3


-------
EPA Region 7 protects human health and the environment in our nation's Heartland. Our ecosystems are numerous and
the range is broad, encompassing the Sandhills of Nebraska, Flint Hills of Kansas, winding Missouri and Mississippi rivers,
prairies and plains of Iowa, forests and delta of Missouri, and an abundance of agricultural lands throughout our region.

11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219 | 800-223-0425 | www.epa.gov/region7







Featured cover photos:

(Top photo): Mark Twain Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River outside of Hannibal, Missouri. (Bottom left photo): EPA Region 7 employee Doug Ferguson speaks to partici-
pants of the EPA Region 7 Friends and Family Day at the Regional Office in Lenexa, Kansas. (Bottom center photo): A contract crew works on cleaning up oil at a discharge site in
Washington County, Kansas. (Botoom right photo): Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister and Region 7 Deputy Administrator Ed Chu speak with residents of Alma, Kansas, after a

Clean School Bus Program event.

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
YEAR IN REVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary

Funding by State and Program

Responding to a Changing
Climate

Working with the Agriculture

Sector

13

Protecting Children from
Exposure to Lead (Pb)

17

Protecting Our Water Sources

21

Ensuring Clean Air for All

25

Revitalizing Land for
Communities

30

Investing in Regional
Partnerships

EPA staff particpate at Girl Scouts event in
Kansas pity, Missouri. (Photo by U.S. EPA)

EPA staff particpate at pollinators event in
Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by U.S. EPA)

> -mm wrn u II	i

2

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
SEVEN STRONG

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE HEARTLAND

Region 7 made tremendous progress over the past year toward protecting human health and
the environment. As I reflect on our efforts, the word "community" comes to mind. With the
help of unprecedented funding opportunities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and
the Inflation Reduction Act, Region 7 increased its capacity to engage and collaborate with our
communities, resulting in more meaningful connections with the people, places, and organiza-
tions we serve.

For Region 7, "community" encompasses citizens, nonprofit organizations, municipal leaders,
federal agencies, businesses, and academia. We worked closely with these groups to listen,
learn, and collaborate on ways to create a more resilient future. Most importantly, we are lever-
aging these engagements into tangible, locally designed outcomes that will benefit those who
are most vulnerable to an ever-changing climate.

First, we strengthened our capacity to better support our stakeholders by bolstering our work-
force. Region 7 completed 112 permanent hiring actions and provided 76 internal detail and
promotion opportunities. We also implemented an intensive summer Pathways internship pro-
gram, welcoming 26 new interns to the region.

We started 2023 by visiting several cities to celebrate Brownfields Job Training Grant awards. These grants will empower citizens to
obtain skills for future, sustainable careers in environmental health and safety. One of those engagements took place at the Ozark Cor-
rectional Center, where justice-involved individuals are receiving job training for future careers in environmental cleanup.

We continued to focus our efforts on climate resilience by collaborating with our local, state, and federal partners to develop strategies
that will best serve our communities. We facilitated and supported task forces and learning events focused on climate, Lead (Pb) pre-
vention, waste management, agriculture, water, and compliance. These meaningful discussions are part of our whole-of-government
approach to aggressively tackle the climate crisis in our country.

This year, we connected with our Tribal partners by increasing our visits to Indian Country. We presented multiple grant awards, con-
ducted site visits, and attended listening sessions. The Tribes we serve are a key component of our community and we remain com-
mitted to cultivating those relationships.

We engaged our academic community to foster learning, mentorship and collaboration. This year, we developed a Memorandum of
Understanding with Harris-Stowe State University and conducted several presentations at the University of Kansas.

We visited the farthest reaches of our region by conducting a multi-city Investing in America tour to present millions of dollars in
Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Brownfields grants to rural communities in the Heartland. We met with
civic, community, and business leaders and viewed multiple Brownfields projects in progress.

We continued to enrich our internal Region 7 community by upholding our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibil-
ity. We raised the Pride and Juneteenth flags for the first time at our Regional Office. In addition, we offered several learning opportuni-
ties through our ongoing special interest programs.

Most importantly, environmental justice informed our decision-making and activities this past year and it remains to be one of Region
7's top priorities. We opened our first-ever Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers at Wichita State
University. These centers will help provide technical assistance, training, and related support to communities in the Region with EJ
concerns.

Region 7 continues to grow stronger and more resilient due to the dedication of our workforce and the financial backing of our ad-
ministration. Although we have increased our operational tempo exponentially, our staff answered the call without hesitation and
maintained the highest level of support and service. I am thankful for the progress made thus far and I look forward to what Region 7
will accomplish in the year ahead for our community.

Seven Strong!
Meghan A. McCollister

MEG MCCOLLiSTER

Regional Administrator

.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
I



I

Air S
Radiation
Division

,964,473

$196,287,478

$40,949,840



$104,470,789

FY
23

State and Tribe Funding
by R7 Divisions



) d

m

Land, Chemical &
Redevelopment
Division

Mission Support	Office of	Superfund &

Division	Intergovernmental	Emergency

Affairs	Management

Division

Water
Division

$19/774,021 $43,862,097 $29,452,192 $4,973,278 $15,113,613 $318,335,065

*Dollar figures are calculated for fiscal year 2023, running from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 31, 2023.

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7

RESPONDING TO A

^ r Fll W I $ J fT H ^ f 1I f rf F r


-------
EPA Region 7 Announces
Finalization of Climate
Adaptation Implementation Plan

Tackling the climate crisis is one of the top pri-
orities of EPA here in the Heartland, However,
effective action requires an effective plan. In FY
2023, Region 7 successfully finalized and pub-
lished its FY22-23 Region 7 Climate Adaptation
Implementation Plan. Released in October 2023,
this strategic initiative aligns with President Biden's
Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate
Crisis at Home and Abroad, demonstrating a pro-
active and collaborative approach to environmental
stewardship.

The plan outlines 28 priority actions to be taken in
FY22-23, demonstrating Region 7's commitment to
impactful climate action. An addendum for FY24-25
identifies both continuing and new priority actions,
ensuring that the plan remains relevant and respon-
sive to emerging challenges.

The release of Region 7's plan is part of a larger
nationwide effort by EPA, with similar plans devel-
oped by all regional offices and major national
program offices. These plans are dynamic, evolv-
ing with new data and insights, and underline EPA's
comprehensive commitment to addressing climate
change.

Recognizing that climate disruption often dis-
proportionately affects overburdened communi-
ties, the FY22-23 Region 7 Climate Adaptation
Implementation Plan pays special attention to the
needs of low-income communities, communities of
color, children, the elderly, tribes, and indigenous
peoples. EPA's commitment to engaging with and

supporting these communities underscores its ded-
ication to principles of environmental justice and
equity.

"The release of the Implementation Plans today
marks significant progress in EPA's efforts
to ensure we are doing everything we can to
protect human health and the environment."

— EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan

This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the
Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan - a blue-
print for a resilient, equitable, and sustainable
future.

1 Read EPA Region 7's Climate
v.4 Adaptation Implementation Plan.

• Read more information on EPA's 2021

Climate Adaptation Action Plan.

View all 20 Climate Adaptation
Implementation Plans that were devel-
oped by EPA's major offices.

Climate Action KC

In Region 7, we strive to take climate-related actions that are measurable,
sustainable, address a specific gap or need, and make a difference in
our communities. In September, EPA Region 7 joined corporate leaders,
climate advocates, and other critical voices across the region to address
climate challenges at the 2023 Climate Summit in Kansas City. Region 7
staff shared information on what's to come, and how all communities can
benefit through historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and
Inflation Reduction Act.

