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EPA Takes Action to Guide Health and Safety Decisions at Cleanup Sites During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued interim guidance to the Agency’s regional offices to ensure that decisions about new or ongoing cleanup activities at sites across the country are made with the health and safety of communities, state and tribal partners, EPA staff, and contractors as the priority.

The interim guidance focuses on decision making at emergency response and longer term cleanups sites where EPA is the lead agency or has direct oversight of, or responsibility for, the cleanup work. This includes, but is not limited to, Superfund cleanups, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective actions, Toxic Substance and Control Act PCB cleanups, Oil Pollution Act spill responses, and Underground Storage Tank Program actions. In addition, EPA is sharing this guidance with states to take into consideration as they encounter similar issues at state-lead RCRA cleanup sites.

“EPA remains committed to protecting human health and the environment as we continue to adjust to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “This guidance will allow us to keep workers and the residents in these communities safe while also being able to respond to any emergency that may present an imminent danger to the public health or welfare.”

EPA will, as appropriate, update this guidance as the current situation with COVID-19 evolves.

Guidance for EPA Regional Offices on Field Work Decisions at Cleanup Sites

To address the current challenges posed by the COVID-19 situation, EPA is making decisions about continuing, reducing, or pausing on-site activities on a case-by-case basis consistent with the following priorities:

  • Protecting the health and safety of the public, as well as maintaining the health and safety of EPA staff and cleanup partners, is the Agency’s highest priority.  Integral to the protection of health and safety is the close coordination with federal, state, tribal, or local health authorities.
  • Maintaining EPA’s ability to prevent and respond to environmental emergencies, is also a critical priority for the Agency.

This same approach will apply to EPA’s decision making related to requests from outside parties engaged in cleanup and response sites (e.g., states, tribes, local governments, other federal agencies, other parties, property owners, etc.) for extensions or delays in performance. These decisions will be made in accordance with any existing agreements or enforcement instruments.

The interim guidance issued today also includes directions to the Agency’s regional offices on the following:

  • Considering site-specific factors when deciding on whether response actions will continue or be reduced, paused or resumed: Consideration of these factors will help the Agency make nationally consistent decisions when addressing similar factual situations at sites. For example, regional management will consider whether failure to continue response actions would likely pose an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health or the environment, and whether it is practical to continue such actions.
  • Applying Applicable Enforcement Instruments: Decisions to extend obligations or pause work obligations will be made in accordance with applicable enforcement instruments. These enforcement instruments may contain provisions allowing for adjustments to schedules to be made at the discretion of EPA’s project manager, and/or force majeure provisions, generally including directions to responsible parties on providing the requisite notice and other information to EPA related to a requested extension.
  • Conducting Non-Field Site Work: Because much of the work to advance cleanup of sites is performed away from sites, to the extent possible, this work will continue. This includes important work that can be conducted virtually such as investigation reports (including pre-NPL work), modeling, negotiations between the parties, decision documents, cleanup documentation, workplans, progress reports, and maintaining compliance with obligations such as financial assurance.
  • Planning for Next Steps After Pausing Site Work: If a decision is made to temporarily reduce or suspend field work, Regions will continue to monitor site conditions and plan the logistics for resuming field work as soon as possible when appropriate.

In addition, it is recommended that Superfund site teams cancel or postpone in-person public meeting events, door-to-door visits, and other site-related face to face interactions to be consistent with current COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and other federal, state, tribal and local officials. We fully encourage EPA staff to keep in contact with affected communities using virtual and other communication tools such as on-line meetings, webinars, conference calls, and call-in numbers, as well as fact sheets, postcards, phone, and social media.

Additional Information

As of the beginning of April, EPA has reduced or paused on-site construction work at approximately 34 EPA or PRP-lead Superfund National Priority List sites, or 12% of all EPA sites with ongoing remedial actions, due to the evolving situation with COVID-19. Regions have decided and may continue to decide to reduce or suspend response actions at particular sites for the following or similar situations:

  • State, tribal, or local health officials have requested particular site operations or types of operations that would pertain to particular sites be suspended.
  • Site workers have tested positive for or exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Sites where there may be close interaction with high risk groups or those under quarantine, such as work inside homes.
  • Sites where contractor field personnel are not able to work due to state, tribal, or local travel restrictions or medical quarantine.
  • Sites where social distancing is not possible.

