Oil Spill

EPA Announces $200,000 in Environmental Justice Grants to Support Communities Directly Affected by BP Oil Spill

Release date: 08/09/2010

Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8327, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

(ATLANTA – April 21, 2010) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting proposals for up to eight $25,000 cooperative agreements to support the protection of human health and the environment in communities affected by the BP Oil Spill. Local incorporated non-profit community-based organizations—including faith based organizations and those affiliated with religious institutions, environmental justice networks, and local Native American tribal governments—located and working in areas within affected states, are eligible to apply.

EPA developed the grant program after meeting with local organizations in the Gulf Region and learning that there was a need for technical assistance to support educational outreach to communities affected by the BP Oil Spill. The grants will provide funding to help develop educational materials on what seafood is safe to eat, what to do if exposed to oil, and how to address and adapt to the spill’s long-term effects. Providing grant funding directly to local organizations will help to ensure that information is distributed through trusted networks of communication and from organizations that will continue to support efforts to rebuild in the wake of disaster.

Organizations that are able to provide accurate and current information to a wide geographic area in the affected region are encouraged to apply by September 13, 2010.

To read the request for proposals and for information on how to apply:
http://epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/bp-spill-grants.html

EPA Releases Second Phase of Toxicity Testing Data for Eight Oil Dispersants

Release date: 08/02/2010

Contact Information: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov, 202-564-6794

WASHINGTON —The US Environmental Protection Agency today released peer reviewed results from the second phase of its independent toxicity testing on mixtures of eight oil dispersants with Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil. EPA conducted the tests as part of an effort to ensure that EPA decisions remain grounded in the best available science and data.

EPA’s results indicate that the eight dispersants tested have similar toxicities to one another when mixed with Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil. These results confirm that the dispersant used in response to the Oil Spill in the gulf, Corexit 9500A, when mixed with oil, is generally no more or less toxic than mixtures with the other available alternatives. The results also indicate that dispersant-oil mixtures are generally no more toxic to the aquatic test species than oil alone.

“EPA has committed to following the science at every stage of this response – that’s why we required BP to launch a rigorous dispersant monitoring program, why we directed BP to analyze potential alternatives and why EPA undertook this independent analysis of dispersant products,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We have said all along that the use of dispersant presents environmental tradeoffs, which is why we took steps to ensure other response efforts were prioritized above dispersant use and to dramatically cut dispersant use. Dispersant use virtually ended when the cap was placed on the well and its use dropped 72 percent from peak volumes following the joint EPA-U.S. Coast Guard directive to BP in late May.”

The standard acute toxicity tests were conducted on juvenile shrimp and small fish that are found in the gulf and are commonly used in toxicity testing. The tests were conducted on mixtures of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil and eight different dispersant products found on the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule – Dispersit SPC 1000, Nokomis 3-F4, Nokomis 3-AA, ZI-400, SAFRON Gold, Sea Brat #4, Corexit 9500 A and JD 2000. The same eight dispersants were used during EPA’s first round of independent toxicity testing.

All eight dispersants were found to be less toxic than the dispersant-oil mixture to both test species. Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil was more toxic to mysid shrimp than the eight dispersants when tested alone. Oil alone had similar toxicity to mysid shrimp as the dispersant-oil mixtures, with exception of the mixture of Nokomis 3-AA and oil, which was found to be more toxic than oil.

While there has been virtually no dispersant use since the well was capped on July 15 – only 200 gallons total applied on July 19 – EPA’s environmental monitoring continues.

EPA required rigorous, ongoing monitoring as a condition of authorizing BP’s use of dispersant in the gulf. Dispersants prevent some oil from impacting sensitive areas along the gulf coast. EPA’s position has been that BP should use as little dispersant as necessary and, on May 23, Administrator Jackson and then-federal on-scene coordinator Rear Admiral Mary Landry directed BP to reduce dispersant usage by 75 percent from peak usage. EPA and the Coast Guard formalized that order in a directive to BP on May 26.