U.S. EPA Region 7's information booth at the 2023 Climate Action KC event. (Photo by U.S. EPA)


-------
Funding for a Healthier Future

During 2023 Climate Week in March, EPA
announced a major initiative under President
Biden's investing in America Agenda. EPA launched
$4,6 billion in competitive grants through the Climate
Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program, part
of the larger $5 billion allocation from the Inflation
Reduction Act, marking a significant advancement
in America's approach to climate change and envi-
ronmental justice. This initiative is crucial for achiev-
ing our goal of reducing climate pollution by 50% to
52% by 2030 and aligns with the Justice40 Initiative,
ensuring that federal climate investment benefits
flow to marginalized communities.

This grant program has great potential to bring
about substantial change in combating climate
issues and positively impacting the environment
here in Region 7. The program's focus extends
beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions to
delivering economic and health benefits, especially
to communities with environmental justice concerns,
while prioritizing actions that lead to the most signifi-
cant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

in tandem, EPA in April 2023 released the frame-
work for the implementation of the Greenhouse
Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), a transformative $27
billion investment from the Inflation Reduction Act.
This fund aims to mobilize financing and capital for
greenhouse gas and air pollution-reducing projects,
with support focused on underserved communities.
The GGRF comprises three grant competitions: $14
billion National Clean Investment Fund, $6 billion

Clean Communities Investment Accelerator, and $7
billion Solar for All competition.

The GGRF is not just a financial tool but a com-
mitment to inclusive and equitable climate action.
It acknowledges the need to provide opportunities
and benefits to communities historically impacted by
environmental degradation and economic dispari-
ties. This fund is set to be a catalyst for transitioning
to a clean energy future that is fair and just for all
communities.

Together, the CPRG and GGRF programs repre-
sent a significant milestone in America's response
to climate change, not just here in the Midwest but
across the country. They signify a new era of envi-
ronmental stewardship, ensuring the equitable dis-
tribution of clean energy benefits and reduced pol-
lution, particularly to historically overlooked and
affected communities. These initiatives are a deci-
sive step towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and
equitable future for the United States.

Learn more about Climate Pollution
Reduction Grants

Read CPRG Planning Grant Program
Guidance

•	Sign up for notifications about Climate
Pollution Reduction Grants

•	Learn more about the Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Fund

IPA Announces $3M Each to Missouri and
Nebraska to Fund Innovative Projects That Tackle
Climate Pollution

In FY23, EPA allocated $3 million to both Missouri and Nebraska as part of
the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program, funded by President Biden's
Inflation Reduction Act. This initiative is designed to develop strategies for
cutting ciimate pollution and fostering clean energy economies. The Missouri
Department of Natural Resources and Nebraska Department of Environment
and Energy are leading the charge in their states through collaborating with
local entities to develop comprehensive climate action plans that prioritize
engagement with low-income and disadvantaged communities.

7


-------
Regional Monitoring Networks

Climate change poses specific challenges for the Heartland's freshwater ecosystems. That's why in FY23,
EPA's Office of Research and Development worked with its regional offices, states, tribes, and other enti-
ties to establish Regional Monitoring Networks (RMNs) and climate change monitoring sites in Central Plains
streams. RMNs aim to detect subtle, climate-related trends in freshwater wadable streams in a decision-rele-
vant time frame by first establishing baseline environmental conditions, and then by providing consistent, long-
term monitoring data.

In line with this effort, Region 7's Water Division (WD) and Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division
(LSASD) have identified and sampled sites with similar environmental and biological characteristics in the
region. The RMNs will continue to gather biological, thermal, hydrologic, physical habitat, and water chemis-
try data on an annual basis for 10 or more years. By using standardized methods for data collection, RMNs
ensure data reliability and comparability, which is crucial for informed environmental policy-making and sup-
porting initiatives like the Clean Water Act.

ROAR - Flowtography Project

In FY23, WD and LSASD staff from EPA Region 7 pioneered an initiative that utilizes time-lapse photography
and machine learning to monitor small, ungauged streams vulnerable to climate shifts. Staff deployed three
time-lapse cameras on important Climate Change/Regional Monitoring Network (RMN) streams with active-
flow monitoring, while staff interns worked tirelessly ranking several thousand images on the project's Photo
Explorer website to help improve the machine-learning model. This approach not only provides critical insights
into water flow dynamics and patterns, but also represents a paradigm shift in environmental monitoring - it's
cost-effective, scalable, and deeply insightful. As the project expands to encompass wetlands and lakes, it
continues to highlight the Region's role in shaping a sustainable future in the face of climate change.

Region 7 Participates in IPPC

[EL. _

I *m,mi y—Amy Shields, a Water Division

| SMTX- -supervisor, joined the U.S. dele-
gation to the intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
in Switzerland. Her involvement
in the IPCC's sixth Assessment
Report went beyond national rep-
resentation; it was a demonstra-
tion of her expertise and dedica-
tion to global climate action. Shields, along with her
fellow delegates, played a crucial role in collaborating
with IPCC authors and member countries, contributing
significantly to the U.S. government's strategic input.
Their work culminated in the pivotal drafting of the final
Synthesis Report in March 2023, a comprehensive
document addressing global emissions, the impacts
of climate change on ecosystems, biodiversity, and
human communities. Shields' participation as one of
the four U.S. scientists in the delegation underscored
EPA Region 7's significant role in driving forward global
climate policy and resilience.

Embassy Science Fellows

B^V ' a' y Chelsea Paxson, a Water Division
staff member, worked to advance
global and subnational climate efforts
on behalf of EPA Region 7, while par-
ticipating in the Embassy Science
Fellows and Internationa! Technical
Assistance Program during FY23.
This program, designed to lever-
age the expertise of U.S. govern-
ment scientists, aims to build relationships and partner-
ships that not only advance American foreign policy and
scientific priorities, but also promote U.S. scientific norms
and interests globally. Paxson's project in Guatemala City
focused on protecting an undeveloped urban area and
advocating for nature-based solutions to improve water
quality in a ravine park. The project encompassed water
quality monitoring, water quantity recharge, solid waste
management, habitat restoration, forest conservation,
and urban green space protection - all crucial elements
in fostering resiliency against climate change across the
globe.

8

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
ST'&


-------
Climate-Smart Ag Roundtables

The role that agricultural production plays in anthropogenic
climate change, as well as how farming and ranching prac-
tices might look in the future, is a topic of great complexity.

In order to gather a more holistic view of this issue, EPA
Region 7 staff fostered meaningful dialogue with our region's
agricultural leaders throughout FY 2023, as part of our strat-
egy to address climate change both in and through the
agricultural sector. In FY23 alone, Region 7 orchestrated
over a dozen climate-smart agriculture roundtables, listen-
ing sessions, outreach events, and other external engage-
ments. These gatherings have been vibrant hubs of discus-
sion, bringing together diverse voices on climate resilience in
agriculture.

Attendees representing Kansas' agricultural stakeholders
included the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture; Kansas USDA
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service
Agency, and Rural Development directors; the Kansas
Farm Bureau President; Kansas members of the EPA Farm,

Ranch and Rural Communities Committee; and many
farmers, ranchers, and agricultural leaders from across the
state.

These roundtables further provided a platform for members
of the farming and ranching community, along with
Kansas state agencies, to voice their concerns, ideas, and
experience.

In a similar vein, Region 7 held a roundtable in 2023 with all
land-grant universities within Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and
Nebraska. This meeting was focused on exploring ongoing
efforts and future needs in the climate-smart agriculture
arena to leverage the deep well of knowledge among Region
7's university partners. Through this collaboration, the round-
table attendees were able to pinpoint potential areas where
EPA's involvement could have the greatest impact on tack-
ling anticipated climate challenges most effectively.

