshop to further explore the biological effects; and integrating research and management efforts through the Lake Erie Management Plan. It is thought that the invasive zebra mussels may be a key part of the puzzle. The other vessel in GLNPO's navy, the Mudpuppy, was also kept busy this year. The Mudpuppy is a 32-foot flat-bottom boat specifically designed for sediment sampling in shallow rivers and harbors. It is equipped with a vibro-coring unit that allows the sampling of cores up to 15 feet long. It also has a global positioning system (GPS) which allows for precise and accurate determinations of sample locations. Once samples are collected, they can either be sub-sampled and processed onboard or at land-based facilities. A triple-axle trailer allows the vessel to be transported easily from one project location to the next. In 2001, the Mudpuppy performed sediment assessments at White Lake and the Pine River in Michigan, the Des Plaines River and Chicago River in Illinois, the Maumee River in Ohio, Burns Harbor in Indian, and the Milwaukee River in Wisconsin. The Mudpuppy also helped Superfund and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sample sediments. Energy Star is a Win-Win for Environment and Consumers In a cooperative, voluntary effort to bring more energy efficient and environmentally friendly products to consumers throughout North America, the U.S. and Canada signed an agreement which will bring Energy Star products to Canadian citizens and businesses. The Energy Star label makes it easy for consumers and businesses to identify energy-saving products. These products use energy more efficiently, save money, conserve natural resources, decrease emissions from power plants, and help protect the environment. Through commercial, industrial and public participation in the Energy Star program in the U.S. alone: ft Annual greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 23 million metric tonnes carbon equivalent in 1999, which is equivalent to eliminating the emissions from more than 10 million cars. fr Annual emissions of nitrogen oxides were reduced by over 100,000 tons, which is equivalent to the emissions from 70 power plants. fr Energy Star Buildings partners, who represent 15 percent of the commercial, public, and industrial building market, saved more than 20 billion kilowatt hours in 1999. if U.S. residents saved over 25 billion kilowatt hours by purchasing more than 100 million Energy Star products in 1999. if Current estimates show consumers and businesses achieving a cumulative savings of nearly $50 billion through 2010. Locally, the Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee Courthouse were honored for earning the Energy Star Label for Buildings. The Milwaukee Courthouse was particularly recognized for its excellence in energy performance by upgrading the historic 100-year-old building. In addition, twelve schools earned the Label. The media event was held in the beautiful atrium of the Courthouse building. Milwaukee Public Schools entertained with musical performances. And at a national awards dinner in Washington, DC, five of the 34 award winners were from EPA's Midwest Region. ------- The Greening of the Detroit River The Green Ways Initiative is a five-year $25 million initiative led by the Southeast Michigan Community Foundation to protect and restore watersheds and natural habitats of a seven- county (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair and Livingston counties) area in southeast Michigan, including Detroit. Greenways are linear open spaces, including habitats and trails, that link parks, nature reserves, cultural features or historic sites with each other, for recreation and conservation purposes. The purpose of the Green Ways Initiative is to demonstrate the benefits of greenways. The primary objectives of the Initiative are to: Help local governments and nonprofit organizations construct and implement greenways projects, Build the capacity of nonprofits and government agencies to engage in future greenway projects Build awareness in southeast Michigan about the benefits of greenways. This project is an outgrowth of a small EPA grant to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and is modeled after the highly successful Chicago Wilderness project. The Global Village Drawn by the reputations of EPA Region 5 and the Great Lakes National Program Office for innovation and effectiveness in environmental restoration and protection programs, international visitors came to Chicago to learn from their experiences. During FY 2001, Region 5 hosted 310 visitors from 25 countries (including 6 interns) a new record! In addition, Region 5 responded to assistance requests in India, China, Russia and Kuwait. Region 5 and the State Department's long-term investments in