YEAR IN REVIEW Protecting Human Health and the Environment Serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations ------- ------- EPA REGION 7 1 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): Aerial view over Dismal River meandering through Nebraska Sandhills at Nebraska National Forest. (Photo left): A combine harvests wheat on a Kansas field. (Photo center): Aerial views of the city of St. Louis, Missouri with the St. Louis Arch and a barge on the Mississippi River (Photo right): Pikes Peak state park near Mississippi River in Clayton County, Iowa. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 2 EPA REGION 7 6 CLEAN AIR AND WATER 12 LAND CLEANUP AND REVITALIZATION 18 LEAD ACTION PLAN 21 AGRICULTURE 24 WORKING TOGETHER 29 MAINTAINING MISSION FUNCTIONS DURING CO- VID-19 32 EPAS LEAN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CONTENTS ¦ WHAT'S INSIDE 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 FIVE DECADES OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUCCESS ; ST. LOUIS EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA's 50th Annqversary OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC This year marked a historic milestone for the EPA as we commemorated EPA's 50th anniversary of protecting human health and the environment. To mark the occasion, we celebrated with activities each month, culminating with a virtual 50th anniver- sary celebration, which included the entire regional staff and several prior Regional Administrators. This rare opportunity to celebrate many of the Region's accomplish- ments over the past five decades highlighted historical achievements and recognized key staff who have dedicated their lives and careers to protecting our country's eco- logical health. Notable projects recognized included the 20-year remediation of the Times Beach Superfund Site, which trans- formed a dioxin-contaminated town into a thriving state park, and the community-based effort to work with St. Joseph, Missouri, to protect children from the devastating impacts of lead poisoning from lead-based paint, it was humbling to recall the many EPA Region 7 staff who have worked on these projects over the decades, ensuring that everyone has access to water, air, and living environments that are clean, safe, and healthy. Our work over the past five decades has resulted in manifest improvements in the lives and health of the people who live in our region - and it continues today. We have remained committed to the mission, we've continued to make environmental gains and serve the American people, and we've seen incredible work in every state and from every division. Even though COVID-19 presented a tangible threat to the continuity of environmental protection for our com- munities over this past year, Region 7 staff pushed forward to maintain operations and continue doing the valuable work they have always done. We implemented our Continuity of Operations Plan Pandemic Annex, which relied on our existing well-tested ability to work remotely. It has been a privilege for me to work with all the talented and innovative Region 7 staff. Truly, the work you've done has been inspirational and wili be remembered. This report reflects not just our metrics, measures and accomplishments, but also the spirit and resourcefulness of the staff who continued to commit their fullest to the mission even as it seemed like the world had been turned upside down. While it was a difficult year, I couldn't be prouder of the way EPA Region 7 folks responded and how we stuck together, supporting each other as we accomplished the work America needs us to. I hope as you read this report, you'll take a moment to reflect not just on what work we've accomplished over the past year, but also the resiliency, optimism and determination with which it was achieved. JiM GULLIFORD Regional Administrator Seven Strong! Sincerely\ Jim Gulliford EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 4 EPA REGION 7 THIS year, we had the privilege of celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and EPA. Over the last 50 years, the kinds of changes we've seen in our environ- mental programs are remarkable. We have come so far from the burning rivers and smog-choked skies of years past. Thanks to our dedicated staff, Region 7 continues to build upon EPA's legacy. These success stories were supplied by the divisions and represent just a few that we've had in Region 7 through the years. AIR 8 RADIATION DIVISION For decades, the Air and Radiation Division, along with our state part- ners, have worked to address direct and fugitive lead emissions at regional facilities. We have made tre- mendous progress toward meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in each state. And forthe first time ever, Region 7 is achiev- ing all air quality standards for lead. LAND, CHEMICAL 8 REDEVELOP- MENT DIVISION And in times of natural disaster, EPA Region 7 has been there to support the nation and the communities we serve. Following the Greensburg, Kansas, tornadoes, EPA respond- ed deployed, providing emergency support services. Some of the people in our Land, Chemical and Redevelopment Division helped Greensburg create the green sus- tainable section of their Long-Term Community Recovery Plan. Today, several of the plan's projects are complete. Each of the new municipal buildings (including city hall, school and county offices) meet LEED plat- inum standards and, most notably, the city operates completely off the grid. SUPERFUND & EMERGENCY MAN- AGEMENT DIVISION The Times Beach cleanup also drew significant media attention and, together with a few other cleanup sites at the time, helped spur the passage of the Superfund law. In the years that followed, our Region 7 Counsel was a leader in shaping early Superfund case law, includ- ing cases that affirmed the statute's constitutionality and liability scheme of holding parties accountable. Today, Region 7 remains at the fore- front of Superfund enforcement. In particular, we've reached 73 settle- ments through enforcement efforts at historic lead mining sites, recov- ering over $431 million in cleanup costs. This enforcement work has enabled EPA to ensure that reme- diation work is appropriately com- pleted and paid for by those respon- sible, reducing blood lead levels in the impacted communities. In the wake of the devastating 2011 Joplin tornado, our Superfund Program led a major response effort spanning several months. In total, EPA Region 7 collected over 104,000 hazardous materials, over EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA REGION 7 I 804 asbestos air samples, and conducted real-time particulate air monitoring for nearly 90 straight days. Our responders coordinated the reuse or recycling of almost all recovered items. The Office of Public Affairs also played a large role in this response. Public information officers spent weeks in the affected area. Their work netted more than 70 media interviews and hundreds of news stories. At the Omaha Lead Superfund Site, since beginning work in 1999, the Superfund and Emergency Management Division has led an impressive cleanup. They have sampled over 42,000 properties and cleaned up over 14,000. A nearly $300 million settlement, led by our Office of Regional Counsel, has been used to fund the cleanup and ongoing cooperative agreements with the city and health department. To date, remediation of the site has reduced blood lead levels from 25% in 1999 to 0.46% in 2019. ENFORCEMENT & COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE DIVISION Our Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Programs have also been working hard for the last 15 years to tackle raw sewage dis- charges from old sewer systems and illegal air emissions from old coal- fired power plants, two big environ- mental problems in Region 7. Most big cities in Region 7 have old sewer systems that discharge massive quantities of raw sewage into rivers and streams. By working with state partners, enforceable orders for 23 communities were put in place to upgrade those systems and reduce discharges of raw sewage to rivers and streams by 19 billion gallons per year. The region is also heavily reliant on coal-fired power plants to generate electricity, and many of those plants were illegally operating without con- trols. Through enforcement efforts, EPA has settlements with two of the biggest electricity producers in the region, which have reduced S02 emissions by 92,000 tons per year. The team continues to pursue cases that will bring about more reductions, making our air safer to breathe. MISSION SUPPORT DIVISION Our Mission Support Division has done an outstanding job over the years developing and implement- ing a vision of the "workplace of the future." They have provided first- class sustainable facilities with state- of-the-art features at our Regional Office, Science and Technology Center (lab), and COOP spaces. They also dedicated the human and dollar resources needed to ensure we have the right equip- ment to work from anywhere virtu- ally. Given Region 7 has been oper- ating remotely due to the pandemic for nine months, this has paid off. WATER DIVISION The Water Division has provided technical assistance and financial resources for thousands of waste- water and drinking water treatment plants built over the last 50 years. These plants have improved the water quality in our lakes, rivers and wetlands, where people enjoy leisure activities and animal species live and thrive. The Water Division's work with state nonpoint source program partners has additionally resulted in 91 removals of water quality impairments from Region 7 waterbodies, further protecting our country's wetlands and waterways. LABORATORY SERVICES B APPLIED SCIENCE DIVISION Over the past 50 years, we've seen incredible advancements in science and technology pertaining to environ- mental measurement. Through the decades, the Region 7 Laboratory has been an innovator and leader in lab sciences and technology. Today, the laboratory supports 24-hour turn- arounds and emergency response field lab work like that of Hurricane Laura in 2020. Their work on whole air and drinking water analysis methods, and the new technologies they've engineered to shorten analy- sis time and make it more affordable, are just a few ways the Region 7 Lab is making a difference. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 6 EPA REGION 7 R7 Reduces Risk of ETHYLENE OXIDE EMISSIONS 4 C£\u < <-z Lil Q IN FY 2020, the Air arid Radiation Division (ARD) furthered its efforts to reduce risk from ethylene oxide emis- sions at six facilities. ARD achieved risk reduction through a localized approach to understand, engage and communicate. As a first step for each facility, Region 7 provided tech- nical assistance by reviewing facility operations and testing to ensure the accuracy of emission estimations. Because the facilities vary in the level of complexity, Region 7's role to provide technical assistance has been critical. In each of the six facil- ities, Region 7 support has resulted in revised emission estimates and, most importantly, voluntary opera- tional changes and installation of air pollution control equipment. The facilities' commitment to pur- chase, install and operate air pol- lution control devices is not trivial. The Investment often requires mil- lions of dollars to capture emissions. In the case of a large commercial sterilization company, they installed additional equipment at an expense of over one million dollars to achieve 99% capture of ethylene oxide from an emissions stream. For the other sterilization company in Region 7, they are also voluntarily installing emission reduction equipment to achieve a 99% capture of ethylene oxide emissions. For chemical man- ufacturers who use ethylene oxide in their processes, these companies have conducted additional testing, developed a leak detection program, and installed additional monitoring equipment to reduce their emissions and ultimately reduce risk. Not only did Region 7's approach deliver voluntary ethylene oxide emission reductions, it also dem- onstrated successful engagement with public officials and other stake- holders. With support from across the region, ARD actively communi- cated air quality information during several engagement sessions, meetings with local and congres- sional officials, and presentations to a city council meeting in fall 2019. With focused involvement, Region 7 earned positive local media cover- age on the issues and successfully shared information in a clear and consistent manner. Region 7 con- tinues to implement its approach to understand, engage, and proactively communicate regarding air toxics issues throughout Region 7. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA REGION 7 7 R7 Workshops Increase DERA APPLICANTS THE national Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program is an annual competition open to eligible states, local governments, and other nonprofit entities seeking EPA funding to replace or retrofit eligible die- sel-powered vehicles or equipment with emission reduction technology. In order to meet the Agency priority of addressing ports with DERA funding, Region 7 partnered with Region 5 and EPA Headquarters staff to hold DERA workshops in St. Louis and Davenport, Iowa. These are substantial port communities where the Agency could reach private oper- ators and public entities eligible to apply for DERA grants. Region 7 leveraged an existing Headquarters contract to help plan and conduct the workshops. The outcome was an increase in Region 7's applications from two to 12, the most ever regionally to date, resulting in nine awards. Region 7 awarded over $3 million to eligible applicants. The proposed projects include retrofitting locomotives with alternative power units and replacing long haul trucks, county dump trucks, and school buses, bringing proposed Lifetime Diesel Emission Reductions of nearly 9,000 short tons of particulate matter, nitric oxide, hydrocar- bons, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide combined. Clean A r Act Settlement REDUCES SULFUR DIOXIDE EMISSIONS REDUCING risks from accidental releases of hazard- ous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA and was identified as one of the National Compliance Initiatives in 2019. EPA Region 7 and the state of Kansas filed a Consent Decree with HollyFrontier El Dorado Refining to address Clean Air Act violations result- ing from serious exceedances of emission limits and failure to comply with chemical accident require- ments that were a cause of a fire and fatality at its El Dorado, Kansas, refinery. Underthe terms of the agreement, HollyFrontier will pay a $4 million civil penalty and make improvements to the refinery that will greatly reduce harmful air emissions of sulfurdioxide and particulate matter, two pollutants that can cause serious respiratory prob- lems. The company will also improve its risk man- agement practices. The penalty will be shared equally with the state of Kansas, as a co-plaintiff. The amount of injunctive relief is estimated to be at least $12 million and is expected to reduce S02 emissions by 8.7 tons per year. The El Dorado refinery is one of the largest in the Midwest, and HollyFrontier is among the largest independent petroleum refiners in the United States. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- Visiting freshwater lakes is one of the most refreshing activities on a sweltering summer day. These days often sap our willpower to leave the air conditioning behind, but outdoor activities are essential to human health. In Kansas, the presence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) produced by 3.5-billion-year-old bacteria, known as cyanobacteria, can complicate an easygoing trip to the lake. CYANOBACTERIA AID HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOIS Cyanobacteria, also known as blue- green algae, are aquatic bacteria that can produce toxins in excessively hot environmental conditions. Over 2,000 species of cyanobacteria exist. These bacteria are believed to be the first to produce oxygen on earth. They live in both freshwater and saltwater and gain energy through photosynthesis. Harmful algal blooms occur in warm, stagnant water and are exacerbated by changes in the environment and weather patterns, which increase the prevalence and number of blooms. Nutrient pollution, characterized by excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water, is also a significant cause of HABs. In Kansas, nutrient pollution is often caused by fertilizer runoff, which is washed into the lakes by heavy rain events. Fertilizers help crops grow but also contribute to uncontrolled growth of plants in nearby bodies of water. This is particularly problematic when considering the growth of harmful algal blooms. Scientists at EPA are concerned about the increasing presence of HABs because they are poisonous to humans and animals and damage local ecology. When exposed, some toxins can cause gastrointestinal illness and liver damage. Eating shellfish contaminated by toxins from algae can also result in paralytic shellfish poisoning, which can cause seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, short-term memory loss, or even death when consumed at high levels. In 2019, HABs affected 38 lakes in Kansas, rendering these bodies of water unsafe for use and resulting in the issuance of 27 warnings. PARTNERING WITH UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS "Kansas, in particular, has some of the most toxic blooms in EPA Region 7," said Dr. Ted Harris, assistant research professor at the University of Kansas' Kansas Biological Survey (KBS). The increasing presence of blooms prompted scientists at KBS to conduct EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- research on HABs at Milford Lake in 2017. Milford Lake, a federal reservoir in central Kansas and the state's largest lake, experienced recreational advisories for harmful blooms 41% of the time between the years 2010 and 2017. Harris contacted EPA Region 7 scientists in 2017, hoping to partner with them to research these blooms. Together, in 2018, scientists from KBS, EPA, and the University of Missouri collaborated on the Milford blooms tank research project at the KU Field Station in Lawrence, Kansas. For this research project, scientists collected samples from Milford Lake, aiming to grow blooms in their tanks at the KU Field Station. "We worked with the Kansas Biological Survey at the field station in Lawrence during 2018 for a couple of months," said Chemist Laura Webb, Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, EPA Region 7. "KBS filled the tanks with water from Milford Lake and then changed nutrient parameters for each of those tanks, adding extra nitrate, extra phosphate, or extra ammonia to the different tanks," she said. "EPA worked with KBS to collect samples to help produce data. We visited the field station seven or eight times collecting samples, which we then processed EPA scientists plan to continue their research on HABs. They are involved in a number of ongoing projects, including Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) and Cyano HAB Evaluation and Prediction (CHEAP). Additionally, Webb and her team traveled to Milford Lake again in late July 2020, in coordination with the state of Kansas, for another research project. "We visited Milford Lake to assist in a peroxide treatment with the state of Kansas. Peroxide breaks apart the cyanobacteria cells The idea is to kill off the cyanobacteria but maintain the health of other species in the lake," Webb said. The team collected samples to characterize the microbiological community and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. One of the difficulties in treating harmful algal blooms is that a solution that works for one lake may not work for any other lake in the region. _!n February 2020, Regions 5, 7 and 8 partnered for the Great Plains and Midwest Harmful Algal Blooms Workshop in Overland Park, Kansas. Participants of the workshop discussed next steps and key actions that programs can take to address common HAB-related goals, needs and challenges. "THE IDEA IS TO KILL OFF THE CYANOBACTERIA BUT MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF OTHER SPECIES IN THE LAKE," -Laura Webb, Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, EPA Region 7 "It is much easier and more cost- effective to treat blooms before they cover the entire surface area of a lake," Harris said. FUTURE RESEARCH using EPAs advanced analytical techniques to help produce data for that study." One of their goals was to observe the blooms so they could better learn how to predict them in the future. Accurate bloom prediction helps scientists warn the public about potential health risks and increases the amount of time available for treating affected areas before blooms grow out of control. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 10 EPA REGION 7 EPA & KCK Reach Precedent-Setti ng COMBINED SEWAGE OPERATIONS SETTLEMiN" combined sewer systems, one pipe carries sanitary wastewater and stormwater to the wastewater treat- ment plant (VWVTP). When it rains and the pipe to the VWVTP is full, com- bined sewer overflows (CSOs) go to a river or stream. Other times, CSOs can be caused by blockages, line breaks, and/or mechanical issues. Raw sewage discharged by CSOs contains pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites and can pose human health risks. The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires municipalities to treat sewage before it is discharged and to control pollut- ants in stormwater discharges, but many municipalities are not com- plying with these requirements. EPA's national compliance initiative focuses on reducing discharges of raw sewage and contaminated storm- water into our nation's rivers, streams and lakes, and has resulted in agree- ments by many cities to remedy these problems, but the problem remains in many other cities. In Region 7, the United States; the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas; and the state of Kansas reached a settlement in 2013 to address CWA violations related to the Unified Government's sewer and stormwater systems. The Consent Decree pro- vided a partial settlement with the objective of reducing the Unified Government's CSOs, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and discharges of pollutants from municipal separate storm sewer systems. In FY 2020, EPA; the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas; and the state of Kansas reached agreement on a novel and innovative adaptive management approach to sewer over- flow remedial work. The parties did so by successfully concluding dispute resolution proceedings regarding the injunctive relief required under the CWA Consent Decree entered in 2013. This groundbreaking settlement is the first of its kind. This win-win approach to structuring these massive infra- structure improvement settlements provides flexibility to the Unified Government to redesign and swap projects over the 25-year life of the deal as it learns and as technology changes, while ensuring through per- formance criteria that environmental progress is maintained. Under the settlement, raw sewage discharges will be reduced by 85% (millions of gallons per year) at an estimated cost of $900 million. CLEAN WATER ACT SETTLEMENT REDUCES POLLUTION IN CENTER CREEK & MISSISSIPPI RIVER in FY 2020, EPA and Dyno Nobel inc. reached a settlement to address long-run- ning and serious violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) at Dyno Nobel's explosives manufacturing facil- ity in Carthage, Missouri, and its ammonium nitrate facility in Louisiana, Missouri. Under the settlement, Dyno Nobel will make extensive improvements to both facil- ities, which will prevent future releases and discharges of explosives, nitrogen, and other pollutants, ultimately reducing pollu- tion levels in Center Creek (adjoining the Carthage facility) and the Mississippi River (adjoining the Louisiana facility). The controls required by the settlement will result in reductions of over 3.8 million pounds per year of nitrogen; nearly 257,000 pounds per year of heavy metals such as zinc, alu- minum and iron; nearly 187,000 pounds per year of oxygen-demanding material; and 103,500 pounds per year of suspended solids entering Missouri waterways. Dyno Nobel will also pay a civil penalty of $2.9 million to the United States. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA REGION 7 11 R7 Implements Three HP New Technologies TO ANALYZE SAMPLES) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REGION 7 chemists have been hard at work improving the way samples are analyzed at the laboratory, resulting in increased efficiency and less waste. Historically, groups of similarly struc- tured materials have been extracted and analyzed together. With new technology, more analytes (sub- stances being analyzed) can be pos- itively identified in a single analysis. As a result, Region 7's analytical lim- itations have changed. Instead of looking at similarly structured com- pounds like acid herbicides, Region 7 chemists are looking at properties such as whetherthe analyte is soluble in water or heat-sensitive. Region 7 has implemented three innovative technologies to analyze samples. One technology is used to determine the presence of water-insoluble analytes present in water samples without the use of hazardous organic solvents. This all- in-one analysis is used for 98 ana- lytes, including pesticides, herbi- cides, hormones, PCBs, and others. Historically, four separate analyses on two different instruments would have been required. Another new technology can examine the water-soluble analytes in water samples, again without the use of hazardous organic solvents or the need for sample preparation. This method is used for 51 analytes, including pesticides, herbicides, per- sonal care products, algal toxins, and pharmaceuticals. The third technology looks at a variety of analytes present in soil samples. This method is used for 114 analytes, including pesticides and others, with a single sample preparation. All these methods require less orig- inal sample material, little to no organic solvents, and less analyst time to produce more than double the sample data. Additional bene- fits include reducing the amount of storage space needed for original samples, minimizing hazardous waste volumes, and freeing up time for ana- lysts to evaluate the added volume of sample data. This year, Region 7 received International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifica- tion for all three methods. EPA REGION 7 i 2020 Year in Review ------- 12 EPA REGION 7 o < N < Q t z> < LLI _jq; EPA & Partners Continue to Build R ON BROWN FIELDS 0 REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESS DO DO DO 0 1 FOR decades, lots on the 3800 block of Euclid Avenue sat vacant in the Ivanhoe neighborhood of Kansas City. In Kansas City's urban core, such sights are not entirely uncom- mon. Forthese environmentally con- taminated sites, known as brown- fields, redevelopment can be costly and complicated. This includes the construction of eight senior cottages in the Ivanhoe neighborhood. Plans to develop mixed-use buildings for commercial businesses and apartments on addi- tional brownfield sites have kicked off. The city of Kansas City, Missouri, performed the environmental site assessment and cleanup with EPA Brownfields funding. In the greater Kansas City area, EPA Region 7 continues to support several partners who are committed to the revitalization of neigh- borhoods in the urban core. These part- ners include the city of Kansas City, Missouri; Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas; Jackson County, Missouri; and Mid-America Regional Council. Overthe past few years, EPA funding has supported the establishment of affordable housing and redevel- oped land for a grocery store in the Ivanhoe neighborhood - a much- needed addition to a neighborhood once considered a food desert. Today, Kansas City redevelopment groups are actively working to revi- talize these areas and have leaned into support from EPA's Brownfields Program. In May 2020, EPA's Kansas City area partners received a total award of $1.4 million in EPA funding for cleanup planning, com- munity engagement, and brownfield site assessments. "TO BREATHE LIFE BACK INTO THESE PLACES WILL NOT ONLY REMOVE ANY POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION THAT LINGERS, BUT IT WILL ALSO HELP TO REMOVE THE STING OF DISINVEST- MENT AND ^ENFRANCHISEMENT MANY OFTHESE COMMU- NITIES HAVE FACED." - DeAndre Singletary, director of EPA Region 7's Land, Chemical and Redevelopment Division "To breathe life back into these places will not only remove any potential contamination that lingers, but it will also help to remove the sting of disinvestment and disen- franchisement many of these com- munities have faced," said DeAndre Singletary, director of EPA Region 7's Land, Chemical and Redevelopment Division. The targeted areas are in Qualified Opportunity Zones in Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri; and Kansas City, Kansas. Priority sites include brownfield sites in old his- toric corridors, heavy industrial areas, and petroleum industry sites. AAA Afl A EPA REGION 7 I 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA REGION 7 13 Nebraska Communities DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES IN PLAIN SIGHT communities across the Heartland, brownfield sites remain hidden trea- sures fuii of untapped potential just waiting for new life. Through grit, tenacity and a little imagination, these sites can become community cata- lysts that spark economic growth, preserve greenspace, and prevent sprawl. In the last year, Nebraska communities have done just that by transform- ing blighted sites into new entertainment, fitness, and downtown living opportunities. Thanks to the support of local, state and federal partners, brownfields across Nebraska continue to be rec- ognized as hidden treasures full of untapped potential just waiting to be restored. "This program has been particularly beneficial to Nebraska's small and rural communities that didn't have a sufficient tax base to begin with to address their brownfield properties," said Serwatowski. Since the start of Nebraska's brown- field and voluntary cleanup program, over 70 properties have been made ready for reuse, resulting in 552 jobs and $120 million in leveraged cleanup and redevelopment for Nebraska communities. And efforts continue in northwest- ern Nebraska, where an EPA grant is supporting brownfields assessment work in communities throughout the Nebraska Panhandle. Recognizing the pivotal role states have when it comes to brownfields redevelop- ment, EPA provides funding to programs like NDEE's to support communities, developers and landown- ers in the assessment, cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites. By working together, these partner- ships generally result in "quicker and more cost-effective cleanups, while ensuring protection of public health and the