The Interim Guidance is available on the agency’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/interim-guidance-site-field-work-decisions-due-impacts-covid-19.

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PUBLIC NOTICE OF RELOCATION OF PUBLIC MEETING OF EVANSVILLE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY APRIL 14, 2020

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EVANSVILLE WATER AND SEWER UTILITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Water and Sewer Utility Board of Directors for the City of Evansville, Indiana, will meet on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. in the Locust Meeting Rooms “BC” of the Old National Events Plaza (“ONEP”) at 715 Locust Street in Evansville, Indiana.

The public is welcome to attend, but, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 20-18 of April 6, 2020, the Statement and General Guidance of the Public Access Counselor Regarding the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Event, and CDC and ISDH requirements: Attendance will be limited to ten (10) persons (including Board members and staff) with first preference given to the media. In accordance with the PAC guidelines, the following accommodations will be made:

  • A portion of those individuals present must include representatives from the media or the
  • Access into ONEP will be limited to the Locust 2 Door
  • No admittance will be allowed until five (5) minutes before the start of the
  • Admittance into ONEP will be limited to ten (10) persons
  • Other reasonable restriction on social distancing and movement may be made at the discretion of the President
  • Any person attempting to enter may be subject to denial if displaying symptoms of COVID-19
  • The meeting will be streamed live on the Old National Events Plaza Facebook page

Notices and agendas for public meetings may be posted solely by electronic means during the duration of the Governor’s Emergency Declaration.

Allen Mounts Executive Director

EPA Takes Action to Guide Health and Safety Decisions at Cleanup Sites During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued interim guidance to the Agency’s regional offices to ensure that decisions about new or ongoing cleanup activities at sites across the country are made with the health and safety of communities, state and tribal partners, EPA staff, and contractors as the priority. Here’s what stakeholders and public officials are saying:

Association of State and Territorial Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO): “ASTSWMO’s membership supports EPA working closely with their State and Territorial partners to ensure human health and the environment are protected during this current situation.  That is best done jointly, working together to determine the best course of action under this guidance for decision-making at all cleanup sites potentially affected by the current COVID-19 precautions”

Bobby Janecka, Commissioner, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: “I am pleased by EPA’s commitment to continue vital cleanup work at Superfund sites while supporting appropriate social distancing measures. Communities across our state will be grateful to see EPA thoughtfully continuing needed remediation work at sites such as the Donna Reservoir and Canal Federal Superfund site in South Texas.”

Jim Macy, Director, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy: “We appreciate and support our federal partners in their efforts to implement cleanup activity guidance during this difficult time. The guidance allows us to remain committed to our mission to protect and improve human health, the environment, and energy resources while supporting the State of Nebraska in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Scott Thompson, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality: “This guidance reflects what is already occurring within programs. Each remediation site that EPA and states deal with presents unique challenges, and many routinely require site-specific determinations. The current COVID-19 event poses additional challenges, and most if not all states have prioritized critical actions over less critical ones in all programs at this point. Clearly EPA and state agencies will do whatever it takes during this time to respond to natural disasters or emergencies involving remediation sites while trying to maintain social distancing.”

Austin Caperton, Cabinet Secretary, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection: “West Virginia had already taken steps to protect our citizens and is well positioned to accommodate EPA’s guidance during this crisis. The past few weeks have proven our ability to continue moving all DEP processes forward to protect the environment and our people.”

Gerry Geist, Executive Director, Association of Towns of the State of New York: “Town officials care about protecting the environment and public health while ensuring the personal health and safety of individuals working to clean up contaminated property. The EPA interim guidance issued today will help EPA Region 2 evaluate whether to begin, continue or secure and suspend site remediation work on environmental cleanup projects while protecting the personal health of workers and the community health of residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Jeff Grove, Mayor of LaSalle, Illinois: “I wanted to take the opportunity to appreciate the partnership we, at the City of La Salle, have with the EPA. From day one, there has been open and transparent communication among the EPA, city leadership and our La Salle residents. We understand and support the decision to postpone design sampling in the residential areas of the site indefinitely, as we all work to follow safety guidelines and ‘shelter in place’ mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our La Salle residents have been understanding and flexible with other adjustments we have had to make for City services. The bottom line is that we are all confident that the work the EPA has started will eventually continue when life returns to a sense of normalcy. We all appreciate that!”