the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia bore major results. Latvia is restructuring its environmental programs into policy and implementation and Lithuania's Ministry of the Environment is seeking Region 5 advice on a similar restructuring. Both are working with their military, resulting in an Environmental Strategy for Lithuania's Military and Latvia co-funding the First Baltic States Environmental/Military Cooperation Workshop, attended by 10 countries. All three countries now have environmental policies, management structures, and officers sensitized to environmental issues. Lithuania and Latvia went beyond expectations and drafted watershed plans for the Lielupe River. Public participation and volunteer monitoring training triggered local watershed planing activities on the Gauja River between Estonia and Latvia. Moving Mud During Calendar Year 2000, over 400,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments were cleaned up at five locations in the Great Lakes: the USX vessel slip in Indiana, the Saginaw, Pine and Manistique Rivers in Michigan and the Fox River in Wisconsin. This total includes all Great Lakes cleanup activities involving Superfund, Natural Resource Damage Assessments, GLNPO, State agencies, and voluntary partnerships. The White Lake - Tannery Bay, Michigan settlement is a significant example of how small amounts of federal funds at a critical time in the process can stimulate sediment cleanup. In the settlement, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Genesco agree to clean up 73,000 cubic yards of sediments contaminated with chromium, mercury, and arsenic. The total project cost is estimated to be $7.7 million. GLNPO gave the State of Michigan a $500,000 grant in 1998 to help jump-start the cleanup. Dredging is expected to take place next summer and last about 4 months. Pollution Prevent Scores Big Against Toxics! The latest progress report from the Great Lakes Binational (U.S. and Canada) Toxics Strategy reports big reductions in the worst of the toxic chemicals polluting the Great Lakes: An 80% reduction in high level PCBs in use in Canada and about 90% reduction in the U.S. Approximately 60 to 90% reduction of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and 30 to 40% reduction of benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] in Canada. In the U.S., reductions are estimated to be about 90% for HCB and 65% for B(a)P; An 81% reduction in mercury emissions from a 1988 baseline in Canada and for the U.S., a 50% reduction will be achieved by 2006 Lakes Report Card Shows Mixed Results USEPA and Environment Canada's recently released report card on the Great Lakes shows a mixed picture about 25% of the indicators show good or improving conditions, 25% show poor or deteriorating conditions, and the rest show mixed results. Highlights of the findings: Surface waters are still among the best sources of drinking water in the world Progress has been made in cleaning up contaminants and rehabilitating some fish and wildlife species Invasive species remain a significant threat Atmospheric deposition of contaminants from distant sources continues Urban sprawl threatens natural areas, rare species, farmland and open space Development, drainage and pollution are diminishing wetlands Read the full report at: http://binational.net/sogl2001 ------- o o 7 Expansion of American's Right to Know About Their Environment EPA Will Improve Its Internet Site Met target of increasing the number of Website hits, pages available and distinct hosts. - Region 5's Web site continues to grow in size and popularity. - Page requests in FY 00 were 32% greater than in FY 00. During this same time, the number of distinct hosts accessing the site increased by more than 25% and the number of different files requested was up 23.7%. Goal 7 Title changed from Expansion of Americans Right to Know About Their Environment to Quality Environmental Information. The focus of Goal 7 has shifted to better reflect the priorities set by EPA when it centralized information policy, management and technology in the new Office of Environmental Information. EPA is moving from a focus on public right to know to a broader focus on quality environmental information for all decision makers. For FY 2001, Goal 7 annual goals and targets have been refocused to better reflect this broader vision. Goal 7, Quality Environmental Information, focuses on improving access to EPAs integrated environmental data, educational services, and analytical tools for evaluating enviornmental conditions and trends, and on providing a secure environment for data storage and retrieval. Environmental Education Awarded $189,582 in EE grant funds to 20 recipients throughout Midwest. EE Program continues to provide workshops on grant-writing for