5.3.2013
Oil Spill
BP funding $69M in new Coast projects
Clarion Ledger
Gov. Phil Bryant on Thursday announced $69 million in projects to restore
the Mississippi Gulf Coast after the 2010 BP oil disaster.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130503/NEWS01/305030028/BP-funding-69M-new-Coast-projects
Mississippi getting $69 million more from BP, including funds to complete
Pascagoula beach promenade
By The Associated Press
May 02, 2013 at 3:58 PM
JACKSON, Mississippi -- BP PLC is providing $69 million more for
restoration projects for the Mississippi Gulf Coast following, Gov. Phil
Bryant says.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/05/mississippi_getting_69_million.html#incart_river
$69 million from BP will fund projects in 3 coastal South Mississippi
counties
Sun Herald
JACKSON -- BP PLC is providing $69 million more to fund four restoration
projects for the Mississippi Coast, Gov. Phil Bryant said Thursday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/05/02/4638566/69-million-from-bp-will-fund-projects.html
Gov. Bryant announces $69 Million in Gulf Restoration Projects
WLOX
Gov. Phil Bryant on Thursday announced $69 million in early restoration
projects for the Mississippi Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill. The four projects in this phase include a living shoreline marsh in
Hancock County, restoration initiatives at the INFINITY Science Center, the
Popp's Ferry Causeway Park, and Pascagoula's Beachfront Promenade.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22145558/gov-bryant-announces-69-million-in-gulf-restoration-projects
Gulf spill cases against former BP employees advance
Houston Chronicle
A federal judge has barred prosecutors at the trial of a former BP engineer
charged with obstruction of justice in connection with the investigation of
the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill from telling jurors he was suspended from
his job and that he retained a personal attorney.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/05/02/gulf-spill-cases-against-former-bp-employees-advance/
BP to pay $18M for Texas Gulf restoration work
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
HOUSTON -- BP PLC has agreed to finance five Gulf restoration projects in
Texas expected to cost a total of $18 million.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/02/3377576/bp-to-pay-18m-for-texas-gulf-restoration.html
Area counties benefit from latest round of BP oil spill restoration
projects
Tallahassee Democrat
Help for oyster reefs, sea grasses and beaches from Wakulla to Gulf
counties are among the latest round of initial projects aimed at restoring
the state's natural resources in the wake of the 2010 BP oil spill.
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130503/NEWS01/305030024/Area-counties-benefit-from-latest-round-BP-oil-spill-restoration-projects?nclick_check
=1
Study: Gulf oil spill is sickening fish vital to seafood industry
LA Times
The seafood is safe to eat and the Gulf of Mexico tourism industry is
recovering three years after the nation's worst offshore oil spill spewed
more than 200 million gallons of crude oil into the waters off Louisiana.
But despite that BP-sponsored commercial message, something appears to be
amiss at the bottom of the Gulf's food chain, according to new research.
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-gulf-oil-spill-fish-20130502,0,6888111.story
Mexico sues BP over 2010 spill
UPI
HOUSTON, May 2 (UPI) -- The Mexican government is suing for claims related
to the 2010 oil spill in the U.S. waters of the Gulf of Mexico, BP
confirmed.
http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2013/05/02/Mexico-sues-BP-over-2010-spill/UPI-40361367494991/
State News
SH Anthony files suit against the Harrison Co. Utility Authority
WLOX
It wasn't the work done by SH Anthony that led the Harrison County Utility
Authority to end its contract on March 25th. As WLOX News reported, it was
the revelation that the company purchased a car for the former executive
director of the utility authority.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22147338/contractor-sh-anthony-files-a-lawsuit-against-the-harrison-co-utility
Delbert Hosemann announces state has purchased 217 acres of Cat Island
By Mississippi Press Staff
May 02, 2013 at 3:10 PM
LONG BEACH, Mississippi -- Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, along with
several members of the Mississippi Gulf Coast legislative delegation,
announced the purchase by the citizens of the state of Mississippi of a
significant portion of Cat Island, one of the barrier islands located off
the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/05/delbert_hosemann
_announces_sta.html#incart_river
State buying 217 acres of Cat Island in Mississippi Sound
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
GULFPORT -- Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and members of the Coast
legislative delegation announced Thursday the state has made a deal to buy
217 acres of Cat Island to be set aside for public use.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/05/02/4637729/hosemann-announces-cat-island.html
City of Hattiesburg holds public forum on wastewater treatment option
WDAM
The City of Hattiesburg held a public forum Thursday evening on the
proposed wastewater treatment systems to replace the city's south lagoon.