environment," said Susan Klein, EPA Region 7 Brownfields coordinator. "REMAINING BROWNFIELDS ACROSS THE STATE SHOULD BE LOOKED AT AS OPPORTUNITIES, NOT AS FRUITLESS OBSTRUCTIONS." - Taryn Serwatowski, NDEE Brownfields coordinator and Voluntary Cleanup coordinator "Each successfully completed brown- field project benefits all Nebraskans by increasing the community tax base and property values, attracting busi- nesses and investors, beautifying the communities, removing poten- tial health hazards, and saving green space," said Taryn Serwatowski, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) Brownfields coor- dinator and Voluntary Cleanup coordi- nator. "Remaining brownfields across the state should be looked at as oppor- tunities, not as fruitless obstructions." EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 14 EPA REGION 7 A Redevelo IN SPRINGFIELD Rmerit Boom ISSOURI SPRINGFIELD, Missouri, the birth- place of Route 66, has worked with EPA for over 20 years to revital- ize industrial and automotive sites around the city. The city has lever- aged over $8 million in Brownfields funding and technical assistance to redevelop mills, bulk oil stations, auto salvage and recycling facilities, filling stations, a quarry, and rail sites. In total, the city has conducted over 300 environmental site assessments. Springfield's first Brownfields rede- velopment project began in the 1990s as community members con- ceptualized Jordan Valley Park, a large community gathering place that would transform a blighted, aban- doned industrial corridor. Using EPA Assessment Grants, the city identi- fied the types of environmental con- tamination present at the former industrial plants and an old lime- stone quarry. After identification, the city addressed pollutants and trans- formed the land into a community green space. ISSOURI 4pr "COMMUNITY MEMBERS WANTED IT TO BE A 'GRAND CIVIC GESTURE' FOCUSED ON RECREATION, GATH- ERING PLACES, AND BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED CORRIDORS. THE IDEA WAS THAT THE REDEVELOP- MENT WOULD PROVIDE INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CITY." former railyard, a health center, many affordable housing developments, and numerous businesses along or near the Commercial Street Historic District. "EPA's Brownfields Program has been a key implementation tool in achieving our community's vision for the city," said Olivia Hough, senior planner and Brownfields coordinator, city of Springfield. EPA's funding and technical assis- tance has spurred over $460 million in public and private investments toward the revitalization of former brown- fields, with more projects underway. - Olivia Hough, senior planner and Brownfields coordinator, city of Springfield. Since then, Springfield has been highly successful in incorporating Brownfields land revitalization into broader redevelopment plans. The city's portfolio of Brownfields proj- ects includes Hammons Field - home of the Springfield Cardinals, the History Museum on the Square, the reclamation of the West Meadows Today, over 20 years after plans for Jordan Valley Park kicked off, the city intends to redevelop brownfield sites in other industrial corridors as they look to the next 20 years. One major project will be the revitalization of Grant Avenue Parkway, which will connect the downtown area to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium with various neighbor- hoods, parks, and greenway connec- tions in between. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA REGION 7 15 EPA & DES MOINES TAKE A BIG STEP FORWARD ON PATH FROM SUPERFUND SITE TO COMMUNITY ASSET DECADES of blight and uncertainty are coming to an end as the city of Des Moines agreed to take ownership of the Des Moines TCE Superfund Site in fall 2020, known locally as the Dico site. This agreement is a major milestone that continues protection forthe city's watersupply and moves the site one step closer to productive reuse for local residents. To get to this point, a place where a Superfund site can be restored to pro- ductive use, is a major accomplish- ment. It required the United States to reach a settlement with DICO Inc. and its corporate affiliate, Titan Tire Co. As a signatory to the settlement, the city of Des Moines will accept the property title and Dico will transfer the property at no cost to the city. In exchange forthe property, the city will operate and maintain the groundwa- ter remediation system; maintain the asphalt cap (or enhance the existing cap with the addition of several feet of clean fill material); and implement land use controls to protect those on-site from any potential exposures. The settlement represents a win, not just for EPA, but for Des Moines citi- zens and American taxpayers. After almost a decade of contentious litiga- tion, the U.S. will receive $11.5 million from Dico/Titan in a settlement of the judgments owed to the U.S. With the funds, a special account will be established with $2.9 million for EPA to conduct necessary site cleanup work. The remaining $8.6 million will go to the Hazardous Substance Superfund. The Dico site is appropriate for various types of reuse, which the city will ultimately decide. The remedies in place and institutional controls on the site will ensure protection from potential exposures. EPA will work closely with the city to ensure the pro- tectiveness of the planned reuse and will ensure that it is compatible with the environmental protection reme- dies in place. Collectively, these measures not only provide the necessary protection of human health and the environment, but also clear the path for site rede- velopment. This is a big win for the Agency, for city government, and for proud lowans who call this commu- nity home. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- OVER 100 YEARS have passed since the Carter Carburetor Corporation opened its doors as a manufacturing plant in St. Louis. After shuttering for good in 1984 following a shift in the automotive industry, the property sat vacant for years while local and federal partners worked to address environmental contamination at the site. In September 2020, EPA Region 7 joined the community to celebrate a successful cleanup that has readied the site to be revitalized as a youth sports facility for the Boys & Girls Club. What was once an environmental hazard will now serve the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis as a youth golf training and mentoring facility. In partnership with the Gateway PGA REACH organization, they will build the facility on most of the site property. The St. Louis Land Reutilization Authority owns part of the site, which it wants to develop into a pollinator park, urban prairie feature, or community garden to support the surrounding reuse. HISTORY In its prime, Carter Carburetor was an energetic manufacturing plant, boasting 480,000 square feet of space in the heart of the city. The plant housed numerous buildings for offices, testing and manufacturing of carburetors for gasoline- and diesel- powered engines. William Carter founded the company in 1909. Famed St. Louis architect Hugo K. Graf later designed the factory, which was built in 1915 on a 10-acre plot on North Spring Avenue. Carter stayed with the company until 1924 when he sold it to the American Car and Foundry Company (ACF). During its tenure, Carter Carburetor supplied parts to major companies across the United States, including Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Chrysler and Packard. A major employer in St. Louis with over 3,000 workers, the company created the Jeep waterproof Y-S single-barrel carburetor of the World War II era, as well as the first four-barrel carburetor on the market. The company supplied carburetors until 1984, when ACF closed the factory following automakers' switch from carburetors to electronic fuel injection. The property was then deeded to the Land Reutilization Authority of St. Louis. CONTAMINANTS LEFT BEHIND Contaminants found at the site include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), trichloroethylene (TCE), and asbestos. EPA initiated removal actions, including demolishing the EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- i AHRENS a DEMOLITION ¦ EXCAVATION iOYS ft GIRLS CLUB! OF GST. LOUIS EPA REGION 7 17 Club of Greater St. Louis president; Wendell Kimbrough, Area Resources for Community and Human Services CEO; and Ozzie Smith, Gateway PGA REACH president. "Today is a historic day, not only for St. Louis, but also the Boys & Girls Club and this entire community," Dr. Fowler said. "Today we will be signing the prospective purchaser's agreement with EPA, providing the appropriate protection forthe Boys & Girls Club as we move forward to secure the land from ACF and develop a project that will be beneficial to our program." former die-cast building and placing a temporary cap on the die-cast soils; constructing a security fence to prevent exposures to individuals who entered the former dilapidated buildings; and asbestos and debris removal to prepare the buildings for demolition. In 2013, EPA entered into a $35 million settlement agreement with ACF Industries Inc. to pave the way for the site cleanup, building demolition and, ultimately, productive reuse. Cleanup of the site began that year with the removal of asbestos and hazardous debris from buildings on the property. Demolition and removal of the buildings began In 2015. Additional waste removal work, on-site waste treatment, and other cleanup work continued into 2017. EPA and ACF completed site work in May 2020. As a part of the site cleanup, ACF conducted removal actions to address dilapidated buildings on-site that were heavily contaminated with PCBs and asbestos. CLEANING UP FOR THE FUTURE Federal, state and local partners celebrated the completion of the decades-long cleanup effort on Sept. 16, 2020, at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis. Attendees of the event included EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler; EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford; William Lacy Clay, U.S. Representative from Missouri's 1st congressional district; Dr. Flint Fowler, Boys & Girls "TRANSFERRING THIS PROPERTY TO THE BOYS 8 GIRLS CLUB ALLOWS THEM TO PROVIDE ANOTHER EXPERIENCE TO THE CHILDREN OF THE COMMUNITY-THE EXPERIENCE OF LEARNING GOLF AND ALL OF THE DISCIPLINES AND SKILLS THAT IT TAKES