Brian Sorochty, Mayor of Village of Holley, New York: “While this project is extremely important to the Village of Holley residents, we understand and support the EPA’s decision to place this project temporarily on hold. In light of the nationwide situation with the COVID-19 virus, the health and welfare of the EPA/USACOE personnel, contractors, and our residents must be the top priority. We look forward to this work commencing as soon as possible, based on recommendations from the state and local health officials and the CDC.”

Libby Szabo, Jefferson County Commissioner, Colorado: “It is always a good idea to pause and take a look at what we are doing and how we are doing it, especially in this time of uncertainty. I applaud the EPA for recognizing this and what they are doing to keep our communities safe and strong.”

Karen Sullivan, Butte-Silver Bow Health Officer, Montana: “Recognition by the EPA of the severity of the COVID-19 crisis and its potential impact on EPA staff, the stakeholders at our various Superfund sites in Butte-Silver Bow, and members of our community is greatly appreciated by me. Our collective health and safety is paramount, and EPA’s contribution to helping us manage this event in Butte-Silver Bow is welcomed.”

Robert D. Moore, Director, Portsmouth Economic Development: “Continuing work at the Atlantic Wood Industries Superfund Site is vital to the Portsmouth small business community for a number of reasons and we are grateful for the EPA’s continued support of the remediation efforts. It is important to maintain standards on the site throughout these unprecedented times, and the ongoing daily operations allow for workers throughout our economy to stay active and engaged. The project site is also a key location for redevelopment which will become even more necessary as we look into the recovery period.”

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES 13 NEW COVID-19 DEATHS, UPDATES STATEWIDE CASE COUNT

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The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 508 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 7,928 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s total.　

A total of 343 Hoosiers have died to date. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.　

To date, 42,489 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 39,215 on Saturday.　

Marion County had the most new cases, at 154. Other counties with more than 10 new cases were Allen (11), Elkhart (14), Hamilton (33), Hendricks (14), Johnson (29), Lake (69), Madison (20), Newton (17) and Porter (11). The Lake County totals include results from East Chicago and Gary, which have their own health departments.　

The complete list of counties with cases is included in the ISDH COVID-19 dashboard at www.coronavirus.in.gov. Cases are listed by county of residence. Private lab reporting may be delayed and will be reflected in the map and count when results are received at ISDH. Beginning Monday, April 13, the dashboard will be updated at noon each day.　

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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https://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx

New Data Show COVID-19 Impact On African-American Community, State’s Revenues

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By Victoria Ratliff
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—One in five people who have died from the novel coronavirus in Indiana were African Americans, who represent less than 10% of the state’s population, new data from the Indiana State Department of Health show.

Dr. Kristina Box, ISDH Commissioner, unveiled the new data Friday at Gov. Eric Holcomb’s daily virtual press briefing.

“I expected the number of African American deaths to be a higher percentage than the number of African Americans represented in our state population overall,” Box said. “And that’s because that’s what every other state is seeing, and that’s because they have higher incidents like I mentioned of co-morbidities that are more likely to contribute to death from COVID-19 like heart disease and diabetes.”

Dr. Woody Myers, the former state health commissioner and Democratic candidate for governor, said in a statement that this data shouldn’t have taken this long to be released.

“The state has lagged behind many others in the release of this valuable data. It simply should not have taken this long to inform the public and medical community about who is most at risk for coronavirus. Hoosiers need to know this information as a matter of safety,” he said.

He said while we now know some of the initial figures, there is still more data that needs to be shown.

“The reality is that minority and low-income communities will likely bear the brunt of this disease, both in terms of health and economics. The question we ought to be asking now is: ‘What will state leaders do about it?’,” he said.

Friday, Indiana saw 55 new deaths related to COVID-19, raising the state’s total to 300. There were also 556 new cases reported, with a total of 6,907 cases in Indiana.

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Box said tracking the data in real-time is difficult. She said with normal illnesses, like the flu, the numbers would be released on a weekly basis to keep them as accurate as possible. With this virus, she said, there is a need for numbers to be updated daily, but they might not be completely accurate.