http://www.wdam.com/story/22142675/city-o
Hattiesburg tornado debris cleanup coming to end
The Associated Press
HATTIESBURG, MISS. — Nearly three months after a Feb. 10 tornado hit the
Hattiesburg and Lamar County, the debris cleanup operations are winding
down.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/05/03/4639365/tornado-debris-cleanup-coming.html
More segments of beach closed due to water quality issues
by MBJ Staff
Published: May 2,2013
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST — The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality (MDEQ), through its Beach Monitoring Program, has issued water
contact advisories for five sampling stations.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/05/02/more-segments-of-beach-closed-due-to-water-quality-issues/
PEER renews debate over Miss. deer enclosures
By JACK ELLIOTT JR. — Associated Press
JACKSON, MISS. — A legislative committee and the state wildlife agency are
renewing a long-standing debate over the regulation of high-fence
enclosures for white-tail deer.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/05/03/4639521/peer-renews-debate-over-miss-deer.html
National News
Committee vote set for EPA nominee
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 05/02/13 05:17 PM ET
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will vote May 9 on
whether to advance the nomination of Gina McCarthy to lead the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the panel announced Thursday.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/297525-senate-committee-sets-vote-for-epa-nominee
Oil and gas drillers make technological leaps, while renewable energy
industry struggles
By Associated Press, Published: May 2
NEW YORK — Technology created an energy revolution over the past decade —
just not the one we expected.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/oil-and-gas-drillers-make-technological-leaps-while-renewable-energy-industry-struggles/2013/05/02/f730fdcc-b357-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html
Feds blame combination of parasite, virus, bacteria, pesticides for strange
bee disappearance
By Associated Press, Published: May 2
WASHINGTON — A new federal report blames a combination of problems for a
mysterious and dramatic disappearance of U.S. honeybees since 2006.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/feds-blame-combination-of-parasite-virus-bacteria-pesticides-for-strange-bee-disappearance/2013/05/02/e9eeec5c-b33c-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html
Fracking in dry areas adds to water woes
Houston Chronicle
Fracking for oil and gas is a thirsty business.
Hydraulic fracturing uses large amounts of pressurized water — mixed with
chemicals and sand — to crack subterranean rocks and release oil or natural
gas. Up to 10 million gallons of water can go into a single well.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/05/02/fracking-in-dry-areas-adds-to-water-woes/
Oil and gas trade group guarded on upcoming fracking rules
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 05/02/13 03:35 PM ET
A major oil and gas trade group said Thursday that it's hopeful forthcoming
federal hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, rules will incorporate industry
suggestions.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/297499-oil-and-gas-trade-group-guarded-on-upcoming-fracking-rules
EPA drops $569 million in response to Hurricane Sandy sewage spill
The Hill
By Ben Goad - 05/02/13 01:08 PM ET
The Obama administration said Thursday it would spend more than half a
billion dollars to repair and upgrade water treatment plants in New York
and New Jersey that released vast amounts of sewage into East Coast
waterways after Hurricane Sandy hit.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/297463-epa-drops-569-million-in-response-to-supertorm-sandy-sewage-spill
Obama nominates friends Pritzker for commerce secretary and Froman for
trade representative
By Associated Press,
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Thursday chose two old friends with
corporate executive experience for top posts on his economic team, naming
longtime fundraiser Penny Pritzker as Commerce secretary and adviser
Michael Froman as U.S. Trade Representative.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/whitehouse/obama-to-nominate-pritzker-for-commerce-secretary-froman-for-trade-representative/2013/05/02/f2d7fb60-b314-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html
Family of Commerce pick Penny Pritzker was pioneer in troubled mortgage
securities
By Kevin G. Hall — McClatchy Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's choice to be the new secretary of
commerce is a powerful Democratic fundraiser and hometown friend whose
family's role in a controversial bank failure might raise questions during
her Senate confirmation.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/05/02/4637145/obama-taps-chicago-friend-for.html
Press Releases
Gov. Bryant Announces $69 Million in Gulf Restoration Projects
JACKSON - Gov. Phil Bryant today announced $69 million in early restoration
projects for the Mississippi Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill.