EPA Region 7 seeks to build a robust network of individuals
working at the intersection of agriculture and climate change
through these climate-smart roundtable discussions. So far,
this network has proven to be essential for disseminating
information about EPA programs and funding opportunities
more effectively, ensuring that those at the frontline of agri-
culture are well-equipped with the knowledge and resources
to adapt and thrive in a changing climate.

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review

Administrator Regan Visits Bucyrus,
Kansas

In February 2023, EPA Administrator Michael S.
Regan visited the Guetterrrian Brothers Family
Farm in Bucyrus, Kansas - a living example of
the intersection between agricultural innovation
and environmental stewardship.

Administrator Regan and EPA Region 7 rep-
resentatives were joined by a host of stake-
holders, including the Kansas Secretary of
Agriculture, directors from various USDA de-
partments, the Kansas Farm Bureau President,
and members of the EPA Farm, Ranch, and
Rural Communities Committee. This assembly
of such a diverse group underlined the whole-
of-government approach being adopted to has-
ten climate-positive outcomes, while bolstering
our rural economy in Region 7.

Of this visit, Administrator Regan shared:
"There's nothing like getting to see firsthand the
passion and ingenuity of America's agricultural
leaders. Our farmers and ranchers - like the
folks I met in Bucyrus, Kansas - are developing
and implementing innovative, climate-smart so
lutions. And EPA will always make sure Amer-
ica's farmers and ranchers have a seat at the
table to ensure they can produce an abundant
and uninterrupted supply of food, feed, fuel,
and fiber."

We at EPA Region 7 act on the belief that ag-
riculture and environmental stewardship can
harmoniously coexist for a sustainable future.
As we move forward, our Agency remains com-
mitted to engaging with and supporting our na-
tion's farmers and ranchers. Their invaluable
contributions to both environmental conserva-
tion and the agricultural sector are essential
in our journey toward a more sustainable and
resilient future.

Photo Caption: U.S. EPA Administrator Michael S, Regan
tours some farming equipment at the Guetterman Brothers
Family Farm in Bucyrus, Kansas. (Photo by U.S. EPA)


-------
Environmental Education at the Iowa

State Fair

On Aug. 7, 2023, EPA Region 7 said hello to the people of
Iowa and their incredible fried cuisine at one of America's
oldest and largest agricultural expositions - the Iowa
State Fair! With a history stretching back to 1854, the Des
Moines event was the perfect backdrop for EPA Region
7 to share a message of "Working Together for Healthy
Rural Families."

EPA representatives were excited to have this opportunity
to showcase various competitive grant funding programs
with fairgoers, including Solar for All (made possible by the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction
Act). Fair-goers were also able to see and tour Region
7's mobile laboratory and emergency response command
vehicle.

Region 7 at the National Association of Farm
Broadcasting

EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister hosted the Senior Advisor
for Agriculture to the EPA Administrator Rod Snyder, and EPA Office
of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) Assistant
Administrator Michal liana Freedhoff at the annual National Association
of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Trade Talk event at the Westin Crown
Center Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.

NAFB Trade Talk is a can't-miss event for leaders in the agricultural
industry and provides opportunities for networking and connecting with
ag media. EPA staff discussed priority topics including: Waters of the
U.S.; Renewable Fuel Standards Program; pesticide availability and
process; partnerships with agriculture and agriculture's seat at the tabie;
climate change; infrastructure and environmental justice.

Cultivate KC and New Roots for
Refugees

Farming isn't just for the region's rural residents. Urban
farming has a role in the future of agriculture, too! In
February 2023, EPA Region 7 invited urban farming advo-
cates from Cultivate KC and New Roots for Refugees to
attend a climate-smart agriculture roundtable discussion.
Representatives from the two organizations were able to
voice their perspectives on how a multi-agency approach
can accelerate socially and environmentally conscious
farming methods.

www.epa.gov

(Left) €PA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe, (second from left)
Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner, and (far right) EPA Region
7 Administrator Meg McCollister pose for a photo with members of
Cultivate KC. (Photo by U.S. EPA)

U.S. EPA REGION 7

2023 Year in Review

11


-------
1

Outreach with Migrant
Farm Workers

All-purpose
cleaners

Hdncl sudfA

Floor
cleaners

Toilet bowl
cleaners

Window
cleaners

Laundry care
product

Dish soaps

Pet care
products

Tub & tile
cleaners

¦

Safe Use of Registered Pesticides

EPA is committed to ensuring that pesticide certification pro-
grams are not just compliant, but exemplary in their effectiveness.
In FY23, EPA Region 7 emerged as a leader in the safe applica-
tion of pesticides - a vital aspect of environmental protection and
public health.

Region 7, working in close collaboration with each of its states
and tribes, embarked on a thorough, multi-step review process,
This involved meticulous assessments and feedback from various
EPA offices, including the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention and the Office of General Counsel,

This achievement, through Region 7's Land, Chemical, and
Redevelopment Division, has ensured that farmers throughout
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations can
continue the safe use of registered pesticides.

EPA Region 7's success in this endeavor not only met the reg-
ulatory requirements outlined in the Certification of Pesticide
Applicators Rule, but also exemplified how combining rigorous
environmental governance goals with effective collaboration can
ultimately benefit farmers and safeguard public health within the
region.

Migrant farm workers are often at greater
risk of environmental exposure to pesticides
and lead. In an effort to ensure that Region
7's protection of human health extends
to all of those in the Heartland, our Land,
Chemical, and Redevelopment Division
(LCRD) and Environmental Justice team
focused increased attention on delivering
crucial information and resources to these
vulnerable populations in FY23.

With the aim of taking a proactive approach
toward directly addressing the needs of the
migrant workforce in agriculture, LCRD
created and filled a new pesticide position
requiring Spanish fluency. LCRD staff also
undertook a project to collect information
on agencies and organizations that serve
migrant farm workers in the region, EPA
Region 7 began work to use this data to
help build bridges with these groups, so
as to assess and deliver needed Worker
Protection Standard protections while also
assisting state pesticide lead agencies in
enhancing their programs.

Further, six outreach events were held in
FY23 with migrant farm workers, which
emphasized pesticide safety and the pro
motion of Integrated Pest Management
(IPM). Online outreach was also conducted
through geographic microtargeting on social
media platforms, resulting in a series of 12
targeted campaigns in both English and
Spanish.

l2
¦

n

3EZ

tfjiru

~DnmcifTte nwrvcTMn wnrr

11



EPA Region 7 staff participates in the Migrant Farmwork-
ers Assistance Fund outreach event in Lexington, Missouri.
(Photo by U.S. EPA)

12

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM

i

EPA Region 7 is committed to reducing lead exposure,
especially for children, by creating lead-safe environments.
There are numerous potential lead exposure pathways
including through drinking water pipes, the air we breathe,
lead-based paint in houses and consumer products, and
the soil we garden and play in


-------
Unveiling a New Lead Strategy

In a pivotal move, EPA unveiled a comprehensive lead (Pb)
strategy in October 2022, which exemplifies its dedica-
tion to advancing environmental justice and equity as out-
lined by the Biden-Harris administration. This strategy har-
nesses the full spectrum of EPA's authorities, expertise,
and resources to curtail iead exposure in overburdened
communities.

Key Actions

The cornerstone of EPA's lead strategy lies in its multi-
faceted approach to reducing lead exposure in communi-
ties grappling with pollution and other pressing health and
social challenges.

A pivotal component of this strategy is the development
of updated, residential soil lead guidance tailored to con-
taminated sites. This guidance stands to revolution-
ize screening protocols for sites and facilities under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) and Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action
authorities. If finalized, these recommendations will fortify
the regulatory framework, ensuring a comprehensive and
effective response to residential lead exposure.