She said the data is re-examined to ensure cases are not counted for twice, and double-checked accuracy. But, this normally takes longer than the 24-hour period between when new numbers are reported and might cause a slight change is the number of cases reported in the state.

Friday was a day when state officials delivered a lot of bad news, with data showing the pandemic has yet to reach its peak either in the number of cases or in the damage to the economy.

The state’s monthly revenue report showed March revenues were $70 million lower than projected.  And, these numbers don’t take into account the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus shutting down most commerce for the month

Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said the state’s casinos were closed for only a week of the reporting period. The report shows that wagering revenues were down $4 million or 33% from the estimated revenue.

Johnston said the state is working to bring economic relief to not only the state as a whole but local governments and Hoosiers. He said there have been three packages approved by the federal government aimed to economically help states

One was directed for public health and buying personal protective equipment for medical workers and a second was directed to providing assistance to individuals on food, women and children programs, and services. The final, he said, is expected to bring more than $3 billion to the state to help fund existing grant programs.

“While it is a sizeable amount of money, we also cannot build expectations beyond this funding, that we cannot fulfill,” he said.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will begin distributing $668 million in relief funds to Indiana hospitals and medical providers from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump.

“Our health care systems and medical professionals are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic,” Sen. Todd Young said in a statement. “The funding being distributed today will help provide them with critical relief to treat Hoosier patients now and in the future.”

The state will have a task force in place to plan, administer, and account for federal aid the state will receive through the CARES Act.

Indiana’s Economic Relief and Recovery Team will be chaired by Johnston and Commerce Secretary Jim Schellinger. It will also consist of former state Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, Ryan Kitchell, the former Office of Management and Budget director, and Becky Skillman, former lieutenant governor, among others.

The month of April, Johnston said, is typically one of the highest-grossing months of the year, although this year it doesn’t look like it will be. That is when the budget is expected to show the biggest impact of the pandemic.

Box said although it seems there is more and more bad news every day, there are also positive things happening. She said chalk drawings on her driveway and notes of encouragement have uplifted her during this time.

“It’s hard when we have this many people dying to be real positive,” Box said as she choked back tears. “But I know that we are going to do everything, and we are doing everything that we can to dampen the number of lives that we lose in the state of Indiana.  And I know we have a great Hoosier population that is doing a lot to take care of each other.”

FOOTNOTES: Victoria Ratliff is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

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Gov. Beshear: This Holiday Weekend, Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself Means Staying Home

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This Holiday Weekend, Loving Your Neighbor as Yourself Means Staying Home

Crystal Staley or Sebastian Kitchen

Governor Updates Construction Of Field Hospital At Kentucky Exposition Center

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 11, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Saturday encouraged Kentuckians of all faiths to continue doing their part in the state’s fight against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), even though social distancing is especially difficult during this holiday weekend.

“It’s a special weekend. I know I made a couple of headlines yesterday about those not complying. What hurts is that it should be about those of you making sacrifices to help one another,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky, I have never been more proud of you and we are going to win.”

The Governor emphasized that the vast majority of the commonwealth’s religious leaders have already planned for virtual services this weekend, and have been integral partners in protecting their congregations.

Even though the Governor banned in-person mass gatherings back in early March, he reassured Kentuckians Saturday that he would not allow the actions of a tiny minority to endanger other people in their communities. On Friday, he announced that all individuals who attend an in-person worship service or mass gathering of any kind this weekend will face quarantine orders.

Gov. Beshear said more than 99.8% of places of worship in Kentucky have done the right thing and temporarily suspended in-person services to stop the spread of the coronavirus and to protect those who worship there and those they come in contact with. On Saturday, the Governor shared a third video from faith leaders from across the commonwealth, this one all women, asking people to stay healthy at home.

The Governor has said this is an effort to stop all mass gatherings, not just religious services, to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save Kentuckians.

“What you are doing is working. Let’s make sure as many Kentuckians as possible are with us this winter and this Christmas,” Gov. Beshear said.

The Governor told Kentuckians this week not to worry about the Easter Bunny, who is an “essential worker” and will be able to travel and work tomorrow.