Before directing BP to ramp down dispersant use, EPA directed BP to analyze potential alternative dispersants for toxicity and effectiveness. BP reported to EPA that they were unable to find a dispersant that is less toxic than Corexit 9500, the product then in use. Following that, EPA began its own scientific testing of eight dispersant products.

EPA released the first round of data – on the dispersant products alone – on June 30. Today’s results represent the second and final stage of the independent acute toxicity tests.

View the toxicity test results: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/dispersants

TODAY: EPA Administrator Joins Secretary Mabus in Gulf Region

Release date: 07/16/2010

Contact Information: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov, 202-564-6794

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will join Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in the gulf coast today for meetings with environmental, academic and science leaders, as well as representatives from fisheries and other local industries. This marks Administrator Jackson’s seventh visit to the gulf region since the Oil Spill began.

Following the final meeting, Administrator Jackson and Secretary Mabus will hold a brief press availability.

To request an interview with Administrator Jackson, please email johnson.alisha@epa.gov.

For more information on EPA’s efforts in the gulf and for the latest air, water, sediment and underwater dispersant monitoring data: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill.

Friday, July 16:

1:35 p.m. CST Press availability
University of New Orleans

Boggs International Conference Center,
Room 152
2045 Lakeshore
New Orleans, La.

Statement of Lisa P. Jackson Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / Legislative Hearing on Use of Dispersants in BP Oil Spill / Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Release date: 07/15/2010

Contact Information: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov, 202-564-4355

Chairman Mikulski, Ranking Member Shelby and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify on the role of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Spill response. My testimony today will provide you with an overview of EPA’s role and activities in the affected Gulf Coast region following the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon mobile offshore drilling unit explosion and resulting Oil Spill as well as a summary of our primary environmental activities, including dispersant use, waste management, and beach cleanup. I also want to express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and those injured in the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon.

EPA’s Oil Spill Program

EPA’s Oil Spill Program focuses on activities to prevent, prepare for and respond to Oil Spills from a wide variety of facilities that handle, store, or use various types of oil. EPA regulates approximately 620,000 of these facilities, including oil production, bulk oil storage, and oil refinery facilities that store or use oil in above-ground and certain below-ground storage tanks. Additionally, EPA is the principal federal response agency for Oil Spills in the inland zone, including inland waters. Such inland zone Oil Spills may come from, oil pipeline ruptures, tank spills, and other sources.

The National Contingency Plan (NCP) is the federal government’s blueprint for responding to both Oil Spills and hazardous substance releases. Additionally, it provides the federal government with a framework for notification, communication, and responsibility for Oil Spill response. Under the NCP, the EPA or the USCG provide federal On-Scene Coordinators (FOSCs) for the inland and coastal zones, respectively, to direct or oversee responses to Oil Spills. The exact lines between the inland and coastal zones are determined by Regional Response Teams (RRTs) and established by Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) between regional EPA and USCG offices.

Other federal agencies with related authorities and expertise may be called upon to support the FOSC. The NCP established the National Response Team (NRT), comprised of fifteen federal agencies, to assist responders by formulating policies, providing information, technical advice, and access to resources and equipment for preparedness and response to Oil Spills and hazardous substance releases. EPA serves as chair of the NRT and the USCG serves as vice-chair.

In addition to the NRT, there are thirteen RRTs, one for each of EPA’s ten regional offices and one each for Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. RRTs are co-chaired by each EPA Region and its USCG counterpart. The RRTs are also comprised of representatives from other federal agencies and state representation, and frequently assist the federal OSCs who lead spill response efforts. The RRTs help OSCs in their spill response decision making, and can help identify and mobilize specialized resources. For example, through the RRT, the FOSC can request and receive assistance on natural resource issues from the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Department of Commerce, and the States, or borrow specialized equipment from the Department of Defense or other agencies. Involvement of the RRT in these response decisions and activities helps ensure efficient agency coordination while providing the FOSC with the assistance necessary to conduct successful spill response actions. Under the NCP, authority to use dispersants rests with the FOSC but requires concurrence of certain RRT members. For example, RRT representatives from EPA, DOI, the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the states with jurisdiction over the navigable waters under consideration may pre-authorize application of approved dispersant products so that the FOSC can authorize dispersant use without obtaining further concurrences.