The infusion of financial support from the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law marks a transformative moment for
EPA's endeavors. Bolstered by unprecedented invest-
ments, EPA is poised to expedite the cleanup of lead at
Superfund sites. This financial injection not only under-
scores the government's commitment to environmental
remediation, but also empowers EPA to implement tangi-
ble solutions in communities grappling with the detrimental
effects of lead contamination.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has proven to be a
game changer for EPA's mission to combat lead exposure.
With this legislative windfall, EPA is not only strengthen-
ing its resolve, but also injecting unprecedented financial
resources into the cleanup efforts at Superfund sites.

This infusion of funds underscores the government's com-
mitment to proactive measures, ensuring that communities
burdened by lead pollution witness transformative changes
that safeguard public health.

EPA Unveils Historic National
Lead Strategy in Omaha, Ne-
braska

Region 7 unveiled its historic National Lead
Strategy before a cooperative agreement re-
newal ceremony with the Douglas County
Health Department in Omaha, Nebraska.

Omaha was once home to a large lead smelt
er and lead battery recycling plant that are
estimated to have released over 400 million
pounds (200,000 tons) of lead particles into the
environment, with much of that ending up In
residential areas.

The National Lead Strategy reflects the Agen
cy's commitment to protecting children from
harmful exposures to lead, while reducing
disproportionate impacts of lead exposure on
high-risk communities.

Omaha was chosen as the location to an-
nounce EPA's National Lead Strategy as his-
toric smelting operations there resulted in the
largest residential lead Superfund site in the
United States.

Following the announcement of the National
Lead Strategy, EPA Region 7 held a ceremony
to recognize the seven-year, $12.7 million re-
newal of the Agency's cooperative agreement
with the Douglas County Health Department
(DCHD), with $1.8 million awarded annually.

The agreement renewal provided funding for
the county's free blood lead screening services
for children 7 years old and under, as well as
pregnant and nursing women, residing within
the Omaha Lead Superfund Site. The renewal
will also provide funding for indoor lead dust
screening, as well as education and outreach
to medical professionals within the site bound-
ary.

Photo above; Office of Land and Emergency Management Dep-
uty Assistant Administrator Carlton Waterhouse (right of check)
and EPA Region 7 Deputy Administrator Ed Chu (far left) present
the Douglas County Health Department with a ceremonial check
for$12.7million. (Photo credit: U.S. EPA)

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
Region 7 Lead Task Force

Established in 2018, the Task Force brought together agency leaders to
shape its mission and focus, pooling resources for future lead projects.
Over the past few years, the Task Force has been a catalyst for positive
change, tirelessly working on initiatives to safeguard the health of families
and children in the region.

Region 7's Lead Task Force promises a brighter, healthier future for the
region's children. Together, they stand united against the insidious threat of
lead, ensuring that even the smallest levels of exposure do not hinder the
physical and intellectual development of the next generation.

¦R7 Lead Summit: A Collaborative
Stride Toward Safer
Communities

In September 2023, the R7 Lead Summit brought
together federal agencies, including the Department
of Housing and Urban Development, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for
Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the
Department of Health and Human Services, in a
resounding commitment to address the pervasive
issue of lead exposure. The collaborative effort
underscores a whole-of-government approach,
pooling expertise and resources to effect transfor-
mative change across communities.

impact through comprehensive outreach initiatives,
informing communities about lead exposure and
preventive measures.

Another key component of the collaborative effort is
the promotion of safe work practices. By ensuring
that renovations and abatement work are conducted
safely, reliably, and effectively, the initiative not only
addresses immediate concerns but also contributes
to the long-term health and well-being of communi-
ties. This commitment to safety reflects a dedication
to positive health impacts, demonstrating a holistic
approach to lead exposure prevention.

in essence, the R7 Lead Summit marks a pivotal
moment in the fight against lead exposure. Through
a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, the
initiative aims to create lasting change in communi-
ties across the nation. The convergence of exper-
tise, resources, and a commitment to partnership
sets the stage for a future where lead exposure is
not just reduced but eradicated, paving the way for
healthier and safer communities.

This strategy encompasses cleanup initiatives,
capacity building, health monitoring, worker train-
ing, and overall community development. The col-
laborative vision aligns seamlessly with the goals of
the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, providing a criti-
cal framework to expedite efforts in preventing lead
exposure.

The law, a linchpin In the summit's narrative, is
poised to make a tangible impact by prioritizing
communities often overlooked by environmental pol-
icies. This strategic focus aims to address histori-
cal disparities in exposure, ensuring that the most
underserved populations benefit from targeted
interventions.

Central to the success of the initiative is the ongoing
partnership with stakeholders. Leveraging this col-
laboration enables the acceleration of efforts to
provide more pediatric lead tests, a crucial step
in identifying and mitigating lead exposure in chil-
dren. Additionally, the initiative seeks to broaden its

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
Region 7J

Total

CI



913

residential yards
remediated

Over

28,000

properties remediated

2 J9 million
cubic yards were
remediated as of
September 11,2023

A total of over

40

million cubic yards
of mine waste
cleaned up

These cleanups represent some of the largest EPA
lead contamination cleanups in the country.

I

Lead-Based Paint Violations

EPA enforcement programs ensure that com-
panies and individuals that violate federal laws
addressing exposure to lead or whose actions
may endanger human health and the environ-
mental are held accountable.

In FY23 alone, 14 home renovation compa-
nies in Kansas and Missouri agreed to pay over
$160,000 collectively in penalties to EPA to
resolve alleged violations of the federal Toxic
Substances Control Act.

Companies that perform home renovations, or
hire subcontractors to perform renovations, are
required to comply with regulations under EPA's
Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP)
Program. These regulations include require-
ments to obtain certification from EPA prior to
performing renovations, as well as compliance
with lead safety practices, records retention, and
notification to homeowners about the hazards of
renovation-related lead exposure,

The goal of EPA's compliance assurance
program is to protect public health, deter would-
be violators, and level the playing field for com-
panies that follow our nation's laws related to
lead exposure and contamination.

Information on these programs is available

from the Agency's Lead website.

Region 7 Hosts Four Lead Awareness Sessions

Region 7 staff participated in numerous lead education and outreach
events throughout the year. Staff distributed informational materials cov-
ering lead renovation, lead disclosure and lead hazard education.
Enhancing Lead-Safe Work Practices Through Education and Outreach
activities were completed for three communities. Both the Train-the-
Trainer and Understanding Lead information sessions were provided.
These sessions helped community members recognize potential sources
of lead exposure, understand impacts and effects of lead exposure, learn
actions to reduce lead exposure and the importance of blood lead level
testing for children.

16

U.S. EPA

REGION 7

2023 Year in Review


-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7

PROTECTING OUR

When the water in our rivers, lakes, and oceans
becomes polluted, it can endanger wildlife,
make our drinking water unsafe, and threaten
the waters where we swim and fish.


-------
Funding Clean Drinking Water
and Infrastructure

In 2023, Region 7 announced a total of $379 million
in water infrastructure improvement grants in Iowa,
Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made over $50
billion available for water and wastewater infrastruc-
ture improvements across the country between FY
2022 and FY 2026 to strengthen the nation's water
infrastructure and provide resources to address key
challenges, including climate change, removing
lead pipes, and emerg-

survey assesses the nation's public water systems'
infrastructure needs every four years and the find-
ings are used to allocate DWSRF grants to states.