Update on field hospital at Kentucky Exposition Center
Today, Gov. Beshear shared a photo from inside the Kentucky Exposition Center as the state converts it to a temporary field hospital, in preparation for a potential surge of COVID-19 patients.

More than 300 members of the Kentucky National Guard have been called up and are working throughout the commonwealth, including setting up the field hospital and assisting in hospitals and food banks.

“Tomorrow, the National Guard will be in every area of the state ready to transport patients to hospitals,” the Governor said.

Sign language lesson
Rachel Rodgers of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provided a lesson Saturday in American Sign Language. Gov. Beshear asked Rodgers and Virginia Moore, executive director of the commission, to do this “so that all of us can better communicate with each and every brother and sister here in the commonwealth.”

Yesterday, Moore taught Kentuckians how to sign “we will get through this together.” Today, Rodgers taught Kentuckians how to sign “Team Kentucky.”

Case information
As of 5 p.m. April 11, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 1840 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 185 of which were newly confirmed.

“Everyone in this country believes that Kentucky is flattening the curve,” he said. “Even though we doing a good job, we are still facing a worldwide pandemic with no vaccine.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear also said four new deaths were reported Saturday, raising the state’s toll to 94 deaths related to the virus.

The newly reported deaths include an 87-year-old male from Boone, a 55-year-old male from Jefferson, a 79-year-old male from Daviess and a 79-year-old female from Pulaski.

The Governor asked Kentuckians again to join him in lighting their homes green tonight in honor of the lives lost, as a continued sign of compassion and renewal.

“When we announce our deaths it’s not just numbers. It’s not just numbers we light our homes green for; these are people with families,” he said.

Gov. Beshear also offered an update on the racial breakdown of COVID-19 patients, which has been the subject of news stories across the country.

The Governor said with about 69.5% of the known cases accounted for, Kentucky’s cases included about 81.39% Caucasian, 12% African-American, 2.56% Asian, 3.94% multiracial and 0.1% Native American or Alaskan Native.

On fatalities attributed to the coronavirus, with about 80.86% of the known cases accounted for, Kentucky deaths included about 77.63% Caucasian, 21.05% African-American and 1.31% Asian.

“I hope one of the lessons we learn coming out of this is everyone should have access to affordable health care so they can be as healthy as possible,” Gov. Beshear said.

More information
The Governor is asking all Kentuckians to continue to fight the spread of the virus by following his 10-step guidance, which includes practicing social distancing and staying healthy at home. Gov. Beshear says these efforts have the potential to save the lives of as many as 11,000 Kentuckians.

Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media account Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Watch the Governor’s social media accounts at 5 p.m. ET each day for his regular briefing.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725 or call their local health care provider.

 

Maintaining, improving Our Local Roads For Years To Come

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by Holli Sullivan 

Vanderburgh County State Representative

Nearly 550 miles of roads wind through Vanderburgh County. The quality of our infrastructure is key to attracting employers, growing our economy and enhancing the quality of life. To continue improving local roads and bridges, Vanderburgh County recently received more than $400,000 through Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant program.

This grant funding is made available through the Indiana Department of Transportation as a result of a law I co-authored in 2016, which has since been expanded. In total, more than $5.5 million has been awarded to Vanderburgh County, Evansville and Darmstadt to invest in local road projects. Funding can be used toward road and bridge preservation, road construction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements, and signage.

To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds, 50 percent for larger communities or 25 percent for smaller communities, from a funding source approved for road and bridge construction. This means communities across Indiana can participate in this program and move forward with much-needed projects.

Our state’s fully-funded, comprehensive road funding plan is helping to improve our roads, alleviate traffic congestion and eliminate costs associated with years of deferred maintenance. The Community Crossings program reflects an unprecedented partnership between the state and local communities to invest in maintaining and improving transportation infrastructure. It’s a big win for Hoosier communities large and small and gives them the ability to stretch their dollars further to focus on completing road and bridge projects. Our goal is to maintain this momentum to solidify our reputation as the Crossroads of America.

There will be an estimated $100 million available for communities statewide as part of the next round of grants during the 2020 call for projects More information on this next round of funding can be found at www.in.gov/indot.

Indiana is a national leader for making strong investments in our roads and bridges. As chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, I remain committed to keeping our infrastructure safe and functioning for years to come.

 

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