Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 126 results

• Should wastewater workers take extra precautions to protect themselves from the COVID-19 virus?

  Wastewater treatment plant operations should ensure workers follow routine practices to prevent exposure to wastewater. These include using engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment normally required for work tasks when handling untreated

  • Last published: June 10, 2021

• If an EPA grant recipient permits their employees administrative leave to comply with social distancing guidance from public officials, are the costs allowable?

  There is a regulatory provision in 2 CFR 200.431 Compensation-fringe benefits governing administrative leave and other fringe benefits for recipient employees working on grant funded projects if administrative leave is necessary. Additional guidance for recipients on allocating fringe benefit costs

  • Last published: April 12, 2021

• As a general matter, how can states avoid losing funds already received for projects that might be delayed?

  State recipients should request performance period extensions as needed. EPA’s grants to states are for the most part financed with “no year” appropriations that remain available until expended. Instances of EPA having to de-obligate funds due to delays in state projects will be rare. Examples of

  • Last published: April 12, 2021

• What about grants to local governments, non-profits and institutions of higher education-how are they funded?

  Grants to these entities are typically funded with time limited EPM or S&T appropriations. Exceptions include competitive Brownfields grants funded with STAG appropriations and grants to local governments funded with STAG appropriations under sections 105 of the Clean Air Act or for PM monitoring

  • Last published: April 12, 2021

• Can states expect any regulatory relief or flexibility if they temporarily suspend certain inspections, monitoring, and reporting requirements such as vehicle emissions testing programs or certain air quality monitoring reports under the Clean Air Act?

  States should contact the appropriate EPA regional official as individual programs or actions may have their own requirements or processes. Moreover, the Agency has released the following information concerning air monitoring status and priorities. View the COVID-19 Enforcement and Compliance

  • Last published: April 29, 2021

• Will guidance be made available for the handling and disposal of increased volumes of medical waste, particularly in the form of used personal protective equipment, including the landfilling of incinerator ash?

  View Frequent Questions about Waste and Coronavirus (COVID-19) for links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) websites with additional information. View the COVID-19 Enforcement and Compliance Resources for frequently asked

  • Last published: April 29, 2021

• Might any gap funding be made available to states to cover temporary delays and reductions in state tax collections and expected reductions in fees and other special revenue due to decreased economic activity during the emergency?

  We interpret this question to be either (1) whether EPA can authorize a state to increase the time between disbursement of grant funds and use of the funds to accommodate funding shortfalls from other these sources; or (2) whether EPA has the ability to provide additional funding to help bridge the

  • Last published: April 12, 2021

• I need to disinfect a public space like a store or school. What do I need to know?

  List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has guiding principles available for workplaces, businesses

  • Last published: April 28, 2021

• If a stay at home, shelter in place, or similar order is issued on a state/local/other level that affects the activities performed under a grant (e.g., the order prohibits travel required to perform monitoring or inspection activities), does that prohibit those activities from being performed under the EPA grant?

  Whether activities to be performed under a grant can be exempt from state/local/other restrictions affecting those activities is dependent upon the statutory authority governing the program. Other critical factors should also be considered including whether an activity is deemed mission critical or

  • Last published: July 9, 2021

• Can EPA waive any other provisions of the Procurement Standards in 2 CFR Part 200, if necessary, to respond to COVID-19?

  Revised per the March 19, 2021 OMB Guidance. Yes, the March 19, 2021 OMB Guidance allows agencies to waive the procurement requirements contained in 2 CFR § 200.319(c) regarding geographical preferences and 2 CFR § 200.321 regarding contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business

  • Last published: July 29, 2021

• Will EPA extend the dates for financial and performance reporting if a recipient impacted by COVID-19 is unable to comply with existing requirements?

  Revised per the March 19, 2021 OMB Guidance. Yes. As stated in the March 19, 2021 OMB Guidance: Awarding agencies may allow recipients to delay submission of financial, performance and other reports up to three months beyond the normal due date. If an agency allows such a delay, recipients may

  • Last published: July 29, 2021

• May EPA recipients and subrecipients with EPA as their cognizant or oversight agency delay filing of their Single Audits with the Federal Audit Clearinghouse due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency?

  Revised per the March 19, 2021 OMB Guidance. Yes, the March 19, 2021 OMB Guidance (PDF) provides: Awarding agencies, in their capacity as cognizant or oversight agencies for audit, may allow recipients and subrecipients that have not yet filed their single audits with the Federal Audit Clearinghouse

  • Last published: July 29, 2021

• If an EPA grant recipient is carrying out a project that will not be completed due to delays in performance what will EPA do?
  

  When a project cannot be carried out, and the scope of work cannot be revised to provide for other allowable activities, EPA will work with the recipient to partially terminate the agreement. For example, if a project requires sampling during a particular season and the time limited funds (i.e., EPM

  • Last published: July 29, 2021

• Where can I find the most up-to-date information and resources about Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  The Biden-Harris Plan to Beat COVID-19: Review details of the Biden-Harris plan to beat COVID-19 and download The National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. Coronavirus.gov – public information provided by the U.S. government related to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) CDC

  • Last published: September 29, 2021

• Will an Ozone Generator protect me and my family from COVID-19?

  No, do not use ozone generators in occupied spaces. When used at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or other biological pollutants. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website

  • Last published: September 29, 2021