community groups. Environmental Justice Exceeded Regional target set for $50,000. Awarded 7 grants of $100,000. Respond to FOIA requests in a timely manner During FY01 Region 5 completed the backlog review requested by the Headquarters FOIA Office. Headquarters confirmed that we have no outstanding FOIA requests from FY 93 through 2000. This is a major accomplishment as the Agency as a whole reported over 9,000 FOIA requests pending in the FY 2000 Report to Congress. Region 5 implemented the electronic routing of FOIA requests to the program offices in March of 2001 using the locally developed FOIA ERMS database. ------- One-Stop Reporting Grants Two grants awarded and 1 plan approved. Ohio EPA awarded grant on April 5. OEPA submitted 120-day plan on July 25 and was approved by EPA on July 31. Illinois EPA awarded grant on June 27. IEPA will be submitting a 120-day plan in early FY 02. NEPPS 1 Agreements in place with MN, IL, IN and Wl (OH and Ml do not currently participate.) 1 Region 5 is holding a workshop meeting with States on NEPPS on December 14. Congressional Inquiries All Congressional requests (letters and phone inquiries) are promptly entered into a congressional data base. 96.3% of congressional letters were answered within the 10 day time limit. Toxic Release Inventory Met Regional target of conducting one compliance workshop in each state. Long Distance Learning program has been established the first class during the first quarter of FY 2001. The long distance learning program has reached several classrooms simultaneously, in an interactive manner. Community Water Systems that will publish Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) The CCR regulation requires large community water systems (over 100,000 people) to post their CCRs on the Web. The Office of Water recognizes that some of these CCRs contain sensitive data, such as a map with a location of their surface water intake, therefore, the Region has been asked to recommend that systems take their CCRs off the Web and modify them to exclude sensitive information. Review 100% of outreach products that are submitted for review 100% of Outreach Products Reviewed. Workgroup examining the Region s product review procedures and is streamlining them. Next step is involving rest of Region with the goal of improving compliance with product review rules. ------- Sound Science, Improved Understanding of Environmental Risk and Greater Innovation to Address Environmental Problems Team Maps and Measures Ecosystem Health The Critical Ecosystems Team this year has been creating a path-breaking model on how to map Regional ecosystem health. By using base layers of satellite data and a map of EPA-developed EcoRegions, the team has identified the criteria and acquired the six-state data sets that will not only measure overall ecological health but will also identify broad areas of high quality that should be protected from any further environmental insult. In early summer '02, the team will be hosting a national ORD/Regional meeting on how to target critical ecosystems for protection and restoration. Keeping Region 5 In The Field The Central Regional Laboratory, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance and Superfund cooperated to contribute $65,000 for the purchase of several pieces of scientific equipment for monitoring/enforcement. Over 75% of the Region's prioritized needs were purchased during FY'01. Without these items staff would not be able to reproducibly go back to exact locations on rivers and streams for sample collection or monitoring over time. Accuracy is needed to digitally manipulate data for charting to understand the extent and severity of contamination. This equipment was used to monitor the DuPage, DesPlaines and Fox Rivers. $ Regional Geographic Initiative Using seed money provided by Headquarters under the Regional Geographic Initiative program, Regional Team Managers enlisted communities, state and local governments, businesses, and citizens to help clean the environment. Here are just a few examples: In the East St. Louis, Illinois area, two sites within walking distance of a local elementary school, where over 52% of the children had elevated blood lead levels, were cleaned up using RGI funds. The clean-up resulted in over 2,500 tons of lead contaminated soil being removed. In Detroit, business leaders partnered to form a Sustainable Business Forum to help strengthen the region's economic performance, encourage networking, and help businesses employ best practices of sustainability. In Chicago, a Good Neighbor Dialogue with participation from government and community residents was started with the Ford Motor Company in order to reduce environmental releases and conduct pollution prevention at a local Ford Plant. One concrete result was a