EPA's 7th DWINSA included survey questions
focused on lead service lines for the first time, and
a portion of the total funding will be provided spe-
cifically for lead service line identification and
replacement.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $5 billion
over five years to help communities reduce PFAS in
drinking water. The $82 million allotment to Region
7's four states will be used to prioritize infrastructure

ing contaminants like
per- and poly-fluoroal-
kyl substances (PFAS).
The funding will support
regional communities
in upgrading essential
water, wastewater, and
stormwater infrastruc-
ture, protecting water
bodies and public health.

The funding was divided
into: $168.6 million for
essential, drinking water
infrastructure upgrades
through the Drinking
Water State Revolving
Fund (DWSRF); $128.4
million to the Clean
Water State Revolving
Fund (CWSRF) in
Region 7's four states;
and nearly $82 million to

address emerging contaminants like per- and poly-
fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water for
communities across the region.

The CWSRFs have been the foundation of water
infrastructure investments for over 30 years, pro-
viding low-cost financing for local projects across
America.

The DWSRF allotments to states are based on the
results of EPA's 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure
Needs Survey and Assessment (DWINSA). The

EPA Has Obligated More Than $1.16 Billion Nationally
to Support Lead Service Line Projects

More than $400 million is slated to provide
clean and safe water for Region 7 and future water infrastructure improvements

$80 million
' for Kansas

\

These funds are dedicated to lead pipe arid service line replacement, and other
safe drinking water investments.

and source water treatment for pollutants, like PFAS
and other emerging contaminants, and to conduct
water quality testing in those states.

EPA is also releasing the "Emerging Contaminants
in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant
Program" implementation document, providing
states and communities with the necessary informa-
tion to use this funding to address local water quality
and public health challenges. These grants enable
communities to improve local water infrastructure
and reduce emerging contaminants by implement-
ing solutions and necessary treatments.

18

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
Protecting our Water Through
Innovation and Collaboration

Region 7 has implemented and engaged in several
partnerships designed to increase innovation and
find new solutions to address water infrastruc-
ture concerns throughout the region. In FY23, the
Region awarded universities, advocacy groups, and
local communities for their research and innovation
to develop solutions to face climate change, provide
access to clean water, and protect water bodies in
Region 7.

Under the Environmental Education Grants
program, Region 7 was able to provide $99,795 in
funding to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)
in August. UNLwili use the funding to expand their
Know Your Well Project and develop a science
curriculum that will be rolled out to over 100 rural
Nebraska high school students with the goals of
increasing science literacy, awareness of agricul-
tural practices, and groundwater stewardship.

In October, Region 7 announced a $3.2 million
research grant to Iowa State University to fund
research national efforts to reduce technological
and institutional barriers to expanded water reuse,

enabling university researchers to integrate techno-
logical, institutional, and regulatory decision-mak-
ing processes to accelerate water reuse adoption by
addressing issues in water quality and availability in
small, rural communities.

The following month, Region 7 provided $740,014
in funding to the University of Missouri to conduct
research with community partners to assess how
different populations value water quality improve-
ments and aquatic resources in Midwestern res-
ervoirs, addressing research gaps and evaluating
economic benefits and costs, including predicting
environmental justice and other distributional con-
sequences of surface water quality improvements
nationwide.

Region 7 recognized the City of Hastings,

Nebraska, for its clean water infrastructure innova-
tion through EPA's George F. Ames Performance
and Innovation in the SRF (State Revolving Fund)
Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) 2022
national recognition program. The city was recog-
nized for Excellence in Problem-Solving for their
Aquifer Storage and Restoration project, which
was conducted using funds allocated through the
Nebraska Clean Water SRF. The project decreased
nitrate contaminant levels and provided an econom-
ical engineering solution for providing treated drink-
ing water to the city's residents.

Region 7 has also continued efforts to gather data
in underserved communities with regional urban
water monitoring. This data will allow the Region
to observe potential water quality impacts in urban
lakes and streams and integrate environmental
justice considerations into the overall regional moni-
toring strategy.

Through the Urban Waters Federal Partnership
(UWFP), Region 7 is funding dedicated ambassa-
dor positions that coordinate, connect, and collabo-
rate to break down Agency silos to meet the needs
of underserved communities in our region.

In 2023, program highlights included working with
the U.S. Forest Service to get funding in place for
ambassadors at two locations. Blue River hired
an ambassador, Magali Rojas, and the announce-
ment for the Meramec/Big River ambassador was
expected by spring 2024.

U.S. EPA REGION 7

2023 Year in Review

19


-------
¦

Upper Mississippi River Basin
Association

In 2023, Region 7 engaged with community partners to address
water quality concerns and implement standards and regulations
for water safety.

Our Standards and Water Quality Branch (SAW) engaged with
the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) as
members of their water quality executive committee and water
quality task force. These executive committee meetings are held
quarterly to facilitate collaborative decision-making between the
five state partners and relevant federal partners. The work of the
task force is of a more limited scope, focusing on monitoring the
status of the water quality of the Upper Mississippi River.

Accomplishments for the year included the publication of the
"How Clean Is the River?" report in January 2023, which ana-
lyzed water quality trends for 19 parameters within the river.
SAW staff also served on a workshop planning committee
for a series of nutrient reduction workshops funded by EPA
Headquarters to accelerate the implementation of state nutrient
reduction strategies within the UMRBA states.

Additionally, SAW has begun the development of a formal
Memorandum of Understanding with UMRBA to formalize our
relationship and identify potential areas for collaboration/support
regarding the implementation of their Mississippi River monitor-
ing strategy.

Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative

Region 7 continued its collaboration with the Mississippi River
Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) to develop community-spe-
cific models and methods for Sustainable Materials Management
(SMM) implementation, usinga pilot study of plastic waste along
the Mississippi River. Our Region was selected for a Regional-
ORD Applied Research (ROAR) project in 2022 to study plastic
pollution in three MRCTI communities. Together with ORD and
Regions 4, 5 and 6, Region 7 is leading the ROAR project, which
will continue through FY24.

Region 7 is working to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems
with the Water Division Monitoring Strategy, which entails part-
nering with our states and tribes to develop regional strategies
focused on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The overall strat-
egy will support the regional monitoring network, which has
established climate change monitoring sites in Central Plains
streams.


-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7

The composition of trace gases in the atmosphere
such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxides, plays
an important role in affecting the climate. Air
pollution can adversely affect critical functions of
the atmosphere in many ways.


-------
Clean School Bus Program

Cleaner air. Reduced health risks, especially for
children whose lungs are still developing. Reduced
greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to
climate change. Cost savings from reduced main-
tenance and fuel costs. Increased community resil-
iency, as Vehicle-to-Grid capable buses can provide
power to the grid or buildings during power shut-
downs. These are just a few of the many reasons
why EPA's Clean School Bus program - funded
through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - is pro-
viding $5 billion over a five-year span (FY 2022-
2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-
and low-emission models.

To help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions across the Midwest, EPA Region 7
received $41.7 million in Clean School Bus funding
for 51 of its school districts. Due to high demand in
FY22, EPA increased its funding from the initially
planned $500 million to $965 million for this most
recent award period.

Region 7's award recipient school districts were
encouraged to advance with bus purchases and
infrastructure development, with the hope of boost-
ing demand for American-made batteries and vehi-
cles, promoting domestic manufacturing and job

creation. (Region 7's awarded grantees are already
in the process of supporting the purchase of 109
clean school buses.) EPA collaborated with the
U.S. departments of Energy and Transportation to
provide awardees with any technical support related
to clean school bus or electric vehicle infrastructure.

With plans for future funding rounds and grant com-
petitions, EPA plans to continue supporting clean
school bus transitions, and has invited any Region
7 schools not selected in this round to apply during
a future round of Clean School Bus rebate or grant
funding.

