24 Jan 2011

EPA Region 7 and 8 Host Meeting with State Agriculture Directors in Denver

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., Jan. 21, 2011) - EPA officials today hosted a meeting with the directors of state agriculture departments of  Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.  The meeting, held at EPA's Region 8 building in Denver, Colo., provided a forum for dialogue on EPA programs and regulations as well as specific issues, interests and concerns of the agriculture sector.

EPA staff participants in the meeting included: Jim Martin, Region 8 Administrator; Karl Brooks, Region 7 Administrator; Josh Svaty, Region 7 Senior Adviser; and Damon Frizzell, Region 7 Agricultural Adviser.

"The agricultural community should be credited with taking significant steps to protect the environment while finding innovative ways to feed millions," said EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks. "Because of the broad impact that America's farmers and ranchers have on everything from daily food prices to widespread environmental impacts to emerging renewable fuel technologies, it is important to have state agriculture directors as part of our decision making process."

EPA recognizes that agricultural producers are on the frontline of environmental stewardship and are affected by many EPA programs.  Frequent meetings with state agriculture directors are a critical way for EPA to provide outreach and receive feedback on current issues and concerns. Specific topics of Friday's meeting included Clean Water Act permits for pesticides, oil spill prevention and countermeasure rules, and air quality standards for particulate matter. Additional subjects included nutrient management and water quality and concentrated animal feeding operations.

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04 Oct 2010

EPA Approves Iowa Rules to Protect High Quality Waters

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 4, 2010) - EPA Region 7 has issued its approval of Iowa's Antidegradation Policy and Implementation Procedures, which are to be used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to protect high quality Iowa waters.  High quality waters are those with pollutant levels lower than what is required by state regulations.

"Implementation of the rule will yield great water benefits to the residents of Iowa and people who visit the state," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.  "The rule helps guarantee Iowa's waters to be safe for aquatic life and recreational activities."

Iowa is obligated under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to develop and adopt a statewide antidegradation policy and to identify procedures for implementing the policy.  Antidegradation refers to federal regulations designed to maintain and protect high quality waters and existing water quality in other waters from unnecessary pollution.  It also provides avenues for the public to engage in determining acceptable levels of pollution.

There are three components to water quality standards: water body uses such as swimming and fishing, the criteria to protect those uses and an antidegradation policy to preserve the high quality of minimally polluted waters.

EPA oversees the protection of water quality as required by the CWA.  The Agency is working with the public, community leaders, local and state agencies to meet the growing needs and demands on our water resources.

EPA's September 30, 2010, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA's review and the basis for this action.  The decision letter is available at http://epa.gov/region7/news_events/legal/

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For more information about water-related activities in EPA Region 7, visit  www.epa.gov/region07/water/

27 Jul 2010

Grant of $70,000 to Help Anhydrous Ammonia Facilities in Iowa Comply with Regulations

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., July 27, 2010) - EPA has awarded the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) a total of $70,000 to assist with outreach, education and implementation of the Clean Air Act's Risk Management Program. All fertilizer facilities that handle, process or store more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are subject to EPA's chemical safety requirements.

"EPA wants to assure the continued safe handling of anhydrous ammonia which is a source of nitrogen fertilizer widely used for corn, milo and wheat," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.

"This grant is designed to prevent releases and protect the health and safety of area residents, employees at the facilities, emergency responders and the environment."

IDALS is receiving this funding to conduct on-site audits, workshops and follow-up safety assessments at agricultural retail anhydrous ammonia facilities in Iowa. Anhydrous ammonia is generally safe provided handling, storage and maintenance procedures are followed. However, it is toxic and can be a health hazard. Inhaling anhydrous ammonia can cause lung irritation and severe respiratory injuries.

EPA Region 7 receives more accidental release reports for ammonia than for any other chemical. In addition to releases caused by transportation accidents, human error and equipment failure, a number of releases have been caused by anhydrous ammonia thefts. Anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient in the illegal production of methamphetamine. When stolen, the toxic gas can be unintentionally released, causing injuries to emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, the public and the criminals themselves.

Retailers were first required to be in compliance with the Risk Management Program in 1999. EPA then started facility inspections and enforcement of the program, which includes five components: hazard assessment system, management, accident prevention, emergency response and submittal of a risk management plan.

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Learn more at: www.epa.gov/region07/toxics/arpp.htm

06 Apr 2010

Wetland Grant Applications Sought Through May 20

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., April 6, 2010) - Proposals for Wetland Program Development grants to develop effective, comprehensive programs for wetland protection and management will be accepted through May 20, 2010, from states, tribes and local governments.

EPA Region 7 anticipates $1,176,000 in federal funding to be available to fund approximately three to six awards. Awards will likely range from $100,000 to $500,000.

Parties interested in applying for the grants may contact Mandy Whitsitt, EPA Region 7, at whitsitt.mandy@epa.gov, or by calling (913) 551-7311, or toll-free, (800) 223-0425.

Proposals should be mailed to Mandy Whitsitt, Watershed Planning and Implementation Branch, Affairs, EPA Region 7, 901 N. 5th St., Kansas City, KS 66101. They must be received by

5 p.m. (CST) May 20. Proposals received after the due date will not be considered.

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Grant application materials are available at: http://www.epa.gov/region07/economics/pdf/epa_r7wwpd_10_002.pdf

Learn more about the Wetland Program Development Grants: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines/

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