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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $65,000 to the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma. The Tribe will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Tribal lands will continue to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data analysis after water sampling will determine if Tribal water quality needs are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Tribe’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 announced today the first set of air toxics monitoring data from Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary School in Shreveport, Louisiana, has been posted on the agency’s Web site.

The Schools Air Toxics Monitoring Initiative, which is monitoring 63 schools in 22 states, is designed to help EPA and state environmental agencies understand whether long-term exposure to toxics in the outdoor air poses health concerns for children and staff at schools, as well as residents in the surrounding community.

EPA Region 6 is currently monitoring at eight schools in the region that were selected as part of the initiative. The first results show that levels of hazardous air pollutants at Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary are well below levels of short-term concern. EPA scientists warn against drawing conclusions at this point as the study is designed to determine whether long-term, exposure poses health concerns for children and staff. Once monitoring is complete, the full set of results from all of the schools will be analyzed to evaluate the potential for health concerns related to long-term exposure of hazardous air pollutants. EPA will post this analysis to the Web once it is complete.

Outdoor air at each of the schools will be monitored for approximately 60 days, and air quality monitors will take a minimum of ten daily samples during the sampling period.

Other schools being monitored in EPA Region 6 are IC Evans Elementary School, Burkburnett, Texas; San Jacinto Elementary/Deer Park Junior High School, Deer Park, Texas; Temple Elementary School, Diboll, Texas; Young Scholars Academy, Houston, Texas; NW Harllee Elementary School, Dallas, Texas; and Lamkin Elementary School, Cypress, Texas

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $75,169 to the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma. The Tribe will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Tribal lands will continue to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data analysis after water sampling will determine if Tribal water quality needs are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Tribe’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $65,000 to the Pueblo of Tesuque in Mew Mexico. The Pueblo will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Pueblo lands will continue to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data analysis after water sampling will determine if Pueblo water quality needs are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Pueblo’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $105,000 to the Pueblo of San Ildefonso in New Mexico. The Pueblo will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Pueblo lands will continue to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data analysis after water sampling will determine if the Pueblo water quality needs are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Pueblo’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $638,269 to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. The funds will be used to assist in investigations, emergency responses, cleanup, risk management, alternative water supplies and relocation of residents where leaks from underground storage tanks have occurred and the responsible party is unknown, is unwilling, or unable to respond.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $82,761 to the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. The Tribe will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Tribal lands will continue to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data analysis after water sampling will determine if Tribal water quality needs are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Tribe’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300,000 to the Cherokee Nation. The Tribe will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Tribal lands will continue to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data analysis after water sampling will determine if Tribal water quality needs are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Tribe’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $2,911,000 to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The funds will be used to assist in investigations, emergency responses, cleanup, risk management, alternative water supplies and relocation of residents where leaks from underground storage tanks have occurred and the responsible party is unknown, is unwilling, or unable to respond.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $133,238 to the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. The funds will be used by the Tribe to identify and provide evidence of the availability and sustainability of renewable energy resources, provide outreach to Tribal members and the Peoria Tribe Governing Board through the Tribal newspaper. The Tribe will also identify and list air pollution sources impacting Tribal lands.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Chaparral Energy, LLC, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, $10,900 for violating the federal Clean Water Act. Today’s announcement settles a Clean Water Act violation for a 6,500-gallon oil spill into Hay Creek, a tributary to the Arkansas River, and adjoining shorelines, in Osage County, Oklahoma, on March 29, 2009.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined the Hunt Oil Company of Dallas, Texas, $7,150 for violating federal Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations outlined under the Clean Water Act. A federal inspection of an oil production facility, Central Tank Battery No. 18, located in Henderson County, Texas, on March 31, 2009, revealed the company failed to provide secondary containment for separation equipment in accordance with written procedures developed for the facility, and had failed to provide documentation of approval of their SPCC plan.