Overall, this announcement marks a significant
stride toward a more sustainable and healthy future
for schoolchildren and communities across the
Midwest, aligning with Region 7's focus on improv-
ing the air quality and health of those who live in the
Heartland.

Combined 2022/2023 Numbers

1 cai School districts

I I -fJ I in Hu^iun 7

Q-JC Priority districts

y / J nrrecventJred irrd aniditHtten'i

I

!|

f\ 1 Qi Applications for

k v I 7 dron Schflol Bui Rrtartn;

470^ Applicants

II iiijiH priiwity v< Iwk>I ilr-.trit t*.

QTCQ/ TciI jI Appfcuiium*
QZ J /Q



"I 1 f\ EI«lrit''Eneruy

I U Efficient Bute*

B .lion (toll&rs requestednationally,exceeding 1 he
goal c=T ml ion 1or the tint pha» of Ifta
dean s-chc-o buspccgianr

<>EPA

Did You Know? - Region 7's FY 2022 Clean
School Bus Rebates were primarily awarded
to low income, rural, and tribal communities,
with most applicants meeting the priority cri-
teria aligned with President Biden's Justice40
Initiative. This initiative aims to direct 40% of
specific federal investment benefits to disad-
vantaged communities burdened by pollution,
ensuring that funding for buses and electric
vehicle infrastructure is accessible to the
schools in the areas that need them the most.

22

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Air
Monitoring Project

Breathing fresh air into community health, on Dec. 5, 2022,
EPA selected the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska for a
$266,064 grant for air pollution monitoring. This award was
part of a broader initiative for FY23, funded by President
Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and American Rescue Plan,
which allocated $53.4 million to 132 air monitoring projects in
37 states.

"Funding for this air monitoring project for the Winnebago
Tribe of Nebraska will give the Winnebago people the
data they need to monitor their local air quality and make
the improvements needed to reduce air pollution in and
around their communities," said EPA Region 7 Administrator
Meg McCollister. "investing in communities such as the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska demonstrates the Biden-Harris
administration's commitment to addressing pollution in dispro-
portionately impacted communities across our region."

Region 7 is excited to play a continuing role in empower-
ing communities to chart cleaner, healthier futures through
enhanced air quality monitoring and management.

^Clean Air Enforcement Actions

Enforcing environmental laws is a central part of EPA's
Strategic Plan to protect human health and the envi-
ronment. The Agency works to ensure compliance with
environmental requirements through prevention cam-
paigns and civil or criminal enforcement actions against
violators of environmental laws, when warranted.

In FY 2023, EPA Region 7 actively enforced the
Clean Air Act (CAA), focusing on both prevention and
enforcement. The Region conducted public outreach
to enhance understanding of EPA's role protecting air
quality (particularly Hazardous Air Pollutants and the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards or NAAQS).

Region 7 also engaged in national discussions on
climate change and chemical accident prevention under
CAA section 112(r).

Region 7's Air and Radiation Division supported
12 Inflation Reduction Act-funded CAA programs,
addressing regional impacts and collaborating with the
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division on
community-led environmental concerns, especially in
fence line communities (population in close proximity to
source of pollution).

23


-------
¦ EPA Region 7 Encourages Radon
Testing" Juring National Radon
Action n/lonth

During Radon Action Month in January 2023, EPA
Region 7 held six outreach events at Kansas City
Public Library branches in Missouri to raise aware-
ness of radon exposure and encourage residents to
have their homes tested for the presence of radon.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that
cannot be seen or srnelled, is the leading cause of
lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the U.S.
and is responsible for about 21,000 U.S. deaths
each year. Jackson County, Missouri, is in EPA
Radon Zone One, meaning homes in the county
have the highest potential to test above the recom-
mended radon level assigned by EPA.

Most homes throughout EPA Region 7 are located
in areas designated as EPA Radon Zone One or
Two, indicating high or moderate potential for ele-
vated radon levels. EPA Region 7 encompasses
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal
nations.

A map of EPA Radon Zones was developed in
1993 to identify areas of the U.S. with the great-
est potential for elevated indoor radon levels, based
on indoor radon measurement data, geology, aerial
radioactivity, soil parameters, and foundation types.

To view a map of EPA's Radon Zones in your
state, visit EPA's website.

€

NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR
QUALITY STANDARDS

RegBnWde Errissons Of Key PcJIutants CofHirwe To Decrease

Protecting Air Quality Standards

Through our Air and Radiation Division's work in implementing air
quality standards and programs, air emissions in the region continued
to decline over the last several years. Continued ARD activities related
to National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) pollutants have
significant co-benefits for our climate, as well as analytical work related
to ozone. This past year, ARD successfully:

Advanced the Region's climate adaptation efforts by working with
state and tribal partners to assess ambient and indoor air quality
challenges and developing recommendations to address the risk.
Assisted with implementation of the federal landfill rule by review-
ing design capacity and non-methane organic compound reports
and developing responses to requests from landfills to use alterna-
tive monitoring and testing.

Offered support to states on Clean Air Act section 111(d) plans for
landfills and electric generation units. (These plans will assist in the
reduction of greenhouse gases.)

Stood up the Energy Star program in Region 7, which will result in
further awareness of both the energy/cost savings and air pollution
benefits associated with choosing energy-efficient appliances, etc.


-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7

Reusing cleaned-up properties protects public
health and the environment by preventing
sprawl, improving water quality, preserving
green space, protecting endangered habitat,
and reinvigorating communities.


-------
¦

Midwest Brownfields Roadtrip

In June, EPA Region 7 hit the road on a four-day "Investing
in America" tour across Missouri and Iowa, celebrating
Brownfields grant selections with communities. During the
tour, Region 7 delivered nearly $6 million in ceremonial
checks to five communities and coalitions chosen to receive
Brownfields grants.

The tour was a part of the "Investing in America" White
House Initiative, with funding through the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law. With a total of $1.5 billion in national
funding from the law, ERA'S Brownfields program has
expanded its ability to support environmental justice ini-
tiatives, spur economic revitalization, and create jobs by
cleaning up contaminated, polluted, and hazardous brown-
field properties.

This Region 7 tour made stops in Hannibal, Missouri,
and the Iowa cities of Keokuk, Clinton and Waterloo. EPA
selected these communities and organizations to receive
funding to address and support the reuse of brownfield
sites.

The tour was a successful initiative that caught the atten-
tion of EPA Headquarters and regions throughout the
nation, sparking other regional administrators to follow suit
and embark on tours of their own to celebrate their region's
Brownfields grant selections.

St. Louis Receives Brownfields Funding

EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister presented a
$500,000 ceremonial check on Aug. 24, 2023, to the Community
Development Administration (CDA) of St. Louis as a Brownfields

Assessment Grant selectee.

The city plans to utilize the Brownfields funding for community-wide
actions, including Phase I and II environmental site assessments,
developing site cleanup plans, and providing staff training.

The grant focuses on 11 St. Louis neighborhoods, which repre-
sent only 10% of the total geographic area of the city but account
for approximately 53% of The total vacancies. Environmental site
assessments will focus on vacant buildings, which depress home
values and lead to further vacancy.

"Cleaning up contaminated properties helps protect families while
creating new opportunities for our neighborhoods," said Mayor
Tishaura Jones. "St. Louis appreciates President Blden and the
EPA for delivering these resources to our city."

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
m

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple speaks during an EPA-hosted event awarding
$38M to five Superfund sites in Kansas.(Photo by U.S. EPA)

Kansas Gels Cleanup Funding

In April, Region 7 joined representatives from the Kansas
Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), City of
Wichita, and Chisholm Creek Utility Authority (CCUA) to
celebrate historic investments at three Kansas Superfund
sites, made possible with funding from the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law.