renegotiated standard for paint solvents. In Northeast OH, the GIS action Team helped federal, state & local agencies develop and distribute a master planning CD-ROM data set for an 18 county area. Diving Hume Brfiavior Research Helps Locate Diving Plumes , The winner of the FY'01 Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE), competitive grant was the project 'Diving Plume Behavior...' developed by Gilberto Alvarez of Region 5's Waste Pesticide and Toxic Division and three ORD scientists. While we know MTBE is released from leaking underground storage tanks and that its properties make it water soluble, these two factors combine to allow MTBE to dive below traditionally placed monitoring well networks. The WPTD and ORD Researchers hope to identify how rapidly MTBE dives. A computer model will be developed to help state regulators make better decisions when it comes to tracking this groundwater menace. ------- Central Regional Lab(CRL)Wins Regional Award The CRL established quantitative methods for determining alkylphenol compounds that may act as endocrine disrupters in the environment by establishing 3 standard operating procedures (SOPs) to analyze water, soil and sediments using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. The SOPs were used by the CRL to provide data to the Water Division for the Chicago, Lower Des Plaines, Fox and DuPage River sediment studies to determine the extent alkylphenols exist in effluent dominated streams at amounts that may show ecological effects. Strategy Aids Scientists and Decision-Makers The Regional Science Strategy was finalized in FY2001 as the blueprint to enhance the support of science in the Region and to build capacity to address the many issues facing us using sound science. The Strategy addresses improves science collaboration, increases utilization of knowledge and skills, creates a culture of scientific excellence, and clarifies the role of science in planning and management decisions. In FY 2001 the Strategy was partially implemented through a series of workshops aimed to broaden the technical knowledge and skills of the Region's science staff and to provide tools to facilitate discussions between science staff and managers/decision makers. In FY 2002 many more activities are underway to carry out the Strategy, including additional workshops, completion of an action plan to implement Strategy recommendations, and provide rigor to the Region's science planning process. States Pursue Innovation Region 5 was busy in FY'01 working with States wishing to experiment with innovative approaches for protecting the environment. Region 5 (except Indiana) submitted 14 innovation proposals. While Michigan DEQ has been by far the most active with 7, Wisconsin DNR, Illinois EPA, and Minnesota PCA are all in various stages of agreement or implementation with Region 5 EPA for 7 innovative projects or proposals. The proposal and testing of innovations is expected to continue its challenging pace in FY'02 with the result being greater environmental benefits as a result of unprecedented collaboration. National Metal Finishing Strategic Goals Program and Project XL The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) is actively working with local metal finishers to reduce metal pollutants from facility waste streams. MWRDGC joined the National Metal Finishing Strategic Goals Program (SGP) and developed a model program, with pollution prevention goals and incentives in mind, that is observed by other SGP participants. As a complement to the SGP, MWRDGC entered a 5 year partnership with USEPAand IEPA in a Project XL Agreement. One aspect of the project is the Toxic Reduction Action Plan (TRAP) which aims to control pollutants of local concern that are not subject to District regulation. The same partnership formed for SGP worked together on XL's TRAP to identify pollutants in the MWRDGC discharger waters. The District and its partners selected Mercury in effluent, Hexavalent Chromium in air, Nitrogen and Phosphorous in effluent, and PCBs, Dioxin, and Dibenzofurans in biosolids. MWRDGC will attempt to reduce emissions of these pollutants through non-traditional strategies and will share successes with other POTWs. Blood Lead GIS Identifies Children At Risk Region 5 is working closely with the City of Chicago to address children's lead poisoning using a GIS mapping methodology. Numerous presentations have been made to raise awareness on the need for increased screening. The mapping has allowed us to see the spatial distribution of lead cases across the City, and help the City target their education, outreach, enforcement, and screening efforts in those neighborhoods where rates are highest. Chicago Community Areas, 1999 ------- A Credible Deterrent to Pollution and Greater Compliance with the