The projects are part of early restoration activities identified as "Phase
III" of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and bring
Mississippi's early restoration total to $82.6 million.
"From day one after the spill, we have been dedicated to making Mississippi
whole," Governor Bryant said. "These four projects, which extend across the
entirety of our Gulf Coast counties, are an important step in that journey.
Each addresses a critical part of restoration of the natural resource and
recreational losses caused by the spill. In whole, they will help to
restore and enhance a wide array of habitat, from oyster and fish to
marshes and the public's opportunities to enjoy and better understand the
intricate Gulf Coast environment."
On April 20, 2011, BP agreed to provide up to $1 billion to fund early
restoration projects in the Gulf of Mexico including the states of
Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas to begin addressing
injuries to natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Mississippi's project were proposed as a result a public comment process on
the Gulf Coast and were negotiated with BP and Mississippi's federal and
state partners. In the coming months these projects will go through another
phase of public review and comment before work begins. Further public
review and comment will take place before work on the projects begins.
Trudy Fisher, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality, said. "I am excited that we have achieved funding
and look forward to providing the public with more detailed information in
the months to come."
According to Fisher, the four projects announced today will accomplish
meaningful work in all three Gulf Coast counties. "These projects
represent a diverse plan of actions. In Hancock County, in partnership
with NOAA, we will construct a living shoreline to support habitat needs of
a range of species. Environmental stewardship will be enhanced through
construction of ecological and educational exhibits at the Infinity Center.
Both Harrison and Jackson counties will see enhancement of recreational
opportunities through construction of facilities and exhibits."
The four projects approved for NRDA funding are further described below:
• Hancock County Marsh Living Shoreline (Hancock County,
Mississippi): The project would provide for construction of up to six
miles of living shoreline. Benefits would include reduction of
erosion, re-establishment of oyster habitat, and enhanced fisheries
resources and marsh habitat. Approximately 46 acres of marsh would be
constructed to protect and enhance the existing shoreline near Heron
Bay. In addition, 46 acres of sub-tidal oyster reef would be created
in Heron Bay to protect the shallow bay and increase oyster
production in the area. The estimated cost of this project is
approximately $50 million of which NOAA is funding a portion.
• Restoration Initiatives at the INFINITY Science Center (Hancock
County, Mississippi): INFINITY is a state-of-the-art interactive
science research, education, and interpretive center located in
Hancock County. Early restoration funds would be used to develop
interactive exhibits at the INFINITY Science Center. These
enhancements would replace lost recreational opportunities through
enhanced visitors' access to coastal natural resources. The estimated
cost of this project is approximately $10.4 million.
• Popp's Ferry Causeway Park (Harrison County, Mississippi): The
project would provide for construction of an interpretive center,
trails, boardwalks, and other recreational enhancements. This project
would replace lost recreational opportunities by enhancing existing
amenities allowing visitors to fish, crab and observe nature. The
estimated cost of this project is approximately $4.7 million.
• Pascagoula Beachfront Promenade (Jackson County, Mississippi):
Early restoration funds for this project would be used to help
complete a two-mile, 10-foot wide lighted concrete pathway complete
with amenities. The purpose would be to restore the loss of
recreational opportunities by enhancing access to the Mississippi
Sound and its natural resources. The estimated cost of this project
is approximately $3.8 million.
Additional information is available at www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov .
###
Governor Phil Bryant Signs Landmark Pieces of Energy-Related Economic
Development Legislation into Law
JACKSON– As part of his Energy Works: Mississippi's Energy Roadmap plan,
Governor Phil Bryant recently signed into law landmark legislation that
positions Mississippi as a leading destination for energy-related economic
development. These sensible, forward-thinking approaches to energy policy
also position Mississippi as a state that welcomes a diverse mix of
investment in the energy sector.
