Recently in Water Infrastructure Category

EnviroFacts is an online tool that maps your area of choice with specific details about water quality, hazardous waste, air and land toxics, compliance issues and more.

Pollution Map...Online

The free online tool is based on GIS (Geographic Information Systems) where data is input into a visual format like a map. You can customize the type of information to display on your map or even map by topic instead of location to learn more about that issue. Search by Zip Code, City or County.

Check on the UV Index for your area... or who produces air emissions!
Identify Brownfields, or Hazardous Waste Sties... or Water Discharges... or Public Water Systems Violations...

It pays to know where invisible or hidden dangers lurk...

Research a neighborhood before you move there!
Reserach what's IN YOUR current neighborhood!
Find a community service project to clean up for your family and neighbors...

Learn about the natural systems in your community...and how they affect your health:

• Air
• Land
• Facilities
• Water
• Toxics
• Waste
• Radiation
• Compliance
• ...Other

Visit http://www.epa.gov/enviro/ to explore this newly updated program.

The possibilities are endless as you explore your world on a different level. This resource can be used for school or for your own personal interests. Maybe it could lead to community service projects based on the pollution issues in your area or a great visual for a class project. You can also take a look at the Community Service Projects page on EPA's High School Website or just see the resources out there for you to use.

Learning WHAT is in your community is the first, vital step to doing something about the problem -- and avoiding what can be harmful to you and your family.  Knowledge is power!

Learn more

Lead-based Paint Dangerous for Children

Young children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning since they are more likely to ingest lead paint chips, flakes, or dust and are more sensitive to the adverse health effects of lead. Elevated lead levels in young children can trigger

• learning disabilities
• decreased growth
• hyperactivity
• impaired hearing
• brain damage

Lead can be found in a number of places inside and outside the home. For example, lead can be found in household dust from deteriorating lead-based paint or from soil tracked into the house. It can also be found in drinking water coming from old lead pipes, fixtures and solder.

"Childhood lead poisoning is easily preventable with the right information and awareness. This grant will help Arizona tribal communities raise awareness about preventing lead's adverse health effects," said Administrator Jackson. "This project is an important example of the efforts happening across the country to protect our children from a major health threat."

Lead-based Paint Outreach to Native American Tribes

The Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona is developing culturally specific outreach materials to educate tribal families, especially parents of young children, and tribal staff on the health risks to children from exposure to lead-based paint.

Lead Awareness for Facility Maintenance Personnel

The program specifically reaches out to facility maintenance personnel to stress the importance of using lead-safe work practices when renovating buildings.

The use of lead-based paint in U.S. residential housing was banned in 1978.

Approximately 75% of the U.S. housing stock built before 1978, or 64 million homes, contain some lead-based paint.

For information on EPA's lead paint program, go to: http://www.epa.gov/region09/toxic/lead

For information on lead in paint, dust and soil, visit: http://www.epa.gov/lead

For information on protecting your family from lead hazards, visit: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#where

Following are statements from Rep. Blumenauer, members of Congress, and groups that joined the press conference to endorse this important legislation:

"When water mains are bursting through the streets, and sewage is leaking into our lakes, rivers, and streams, we have gotten past the point of out of sight out of mind," said Congressman Earl Blumenauer.

"We know things are critical when, based on current funding levels, it would take Oregon more than 62 years to meet our current wastewater needs. Establishing a steady funding source to rebuild and renew America's outdated water infrastructure is a concrete step that puts us on the path to a healthier, more secure future.  As we look for ways to jumpstart our economy, the Water Protection and Reinvestment Act will create hundreds of thousands of jobs while protecting the health of people and the environment. After many years of work, and numerous conversations with a multitude of stakeholders, I am proud to unveil this vital piece of legislation."

The wastewater infrastructure problem hits every state:

Congressman Steve LaTourette. "The EPA has stated that in Ohio alone $22 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to repair drinking water and waste water infrastructure. This bill addresses these needs that exist across the country which currently leave local taxpayers with the bill."

"It is no secret to the people of Wisconsin that our aging wastewater infrastructure is increasingly being overwhelmed," said Congressman Tom Petri. "Last month as a result of rain, nearly 1 billion gallons of untreated sewage and storm water spilled out of Milwaukee-area sanitary and storm sewers into local rivers and Lake Michigan.  Milwaukee is only a local example.  The problem of inadequate and crumbling wastewater facilities is urgent and nationwide."

For more information on the water trust fund and how it will be paid for, see Rep. Blumenauer's Water Resources Protection Act Fact Sheet and Summary.