57th and North Broadway Streets Site in Wichita
Caney Residential Yards Site in Caney
Plating Inc. Site in Great Bend

The 57th and North Broadway Streets Site borders
Chisholm Creek and extends from the western edge of
Park City through parts of northwestern Wichita. The
primary contaminants of concern at the site are tetra-
chloroethene (PCE) and Its breakdown components
of trichloroethene, dichloroethene, vinyl chloride, and
dioxane.

Components of the 2019 Record of Decision for the site
include the installation of a groundwater extraction-and-
treatment system to provide a hydraulic barrier prevent-
ing further migration of the contaminated groundwater
plume and to restore the aquifer to its beneficial reuse as
a drinking water source. EPA plans to operate the treat-
ment system for one year after construction is complete.
KDHE will then operate the treatment system for 10
years before transferring ownership to CCUA.

"We want to thank the Biden administration and
the EPA for helping spur this cleanup," said
Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple. "Today is a day
to celebrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
These efforts create new opportunities for eco-
nomic development and will benefit our residents
now and in the future."

A total of five Superfund sites in Kansas received
a total of $38 million in funding from the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law.

technical Assistance to Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and Kickapoo
Tribe in Kansas

This year, Region 7 Superfund staff explored ways to
develop standardized methodologies to expand engage-
ment opportunities with our nine tribal partners. In honor of
the National Historic Preservation Act, Region 7 is working
more than ever to coordinate essential support for CERCLA
activities in Indian country.

To engage in these partnerships, Superfund response
teams provided technical assistance to two of Region 7's tribal partners, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
and the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. Superfund assisted Winnebago and Kickapoo Tribal partners with various
CERCLA activities including sampling, removal, and disposal support.

27


-------
¦ Region 7 Adds a New Site to the
Naf onal Priorities List and funds
22 New Cleanup Projects

In 2023, EPA announced the second wave of
approximately $1 billion in funding from President
Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to start new
cleanup projects at 22 Superfund sites - includ-
ing the 57th and North Broadway Streets, Caney
Residential Yards, and Plating Inc. sites in Kansas;
and the Valley Park TCE Site in Valley Park,

Missouri.

These sites are affected by tetrachloroethene (PCE)
and its breakdown components, chromium, and lead
contamination in the soil and groundwater, caused
by various industrial practices previously conducted
at their respective locations.

The PCE Carriage Cleaners Site in Bellevue,

Nebraska, was added to the Superfund National
Priorities List (NPL), following its listing in the
Federal Register for a 60-day public comment
period.

Before the site was vacated, historic dry-cleaning
operations released tetrachloroethene (PCE) and
its breakdown products and trichloroethene (TCE)
into the soil and groundwater. Both PCE and TCE
exceed the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in
sub-slab soil gas and indoor air in residential and
commercial properties.

Vienna Wells Superfund Site

Region 7 was able to use Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to
award a remedial action contract for over $8 million to a Woman-
Owned Small Business at the Vienna Wells Superfund Site in Vienna,
Missouri.

In April, Region 7 completed Phase I remedial activities, including the
demolition and disposal of the hat factory building and foundation.
Phase II, which began later that month, consists of excavation and off-
site disposal of contaminated soil that will be backfilled with clean soil.

The cleanups funded by BILwill allow EPA to excavate and dispose
of approximately 30,000 cubic yards of PCE-contaminated soil from
the site and to permanently remove PCE from Vienna's public drinking
water supply.

m	U.S. EPA REGION 7 If 2023 Year in Review

The placement of the PCE Carriage Cleaners Site
on the NPL makes it eligible to receive federal
funding for long-term, permanent cleanup. Long-
term remedial action is needed at the site to perma-
nently clean up the contaminated soil and ground-
water causing vapor intrusion.

In addition to funding cleanup construction work,
this investment enables EPA to accelerate essen-
tial work needed to prepare sites for construc-
tion and ensure that communities are meaningfully
involved in the cleanup process. In 2023, EPA more
than doubled its spending for Superfund pre-con-
struction activities like remedial investigations, fea-
sibility studies, remedial designs, and community
involvement.

Out of the 22 sites to receive funding for
new cleanup projects, 60% are in commu-
nities with the potential for environmental
justice concerns, based on E J Screen data.


-------
Cleanup Operations at
Oil Discharge Scene Near
Washington, Kansas

Mill Creek, impacted by the December 2022 oil spill
near Washington, Kansas, is flowing naturally again
after EPA Region 7 confirmed that oil removal efforts
were complete during a final visual inspection of the
creek on Oct. 13, 2023.

EPA and the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment (KDHE) will continue to monitor the
cleanup and restoration of the site and the impacted
segments of Mill Creek. KDHE will conduct ongoing
observations of the surface and groundwater. KDHE
will also oversee the decommissioning of the water
treatment facilities, monitor water quality, work
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE)
on restoration efforts, and work with the Kansas
Department of Wildlife and Parks to evaluate the
impacts on wildlife in the area.

EPA Region 7 on-scene coordinators (OSCs) were
deployed to the scene after the initial National
Response Center (NRC) report on Dec. 8, 2022, to
oversee oil containment and recovery operations.
During the bulk oil recovery phase, EPA staff per-
formed recovery activities 24/7, This phase was
completed on Jan. 29, 2023.

Although additional response-related tasks con-
tinued at the site - such as the disposal of oil-
impacted soil and sediment and response-gener-
ated waste, and the restoration of lands impacted
by the response - USAGE authorized TC Energy to
begin restoration work on May 11, 2023.

EPA staff worked over 6,000 hours and took over 83
trips to the scene. EPA personnel from Regions 3,
5, and 6, along with the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic
Strike Team, supported Region 7.

L

Contractors work to clean up after an oil discharge near Washinton, Kansas. (Photo by
U.S. EPA)

"We are so pleased to see the progress on the res-
toration and recovery of Mill Creek and recognize
that these are the combined efforts of hundreds
of hard-working personnel," said KDHE Secretary
Janet Stanek. "I commend the KDHE team for its
diligent and committed response to overseeing the
remediation of the creek and surrounding area, and
ensuring the future use of the water source."

Region 7 Response Efforts

The Region 7 Response Program conducted multiple major

emergency response actions in 2023. While conducting
responses, Region 7 was committed to supporting local
teams, training and exercise events, and other national
responses. A few notable examples include:

East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment: a Norfolk Southern
train derailment and hazardous material fire occurred in the
town of East Palestine, Ohio. Region 7 deployed 15 staff
members to fill key roles during the response.

In total, over 54 million gallons of contaminated
surface water were treated and discharged back
into Mill Creek. Over 650,000 gallons of oil were
recovered, including product remaining in the pipe-
line following the rupture. Approximately 200,000
tons of oil-impacted soil, sediment, and debris were
excavated and sent off-site for disposal.

Typhoon Mawar, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands:

Typhoon Mawar made landfall in Guam as a Category 4
typhoon. Region 7 supported the Region 9 response by
providing two staff in support.

Maui Wildfires, Lahaina, Hawaii: Winds from Hurricane
Dora spread wildfires rapidly across the island of Maui,
Hawaii. Region 7 supported Region 9 with over a dozen
staff.

29

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
We don't protect the environment on
our own. We work with businesses, non
profit organizations, and state and local
governments through dozens of partnerships

MM.