EPA’s Role in Spill Response

USCG is the incident-specific Chair for the response following the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon mobile offshore drilling unit explosion and resulting Oil Spill. EPA is one of many agencies providing support to the USCG-led federal response. EPA’s monitoring and sampling activities provide the USCG, states, and local government with information about the potential impacts of the Oil Spill and response on human health of residents and aquatic life along the shoreline. EPA is collecting samples along the shoreline and beyond for chemicals related to oil and dispersants in the air, water and sediment, supporting and advising USCG efforts to clean the reclaimed oil and waste from the shoreline, and closely monitoring the effects of dispersants in the subsurface environment.

The USCG, in consultation with EPA and the states, approved waste management plans outlining how recovered oil and waste generated as a result of the BP Oil Spill will be managed. The plans take into consideration review of applicable federal, state, and local regulations, planning for waste characterization, and, BP’s proposed locations for waste management activities in order to consider the suitability of specific sites and the impacts on the surrounding communities. Given the unprecedented aspects of the BP Oil Spill, these plans may be updated as necessary to minimize any unforeseen environmental and human health impacts. EPA will post any updates to the plan on its website.

In addition, USCG, in consultation with EPA, issued directives to BP on June 29, 2010, on how the company should manage recovered oil, contaminated materials and liquid and solid wastes recovered in cleanup operations from the BP Oil Spill in the affected Gulf states. The directives create enforceable requirements, implementation procedures and oversight plans related to BP’s handling of waste materials by providing guidelines for community engagement activities and sets transparency requirements on information regarding the proper management of liquid and solid wastes, requiring BP to give EPA and state agencies access to facilities or any location where waste is temporarily or permanently stored. Access includes allowing the agencies to perform any activities necessary, such as assessments, sampling or inspections, and requiring BP to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and to ensure that all facilities where waste is located or placed have obtained all permits and approvals necessary under such laws and regulations. The directives complement the state’s activities by providing further oversight and imposing more specific requirements. USCG and EPA, in consultation with the states, will hold BP accountable for the implementation of the approved waste management plans and ensure that the directives are followed in the Gulf Coast states.

EPA is also responsible for maintaining the NCP Product Schedule, which lists chemical and biological products available for federal OSCs to use in spill response and cleanup efforts. Due to the unique nature of each spill, and the potential range of impacts to natural resources, FOSCs help determine which products, if any, should be used in a particular spill response. If the application of a product is pre-authorized by the RRT, then the FOSC may decide to use the product in a particular response. If the product application does not have pre-authorization from the RRT, then the FOSC must obtain concurrence from the EPA representative and the representatives of states with jurisdiction over the navigable waters under threat. In addition, the FOSC must consult with representatives of DOI and NOAA, as natural resource trustee agencies before authorizing incident-specific use of a dispersant.

Use of Dispersants

Following the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon mobile offshore drilling unit explosion and resulting Oil Spill, the USCG, in consultation with EPA, DOI, NOAA, and the State of Louisiana, granted BP authorization to use approved dispersant on oil on the surface of the water in an effort to mitigate the shoreline impacts of the oil on fisheries, nurseries, wetlands and other sensitive environments. Dispersants contain a mixture of chemicals, that, when applied directly to the spilled oil, can break down the oil into smaller drops that can sink below the water’s surface. Dispersed oil forms a “plume” or “cloud” of oil droplets below the water surface, and mixes vertically and horizontally into the water column, and is ideally rapidly diluted. Bacteria and other microscopic organisms are then able to act more quickly than they otherwise would to degrade the oil within the droplets.