Law Enforcement Tools to Reduce Non-Compliance Although inspection numbers are down, the decrease was due to a more efficient use of EPCRA/CERCLA resources to determine compliance. The level of enforcement activity is consistent with prior years. Our pipeline continues to flow at a consistent rate where initiations and conclusions are conducted so that we achieve our ultimate goal of environmental improvement. Many of this year's enforcement actions have contributed to a number of pollutant reductions in the following areas: RGBs - -7,490 parts per million Lead - -66,699 parts per million VOCs - -10,000 tons per year Sulfur Dioxide - -60,000 tons per year Metals - -2,500 cubic yards TCE - -680,000 parts per million Particulate Matter - ~1,912 tons per year Nitrogen Dioxide - -1,140 tons per year Nox - -42,700 tons per year Criminal Enforcement Actions The fines and restitution recovered as part 'of the Region s criminal enforcement actions for FY 2001 total $5,915,788. Civil Enforcement Actions Inspi0ions Conclusions B FY 2002 Enforcement Priorities The Region will focus on the following enforcement and compliance assurance priorities: Increase opportunities to conduct multi-media enforcement and compliance assistance activities; Develop and implement targeting methods that increase our efficiency, particularly supporting the Region's TNT so that it may be used to map out regulated facilities in the Region; Continue to investigate ways to partner with our States to address environmental compliance problems; Colleges & Universities - continue to find ways to offer assistance and to encourage compliance; Auto Salvage Sector - continue to work with our States and local governments to develop and implement an integrated strategy to address environmental compliance problems related to this sector in Michigan and Indiana; Develop and implement a strategy to build capacity for our Tribes, this will include conducting Basic Inspector and Health and Safety training; Promoting the implementation of our Region's "Enforcement Strategy in Indian Country"; and, Promoting SEPs that result in significant emission reductions and measurable pollution prevention State/Local Partnerships in Enforcement Lead-Based Paint Enforcement Initiative in Chicago Collaboration between HUD, DOJ, Chicago Dept. of Public Health, and U.S. EPA to compel large real estate management companies to conduct lead paint abatement in the city of Chicago targeted and inspected 14 landlords and/or realty management companies in Greater Chicago area cases referred to DOJ 3 companies agree to abatement of all lead-based paint in their rental units (over 6,000 rental properties potentially affected) This initiative was a good example of the Region's Environmental Justice Team, Chicago Team, Science Group, Children's Health Team, Goal 4, Goal 9, and, state and local government relations, collaboration to achieve considerable health and environmental improvement in the city of Chicago. Many of our partners in this effort have commented that this was the most significant contribution for lead poisoning abatement made in the Chicago area, even when the $14 million grant Cook County received from HUD for lead abatement is considered. Guide - White River Fishkill In response to a request by Governor Frank O Bannon, that the U.S. EPA assist to investigate the huge fishkill in the White River, the Region collaborated with the Indiana Department of Environmental ManagemenUo form a multi- media/multi-agency task force. The task force focused on the compounds used by Guide Corporation, an automotive electroplater in the midst of shutting down its Anderson, Indiana facility. This collaboration was instrumental in determining the specific chemical reaction that caused the fish kill and thus providing critical information that could also be applied other similar facilities. The lawyers from both governmental agencies (IDEM & EPA) acted as one team of prosecutors. Guide Corporation and its original owner, General Motors Corporation, submitted to fast track negotiations which resulted in the lodging of a $10,025,000 Consent Decree, $6 million paid into two funds to fully restock the White River and river monitoring efforts planned by the State. The settlement, ground-breaking in many respects, establishes the following environmental benefits: restoration funds to pay for ongoing efforts to restock the White River with fish; performance of projects designed to restore natural resources and enhance the quality of the White River for conservation and recreational purposes The settlement also provides for reimbursement of more than $2 million that the responsible agencies expended in responding to and assessing the impact of the fish kill. Finally, the settlement will provide for payment of a $2 million