RlUviuJrf


-------
WSU's Environmental Justice
Thriving Communities Technical

Assistance Center

Communities with environmental justice concerns
often experience increased barriers to access-
ing capacity-building support and technical assis-
tance from federal partners. In response to this,
on July 12, 2023, EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg
McCollister, along with Wichita State University
(WSU) officials and partners, inaugurated the
first Region 7 Environmental Justice Thriving
Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ
TCTAC) at the John Bardo Center on the WSU
Innovation Campus.

This center, established to serve Iowa, Kansas,
Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations in EPA
Region 7, is part of a broader network of 17 EJ
TCTACs. These centers, jointly initiated by EPA and
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), are benefi-
ciaries of a $177 million fund. Their role is to assist
underserved and overburdened communities in
accessing funds from President Biden's Investing
in America Agenda, which includes substantial pro-
visions for advancing environmental justice. Each
center will receive at least $10 million to aid commu-
nities with environmental justice issues in navigating
federal grant processes.

The opening ceremony of the WSU
Environmental Justice Thriving
Communities Technical Assistance
Center featured discussions by
EJ TCTAC environmental and
energy justice partners, who out-
lined their planned services. These
partners, including the Heartland
Environmental Justice Center, Iowa
Environmental Council, Center
for Rural Affairs, and Metropolitan
Congregations United, were chosen
for their shared experiences with
the target communities, position-
ing them to provide tailored technical
assistance.

EJ TCTACs offer training and other
assistance, including guidance on
federal grant applications, proposal
writing, grant management, commu-
nity engagement, meeting facilitation, and language
services for non-English speakers. They aim to not
only remove barriers and improve access for com-
munities facing environmental justice challenges,
but also to create communication channels for direct
access to resources and information.

In collaboration with DOE, the centers support com-
munity initiatives in clean energy transition, offering
guidance on financing options, public-private part-
nerships, and opportunities for clean energy demon-
stration, deployment, workforce development, and
outreach to further energy justice objectives.

The EJ TCTAC program is part of the Federal
Interagency Thriving Communities Network and
aligns with the Biden-Harris administration's
Justice40 Initiative, which seeks to ensure that 40%
of specific federal investment benefits reach disad-
vantaged communities. The new technical assis-
tance centers will play a crucial role in helping
communities with environmental justice concerns
access President Biden's historic investments in
America. These investments aim to tackle long-
standing issues like disinvestment, legacy pollution,
and infrastructure challenges, while building a clean
energy economy to reduce energy costs, bolster
energy security, and achieve climate goals.

31

U.S. EPA REGION 7 I 2023 Year in Review


-------
Promoting Student
Career Opportunities
and Environmental
Outreach

In October 2022, EPA Region 7
renewed its formal partnership with
Haskell Indian Nations University
(Haskell) to promote environmental
collaboration and career opportunities
for Haskeli students.

A five-year Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) was signed at
an event held on the Haskell campus
in Lawrence, Kansas. EPA Region 7
Administrator Meg McCollister and
Haskell Interim President Julia Good
Fox signed the MOU. EPA Region 7
and Haskell signed their first MOU in
1999,

"This reaffirmation of the partnership
between Haskell and the EPA will con-
tinue to provide excellent opportunities
for our undergraduates," Good Fox said. "After the
uncertainty of the past couple of years, we are truly
excited to honor the importance of the MOU. The
projects and initiatives from our partnership clearly
reverberate beyond the university campus."

The MOU outlines eight areas for collaboration and
partnership between EPA Region 7 and Haskell:

joint Research Projects - EPA Region 7 and
Haskell will coordinate regularly to identify mutu-
ally beneficial research priorities.

Faculty Research Participation - EPA Region 7
and Haskeli will encourage and facilitate visits
to each other's facilities for research-related
consultations, meetings, workshops, tours, and
project participation. Adjunct faculty appoint-
ments may be offered to EPA Region 7 person-
nel, in conjunction with classes or research.

Student Internships and Employment
Preparation - EPA Region 7 will share informa-
tion regarding programs designed for student
employment, participation, and training. Haskell
will facilitate the participation of students and
staff in EPA internship outreach opportunities.

Technical Assistance - EPA Region 7 and
Haskell will consider opportunities to work
together on research-related consultations,
meetings, workshops, and seminars.

Mini-Courses/Lectures/Seminars - EPA Region
7 and Haskell will consider opportunities to
inform each other about training support, includ-
ing research-related mini-courses, inspections/
certification courses, lectures, and seminars.
Outreach Program - EPA Region 7 will make
best efforts to attend Haskell-sponsored career
fairs and outreach events and will encour-
age Haskell students to apply for internship
opportunities.

Mentorship - EPA Region 7 may provide
mentors for high-performing students identi-
fied by Haskell staff interested in a field of study
related to EPA's mission to protect human health
and the environment.

Environmental Student Initiatives - EPA Region
7 will support Haskell's efforts to increase on-
campus environmental awareness through activ-
ities such as helping educate Haskell students
on sustainability, climate change, and environ-
mental management systems.

U.S. EPA REGION 7

2023 Year in Review

32


-------
Region 7 Presents $500K Check
to City of Springfield, Missouri,
for Brownfields Job Training

On Jan. 10, 2023, at the Missouri Job Center in
Springfield, Missouri, EPA Region 7 presented
a $500,000 ceremonial check to the City of
Springfield, Missouri, as a Brownfields Job Training
Grant selectee.

With this funding, the city plans to train 112 students
and place at least 70 of them in environmental jobs.
The city's training program, Green for Greene, is
tuition-free to accepted students and targets resi-
dents of Springfield who are unemployed or under-
employed, veterans, and individuals with justice
system involvement.

As part of the Investing in America Agenda, the
Biden-Harris administration announced nearly $7
million in funding to recruit and train workers for
community revitalization projects nationwide in
December 2022. EPA Region 7 was able to use
$1.5 million of that funding, made possible by
President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for
environmental job training programs in Missouri.
These grants provided funding to recruit, train, and
place workers for community revitalization and
cleanup projects at brownfield sites.

The selected Missouri organizations were: Full
Employment Council Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri;
City of Springfield, Missouri; and St. Louis
Community College, which serves the area includ-
ing St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and portions
of East St. Louis, Illinois. Each organization was
selected to receive a $500,000 job training grant.

The Brownfields Job Training program also
advances environmental justice through President
Biden's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver
at least 40% of the benefits of certain government
programs to disadvantaged communities. Based
on data from the Climate and Economic Justice
Screening Tool, approximately 97% of the communi-
ties selected to receive funding from the Brownfields
Job Training Grants announced in December 2022
have proposed projects in historically underserved
areas.

Individuals completing a job training program funded
by EPA often overcome a variety of barriers to
employment. Many trainees are from historically
underserved neighborhoods or reside in areas that
are overburdened by pollution.

Graduates of Brownfields Job Training programs
learn valuable, sought-after skills and have the
opportunity to earn a variety of certifications, ensur-
ing that employment opportunities result in long-
term environmental careers.

Region 7 Attends Brownfields
Job Training Graduation
Ceremony at Ozark
Correctional Center

EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister joined
Springfield city leaders at a Green for Greene
program graduation ceremony on March 10, 2023,
at the Ozark Correctional Center near Springfield,
Missouri. The program has trained 48 students, and
the Ozark Correctional Center is the only state prison
to offer it.

33


-------
Publication Number: 907R24001

EPA Region 7 protects human health and the environment in our nation's Heartland. Our ecosystems are numerous and the
range is broad, encompassing the Sandhills of Nebraska, Flint Hills of Kansas, winding Missouri and Mississippi rivers, prairies and
plains of Iowa, forests and delta of Missouri, and an abundance of agricultural lands throughout our region.

11201 Renner Boulevard, Lenexa, KS 66219 | 800-223-0425 | www.epa.gov/region7


-------