"Mississippi's diversity of energy resources and infrastructure makes us a
significant energy state and an ideal location for businesses," Governor
Phil Bryant said. "Energy-sector economic development is a primary focus of
my administration, and the passage of these laws will increase
Mississippi's competitiveness when attracting and recruiting new
industries."
Mississippi's energy production is one of largest economic engines in the
state, providing more than 28,000 jobs. Mississippi produces approximately
23 million barrels of oil a year and ranks 13th in oil production. The
state also ranks 21st in natural gas production.
Legislation signed into effect includes:
· HB 844 Sales Tax Exemption on Energy for Manufacturing
o Exempts sales tax on energy used in manufacturing. While
Mississippi boasts energy costs around 20 percent below the
national average, HB 844 further cuts the costs of one of the
key drivers companies consider when choosing a location for new
investment. Manufacturing comprises a large portion of
Mississippi's economy, and advanced manufacturing and onshoring
are key target sectors for the state.
· SB 2564 Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund
o Gives Mississippi communities the ability to help finance
energy infrastructure (for instance, gas lines and transmission
lines) for companies that invest more than $50 million in an
economic development project. This law provides the State a new
low-interest financing tool to help companies locate or expand
in Mississippi.
· HB 841 Sales Tax Reduction on Electricity for Enhanced Oil Recovery
o Decreases the sales tax paid on electricity to 1.5 percent for
oil and gas produced in the state using carbon dioxide as a
method of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Existing Mississippi EOR
policy is considered by many to the best in the nation, and the
passage of HB 841 will further improve our position and help to
grow this industry in our state.
· HB 826 Rebate on Research and Development Costs
o Defrays the research and development costs of companies that
operate in Mississippi and partner with a state institution of
higher learning. Under this new law, a corporation that
collaborates with a state university for research and
development purposes, including energy-related research, is
eligible for a 25 percent rebate of the total research costs.
This law will assist companies looking to tap into the wealth
of energy expertise and resources available in Mississippi's
research institutions.
Governor Bryant tasked the Mississippi Development Authority with executing
his strategies for energy-related economic development. MDA promotes the
state's energy-related economy utilizing four targeted approaches:
Responsible Resource Exploration and Extraction; Energy-Intensive Industry
Recruitment; Energy Systems Component Manufacturing; and Biomass
Development.
"Energy costs and availability of resources are often deciding factors for
companies seeking a location for new investment, and these laws passed by
the State Legislature will tremendously assist our economic development
efforts moving forward," said Brent Christensen, MDA executive director. "I
commend Governor Bryant and our legislative partners for being so hands-on
and dedicated to the economic development of Mississippi. The passage of
these new laws will greatly benefit the state's existing businesses while
further positioning Mississippi as the optimal place for energy-related
industries and manufacturing companies to locate."
"Manufacturers use more than one-third of the energy consumed in the United
States. In a globally competitive marketplace, these legislative actions
support our existing manufacturers and increase our competitive position
for domestic and international companies that are considering a U.S.-based
location," said Mississippi Manufacturers Association President and Chief
Executive Officer Jay Moon.
To learn more about energy initiatives in Mississippi, please visit
www.mississippi.org/energy-works. To learn more about the benefits of a
Mississippi location, please visit
www.mississippi.org/locate-in-mississippi/.
###
Governor Scott Announces $58 Million in Early Restoration Projects for
Florida Communities
PENSACOLA – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Deepwater Horizon
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees have proposed $58 million in
early restoration projects for Florida. To date, Phases I and II of early
restoration projects for Florida have totaled $11.4 million.
Governor Scott said, "We're committed to restoring the environment and
economy that families have relied upon in the Gulf for generations. These
$58 million in Florida projects represent a critical step forward in
recovering from the natural resource and recreational losses that resulted
from the BP oil spill. We will continue to work with our state, federal and
local partners toward solutions that ensure impacted areas are revitalized
for families."