TO PLAY GOLF," GULLIFORD SAID. "It is exciting to see something go from a conversation to a concrete concept," Kimbrough said. "We are now going to have a wonderful new place that is going to give young people exposure to a game that they will be able to play from 10 years old to 100 years old. It also gives us an opportunity to eliminate an eyesore and create a fun place for young people to play." At the event, Administrator Wheeler announced the completion of the cleanup at the Carter Carburetor Superfund Site and transferred ownership to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis, who will work with Gateway PGA REACH to plan the construction of the youth golf training and mentoring facility. LAND £ REVITALIZATION ** EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 18 EPA REGION 7 R7 Continues Work with St. Joseph TO REDUCE LEAD EXPOSURE in take-home materials with every family leaving the hospital with a newborn in the city. Region 7 has continued their lead poisoning prevention work in St. Joseph throughout 2020, despite the obstacles the current COVID- 19 pandemic poses. EPA facilitated meetings with the St. Joseph Health Department; Kansas City, Missouri Health Department; and Region 7 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) staff. These meetings resulted in $10QK being commit- ted from HUD's Lead Abatement and Healthy Homes resources for work on low-income family housing in 2020, and a memorandum of understanding between St. Joseph and Kansas City health departments providing access to future funding to reduce lead hazards for low-income families living in pre-1978 housing. The city of St. Joseph has also increased its commitment to addressing lead poisoning in young children by passing an ordinance for rental property that focuses on ensuring safe and healthy housing. SINCE 2017, Region 7 has worked with the city of St. Joseph, Missouri, to build and strengthen relationships with community partners whose goal it is to reduce lead poisoning in children. Region 7's work in St. Joseph com- bines several priorities: reducing exposure to lead, children's health, environmental justice, and environ- mental education. Building on recent efforts, knowledge and experience, EPA Region 7 reached 100% of day cares and more than 600 families in the ZIP code with the highest levels of lead in St. Joseph (among the highest in Missouri). This was accomplished by pro- viding Lead Poisoning Prevention Training to 30 home day care and child care center teachers; conduct- ing one-on-one meetings with day care and nonprofit directors; provid- ing outreach and education materi- als to each home day care and child care center; holding a demonstra- tion outreach and education event that served 75 families and tested 17 children; and coordinating with United Way so that lead poisoning prevention information is included Review ------- EPA REGION 7 19 Home Renovation Shows HELP DRIVE LEAD SAFETY COMPLIANCE TO PROTECT the health and safety of families from the hazards of lead-based paint, Region 7 actively engages with contractors and home remodeling experts to ensure com- pliance and to help educate home- owners on proper lead-safe renova- tion procedures. In 2020, two home renovation TV programs, "Rehab Addict" and "Bargain Mansions," reached settle- ments with EPA for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). Episodes of these shows depicted several improper work practices for the safe handling and disposal of lead-based paint. Common renovation activities such as sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips when disturbing lead-based paint. Exposure to lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in these older homes is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. The RRP Rule requires that com- panies and contractors renovating homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be certified by EPA and follow lead-safe work practices to contain dust In the renovation work area and contain the waste during its dis- posal. The rule is intended to reduce lead exposure from toxic lead dust and debris that can be generated during renovations. The hosts of the programs, Nicole Curtis of "Rehab Addict" and Tamara Day of "Bargain Mansions," later worked with EPA to learn about compliance with lead- based paint regulations for renova- tion projects on their shows. As required by the settlements, both hosts are educating the public on lead-safe renovations through videos, social media postings, and public events. Promoting safe reno- vations on a national stage encour- ages homeowners everywhere to ask for and ensure that these vital work practices are in place when renova- tions occur. EPA Region 7 staff worked with both shows, providing compliance assis- tance on their videos and blog posts to ensure that the information is accu- rate and complete. Tamara Day, a Kansas City area resident, has also received RRP firm certification for her own company, Growing Days. Additionally, several companies who worked on the shows were brought into compliance with the RRP Rule. Home renovation shows can help drive compliance by demonstrating the necessity to renovate correctly and safely to protect children and adults from exposure to lead-based paint. Businesses and individual con- tractors have an obligation to abide by the RRP Rule, and families should be empowered with the knowledge and resources to address lead paint hazards in their home. m k ZM PR] GEOGRAPHIC INITIATIVE FOCUSES ON LEAD OUTREACH IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI Region 7 launched a new Springfield, Missouri, Lead Geographic Initiative (SLGI) and has adjusted its outreach efforts to continue reaching as many people as possible during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Through innovative use of technology and com- munity partnerships, the SLGI team success- fully reached over 3,000 people, exceeding the expected number of outreach activities during the year by hosting 15 events via webinars and video conferencing, and partnering with approx- imately 50 entities. Two in-person events con- ducted prior to the pandemic reached 300 individ- uals. This outreach promoted blood lead screen- ings and raised awareness of the hazards of lead poisoning. The SGLI team also provided training to certify renovators and remodeiers for the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, and reached nearly 400 people using electronic outreach materials. EPA REGION 7 i 2020 Year in Review ------- 20 EPA REGION 7 Region 7 Announces DELETION of lead superfund SITES ON Oct. 29,2020, Region 7 announced deletions from the National Priorities List (NPL) of lead Superfund sites, as part of the Agency's Lead Poisoning Prevention Week activities. EPA deleted the Annapolis Lead Mine Superfund Site in Missouri, and deleted more than 100 properties that were part of the Omaha Lead Superfund Site in Nebraska. Deletion from the NPL benefits communities as it marks the completion of the remedi- ation and formal documentation and, in some instances, allows for reuse and redevelopment. The 200-acre Annapolis Lead Mine Superfund Site is in a rural area approximately 1 mile east of Annapolis, Missouri. Lead mining activities from 1919 to 1940 gener- ated over 1 million tons of mining wastes, contaminating soils and sed- iments with heavy metals, primarily lead. Short-term remedy approaches included excavation and containment of contaminated soils. The long-term remedy consisted of in-stream stabi- lization techniques to prevent heavy metals from washing into the river. EPA has also implemented institu- tional controls to regulate the use of contaminated soils and future devel- opment on the site. The site is ready for potential reuse. With the partial deletion of the Omaha Lead Superfund Site, EPA has removed an additional 117 proper- ties from the NPL. The site, consist- ing of approximately 27 square miles of property within the metro area of Omaha, Nebraska, is the single largest residential lead contamina- tion site in the nation. EPA REGION 7 I 2020 Year in Review Soils across a broad swath of Omaha were contaminated with lead during more than a century of activity, pri- marily from the operation of a major lead smelter situated along the west bank of the Missouri River, which sent particulate lead aloft from its smoke- stacks and deposited it across the landscape. Other sources of lead contamination at the site included a former paint manufacturer, former lead battery plant, and the decay of lead-based paint from homes and other structures. Since 2013, EPA has deleted 2,166 residential properties at the site from the NPL. EPA plans to continue partial deletions in 2021 at qualifying properties. LEAD ACTION PLAN STATS CERCLA Removal R 877 Lead-contam inated residential properties restored. Mine Lead Waste Removal A|wI80,000 cubic yards of lead waste removed ^ NPL deletion 14 ^ NPL partial I § deletions Qv$52 Million for investigations and remedial actions with no lead NAAQS violations in the 3 nonattainment areas LEAD ACTION ft* PLAN " ------- EPA REGION 7 21 5J \0 LU Q£ O O < Providing Regulatory Clarity FOR ANHYDROUS AMMONIA FACILITIES GOOD chemical accident preven- tion, preparedness and response is a shared partnership between ail levels of government, first respond- ed, industry, and the public. Partnering with the agribusiness community and building on the success of three chemical acci- dent prevention workshops in the prior fiscal year, EPA Region 7 con- ducted a virtual compliance assis- tance webinar joined by 89 partic- ipants (about four times the atten- dance at a typical in-person work- shop), Additionally, the recording of the webinar garnered 130 online views (as of Sept. 30, 2020). The presentation focused primarily on how recent changes to Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act affect agricultural facilities. This section requires facilities that have thresh- old quantities of regulated sub- stances to develop risk manage- ment plans (RMPs) to prevent acci- dental releases that can cause serious harm to the public and the environment. This type of compliance assistance provides important clarity and cer- tainty for anhydrous ammonia retail facilities required to comply with pro- visions of the Clean Air Act. Following the presentation, EPA Region 7 conducted an interactive question-and-answer session with webinar participants, providing them with support for their specific needs and concerns. An added benefit of the virtual nature of this event is that the information presented was recorded, so interested individuals unable to join the live webinar or participants wanting to review it can access the recording. Keeping a facility compliant with reg- ulatory requirements and industry standards is complex, which makes compliance assistance like this so important. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- tk.ffc ¦ , li liijkji Studying i Flint mils! Fire in the . ^ PARTNERSHIPS PROVIDE TOOLS TO RANCHERS & THE PUBLIC In the early 2000s, air quality monitors in the Midwest drew attention when they recorded unusually high levels of ozone during the month of April. "We wondered why ozone levels exceeded EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). During a typical Kansas spring, temperatures are cooler, cloud cover is constant, and winds are high. April is not the time of year we expect to see moni- tors reading high for ozone," said EPA Region 7 Agricultural Air Coordinator Gina Grier. Ozone levels are usually highest during summer months because high temperatures, sunlight, and stagnant air react with oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds to create ozone pollution. High levels of ozone can cause health problems for people with asthma, children, older adults, or those who work outdoors. "After analyzing weather pattern models, we were able to confirm that the smoke emissions from the Flint Hills fires were impacting air quality in downwind Kansas and Missouri communities," Grier said. "That's when Region 7's Air Quality Planning Branch began considering what to do about it." TACKLING AIR QUALITY CONCERNS THROUGH RESEARCH In the 1960s, research concluded that burning in early April was the best time to promote the growth of desirable grazing grasses, just prior to stocking beef cattle on the native prairie rangelands. As a result, most ranchers today burn during that time. When over 500,000 acres burn in a condensed time frame, and winds are light and cloud cover is heavy, stagnant smoke conditions can lead to unhealthy air quality impacts on downwind communities like Topeka, Wichita, Kansas City, and Lincoln. However, new research suggests that spring may not be the only season when prescribed burning can pro- ductively take place. In fact, ongoing studies show that expanding the "burn window" into late summer and early fall has the potential to better manage invasive species and reduce the impact of smoke emissions on public health. STUDYING THE AIR Since 2016, EPA has conducted air sampling during both the traditional spring peak burn season, as well as during fires in the fall. Researchers collect data on key air pollutants, including particulate matter, which can have severe health conse- quences for vulnerable populations, EPA REGION 7 i 2020 Year in Review ------- statewide noxious weed. By burning late summer or early fall, when the plant is at its height of maturity and the seeds are developed, there's greater potential to stress the plant and mini- mize the seed bank," Grier said. This discovery could result in signif- icant cost savings for ranchers. To control an invasive species, pesti- cides can cost upwards of $40 an acre. Fire, however, costs less than a dollar an acre. Ranchers can now use this research to maximize their control over this species that is replac- ing high-quality native grasses and depleting the prairie ecosystem. like children with asthma or adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data collected from aerial and ground sampling systems provides critical emissions data that allows research- ers to predict the best times, locations, and conditions to burn. For example, researchers have been able to deter- mine the best weather conditions for smoke dispersal, encouraging ranch- ers to burn on days when smoke is less likely to linger in the air and impact downwind communities. STUDYING THE LAND It's understood that spreading out burning throughout the year, instead of only during the condensed April time frame, can reduce air quality impacts. But the question remained: Would burning during another time period provide the same agricultural bene- fits as burning in April? Research has shown that it might. Researchers from Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University have studied pastures that burn in the growing season and found that cattle still benefit from the nutri- tion that the grasses provide, specifi- cally when rangeland is burnt between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15. Additionally, late-season burns may be more effective at controlling invasive species, namely sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), an aggressive legume that was planted for ground cover along roadways. "Sericea lespedeza is a LOOKING AHEAD For over a decade, EPA Region 7 has conducted outreach to encour- age landowners to spread out pre- scribed fires over time, rather than a compressed time frame each spring. Doing so can improve public health outcomes while continuing to provide stakeholders with the ability to preserve the fragile and nutrient-rich tallgrass prairie ecosystem. In FY 2020, EPA Region 7 con- ducted 16 outreach events in rural and urban communities focused on minimizing the impact of smoke and spreading out prescribed fires over time. EPA Region 7 also intends to con- tinue creating analytical tools that can be used to promote the best smoke management practices. These man- agement tools empower stakehold- ers to use scientific research find- ings to preserve the tallgrass prairie as a productive ecosystem and grazing resource, while also minimiz- ing smoke emissions from prescribed burns. Without regular burning, it is esti- mated that the tallgrass prairie would be permanently overtaken by invasive species in just 30 years. This makes prescribed fire not only an important agricultural tool, but a crucial part of conserving the Flint Hills. AGRICULTURE ^ EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review O f the 490,000 square miles of tallgrass prairie that once covered the North American continent, less than 4% remains, primarily in the Flint Hills of Kansas and northern Oklahoma. ------- 24 EPA REGION 7 Promoting Educational & Career Opportunities FOR LOCAL STUDENTS EPA Region 7 and Donnelly College of Kansas City, Kansas, renewed their partnership and commitment to environmental education by resign- ing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Sept. 21, 2020. The five- year MOA seeks to provide envi- ronmental educational and career opportunities for the college's students. Donnelly College is the only college in Region 7's four states (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) des- ignated as a Hispanic Serving Institution that offers a four-year degree option. The school has a proud tradition of being an invaluable resource to address the problem of underrepresentation of Hispanics in science, mathematics, informa- tion technologies and engineering fields, in addition to the participation of Hispanic students in national envi- ronmental programs. The goais of the MOA are to increase the integration of environmental edu- cation and awareness into school programs, as well as provide path- ways for those interested In environ- mental projects and careers. The MOA outlines nine areas of cooperation between EPA Region 7 and Donnelly College, including: • Identifying mutually beneficial joint research projects • Facilitating student internships and employment at EPA Region 7 • Supporting on-campus envi- ronmental awareness projects • Communicating about mini- courses, lectures, and seminar speakers • Encouraging faculty research participation • Conducting outreach at col- lege-sponsored career fairs and other outreach events Through this partnership, EPA Region 7 has reaffirmed its com- mitment to supporting diverse and innovative students who are pursu- ing work in the environmental field. This MOA is also an example of just one way that EPA Region 7 seeks to collaborate with regional institutions in order to achieve mutually benefi- cial outcomes. a. Oqj * 0£ O 111 O o EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- Indian Country UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK ASSISTANCE EPA REGION 7 25 GRANTS REVIEW RESULTS IN S1.4M DISBURSEMENT TO MESKWAKI TRIBE La $ "MESKWAKI NATION" This past year, Region 7's Mission Support Division (MSD) reviewed several years of backlogged reimbursement financial data for the Meskwaki Tribe. MSD'steam established and executed a review methodology that ulti- mately led to the disbursement of over $1.4 million in funding. These efforts ensured that tribal staff received pay for environmental work performed, and provided a framework for future reviews. THIS year, the Region 7 Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program staff developed and implemented a com- pliance assistance initiative in Indian country. This effort consisted of dis- tributing compliance materials spe- cific to each facility that included UST/ Leaking UST compliance assistance binders and calendars for owner/ operators, and conducting compli- ance assistance visits, monthly calls, and training opportunities for owner/ operators and tribal personnel in Indian country. Since the COVID-19 pandemic com- plicated the ability to conduct some components of the compliance assistance visits, the program staff quickly transitioned to conducting virtual meetings with owner/opera- tors of UST facilities located in Indian country. This allowed 26 people affil- iated with five of the nine tribes in Region 7 to participate in four virtual meetings held between June and August 2020. Participants also included tribal environmental offi- cials and/or representa- tives from other tribal gov- ernment offices, including | w | facilities and operations. The compliance assis- ®|||® tance materials were dis- tributed among all owner/ operators in Indian country and all tribal environmental offices. This work was well received by the tribes in Region 7, who have highlighted EPA's efforts on national calls. As a result, several other EPA Regions have con- sulted with Region 7 as they develop their own Indian country UST compli- ance assistance efforts. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 26 EPA REGION 7 Regions 7 and 5 Partner to Share tCO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES WITH FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS IANY of EPA's finest accomplish- ments occur when interagency col- laboration takes place. In response to a request for assistance from EPA Administrator Wheeler, Region 7 joined forces with Region 5 (Great Lakes), the Office of Environmental Justice, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, and local utilities to provide St. Louis area faith-based organiza- tions with information on energy effi- ciency and eco-friendly practices in houses of worship. The interagency workgroup devel- oped and presented a three-part webinar series from Sept. 9 to 29, 2020, garnering participation from nearly 50 churches and faith organi- zations In the St. Louis area. Topics included energy conservation strat- egies and ENERGY STAR®, local energy conservation resources and funding opportunities, and indoor environmental health concerns. In offering this free webinar install- ment, EPA succeeded in providing faith-based organizations with tangi- ble actions that will help them lower their utility bills, conserve energy, and promote safe and eco-friendly build- ing maintenance. Many houses of worship were built decades or even over a century ago and may benefit from upgraded, energy-efficient technology. They may also contain environmental conditions that pose increased risks to the health of congregants and staff. Region 7 staff are now leading fol- low-up discussions with participants regarding additional steps that can be taken to address environmental and health concerns In places of worship. EPA Honors St. Louis University FOR EXCELLENCE IN GREEN POWER USE The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced St. Louis University as one of 12 top Green Power Partners in the 20th annual Green Power Leadership Awards program. Other compa- nies across the country recognized included Aldi, Equinix, Fifth Third Bank, Lundberg Family Farms, Microsoft, QTS Realty Trust, and Target Corporation. "The 2020 Green Power Leadership Award winners are leaders in spurring innovation and promoting growth in the U.S. renewable energy market," said Anne L. Austin, principal deputy assistant admin- istrator of EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "We commend their efforts, which help protect our envi- ronment and improve our air quality." St. Louis University (SLU) greatly increased its green power use through a student-led initiative. The uni- versity established a student renewable energy fee for green power purchases. The students aligned the institution's electricity use with the SLU mission of "higher purpose, greater good," achieving 100% green power. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA REGION 7 27 Recognizing the Work V OF EPA EMERGENCY RESPONDERS mmimi DURING environmental emergencies and disasters, EPA plays a vital role In protecting human health and the environment by working closely with federal, state and local first respond- ed. Agency responders are often on the frontline of these crises, conduct- ing crucial sampling efforts, air and waterquality monitoring, spill contain- ment, debris cleanup, and community recovery activities. In the 1980s, dioxin contamination and EPA's response in Times Beach, Missouri, garnered national attention. The next decade brought record flood- ing across the Midwest, and Region 7 personnel were called upon to recover oil tanks and drums along the banks of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Later, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, regional staff monitored for toxins at Ground Zero and worked to ensure the health of first responders. Overtime, the nature of EPA's emer- gency and disaster response work has evolved. In some cases, change was spurred by significant events or the passage of groundbreaking laws like the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). In others, however, new technology caused tools like bag phones to be replaced by iPhones. In celebration of EPA's 50th anni- versary and to highlight the critical work of regional response teams, Region 7's Office of Public Affairs partnered with several EPA offices to gather stories for an interactive, multimedia-rich ArcGIS story map, titled "EPA Region 7 Emergency & Disaster Response Timeline." which walks viewers through the remarkable history of EPA Region 7's response team. By watching historic videos, lis- tening to oral history interviews with EPA staff, and searching interactive GIS maps, viewers learn more about the incredible advancement of emer- gency and disaster response at EPA. You can view the full story map at the link below: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/10f90b3bl91c4a4c977b8e6eaa4c03e5 ' www ) EPA REGION 7 I 2020 Year in Review ------- 28 EPA REGION 7 Region 7 Responds TO HURRICANE LAURA HURRICANE LAURA struck land on Aug. 27, 2020, near Cameron, Louisiana, as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm caused the deaths of at least 42 people in the United States and Inflicted an esti- mated $10 billion in damages throughout Louisiana and Texas. The city of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was hard hit, losing power across the city and sustaining damage to their drink- ing water facilities and water utility lab- oratory. The Lake Charles water utility, with approximately 420 miles of water lines throughout the distribution system, issued a boil advisory immediately. The state of Louisiana, through FEMAand EPA Region 6, requested the assistance of the EPA Region 7 Mobile Bacteria Lab to help return safe drinking water to the city. EPA Region 7's Laura Webb and Regina Klepikow loaded the mobile lab on Sept. 1, and were on the road within 24 hours of the official request. The mobile lab was stationed at one of the drinking water facilities in Lake Charles and was ready to accept and analyze samples by Sept. 3. Region 7 staff also shipped addi- tional office supplies, personal protective equipment, and EPA logo apparel to the EPA teams on-site. Steven Baker was deployed in mid-September to continue the mission when Webb demobilized. The EPA mobile lab analyzed 438 samples for total coliforms and E, coli from 138 drinking water sampling taps located throughout the city. The mobile lab staff also assisted the Lake Charles Water Utility staff in the collection of these samples. The boil advisory was then lifted on Sept. 21. Additionally, Klepikow pro- vided valuable assistance to the Lake Charles water utility laboratory as they completed the certification process to re- establish their lab. f,>ft i,v(• k EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- Morning Stand-Up Continuous Operations: MAINTAINING MISSION FUNCTIONS DURING COVID-19 Region 7 staff often have projects planned out far into the future. So when the COVID-19 pan- demic sent EPA into Continuity of Operations Plan status (COOP), all program offices had to quickly adapt. Fortunately, the Region has done it seamlessly, adjusting important programs to the virtual space and ensuring that mission-critical, in-person activities are carried out safely. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 30 EPA REGION 7 0 SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES WORKING REMOTELY MSD continues to develop content for the Regional Administrator's weekly all-hands calls, which provide Region 7 staff with updates on the pandemic and Agency operations, MSD also set aside funding fortechnological support, so the calls run smoothly, and allocated addi- tional resources for closed-captioning services to ensure accessibility for hearing-impaired employees. PROTECTING EPA STAFF DURING MISSION-CRITICAL, IN-PERSON PROJECTS While much of EPA's work has been carried out from home offices and dining room tables in recent months, there are some mission-critical operations that require working in a specific physical location. Such operations have continued at all four regional facilities through a "rotating facility support approach." For example, when Region 7 entered a COOP environ- ment on March 26, 2020, the Laboratory Services and To overcome these hurdles, lab staff worked extra hours, performed as many remote duties as possible, and boosted their communication efforts. In August, several short-turnaround projects were received in the same week. The lab team of eight chem- ists processed twice the normal load of samples that month, with 43 projects and over 1,500 field samples all meeting the sample data delivery time. This was possible because Region 7 staff had embarked on a very impor- tant goal of achieving 80% electronic data by December 2020. Because the lab team was closely approaching this metric in March, the transition to electronic data in light of the pandemic was easy. The team met the metric completely in August and September, five months prior to the original goal. In less than 24 hours, the Mission Support Division (MSD) smoothly transitioned the Region's 450 employ- ees from a traditional work environment to a fully tele- work environment by activating the Regional COOP Plan. For the duration of the pandemic, MSD has provided critical communication updates on topics related to Information Technology and Human Resources to help employees adjust to working from an alternate location on a regular basis. Applied Science Division (LSASD) had many samples that still needed processing. Because lab analyses are not portable, the chemists developed protocols for conducting their work safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, they received Superfund samples only, but in July, sampling analyses for other programs resumed. The team faced many chal- lenges, including: • Staff limitations in the building • Adapting sample receiving procedures to protect staff • Adding disinfection procedures for building entry, as well as lab and instrument usage • Being patient with connectivity issues for remote access to data and instruments • Challenges of obtaining laboratory supplies from vendors through shipping companies ------- EPA REGION 7 31 0 REIMAGINING THE R7 TRAVEL PROCESS Since May 2020, over 160 traveler trips (represent- ing seven divisions and the Regional Administrator's office) have been processed utilizing this process, which included thoughtful travel checklists