The application of dispersant is part of a broader environmental triage approach to minimize the known threat to the environment to the greatest extent possible. The spill management strategies, practices, and technologies currently being implemented include mechanical removal techniques (use of sorbents, booming and skimming operations), in-situ burning, and lastly dispersants. There are environmental tradeoffs and uncertainties associated with the widespread use of large quantities of dispersants. We know dispersants are generally less toxic than the oils they break down. We know that surface use of dispersants decreases the environmental risks to shorelines and organisms at the surface and when used this way, dispersants break down over several days to weeks. In addition, the use of dispersants at the source of the leak represents a novel approach to addressing the significant environmental threat posed by the spill. Results to date indicate that subsea use of the dispersant is effective at reducing the amount of oil reaching the surface, and can do so by using less dispersant than is needed to disperse oil after it reaches the surface, and has resulted in significant reductions in the overall quantity of dispersants being used to minimize impacts in the deepsea.

On May 10, 2010, EPA and USCG issued a Directive requiring BP to implement a monitoring and assessment plan for both subsurface and surface applications of dispersants as part of the BP Oil Spill response. Additionally, on May 26, 2010, EPA and USCG directed BP to significantly decrease the overall volume of dispersant used and to cease use of dispersant on the surface of the water altogether unless conditions on the ground limited the use of other mechanical means. Since that directive, we have seen the total volume of dispersants used fall by almost 70% from their peak levels.

EPA has also established an extensive network to rigorously monitor the air, water, and sediments for the presence of dispersants and crude oil components that could have an impact on health or the environment. All monitoring information and data are posted on EPA’s website at: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/. In addition, for subsea monitoring, the toxicity data generated from this monitoring to date does not indicate significant effects on aquatic life. We are closely watching the dissolved oxygen levels, which so far remain in the normal range. Moreover, decreased size of the oil droplets is a good indication that, so far, the dispersant is effective.

Because of the unprecedented volumes of dispersant being used in the United States and because much is unknown about the underwater use of dispersants, Addendum 2 to the May 10, 2010 directive requires BP to determine whether a less toxic, equally effective product is available. Normally the manufacturers conduct such tests independently; however, EPA began its own scientific testing of eight dispersant products on the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule. EPA required toxicity tests to standard test species, including a sensitive species of Gulf of Mexico invertebrate (mysid shrimp) and fish (silverside) which are common species in Gulf of Mexico estuarine habitats. The invertebrate and fish species tested are considered to be representative of the sensitivity of many species in the Gulf of Mexico, based on years of toxicity testing with other substances. Initial peer reviewed results from the first round of EPA’s toxicity testing indicated that none of the eight dispersants tested, including the product currently in use in the Gulf, COREXIT 9500 A, displayed biologically significant endocrine disrupting activity. The results are posted on our website.

While we await the final round of scientific testing, it appears that all the products that are currently registered have roughly the same impact on aquatic life. While this is important information to have, additional testing is needed to further inform the use of dispersants. The next phase of EPA’s testing will assess the acute toxicity of multiple concentrations of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil alone and combinations of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil with each of the eight dispersants for two test species.

Research and Development

Numerous questions have been raised on the effectiveness of dispersants, their inherent toxicity, the toxicity of dispersed oil, and how to deal with the shoreline and wetlands that are now being impacted as the spill moves to shore. Historically, EPA has had a modest Oil Spill research and development program. Events of the past several weeks associated with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill have made it evident that this modest investment must increase to address the uncertainties that have arisen. The Administration has requested supplemental funds for dispersant research associated with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. If the funds are appropriated, EPA plans to engage institutions and other federal agencies, such as NOAA and DOI, who have the knowledge and expertise to assist the Agency. The $2.0 million requested by the President will support research that will begin to provide a greater understanding of the short and long term implications to the environment and public health associated with the spill and the application, surface and undersea, of dispersants. We will also further our research efforts to include innovative and expansive approaches to spill remediation.