SPCC regulations require onshore oil production or bulk storage facilities to provide oil spill prevention, preparedness and responses to prevent oil discharges. The SPCC program helps protect our nation’s water quality. A spill of only one gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of water.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $922,000 to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The funds will be used to assist in investigations, emergency responses, cleanup, risk management, alternative water supplies and relocation of residents where leaks from underground storage tanks have occurred and the responsible party is unknown, is unwilling, or unable to respond.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $158,502 to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma. The funds will be used to identify, characterize and assess open dumpsites located on Tribal lands. These dumpsites will be entered in the Indian Health Service (IHS) Operation and Maintenance Data System for tracking. The Tribe will also conduct outreach to Tribal members about alternatives available to them to help deter further open dumping.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $15,000 to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The funds will be used to educate parents and childcare providers on reducing children’s exposures to lead hazards and managing indoor asthma triggers such as environmental tobacco smoke, chemicals and indoor contaminants, mold, dust mites, pet dander, and cockroaches.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $174,000 to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). The funds will be used by LDEQ to conduct ambient water quality monitoring in various ecoregions in Louisiana. LDEQ will collect continuous water quality monitoring data needed for dissolved oxygen, nutrient and other criteria development, and will also collect fish tissue samples and conduct a water quality database implementation needs assessment.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $291,769 to the Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico. The Pueblo will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Pueblo lands will continue for the purpose of compiling data which may show changes over time to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data obtained after water sampling will determine whether water quality needs of the Pueblo are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Pueblo’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Sheridan Production Company, LLC, Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, $3,000 for violating the federal Clean Water Act. Today’s announcement settles a Clean Water Act violation for a 1,000-gallon oil spill into Mill Creek and adjoining shorelines. Mill Creek enters Clear Boggy Creek, thence Muddy Boggy Creek, which drains into the Red River. The settlement required the Sheridan Production Company, LLC, to pay the civil fine, investigate the spill, clean up the spill and take corrective actions that will prevent future discharges.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $130,000 to the Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico. The Pueblo will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Pueblo lands will continue for the purpose of compiling data which may show changes over time to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data analysis after water sampling will determine whether water quality needs of the Pueblo are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Pueblo’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $809,652 to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. The funds will be used by LDEQ to assist in the implementation of its Nonpoint Source Management Plan which is designed to meet the goals of the federal Clean Water Act. Funding through this cooperative agreement with LDEQ will support a variety of projects and will help to address water quality problems in Louisiana.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $106,000 to the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. The Tribe will use the funds to provide continued support for their water pollution control program. Surface water sampling on Tribal lands will continue for the purpose of compiling data which may show changes over time to determine if a more thorough watershed management program is needed to develop water quality standards. Data analysis after water sampling will determine whether water quality needs of the Tribe are being met, note any changes in the quality or condition of the Tribe’s water, and understand and define the function and health of water stream ecosystems.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1,100,000 to the Border Environment Cooperation Commission. The funds will be used by the BECC to administer and implement priority environmental projects consistent with the Border 2012 Program Goal #2: Air pollution. BECC will coordinate with EPA on the development of a process for the solicitation of project proposals, selection of eligible projects, and implementation of selected projects for EPA Region 6. BECC will also coordinate with EPA on the implementation of requests for proposals and the selection of eligible and ranked projects. Projects will then be implemented in accordance with a strategy developed by the BECC.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $138,975 to the Railroad Commission of Texas. The funds will be used by the Commission to perform mechanical integrity tests on Class III injection wells, and provide technical, drilling, completion, and reporting assistance to injection well operators in the State of Texas.

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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $236,811 to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The funds will be used by LDAF to administer a comprehensive and effective pesticides program. In addition to LDAF’s regulatory and enforcement programs, activities include applicator certification and training, worker protection, water quality, endangered species, and implementation of the new container/containment rule.