that were scruti- nized and approved at multiple levels of the Region. A user-friendiy dashboard was developed that provided quick analysis of COVID-19 data from the traveler's origin and destination counties. When people think back to their first internships, mem- ories of being assigned a cubicle or nervously shaking hands with a boss may come to mind. However, this year's class of EPA interns will have memories of learn- ing how to meet virtually, working from home in their childhood bedroom, or receiving a government laptop via priority mail. MSD planned, organized and led the 2020 Summer Internship Program for the 27 interns, who were spread across most of the divisions. MSD's efforts included early coordination with Region 7 managers, targeted outreach efforts to minority-serving institutions and STEM-focused Their first three weeks were filled with virtual training about safety, quality assurance, and standard operating procedures. From there, the LSASD interns were tasked with virtual data cleanup and file formatting so informa- tion could be easily archived and retrieved during a lab- oratory audit. They also developed an electronic system to assemble and digitally display sample results related to the CyAN Data Project, which maps lakes with poten- tial harmful algal blooms (HABs). Once procedures were put in place so the interns could safely report to the lab in person, they spent five weeks working with real samples and assisting analysts. The interns were also able to use their field safety training to help the Field Services Branch take samples in the fieid. Along with the need for in-person laboratory analyses, Region 7 recognized that several mission-critical proj- ects require an in-person travel component. To ensure that critical travel could be carried out, a team of 12 experts from MSD and the Superfund and Emergency Management Division (SEMD) created a process and series of protocols that assured, to the greatest extent possible, safe travel by EPA employees with compelling needs to fulfill Agency missions. student organizations, and ultimately, intern onboarding and summer education programs. Like most EPA employees, almost all Region 7 interns worked entirely remotely during summer 2020. However, LSASD wanted to ensure that their four chemistry interns could fully experience the division's unique work while maintaining social distancing. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 32 EPA REGION 7 EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) is an Agency-wide systematic approach to con- tinuous process improvement. It is based on lean principles used for years by the private sector and is comprised of six components: visual management, standard process, cas- cading performance measures, problem-solving, business reviews and huddles, and leader behaviors. EPA implementation of each of these elements has allowed the Agency to make significant improvements to the speed and quality at which it delivers its services to the American people. Continuous Improvement: DEVE .OPING FASTER, MORE EFFICIENT PROCESSES MANAGEMENT SYSTE M IN 2020, Region 7 exceeded the national ELMS deployment goal with 83% of the Region regularly using visual management for huddles, process tracking, and performance measurement. Region 7 currently has 106 ELMS process and perfor- mance visual tools, which is a 34% increase over fiscal year 2019. In response to changing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Region converted 95% of these tools to an electronic format over a six-month period. Region 7 also completed nine prob- lem-solving projects that achieved a 25%-plus process improvement, including inspection reporting, lab- oratory purchase streamlining, grant funding reviews, tribal quality assurance plans, Superfund reme- dial project planning, and water database reporting. In the spirit of continuous improvement, Region 7 managers also implemented 56 employee ideas (155% over target). Other notable improvements made In Region 7 include cutting the backlog of Freedom of Information Act requests to zero and exceeding the target number of Brownfield sites made ready for anticipated use by 54%. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA REGION 7 33 WATER DIVISION INCREASES TMDLS APPROVED One of EPA's top priorities is to ensure that waters are clean through improved water infrastructure and, in part- nership with states and tribes, sustainably manage pro- grams to support drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational, economic and subsistence activities. The Water Division used ELMS practices to significantly improve the number of state-submitted Total Maximum Daily Load calculations (TMDLs) approved by Region 7 from 42 in fiscal year 2018 to 202 in fiscal year 2020. A TMDL is the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a water body so it will meet and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant. The project team also used ELMS to build regional capacity to reduce the TMDL backlog, increasing the number of trained staff assisting with TMDL reviews by 77%. BR01NFIELDS PROGRAM INCREASES NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATIONS The Brownfields program and their state counterparts used ELMS to focus on how to increase the number of Region 7 communities selected for Brownfields grants. In 2019, those communities received three of the 151 grants awarded, totaling $1.8 million of $64.6 million awarded nationally. Region 7 set a goal of obtain- ing at least 5% of eitherthe number or amount of grants awarded by developing a strategy to identify, recruit and develop successful Brownfields grant applications. The Brownfields program exceeded both goals for the number and grant amounts awarded, including: • Eight of the projected 155 applications recom- mended nationally to be funded = 5.2% • $3.5 million awarded of $65 million recommended nationally to be funded = 5.3% • Eight of the 13 (62%) Region 7 applications were selected for funding, the highest success rate among all 10 EPA regions. AIR AND RADIATION DIVISION TACKLES STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN PROCESSING During the last fiscal year, thanks to ELMS implemen- tation, Region 7 processed a record number of State Implementation Plan (SIP) submittals, approving 38 total SIPs while also proposing approvals of several others. A SIP is a collection of regulations and documents used by a state or local air district to maintain or reduce air pollution, in order to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), or visibility standards. States submit changes to their SIPs for EPA approval, which requires the opportunity for public input and comment and publication in the Federal Register. SIPs provide a plan for implementation, maintenance and enforcement of the NAAQS in each state. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 34 EPA REGION 7 Some of the notable SIPs processed included four revi- sions that impacted permitting thresholds for ethanol facilities in the Region, bringing them in line with national rulemaking. These Ethanol SIP approvals addressed Region 7's oldest backlogged SIPs, with some of the original state submittals dating back to 2008. These actions help provide permitting certainty to our states and the regulated ethanol industry and also paved the way for other EPA regions to take similar action. ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE DIVISION IMPROVES INSPECTION REPORT ON-TIME DELIVERY The ECAD division conducted an ELMS project that led to an increase in the percentage of inspection reports sent back to inspected facilities on time. In 2019, only 38% of reports were returned to facilities within the allot- ted 70-day time frame. During the project, ECAD consol- idated 10 different processes used within two reporting tools into a single data entry process. The division then developed a data team to support this work. This project resulted in Region 7 achieving 90% returns within the 70-day time frame. LABORATORY SERVICES AND APPLIED SCIENCE DIVISION STREAMLINES INSTRUMENT UPGRADES To track the progress of the installation of lab instrument computers and associated electronic data completion, the division developed a new ELMS tool to supplement their existing one. By using this added tool early in the computer upgrading process, the project team had a list of instruments that could be utilized to test and refine the production of fully electronic data. Since these upgrades were completed for 95% of the instruments, the division has greater flexibility of working remotely because such access was included as a feature on EPA-networked computers. Analysts can load samples and start instruments at the lab, then evaluate the data at their office desk or remote work location, allowing for uninterrupted work when staff are discouraged or not allowed to enter EPA offices due to inclement weather or emergencies. SUPERFUND AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION STREAMLINES RESIDENTIAL LEAD DATABASE Remedial pipeline activities are often not completed in accordance with planned dates. As a result, activities often accumulate in the 4th quarter of each fiscal year, which strains process resources at the Regional and Headquarters level and can result in missed targets. in March 2020, SEMD set out to increase the comple- tion of Region 7 Superfund remedial targets from 20% to 45% by September 30. The team met and analyzed current processes related to Superfund remedial target planning and execution. They evaluated current/his- torical practices to identify what contributes to missed targets and identified strategies to improve project plan- ning and accuracy. Based off the team's findings, SEMD came up with the following proactive solutions: • Enhance consistent use and management of Microsoft® Project for site planning ' Re-vamp the approach to site planning and manage- ment meetings with internal and external partners • Regularly track and discuss progress towards achieving targets in order to more quickly identify site- specific issues and countermeasures. These efforts allowed SEMD to increase the comple- tion of remedial targets from 20% to 62%, a 200% improvement. EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- EPA REGION 7 35 EPA REGION 7 | 2020 Year in Review ------- 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 ------- |