Florida's Proposed NRDA Phase III Projects: Approximately $58 million
· Florida Gulf Coast Marine Fisheries Hatchery/ Enhancement Center,
Escambia County. Approximately $20 million
· Florida Artificial Reef Creation and Restoration, Escambia, Santa Rosa,
Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties. Approximately $11.4 million
· Pensacola Bay Living Shoreline, Escambia County. Approximately $11
million
· Florida Oyster Reef Restoration Escambia, Santa Rosa, Bay and Franklin
counties. Approximately $5.4 million
· Scallop Enhancement for Increased Recreational Fishing Opportunity in
the Florida Panhandle, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay,
Gulf, and Franklin counties. Approximately $3 million
· Florida Bay Seagrass Recovery Project, Gulf, Franklin and Bay counties.
Approximately $2.7 million
· Big Lagoon State Park Boat Ramp Improvement, Escambia County.
Approximately $1.5 million
· Bob Sikes Pier Restoration, Escambia County. Approximately $1 million
· Shell Point Beach Nourishment, Wakulla County. Approximately $880,000
· Florida Cat Point Living Shoreline Project, Franklin County.
Approximately $800,000
· Perdido Key Boardwalk Improvements, Escambia County. Approximately
$600,000
· Perdido Key Dune Restoration, Escambia County. Approximately $600,000
These projects, if successfully finalized after public review and comment,
are in addition to the seven projects, on which Florida has been working,
including several boat ramps, a dune restoration project and projects to
protect and restore shorebird and sea turtle nesting habitat. With the
additional projects, Florida will have allocated nearly $69 million of the
$100 million available through the early restoration process defined in the
April 2011 Framework Agreement between BP and the Trustees.
The Trustees intend to propose the early restoration projects using a
method similar to previous draft restoration plans in order to continue the
process of using early restoration funding to restore natural resources,
ecological services and human use services injured or lost as a result of
the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster.
This next set of projects includes many of the proposals that citizens have
been suggesting, such as oyster and scallop restoration, seagrass
restoration, artificial reefs, living shorelines, recreational beach
restoration, state park improvements, and a hatchery project which will
help restore the fisheries in north Florida as well as provide much needed
research into the area of fisheries management and restoration.
The Trustees have worked to develop and negotiate the 28 proposed projects
Gulf-wide, of which 12 are being proposed by Florida.
###
Texas to Receive Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Restoration Funding
Artificial Reef, Coastal State Park Projects Proposed for Latest Round of
Early Restoration
AUSTIN – Five Texas-based projects totaling about $18 million have been
proposed to begin to compensate Texas for lost human use of natural
resources resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The three
artificial reef and two state park projects are part of the latest round of
early restoration led by state and federal Natural Resource Damage
Assessment trustees.
"These restoration dollars are good for our Gulf, good for Texas coastal
communities, and good for jobs and the economy," said Governor Rick Perry.
"While the pace of early restoration has been slower than the trustees
would prefer, these first Texas-based projects would move us closer to
restoring the entire Gulf of Mexico."
The five Texas projects are among a total of 28 restoration projects across
the Gulf that BP has agreed to fund under a conditional agreement with the
trustees. The trustees plan to present all the additional early restoration
projects for public review and comment in coming months. If selected for
inclusion in a final early restoration plan, the 28 projects collectively
would represent close to $600 million. This latest round of proposed early
restoration follows two previous phases totaling $71 million.
The five proposed Texas-based projects are listed below. All costs are
approximate.
Galveston Island State Park Beach Re-development (Galveston
County). The project would construct multi-use campsites, tent campsites,
an equestrian trail head, beach access via dune walk-over boardwalks and
other recreational enhancements on the Gulf side of Galveston Island State
Park. The purpose is to restore the loss of recreational opportunities by
enhancing access to the Gulf. Estimated cost: $10.7 million.
Sea Rim State Park Amenities (Jefferson County). The project would
construct facilities to provide enhanced recreation within Sea Rim State
Park, including a fish cleaning station, restroom facility, and two
wildlife viewing blinds, in order to enhance fishing experiences, wildlife
observation, and educational interpretive opportunities. Estimated cost:
$210,000.
Texas Artificial Reef off the Mid or Upper Coast (Jefferson or
Nueces County). This project would place artificial reef structures
offshore if the necessary large-scale materials are available. Or, it would
enhance existing, permitted nearshore reef sites using constructed, stable
and clean materials. Artificial reefs are used by fishermen and scuba
divers as recreational areas because of the aquatic community that develops
in reef habitat. Estimated cost: $1.8 million.