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More than 6,000 environmental and economic development officials, finance and insurance providers, risk managers, planners, attorneys, civil engineers and students are expected to attend the 13th National Brownfields Conference , November 16-18, 2009, at New Orleans’ Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Addressing the nation's brownfields - abandoned or underutilized properties stigmatized by past commercial or industrial uses - is an ongoing challenge for communities of every size. By focusing on redevelopment, properties are put back into productive use for communities while helping to keep undeveloped lands in a natural state.

The National Brownfields Conference's Educational Program features more than 150 panel sessions, green jobs, green buildings, and green remediation, creative financing and financial risk management, community and economic development, environmental assessment and cleanup, use of alternative energy to power the cleanup and redevelopment of properties, sustainability and much more. More than 200 exhibitors will display the latest technologies and services, and mobile workshops and walking tours of New Orleans are also included.

A unique conference feature is the Brownfields Transaction Forum, which brings together property owners with developers, investors and financiers to talk about specific brownfields properties available for purchase, lease and reuse and redevelopment. Now in its fifth year, this fast-paced interactive forum is a must attend brownfields event for corporate asset managers, economic development officials, real estate professionals, and others. A variety of properties will be available ranging from former manufacturing plants, to vacant and abandoned commercial buildings and lots. Many of theses properties may be eligible for a host of local, state and even federal redevelopment incentives. The 2009 Forum will be held on November 16 and 17.

For the first time, a volunteer activity will be included as part of the Pre-Conference mobile workshops. The volunteer activity will involve native plant landscaping at the Andrew H. Wilson Elementary School. The Andrew H. Wilson Elementary school and the Broadmoor neighborhood spent two weeks under water after Hurricane Katrina. The existing school structure has been renovated and new facilities added. The building incorporated many sustainable components and expects to achieve LEED Gold certification. The school will open for students in January 2010. Our volunteer effort will install landscaping for the school. As part of the Brownfields 2009 Conference focus to improve properties, we will help revitalize the school by installing native and well-adapted plants based on a well-planned environmental design.

The National Brownfields Conference is managed by the International City/County Management Association, in partnership with EPA.

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Complying with the Clean Water Act and keeping waters of the United States free of pollution is the goal behind an agreement signed today by TEXO, the Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter of the Associated General Contractors and the Associated Builders and Contractors, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Under state and federal law administered by TCEQ and EPA, it is a violation of law to discharge pollutant laden stormwater into waters of the U.S. or State of Texas without a permit and in compliance with the requirements of the Texas Water Code and the federal Clean Water Act. TEXO and its members are launching a voluntary pilot test of a program to comply with both regulations thereby minimizing and/or eliminating the discharge of those pollutants.

"The pledge of local business and industry to comply with the law is essential to protecting water quality,” said EPA Region 6 Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division Director John Blevins. “This program promises to be successful in minimizing runoff from construction sites both large and small into our lakes, streams and rivers.”

The agreement commits TEXO members to work together with state and federal agencies to take steps in the pilot program to prevent stormwater pollution by educating and assisting members who voluntarily join the program. The program consists of an internal audit that each member performs at their construction site(s), an agreement to participate in the program, and an inspection of the site by TEXO’s environmental, safety, and health professionals.

"TEXO is excited to be part of this agreement and looks forward to the partnership with EPA and TCEQ. The understanding and adherence to storm water regulations has been a focus of training for our membership for a number of years, said TEXO President and CEO Raleigh K. Roussell. “This Agreement today provides greater emphasis to our commitment to protect the waters of our State and Country".

"The TCEQ is committed to exploring ways in which to partner with our regulated community to further advance the protection of our environment. This program, and TEXO's commitment to further educate, inform and assist builders in meeting federal and state stormwater requirements will go a long way in helping us meet that goal," said TCEQ's John Sadlier, Deputy Director, Office of Compliance and Enforcement.

The agreement is similar to other programs in Texas that have or are reducing large amounts of pollutant carrying sediment and thereby reducing the costs of maintenance of our waterways and protecting aquatic life in our streams and rivers.