civil penalty by Guide, to be split equally between the State of Indiana and the United States. ------- Region 5, the City of Detroit, and Detroit Citizen's Groups Efforts Result in the Reduction and Removal of CFC and Oil Releases to the Environment The Region conducted multi-media inspections at 3 junkyards in the Detroit area that resulted in assessing over $1 million in penalties. The targets for the multi- media inspections were the result of the collaborative effort and input from the City of Detroit and Wayne County. The facilities were identified as a result of local community knowledge and complaints. The environmental outcomes that were achieved as a result of these inspections include the following: ₯ removal of 80 cubic yards of lead contaminated soils and three drums containing soils contaminated with lead, chlorobenzene, benzene, 1, 4 dichlorobenzene, 1,2 dichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene above RCRATCLP concentrations. ₯ removal of almost 15,000 gallons of used oil/water and soils. The Region's activities in this geographic area has positively contributed to the improvement in the quality of life for the community. Our goal for FY 2002/2003 is to work jointly with the SEMI Team to improve water quality & emissions in the Detroit River Flyaway. Supplemental Environmental Projects There are a total of 21 administrative cases with SEPS and 4 judicial cases with SEPs. (*Note -1 case involved multiple facilities in different locations). Judical SEPs - There are 4 judicial cases with SEPs. 3 of the 4 are in the petroleum refining sector and 1 is in the iron and steel sector. The majority of the SEPS are in the category of pollution prevention and pollutant reduction with one facility having an environmental restoration SEP. The total cost of the SEPs in the judicial cases is $10,315,540. (Source CCDS) There are 21 administrative cases with SEPs. The total costs of the SEPs is $2,893,925. The majority of the SEPs are pollution prevention and pollution reduction along with Public Health, Emergency Planning andJEnvironmental Compliance SEPs. The SEPs in administrative cases are in a variety of sectors and spread across Region 5 states. (Source CCDS). Promote Compliance Through Incentives and Assistance Compliance Assistance Activities Conducted 221 compliance assistance activities (activities include phone calls/e-mails, presentation/meetings, on-site visits, workshop/training, tools developed in house, and outreach materials mailed/distributed) These activities reached 81,997 entities. These activities included providing assistance to regulated entities and sectors on compliance with the Section 1018 Real Estate Disclosure Rule, Subtitle C & D of RCRA, PWS - Microbial Regulations, the Lead and Copper Rule, and new rules/regulations. Region 5 Obtains Emissions Reductions in Petroleum Refining Enforcement Cases Koch will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, benzene and volatile organic compounds at its three refineries by a total of 10,000 tons per year. Koch will pay a civil penalty of $4,500,000; close a waste pile at the Minnesota refinery at a cost of approximately $2,000,000; and install and operate pollution control technologies that will be included in a federally enforceable permit at a cost of approximately $100,000,000. Koch will also perform a supplemental environmental project at a cost of $2,000,000. Marathon/Ashland Petroleum (MAP) is the subject of a consent decree resolving violations at 7 of MAP s refineries. Marathon/Ashland Petroleum (MAP) will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by 8,000 tons per year, sulfur dioxide by 12,800 tons per year, particulate matter by 800 tons per year, carbon monoxide by 1,850 tons per year, and volatile organic compounds by 120 tons per year at a cost of approximately $265,000,000. MAP will also pay civil penalties totaling $3,800,000; and, perform supplemental environmental projects totaling $6,500,000. BP Exploration and Oil Company (BP) is the subject of a consent decree to resolve violations at BP s eight refineries. BP will reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by 22,000 tons per year, sulfur dioxide by 27,300 tons per year, as well as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, benzene and volatile organic compound emissions. BP will pay a civil penalty of $10,000,000 and perform supplemental environmental projects at a cost of $10,000,000. These cases are excellent examples of how the Region's enforcement actions have contributed to our .goal of cleaner air, reducing air toxics, and promoting children s health. Metal Platers/Finishers Sector Compliance Assistance and Enforcement Initiative A sector-based compliance assistance/enforcement initiative focused on platers/metal finisher that had not filed a Section 312 chemical inventory report. 