The President’s request represents an important step forward to improve our understanding of the impacts and implications of the use of dispersants and exposure to the dispersed oil and the potential impact on the environment and human health. EPA intends to continue to pursue an aggressive research agenda over time which will address the mechanisms of environmental fate, effects, and transport of the application of dispersants on released crude oil. This will be conducted by both assessing the risks to human health from exposure to chemical dispersants and chemically-dispersed oil mixtures through direct and indirect exposure and increasing our understanding of chemical dispersants and dispersed oil, including its toxicity over a broad range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and species. EPA will also collaborate with NOAA and other federal agencies to study the environmental and human health impacts of dispersants and chemically-dispersed oil.

Summary and Conclusions

EPA will continue to provide full support to the USCG and the UC, and will continue to take a proactive and robust role in dispersant use as well as monitoring, identifying, and responding to potential public health and environmental concerns, including waste management and beach cleanup. EPA, in coordination with our federal, state, and local partners, is committed to protecting Gulf Coast communities from the adverse environmental effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. As local Gulf Coast communities assess the impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on their economies, EPA, in partnership with other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as other community stakeholders, will devote its efforts necessary to assist in the Oil Spill response. At this time I welcome any questions you may have.

For more information on EPA’s efforts in the gulf and for the latest air, water, sediment and underwater dispersant monitoring data: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill.

THURSDAY: Administrator Lisa P. Jackson to Testify on BP Oil Spill

Release date: 07/14/2010

Contact Information: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov, 202-564-6794

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, July 15, 2010, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will testify before the Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies on the use of dispersants in response to the BP Oil Spill. Administrator Jackson will be joined by Dr. Larry Robinson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

For more information on EPA’s efforts in the gulf and for the latest air, water, sediment and underwater dispersant monitoring data: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill

Hearing details:

WHO: Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

WHAT: Testifying before the Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 15

WHERE: 192 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

TOMORROW: EPA Administrator Makes Sixth Trip to Gulf Region to Oversee Response to the BP Spill

Release date: 07/01/2010

Contact Information: EPA Press Office, press@epa.gov, 202-564-6794

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson returns to the gulf coast tomorrow to monitor EPA’s on-the-ground response to the BP Oil Spill, meet with federal responders and BP representatives, and speak with residents about ongoing federal efforts to mitigate the spill’s impact on the region. She will travel to New Orleans and Pensacola, Fla.

This marks Administrator Jackson’s sixth visit to the gulf region since the Oil Spill began. During the trip, she will be briefed by EPA and Coast Guard officials on the latest response updates and monitoring data, and oversee beach clean up efforts in the region. The administrator will also meet with EPA scientists in Gulf Breeze, Fla., for a briefing on ongoing dispersant testing.

Administrator Jackson and EPA continue to work closely with National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, who is leading the administration-wide response and directing all interagency activities.

To request an interview with Administrator Jackson, please email johnson.alisha@epa.gov.

For more information on EPA’s efforts in the gulf and for the latest air, water, sediment and underwater dispersant monitoring data: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill.

FRIDAY, JULY 2

10:00 a.m. CENTRAL Briefing with Local Officials
CLOSED PRESS

1:00 p.m. CENTRAL Town Hall Meeting: “Expanding the Environmental Conversation”
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd
New Orleans, La.
OPEN PRESS

3:00 p.m. CENTRAL Meeting with Environmental Groups
CLOSED PRESS

SATURDAY, JULY 3

10:30 a.m. CENTRAL Tour of EPA’s Gulf Breeze Lab and Pensacola Beach Operations Lab
Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, Fla.
CLOSED PRESS

1:15 p.m. CENTRAL Stakeholder Meeting
Gulf Breeze, Fla.
CLOSED PRESS