Brazoria Near shore Artificial Reef Artificial Reef Enhancement
(Brazoria County). This project would enhance a nearshore reef site off
Freeport. Estimated cost: $2 million.
Matagorda Nearshore Artificial Reef (Matagorda County). This
project would include construction of a new near shore artificial reef off
of Matagorda. Estimated cost: $3.5 million.
These latest proposals show trustee early restoration efforts continuing
during the government legal case against BP, seeking penalties under the
Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act. The first phase of the trial
ended in April, with the second phase to begin in September.
In 2011, after negotiations with the trustees, BP agreed to provide up to
$1 billion to fund early restoration projects in the Gulf of Mexico to
begin addressing injuries to natural resources caused by the spill. The
purpose is to speed the start of restoration before the injury assessment
process is completed. The latest proposals would continue to tap the $1
billion agreement.
The trustees continue to actively seek public input on restoration project
ideas through various means, including public meetings, electronic
communication, and a public website managed by NOAA for all the trustees,
which includes a database to share project information and receive public
project submissions.
In addition to the latest restoration projects identified, the trustees are
continuing to identify other early restoration projects to address natural
resource damages resulting and will seek BP's approval for funding them.
Ultimately, all early restoration plans will be incorporated into a single,
comprehensive Oil Pollution Act Restoration Plan/Environmental Impact
Statement.
Texas trustees include Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the General
Land Office and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Other trustees
include federal agencies and state agencies from Alabama, Florida,
Louisiana, and Mississippi.
###
EPA Takes Action Against Violators of the Lead Renovation, Repair and
Painting Rule
WASHINGTON – Today, EPA announced 17 enforcement actions for violations of
the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP).
The RRP rule protects homeowners and tenants from dangerous lead dust that
can be left behind after common renovation, repair, and painting work. It
requires that contractors and subcontractors be properly trained and
certified, and use lead-safe work practices to ensure that lead dust is
minimized. Lead exposure can cause a range of health effects, from
behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death,
putting young children at the greatest risk because their nervous systems
are still developing.
"Using lead-safe work practices is good business and it's the law," said
Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance. "EPA is taking action to enforce lead rules to
protect people from exposure to lead and to ensure a level playing field
for contractors that follow the rules."
The enforcement actions address serious violations of the RRP rule,
including fourteen actions where the contractor failed to obtain
certification prior to performing or offering to perform renovation
activities on pre-1978 homes, where lead is more likely to be present.
Other alleged violations included failure to follow the lead-safe work
practices, which are critical to reducing exposure to lead-based paint
hazards.
The 17 enforcement actions listed below include 14 administrative
settlements assessing civil penalties of up to $23,000. These settlements
also required the contractors to certify that they had come into compliance
with the requirements of the RRP rule. Additionally, EPA filed three
administrative complaints seeking civil penalties of up to the statutory
maximum of $37,500 per violation. As required by the Toxic Substances
Control Act, a company or individual's ability to pay a penalty is
evaluated and penalties are adjusted accordingly.
Enforcement actions:
• Groeller Painting, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri.
• Albracht Permasiding and Window, Co. of Omaha, Nebraska.
• Midwest College Painters, LLC of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
• ARK Property Investments, LLC of Richmond, Indiana.
• Henderson & Associates Services of Largo, Florida.
• Home Resources Management, LLC of Columbia, Tennessee.
• Camaj Interiors & Exteriors of Jacksonville, Florida.
• Cherokee Home Improvements, LLC of Church Creek, Maryland.
• Window World of Harford located in Belair, Maryland.
• EA Construction and General Contracting of West Chester, Pennsylvania.
• Roman Builders of Morton, Pennsylvania.
• Accolade Construction Group, Inc. of New York, New York.
• PZ Painting of Springfield, New Jersey.
• Creative Renovations of Brooklyn, New York.
• Reeson Construction of Webster, New Hampshire.
• New Hampshire Plate Glass Corporation of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
• CM Rogers Handyman of Manchester, New Hampshire.
More information about the settlements:
www.epa.gov/enforcement/waste/cases/lrrp050213.html
More about lead and instructions on getting certified: www.epa.gov/lead
USDA and EPA Release New Report on Honey Bee Health