60% of all platers in the country are in Region 5 initiative resulted in the initiation and conclusion of 54 separate enforcement actions EPA collected a total of $282,225 in penalties penalty mitigation granted to 49 small businesses initiative resulted in hundreds of facilities coming into voluntary compliance This integrated approach is a model for future efforts in other sectors. Metii IF inishers Initiative ------- GOAL 10 Effective Management Region 5's secret weapons are behind the scene environmentalists. Those who do the administrative work necessary for you to do what you do. This includes processing thousands of travel authorizations and vouchers so you can go to superfund sites, or do other real environmental protection work like take soil, air, or water samples for laboratory analyses. They make sure you get paid every two weeks of the year without fail to free your mind from pay-day anxiety and pay out millions of dollars to your grantee partners and vendors. They work with HQ and other regions to bring more dollars to the region enableing us to cover, not just your pay check, but other underfunded areas of need to support you in the front line of environmental work. They take pride in their work to support you, and have met or exceeded Agency standards of excellence in this line of work. We trained you in travel regulations, government travel card rules, payroll time and attendance, and in budgeting. We launched a new travel management system (Travel Manager) and trained you in its use. We launched a new grants payment system known as ASAP, for short, to speed up payments to your grantees. Funds Management The Reources Management Division reconciled FY 00 and 01 accounts prior to October 1 allowing the Region to purchase nearly $1 million in critically needed equipment and supplies. Without this effort, these funds would have been lost to the Region with additional unmet needs moved forward to the FY 02 budget year. This effort required the examination of numerous budget line items, an assessment of remaining balances and appropriate actions to redirect funds that would otherwise be lost to the Region. New Biology Lab In a joint project with Headquarters and GSA, the Region completed the first phase of the renovation of the Central Regional Lab. The new Biology Lab will improve laboratory support for the Region's environmental work. This project required varied expertise including overall project leadership and coordination, financial management, health and safety computer technology, telecommunications and countless administrative details. ------- Training of New Employees During FY 2000-01, Region 5 created and implemented a New Employee Orientation Program. The program featured, in part, an expanded initial orientation session of 1-2 days, emphasizing identified "survival skills," and a checklist of competencies that can be used by new employees and their supervisors to help ensure new employees receive the planned orientation components. The development and implementation of the orientation program was timed to coincide with the hiring of about 50 employees from August to December 2000 Day long orientation sessions were held on October 17 and December 13. The orientation covered over 17 general topics of interest to new employees. In addition, program specific training was held in February. The evaluations from the participants confirmed that the material and presentations more than met the need. ASSISTANCE SECTION GRANT CLOSEOUTS » Goal: Eliminate 100% closeout backlog for non-construction grants ended before 9/30/00. » Measure: 95% of all grants will be closed within 180 days of the end of the period of performance. 97-18 98-99 Year Grant Performance Ends Closed Original GRANTS CLOSED and ISSUED FY 1999 TO FY 2001 1100 900 800 700 600 988 FY1999 FY 2000 1 Closeouts ^"^ New Grants FY 2001 Acquisition of a Hybrid Gasoline-Electric Vehicle EPA Region 5 pursued the acquisition of a hybrid vehicle for EPA's fleet in the continuing effort to demonstrate the use of alternatively fueled and more environmentally friendly vehicles. On April 13, we acquired a Toyota Prius which features combined gasoline and electric power. This vehicle demonstrates technology that produces low emissions and excellent fuel efficiency. The acquisition process was innovative since we normally acquire vehicles through GSA. This involved extensive contacts with EPA Headquarters and within the Region to identify and use our authority and funds to acquire the vehicle for the Region. The vehicle arrived in time for Earth Week festivities the week of April 23, 2001. ------- Effective Management Preventing Pollution Reducing Risk in Homes Workplaces and Ecos Designed and Produced by Pam Gallichio ------- |